2026 Nissan Leaf Video Review -- How Does New Leaf Stack Up?
The 2026 Nissan Leaf has been completely redesigned, offering a sportier look, larger dimensions, and a top‑range of 303 miles (488 km) on the base battery. Three trims—S+, SV Plus, and Platinum Plus—share a 214‑horsepower drivetrain, with the mid‑level SV Plus priced just under $30,000 USD. New tech includes pop‑out door handles, dual 12.3‑inch screens with Google built‑in, e‑Pedal one‑pedal driving, and a panoramic electrochromic roof on the top trim. Nissan emphasizes comfort with Zero Gravity seats, ambient lighting, and a spacious interior, positioning the Leaf as a value‑rich EV in a competitive market.
Americans Wading Deeper Into Auto Loan Debt as Car Price Rise
Nearly one‑third of U.S. consumers who traded in a vehicle in Q1 2026 were underwater on their loans, the highest level in five years. The average negative‑equity balance was $7,183, 42% higher than in 2021, pushing monthly payments up to...
Used Car Inventory Continues to Tighten, But Prices Drop Only Slightly
Used‑car inventory hit its lowest level since 2019, falling 5.9% year‑over‑year to 1.95 million units on dealer lots. Despite the squeeze, average listing prices rose only 0.7% in March to $25,390, a modest increase partly driven by tax‑refund spending. Daily sales...
These Fatal Tesla Autopilot Crashes Can Tell Us a Lot About Self-Driving Tech
Tesla’s Autopilot, launched in 2015 and expanded to all models by 2019, has been linked to multiple fatal crashes over the past decade. Notable incidents include a 2016 Florida crash where the driver ignored wheel‑hand alerts, a 2021 California Model X...
How Ford Stole The 2026 Detroit Auto Show
Ford dominated the 2026 Detroit Auto Show by unveiling two high‑performance models aimed at enthusiasts. The 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC features a supercharged 5.2‑liter V8, advanced aerodynamics and a seven‑speed dual‑clutch transmission, with deliveries slated for summer 2026. The...
Infiniti Officials Pondering Move Away From Alpha Numeric Vehicle Names
Infiniti is weighing a shift away from its two‑decade‑long alphanumeric naming scheme as Nissan executives voice frustration with the confusing model tags. The change is being discussed alongside the launch of the new QX65 SUV at the Tennessee plant. Nissan...
QOTD: Did Wealthy Buyers Kill Small Cars?
Economist Clifford Winston argues that affluent buyers and protectionist policies have accelerated the demise of affordable small cars in the United States. He notes automakers, especially the Detroit Three, prioritize higher‑margin SUVs and luxury trucks because they are cheaper to...
Recall Alert: Genesis
Hyundai Motor America announced a safety recall affecting roughly 94,760 Genesis luxury vehicles due to a potential fuel‑pipe to fuel‑rail leak that could ignite in the engine compartment. The recall spans the GV70 (2022‑2026), GV80 (2021‑2025), G80 (2021‑2025) and G90...
Connie Peters Drives The Polestar 4
Connie Peters took the new Polestar 4 for a spin in Austin, highlighting its radical design and premium tech. The compact crossover coupe eliminates the rear glass, using a high‑definition camera feed for a digital mirror, while offering a massive trunk...
Stellantis Drives to Encourage School-Age Car Designers
Stellantis has introduced the 2026 Drive for Design Junior contest, a new competition for students from kindergarten through ninth grade. The contest, divided into three age brackets, challenges participants to redesign a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram vehicle under the...
Winter EV Driving: Range and Elevation Lessons From A 20"+ Snow Storm
In a recent VWIDTalk podcast, hosts Jan and Wes dissected real‑world EV performance during a ski‑trip that involved a 4,000‑foot climb and more than 20 inches of snow. Starting at 100% charge, the vehicle’s range prediction of 199 miles fell...
First Time On A Dyno -- Jon's 1971 MGB "Racecar"
Jon took his 1971 MGB, rebuilt with a 1976 block and 1974 HIF4 carburetors, to Eclectic Motorworks for its first-ever dyno run. After several chaotic pulls, the car produced a peak of 61 horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 73 lb‑ft of torque...
Neglected Integra GS-R K-Swap Build - Dyno Finale
Speed Academy’s K‑Tuned team revived a rust‑ridden 1999 Acura Integra GSR by swapping in a high‑mileage K20 engine and adding a Precision 6062 turbo, custom titanium charge pipes, and a valve‑controlled exhaust. The build aimed for the elusive 500 wheel‑horsepower (whp)...
Traffic Deaths in U.S. Fall to Lowest Levels Since Pandemic
Federal safety officials reported that 36,640 people died in U.S. traffic crashes in 2025, a 6.7% drop from 2024 and the lowest fatality count since 2019. The decline marks the 15th consecutive quarter of falling deaths, even as the Federal...
Hyundai Recalling 291K Vehicles Due to Seat Belt Anchor Problem
Hyundai Motor America is recalling 291,128 vehicles across its Hyundai and Genesis lineups due to a defective front‑seat belt anchor that can release the belt clip. The issue spans 2023‑2026 Genesis G90, 2023‑2025 Ioniq 6, and 2024‑2026 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid...