Record – Engine Icon https://engineicon.com Latest car news and advice blog Tue, 14 Jul 2026 02:07:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://engineicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cropped-ME_favicon-1-32x32.png Record – Engine Icon https://engineicon.com 32 32 Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut Just Sets Fastest Quarter-Mile Record for a Production Car https://engineicon.com/koenigsegg-jesko-absolut-just-sets-fastest-quarter-mile-record-for-a-production-car/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:18:40 +0000 https://engineicon.com/koenigsegg-jesko-absolut-just-sets-fastest-quarter-mile-record-for-a-production-car/

Newest Addition to Jesko Absolut’s Record Collection

The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut is basically on a first-name basis with world records at this point. Not long ago, it was duking it out with the Rimac Nevera R for acceleration (and braking) bragging rights. Turns out, Koenigsegg had a few more tricks up its sleeve.

On Sweden’s National Day, June 6, Koenigsegg rolled back to its home turf in Ängelholm with the Jesko Absolut in tow. If you’re wondering about the name, it’s a nod to Jesko von Koenigsegg, the founder’s dad. The mission? Build the fastest Koenigsegg ever. Simple as that.

Factory test driver Markus Lundh took the wheel in a fresh in-house video and didn’t just break one record – he smashed two. With Racelogic VBox gear keeping things honest, the Jesko Absolut is now officially the fastest production car over both the quarter-mile and half-mile.

Faster Than the Nevera and the Corvette ZR1X

The Jesko Absolut blitzed the quarter-mile in just 8.54 seconds, blasting past the line at 305 km/h (190 mph). That’s not just quick – it’s historic. No other production car has ever cracked 300 km/h in the quarter-mile before.

But the Jesko wasn’t done showing off. It kept its foot down through the half-mile, hitting 373 km/h (232 mph) in just 12.76 seconds. Another record, just like that.

Those numbers put the Jesko Absolut ahead of some seriously heavy hitters. The Rimac Nevera has been the straight-line king for a while, and Chevy’s new Corvette ZR1X has been making waves too – at least for an American nameplate. Now, Koenigsegg owns the fastest verified quarter-mile and half-mile runs ever logged by a production car.

What’s even crazier is how the Jesko pulled it off. Forget all-wheel drive and sticky drag strips – this beast did it with rear-wheel drive, regular production tires, and an unprepped runway. No special tricks, just raw speed.

Koenigsegg

Good News for Existing Owners

The record run wasn’t just a flex. Koenigsegg says the record-setting numbers came down to new software tweaks. And instead of keeping the magic to themselves, they’re rolling out the update to all Jesko Absolut owners via over-the-air updates. So, if you’re one of the one-percenters already housing one in a temperature-controlled, multi-car warehouse, you might be about to get even faster – no wrenches required.

The Jesko Absolut is already rubbing shoulders with the hypercar elite. Under the hood sits a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 that cranks out up to 1,600 horsepower on E85. Unlike the track-hungry Jesko Attack, the Absolut ditches downforce for slippery aerodynamics and even more top speed.

Koenigsegg


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Record Auto Aftermarket Expo attendance https://engineicon.com/record-auto-aftermarket-expo-attendance/ Mon, 18 May 2026 07:18:40 +0000 https://engineicon.com/record-auto-aftermarket-expo-attendance/

MELBOURNE has again played host to the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, with the biennial event and its co-located Collision Repair Expo drawing 15,000 visitors across three days to set a new attendance record for the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest automotive trade event.

 

Exhibiting more than 400 brands across 21,000m2 of the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre with tools, workshop equipment, diagnostics, technology, parts, accessories and business solutions on display, the event served up free world-class training, live demonstrations, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning designed to help workshops, technicians, and automotive professionals stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

 

With new product launches and the latest innovations in workshop equipment, electrified drivetrain technologies, performance products, and business systems from Australia’s leading suppliers and global brands, Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association CEO Stuart Charity said Expo visitors were somewhat spoiled for choice.

 

“The 2026 Expo exceeded every expectation and has taken this event to another level entirely,” he said.

 

“There is so much to see, do and learn; from the latest tools and technology to free world-class training and networking that can help grow businesses and further careers.”

 

Indeed, the variety of product, skill, and ingenuity on display at this year’s Expo made judging the best in the business a more difficult task than ever before.

 

The Auto Aftermarket Innovation Awards Breakfast recognised the companies delivering the industry’s most innovative new products, programs and campaigns, welcoming industry guests ahead of the official opening of the Expo.

 

On Thursday evening the Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards Banquet brought together hundreds of industry leaders to celebrate outstanding achievement across the aftermarket.

 

A highlight of the industry calendar, the Awards Banquet recognised excellence across manufacturing, exports, business leadership, workplace culture, education, and community impact, while also celebrating individuals making a significant contribution to the future of the industry.

 

“The Awards events are always one of the most rewarding parts of the Expo because they shine a spotlight on the incredible talent, innovation and commitment across our industry,” said Mr Charity.

 

With several internation trainers travelling to Melbourne for the event – including diagnostic experts Steve Smith from the UK, Scott Hicks from the USA, and Keith and Liz Perkins from the USA – the Expo gave attendees the opportunity to better understand ADAS technology and calibration processes, sensor systems, and vehicle diagnostics.

 

Next-generation technicians were also offered the opportunity to showcase their skills at the Flying Spanners competition area where automotive apprentices raced the clock through a series of fast-paced practical challenges, with Brandon Booth from Bomaderry in NSW emerging as the 2026 winner.

 

Speaking with GoAuto at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, FMP Group (Bendix) chief executive officer George Kyriakopoulos said winning the Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product at this year’s Expo recognised the ongoing innovation and hard work of the local Bendix team.

 

“We are a business that wants to continually improve things, right across the board, and this award recognises the hard work of our team – a team that works to improve our products, to make things even better than before, and to innovate wherever possible,” he said.

 

“It’s such a proud moment to be recognised for that. It’s a team effort, and this is team recognition … it recognises that a lot of people have been involved in getting everything that we do to where it is.

 

“It also means a lot for an Australian company to win this award. The innovation that Australians have, that they’ve always had, is something important, and that is reflected in the quality of our products.

 

“We are very proud to sit against any international competition, because we can come up with and improve on things. We’re always looking to make things better for the Australian car-buying public, and for drivers and workshop owners in general.”

 

Innovation in sustainability was also recognised in Melbourne, with Adelaide-based Redarc Electronics recognised with the Automotive Business Sustainability Award.

 

The company has received multiple Auto Aftermarket Innovation Awards over the years, with Redarc CEO Anthony Kittel telling GoAuto that sustainability was an important part of doing business.

 

“Our team the is dedicated to sustainability in everything that we do … and it’s something that is front of mind in every project and every product,” he explained.

 

“In fact, sustainability is one of our core business values, and it’s an honour to be recognised for something that is built into the ethos of everything we do.”

 

Away from the awards, it was the innovation and growth of familiar names in the aftermarket industry that differentiated this year’s Expo most from 2024.

 

Both existing and new participants at the show stepped up their presence at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, reflecting their confidence in the industry – and their own businesses.

 

Schaeffler Australia was one of the many businesses to have developed its presence considerably in recent times, with the company’s Vehicle Lifetime Solutions manager (Pacific) Warren Bartlett telling GoAuto the company now offers parts for Asian-made vehicles.

 

“What we bring to the (after) market are repair solutions, comprehensive kits that allow workshops to do the job right the first time by offering every component required to complete a certain task,” he explained.

 

“The big drive for us now is launching into the Asian range of the market, and to highlight that we have solutions available for not only the European side of the market, but also for Toyota, Hyundai, and other Asian marques.

 

“When people think Schaeffler, they typically think European, and that’s a bit of a misconception. We have been working with our counterparts in Asia in some cases for the last 40 years … so we have a long history with many of the large Asian manufacturers.”

 

Importantly, Mr Bartlett explained that Schaeffler parts and repair kits are the same as supplied to the OEM, ensuring workshops and repairers can fit a genuine part, avoiding the uncertainty that is often associated with third-party parts.

 

“As OE suppliers, we are very well placed to supply parts and repair kits for a wide range of vehicles from most manufacturers,” he said.

 

Mr Bartlett said it was also important to consider how replacing a like-for-like component could extend the life of a vehicle, saving not only cost to the customer, but also to the environment.

 

“By offering the component itself, say for example a mechatronics unit, we are able to extend the life of a unit, like a transmission, that would otherwise be replaced, or lead to the car itself scrapped,” he explained.

 

“These are the kinds of things we look at. We are now even able to offer kits that extend the life of EVs, which have previously been quite challenging – and that’s a great opportunity. We have a lot of those things going on in the background.

 

“We want to stop cars going to landfill unnecessarily. With the right components and OE repairs, there is no reason we can’t keep them on the road for as long as we can.”

 

And when it comes to keeping cars on the road, it is the next generation of mechanics and technicians that will be responsible for just that.

 

The automotive apprentices participating in this year’s Flying Spanners competition showed their talents in diagnostic and repairs, skills that will see some of the finest move on to compete at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai later this year.

 

Speaking with GoAuto at the Flying Spanners stand, TAFE New South Wales head teacher of automotive trades Kirk Trease said learnings made in competition placed students in the right frame of mind to deal with real-world challenges.

 

“There are a lot of challenges here that will stress people, both mentally and physically, which is a good representation of what technicians encounter in a modern workshop,” he said.

 

“Today, your average technician needs to be able to research documentation, the source data, and to also possess the technical skills that allow them to implement that information into a vehicle.

 

“That’s why competitions like this are a great lead up to the realities of the real-world – and to the range of skills required to compete in something like the WorldSkills Competition.”

 

Only the best of the best will represent Australia on the global stage, with candidates often progressing to become highly skilled technicians in their elected field.

 

“With the WorldSkills Competition coming up in Shanghai later this year, we are expecting our apprentices to really step up. They are competing against the best, and they are all there for a reason,” he explained.

 

“There is a lot of preparation involved. This event is literally like the Olympics for automotive apprentices; they get to represent their country on the world stage.

 

“It’s a very steep learning curve, especially with diagnostics, EVs, and ADAS becoming a critical part of what they do.

 

“But the younger generation certainly has the capacity to understand all of that, and they understand that this is a trade that doesn’t just require you to be physically fit, but one that requires you to be mentally articulate.

 

“These young ladies and gentlemen have grown up with this kind of technology, they live in this environment, and they’re very well placed to understand and excel in this field. It’s a great career path.”

 

For young people at the Awards Banquet, the event also provided an opportunity to be inspired by outstanding individuals and organisations whose contribution and leadership within the industry were celebrated.

 

John Blanchard Junior from CoolDrive Auto Parts received the prestigious Outstanding Service to Industry Award, while Doug Steindl from Zeder Corporation was recognised with the Kim Aunger Young Achiever Award.

 

Chelsea Lawson was awarded the Women at the Wheel Award, and Clint Flower received the Automotive Education Excellence Award.

 

Stuart Charity was also honoured by his peers for his 20 years’ service to the industry, as the CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association.

 

Three respected industry leaders were also inducted into the AAAA Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding long-term contribution to the automotive aftermarket industry.

 

Steve Broad, Shayne Quaile and Allan Gray OAM were acknowledged for their dedication, leadership and lasting impact on the industry over many years.

 

“The show floor was buzzing for three straight days, exhibitors invested in spectacular displays, and the level of engagement, networking and business activity was exceptional,” said Mr Charity.

 

“The Expo brings the industry together like nothing else – connecting workshop owners, technicians, collision repairers, manufacturers, suppliers and industry leaders face-to-face to share ideas and invest in the future of the industry.”

 

2026 Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards:

 

Outstanding Service to Industry: John Blanchard Junior, CoolDrive Auto Parts

Kim Aunger Young Achiever Award: Doug Steindl, Zeder Corporation

AAAA Hall of Fame Inductee: Steve Broad

AAAA Hall of Fame Inductee: Shayne Quaile

AAAA Hall of Fame Inductee: Allan Gray OAM

Women at the Wheel Award: Chelsea Lawson

Automotive Education Excellence Award: Clint Flower

Terry Mahoney Excellence in Marketing Award: Don Kyatt Group

Excellence in Manufacturing Award: Redarc Electronics

Excellence in Export Award: Don Kyatt Group

Excellence in Employee Engagement & Wellbeing Award: Zeder Corporation

Excellence in Repair & Service Chain Award: JAX Tyres & Auto

 

2026 Australian Auto Aftermarket Innovation Awards:

 

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product Four Wheel Drive: Cruisemaster

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product General Parts & Accessories: BWI

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product Electrical: FMP Group

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product Performance: Valvoline

Most Innovative New Servicing Product Tools & Equipment: Logicar

Automotive Business Sustainability Award: Redarc Electronics

Most Innovative Community Impact Program: Fulcrum Suspensions

Most Innovative Marketing Campaign: Repco

Most Innovative E-commerce Solution: Zeder Corporation

 

2026 Auto Aftermarket Expo Stand Awards:

 

Best Stand 36 Square Metres and Under: Podium

Best Stand Over 36 Square Metres: CoolDrive Auto Parts

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Subaru Outback Sales Rebound as Subaru Hits EV Record https://engineicon.com/subaru-outback-sales-rebound-as-subaru-hits-ev-record/ Tue, 05 May 2026 06:31:31 +0000 https://engineicon.com/subaru-outback-sales-rebound-as-subaru-hits-ev-record/

The Outback Has A Bounceback

Chase Bierenkoven

Subaru published its April 2026 sales figures, and the midsize Outback had its best month of the year (so far) with 10,552 units sold. That number represents a slight decrease of 8.3% from last April when it moved 11,501 units, though 2025 was a fairly impressive year for the Outback given it was in the final model year of its sixth-generation.

Model

April 26

April 25

YTD 26

YTD 25

Outback

10,552

11,501

37,626

51,435

Even still, the Outback is starting to bounce back after a rocky start to 2026, which has seen the popular model move just 37,626 units through April, down 26.9% compared to 2025 when it sold 51,435 units in the first four months. Critics of the seventh-generation Outback might claim the drop in sales can be attributed to the new model’s styling, which is more aggressive and less wagon-like than ever before. This rebound in April could show the sluggish sales were due to the model year changeover and a lack of inventory, not a lack of demand.

New EVs Hit Dealers

Subaru


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April 2026 also represented Subaru’s best-ever month for electric car sales with 2,053 vehicles sold. The Subaru Solterra moved 1,128 units, an 18.9% gain from the same month in 2025. Subaru has sold 4,169 Solterras so far in 2026, which is an increase of 2.2% from the same period last year, an impressive feat considering the company no longer has the $7,500 federal tax credit to entice customers. That could be partially due to some impressive lease deals.

Model

April 26

April 25

YTD 26

YTD 25

Solterra

1,128

949

4,169

4,080

Trailseeker

406

N/A

N/A

N/A

Uncharted

519

N/A

N/A

N/A

The Solterra is joined by two brand-new models, the Trailseeker and Uncharted, which debuted this month with 406 and 519 units sold, respectively. These are modest sales numbers, but it’s a start for two fresh nameplates. Both the Trailseeker and Uncharted ride on Toyota platforms, sharing architectures with the bZ Woodland and C-HR.

A Down April

Subaru


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Overall, Subaru’s sales in April dropped to 52,733 units, down from 5.9% from 56,011 units in 2025. Year-to-date, the Japanese automaker has sold 194,683 vehicles, a drop of 12.7% form last year. There are a few bright points in the lineup, like the affordable Forester, which is up 4% year-to-date to 71,989 units, though it did see a drop in 7.7% drop in April to 17,837 units.

Model

April 26

April 25

YTD 26

YTD 25

Crosstrek

15,667

14,935

54,164

58,547

Forester

17,837

19,330

71,989

69,195

WRX

1,178

772

4,680

5,599

The sporty WRX saw a surprise 52.6% increase in April to 1,178 units, though the all-wheel-drive sedan is currently down 16.4% YTD to 4,680 units. The Crosstrek also saw a nice 4.9% bump in April due to an affordable lease, hitting 15,667 units, though sales are still down 7.5% YTD.

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Watch the Czinger 21C testing at the Green Hell ahead of record attempt https://engineicon.com/watch-the-czinger-21c-testing-at-the-green-hell-ahead-of-record-attempt/ Sun, 26 Apr 2026 09:24:59 +0000 https://engineicon.com/watch-the-czinger-21c-testing-at-the-green-hell-ahead-of-record-attempt/

The Czinger 21C has been testing at the Nürburgring in preparation for a lap record attempt. The American hypercar is not only expected to beat the Mustang GTD’s record but will also challenge the Mercedes-AMG One’s outright lap record.

In this video captured by CarSpyMedia, the Czinger 21C can be seen testing hard during an industry pool session. Watch as the hypercar attacks corners while negotiating through traffic.

The 21C is not like your regular hypercar. It has a unique design featuring a narrow cockpit, where the driver sits in the centre with the passenger seat positioned right behind him. This setup reduces the frontal cross-section of the car, which helps reduce drag. It also has a massive rear spoiler, which should come in handy on the twisty, undulating tarmac of the Nordschleife.

Powering 21C is a rather unusual engine. It’s a 2.88-liter twin-turbo V8, which is paired with three electric motors to deliver a combined output of 1250 hp to the rear wheels.

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What EV Slowdown? Used Electric Car Sales Hit A Record High In March https://engineicon.com/what-ev-slowdown-used-electric-car-sales-hit-a-record-high-in-march/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:37:48 +0000 https://engineicon.com/what-ev-slowdown-used-electric-car-sales-hit-a-record-high-in-march/

  • Used EV sales are bouncing back strongly after the end of EV tax credits in September. 
  • Americans bought nearly 43,000 used EVs in March, according to new industry data, marking a new monthly record. 
  • Last month, used EV sales rose by 28% year over year, as new EV sales slumped by almost the same amount. 

As new electric vehicles struggle to gain traction again, the market for used electric cars is swiftly shaking off the loss of EV tax credits, new sales data published last week shows.

In March, according to Cox Automotive, Americans bought 42,924 secondhand electric cars. That is by far the best month for used EVs since Congress eliminated all EV tax credits at the end of the third quarter of 2025; from October through February, monthly used EV sales numbered roughly 30,000, plus or minus a couple-thousand units, according to Cox. But that’s not all. Last month’s used EV sales represented a new record, surpassing August’s 40,960 units. That previous record came at the height of the tax-credit-fueled EV-buying frenzy, so topping it this quickly is impressive.

It all suggests that the post-tax-credit hangover may be in the rearview for the used EV market—and underscores how drastically the markets for new and used EVs are diverging. The short-lived federal tax credit for used EVs provided up to $4,000 toward the purchase of a vehicle that cost $25,000 or less, so long as buyers also fell below income caps. Americans rushed to claim the credit throughout last summer. But even without it, used EVs are proving to be a fast-growing bright spot in an otherwise gloomy EV industry. In March, used EV sales were up 27.7%, per Cox. 

We break down the week’s biggest EV stories every Friday

Compare that with what’s happening with new EVs. After the $7,500 incentive met its early end in September, sales of new EVs fell by over 50%. They’ve struggled to recover. In March, roughly 83,000 new EVs were sold, a 20% month-over-month gain, but a nearly 25% year-over-year decline, per Cox.

Supply is a big part of the used-EV success story. There has never been a better time to shop for a lightly used, modern, long-range EV. All those cheap EV leases people jumped into over the last few years are starting to return to dealerships. Meanwhile, automakers are shifting focus to combustion vehicles and pulling electric models from the market, dinging sales of new vehicles.






2024 Kia EV6 Winter Test

Off-lease EVs present a huge buying opportunity for EV shoppers on a budget. 

Photo by: Patrick George

High gas prices may have something to do with the strong results too. “The influence of high gas prices can’t be ignored in the numbers,” Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox, wrote in a statement on Wednesday. 

The used EV market may continue on being the industry’s growth engine for some time. Over 1 million EVs are set to come off lease in the next two years, according to Recurrent, flooding dealerships with nice, two-to-three-year-old electric cars. And high prices at the pump look like they’re sticking around too. 

Contact the author: Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com

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EV sales hit record high in March amid fuel price hikes, BYD overtakes Tesla again https://engineicon.com/ev-sales-hit-record-high-in-march-amid-fuel-price-hikes-byd-overtakes-tesla-again/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:26:15 +0000 https://engineicon.com/ev-sales-hit-record-high-in-march-amid-fuel-price-hikes-byd-overtakes-tesla-again/

Electric vehicle sales in March reached an all-time high in Australia, reaching a record number of 15,839 and a record share of 14.5 per cent – nearly double the share in the same month last year – as consumers searched out EVs amid the global fuel crisis.

The EV sales were led by China’s BYD, which once again overtook Tesla in total brand sales, but could have been higher were it not for many companies running out of stock. Tesla last week promised more ships, and more deliveries, after the wait time for its Model Y electric SUV blew out to several months.

BYD, which has a number of different models, sold a total of 4,206 EVs in March, beating Tesla with 3,485, although the Model Y regained its position as the top selling EV with 2,818 – which would put it at number 3 in the overall list behind the popular Ford and Toyota diesel utes.

Other EV makers also boosted sales, helped by multiple incentives that were already in place in March before Donald Trump’s war in the Middle East led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, soaring prices and concerns about fuel supply as many servos ran out of fuel.

In March last year, EVs accounted for only 7.5% of total new car sales.

EV Sales Breakdown – March 2026

FCAI vFacts 12,194
EVC (Polestar + Tesla) 3,645
EV Sales Total (FCAI + EVC) 15,839
Total Vehicle Sales (FCAI + EVC) 108,703

For the first three months of the year, EV sales have doubled in Australia. Last year they totalled 17,901, and 2026 already shows 34,382 new electric cars made it onto the road.

In March, PHEV sales increased from the previous month, with 8,215 PHEVs sold, up from over 5,000 in February.

Looking into the EV models that made up the top 5 Tesla sales, the Tesla Model Y stayed at the top spot with 2,818 sales. The Sealion 7 SUV came in the second spot with 1,970 sales. 

Image: Riz Akhtar

The third spot went to Zeekr’s 7X, raking in 679 sales during the month. Tesla Model 3 and Geely EX5 made up the rest of the top 5.

Other notable mentions include the BYD Atto 1, Australia’s cheapest EV, which saw 488 sales in its best month to date. Omoda Jaecoo J5 EV also showed solid growth in the SUV segment, surpassing 500 sales in the month.

The best-selling EVs in March 2026 were:

  • Tesla Model Y – 2,818 sales
  • BYD Sealion 7 – 1,970 sales
  • Zeekr 7X – 679 sales
  • Tesla Model 3 – 667 sales
  • Geely EX5 – 606 sales
  • Kia EV5 – 587 sales
  • BYD Atto 2 – 572 sales
  • Omoda Jaecoo J5 – 569 sales
  • BYD Atto 1 – 488 sales
  • MG S5 – 475 sales
  • BYD Atto 3 – 466 sales
  • Kia EV3 – 461 sales

The Driven is waiting to hear back from various manufacturers regarding sales of some EV models, and this will be updated once they are received.  You can see our detailed data here: Australian electric vehicle sales by month in 2026 – by model and by brand

FCAI CEO Tony Weber said it is too early to determine whether this represents a structural shift in the market. “More consumers are considering EVs due to the disruption to fuel supply caused by conflict in the Middle East, along with the review into the fringe benefits tax concession for EVs,” he said in a statement.

“The automotive industry would welcome a sustained shift to EVs, given its substantial investment in bringing more than 100 EV models to the Australian market and the industry’s efforts to meet ambitious NVES targets.

 “A long-term shift to EVs will require Australian governments to sharpen their focus on public charging infrastructure, particularly in regional areas and locations where home charging is not practical.”

Will the recent growth in interest and EV lead times being pushed out for brands like Tesla and others impact upcoming monthly sales? Time will tell.  

See full details of EV sales for each month of the year in our database here.

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The Ford Mustang GTD Might Have Just Destroyed the Chevy Corvette ZR1X’s Nurburgring Lap Record https://engineicon.com/the-ford-mustang-gtd-might-have-just-destroyed-the-chevy-corvette-zr1xs-nurburgring-lap-record/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:36:24 +0000 https://engineicon.com/the-ford-mustang-gtd-might-have-just-destroyed-the-chevy-corvette-zr1xs-nurburgring-lap-record/

There just might be a new American king of the Nurburgring.

Multiple videos across the Internet show the Ford Mustang GTD blasting around the Nurburgring on Tuesday in what appears to clearly be a record attempt. A video on StatesideSupercars Youtube channel embedded below claims the updated Mustang GTD ran the ‘Ring in 6:41.74.

6:41.74 FORD MUSTANG GTD (EVO) NÜRBURGRING LAP Record Attempt, Outside footage & Timing!





If true, that would mean the Ford Mustang GTD just absolutely destroyed the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1‘s ‘Ring time of 6:50.763 and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X‘s ‘Ring time of 6:49.275. Further, that would make the Mustang GTD quicker around the ‘Ring than the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series, Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR, and even the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Manthey Performance.

Ford was out for blood, and it might’ve gotten it.

StatesideSupercars notes that the timing of 6:41.74 might be off by a second plus or minus due to the start and finish line being out of sight. Even if the time isn’t 100%, that still makes the Mustang GTD the American ‘Ring king. Further, it puts the Mustang GTD in absolute rarified air.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG One ran the ‘Ring in 6:29.090. The AMG One is basically a street-legal supercar with an F1 race car powertrain. That makes all this bananas.

A Ford spokesperson told The Drive,“Like we said, game on.” Indeed.

For history sake, the Ford Mustang GTD was the first American car to run a sub 7-minute lap around the ‘Ring. Then Ford beat its own record by 5.5 seconds months later. Then Team Chevy came and ruined Ford’s day by beating the Mustang GTD with both the Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X.

Ford CEO Jim Farley took it personally. Farley congratulated Team Chevy and immediately said, “Game on.” He was serious.

Team Ford showed back up to the ‘Ring with a modified Mustang GTD back in October. Clearly the Blue Oval was testing updates for what would later become a record run. That record run, and subsequent new record, seems to possibly have taken place yesterday.

We’ll await final word from Ford. There just might be a new champ in town, and it wasn’t a second or two that Ford shaved off. This time Ford might have shaved off 10.3 seconds, give or take a second. Impressive.

Got a tip about a new record? Send us a note at tips@thedrive.com




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Porsche Carrera GT in one-off Gulf Blue sells for a record $6.7 million https://engineicon.com/porsche-carrera-gt-in-one-off-gulf-blue-sells-for-a-record-6-7-million/ Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:21:24 +0000 https://engineicon.com/porsche-carrera-gt-in-one-off-gulf-blue-sells-for-a-record-6-7-million/

Porsche Carrera GT values are hovering around the $3-3.5 million mark in 2026. But, when a rare, Paint-to-Sample (PTS) version comes up for sale, you can expect it to sell for a lot more than that.

One of these rare Carrera GTs went under the hammer at Broad Arrow Auctions this weekend. It is not only one of the 19 PTS cars ever produced but also the only Carrera GT finished in Gulf Blue. It’s no surprise that it went for a record $6.7 million.

porsche-carrera-gt-gulf blue-auction-3

The Carrera GT looks stunning in the sky blue shade. It is paired with yellow brake calipers. The interior is special too, with Ascot Brown leather upholstery all around. It also comes with a matching luggage set.

Powering the Carrera GT is a glorious 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V10 that puts out 603 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, with power going to the rear axle. This car has just 2,807 miles on the clock.

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Another Porsche that has been making headlines this weekend is the Carrera GT Sport Canepa.

Source: Broad Arrow Auctions

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Global EV sales hit record 20.5 million in 2025 with BYD snatching the crown from Tesla https://engineicon.com/global-ev-sales-hit-record-20-5-million-in-2025-with-byd-snatching-the-crown-from-tesla/ Thu, 05 Mar 2026 22:38:59 +0000 https://engineicon.com/global-ev-sales-hit-record-20-5-million-in-2025-with-byd-snatching-the-crown-from-tesla/

The global shift toward electric cars reached an important milestone last year. In 2025, drivers around the world bought 20.53 million new energy vehicles. This group includes battery-electric cars (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and fuel-cell vehicles. This is a 26% jump compared to the year before, proving that the appetite for EVs is still growing, even if the pace is starting to shift.

The numbers are big, but experts at TrendForce expect things to calm down a bit in 2026. Global EV sales are projected to reach 23.4 million units this year – still an increase, but the growth rate is expected to drop to 14%. A big reason for this change is China, which until now was the main engine driving the world’s electric car market. That market is maturing now, and the rapid-fire growth we saw in previous years is naturally slowing down.

Global EV sales rankings - source: TrendForce
Global EV sales rankings – source: TrendForce

China still holds the title of the world’s largest market for electric cars, accounting for about 66% of all sales in 2025. Its own growth rate sat at 24%, which was actually a little bit lower than the global average. On the other side of the map, Western Europe had a fantastic year. Sales there grew by nearly 30%, marking the best performance for the region since 2022.

The most shocking news from the 2025 rankings involves the battle at the top. For the first time, the Chinese brand BYD has overtaken Tesla to become the world leader in battery-electric car sales. BYD saw its sales grow by 25% over the year. Tesla, on the other hand, saw its sales slide by about 9%. Many analysts believe Tesla struggled because it did not release enough new or updated models to keep shoppers interested.

Tesla Model X - source: Tesla
Tesla Model X – source: Tesla

Other Chinese companies are also making big moves. Geely climbed up to fourth place in the global rankings, doubling its market share from 3% to 6%. A lot of that success came from a small, affordable car called the Xingyuan, which costs less than 100,000 Chinese Yuan (about $13,800). Even the tech company Xiaomi is getting in on the action. It tripled its market share from 1% to 3% in just one year, landing it in eighth place globally.

Volkswagen is having a tougher time. Even though the German giant sold more cars overall, it lost ground in China. To fix this, Volkswagen launched a new brand specifically for Chinese drivers. They are also working closely with XPeng to build new cars together. We should see the first results of this partnership hit the streets real soon.

BYD is the new King of EV Sales
BYD is the new King of EV Sales

In the world of plug-in hybrids, BYD is still the king with a 31.5% market share. Unfortunately, even the king had a rough patch, seeing its first-ever drop in sales volume. Meanwhile, Li Auto, which used to be in second place, had a very difficult 2025. Its sales fell by 30%, and it dropped to fifth place in the hybrid rankings. To fight back, Li Auto is spending a lot of money on Artificial Intelligence to make its cars smarter and more high-tech.

2026 will bring some big changes to how people pay for electric cars. In China, the government is changing how it gives out discounts. Instead of a flat cash amount, the subsidy will be a percentage of the car’s price. This might make cheaper cars feel more expensive for buyers. In the United States, the situation is even more dramatic because federal subsidies for EVs have ended completely. Germany, on the other hand, is bringing back its subsidies and won’t care where the car was built, which is great news for brands imported from China.

BYD Han L -  source: BYD
BYD Han L – source: BYD

Building high-tech EVs is also getting more complicated – modern electric cars are basically computers on wheels, and they need a lot of memory chips. These chips usually only make up 1% to 5% of the total cost of building the car. If the price of critical components goes up or the supply runs low, it can cause big delays – something we have witnessed for the last few years. Automakers are now working harder than ever to make sure they have a steady supply of parts so they can keep their factory lines moving and their software updated.

2026 is shaping up to be a year of big changes. The EV markets around the world are maturing, and many automakers are bringing more affordable models to customers, while others are calling it quits on electric cars. The world is slowly getting divided with entire countries taking either a pro-EV stance or going back to fossil fuels – something we did not expect to ever happen.

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Ferrari Enzo sells for a record $17.9 million at auction https://engineicon.com/ferrari-enzo-sells-for-a-record-17-9-million-at-auction/ Sun, 18 Jan 2026 16:48:07 +0000 https://engineicon.com/ferrari-enzo-sells-for-a-record-17-9-million-at-auction/

A yellow Ferrari Enzo, part of the Phil Bachman Collection, has just been sold at auction for $17.87 million, destroying all previous auction records.

Prior to this, the most expensive Ferrari Enzo was sold in 2023. It had gone for approximately $6.26 million.

Ferrari Enzo Yellow-Mecum Auctions 2026-2

Chassis no. 135262 is painted in Giallo Modena, making it one of just 36 Enzos painted in this shade of yellow. Only 11 of these exist in the US. Inside, it is fitted with the factory custom Rosso and Giallo seats.

This is one of those rare low-mileage Enzos. The odometer reading at the time of sale was 649 miles. However, there are Enzos with delivery miles as well. Two cars are currently on sale at F1rst Motors, Dubai.

Ferrari Enzo Yellow-Mecum Auctions 2026-1

That being said, this Enzo is Ferrari Classiche certified with Red Book and has won at several concours events, including Platinum and The Supercar Cup at the 2011 Cavallino Classic.

The Ferrari Enzo is one of the last analogue supercars. It is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine that makes 651 hp and 485 lb-ft of torque. It is bolted to a 6-speed automated manual transmission, which drives the rear axle.

Source: Mecum Auctions

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