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  5. Driven: The 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale — A Race Car Without the Misery

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Driven: The 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale — A Race Car Without the Misery

Ferrari’s done it again. The 2026 296 Speciale takes the 296 GTB and cranks everything to eleven—868 hp, less weight, more noise, more feel. It’s a race car you can actually live with, delivering pure Ferrari intensity without the punishment.

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This is the most important Audi in two decades—and we drove it. The Audi Concept C is a folding-hardtop electric roadster that marks the beginning of a new era for the brand. Spearheaded by design chief Massimo Frascella and fast-tracked by CEO Gernot Döllner, this drivable concept introduces Audi’s Radical Simplicity design language and a new “shy” interior that ditches plastic for tactile luxury and brings back the brand’s iconic precision “click.”  With more than 500 horsepower, an 800-volt architecture, and rear-wheel drive, the Concept C feels every bit the spiritual successor to the R8—and a hint at the future Boxster EV from Porsche. It’s quick, beautifully balanced, and built to redefine how an electric sports car should look and drive.

11:03

We Drove the Most Important Audi in 20 Years: Meet the Concept C

Choosing between the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 is like choosing between pho and ramen—both amazing, but totally different flavors. In this deep-dive comparison, we put these two hybrid SUVs head-to-head to find out which one truly deserves the title of best compact SUV of 2026.  From driving dynamics to comfort, tech, and design, we test everything that makes these two the gold standard in their class. Can the CR-V’s balanced handling and smooth hybrid powertrain outshine the all-new RAV4’s rugged look and stronger performance numbers?

12:00

2026 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2026 Honda CR-V: Hybrid SUV Battle!

Following the brand-new Mazda3 to market is the CX-30, based on the same platform and using the same engines. It will slot between the existing CX-3 and CX-5, and eventually use Mazda’s Skyactiv-X engines.

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7 Reasons Why the Mazda CX-30 Is Poised for Success

Ride along with rally champion Marcus Gronholm as he storms up the Pikes Peak course in the Ford Fiesta RallyCross in an homage to the famous Climb Dance Pikes Peak run

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Peak Performance! Ford Fiesta RallyCross storms Pikes Peak

We infiltrate hot rodding’s inner sanctum with the Lucid Air Sapphire at HOT ROD Drag Week 2025. Amid 400+ hardcore racers, the 1,234-hp EV faced skepticism, side-eye, and plenty of smack talk—but also ran 9-second passes while towing the line between ridicule and respect. From Maryland to Pennsylvania drag strips, the Sapphire proved its endurance over 660 miles of racing and road, sparking debate and surprising admiration. Could an electric sedan hold its own against six-second monsters? Watch as the Sapphire battles tradition and challenges everything Drag Week stands for.

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Can an EV Survive at Drag Week? Lucid Air Sapphire Takes On Drag Racing's Best

Honda's three-row Pilot SUV people hauler has long been a family favorite. The new Pilot gets the job done adeptly, providing great utility and safety while leaning into its rugged side. But does the Pilot still stand out in a crowded segment?

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2024 Honda Pilot Buyer's Guide Breakdown: A Classic, Improved

There’s a lot more going on under the skin of these factory off-road pickups than you might think.

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2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro vs. Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison vs. Jeep Gladiator Mojave: Off-Road Battle!

In Volvo's all-electric transition, the new EX90 is a crucial addition. This EV SUV promises better safety and luxury than any Volvo before, along with more than 300 miles of driving range and strong performance. Is the made-in-USA 2025 Volvo EX90 prepared to compete against other family-focused SUVs powered by electricity or gasoline?

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2025 Volvo EX90 First Drive: Luxury 3-Row EV Ready for Prime Time?

Whether you call it a dressed up Tradesmen or a Rebel-lite, we see just how much the 2025 Ram 1500 Warlock can handle in the rugged backcountry.

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2025 Ram 1500 Warlock Test: The Best Ram Truck for Your Buck?

History repeats in the best way for Volkswagen’s icon: the Golf lineup—GTI and R—earns MotorTrend’s 2026 Car of the Year. In refreshed Mk8 form, both models sharpen design and tech while honoring hot-hatch roots. Outside: crisper headlights, reshaped bumpers, illuminated grille bar, and a bolder R with aggressive aero and an available Euro Style package (lighter seats, no sunroof, Akrapovič titanium exhaust). Inside: a cleaner cabin centered on a quicker 12.9-inch infotainment system with conversational voice control powered by ChatGPT.   On the road, MQB chassis tuning, stiffer springs, and revised mounts make it more planted and playful. Power comes from a 2.0L turbo: GTI 241 hp/273 lb-ft (FWD), R 328 hp/295 lb-ft (AWD), both with a responsive 7-speed dual-clutch. IQ.Drive driver assists are standard. Efficiency stays strong (up to 27 mpg combined GTI; 25 mpg R), and value impresses (GTI from $33,670; R from $48,325).   A daily driver with real thrills—this is the Golf at its best.

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The 2026 MotorTrend Car of the Year Is the Volkswagen Golf GTI + R

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