Here is a CR-X that Honda never dared to build. Inspired by the spirit of the Renault Clio V6 but designed long before, this unique prototype features a ’94 Prelude engine mounted on the rear axle. A configuration that transforms this compact car into a sports car with a radical character.

A Bold Technical Transformation

Carried out twenty years ago, this transformation includes a five-speed manual transaxle gearbox with a limited-slip differential—an essential precaution to manage this new weight transfer. A firewall now secures the passenger compartment from the engine bay, while the rear axle borrows its suspension, subframe, and disc brakes from a Civic EG, with a double-wishbone configuration on all four wheels.

The Mechanical Heart: A Prelude H22A

The engine from a 1994 Prelude is an H22A 2.2-liter block, originally producing nearly 200 horsepower. It has been enhanced with a custom exhaust system, a DC Sports intake manifold, and a Skunk2 manifold. At the front, the radiator sits alongside an eight-gallon fuel cell and an aluminum floor, replacing the missing engine.

A Deceptive Exterior Appearance

Externally, the CR-X retains its discreet two-door hatchback silhouette, except for its 16-inch wheels that seem oversized and a modified rear window. Nothing visually betrays the mechanical monster hidden at the rear, making this car a true wolf in sheep’s clothing.

A Unique Opportunity for Discerning Collectors

Located near Buffalo, New York, this unique CR-X has accumulated approximately 35,000 miles on its powertrain and 100,000 miles on the chassis. It represents the opportunity to own an affordable alternative to an NSX or an unconventional rival to the Toyota MR2, born from a Lotus enthusiast’s passion for mid-engine mechanics.

Take advantage of an attractive offer on a retro-style jerry can, currently on sale with a 25% discount. Perfect for vintage vehicle enthusiasts or occasional use, this can combines vintage aesthetics and functionality.

An opportunity not to be missed

The brand Vevor offers this jerry can with a capacity of 5.3 liters at an attractive price of €35.44 (via Lowe’s Home Improvement Store), compared to around €50 usually. Its classic design recalls traditional fuel cans, an aesthetic detail that is appreciated even though its primary purpose remains fuel transportation.

An economical and certified alternative

If aesthetics are not your absolute priority and you are mainly looking for a safe and economical container for transporting gasoline, the Midwest Can 5610 model is an excellent alternative. It is also on sale at €17.97 (via Walmart) and can be delivered quickly. Made in the USA, it complies with CARB and EPA standards, ensuring safety and legality when transporting fuels or oils.

Which model to choose?

Your choice will depend on your use. The Vevor jerry can will appeal to those who value retro design for their garage or vintage vehicle. The Midwest Can 5610 will be perfectly suited for occasional utility use, such as draining an old tank, where the can may not be recovered after disposal at a recycling center.

If San Diego Comic-Con is the Mecca for pop culture fans, Monterey Car Week is its automotive equivalent—a week-long celebration of the past, present, and future of motorsports. Just as Comic-Con transforms San Diego, Car Week takes over Monterey with a palpable energy, though it comes with growing tension. Influencer culture has amplified the event, with larger crowds, unofficial gatherings, and a quest for social media virality. Yet, Monterey remains vast enough to offer a thousand different experiences, from free shows like Legends of the Autobahn to auctions where millions are spent. To see if the classic trio—The Quail on Friday, Laguna Seca on Saturday, and the Pebble Beach Concours on Sunday—retained its magic, I followed Rolex, one of its longtime sponsors. And I came away convinced: there is nowhere else like this paradise for car enthusiasts, despite the sometimes noisy buzz on the periphery.

Day 1: The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

Rolex has sponsored The Quail for 20 years. Entering it is like discovering Disneyland for the first time, but with elegant outfits and parasols. Cars usually seen on Instagram were suddenly there, on perfect grass. It’s the red carpet event of the week. Gordon McCall, the director, guided me to tributes for the 60th anniversary of the Iso Grifo and the Shelby Mustang GT350, as well as to the future with concepts like Lexus’s. Highlights? 16 Ferrari F50s gathered together and a growing JDM presence, with a sublime Toyota 2000GT. Then, a relaxed conversation with Tom Kristensen, nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, who told me about his new passion for gravel and BBQs, far from competition. This unique access to legends is why tickets cost $1,500.

Day 2: Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca

If The Quail was champagne, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion was an energy drink. The paddock was packed with race cars from every era. The highlight was the Pagani Huayra R Evo, whose sound was bone-chilling. Then came my turn: a hot lap in the new Mustang GTD. Strapped into the passenger seat, I tackled the famous Corkscrew turn, an 18-meter drop that takes your breath away. The supercharged V8 roared, gear changes snapped. Even at 70% of its capabilities, the feeling was unreal. The day ended atop the Corkscrew, watching racing history unfold just meters away.

Day 3: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Sunday, up at 5 a.m. for the Dawn Patrol: watching the Concours cars drive onto the fairway in the early morning. A serene and magical experience, like a screensaver brought to life by rolling works of art. About 200 cars, selected with extreme rigor, competed for Best of Show. The winner was the gorgeous 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C ‘Tulipwood’ Torpedo, a masterpiece restored over 12,000 hours with a body made entirely of wood. My friend Tom Kristensen was even one of the judges.

Conclusion: Magic Intact

People will always complain about change, but the magic of Monterey Car Week remains intact. The Quail, Laguna Seca, Pebble Beach—each delivers that sophisticated, immersive essence that has made this week the epicenter of car culture for decades. The crowds are bigger, the influencers louder, but the charm endures. Car Week is what you make of it. If you’ve never been, start planning for next August. There’s nothing else like it.

Don’t expect to see the Cadillac F1 single-seater livery this year. The leaders of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team have finally put an end to the persistent rumors by confirming this week that Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will be their first drivers in 2026. While we now know the team principal, Graeme Lowdon, and the engine supplier Ferrari for the initial seasons, the mystery remains complete regarding the car’s visual appearance.

A Late Revelation for the Cadillac F1 Livery

We’ll have to wait a bit longer. In a conversation with The Drive, Dan Towriss, the CEO of Cadillac F1 Team, indicated that the full picture will likely not be unveiled before 2026.

“It’s likely to be early February [2026] before we give you a glimpse of the final appearance of the car,” said Towriss. “Whenever we reach a point where we provide information, it seems to raise even more questions. We want to get to that ultimate moment, the drumroll to reveal the final product.”

Teasing That Fueled Expectations

The new Formula 1 team had already teased its fans last May by organizing a huge party on the eve of the Miami Grand Prix. Despite a red carpet, celebrities, and an atmosphere worthy of Las Vegas, many expected an early reveal of the team’s livery and colors. That was not the case.

A Global Project Nevertheless Ahead of Schedule

“The full picture probably won’t emerge until February 2026,” confirmed Towriss. Despite this, development is progressing well: “I couldn’t be more satisfied with the development of the car and the progress of the Cadillac engine project with GM. This project is even ahead of schedule.”

He added: “Now that the drivers are announced, I think the team will start to come together and form. We’re still integrating a lot of people – just in the next 10 days, 52 new people are joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.”

Focus on Recruitment and Development

With the driver announcement behind them, the team can now focus on recruitment, training, and development. These three areas are crucial for any young organization, especially for a team that must be ready for full pre-season testing in just over five months, followed by its very first Grand Prix a few weeks later.

Sony Honda Mobility’s direct sales model for its Afeela 1 electric sedan is already facing legal action. The manufacturer, a joint venture between electronics and automotive giants, plans to begin initial deliveries of its vehicle in California next spring. However, this disruptive business approach is not sitting well with the state’s authorized dealerships.

A Direct Attack on the Dealership Network

The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) has asked the Los Angeles County Superior Court to prohibit SHM from accepting reservations for the future electric vehicle. “This is a direct attack on the 161 franchised Honda and Acura dealerships in California that have been loyal partners in building the brand’s reputation and success for decades,” said Brian Maas, president of the CNCDA.

A Recurring Legal Conflict in the Automotive Industry

The conflict between franchisees and automakers favoring direct sales has been raging since Tesla began breaking into the market. The crucial difference is that Tesla was not an established automaker before selling its cars directly, allowing it to bypass certain laws. Sony Honda Mobility is partly owned by Honda, a company with an existing distribution network.

Scout Motors, a Revealing Precedent

This situation is not without precedent. Scout Motors, a member of the Volkswagen Group, was also sued for its direct sales strategy. A California law signed in 2024 by Governor Gavin Newsom even prohibits automakers from creating brands that compete with their franchised dealerships.

The Afeela 1: A High-Risk Experiment

The Afeela 1 represents an experiment in several ways. It is the first example in North America of a consumer electronics company venturing into car sales. The vehicle, based on the same platform as Honda’s other electric models, targets customers willing to pay a premium for extensive autonomous driving capabilities, although these are not legally deployable at launch.

Scheduled for 2026, the sedan boasts an announced range of 300 miles (approximately 480 km) and a starting price of $102,990. Despite the legal disputes, Afeela appears to be proceeding with its deployment plan, with the opening of pop-up showrooms and permanent sales points planned this year in California.

NASCAR and the 23XI Racing team are locked in a fierce legal battle. The conflict centers on allegations that NASCAR’s charter system allows it to maintain an anti-competitive monopoly. While the situation had been simmering during the discovery phase since the summer, tensions reached a boiling point during a hearing on Thursday in Charlotte, North Carolina. This session revealed text messages in which 23XI co-owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan expressed their contempt for the France family, owners of NASCAR, and their frustration with the cooperation of other teams, respectively.

A Legal Conflict Escalating

The discovery process allowed each party to access the other’s communications, bringing these messages to light. They collectively illustrate the animosity present in this legal fight. The conflict officially began in October 2024 when 23XI filed a complaint for anti-competitive practices against NASCAR and the France family. The organization retaliated in March 2025 with a counterclaim, accusing 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports of forming an “illegal cartel” by interfering with broadcast negotiations and organizing a boycott among the teams.

Blunt and Unfiltered Messages

Among the most direct messages are those from Denny Hamlin and 23XI President Steve Lauletta. Hamlin stated: “In short, I am ready to fight NASCAR. My contempt for the France family is deep, but whatever we do, let’s not sabotage our own business on principle. I love you all and thank you for allowing me to be a part of this.” Steve Lauletta responded on June 6, 2024: “I would like to know what to do and what is the best investment path. Staying for the long term and waiting for Jim [France, NASCAR CEO] to die is probably the answer.”

Long-Standing Tensions and Deep-Seated Discontent

Although the legal proceedings began less than a year ago, the dispute dates back further. Denny Hamlin had publicly criticized the charter system as early as February 2023, arguing for a “permanent” guarantee of race participation to preserve the teams’ value. Michael Jordan echoed this sentiment in May 2024, warning: “If you don’t fix this, the sport will die—not because of the competition, but because it makes no economic sense for businesspeople.”

Michael Jordan’s Anger Over Lack of Support

23XI Racing deliberately refused to sign the new charter agreement last year. Text messages reveal that Michael Jordan hoped other teams would follow suit. A conversation with his partner Curtis Polk, after learning that Joe Gibbs Racing had signed at the last minute, is telling:
“Gibbs signed?” asked Jordan.
“Yep,” replied Polk. “Looks like they threw him a bone at the last minute.”
Jordan’s response was unequivocal: “Motherfuckers!!! People understand our fight. The teams will regret not supporting us. Assholes!!!!!”

NASCAR Also Under Scrutiny

NASCAR’s leadership was not spared. Messages from its top officials were also exposed. Commissioner Steve Phelps described negotiations with the teams as “abysmal,” adding that the charters “must reflect a middle ground or we are dead—they will sign them but we are screwed for the future.” President Steve O’Donnell, for his part, expressed his dissatisfaction with an initial proposal, stating it would have set NASCAR back to its 1996 state, which he described as “fuck the teams, dictatorship, motorsport, redneck, southern, small-time sport.”

Michael Jordan’s Unwavering Determination

Following the hearing, Michael Jordan delivered a rare statement to the media, reaffirming his determination: “I have been a fan of this game for a long time. From the beginning, I said I wanted to fight for the improvement of the sport. This is not about money. The sport itself must continually evolve for the fans, the teams, and NASCAR itself, if they understand it. I will fight to the end for the good of the sport.”

The Formula 1 summer break is over. While younger fans may have delighted in photos of their favorite drivers on vacation, the only question that really matters is this: how will the hierarchy evolve for the second part of the 2025 championship?

The McLaren show before the holidays

Before looking ahead, a quick look back is necessary. The last Grands Prix before the break can be summed up in three words: the McLaren show. The Woking-based team indeed won the last four consecutive races: Lando Norris in Austria and Great Britain, Oscar Piastri in Belgium, and Norris again in Hungary. You have to go back to the Canadian Grand Prix in June to find another winner, namely George Russell for Mercedes.

An overwhelming dominance

This year, only three non-McLaren drivers have won: Russell in Montreal and Max Verstappen in Japan and Emilia-Romagna. Will Verstappen or someone else manage to break this streak at Zandvoort this weekend? The answer is probably no. From a performance standpoint, McLaren is operating on a different planet from the rest of the grid. The team has not only benefited from good moves, but above all, it has learned to maximize its advantage.

Updates and hope

Rival teams try to react

Despite the mandatory summer shutdown, several teams arrive in the Netherlands with minor updates and tons of hope. Red Bull, for example, is reportedly bringing a new front wing with extended chords, specifically adapted to the Dutch track according to Planet F1. Alpine has also fitted its car with a new rear end, with new fairings and winglets to improve brake cooling and turbulent air management.

Finally, Sauber is unveiling new components, including a new rear brake duct vane, which is supposed to improve airflow around the rear wheels and the diffuser.

A promising start to the weekend for McLaren

Another sign, perhaps unexpected, suggests a continuation of McLaren’s dominance: the reliability of its drivers. Unlike many of their competitors, Norris and Piastri managed to keep their cars on the asphalt during the free practice sessions. Lewis Hamilton had two spins in FP1, while Verstappen ended his lap in the gravel on the outside of turn 1. FP2 wasn’t much better, punctuated by two red flags caused by Alex Albon (Williams) and a heavy crash by Lance Stroll (Aston Martin).

With Norris setting the pace in both practice sessions and Piastri consistently in the top 3, it’s hard to imagine a different scenario for the rest of the season. While the end of Red Bull’s hegemony delights many, one can only hope for an exciting second half of the championship, regardless of which team or driver comes out on top.

BYD’s profits have significantly dropped, marking a turning point for the Chinese automotive leader. This decline, the first in over three years, is directly attributed to the fierce price war shaking China’s automotive market, exacerbated by massive state subsidies.

An Automotive Industry Under Pressure

For the past decade, China has heavily subsidized its domestic automotive industry. While this strategy has borne fruit in terms of production, it has also weakened the sector’s economic foundations. Today, the consequences are being keenly felt.

The country’s largest automaker, BYD, recorded a decline in profits last quarter. In its financial report, the company also acknowledged that July marked its third consecutive month of declining sales. While the initial target for 2024 was to sell 5.5 million vehicles in China alone, BYD is now on a trajectory that could fall short by over one million units.

The Core Problem: Overcapacity and Lack of Buyers

A Saturated Market

The central issue is simple: excessive supply facing insufficient demand. Subsidies have led to massive production of affordable vehicles, whether with internal combustion engines or electric powertrains. Manufacturers are flooding the market far beyond what dealerships can sell, forcing everyone to slash their margins.

The Impact of Dumping Practices

This dumping phenomenon, already visible in late 2023, is only worsening. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just about low-end electric vehicles. A significant portion of the stock exported abroad, particularly to Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, consists of internal combustion engine models tailored to these markets’ demands.

Economic Warning Signs

A worrying indicator highlights tensions in the supply chain: BYD is among the manufacturers that recently signed a commitment to better adhere to payment deadlines for its suppliers. This initiative, although presented positively, raises questions about the financial health of the entire industrial ecosystem and concerns over unpaid receivables.

Jonathan Wheatley was always destined to become a Formula 1 genius. Appointed as the team principal of Sauber in 2024 before taking the helm of the Audi F1 team in 2026, his journey is one of exciting evolution over 35 years. From being a mechanic at Benetton alongside Michael Schumacher to architecting the Red Bull Racing empire, Wheatley methodically climbed the ranks.

Promising Beginnings

Born into a family passionate about motorsports, Wheatley was immersed in this world from a young age. His father raced cars, and Jonathan grew up frequenting racetracks. At 12, he was already cleaning the workshops of DK Engineering, a Ferrari restoration company. His technical apprenticeship began early, fueled by a natural curiosity for how mechanics work.

The Benetton Turning Point

His F1 career began thanks to a chance encounter with Kenny Handkammer, then an employee at Benetton. During his job interview with Nigel Stepney, Wheatley arrived in a rush, swerved in the parking lot, and then parked perfectly. This incident almost immediately earned him the job. He became a mechanic for Roberto Moreno’s car at the 1991 French Grand Prix.

The Rise to Leadership

At Red Bull, Wheatley contributed to setting world records for pit stops and developed his management philosophy: “The way a team performs its pit stops reflects its overall mindset.” His ability to handle pressure and his positive vision made him a natural leader. After two decades at Red Bull, he joined Sauber and then Audi to take on a new challenge.

The Audi Challenge

Alongside Mattia Binotto, Wheatley shares an ambitious vision: to win races and championships by the end of the decade. Aware of the upcoming challenges against F1’s historical giants, he focuses on building a cohesive and high-performing team. For this car enthusiast, working for Audi represents the ultimate opportunity, having grown up admiring Audi in rally racing.

A Positive Philosophy

Unlike many visibly stressed team principals, Wheatley defines himself as “a happy team principal.” He transforms pressure into positive energy and cultivates an environment where everyone can thrive. This human approach, combined with his exceptional technical expertise, makes him a unique figure in the Formula 1 paddock.

General Motors (GM) has announced a partial production halt at its Factory Zero plant. This decision directly affects the manufacturing of the GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and GMC Sierra EV. A spokesperson confirmed to the Detroit Free Press that two production shifts would be halted, impacting 160 employees. This measure, following the temporary layoff of 200 other workers, aims to “align with market dynamics” and will reduce production for just over a month.

Other Automotive News of the Moment

Subaru Increases Price of 2026 Forester Wilderness

The new Wilderness version of the 2026 Subaru Forester will have a starting price of $39,835 when it arrives at dealerships this fall. This represents a significant increase of $2,130 compared to the previous model.

A Tax Loophole for the Federal Electric Vehicle Tax Credit

A loophole discovered by the IRS will allow consumers to claim the federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credit. This credit, which had been eliminated by the Trump administration after September 30, could therefore be exceptionally claimed.

Innovations in the Electric Charging Network

Several major announcements are shaking up the charging sector. ChargePoint has partnered with Eaton to deploy microgrid technology, promising cheaper, more efficient, and more compact charging equipment. Meanwhile, Rivian has opened its “Adventure Network” charging network, over 75% of it, to all electric vehicles. Ford, for its part, is deploying its own network with nearly 1,200 charging stations across more than 320 dealerships.

GM Prepares for NACS Plug Adoption

General Motors has unveiled four new EV charging adapters. This announcement comes as the manufacturer prepares to launch the 2026 Cadillac Optiq, which will be natively equipped with an NACS port, the Tesla standard.

Major Recalls at Ford

Ford has issued two major recalls. The first involves nearly 500,000 vehicles for a potential brake fluid leak issue. The second affects over 105,000 vehicles for a lighting defect.