From cross-country drives to open touring laps and open house ‘great garage’ tours, those supporting national non-profit foundation Drive Toward a Cure’s efforts to benefit Parkinson’s Disease are creating interactive motoring activities during the month of April to raise funds that further support the cause. Nearly one dozen “Drive Toward a Cure Day†events will be launched during April, continuing well beyond, making significant impacts throughout the nation in support of Parkinson’s disease.
According to Deb Pollack, founder of Drive Toward a Cure – a 501(c)3 foundation dedicated to supporting research AND patient care for Parkinson’s Disease — while the past 13 months with minimal gatherings and nearly no social contact has taken its toll on all to some extent, the need to recognize those challenged by Parkinson’s is very relevant. “We’re finally reaching a point where individuals are both comfortable and anxious to get outside and drive – and are doing so in appropriate ways that thankfully for our cause, are contributing together to help others.â€
Organizations and individuals hosting Drive Toward a Cure efforts for fundraising this month range from five separate regional ‘Women in Porsche’ club groups creating localized drives in AZ, Atlanta, Fla, CA and Chicago to Miami-based ASG Supercars which is extending opportunities for participants in its own rally to partake in Performance Car ‘Conversations for a Cause’ video segments. Arizona luxury realtor Heather Kay is introducing her ‘Great Garages in Great Homes’ tour which highlight collector car garages in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and Drive Toward a Cure‘Adventure’ alum John Cacioppo is embarking on his own cross-country trek from Maryland to Idaho, with one last spirited yet scenic drive before he and his wife move to Japan. John will be meeting up with other Drive Toward a Curefriends along the way and spreading awareness with his decaled Porsche while making every mile count along the way as he seeds donations to support Parkinson’s.
Last week, NCM Motorsports Park in Bowling Green, KY kicked off April’s month of fundraising efforts with its own ‘Drive Toward a Cure Day’ — an annual track event since 2018 that includes a full day of open touring laps on the 3.2-mile track and a special lunch and learn session. In the past, original Bullitt owner and long-standing friend of Drive Toward a Cure Sean Kiernan told the story of the infamous car’s legacy, while this year, Champion Racer Andy Pilgrimspoke about his highly respected racing career, while raffle tickets for significant prizes were also sold. All proceeds raised supported local Center of Excellence for Parkinson’s at Vanderbilt Health Mobility Disorders Clinic in Nashville.
Continuing throughout the month will also be new episodes of Drive as a Toward a Cure’s ‘Conversations for a Cause’ video vignettes — a series of nine total vintage car conversations, originally filmed last November to further the Foundation’s mantra of ‘cars and camaraderie’ and share the bonds owners feel toward their cars and the industry as a whole, specifically created during a time of fewer gatherings. Alexander Davidis and Jeffrey Ehoodin have filmed and edited the content and through CarCultureTV are sharing the video series. It can also be found at https://www.drivetowardacure.org/conversations-for-a-cause-2020/ where donations are accepted.
Drive Toward a Cure ended 2020 with contributions making an impact of $160,000 and for 2021 continues expanding with localized groups and supporters to benefit alignments with various Centers of Excellence for Parkinsons’ on a national level through Drive Toward a Cure’s ‘Access to Care Fund’ that currently partners with the Parkinson Foundation and donates to Centers in Portland, Atlanta, San Diego, Arizona, Houston, Boston, NY and Nashville.
About Drive Toward a Cure:
Drive Toward a Cure raises funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease research AND patient care. Inspired by the camaraderie found within the automotive culture, the organization’s mission benefits equally from both enthusiast communities and industry professionals. Drive Toward a Cure events harness enthusiasm for cars and driving and turn that power into support for ongoing work to improve the lives of those living with Parkinson’s, as well as the research that will hopefully one day lead to a cure. Since 2016, Drive Toward a Cure has raised more than a half million dollars to support BOTH research AND patient care.
Drive Toward a Cure is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports beneficiaries including The Michael J. Fox Foundation, the Parkinson’s Foundation and numerous Centers of Excellence for Parkinsons. For donations, sponsorship and event registration please visit www.drivetowardacure.org .
About Parkinson’s Disease
Affecting nearly one million Americans and 10 million worldwide, Parkinson’s disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the United States. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson’s and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States alone.
Aston Martin will showcase a special AMR26 livery at the United States Grand Prix, celebrating five years of its partnership with Cognizant.
Aston Martin is preparing a special appearance for the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin, where its AMR26 will mark five years of collaboration with Cognizant. The partnership began in 2021 and remains part of the team’s identity in Formula One.
The AMR26 will carry a special design for the United States Grand Prix weekend.
Aston Martin Marks Five Years With Cognizant
The Austin Grand Prix provides the setting for Aston Martin to recognize the milestone. Since the partnership began in 2021, Cognizant has maintained a prominent association with the team’s Formula One program.
The anniversary also comes as the relationship expands into new areas of technology. Earlier in 2026, Cognizant became Aston Martin’s Global AI Services Partner, strengthening the technological dimension of the collaboration.
Technology and Formula One
Modern Formula One relies on data analysis, software and advanced computing to support decisions throughout a race weekend. Teams use these tools to evaluate performance, develop strategies and improve their operations.
Aston Martin’s expanded relationship with Cognizant reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital technology in motorsport. However, the partnership’s announcement alone does not establish a specific performance gain for the AMR26.
Data analysis and digital tools are important parts of modern Formula One operations.
Austin Provides the Backdrop
The United States Grand Prix gives Aston Martin an opportunity to highlight the anniversary in front of American fans. The special livery will bring the partnership into focus during the Austin race weekend.
The design also connects the team’s on-track presence with a collaboration that has evolved since 2021. With Cognizant’s expanded role in artificial intelligence, the anniversary reflects both the history of the relationship and its continuing technological focus.
Aston Martin’s special AMR26 appearance will be one of the team’s key visual elements at the United States Grand Prix. Further details about the livery’s specific design features should be confirmed through the team’s official announcement.
The automaker is inviting select R1 and R2 owners to try a new route-based driving assistant before a wider U.S. rollout.
Rivian is preparing to expand its driver-assistance technology with Point to Point, a system designed to handle more of a journey than conventional hands-free highway assistance. The first phase will be limited to selected customers, with a broader rollout planned for 2027.
Rivian is starting its latest driving technology program with eligible owners of newer R1 models and the R2.
From Highway Assistance to Full Routes
Point to Point builds on Rivian’s existing Universal Hands-Free system. It is designed to follow a planned route, including turns, highway merges and surface streets, while the driver remains responsible for supervising the vehicle.
The technology combines the vehicle’s sensors and cameras with Rivian’s Large Driving Model, which interprets surrounding conditions and helps determine how the vehicle should respond.
Point to Point aims to manage more of a planned journey while requiring the driver to remain attentive.
Who Can Join the Early Access Program?
The initial program targets eligible Gen 2 R1 and R2 owners in California and Florida. Applicants must have an active paid Autonomy+ subscription; free trials do not qualify.
Rivian will consider existing use of its driver-assistance features, recent safety records and a balance of vehicle models and regions when selecting participants. Owners can register their interest through the Autonomy Early Access tile in their Rivian account.
Eligible owners can register their interest through their Rivian account.
Testing Comes With Conditions
Selected participants must use the preview features weekly, report issues and complete monthly surveys. They must also agree to data collection that includes location and camera data, under a non-disclosure agreement.
The program is unpaid, and Rivian can reassess participants’ eligibility every 30 days. First-generation R1 vehicles and Canadian owners are excluded from the initial phase.
Camera and sensor data are part of the technology Rivian is developing and evaluating.
A Wider Rollout Is Planned for 2027
Rivian expects Point to Point to reach a broader group of Autonomy+ customers in 2027, following the early-access phase. Feedback from interested owners outside California and Florida may also help inform which states are considered for expansion.
The R2 is among the vehicles targeted for the initial program, with wider availability expected to follow.
Point to Point remains a Level 2 driver-assistance system, not fully autonomous driving. Drivers must stay attentive and be ready to take control at all times.
Lexus transforms its NX lineup for 2027 with more power, a redesigned cabin and an all-hybrid range.
The 2027 Lexus NX enters a new chapter as the luxury crossover drops its gasoline-only version. Buyers can now choose between the NX 350h hybrid and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, with four trim levels and updated technology across the lineup.
The 2027 Lexus NX adopts a sharper design with a new headlight signature and cleaner exterior details.
More Power Across the Hybrid Range
The NX 350h now delivers 244 horsepower, a 4-hp increase over the previous model. The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid makes 324 horsepower, up from 304 hp, and offers an estimated 40 miles of electric-only range.
Both versions benefit from a revised e-Axle system and updated power electronics designed to improve efficiency and reduce weight.
The NX 350h combines a 244-hp hybrid powertrain with a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, depending on trim.
Updated rear lighting and a distinctive illuminated badge give the redesigned NX a more recognizable appearance.
A More Digital Cabin
Inside, every 2027 NX features a 14-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Lexus Interface adds a customizable home screen, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, a built-in drive recorder and standard over-the-air updates.
The Luxury and F Sport grades also offer Sensory Concierge, which coordinates cabin lighting, climate, seat temperature and fragrance through three selectable modes.
The updated interior makes a larger touchscreen and digital instrumentation standard across the lineup.
Four Grades and Expanded Driver Assistance
The 2027 Lexus NX lineup consists of Premium, Premium+, F Sport and Luxury. The NX 350h offers front-wheel or all-wheel drive on selected grades, while the NX 450h+ comes with all-wheel drive.
Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 is standard, bringing adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection assistance and emergency steering support.
The 2027 NX combines its updated hybrid powertrains with standard driver-assistance technology.
Lexus has not yet announced pricing for the refreshed NX. Final prices for all four grades are expected closer to the model’s on-sale date.
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