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RAM to return to NASCAR Trucks in 2026

2025-06-10T22:25:38+00:00

After ending its NASCAR participation in 2012, RAM announced over the weekend that it will return to top-level stock car racing in 2026, with entries in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES.

And that’s not all. RAM brand CEO Tim Kuniskis said a return to NASCAR’s top-level Cup Series is also being considered. The brand entry there, presumably, would be Dodge. Like RAM, Dodge left NASCAR following the 2012 season. Both RAM and Dodge are subsidiaries of Stellantis, which also owns Chrysler and Jeep.

While Dodge’s return to the Cup Series remains uncertain, Kuniskis is on firm ground when talking about RAM’s return to the truck series. He said RAM will be on the grid at the season-opening race next February at Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

As for how many entries, Kuniskis told The Sporting News that he thinks the minimum will be four. Which teams and drivers will comprise the new RAM entries is yet to be determined. In a statement he said more news on the NASCAR program will be announced later this year.

The return is being driven by the marketing potential that NASCAR represents. According to RAM, more than 40 percent of NASCAR fans are truck owners. Given the return of the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 to the 2026 RAM 1500 lineup, NASCAR figures to be a good platform for launching new products.

The NASCAR return announcement took place at Michigan International Speedway while the truck series was there for its annual race, the DSQ Solutions & Staffing 250. A RAM 1500 NASCAR Concept was rolled out onto a rotating platform where it did a burnout for fans and media in attendance.

The truck, which looks race-ready, sported some design elements lifted from current RAM Truck Sport Lineup, such as the Warlock, Rebel, and RHO. A large RAM logo sits in the middle of the grille, with a livery that includes Mopar Direct Connection, and RAM Symbol of Protest logos.

The event also included a video, shot at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, of Kuniskis behind the wheel of the NASCAR concept truck. The video is part of the “RAM-Demption” campaign to kick off the NASCAR return.

While this news is welcome for RAM, NASCAR and its many fans, key questions remain regarding teams, drivers and how many entries will make the Daytona grid next winter.

It’s impossible to overstate how important it is for a manufacturer to partner with a successful team in racing. It’s worth mentioning Dodge left NASCAR in 2012 because its partner, Penske Racing, announced it was moving to Ford in 2013. Dodge couldn’t find a replacement team, left the series and hasn’t returned.

Kuniskis says he has intent to return to the Cup Series, but he hasn't named a team he will partner with. He told The Sporting News that he’s working to find a team or teams for RAM. That will likely prove challenging given how long RAM has been gone from racing, and it will be much more difficult for a Dodge return in the Cup Series where the top teams have existing manufacturer relationships. Finding a partner team like Penske might be too much to ask.

A NASCAR exec told The Sporting News the engine Dodge used in 2012 could compete in the current Cup Series but would need some development to meet regulations. The return of HEMI V8s to the Charger lineup, which is rumored to be underway, would no doubt help make the case for Dodge’s return to NASCAR.

Photos courtesy of Stellantis North America

Toyota exec says next gen Celica project is in development

2025-06-08T23:45:46+00:00

Now, before anyone reads that headline and gets too excited, there are caveats. Big ones.

Firstly, the Toyota executive in question, Cooper Ericksen, senior vice president of product planning and strategy at Toyota North America, did not confirm an eighth gen Celica sports coupe will be greenlit for production.

He said, however, that a project that could become a new Celica is in development. This news comes to us via MotorTrend, where Ericksen was unusually forthcoming about an as-yet unofficially confirmed future product. Usually, these folks say nothing more than “no comment.”

But, in this instance, he was downright chatty, telling MotorTrend, “We are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved.”

Ericksen also said the Celica project is in “pretty advanced development”, and that there is at least one test mule that is, presumably, running. While he declined to divulge anything about the car’s looks, or powertrain, he said the latter is unlikely to have any electrification. He added the development vehicle looks nothing like renderings that have been circulating online.

The lack of electrified propulsion might seem unusual for a vehicle in development in 2025, but Ericksen has an explanation for that. Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota Motor Corp. thinks the internal combustion engine is better for high-performance vehicles, such as the company’s GR cars.

“Akio has said when it comes to specialized GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE (internal combustion engine),” he said.

He went on to say, “I’m not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra-lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something thar does not have an electric drive.”

For as exciting as a potential GR Celica might sound, Ericksen was quick to reiterate that the project hasn’t been officially approved, and that the final decision lies with the Toyota mothership in Japan.

The return of the Celica, which has been out of Toyota’s global lineup since 2006, and hasn’t been sold in North America since 2005, would likely receive a warm welcome from enthusiasts everywhere.

We, at ��ֱ��, speculated on that return a couple months back in an episode of our OEM YouTube show Factory Fresh. It seems our speculating wasn't too far off, even if it's a bit early for celebrating.

“It’s a big wait-and-see. I’m just hopeful we can get something,” Ericksen told MotorTrend.

We couldn’t agree more.

Photos courtesy of Toyota

HEMI V8s dominate 2026 Dodge Durango lineup

2025-06-05T21:05:03+00:00

At a time when Stellantis – parent company of the Chrysler brands – is rethinking its decision to deep-six HEMI V8 engines in the RAM 1500 and Dodge Charger, there’s one product where they never went away.

The Dodge Durango.

So, while you wait for the Charger and RAM 1500 to get their HEMIs back, the three-row, seven-passenger Durango SUV has all the V8 muscle a died-in-the-wool Moparhead could ask for.

Consider the 2026 Durango lineup, which was recently unveiled. The base GT is V6-powered, but after that, the HEMIs roll in. The R/T is powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 (360 hp / 390 lb-ft.), and the range-topping SRT Hellcat is powered by – you guessed it – a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 that produces 710 horsepower.

This basic three-trim lineup was in place for the 2025 model year, but new for ’26 is a Blacktop Redline package for the R/T. This package, which is available for the ’25 GT, adds some appearance and tech goodies, including 20 x 8-inch Satin Carbon wheels, performance hood, Alpine audio with nine speakers and subwoofer, performance-tuned steering and suspension, 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless phone charge pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and more.

Inside, Blacktop Redline includes six leather and suede performance seats with red accent stitching. Seating is set at six as the package comes with second row captain’s chairs. Other trim details include leather-wrapped door trim, and a laser-etched, “crypto sweep” inlay.

Blacktop Redline is available on Durango R/T Plus and R/T Premium grades for $3,495. For those wanting seven-passenger seating, the Blacktop package is also available on R/T. It comes with 20 x 8-inch Black Noise wheels, black roof rails, and black badging.

The Tow N Go package also returns for Durango R/T, which comes with anti-lock four-wheel disc performance brakes, SRT-tuned steering, widebody flares, high-performance exhaust, electronic limited slip rear axle, and adaptive suspension damping. And, as the name suggests, it also comes with a beefy towing capacity: 8,700 pounds. Tow N Go retails for $5,990.

The 2026 Durango GT has a base MSRP of $38,495, while the Durango R/T starts at $49,995. Pricing excludes destination ($1,995), and applicable fees and taxes. Ordering starts this month, with deliveries expected to begin this summer.

As for SRT Hellcat info, Dodge says it will be released sometime in Q3 (July, August, September), so stay tuned.

We’ll also note the third gen Durango has been around since 2011, and is due to be replaced soon, potentially before the end of 2026. The HEMI V8s may not carry over to the next gen model, which will likely have some form of electrification. Bottom line, if you want a Durango HEMI, now is the time to act.

That said, with Stellantis, it’s hard to know what the future, at least in the short term, holds for the HEMI. Just this week, RAM confirmed the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 will return to the 1500 pickup for 2026. Various reports suggest it could also return to the Dodge Charger by 2027. And if that happens, a HEMI-powered Durango could be with us for some time to come.

Photos courtesy of Stellantis North America

Bentley unveils a Bentayga with a drift mode

2025-06-03T00:41:23+00:00

While Bentley’s press releases say it plans to be fully electric by 2035, internal combustion powered monsters with gigantic power output appear to be the prime directive for the British ultra luxury automaker in the meantime.

Example: the just unveiled 2026 Bentayga Speed, a range-topping grade for the Bentley SUV that produces 641 horsepower and 627 foot-pounds of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds. And is any of that power driven by electricity? Is there a plug located somewhere in the Speed’s bodywork? Nope and nope. The Speed is all-gas, with its power supplied by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.

But in addition to being an absolute rocket (top speed, 193 mph), Bentley has also loaded the Bentayga Speed with trick chassis tuning and handling capability. Its Sport chassis has an ESC (electronic stability control) Dynamic setting that is basically a drift mode.

So, if you get bored of the Comfort and Bentley drive modes, you can dial the Bentayga Speed to Sport and that’s where things get interesting. As with most sport modes, Sport in the Bentayga Speed sharpens steering response, and stiffens suspension damping (by 15 percent in this case).

But you can elevate your dynamic driving experience even further by selecting ESC Dynamic, while in Sport mode, which dials back ESC intervention, which enables the car to drift. And oversteer. Also on the menu is torque vectoring for improved turn-in response, and better throttle application for corner exit, according to Bentley. Launch control, a first for the Bentayga, is included with ESC Dynamic.

The Bentayga Speed also comes with all-wheel steering, which reduces turning radii, and provides sharper steering response, Bentley says. All-wheel steering enables the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction of the fronts at low and medium speeds to improve agility and shrink turning radii, the company says.

On the design front, the Bentayga Speed gets loads of “dark tint brightware” trim bits, chrome badges, 22-inch wheels, unique Speed headlights with dark tint internals and dark tint bezel, and grey taillights. Carbon ceramic brakes are optional, as are 23-inch wheels. The former are available in grey satin, black, and black with machined finishes. They come with painted calipers that are available in seven colors.

Bodywork detailing includes a black roof which is available with a gloss or satin finish depending on body color. And if one really wants to make the twin-turbo V8 roar, a Titanium Akrapovic Exhaust is available as an option.

Inside, Bentley has turned up the Bentayga Speed’s sporty character with unique Speed badging, which is applied to sill plates, and seat embroidering. Air vents can be ordered in dark tint, and a Precision Diamond quilt design is applied to seat shoulder panels, door panels, and backboard.

The 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed is expected to go on sale near the end of this year. Pricing hasn’t been announced. For reference, the 2025 Bentayga range in the U.S. runs from $207,050 to $339,850, so the ’26 Bentayga Speed should slot in there somewhere. Our guess is near the high end.

Photos courtesy of Bentley Motors

BMW unveils 523-horsepower M2 CS

2025-05-29T20:41:06+00:00

Just when you thought BMW was taking a break from rolling out maximum performance track weapons, the Munich-based automaker announces another banger, the 2026 M2 CS.

The M2 was already an impressive performance machine. Consider that the 2025 M2 was already a RWD coupe with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder that produces 473 horsepower, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, and a top speed of 177 mph with Driver’s Package. Hard to beat that, right?

Well, BMW has topped itself, and squeezed even more performance out of this platform. The ’26 M2 CS cranks out 523 horsepower, a gain of 50 hp over the outgoing M2, with a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 188 mph! The half-second improvement in zero to sixty alone is remarkable, so you might wonder how BMW achieved such big gains.

In addition to cranking more power out of the twin-turbo inline-six, BMW has reduced M2 CS overall weight by 97 pounds (when equipped with the eight-speed automatic), through the liberal use of lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), and forged metals.

Engine improvements include the use of two mono-scroll turbochargers, that each feed three cylinders. Working in concert with the engine is an indirect intercooler and electronically controlled wastegate. BMW’s VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing, and high precision fuel injection.

Some bits gleaned from its race cars, including the M4 GT3, are an extremely rigid crankcase, forged crankshaft, and a 3D-printed core for the cylinder head.

The M2 CS also has unique engine mounting, a higher spring rate, and a lower ride height of 0.2 inches. Springs, dampers and chassis control systems are all retuned for track driving. Same goes for the standard Adaptive M Suspension, M Servotronic Steering, and M Sport Differential. M Compound brakes are standard, but M Carbon ceramics are available as an option ($8,500). Standard wheels are CS-exclusive Style 827M forged alloys with a double-spoke design and matte gold bronze finish. And yes, they’re staggered: 19-inch up front, 20-inch at the rear.

As for exterior design, the M2 CS is available in four colors: BMW Individual Velvet Blue Metallic, Sapphire Black Metallic, M Brooklyn Grey Metallic, and M Portimao Blue Metallic. CFRP bits and pieces adorn its surfaces, including ducktail spoiler, rear diffuser, roof, and mirror caps. The M2 CS also has a grade-specific black kidney grille with unique air inlets, and a front splitter that’s finished in matte black.

Grade-specific details are also found in the cabin and include M Alcantara steering wheel with CFRP paddle shifters, CFRP center console, M carbon bucket seats with illuminated CS logo, CS logoed sill plates, and CS-badged door trims panels that light up.

The 2026 BMW M2 CS is slated to begin production in August at the company’s San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico, with deliveries set to begin in the Fall. The base U.S. MSRP is $98,600 plus $1,175 destination. Applicable fees and taxes, as always, are extra.

Photos courtesy of BMW

Carbon Fiber GMC Hummer EV is faster than a Corvette

2025-05-28T20:18:55+00:00

Yes, it’s true. The forthcoming 2026 GMC Hummer EV Carbon Fiber Edition (pictured) has a quicker 0-60 mph time than a Corvette. But the Hummer EV’s 2.8 second time comes with a bit of an asterisk. The Corvette it beats is the current base model Stingray, not the Z06, and not the monstrous new ZR1. No sir.

Still, for a vehicle as big and heavy as the GMC Hummer EV – the truck is more than 18 feet long and weighs north of 9,000 pounds – to be that quick is quite impressive. And it’s not just faster, GMC is throwing a bunch of other changes at it for 2026, too.

Firstly, the Corvette-killer Carbon Fiber Edition package is available for both pickup and SUV models. This limited production option is limited to just 3X trims (the U.S. starting price for a 2025 3X pick-up is $107,145), has a 24-module battery and is available with a unique color scheme – Magnus Gray Matte with a Velocity Ember (red and black) interior.

The package also includes 22-inch carbon fiber black wheels, all-terrain tires, carbon fiber inserts in mirror caps and skid plates, black approach shield, black emblems, and a 22-inch spare carbon fiber black wheel (SUV only).

The other big 2026 change concerns King Crab, which is a new rear-steer mode. King Crab essentially takes the existing rear-steer mode and enables it to turn the rear wheels faster than the fronts. The benefits are better maneuverability in tight spaces when off-road, including avoiding obstacles, and / or rock crawling, according to GMC.

King Crab is standard on 2026 2X and 3X grades for both truck and SUV, but GMC is also throwing a bone to owners of 2022-2025 models by offering an over-the-air software update that includes King Crab. GMC says the update will roll out later this year.

Other 2026 updates include bi-directional charging capability (vehicle to vehicle, and vehicle to home), enhanced Super Cruise (better Google Maps integration, enhanced lane centering), improved damper tuning, and a split-screen option for the 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. Two new exterior colors (Coastal Dune, Auburn Matte), and two new interior schemes (Granite Drift, Stealth Eclipse), are also available.

According to GMC, the 2026 Hummer EV will go on sale later this year. No timeframe was given, but Fall is a good bet. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Photos courtesy of GMC

Porsche confirms end to gas Boxster and Cayman production

2025-05-27T17:47:24+00:00

It’s official: Porsche has confirmed production for the gas-powered 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will end later this year.

If this seems like old news, that’s because Internet speculation about the demise of the gas Boxster and Cayman has been high over the past year or so. Next gen models, which will be full EVs, have also been in development for some time. More on that further down.

So, it was only a matter of time before Porsche officially confirmed this news, and now they have. Over the past few days, multiple reports have surfaced confirming the end of production is drawing closer.

The attributed source is head of product comms for Porsche Cars North America, the German automaker’s U.S. arm, Frank Wiesmann, who told multiple outlets that production for the gas 718s will end this October. Current fourth gen models, known as the 982, have been in production since 2016, but it has been winding down. 2024 was the final year of full production, and it was the last year they were sold in Europe, apart from limited-run special editions.

As for their EV replacements, don’t expect to see them at your local Porsche dealer anytime soon. They’re still in active development, and Porsche has said their arrival will be in the “medium term”, which sounds a lot like “not soon” to me. Some reporting suggests they won’t arrive until 2027, but that’s just speculation as Porsche isn’t commenting publicly yet.

Photos courtesy of Porsche

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