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A Former GM and Lordstown Motors Factory Might Become an AI Data Center originally appeared on Autoblog. A former GM facility may be the catalyst for the Stargate AI projectA recent Bloomberg report has revealed the identity of the mystery buyer who purchased the former General Motors and Lordstown Motors factory in Lordstown, Ohio, in a series of multimillion-dollar transactions involving the acquisition of the factory’s buildings, land, equipment, and machinery. According to unnamed sources who spoke with the business publication, the Japanese investment firm SoftBank is the party responsible for acquiring the vehicle plant in Lordstown, Ohio. SoftBank is primarily known for its investments in the technology sector, and the acquisition is said to be in support of its Stargate data center project. Cars sit outside the GM Lordstown PlantJeff Swensen/Getty ImagesThe Stargate project, initiated in collaboration with OpenAI and Oracle, aims to invest $500 billion by 2029 toward building infrastructure that supports artificial intelligence (AI) models like ChatGPT. A major backbone of this project is the construction of a large data center in Texas, which is currently underway. However, the companies involved have expressed that they’re interested in building similar facilities in other states and countries. However, in May, Bloomberg reported that SoftBank was struggling to line up funding for the project and was already hampered by the Trump administration’s tariffs and trade levies. The source noted that although SoftBank has not yet developed a financial plan for Stargate, it has approached Foxconn to collaborate on building AI data centers and related infrastructure across the United States. The sale of the EV plant is said to be a part of these efforts by the Japanese investment firm. Lordstown Electric Motors Corporation FactoryGetty ImagesEarlier this week, Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn, the contract manufacturer known for building notable consumer favorites like the Nintendo Switch game console and the Apple iPhone, sold the former General Motors car factory in Lordstown, Ohio, to "Crescent Dune LLC" for a total of $375 million. Crescent Dune is a two-week-old Delaware LLC; however, Foxconn spokesperson Matt Dewine stated that the buyer is an “existing business partner.” Per Taiwan stock exchange filings, the site itself, including the land and buildings, was sold for around $88 million, while manufacturing equipment from Foxconn’s EV subsidiaries fetched around $287 million. In a statement to Automotive News, Foxconn said that Lordstown is an "integral part of the company’s footprint" in the U.S., adding that the decision to sell it "is part of the company’s plan to expand into new business areas." Though they also stated that they plan to continue operations at the Lordstown site and are still committed to the auto industry, a previous report from The Wall Street Journal said that Foxconn intends to repurpose the EV factory to build AI hardware and equipment at the site. Already, Foxconn has a manufacturing facility in Houston for AI servers and has partnered with electronics giants like Apple and Nvidia to establish AI-related facilities in the U.S. GM operated the Lordstown facility from 1966 to 2019, where it made a variety of different cars, including Chevy full-size cars, as well as compact cars like the Vega, Monza, Cavalier, Cobalt, and Cruze. In 2019, Lordstown Motors purchased the facility to manufacture the Lordstown Endurance electric pickup. In 2022, Foxconn acquired the facility after the EV company encountered financial difficulties and managed to assemble a small number of electric pickups before Lordstown Motors filed for bankruptcy in June 2023. Several other startups, including Fisker, considered partnering with Foxconn to manufacture electric vehicles at Lordstown; however, those plans ultimately fell through. Currently, Foxconn is using the Lordstown plant to assemble electric tractors for Monarch, a California-based startup. Final thoughtsAs I have said before, Foxconn’s Lordstown factory can be a crucial asset for automakers who want to reduce their tariff impact, as in its GM days, it produced nearly 16 million vehicles between 1966 and 2019 and peaked at 290,000 cars in 2014. The fact that this AI avenue is something that is seriously being considered for the Lordstown plant, with significant backing from a firm as powerful as SoftBank, really solidifies my belief that this was a wasted opportunity to possibly onshore a car company that exclusively manufactures overseas. A Former GM and Lordstown Motors Factory Might Become an AI Data Center first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.

Car ownership is a myth-filled world, where some myths transcend from one generation of car owners to the next. We can't exactly figure out when rumors about GMC trucks having thicker steel than Chevys began, and one of the dumbest car myths we've heard is that reversing a car when the engine is cold will cause permanent and irreversible engine damage. Moreover, the worst car myths that continue to linger include the notion that lifetime fluids never need replacement. Speaking of fluids, engine oils have their fair share of myths that refuse to fade. One of 'em is that thicker oil, or one that has a higher viscosity rating, offers better protection than thinner, low viscosity oil. The truth is that choosing the right oil based on the expected ambient temperature is far more effective than debating whether thinner or thicker oil is better. If the owner's manual recommends 5W-30 synthetic oil in the summer and 0W-40 in the winter, stick to it and you'll be fine. Unfortunately, more oil myths need debunking, and we've identified four that persist despite the wealth of reliable information online. Read more: Save Your Engine: 5 Tips For Preventing And Cleaning Carbon Buildup Dark Oil Means Dirty Oil And Needs Draining ASAPPouring used engine oil into a container - Wongsakorn 2468/ShutterstockModern synthetic oils contain additives, detergents, and friction modifiers that begin working immediately after starting the motor. Fresh oil has a mostly dark golden hue, but it's relatively normal for it to darken or turn black as it cycles all over your engine. For starters, heat cycling the engine from cold to hot to cold again will naturally darken the color of your engine's oil. Furthermore, additives in modern synthetic oils tend to darken or undergo a color change when repeatedly exposed to heat, pressure, and oxidation. In addition, engine deposits and sludge have a dark brown or black color, and fresh oil will naturally darken as it breaks down and absorbs dirt and contaminants. The same applies to diesel engines that produce more soot than a comparable gasoline car, which is why diesel oil tends to turn black quicker after an oil change. In short, oil that changes color means the fluid is doing its best to clean and lubricate the engine, and the color of the oil has no bearing on when it's time to change it. A safer bet is to consult the owner's manual to know more about the recommended oil change intervals for your car. Switching From Conventional To Synthetic Oil Will Cause LeaksOil stain from leaking engine oil - Mr.Anuwat Rumrod/ShutterstockContrary to what others might say, it's relatively safe to switch from conventional oil to full-synthetic blends for older engines. The myth about synthetic oils causing oil leaks dates back to the early '70s, when early formulations of synthetic oils contained ester, a chemical compound with advanced detergents to prevent sludge and lubricants to maintain the integrity of rubber seals. Then again, scientists and researchers found out that repeated and prolonged exposure to esters causes the seals to swell and degrade, leading to unexpected oil leaks. Fortunately, oil manufacturers have shunned using esters in their synthetic oil products, and even Porsche recommends synthetic oil for vintage classics, such as air-cooled 911s and the iconic Porsche 356. Moreover, your engine probably needs new oil seals if leaks are present, and it has nothing to do with switching from conventional to synthetic oil. Perhaps the only downside to choosing fully synthetic oil is the cost, since you'll spend more at every oil change. The added money is worth it, though, since synthetic oils can last up to 8,000 or 10,000 miles between oil changes. It's Okay To Skip Oil Changes After Topping Up The Motor With OilCar owner topping up oil of a diesel SUV - Natalia Kokhanova/ShutterstockNot all engines are the same, as some have a propensity for consuming more oil than most. In some makes and models, their engines can burn enough oil to deplete the oil pan significantly enough to illuminate the low oil light, even before the factory-recommended oil change interval. We're talking about some Subaru Forester models, GMC SUVs, and high-end BMWs with 4.4-liter V8 engines, according to Consumer Reports. On the flip side, some cars like the legendary Honda S2000 can burn a quart of oil when stretching its high-revving VTEC engine to the limit, and it's typical for S2000 owners to have a quart or two of fresh oil in the trunk for instant replenishing. You're a good driver if you inspect the oil level periodically and add oil when needed. However, you deserve a spanking if you think it's okay to skip an oil change after topping up the engine. Adding fresh oil to maintain a solid level is different from adhering to regular oil changes. Changing the oil frequently and insisting on using oil with the correct viscosity is one of the surefire ways to extend the life of your car's engine. You Don't Need To Replace The Oil Filter At Every Oil ChangeComparing an old (left) and new (right) oil filter - NONGASIMO/ShutterstockSkimping on oil changes will inevitably turn old, dirty oil into sludge. However, skipping oil changes and not replacing the oil filter is a double whammy, but not in a good way. Dirty or clogged oil filters can reduce oil pressure and impede oil flow to critical engine parts, leading to premature wear and tear, increased engine heat, and reduced fuel economy. The worst-case scenario is an overheating engine and thousands of dollars worth of damage and labor, all because of an oil filter that costs anywhere from under $10 to around $100. Make it a habit to replace the oil filter whenever changing the oil. Don't forget to lubricate the new oil filter gasket with fresh oil before re-attaching it to the block. And while you're at it, resist the urge to tighten the oil filter using an oil filter wrench, since hand-tightening it is enough to form a leak-free seal. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.

Read the full story on Backfire News Diesel Brothers Still Fighting Lawsuit Nine Years LaterDavid Sparks, better known as Heavy D from the Diesel Brothers TV show, has revealed their infamous lawsuit is still going on. In case you don’t remember, the original lawsuit was filed nine years ago by the Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, a group of activists which targeted Spark’s business, Sparks Motors LLC. Check out Hennessey Performance’s latest one-of-one creation. At the heart of litigation was the accusation Sparks and his employees defeated emissions control devices on diesel trucks, allowing them to roll coal and pollute more. With the air in Salt Lake City getting infamously grungy during the winter, many there want to point fingers, including this group of medical doctors. Rather than target larger groups with plenty of lawyers and funding, they decided to single out a small business that was in the limelight, thanks to the TV show. But most people have forgotten this ever happened, moving on with their lives. In the meantime, a crusade against anyone whom federal authorities have suspected is defeating emissions controls on vehicles has been ongoing. That has included EPA agents dressed in full SWAT gear storming businesses, guns leveled at workers and owners, then the Department of Justice fining them into oblivion. In fact, under the Biden administration this was something federal authorities bragged about with glee. But things have been changing lately, although only in part. For Sparks, the nightmare lives on. The latest problem he’s faced as a result is a federal judge halting his popular garage sale which had people flocking from all over the nation. Sparks says he actually regrets deleting emissions controls from trucks in the past, admitting some of the things he’s suffered from the lawsuit he deserved. That might surprise some. That said, he doesn’t think some things his antagonists have done to him are fair, like stopping his garage sale. We wonder if it was done under some pretense that he’s disposing of assets for pennies on the dollar. But he said the judge was fair and sympathetic, allowing the sale to continue with certain conditions. The big takeaway here is the justice system will let people with an appetite to fight endlessly to do just that. Instead of settling things and moving on with life, some people love torturing others through the courts. Image via HeavyDSparks/YouTube

Engine Teardown Reveals A Simple Error That Destroys The Reliable M257 Engine originally appeared on Autoblog. One Of Mercedes' Most Prolific EnginesNo engine is perfect, but some are so well engineered that they're close enough, and the Mercedes M276 DE 35, a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6, is one of them. The engine has its minor common faults, like oil leaks and problematic camshaft adjusters/cam followers, but it was so good that, with the exception of front-wheel-drive-based vehicles like the A-Class and B-Class, Mercedes put it in everything it could between 2010-2017 - ML 350, C 350, E 350, S 350, GLE 350 (ML 350 replacement), and GLK 350. However, as YouTube channel I Do Cars shows in a teardown of a core exchange M276 (embedded at the bottom of this article), ignoring the small issues can lead to massive ones. With no VIN plate, mileage history, or other information, the only way to determine what killed this typically reliable engine is one step at a time. Deceiving DeconstructionMercedes-Benz View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Before anything is done, we can see a hole in the oil pan, and combined with the fact that the crankshaft refuses to turn over, this is worrying. However, with no evidence of a connecting rod escaping the black, and since this is a non-running core exchange engine, it's clear that the oil pan has simply been swapped from another broken motor. A good sign for the parts reseller is that no part of the electrical harness appears to have been torn, so whoever removed the engine (from a 2014 or 2015 ML 350) did it carefully. Moving on, this direct injection motor shows plenty of evidence of carbon buildup and some minor oil seepage in the head, but the valvetrain seems nearly perfect. At least, it did until the valve cover was pulled, showing a worn cam follower with scoring on the camshaft, too. Cam lobes also show some evidence of wear, but not enough to affect the journal bearings. Without complete timing failure, these factors are not to blame for this particular motor's failure. That becomes apparent under the timing cover, once the head is removed. The Cause Of The M257's Failure And How To Avoid ItMercedes-BenzAfter removing the water pump, oil pump, and tensioners, and loosening the end caps, the crankshaft finally turns, allowing the removal of the main bearings (one of which was badly scored, though journal bearings were okay). The block looks good, with only some minor scoring on the cylinder walls, and there's no shrapnel in the oil filter or even the residual lubricant in the head. Thus, the diagnosis is this: an unaddressed minor oil leak spilled onto the serpentine belt. Over time, the belt became saturated and lost its tension, allowing it to move slightly backward and forward. Unfortunately for the original owner of this engine, this time, the belt moved toward the back of the engine, being sucked behind the crank pulley (N54 owners can relate). A loose belt is already bad for timing, but bits of the devoured belt then knocked the oil pump chain off its gear and onto the crank, where it got compressed. This, along with pieces of the crank seal and serpentine belt being in a tight space where they don't belong, led to an overextension of one of the oil pump tensioners, causing the oil pump to seize. The moment that happened, the engine died, and as the car coasted to the side of the road, the crank had already made its last rotation under power. This explains the lack of metal debris in the oil filter and other areas; the oil pump had no time to circulate any more oil once the first main bearing was scored. So what can you do? First, don't ignore oil leaks, even if minor. Even if they don't lead to this specific issue, this engine is notorious for dripping oil onto harness connectors, and if some of it gets into the ECU plug, that ECU is toast. Second, ensure that oil services and top-ups are performed with a funnel to avoid unnecessary drips on finicky components. And finally, don't just replace fluids and filters - tensioners have a limited lifespan, too. The M257 is one of the most reliable modern Mercedes engines ever, but it needs care and maintenance nonetheless. Engine Teardown Reveals A Simple Error That Destroys The Reliable M257 Engine first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.

VW’s Coupe-Styled EV Could Be Dead in Two Years originally appeared on Autoblog. The first half of 2025 has been kind to Volkswagen’s EVs, with the automaker seeing an increase of around 47 percent in sales. Despite that, the automaker is reportedly considering cutting one of its longer-running electric models due to unimpressive sales numbers. VW is reportedly looking to cut the ID.5 as soon as 2027, which would mark the seven-year point in its lifespan. The coupe-styled electric SUV never made it to the U.S., and in Europe, buyers have favored the larger, more practical ID.4. Volkswagen is not considering a follow-up for the ID.5. The ID.5 also forms the basis for the Ford Capri, which went on sale last year and immediately had its production numbers cut back due to “rapidly deteriorating market conditions for electric vehicles,” according to a Ford spokesperson. Volkswagen combines ID.4 and ID.5 sales, so it can be difficult to get solid sales numbers. That said, the two combined to become VW’s best-selling EVs in the first half of 2025, followed by the ID.3. Audi’s Q4 e-tron variants landed in a distant third place. Volkswagen is targeting and discontinuing slower-selling models, starting with the Passat a few years back and the Arteon more recently. The newer ID. Buzz electric minivan was slated to replace the Touran in other countries, but those plans were ditched due to lackluster demand. Like others in the industry, the German automaker has been forced to adapt as buyers’ on-again, off-again EV demand makes it difficult to plan. Volkswagen also has headaches in China, where buyers are shifting toward domestic brands in high numbers. The company has seen strikes and other challenges in its European workforce as it looks to cut costs, with the auto workers’ union saying the company “set fire to our collective agreements.” VW’s Coupe-Styled EV Could Be Dead in Two Years first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.