After a two-year break, the Bentley Bentayga Speed is roaring back into the spotlight for 2026 — and this time, it’s ditching the hybrid trends and doubling down on raw performance. The latest iteration of Bentley’s ultra-luxury SUV skips the 771-hp hybrid setup found in its siblings like the Continental GT Speed and instead channels pure muscle through a 641-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8.

This new Bentayga Speed marks a dramatic shift in philosophy. Rather than continuing the hybrid legacy or clinging to the now-retired W-12 engine, the British automaker leaned into a non-electrified powerhouse that pumps out 627 lb-ft of torque, allowing the SUV to launch from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds. That’s five-tenths quicker than its predecessor — a leap that transforms this luxury cruiser into a legit rocket on wheels.

But it’s not just about straight-line speed. For the first time, Bentley’s luxury SUV introduces ESC Dynamic mode, enabling controlled drifts. Yes, you read that right. This 5,400-pound ultra-premium machine can go sideways, thanks to finely tuned torque vectoring and a performance-first suspension setup. According to insiders, accessing this new mode requires speccing the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, which also unlock Launch Control — another first for the Bentayga lineup.

Also new for 2026 is rear-wheel steering, which sharpens the driving experience at both high and low speeds, and a sports exhaust system that sings with a rich, aggressive tone. Bentley fans looking for more flair can even opt for an Akrapovič titanium exhaust with quad tailpipes.

On the outside, the 2026 Bentayga Speed boasts darkened trim, gray-tinted taillights, 22-inch standard wheels, and optional 23-inch alloys for those who go all-in on the performance pack. The Speed badge returns on the front fenders as a proud declaration of its heritage, while a blacked-out roof and customizable brake caliper colors allow deep personalization.

Inside, Bentley continues to spoil with a “Precision Diamond” quilted interior, Speed-specific graphics, darkened chrome accents, and embroidered logos on the seats. The cabin remains a blend of hand-crafted elegance and cutting-edge tech — luxury without compromise.

While Bentley hasn’t confirmed pricing, it’s expected to start around $280,000, depending on customization and performance options. Deliveries are anticipated by late 2025, positioning the Bentayga Speed as one of the most exciting luxury SUVs entering the 2026 model year.

In a market saturated with hybrids and electrified gimmicks, the Bentayga Speed is a bold reminder that raw power, pure luxury, and a little sideways action still have a place in the modern automotive landscape.

It’s official. Taylor Swift — the global pop titan, lyrical mastermind, and cultural force of a generation — now owns her entire music catalog. In what fans are calling “Liberation Day,” the Eras Tour sensation closed a deal with Shamrock Capital to reclaim the master recordings of her first six albums — a historic victory in one of the music industry’s most publicized ownership battles.

This moment has been a long time coming. It all began in June 2019, when Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings acquired Big Machine Label Group — the label that had signed Swift at 15 — for $300 million. Along with the deal came ownership of Swift’s first six albums, including Fearless, Red, 1989, and Reputation. Swift’s reaction was immediate and emotional. Describing the situation as her “worst case scenario,” she accused Braun and Big Machine founder Scott Borchetta of betrayal and manipulation.

What followed wasn’t just a public feud — it became a crusade. By August 2019, the Grammy winner announced she would re-record her Big Machine albums to reclaim control of her art. Thus began the Taylor’s Version era — a masterstroke of creativity and business savvy that turned protest into profit. From 2021 to 2023, she dropped reimagined versions of Fearless, Red, Speak Now, and 1989, all chart-topping successes that shattered streaming records and redefined what artists could do with their own discography.

Yet the story didn’t end there. In November 2020, Braun sold her masters to private equity firm Shamrock Capital for another $300 million — without Swift’s consent once again. While her team tried negotiating with Braun, she says they were told to sign an NDA that would muzzle her from ever criticizing him — a demand she refused.

Fast forward to May 30, 2025, and the tables have finally turned. Swift has now purchased her catalog from Shamrock outright, regaining not just the recordings, but the videos, photos, and unreleased materials — everything. According to industry sources, the deal is rumored to be worth between $360 million and $600 million. Swift herself didn’t disclose the price, but she didn’t need to. Her tearful declaration said it all: “All of the music I’ve ever made… now belongs… to me.”

The emotional victory resonated across her fan base. “I really get to say these words,” she told fans. “I’ve been bursting into tears of joy at random intervals.” For Swift, the deal wasn’t just business — it was personal. It was a reclamation of memories, heartbreaks, triumphs, and lyrics that shaped a generation.

While Reputation (Taylor’s Version) and her 2006 debut album remain unreleased, Swift confirmed that her debut is fully re-recorded, while Reputation is still a work in progress. But now that the originals belong to her, the urgency to re-record is gone. “If it happens, it won’t be from a place of sadness and longing… It will just be a celebration,” she wrote.

Beyond the personal triumph, Swift’s battle has ignited change across the industry. Young artists, especially women, are now entering record deals with their eyes wide open — often negotiating to keep control of their masters from day one. “Every time a new artist tells me they negotiated to own their master recordings because of this fight, I’m reminded of how important it was,” she shared.

Her win isn’t just symbolic — it’s seismic. Taylor Swift’s saga has permanently altered how fans, labels, and creators view ownership. What once seemed like dry music business legalese is now front-page news. Thanks to Swift, “master recordings” became dinner-table conversation.

With The Tortured Poets Department still climbing charts and a billion-dollar-grossing world tour behind her, Swift is not just rewriting records — she’s rewriting the rules. And this time, every lyric, every chord, every chorus finally plays in her key.

In a stunning show of confidence and momentum, Ben Griffin has stormed into the spotlight at the Memorial Tournament, posting a scorching 7-under 65 in the opening round at Muirfield Village Golf Club. The North Carolina native, who just clinched his first PGA Tour victory at the Charles Schwab Challenge, didn’t skip a beat as he surged past an elite field packed with legends and world-class talent.

Griffin’s round was nothing short of spectacular. Despite two mishaps that landed his ball in the water, the 29-year-old kept his composure, delivering an eagle on the par-5 7th and finishing strong with three straight birdies. “I can’t remember the last time I birdied the last three holes of a tournament,” Griffin admitted. “It felt surreal—I’m still in a bit of a blackout.”

Trailing two strokes behind is two-time major winner Collin Morikawa, who turned in a clean 5-under 67 despite starting the day unsure of his swing. “I had to go back to some old swing thoughts,” said Morikawa, who’s no stranger to Muirfield Village success. Having won the Workday Charity Open here in 2020 and finishing runner-up in 2022 and 2024, the Californian remains one to watch as the tournament progresses.

Max Homa, with a powerful back-nine push, birdied the final two holes to lock in a 4-under 68 and secure third place heading into Round 2. Ireland’s Shane Lowry, Griffin’s playing partner, also showed form, posting a solid 3-under. The chemistry between the duo was evident as they fed off each other’s energy throughout the round. “He holed everything he looked at,” Lowry said with a smile. “It was one of those days where we just clicked.”

Meanwhile, World No. 1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler ended his round at 2 under, placing him in the top 10 but still trailing the pace set by Griffin. Scheffler has finished in the top three at the Memorial for the past three years and remains a formidable threat as the weekend approaches.

Not every big name found their groove on Day 1. Justin Thomas and Justin Rose had rounds to forget, posting 80 and 78 respectively, while Rickie Fowler, who showed early promise, faded with a double bogey on the 16th.

This year’s edition is extra special as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Memorial Tournament, hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. The par-72, 7,569-yard course continues to challenge even the best in the world, with the rough playing longer than ever and conditions ripe for surprises.

Despite Rory McIlroy’s absence, the field remains stacked with champions like Patrick Cantlay, Hideki Matsuyama, and Matt Kuchar, all vying for a piece of the $20 million purse and a handshake with the Golden Bear on Sunday.

With the U.S. Open looming, players are dialing in their games, but for now, all eyes are on Ben Griffin—the breakout star who’s proving that lightning can strike twice in just two weeks.