It's now confirmed that the battery-powered M3 will be simply named, well, M3. It won't be called iM3 or M3 EV, just the original name, as BMW wants to prove that it's still a true M product despite the lack of an engine. We're also expecting nearly 700 hp from it, and it should be a rocket at the very least.

The electric M3 was largely previewed as the M Neue Klasse concept. After all, it looks like an i3 that had hit the gym, so we can expect elements from that car to make it to production. The thing is, it was just a preview of things to come.

BMW

Whether you like it or not, the concept car will now be the template for every future BMW M car. The concept was primarily handled by Michael Scully, who was also behind the company's hypercar. Scully calls BMW M's new generation of design 'purposeful,' prioritizing function over form.

The reason for that is, well, race cars. Scully says everything on a competition vehicle is built for a purpose. "In motorsport, we never do anything for a cosmetic reason," said the designer. Okay, maybe except for the livery, but other than that, he makes a strong point.

With that in mind, we could expect more aggressive fender flares and integrated aerodynamics on the road cars soon. It probably won't be to the same extent as the concept, but we wouldn't be surprised if we see even more purposeful-looking M cars.

BMW

BMW M Head of Design Oliver Heimler said, "This concept car will represent the future of BMW M in terms of performance and design." That was backed up by the head of the M division, Sylvia Neuebauer.

"The BMW M concept Neue Klasse doesn't stand for one specific car, but it shows all of the design principles, and we have taken so many parts from motorsports," said Neuebauer. Her sentiments echo those of Michael Scully, so we're expecting more exciting times ahead. With that in mind, it appears that future BMW models will already have the M versions integrated into development.

BMW

While there's a lot of fanfare within the company for the electric M3, the current M boss knows there will still be people who won't like it. She does urge skeptics to try it out first before casting the final say.

"The haters I cannot really understand because in order to judge something, you should first of all experience it and then decide whether you like it or not. Experience the car, and after that they can decide whether they like it or not, and if they don't like it, they can still go for the combustion-engined cars." At least BMW is still offering the freedom of choice, and it's worth noting that the lady would also like to bring back the M1 at some point.

BMW

Pickups are primarily used as workhorses, but a growing number of people are also using them as lifestyle vehicles. In any case, these trucks are used and abused on a daily basis, whether it's loading heavy equipment or traversing through all types of terrain.

Usage can lead to wear; that's the inevitability of using anything. In the case of trucks, the frame takes one of the biggest beatings; GM is keen to up its protection with an upgraded coating process.

Chevrolet

In a report by GM Authority, General Motors (GM) is set to upgrade its coating process for the frames of the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500. The report states that they will move away from the previous wax coating and introduce a more electrocuted (e-coated) frame by 2027.

Wax coating the frame is a sprayed-on treatment that creates a barrier between the steel frame and the elements it's exposed to. While the wax coating is effective against rust, over time it can wear down, crack, or even peel off during harsher driving conditions. In fact, GM already had some issues before when it was reported that the wax had peeled off on some models.

Instead of just being sprayed onto the frame, e-coating entails a whole new process. The frame itself will be submerged in a "charged" solution, allowing the protection to be applied to all areas of the frame, especially hard-to-reach areas and small crevices. Once the frame finishes drying and curing, the result is a more even layer of frame protection.

GMC

This shift represents a major change in how GM plans to protect one of its most popular models from frame corrosion and is another big update added to the list of improvements already implemented for the 2027 Silverado and Sierra 1500 models. E-coating does not 100% eliminate the risk of corrosion, and owners are still advised to properly maintain their trucks, but e-coating should help them reduce the risk even more than the older spray-on wax.

GMC

While the Chevy Corvette is as American as it gets, some may be surprised to know that the sports car is a true global product. If anything, the car has gained heaps of respect thanks to its racing exploits worldwide, and while sales abroad aren't spectacular, it's still a highly-regarded nameplate.

Need more proof? The Corvette has won its class in Le Mans a whopping 10 times, and it even won this year's edition. Let's not forget all of its successes in IMSA, either. While there are still those dismissive of the car abroad, it also has a small but dedicated following.

Chevrolet

Outside of North America, Japan is the largest market for the Corvette. That also means the 'Vette has a strong aftermarket community over there. The idea of a JDM Corvette may be baffling to some, but some builds involving the car are pretty epic.

One of the aftermarket shops that caters to Japanese owners is Liberty Walk, and it has been giving this slice of Americana a different twist for years. Its kit for the C8 turns the car into a track-ready fighter, effectively a road-legal version of the car that's been winning races in Europe. It's not for everyone, for sure, but it does show the Corvette gaining even more appreciation around the world.

Liberty Walk

The Japanese-American fusion of the Liberty Walk Corvette is apparently making its way across the pond. At first glance, one particular example looks like it was snapped in Japan, but the license plate reveals that it's actually in England. Yes, the kit is now being offered over there as well.

The entire front end was widened, with the bumper getting a completely different look. Its fenders had been flared, and those rear hips had been widened to the extreme. As for the rear, more aggressive diffusers are present, and that wing is impossible to miss. The car then rides on air suspension to achieve that slammed stance when static.

Again, the look isn't for everyone, which is typical Liberty Walk. After all, this is a company that is more than willing to cut up some of the world's most valuable cars for the sake of individualism. It's polarizing and angers the purists, but it also sparks a conversation. That said, one has to give props to the build, and we're pretty certain it'll be right up someone's alley.

libertywalk_toshi/Instagram

libertywalk_toshi/Instagram

Toyota remains the world's largest automaker, but the Japanese giant is facing mounting pressure after global sales fell for a fourth consecutive month in May. While demand remains resilient in markets like the United States and Japan, sharp declines in China and the Middle East continue to weigh on the company's overall performance.

Toyota

Toyota sold 834,279 vehicles worldwide in May, down 7.2% from a year ago, while global production fell 5.5% to 765,470 units. The picture varies dramatically by region. US sales slipped just 0.6% to 238,800 units, while deliveries in Japan jumped 11.1% to 118,381 vehicles. China, however, remained one of Toyota's biggest weak spots, with sales plunging 31.7% as domestic brands continued drawing buyers away from foreign rivals.

Manufacturers such as BYD, Geely, Leapmotor and Xiaomi have rapidly expanded by offering advanced technology at competitive prices, making life increasingly difficult for legacy automakers. In fact, BYD says its goal is to become the world's largest automaker by the end of the decade.

Toyota

Despite the overall decline, Toyota's latest sales figures reinforce one trend the company has championed for years: buyers still overwhelmingly prefer hybrids over fully electric vehicles. The automaker sold 396,468 hybrid vehicles during May, compared with 37,313 battery-electric vehicles and 20,825 plug-in hybrids. The figures suggest Toyota's conservative approach to electrification continues to resonate with buyers who aren't yet ready to make the switch to EVs.

Demand for the redesigned RAV4 has become so strong that the automaker is reportedly experiencing a shortage of stock to meet buyer demand. The sales success of Toyota's hybrids and the surge in demand for the RAV4 in the US aid Toyota as it closes the gap on General Motors.

Toyota

Toyota's biggest challenges remain outside its home market. Sales across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and others, plunged 46.4% to 20,990 vehicles in May. Overall Middle East sales fell 38.6% after already dropping nearly 33% in April. The earlier decline was partly linked to shipping disruptions caused by regional conflict, while the Iran war has added further uncertainty to one of Toyota's strongest regions.

Four consecutive months of declining global sales are far from ideal. While geopolitical tensions and fierce competition in China continue to weigh on global results, exceptionally strong demand in Japan and the United States, particularly for hybrids, remains a bright spot for the Japanese automaker.

Calling Chinese automakers 'mainstream' would be an understatement. In markets like Australia, names like BYD, GWM, Chery, and MG have gone from total unknowns to best-sellers, offering wallet-friendly options in just about every segment you can think of.

Despite the Chinese charge, Toyota is still sitting pretty at the top. It's Australia's runaway sales champ, selling close to 240,000 cars in 2025 – far from BYD’s 50,000 units sold. Interestingly, Honda didn’t even make it to Australia’s top 10.

Chinese brands are definitely shaking things up, but Toyota isn't breaking a sweat. Instead of rolling out wild discounts, Toyota says buyers keep coming back for reasons that go way beyond what's on the window sticker – a reflection of the Japanese marque’s outlook worldwide.

Jacob Oliva/Autoblog

John Pappas, Toyota Australia's sales and marketing boss, told Drive that the brand's higher prices are all about what buyers actually get for their money.

"Toyota premium really comes out of product value and the fact that we're renowned for our QDR – quality, durability, reliability," Pappas told Drive.

He also pointed out that when things get shaky, people stick with brands they know and trust. Toyota's decades-long track record doesn't hurt, either.

Pappas argued that buying a Toyota is about more than just getting a car. He pointed to the brand's massive dealer network, big investment in parts, solid warranty, after-sales backup, and strong resale value as reasons Toyota still has the edge over the new kids.

According to the publication, Australia’s Toyota RAV4 retains about 75% of its value after four years and up to 90,000 kilometers (56,000 miles) – reportedly beating plenty of rivals. All that, Toyota claims, makes paying a bit extra up front worth it, even as cheaper Chinese options keep popping up everywhere.

Toyota

Sure, Pappas was talking about Australia, but it’s the same situation in most countries Chinese brands have entered. Toyota's still out front, riding on years of name recognition, bulletproof reliability, a huge dealer network, and solid resale. Meanwhile, Chinese automakers are gaining traction with low prices, loaded features, and hybrids and EVs that keep getting better every year.

That doesn't mean Toyota's asleep at the wheel. The company admits Chinese rivals are shaking up the game and knows it has to get leaner to keep up. Still, Toyota seems pretty sure its hard-earned reputation is its ace in the hole.

The US is a whole different ballgame. Chinese cars are basically locked out thanks to sky-high tariffs, red tape, and political headaches. New laws could even block some Chinese-built cars from sneaking in via Canada or Mexico. So, for now, American shoppers are missing out on the Chinese car invasion that's already hit Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

For now, Toyota's showdown with China's fast-climbing brands is happening just about everywhere – except in the world's second-biggest car market.

BYD

Aistaland isn't a name most people outside China would recognise. It's a joint venture between GAC Group and Huawei, the same Huawei that's been quietly turning the Chinese car industry into something the rest of the world is only just beginning to take seriously. Their first real statement piece is the Aistaland GT7, a low-slung, wide-body electric shooting brake that went on sale in five variants, priced from $31,000 to $48,500.

Aistaland

It looks like someone handed a designer a design brief for the Porsche Taycan and then told them the car had to be affordable. It’s got a raked roofline, wide haunches, the right stance, and isn't offensively styled. The interesting part, as always with Chinese EVs, is everything underneath.

The GT7 sits on an 800V platform, stretches 198 inches bumper to bumper on a 118-inch wheelbase, and wears Pirelli P Zeros on wheels up to 21 inches. Start with the single-motor version, and you get 340 hp, a 0-60 mph time of around 5.8 seconds, and a claimed CLTC range of up to 559 miles. Go all the way to the tri-motor flagship, and the numbers become 768 hp, sub-3-second acceleration, and still up to 559 miles of range depending on which battery you pick.

Ultra-fast charging takes the battery from 10 to 80 percent in under 12 minutes. The chassis (tuned by ex-Aston Martin and McLaren engineers) has double-wishbone up front, multi-link at the rear, and Huawei's digital platform promising millisecond-level responses and 20 percent less body roll. There's even a Drift mode to prove how serious Aistaland takes driver enjoyment.

A Porsche Taycan Turbo GT starts at $243,700 in the US. It makes 1,019 horsepower and is quite an extraordinary machine. But Aistaland's top variant makes 768 hp and costs $48,500. The base GT7 at $31,000, with 340 hp and a 559-mile range claim, costs less than a third of the price of a base Taycan, which starts at $105,800. Despite the base model pricing on the GT7, it still packs Huawei's ADS 5 autonomous driving system, a 21-speaker sound setup, and an 88-inch head-up display.

Aistaland

Will the GT7 ever make it to Western markets? Almost certainly not anytime soon. But that's almost beside the point. The fact that a car like this exists, at this price, is the message. And it's a loud one.

The Chevrolet Malibu has been hanging around since the 1960s, morphing through generations into one of those cars you see everywhere but rarely think twice about. But that long-running chapter closed last year when Chevy finally axed the Malibu. The assembly lines have gone quiet – no more fresh Malibus rolling out.

But the Malibu isn’t totally extinct – at least, not yet. A few brand-new specimens are still hiding out on dealer lots. Nationwide, you’ll only find a couple dozen left, according to inventory listings.

Chevrolet

A quick sweep through Chevy’s dealer listings turns up just 24 Malibus left across the country, and almost all of them are the basic FL trim.

Out of those 24 survivors, 20 are FL models. Only two 1LTs and two RS versions are still hanging around. So if you’re hoping for anything fancier than the base model, you’re probably out of luck – dealers have already cleared out most of the good stuff.

Prices are all over the place. The 2025 Malibu FL officially starts at $26,740, but some dealers are tacking on extras – Capital Chevrolet, for example, lists a few at $28,731 after offers. One lone unit is still sticking to its MSRP. The last two RS models are listed at $25,903, which is a steal compared to their $28,035 sticker price, so if you want the sportier look, now’s your chance. As for the rare 1LTs, dealers aren’t even posting prices – if you want one, you’ll have to ask nicely.

If you’re hunting for a specific trim, be ready to cast a wider net – your local dealer probably isn’t hiding a secret stash.

Chevrolet

The Malibu may be out, but the midsize sedan game is still going strong amid the remaining nameplates. According to Consumer Reports, the Toyota Camry currently leads the segment thanks to its balanced performance, fuel economy, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction. The Honda Accord Hybrid follows closely behind, while the standard Honda Accord also remains among the highest-rated midsize sedans. The Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Altima round out the list of top choices.

If you just want a solid midsize sedan, those alternatives have you covered once the last Malibu leaves the lot. But if you’re a fan of the Malibu’s no-nonsense looks, simple controls, and good old-fashioned gas engine, your window to grab a new one is closing fast.

Chevrolet

Hyundai only revealed its new eighth-generation 2027 Avante/Elantra this past week, and its boxy, handsome looks are already being upgraded behind closed doors for a version with even more presence. CarSceneKorea spoke with Hyundai's design boss, Sangyup Lee, at the debut of the new Elantra at the Busan Auto Show in South Korea, and he revealed that work has begun on the most exciting Elantra yet.

He said, "Even at this very moment, we're preparing the sportiest Elantra yet. Making the wide fenders even wider. Making the sporty feel even sportier. I've been counting down the days just as eagerly as all of you." So although the phrase 'Elantra N' was not specifically uttered, it's clear that Elantra N was what he was talking about.

Sebastian Cenizo/ChatGPT

It's believed that the new Elantra N will get a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, but it's unclear if a manual transmission will still be offered. Hyundai's existing 2.5-liter turbo-four, which is likely less powerful than the next-generation mill the next Elantra N is expected to use, makes up to 300 hp and 311 lb-ft in the Genesis G70, so we can certainly expect an improvement on the dyno. At present, the Elantra N has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering a respectable and deployable 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through a limited-slip differential and a choice of either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Hopefully, the new one won't change to an automatic (the GR Corolla could be so much more exciting in two-pedal form if its auto was sharper).

Sebastian Cenizo/ChatGPT

For our renders, we've unrealistically extended the lighting signature but realistically made the face of the Elantra/Avante even more aggressive, extending the lower side intakes lower into the front bumper, where they meet the ends of an aggressive spoiler. Wider arches house sportier wheels, and at the back, the boxy fenders now feature an intake to cool the rear brakes (wishful thinking on a compact performance sedan).

Sebastian Cenizo/ChatGPT

For the rear end, we've gone with four exhaust tips instead of the usual two to highlight the bigger engine, and both the diffuser and rear wing atop the trunk are much bigger to counter the increased width. While we're proud of the new look, Hyundai will surely do better and make it boxier, and we look forward to seeing just how aggressive the new Elantra N will be. The new Elantra is over an inch wider than its predecessor, and we're hopeful that figure could double with the N.

Hyundai

The Northern Rockies just ran winter and summer in the same week. A rare late-June storm buried the high country of central Idaho, southwest Montana, and the Wyoming border ranges with heavy wet snow, closing two marquee mountain roads before the alerts lifted. NWS Missoula's Winter Storm Warning expired Monday morning, and the NWS Great Falls warning for Northwest Beaverhead County expired at noon, with only light additional snow on the highest peaks after that. Now the pattern flips hard.

The hazard now is not fresh snow but what it left behind: slushy pavement that refreezes overnight on the highest passes, and closures that may not fully lift before holiday traffic arrives. Check Montana 511 and Idaho 511 before you cross anything above 6,500 feet.

What Happened

A slow, cold upper low parked over the region and dropped snow levels to around 6,500 feet just days before July. The heaviest totals stayed on the high terrain:

• Lemhi, Bitterroot, and Sapphire ranges: 4 to 8 inches above 6,500 feet, with as much as 12 inches on the highest peaks.
• Anaconda Pintler near Georgetown Lake: up to 16 inches in the most elevated areas, the storm's local maximum.
• Beartooth Pass and the Yellowstone gateway: 1 to 2 inches along the pass and about 6 inches on the highest terrain, with roughly an inch in Cooke City. An observer at the Top of the World Resort reported about three inches still falling Monday afternoon, with the road slick, icy, and slushy.

The Passes That Closed

The Beartooth Highway on US-212, the All-American Road that tops out near 10,947 feet, closed precautionarily at 4:53 p.m. Sunday in anticipation of the snow and stayed shut through Monday. Inside the park, Dunraven Pass closed Monday morning for winter weather conditions. Crews were working to reopen the Beartooth as early as Tuesday once conditions improved. Farther west, US-93 over Lost Trail Pass near 7,000 feet at the Idaho-Montana line, Chief Joseph Pass on MT-43, Big Hole Pass, Lemhi Pass, and the climb on Idaho 28 all ran wintry through the warning. Confirm current status on Montana 511, Idaho 511, and the Yellowstone road status page before you go. Cowboy State Daily + 2

The Temperature Story

The cold was the headline for most people. Temperatures across western Montana and central Idaho fell 20 to 30 degrees from late-week summer warmth, dropping valley highs into the 40s and 50s, with frost possible in the coldest valleys Monday morning. Wind followed the snow, with gusts to 55 mph on the Beartooth Highway and to 50 mph across the Snake River Plain along Interstate 15, enough to shove high-profile vehicles on exposed stretches.

Driving the Passes This Week

The snow melts fast at these elevations in summer sun, but melt and refreeze is its own trap. A few things worth doing before any high crossing:

• Slow down on bridges, shaded curves, and summit approaches, where slush refreezes first overnight and early in the morning.
• Carry traction devices if you plan to cross a pass that crews are still clearing.
• Keep an honest summer kit in the vehicle: water, a warm layer, and a flashlight go a long way at 7,000 feet.
• Build in extra time and be ready to turn back if a pass is still closed.

What's Next

The flip is dramatic. A heat dome is forecast to expand across roughly 30 central and eastern states from July 2 through 6, pushing temperatures into the 90s and low 100s, and the pattern holds through the holiday weekend. Closer to home, the cooler-than-average start to the week gives way to temperatures in the 80s and low 90s by July 4. Valleys that sat in the 40s and 50s this week will feel like a different season by the time the holiday travel rush peaks. For drivers, the passes should be open and dry for most of that rush, but confirm before you commit to a high route.

Last year, the end of the federal electric vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 led to a sharp slowdown in EV adoption. The argument behind the policy shift was to let buyers choose the cars they want rather than push them toward EVs. But over in California, the state continues to champion EV adoption, and one of its latest initiatives is a $3,500 point-of-sale incentive for first-time EV buyers on new electric cars.

In a press release, the American EV Jobs Alliance praised Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature over the program, which is expected to take effect on July 1. It was made possible through $135 million in state funding, with participating automakers required to match the incentive dollar-for-dollar, bringing the total to more than $270 million.

Ford

This incentive, approved as part of California's July budget deal, comes as the U.S. EV market is showing signs of stabilizing after the post-tax-credit drop. S&P Global Mobility reported that EV registrations in April 2026 recorded the smallest year-over-year drop so far this year. The program could further support recovery, especially in California, which has long been known as the leader in EV adoption in the U.S.

Beyond the outright savings, the American EV Jobs Alliance, citing market research, stated that more than 80 percent of first-time EV buyers do not return to combustion cars. In turn, the incentive is seen as a way to support long-term EV demand and strengthen American EV manufacturing.

Some details worth noting include that the program has no income cap, meaning more buyers can take advantage of the savings, provided they are first-time EV buyers. Also, the full $3,500 incentive applies to new vehicles, while used examples will receive a lower amount.

For budget-conscious buyers, the incentive could not come at a better time. While the press release did not specify which automakers would participate, the pool of affordable EV models is expanding. One example is the bare-bones electric truck from Slate Auto, which starts at around $25,000. Ford is also expected to introduce a roughly $30,000 electric pickup in 2027.

Hyundai

The incentive comes as California continues to defend its EV policies after the federal government moved to block the state’s planned 2035 phaseout of new gas-powered car sales. It is not that the federal government hates EVs; based on its statements and policy moves, it appears to prefer a more gradual transition.

Because of those policy changes and broader market uncertainty, demand for hybrids has grown in the U.S. They may be a smarter choice for buyers who are not ready to commit to EVs, though for those who are, California's new incentive could make the decision easier, at least for those residing in the Golden State.

Nissan