Car news briefs — Apr 18, 2026 · 5:42 PM EDT
Quick hits from racing, restomods, and vehicle maintenance for the car enthusiast community.
ENTHUSIAST

Phoenix Police End Use of Mexican License Plates on Unmarked Vehicles
Police Chief Matt Giordano ordered removal of all non-U.S. plates after admitting the practice wasn't optimal. The plates came from impounded vehicles.
FORD

Ford's Bronco II Rollover Issues Led to Major Safety Lawsuits
Marketed to younger drivers, the Bronco II was released with known safety issues that made it dangerous.
TESLA

European Tesla Owners Must Pass Test for Full Self-Driving Access
The "FSD (Supervised) Activation Tutorial" ensures drivers understand the system and their responsibility for vehicle operation.
RACING
Driver Juha Miettinen Dies in Nürburgring NLS Qualifying Accident
Miettinen died at the Nürburgring Medical Center after all resuscitation attempts failed. Sunday's race continues with a moment of silence.
PORSCHE

Body-In-White 911s Spawned Seven-Figure Restomod Market
Alois Ruf Jr.'s 1987 CTR Yellowbird vision transformed the modern Porsche restomod scene into what it is today.
INDUSTRY

Crashing Into Expensive Cars Can Devastate Your Finances
Basic insurance coverage may not protect against financially devastating accidents, especially with luxury vehicles involved.
OLDSMOBILE

The Iconic Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser Remains a TV Show Legend
The '70s wagon featured unique design elements and TV fame. Here's what buyers should know today.
ENTHUSIAST

Classic Car Oil Requirements Depend on Age and Wear
Vehicle maintenance for classics involves specific lubrication needs, with oil type varying by engine condition and age.
WEC
Ferrari Takes Imola Hyperpole, Edges Toyota by 0.011 Seconds
Antonio Giovinazzi secured pole position for the 2026 WEC season opener, building on last year's home victory.
ENTHUSIAST

Cruise Ship Multiple Diesel Engine Strategy Serves Critical Purpose
Ships use diverse diesel engine arrays for operational redundancy that's essential for crew and passenger safety.
Sources
- Jalopnik - Phoenix Police Mexican Plates
- Jalopnik - Ford Bronco II Rollover History
- Jalopnik - Tesla FSD European Test
- Road & Track - Nürburgring Accident
- Jalopnik - Porsche Restomod Scene
- Jalopnik - Insurance Coverage
- Jalopnik - Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
- Jalopnik - Classic Car Oil
- Road & Track - WEC Imola
- Jalopnik - Cruise Ship Engines
