Car news briefs — Apr 12, 2026 · 5:41 PM EDT

Quick hits for the car enthusiast covering vehicle maintenance, racing insights, and automotive tech.

ENTHUSIAST

What It Means When A Semi Truck Derates

Semi trucks require significant power for cargo hauling, making derating a major problem for drivers when it occurs.

ENTHUSIAST

Virginia eliminated one of its most controversial custom license plate designs from its catalog of hundreds of available options.

ENTHUSIAST

McLaren achieved its record-breaking 240 mph speed in 1993 with crucial assistance from Goodyear's tire technology.

RACING

Team president Jeff Andrews confirms Hendrick never wavered in supporting Alex Bowman during his health-related absence from racing.

ENTHUSIAST

Removing badges creates a sleek appearance, but owners should understand important factors before stripping away logos and lettering.

ENTHUSIAST

This widely-used steering system gained popularity because its numerous benefits made it superior to alternative designs.

ENTHUSIAST

Luxury and high-performance brands like Porsche carry expensive purchase prices, with vehicle maintenance costs following suit.

ENTHUSIAST

The automaker developed a massive 32-valve, 455 cubic inch engine but regulatory constraints prevented full production.

RACING

Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris showcase dramatic changes between 1950s and 1970s karts, with minimal evolution since 2000s.

ENTHUSIAST

The ranking comes from surveying over 40,000 car insurance policyholders across the United States.