FLAT ROCK — In a finish that was not unexpected, 15-year-old Max Reaves continued his hot streak in the ARCA East Series on Saturday night, winning his third straight race in Joe Gibbs Racing equipment to begin his young career in the series. He is just the second driver in East Series history to win his first three races entered.

Reaves — a protege of NASCAR champion Bobby Labonte, who was at the track Saturday and signed autographs for a long line of fans — won the pole for Saturday’s Dutch Boy 150 and held off the hard-charging 17-year-old Tyler Reif, who kept him honest for the entire 150-lap distance. Reif managed to lead 6 laps on Saturday, but Reaves dominated with 144 laps led.

The win follows two earlier wins for Reaves at Five Flags Speedway and Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. He’ll aim to be come the first driver to win four straight races to start his East Series career when the series returns July 18 at Dover. That race will be televised live on FS1.

Others who fought hard all night and came home with solid finishes include Takuma Koga, who came all the way from Japan to race and took him an ARCA career-best 3rd-place finish. The driver was ecstatic after the race, proclaiming his love for short tracks and saying, “I love Detroit!” Koga battled for much of the race with East Series points leader Isaac Kitzmiller, who ended up 7th after a flat tire derailed his race.

Matt Kemp also had a strong night, qualifying 2nd and finished 4th, his first ARCA East top-5 finish. Austin Vaughn scored his first career ARCA Menards Series East top-5 finish in fifth. 

As Volkswagen continues its efforts to grow market share in the SUV segment, it has made some updates to the 2025 edition of the smallest member of the family — the Volkswagen Taos.

This little SUV isn’t going to sit idly by while others in the segment make upgrades. WIth the 2025 Taos, Volkswagen has decided to add additional horsepower to the engine, as well as some style updates to both the exterior and interior of the vehicle, plus a larger infotainment screen.

I recently tested a 2025 Volkswagen Taos SE Black model, and I’m back with a full report on how the vehicle holds up vs. other compact SUVs — including offerings from Chevy (Trax), Mazda (CX-30), Buick (Envista) and Subaru (Crosstrek).

FLAT ROCK — History could be made tonight at Flat Rock Speedway in the ARCA Menards Series East, as Max Reaves aims to continue a dominant start to his career in the Dutch Boy 150.

Driving for Joe Gibbs Racing and coming off two straight wins to start his series career at Five Flags Speedway and Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, he is aiming to make it three straight victories tonight at Flat Rock, which would tie the series record for most consecutive wins to start a career in the series — held by road racer Will Rodgers, who won three straight starts in 2017 and 2018.

The series returns for the third straight year to Flat Rock, following victories by now-Xfinity regulars Connor Zilisch and William Sawalich. Along with the ARCA race, tonight’s action at Flat Rock will feature Street Stock and Factory Stock competition.

Other notes from tonight’s race:

— Isaac Kitzmiller, just 16 years old, comes into tonight’s Flat Rock race as the ARCA Menards Series East points leader. His team is receiving assistance from ARCA legend Frank Kimmel, who raced 15 times at Flat Rock and won twice in 1998 and 2000.

— Tyler Reif has three career ARCA Menards Series West victories and seeks his first ARCA East win tonight. In 2024, Reif won at the 0.375-mile Shasta Speedway and finished third at the quarter-mile All American Speedway, on his way to winning the West Series’ owner’s championship for Central Coast Racing.

— Zachary Tinkle sits second in the ARCA Menards Series East standings, the highest ranking in his career. He took home a career-best fourth-place finish at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.

— Jackson McLerran makes his second start of the season, with two-time Daytona 500-winning crew chief Todd Parrott overseeing his effort this weekend.

— Local favorite Jeffrey MacZink makes his first start of the season at Flat Rock. MacZink, who lives just a few miles from the track, started his racing career in the Street Stock division at the track.

— The 150-lap race will be run straight through will no scheduled breaks and no scheduled pit stops. The only pit stops will be for emergency repairs or adjustments.

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Kia’s continued presence in the sedan field with its K4 and K5 offerings shows they are serious about sticking it out in this segment, as many other OEMs are dropping sedan lines to focus on SUVs.

And to spice things up, they have some interesting options available, including the 2025 Kia K5 GT, a turbocharged powerhouse I recently had the pleasure of pedaling.

The K5 is the larger of the two Kia sedan offerings, and this GT offering shows they are able to provide buyers with an option that doubles as both a solid family commuter ride and a fun weekend getaway car.

Read on to learn more about the 2025 Kia K5 GT, and how it holds up against the remaining midsize SUVs battling for critical market share.

While much of the world continues to obsess over SUVs and trucks, it’s easy to forget that some individuals and families still need a small, affordable car.

This is why vehicles like the brand new 2025 Kia K4 — a brand new compact sedan that replaces the Forte in Kia’s lineup — exist.

I recently tested a 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo model, which showed me that a small vehicle can still have a lot to offer.

Read on for a full breakdown of how this vehicle measures up in a battle against compact sedan stalwarts such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Hyundai Elantra.

The Land Rover Defender fills a unique place in the automotive landscape — living somewhat of a double life.

It’s wholly built for tackling the off-road trails, but also has the composure to serve as a comfortable daily driver inside city limits.

It’s also more upscale in design than other off-road vehicle options such as the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a Land Rover Defender, and here are 5 key things to know if you are considering taking one home.

Fans of the Infiniti brand have spent a long time waiting for an updated design on its largest SUV, and it’s finally here. And I’m not exaggerating, as the QX80 — Infiniti’s big three-row whale — hasn’t seen a full redesign since 2011, which is 14 years if you’re counting.

For the 2025 model year, Infiniti has made major updates to the exterior, redesigned the interior, changed out the engine, implemented major tech upgrades, and hopes to become more competitive vs. key luxury rivals such as the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, BMW X7, and Lexus LX.

The bold, long-anticipated redesign of the QX80 delivers. A great tech setup and roomy interior makes this a solid luxury SUV competitor once again after some down years.

This is the flagship ride for Infiniti, so it’s good to see it return to glory after some down years while rivals made improvements.

Read on to learn 5 key things you should know if you’re considering taking home the new 2025 Infiniti QX80.

1.
Strong tech upgrades

Technology is among the most important considerations for many car buyers these days, so Infiniti knew it had to come strong with the infotainment setup in the 2025 QX80 and significantly improve what the previous generation had to offer.

They succeed in doing so, with a massive new 14.3-inch screen up top in the center that is bright and clear, customizable, offers multiple tiles for various pieces of information, and is responsive to touch commands. There’s also another 14.3-inch screen in front of the driver showing key gauges and information.

A second 9-inch touchscreen in the center console controls climate function and drive modes, and is responsive to inputs with haptic feedback. This section is also well-designed and user-friendly, and the buttons to shift gears are among the very few physical buttons in this touchscreen-heavy vehicle, making the QX80’s new design quite high-tech and forward looking.

Beyond all that, voice commands can be used and are effective, with the vehicle understanding commands clearly. A wireless phone charger is also well placed in the center console. All in all, you get a major improvement over past Infiniti tech setups. Google Maps, Google Play app store, and Google Voice Assistant are all included.

Klipsch sound systems boom loud and clear in the QX80, with 14-speaker and 24-speaker versions offered.

In terms of safety tech, you get the latest ProPilot Assist system for self-driving on highways and other scenarios, plus the usual helpful features we’ve come to expect on these big rides — such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure prevention and many more.

The birds-eye camera offered in the QX80 features 3D surround-view monitoring with motion detection, plus an ultra-wide front angle that will help you maneuver in and out of tight spaces.

All safety systems are responsive and warn of potential danger, yet are not overly sensitive. Last but not least, the ProPilot Assist self-driving system worked well to steer the vehicle. But steering wheel controls in the QX80 were a bit wonky to activate this feature.

2.
Spacious interior

A truly versatile family vehicle, the 2025 Infiniti QX80 offers an extra roomy interior, with seating for 7 or 8, depending on configuration.

The QX80 upgrades its interior setup for 2025 and is now more spacious in all 3 rows, even the rear seats, which both kids and adults can fit into comfortably.

Whether hauling cargo or lots of people, the new QX80 has you covered well.
The amount of cargo space is impressive, with 101 cubic feet available with the 2nd and 3rd rows down, 59 cubic feet with the rear row down, and 22 cubic feet with all seats up.

You can access the third row with the simple push of a button on the second row seats, which moves the seats forward to allow entry. Lowering rear seats can be done through a button in the rear of the vehicle to maximize cargo space.

Infiniti’s interiors used to be among the best in the luxury business, but had been sliding a bit in recent years. The redesigned QX80 brings it back to its status as one of the more high-end vehicle interiors you’ll find anywhere, period.

Beyond the high-quality semi-aniline leather, you can also get massaging seats in both the first and second rows, which is rare, plus a tech-savvy design and attractive trim features. There’s also plenty of small storage areas and cup holders throughout the vehicle, and lots of charging ports for the whole family that will come in handy on road trips.

Ambient lighting options include 64 different color choices, and you can even cool down drinks in the center console.

As a whole, the 2025 QX80 looks and feels truly luxurious, and recent model years had lost that feeling. It's back to its glory days in terms of prestige.

3.
Design upgrades

Redesigned for 2025, the Infiniti QX80 is one of the most recognizable large SUVs on the market right now. The first thing that jumps out at you is the bold new look up front  — an in-your-face grille, paired with a unique lighting setup, that manages to maintain a bit of a classy design and a bit of sleekness.

Large wheels are included, coming in at 20 or 22 inches. The overall look of the QX80 is not as flashy as some rivals, but still very pleasing to the eye.

Side running boards allow everyone, even short adults and children, to easily access this big ride. It’s also important to note that the QX80 is a very heavy vehicle, weighing in around the 6,000 pound range, and measuring around 17 feet long and 80 inches wide.

The way these super-sized SUVs are designed is so high up, you feel like king of the world when you’re behind the wheel, and all other vehicles look like miniature toys.

4.
Powerful engine

To move a beast of a vehicle like this, you need a quality engine.

Infiniti has provided just that, with all trim levels featuring a powerhouse 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V-6 engine pushing out 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

This turbo V6 replaces the former V8 power plant in the QX80, and it provides a significant upgrade from past models.

Most trims also feature an impressive air spring suspension that boosts ride quality. The QX80 comes with rear-wheel drive on lower trims (Pure and Luxe), and all-wheel drive comes with the Sensory and Autograph trims.

Even with the size of the QX80, this motor gets you moving 0-to-60 in just over 6 seconds, which is respectable. For a massive ride, the speed and handling is quite impressive, both on highways and main roads. You know you are driving a large SUV but it is not unmanageable or difficult to maneuver.

The QX80 feels fast, brakes well, and the suspension impresses, all the while staying very quiet inside the vehicle. Overall I would say the QX80 is a bit less fun to drive than some rivals, but still offers a solid drive quality.

It also offers impressive towing capabilities at 8,500 pounds, a competitive number among the remaining body-on-frame SUVs. Drive modes include: Personal, Standard, Eco, Sport, Tow, and Snow.

5.
Disappointing fuel mileage, high price tag

Being an extra-large vehicle, fuel economy is going to be one area where the QX80 suffers.

The official numbers listed are 16 city/20 highway/18 combined on the RWD model, and 16/19/17 on the AWD version.

With a tank size of roughly 24 gallons, that will provide nearly 500 miles of highway range if you can achieve those numbers.

In reality, though, the numbers didn’t work out that well in my testing. I averaged about 13 mpg through a mix of city and highway driving. While these are disappointing numbers, even in this segment, fuel mileage is likely not the deciding factor for most buyers in this price range.

The other major downside to the QX80 is of course the price tag, as luxury full-size SUVs tend not to fall on the inexpensive side.

Starting around $84K is a high entry point, but if you’re looking for a bright spot, it starts out lower than rival full-size luxury SUVs from BMW, Land Rover and Cadillac.

And if you max out the QX80, you can reach into the $110K range, but some rivals blast far past and into the $150K+ realm, making it a bargain if you look at it that way.

Warranties are competitive, including:

— Overall warranty covers four years or 60,000 miles
— Powertrain warranty covers four years or 70,000 miles
— Free scheduled maintenance for three years or 45,000 miles

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AutoTechReviews.com can be found on Twitter @AutoTechReview, or stay updated at the AutoTechReviews Facebook page. Follow AutoTechReviews on Instagram at @Autotechreviews or on TikTok at @AutoTechReviews.. Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.

While it’s currently a time of tumult for the EV marketplace, and many automakers are re-imagining their strategy in the EV realm, some automakers remain committed to this transition.

Among its EV lineup, GM is in the second year of offering the Chevrolet Blazer EV, and I was recently able to get behind the wheel of a 2025 Blazer EV to see how the midsize SUV offering holds up in the EV landscape.

Below are 5 key things you need to know about the 2025 Chevy Blazer EV — which takes on heavy electric SUV competition from Tesla, Kia, Honda and others.

1.
BOLD DESIGN, ROOMY INTERIOR

The exterior design of the Blazer EV is bold in nature, front its standout grille to its eye-catching wheel designs. Speaking of wheels, sizes available to buyers range from 19 inches to 22 inches.

The Blazer EV walks the line between trying to look rugged while still maintaining a sleek side, and its design stands out in the current class of electric SUVs.

The only downside relating to the design is that the view out of the rear is a bit compromised due to a small rear window.

Moving inside, the 2025 Blazer EV features an extremely roomy interior for its class, and comfortable, high-class seats for all 5 passengers. Overall quality of interior materials is solid.

If you use the Blazer EV’s seat warmers, you’ll find they get things heated up quite quickly, and the dashboard design and tech setup is among the most attractive you’ll find in the segment.

Cargo space clocks in at 25.5 cubic feet with rear seats up, and 59.1 cubic feet with those seats folded down. These are competitive numbers in the segment but fall below capacity of some rival EVs.

As buyers start to enter the luxury realm, they have to begin their journey somewhere — and typically these days that’s with a compact luxury SUV.

Everyone from BMW (X3) to Mercedes-Benz (GLC) to Genesis (GV70) and more offer solid offerings in the category, but one brand that’s been there a while and continues to offer respectable offerings is Infiniti.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of the 2025 Infiniti QX50, the brand’s smallest SUV offering.

Read on to learn 5 key things you need to know if you’re considering the QX50 as part of your search for a luxury ride.

1. Sharp design

On the outside, the QX50 features bold styling, including a no-nonsense grille and standout lighting designs. 

Wheels are offered at 19 or 20 inches and in flashy designs, sidelines have a sleek look, and despite its age (last redesign in 2019), the QX50 is still a looker — portraying itself as muscular, but not ridiculous or gaudy.

Moving inside, the QX50 is a comfortable, roomy vehicle for all five passengers. Infiniti continues to make among the most attractive and comfortable interior designs in the luxury segment. My test vehicle featured attractive two-tone red and black leather seating, and plenty of legroom in the back seat compared to rivals in the compact segment. It feels bigger than its class, and the materials are high-quality, though perhaps a bit less luxurious than some rivals.

As we prepare to celebrate International Women's Day on Saturday, March 8, we spoke with Brenda Lee, a Process Development Technician for global fastener supplier ARaymond at their North American headquarters in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Brenda, who grew up and lives in Flint, Michigan, shared insights into her role at ARaymond, her journey in the manufacturing industry, and her perspective on what the future can hold for women entering the manufacturing and STEM industries.

Q&A with Brenda Lee, Process Development Technician at ARaymond  

Q: What do you do at ARaymond? And what’s a typical day like in your job?

Brenda Lee: In my role as a Process Development Technician, I focus on optimizing and improving manufacturing processes. A typical day involves analyzing current production methods, identifying areas for enhancement, and implementing solutions to ensure efficiency and quality. This includes collaborating with die setters who set up the tools, after which our team processes the jobs, making necessary adjustments to achieve the desired outcomes.

Q: Can you tell us about your career path and how you arrived at your current position?

Brenda Lee: I joined ARaymond in 1998 after working at another automotive supplier, where I was involved in bumper assembly. When I first arrived, there were distinct roles for men and women, but I was determined to break those barriers. Despite being told I couldn't handle certain tasks, like lifting materials or die setting, I took the initiative to learn them and prove myself. Over time, I progressed from a production technician to materials handler, then to die setter, and now to Process Development Technician.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in manufacturing?

Brenda Lee: Originally, I studied criminal justice in college, aiming to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather, a police officer, and my uncle, a paramedic and firefighter. However, after witnessing some of the harsher realities of that field and heeding my grandfather's concerns, I decided to pivot. A cousin introduced me to opportunities in manufacturing and I found a new path that has been both challenging and rewarding.

Q: How has being a woman in a traditionally male-centered field impacted your career?

Brenda Lee: Navigating a male-dominated industry has certainly shaped my career and personal growth. Facing skepticism and resistance, I became more determined and focused. There were instances where my capabilities were doubted, and I had to continually prove myself. This journey has made me stronger and more resilient, but it's also highlighted the need for equal recognition and opportunities for women in the field.

Now with all the changes in recent years, there’s much more diversity in this field, but it was a struggle along the way. There were people who felt I didn’t belong. But as a self-taught and determined learner, I’ve managed to continue my growth in the industry.  To me, it was the first time I was told “No, you can’t do that” that got me motivated. I was determined to make it work.”

Q: What advice would you give to young women considering careers in engineering or manufacturing?

Brenda Lee: It's essential to cultivate determination and resilience. Challenges and naysayers are inevitable, but using those obstacles as motivation can drive you forward.

Also, don't be discouraged by physical demands; there are always tools and methods that can make you work smarter and overcome those obstacles. Most importantly, believe in your capabilities and don't let others define your potential.

The biggest thing for me for women in the industry is a “mind over matter” mentality. You have to set your mind straight, and whatever is thrown at you, whatever people say, let it go, and use that as motivation to get to where you’re going.

Q: What are your career goals going forward?

Brenda Lee: I enjoy my current role as a Process Development Technician, but my next step to advance my career would be a supervisor role, and that’s an eventual goal. I’ve filled in for those roles in the past.

Q: How can the industry support and retain more women in STEM roles?

Brenda Lee: Encouragement and support from management are crucial. Providing women with the necessary tools, training, and opportunities to advance is essential. Early exposure to STEM programs can spark interest, but continuous support and mentorship are key to retention. Creating an environment where women's voices are heard and valued will foster innovation and diversity in the industry. I also encourage men in the workplace to speak up if women are being undervalued, as that can have a major impact.

I would also say to parents who have daughters to teach them at a young age that it’s OK for girls to be in sports and other activities that tend to be more male-dominated. Teach them to be a confident and strong-willed young woman, to be determined, not give up so quickly, and have an inner drive to get ahead.

Q: What efforts is ARaymond making to inspire and support women in STEM professions?

Brenda Lee: ARaymond has been moving in a positive direction with an approach that emphasizes fairness and diversity. There's a conscious effort to encourage women to pursue various roles within the company and to provide the support needed for their growth and development. There’s a recognition that women’s voices need to be heard, and their input taken seriously.