/*
Theme Name: The Auto Herald
Theme URI: https://theautoherald.com
Author: Advaith Krishnan
Author URI: https://theautoherald.com
Description: The official theme for The Auto Herald — cars, honestly covered. No press releases, no advertiser influence, just automotive journalism with a point of view.
Version: 1.0.0
Requires at least: 6.0
Requires PHP: 7.4
License: GNU General Public License v2 or later
License URI: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
Text Domain: theautoherald
*/

body {transition: opacity ease-in 0.2s; } 
body[unresolved] {opacity: 0; display: block; overflow: hidden; position: relative; }

:root{--bg:#182438;--surface:#1d2c44;--card:#233452;--card-h:#2b3e66;--blue:#2a6fd4;--blue-b:#3d80e5;--blue-d:#1a4f9e;--logo-blue:#0d55b5;--nav-bg:linear-gradient(90deg,#0d55b5 0%,#0b4799 45%,#163f75 100%);--brand-g:linear-gradient(135deg,#266dcb 0%,#1e56a0 55%,#163f75 100%);--metal:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,255,255,.06) 0%,rgba(255,255,255,.01) 50%,transparent 100%);--white:#fff;--muted:#94a3b8;--dim:#64748b;--faint:#475569;--ghost:#334155;--border:rgba(38,109,203,.18);--bh:rgba(38,109,203,.5);--fh:'Open Sauce One',sans-serif;--fb:'Inter',sans-serif}
*,*::before,*::after{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}
html{scroll-behavior:smooth}
body{background:var(--bg);color:var(--white);font-family:var(--fb);line-height:1.6;overflow-x:hidden}
a{text-decoration:none;color:inherit}img{display:block;max-width:100%}
button{cursor:pointer;font-family:var(--fh);border:none;outline:none;background:none}
.wrap{max-width:1240px;margin:0 auto;padding:0 40px}
.sh{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;margin-bottom:32px;padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--border)}
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.sl::before{content:'';width:3px;height:18px;background:var(--brand-g);border-radius:2px}
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.sa:hover{color:var(--blue-b)}
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@keyframes pgFade{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(10px)}to{opacity:1;transform:none}}
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#loader{position:fixed;inset:0;z-index:9999;display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;justify-content:center;overflow:hidden;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at center top,#0d1f3c 0%,#162237 65%);animation:__ldOut 3.5s ease forwards}
@keyframes __ldOut{0%,82%{opacity:1}100%{opacity:0;visibility:hidden;pointer-events:none}}
#loader.out{opacity:0;visibility:hidden;pointer-events:none}
.ld-grid{position:absolute;inset:0;background-image:linear-gradient(rgba(38,109,203,.05) 1px,transparent 1px),linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(38,109,203,.05) 1px,transparent 1px);background-size:60px 60px;animation:gpulse 4s ease-in-out infinite}
@keyframes gpulse{0%,100%{opacity:.4}50%{opacity:1}}
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@keyframes gfill{to{stroke-dashoffset:88}}
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@keyframes lreveal{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}
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@keyframes treveal{from{opacity:0;letter-spacing:14px}to{opacity:1;letter-spacing:6px}}
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@keyframes pfill{to{width:78%}}
@keyframes fin{to{opacity:1}}
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.nav-item{position:relative}.nav-item::after{content:'';position:absolute;top:100%;left:0;right:0;height:14px}
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.nav-item:hover .arr,.nav-item.dd-open .arr{transform:rotate(180deg)}
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.ddi:hover{background:rgba(38,109,203,.15);color:#fff}
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.tick-track:hover{animation-play-state:paused}
@keyframes tscroll{from{transform:translateX(0)}to{transform:translateX(-50%)}}
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.hero-bg{position:absolute;inset:0;overflow:hidden}
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@keyframes ofloat{from{transform:translateY(0) scale(1)}to{transform:translateY(-22px) scale(1.04)}}
.hero-lines{position:absolute;inset:0;pointer-events:none;overflow:hidden}
.hline{position:absolute;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,rgba(38,109,203,.35),transparent);animation:sline linear infinite;opacity:0}
@keyframes sline{0%{transform:translateX(-100%);opacity:0}20%{opacity:.8}80%{opacity:.8}100%{transform:translateX(220%);opacity:0}}
.hero-body{position:relative;z-index:2;max-width:1240px;margin:0 auto;padding:0 40px 80px;width:100%;overflow:visible}
.hero-tag{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:3px;text-transform:uppercase;background:rgba(38,109,203,.3);border:1px solid rgba(38,109,203,.4);padding:6px 14px;border-radius:50px;margin-bottom:20px}
.tag-dot{width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--blue-b);box-shadow:0 0 6px var(--blue-b);animation:tdot 2s ease-in-out infinite}
@keyframes tdot{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 6px var(--blue-b)}50%{transform:scale(1.3);box-shadow:0 0 14px var(--blue-b)}}
.hero-h1{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:clamp(30px,5vw,66px);font-weight:900;line-height:1.08;max-width:820px;margin-bottom:20px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#fff 0%,#d0e4ff 60%,#7ab0f0 100%);-webkit-background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;background-clip:text}
.hero-exc{font-size:17px;font-weight:500;line-height:1.75;color:rgba(148,163,184,.95);max-width:540px;margin-bottom:22px}
.hero-meta{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:18px;font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--dim);margin-bottom:30px}
.hero-meta b{color:var(--faint)}
.btn-hero{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;font-family:var(--fh);font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;padding:15px 32px;border-radius:50px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#266dcb,#1a4f9e);color:#fff;box-shadow:0 6px 0 #0a2a5a,0 8px 24px rgba(38,109,203,.4);transition:transform .2s,box-shadow .2s}
.btn-hero:hover{transform:translateY(3px);box-shadow:0 3px 0 #0a2a5a,0 4px 12px rgba(38,109,203,.3)}
.feat-sec{background:var(--surface);padding:72px 0;position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.feat-sec::before{content:'';position:absolute;top:0;left:0;right:0;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,var(--blue),transparent)}
.feat-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.6fr 1fr;gap:1px;background:var(--border);border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden}
.feat-side{display:grid;grid-template-rows:1fr 1fr;gap:1px;background:var(--border)}
.fc{position:relative;overflow:hidden;cursor:pointer;background:var(--card);transition:background .35s}
.fc:hover{background:var(--card-h)}
.fc::after{content:'';position:absolute;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;height:2px;background:var(--brand-g);transform:scaleX(0);transform-origin:left;transition:transform .4s ease}
.fc:hover::after{transform:scaleX(1)}
.fi-wrap{overflow:hidden;position:relative}
.fc-main .fi-wrap{height:280px}.fc-sm .fi-wrap{height:145px}
.fc-img{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;transition:transform .5s ease}
.fc:hover .fc-img{transform:scale(1.06)}
.fi-ov{position:absolute;inset:0;background:linear-gradient(to top,rgba(13,22,40,.8),transparent 60%)}
.fb{padding:22px}
.fc-tag{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:8px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--blue);margin-bottom:8px}
.fc-title{font-family:var(--fh);font-weight:800;line-height:1.25;color:#fff;transition:color .3s}
.fc-main .fc-title{font-size:19px;margin-bottom:12px}.fc-sm .fc-title{font-size:14px;margin-bottom:8px}
.fc:hover .fc-title{color:var(--blue-b)}
.fc-exc{font-size:13px;font-weight:500;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.65;margin-bottom:14px}
.fc-meta{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:8px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--dim);border-top:1px solid var(--border);padding-top:11px;display:flex;gap:14px}
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@keyframes bscroll{from{transform:translateX(0)}to{transform:translateX(-50%)}}
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.latest-sec{padding:80px 0}
.ag{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:22px}
.ac{background:var(--card);border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;cursor:pointer;transition:transform .3s,border-color .3s,box-shadow .3s,background .3s;position:relative}
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.ai-wrap{height:190px;overflow:hidden;position:relative}
.ac-img{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;transition:transform .5s}
.ac:hover .ac-img{transform:scale(1.06)}
.ai-ov{position:absolute;inset:0;background:linear-gradient(to top,rgba(13,22,40,.35),transparent 55%)}
.ac-body{padding:18px}
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.ac:hover .ac-title{color:var(--blue-b)}
.ac-exc{font-size:13px;font-weight:500;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.65;margin-bottom:14px}
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.pick-sec{background:var(--surface);padding:80px 0;position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.pick-sec::before,.pick-sec::after{content:'';position:absolute;left:0;right:0;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,var(--blue),transparent)}
.pick-sec::before{top:0}.pick-sec::after{bottom:0}
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.pick-img-wrap{position:relative;height:480px;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;cursor:pointer}
.pick-img{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;transition:transform .6s}
.pick-img-wrap:hover .pick-img{transform:scale(1.04)}
.pc{position:absolute;width:28px;height:28px;pointer-events:none}
.pc.tl{top:12px;left:12px;border-top:2px solid var(--blue);border-left:2px solid var(--blue)}
.pc.br{bottom:12px;right:12px;border-bottom:2px solid var(--blue);border-right:2px solid var(--blue)}
.pick-lbl{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:4px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--blue);margin-bottom:14px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px}
.pick-lbl::before{content:'';width:20px;height:1px;background:var(--blue)}
.pick-h2{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:clamp(22px,3vw,36px);font-weight:900;line-height:1.15;margin-bottom:18px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#fff 0%,#c5d8f5 100%);-webkit-background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;background-clip:text}
.pick-txt{font-size:15px;font-weight:500;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:30px}
.btn-outline{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;font-family:var(--fh);font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;padding:13px 26px;border-radius:50px;color:#fff;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.22);box-shadow:0 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.3);transition:transform .2s,background .2s,border-color .2s,box-shadow .2s;cursor:pointer}
.btn-outline:hover{transform:translateY(2px);background:rgba(38,109,203,.15);border-color:var(--blue);box-shadow:0 2px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.3)}
.cats-sec{padding:80px 0}
.cats-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(5,1fr);gap:16px}
.ct{background:var(--card);border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:10px;padding:34px 14px 24px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;transition:transform .3s,border-color .3s,box-shadow .3s,background .3s;position:relative;overflow:hidden;min-height:118px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:flex-end}
.ct::before{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 0%,rgba(38,109,203,.15),transparent 70%);opacity:0;transition:opacity .3s;z-index:1}
.ct:hover{transform:translateY(-6px) scale(1.03);border-color:var(--bh);box-shadow:0 16px 40px rgba(0,0,0,.4),0 0 20px rgba(38,109,203,.14)}
.ct:hover::before{opacity:1}
.ct-ic{font-size:28px;margin-bottom:10px;display:block}
.ct-nm{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#fff;position:relative;z-index:2;text-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,.6)}
.ct-cnt{font-size:11px;font-weight:500;color:rgba(220,230,245,.85);margin-top:4px;position:relative;z-index:2;text-shadow:0 1px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.6)}
.nl-sec{padding:100px 0;position:relative;overflow:hidden;background:var(--surface)}
.nl-glow{position:absolute;top:-100px;left:50%;transform:translateX(-50%);width:600px;height:400px;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at center top,rgba(38,109,203,.12),transparent 70%);pointer-events:none}
.nl-inner{text-align:center;max-width:520px;margin:0 auto;position:relative;z-index:1}
.nl-ov{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:4px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--blue);margin-bottom:14px}
.nl-h2{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:clamp(24px,3.5vw,40px);font-weight:900;line-height:1.15;margin-bottom:12px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#fff 0%,#c5d8f5 100%);-webkit-background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;background-clip:text}
.nl-sub{font-size:15px;font-weight:500;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.7;margin-bottom:34px}
.nl-form{display:flex;border-radius:50px;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid var(--border);background:rgba(13,22,40,.8);transition:border-color .3s}
.nl-form:focus-within{border-color:var(--blue)}
.nl-in{flex:1;background:none;border:none;outline:none;padding:13px 20px;font-family:var(--fb);font-size:14px;color:#fff;min-width:0}
.nl-in::placeholder{color:var(--dim)}
.nl-btn{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;padding:13px 22px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#266dcb,#1a4f9e);color:#fff;white-space:nowrap;transition:opacity .2s;flex-shrink:0}
.nl-btn:hover{opacity:.88}
footer{background:#101c30;padding:60px 0 28px;border-top:1px solid var(--border)}
.fg{display:grid;grid-template-columns:2fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;gap:48px;margin-bottom:48px}
.f-logo{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;margin-bottom:14px;cursor:pointer}
.f-logo-img{width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:4px;object-fit:cover}
.f-name{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:14px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:1px;color:#fff}
.f-tag{font-size:13px;font-weight:500;color:var(--dim);line-height:1.7;margin-bottom:22px;max-width:240px}
.f-soc{display:flex;gap:8px}
.soc-btn{width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:6px;border:1px solid var(--faint);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:14px;color:var(--muted);transition:border-color .2s,color .2s,background .2s,transform .2s;cursor:pointer;text-decoration:none;flex-shrink:0}
.soc-btn:hover{border-color:var(--blue);color:#fff;background:rgba(38,109,203,.15);transform:translateY(-2px)}
.soc-btn svg{display:block;flex-shrink:0}
.f-col-ttl{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:3px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#fff;margin-bottom:18px}
.f-links{list-style:none}
.f-links li{margin-bottom:9px}
.f-links a{font-size:13px;font-weight:500;color:var(--dim);transition:color .2s;cursor:pointer}
.f-links a:hover{color:var(--blue)}
.f-bot{border-top:1px solid rgba(71,85,105,.25);padding-top:22px;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center}
.f-copy{font-size:12px;font-weight:500;color:var(--ghost)}
.f-bot-lnks{display:flex;gap:20px;list-style:none}
.f-bot-lnks a{font-size:11px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1px;color:var(--ghost);transition:color .2s;cursor:pointer}
.f-bot-lnks a:hover{color:var(--blue)}
.art-phero{height:65vh;min-height:480px;position:relative;overflow:hidden;background:#131f32;margin-top:62px}
.art-phero-img{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;opacity:.68}
.art-phero-ov{position:absolute;inset:0;background:linear-gradient(to top,rgba(18,30,48,.88) 0%,rgba(18,30,48,.45) 35%,transparent 100%)}
.art-cw{max-width:820px;margin:0 auto;padding:48px 40px 80px}
.ap-tag{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:3px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--blue);margin-bottom:14px}
.ap-h1{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:clamp(24px,4vw,48px);font-weight:900;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:18px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#fff 0%,#c5d8f5 100%);-webkit-background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;background-clip:text}
.ap-exc{font-size:18px;font-weight:500;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.75;border-left:3px solid var(--blue);padding-left:20px;margin-bottom:22px}
.ap-meta{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:18px;font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--dim);border-bottom:1px solid var(--border);padding-bottom:22px;margin-bottom:34px}
.ap-meta span{color:var(--faint)}
.ab p{font-size:16px;font-weight:400;color:#cbd5e1;line-height:1.9;margin-bottom:22px}
.ab p:first-child::first-letter{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:4em;font-weight:900;color:var(--blue);float:left;line-height:.8;margin:6px 12px 0 0}
.ab h2{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:21px;font-weight:800;color:#fff;margin:34px 0 14px;padding-left:16px;border-left:3px solid var(--blue)}
.ab blockquote{border-left:3px solid var(--blue);padding:14px 22px;margin:28px 0;background:rgba(38,109,203,.06);border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;font-size:17px;font-weight:500;font-style:italic;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.75}
.ap-foot{margin-top:48px;padding-top:30px;border-top:1px solid var(--border);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:14px}
.btn-blue{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;padding:12px 22px;border-radius:50px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#266dcb,#1a4f9e);color:#fff;box-shadow:0 4px 0 #0a2a5a,0 6px 18px rgba(38,109,203,.35);transition:transform .2s,box-shadow .2s;cursor:pointer}
.btn-blue:hover{transform:translateY(3px);box-shadow:0 1px 0 #0a2a5a,0 2px 8px rgba(38,109,203,.25)}
.btn-back{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--dim);display:flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;transition:color .2s;cursor:pointer}
.btn-back:hover{color:#fff}
.sh-hero{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#172236 0%,#1e2f48 100%);padding:120px 40px 70px;text-align:center;position:relative;overflow:hidden;margin-top:62px}
.sh-hero::after{content:'';position:absolute;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,var(--blue),transparent)}
.sh-glow{position:absolute;top:-50%;left:50%;transform:translateX(-50%);width:600px;height:400px;background:radial-gradient(ellipse,rgba(38,109,203,.1),transparent 70%);pointer-events:none}
.sh-ov{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:4px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--blue);margin-bottom:14px}
.sh-h1{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:clamp(28px,4vw,52px);font-weight:900;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#fff 0%,#c5d8f5 100%);-webkit-background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;background-clip:text;margin-bottom:14px}
.sh-sub{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;color:var(--muted);max-width:520px;margin:0 auto}
.sc{max-width:820px;margin:0 auto;padding:60px 40px 80px}
.ss{margin-bottom:46px}
.ss h2{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:20px;font-weight:800;color:#fff;margin-bottom:14px;padding-left:16px;border-left:3px solid var(--blue)}
.ss p{font-size:15px;color:#94a3b8;line-height:1.85;margin-bottom:12px}
.a2c{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:48px;margin-bottom:46px}
.aq{border-left:3px solid var(--blue);padding:22px 26px;background:rgba(38,109,203,.06);border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;margin:38px 0}
.aq p{font-size:18px;font-weight:500;font-style:italic;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.75;margin-bottom:10px}
.aq cite{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--blue);font-style:normal}
.stats{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:22px;margin-top:46px}
.sbox{background:var(--card);border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:10px;padding:30px 22px;text-align:center}
.snum{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:36px;font-weight:900;background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--blue-b),var(--blue));-webkit-background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;background-clip:text;margin-bottom:7px}
.slbl{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--dim)}
.ccg{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:20px}
.cc{background:var(--card);border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:12px;padding:38px 30px;transition:border-color .3s,box-shadow .3s}
.cc:hover{border-color:var(--bh);box-shadow:0 12px 40px rgba(0,0,0,.4)}
.cc-ic{font-size:32px;margin-bottom:14px}
.cc-tp{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:3px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--blue);margin-bottom:7px}
.cc-h3{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:20px;font-weight:800;color:#fff;margin-bottom:10px}
.cc-desc{font-size:14px;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.7;margin-bottom:18px}
.cc-em{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:13px;font-weight:700;color:var(--blue-b);letter-spacing:.5px}
.fcg{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:18px}
.fct{background:var(--card);border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:10px;padding:120px 26px 24px;cursor:pointer;transition:transform .3s,border-color .3s,box-shadow .3s,background .3s;position:relative;overflow:hidden;min-height:170px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:flex-end}
.fct::before{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 0%,rgba(38,109,203,.15),transparent 70%);opacity:0;transition:opacity .3s;z-index:1}
.fct:hover{transform:translateY(-4px);border-color:var(--bh);box-shadow:0 12px 32px rgba(0,0,0,.4)}
.fct:hover::before{opacity:1}
.fct-ic{font-size:34px;margin-bottom:12px;display:block}
.fct-nm{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:14px;font-weight:800;color:#fff;margin-bottom:5px;position:relative;z-index:2;text-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,.6)}
.fct-br{font-size:12px;color:rgba(220,230,245,.85);line-height:1.5;position:relative;z-index:2;text-shadow:0 1px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.6)}
.bg-bubs{position:fixed;inset:0;pointer-events:none;z-index:0;overflow:hidden}
.bgb{position:absolute;border-radius:50%;background:radial-gradient(circle at 35% 35%,rgba(38,109,203,.05),transparent 70%);border:1px solid rgba(38,109,203,.03);animation:bgbf linear infinite}
@keyframes bgbf{0%{transform:translateY(110vh) rotate(0deg);opacity:0}5%{opacity:.8}95%{opacity:.3}100%{transform:translateY(-15vh) rotate(360deg);opacity:0}}
@media(max-width:1024px){.cats-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr)}.fg{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}}
@media(max-width:768px){
.wrap,.sc,.art-cw{padding-left:20px;padding-right:20px}
.nav-links{display:none}.nav-name{display:none}
.feat-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.feat-side{grid-template-rows:unset;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}
.ag{grid-template-columns:1fr}.pick-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}
.pick-img-wrap{height:280px}.cats-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}
.fg{grid-template-columns:1fr}.a2c{grid-template-columns:1fr}
.ccg{grid-template-columns:1fr}.fcg{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}
.stats{grid-template-columns:1fr}.hero-body{padding:0 20px 60px;overflow:visible}
.sh-hero{padding:100px 20px 60px}}

/* ══════════ 2026 ELEVATION LAYER ══════════ */

/* ── Custom cursor ───────────────────────── */
*{cursor:none!important}
#crs{position:fixed;top:-200px;left:-200px;z-index:999999;pointer-events:none;transition:left .06s linear,top .06s linear}



#crs.hover #crs-svg{filter:drop-shadow(0 0 14px rgba(61,128,229,1)) drop-shadow(0 0 28px rgba(92,163,245,.6))}
#crs.click #crs-svg{transform:scale(.88)}

/* ── Lighter backgrounds ─────────────────── */
:root{--bg:#182438;--surface:#1d2c44;--card:#233452;--card-h:#172749}
body{background:var(--bg)}

/* ── Nav glass ───────────────────────────── */
.nav{background:rgba(8,13,26,.72)!important;backdrop-filter:blur(28px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(28px);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.065)!important}
.dd{background:rgba(7,11,22,.92)!important;border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.1)!important}

/* ── Ticker glass ────────────────────────── */
.ticker{background:rgba(12,36,95,.68)!important;backdrop-filter:blur(12px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(12px);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.05)}
.tick-lbl{background:rgba(8,28,78,.85)!important}

/* ── Hero lighter overlays ───────────────── */
.hero-ov{background:linear-gradient(to top,rgba(11,17,30,.72) 0%,rgba(11,17,30,.33) 44%,rgba(11,17,30,.04) 76%,transparent 100%)!important}
.hero-ovs{background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(11,17,30,.6) 0%,rgba(11,17,30,.14) 56%,transparent 100%)!important}
.hero-bg-img{opacity:.58!important}

/* ── Section glass ───────────────────────── */
.feat-sec{background:rgba(10,16,34,.5)!important}
.pick-sec{background:rgba(10,16,34,.48)!important}
.nl-sec{background:rgba(10,16,34,.5)!important}
footer{background:rgba(5,8,18,.88)!important;backdrop-filter:blur(18px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(18px);border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.055)!important}
.sh-hero{background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(8,12,22,.92) 0%,rgba(12,20,40,.9) 100%)!important;backdrop-filter:blur(6px)}

/* ── Glass cards ─────────────────────────── */
.ac{background:rgba(12,20,38,.58)!important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.072)!important;backdrop-filter:blur(12px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(12px)}
.ac:hover{background:rgba(16,28,54,.76)!important;border-color:rgba(61,128,229,.3)!important;box-shadow:0 18px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.5),0 0 0 1px rgba(38,109,203,.22),0 0 40px rgba(38,109,203,.06)!important}
.ct{background:rgba(12,20,38,.58)!important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07)!important;backdrop-filter:blur(10px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(10px)}
.ct:hover{background:rgba(16,28,54,.82)!important;border-color:rgba(61,128,229,.38)!important}
.sbox{background:rgba(12,20,38,.6)!important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07)!important;backdrop-filter:blur(10px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(10px)}
.cc{background:rgba(12,20,38,.6)!important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07)!important;backdrop-filter:blur(10px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(10px)}
.cc:hover{background:rgba(16,28,54,.8)!important;border-color:rgba(61,128,229,.3)!important}
.fct{background:rgba(12,20,38,.58)!important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07)!important;backdrop-filter:blur(10px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(10px)}
.fct:hover{background:rgba(16,28,54,.8)!important;border-color:rgba(61,128,229,.3)!important}
.fc{background:rgba(12,20,38,.6)!important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.065)!important}
.fc:hover{background:rgba(16,28,54,.78)!important}
.feat-grid{background:rgba(255,255,255,.04)!important}
.nl-form{background:rgba(12,20,40,.7)!important;border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.1)!important}

/* ── Article page glass ──────────────────── */
.art-phero-ov{background:linear-gradient(to top,rgba(11,17,30,.86) 0%,rgba(11,17,30,.42) 36%,transparent 100%)!important}

/* ── Ambient float particles ─────────────── */
@keyframes ambrise{0%{transform:translateY(0) translateX(0);opacity:0}15%{opacity:.8}80%{opacity:.35}100%{transform:translateY(-100vh) translateX(var(--drift,0px));opacity:0}}
.amb{position:fixed;bottom:0;border-radius:50%;pointer-events:none;z-index:1;animation:ambrise linear infinite}

/* ── Hero light sweep lines ──────────────── */
@keyframes hsweep{0%{transform:translateX(-140%);opacity:0}8%{opacity:.5}88%{opacity:.25}100%{transform:translateX(260%);opacity:0}}
.h-sweep{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:1.5px;background:linear-gradient(to bottom,transparent,rgba(61,128,229,.4) 30%,rgba(100,168,255,.3) 50%,rgba(61,128,229,.4) 70%,transparent);pointer-events:none;animation:hsweep ease-in-out infinite}

/* ── Smoother reveal transitions ─────────── */
.rv{transition:opacity .8s cubic-bezier(.25,.46,.45,.94),transform .8s cubic-bezier(.25,.46,.45,.94)}
@keyframes pgFade{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(16px)}to{opacity:1;transform:none}}
.page.active{animation:pgFade .42s cubic-bezier(.25,.46,.45,.94)}

/* ── Card inner glow on hover ────────────── */
.ac::before,.ct::before{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;border-radius:10px;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 0%,rgba(38,109,203,.1),transparent 65%);opacity:0;transition:opacity .4s;pointer-events:none}
.ac:hover::before,.ct:hover::before{opacity:1}

/* ── Author card ─────────────────────────── */
.author-card{display:flex;gap:22px;align-items:flex-start;padding:30px 32px;border-radius:14px;background:rgba(10,18,36,.65);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);backdrop-filter:blur(14px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(14px);margin-top:44px;box-shadow:0 8px 40px rgba(0,0,0,.3),inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.06)}
.a-av{width:68px;height:68px;border-radius:50%;object-fit:cover;border:2px solid rgba(38,109,203,.45);flex-shrink:0;box-shadow:0 0 26px rgba(38,109,203,.3)}
.a-info .a-nm{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:15px;font-weight:800;color:#fff;margin-bottom:3px}
.a-info .a-role{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--blue);margin-bottom:10px}
.a-info .a-bio{font-size:13px;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.75}

/* ── Article table glass ─────────────────── */
.ab table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:24px 0;font-size:14px}
.ab th{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--blue);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(38,109,203,.22);padding:11px 16px;text-align:left;background:rgba(38,109,203,.07)}
.ab td{padding:10px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.044);color:#94a3b8}
.ab tr:last-child td{border-bottom:none}
.ab tr:hover td{background:rgba(38,109,203,.05);color:#cbd5e1}

/* ── Remove independent journalism line ──── */
.f-tag{display:none!important}

/* ── Frosted glass article content area ──── */
.art-cw{background:rgba(10,16,28,.35);backdrop-filter:blur(3px)}

/* ── Shimmer keyframe ────────────────────── */
@keyframes shimmer{from{background-position:200% center}to{background-position:-200% center}}
.ac:hover{background-image:linear-gradient(105deg,transparent 40%,rgba(255,255,255,.02) 50%,transparent 60%);background-size:200% 100%}


/* ══════════════ 2026 PREMIUM LAYER ══════════════ */

/* ── Even lighter backgrounds ─────────────────── */
:root{--bg:#1a2840;--surface:#1e2f48;--card:#223354;--card-h:#2a3f68}
body{background:var(--bg)}

/* Glass card brightened to match lighter bg */
.ac{background:rgba(20,32,55,.62)!important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.085)!important}
.ac:hover{background:rgba(26,42,70,.78)!important}
.ct{background:rgba(20,32,55,.6)!important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08)!important}
.ct:hover{background:rgba(26,42,70,.82)!important}
.sbox{background:rgba(20,32,55,.62)!important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08)!important}
.cc{background:rgba(20,32,55,.62)!important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08)!important}
.cc:hover{background:rgba(26,42,70,.8)!important}
.fct{background:rgba(20,32,55,.6)!important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08)!important}
.fct:hover{background:rgba(26,42,70,.8)!important}
.fc{background:rgba(20,32,55,.62)!important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07)!important}
.feat-grid{background:rgba(255,255,255,.045)!important}
.nl-form{background:rgba(20,32,58,.75)!important}

/* ── Hero: lighter overlay, more visible car ── */
.hero-ov{background:linear-gradient(to top,rgba(12,20,36,.68) 0%,rgba(12,20,36,.28) 46%,rgba(12,20,36,.04) 78%,transparent 100%)!important}
.hero-ovs{background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(12,20,36,.55) 0%,rgba(12,20,36,.1) 58%,transparent 100%)!important}
.hero-bg-img{opacity:.75!important}

/* ── F1 hero title: smaller, readable ─────────── */
.hero-h1{font-size:clamp(24px,3.6vw,48px)!important;max-width:640px!important}
.hero-exc{font-size:16px!important}

/* ── Card preview font sizes UP ──────────────── */
.fc-exc{font-size:15px!important;line-height:1.7!important;color:rgba(148,163,184,.95)!important}
.fc-main .fc-title{font-size:22px!important}
.fc-sm .fc-title{font-size:16px!important}
.ac-title{font-size:16px!important;line-height:1.3!important}
.ac-exc{font-size:14px!important;line-height:1.7!important;color:rgba(148,163,184,.9)!important}
.pick-txt{font-size:16px!important;color:rgba(148,163,184,.92)!important}
.ct-nm{font-size:11px!important}
.ct-cnt{font-size:12px!important;color:rgba(148,163,184,.75)!important}

/* ── Logo: hide image block, show CSS stripes ── */
.nav-logo-img{display:none!important}
.ld-logo{display:none!important}
.nav-brand{gap:12px!important}
/* Two-stripe logo mark */
.nav-brand::after{content:'';display:flex;flex-direction:column;width:6px;height:34px;background:linear-gradient(to bottom,#5ca3f5 0%,#1a4f9e 100%);border-radius:3px;box-shadow:-10px 0 0 rgba(61,128,229,.45),-20px 0 0 rgba(61,128,229,.2);flex-shrink:0}
.nav-name{font-size:14px!important;letter-spacing:0.8px;font-weight:900!important}
/* Loading wordmark stripes */
.ld-logo-mark{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:18px;margin:0 auto 18px;opacity:0;animation:lreveal .8s ease 2.3s forwards}
.ld-lms{height:1.5px;width:0;animation:strexp .6s cubic-bezier(.25,.46,.45,.94) 2.4s forwards}
.ld-lms.left{background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,rgba(61,128,229,.8),rgba(200,220,255,.9))}
.ld-lms.right{background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(200,220,255,.9),rgba(61,128,229,.8),transparent)}
.ld-lm-text{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:11px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:rgba(61,128,229,.9);white-space:nowrap}
@keyframes strexp{from{width:0;opacity:0}to{width:65px;opacity:1}}
/* ld-title stays but gets bigger */
.ld-title{font-size:30px!important;letter-spacing:7px!important}

/* ── 3D Pebble buttons ────────────────────────── */
.btn-hero{
  background:linear-gradient(180deg,#3d7fe0 0%,#1e56b0 45%,#163d87 100%)!important;
  box-shadow:
    inset 0 1.5px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.28),
    inset 0 -1.5px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.22),
    0 6px 0 #091e54,
    0 9px 22px rgba(38,109,203,.45),
    0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,.4)!important;
  transition:transform .15s,box-shadow .15s!important
}
.btn-hero:hover{
  transform:translateY(4px)!important;
  box-shadow:
    inset 0 1.5px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.22),
    inset 0 -1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.18),
    0 2px 0 #091e54,
    0 4px 10px rgba(38,109,203,.28)!important
}
.btn-blue{
  background:linear-gradient(180deg,#3d7fe0 0%,#1e56b0 45%,#163d87 100%)!important;
  box-shadow:
    inset 0 1.5px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.25),
    inset 0 -1.5px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.2),
    0 5px 0 #091e54,
    0 7px 18px rgba(38,109,203,.4),
    0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,.35)!important
}
.btn-blue:hover{
  transform:translateY(3px)!important;
  box-shadow:
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.18),
    0 2px 0 #091e54,
    0 3px 8px rgba(38,109,203,.22)!important
}
.btn-sub{
  background:rgba(255,255,255,.12)!important;
  border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.22)!important;
  box-shadow:
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.18),
    inset 0 -1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.12),
    0 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.35),
    0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,.2)!important;
  transition:transform .15s,box-shadow .15s,background .2s!important
}
.btn-sub:hover{
  background:rgba(255,255,255,.2)!important;
  transform:translateY(3px)!important;
  box-shadow:
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.14),
    0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.3)!important
}
.btn-outline{
  box-shadow:
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.14),
    inset 0 -1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.1),
    0 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.3),
    0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,.18)!important
}
.btn-outline:hover{
  transform:translateY(3px)!important;
  box-shadow:
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.1),
    0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.28)!important
}
.btn-back:hover{color:var(--blue-b)!important}

/* ── Text hover: subtle blue tint ────────────── */
.ac-title{transition:color .3s,text-shadow .3s!important}
.ac:hover .ac-title{color:#9bbff5!important;text-shadow:0 0 22px rgba(61,128,229,.35)}
.ac:hover .ac-exc{color:rgba(180,200,230,.9)!important}
.fc-title{transition:color .3s,text-shadow .3s!important}
.fc:hover .fc-title{color:#9bbff5!important;text-shadow:0 0 18px rgba(61,128,229,.3)}
.fc:hover .fc-exc{color:rgba(180,200,230,.9)!important}
.ct:hover .ct-nm{color:#9bbff5!important;text-shadow:0 0 14px rgba(61,128,229,.3)}
.fct:hover .fct-nm{color:#9bbff5!important}
.ddi:hover{color:#a8c8f5!important}
.f-links a:hover{color:#9bbff5!important}
.ab p{transition:color .25s}
.ab p:hover{color:#c8daf5!important}
.ab h2{transition:color .25s}
.ab h2:hover{color:var(--blue-b)!important}
.ss h2{transition:color .25s}
.ss h2:hover{color:var(--blue-b)!important}
/* Nav link hover blue tint */
.nav-link:hover{color:#b8d4f8!important}

/* ── Remove ld-bubble clutter: suppress in loader */
.ld-bubble{display:none!important}


/* ── AUTHORS / TEAM SECTION ─────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.team-sec{padding:80px 0;position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.team-sec::before{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg,transparent 0%,rgba(38,109,203,.04) 50%,transparent 100%);pointer-events:none}
.team-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(340px,1fr));gap:32px;margin-top:40px}
.team-card{
  background:var(--card);
  border:1px solid rgba(61,128,229,.18);
  border-radius:20px;
  padding:36px 32px;
  display:flex;gap:28px;align-items:flex-start;
  backdrop-filter:blur(14px);
  transition:border-color .3s,transform .3s,box-shadow .3s;
  cursor:pointer;position:relative;overflow:hidden
}
.team-card::before{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;background:var(--metal);border-radius:inherit;opacity:0;transition:opacity .3s;pointer-events:none}
.team-card:hover{border-color:rgba(61,128,229,.42);transform:translateY(-5px);box-shadow:0 20px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.35),0 0 0 1px rgba(61,128,229,.12)}
.team-card:hover::before{opacity:1}
.team-av-wrap{position:relative;flex-shrink:0}
.team-av-ring{
  position:absolute;inset:-4px;border-radius:50%;
  background:conic-gradient(from 0deg,#266dcb,#3d80e5,#90c4ff,#266dcb);
  animation:ring-spin 8s linear infinite;z-index:0
}
@keyframes ring-spin{to{transform:rotate(360deg)}}
.team-av-bg{
  width:96px;height:96px;border-radius:50%;
  background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1e56a0 0%,#266dcb 50%,#3d80e5 100%);
  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;
  position:relative;z-index:1;
  font-family:var(--fh);font-size:2rem;font-weight:800;color:#fff;
  letter-spacing:-.5px;
  box-shadow:0 0 0 3px var(--card);
  border:2px solid rgba(61,128,229,.3)
}
.team-av{
  width:96px;height:96px;border-radius:50%;object-fit:cover;
  position:relative;z-index:1;
  box-shadow:0 0 0 3px var(--card);
  border:2px solid rgba(61,128,229,.3)
}
.team-info{flex:1;min-width:0}
.team-nm{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:1.15rem;font-weight:800;color:#fff;margin-bottom:2px;letter-spacing:-.3px}
.team-role{font-size:.78rem;font-weight:600;color:var(--blue-b);text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1.2px;margin-bottom:14px}
.team-bio{font-size:.88rem;color:rgba(255,255,255,.68);line-height:1.75;margin-bottom:14px}
.team-meta{display:flex;gap:12px;align-items:center;font-size:.78rem;color:rgba(255,255,255,.45);margin-bottom:14px}
.team-meta-dot{opacity:.4}
.team-soc{display:flex;gap:8px;flex-wrap:wrap}
.t-soc{
  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:5px;
  padding:5px 12px;border-radius:20px;font-size:.75rem;font-weight:600;
  border:1px solid rgba(61,128,229,.25);color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);
  text-decoration:none;transition:all .2s;background:rgba(38,109,203,.06)
}
.t-soc:hover{border-color:var(--blue-b);color:#fff;background:rgba(38,109,203,.18)}
/* About page author spotlight */
.about-author{
  background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(38,109,203,.1) 0%,rgba(61,128,229,.05) 100%);
  border:1px solid rgba(61,128,229,.2);border-radius:24px;
  padding:48px 40px;margin:40px 0;display:flex;gap:36px;align-items:center;
  backdrop-filter:blur(16px);
}
@media(max-width:640px){.about-author{flex-direction:column;text-align:center}.about-author .team-soc{justify-content:center}}
.about-author .team-av-wrap{flex-shrink:0}
.about-author .team-av-bg{width:120px;height:120px;font-size:2.4rem}
.about-author .team-av{width:120px;height:120px}
.about-author .team-av-ring{inset:-5px}
.aa-body{flex:1}
.aa-lbl{font-size:.72rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.8px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--blue-b);margin-bottom:8px}
.aa-nm{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:1.5rem;font-weight:800;color:#fff;margin-bottom:4px}
.aa-role{font-size:.85rem;color:rgba(255,255,255,.5);margin-bottom:16px}
.aa-bio{color:rgba(255,255,255,.72);line-height:1.8;font-size:.95rem;margin-bottom:20px}

/* ── AMBITIO-STYLE PREMIUM EFFECTS ──────────────────────────────────────────── */
@keyframes smooth-float{0%,100%{transform:translateX(0) scaleX(1.08)}50%{transform:translateX(-18px) scaleX(1)}}
@keyframes heroFlyIn{
  0%{transform:translateZ(-1000px) scale(0.2);opacity:0;filter:blur(12px)}
  55%{filter:blur(0)}
  100%{transform:translateZ(0) scale(1);opacity:1;filter:blur(0)}
}
/* Perspective container for hero headline */
.hero-body{perspective:1400px;perspective-origin:50% 55%;overflow:visible}
/* Fly-in animation on hero h1  -  overrides .rv transition intentionally */
.hero-h1.fly-in{
  transform-style:preserve-3d;
  will-change:transform,opacity;
  animation:heroFlyIn 1.9s cubic-bezier(0.16,1,0.3,1) 0.55s both;
}
/* ── SPEED STATS SECTION ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.speed-stats{padding:80px 0;position:relative;overflow:hidden;background:linear-gradient(180deg,var(--surface) 0%,var(--bg) 100%)}
.speed-stats::before,.speed-stats::after{content:'';position:absolute;left:0;right:0;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,var(--blue),transparent)}
.speed-stats::before{top:0}.speed-stats::after{bottom:0}
.ss-glow{position:absolute;top:50%;left:50%;transform:translate(-50%,-50%);width:800px;height:320px;background:radial-gradient(ellipse,rgba(38,109,203,.07),transparent 70%);pointer-events:none}
.ss-inner{text-align:center;margin-bottom:52px}
.ss-eyebrow{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:4px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--blue);margin-bottom:12px}
.ss-h2{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:clamp(22px,3vw,38px);font-weight:900;line-height:1.15;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#fff 0%,#c5d8f5 100%);-webkit-background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;background-clip:text}
.ss-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:1px;background:var(--border);border-radius:14px;overflow:hidden}
.ss-item{background:var(--card);padding:44px 24px 36px;text-align:center;position:relative;overflow:hidden;transition:background .3s}
.ss-item:hover{background:var(--card-h)}
.ss-item::before{content:'';position:absolute;top:0;left:50%;transform:translateX(-50%);width:50%;height:2px;background:var(--brand-g)}
.ss-num-wrap{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:clamp(36px,4.2vw,62px);font-weight:900;line-height:1;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#fff 0%,var(--blue-b) 100%);-webkit-background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;background-clip:text;margin-bottom:6px;min-height:1.1em;opacity:0;transition:opacity .5s ease}
.ss-num-wrap.visible{opacity:1}
.ss-suf{font-size:.5em;opacity:.7;font-weight:700}
.ss-lbl{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--dim);margin-top:10px}
.ss-sub{font-size:12px;font-weight:500;color:var(--ghost);margin-top:4px}

/* ── GLOBE / EARTH SECTION ───────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.globe-sec{padding:90px 0;position:relative;overflow:hidden;background:var(--bg)}
.globe-sec::after{content:'';position:absolute;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,var(--blue),transparent)}
.globe-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:80px;align-items:center}
.globe-body .ss-eyebrow{margin-bottom:16px}
.globe-h2{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:clamp(26px,3.5vw,44px);font-weight:900;line-height:1.1;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#fff 0%,#c5d8f5 100%);-webkit-background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;background-clip:text;margin:12px 0 20px}
.globe-p{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.85;margin-bottom:32px;max-width:430px}
.globe-stats{display:flex;gap:48px}
.globe-stat-num{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:30px;font-weight:900;color:#fff;display:block;margin-bottom:2px}
.globe-stat-lbl{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--dim)}
.globe-canvas-wrap{position:relative;display:flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center}
.globe-canvas-wrap::before{content:'';position:absolute;width:440px;height:440px;border-radius:50%;background:radial-gradient(circle,rgba(38,109,203,.14) 0%,rgba(38,109,203,.04) 50%,transparent 70%);pointer-events:none;animation:smooth-float 22s ease-in-out 0s infinite}
#earth-canvas{border-radius:50%;width:380px;height:380px;cursor:grab;position:relative;z-index:1}
#earth-canvas:active{cursor:grabbing}


/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   THE AUTO HERALD - PREMIUM OVERHAUL 2026
   Open Sauce One: bolder, bigger, shadowed, textured
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */

/* ── Root colour upgrades: grey → bluish-white ── */
:root{
  --muted:#b8cce8;
  --dim:#8099b8;
  --ghost:#607898;
  --noise-url:"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='200' height='200'%3E%3Cfilter id='n'%3E%3CfeTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='0.85' numOctaves='4' stitchTiles='stitch'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Crect width='200' height='200' filter='url(%23n)' opacity='1'/%3E%3C/svg%3E";
}

/* ── Global font: bolder, slightly larger ── */
body{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:15px;font-weight:500;line-height:1.7}
p{font-weight:500}

/* ── Subtle noise texture overlay (gives organic depth) ── */
body::after{
  content:'';position:fixed;inset:0;pointer-events:none;z-index:0;
  background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='300' height='300'%3E%3Cfilter id='n'%3E%3CfeTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='.9' numOctaves='4' stitchTiles='stitch'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Crect width='300' height='300' filter='url(%23n)'/%3E%3C/svg%3E");
  opacity:.028;
}

/* ── Heading depth shadows ── */
.hero-h1,.pick-h2,.globe-h2,.ss-h2,.nl-h2,.fc-title,.ac-title,h1,h2,h3{
  text-shadow:0 2px 16px rgba(0,12,50,.55),0 4px 32px rgba(0,0,0,.28);
}
/* Gradient text cannot use text-shadow in same rule (webkit quirk) - add shadow via filter */
.hero-h1,.pick-h2,.globe-h2,.ss-h2,.nl-h2,.ap-h1,.sh-h1{
  filter:drop-shadow(0 2px 12px rgba(0,20,80,.45));
}
.fc-title{font-size:1.15em!important;font-weight:800!important}
.ac-title{font-size:1rem!important;font-weight:800!important}

/* ── Font weight upgrades across all text ── */
.nav-link{font-weight:800!important;font-size:10px!important;letter-spacing:1.8px!important}
.hero-tag{font-size:10px!important;font-weight:800!important;letter-spacing:2.5px!important}
.hero-exc{font-size:15px!important;font-weight:600!important;color:var(--muted)!important;max-width:560px!important}
.hero-h1{font-size:clamp(22px,3.2vw,44px)!important;max-width:600px!important;font-weight:900!important;line-height:1.1!important}
.fc-exc{font-weight:600!important;color:var(--muted)!important}
.ac-exc{font-weight:600!important;color:var(--muted)!important}
.pick-txt{font-weight:600!important;font-size:16px!important;color:var(--muted)!important;line-height:1.85!important}
.sl{font-size:12px!important;font-weight:800!important;letter-spacing:3px!important;color:#fff!important}
.ss-eyebrow{font-size:10px!important;font-weight:800!important;letter-spacing:4px!important}
.pick-lbl{font-size:10px!important;font-weight:800!important;color:var(--blue-b)!important;letter-spacing:3px!important}
.ct-nm{font-size:11px!important;font-weight:800!important;color:#fff!important}
.ct-cnt{font-size:12px!important;font-weight:600!important;color:var(--muted)!important}
.ss-lbl{color:var(--muted)!important;font-size:10px!important;font-weight:700!important}
.ss-sub{color:var(--ghost)!important;font-size:13px!important}
.globe-p{color:var(--muted)!important;font-size:16px!important;font-weight:600!important}
.globe-stat-lbl{color:var(--dim)!important;font-size:10px!important;font-weight:700!important}
.globe-stat-num{font-size:32px!important;font-weight:900!important}
.nl-sub{color:var(--muted)!important;font-size:15px!important;font-weight:600!important}
.f-links a{color:var(--muted)!important;font-size:14px!important;font-weight:600!important}
.f-copy{color:var(--ghost)!important;font-size:13px!important;font-weight:600!important}
.f-bot-lnks a{color:var(--dim)!important;font-size:12px!important;font-weight:700!important}
.soc-btn{color:var(--dim)!important;border-color:var(--ghost)!important}
.team-bio{color:var(--muted)!important;font-size:14px!important;font-weight:500!important}
.team-meta{color:var(--dim)!important;font-size:13px!important}

/* ── Speed stats number alignment fix ── */
.ss-num-wrap{
  display:flex!important;align-items:baseline!important;justify-content:center!important;
  gap:2px!important;font-size:clamp(38px,4.5vw,64px)!important;
}
.ss-val{font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums;display:inline-block}
.ss-suf{font-size:.48em!important;font-weight:700!important;opacity:.75;display:inline-block;align-self:baseline}

/* ── Richer section backgrounds with gradients + grid texture ── */
.feat-sec{
  background:linear-gradient(160deg,rgba(18,28,50,.96) 0%,rgba(14,22,42,.98) 60%,rgba(10,18,38,.98) 100%)!important;
  position:relative;
}
.feat-sec::after{
  content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;pointer-events:none;
  background-image:linear-gradient(rgba(38,109,203,.035) 1px,transparent 1px),
    linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(38,109,203,.035) 1px,transparent 1px);
  background-size:80px 80px;
}
.pick-sec{
  background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(10,18,36,.98) 0%,rgba(14,24,44,.96) 50%,rgba(10,18,36,.98) 100%)!important;
}
.speed-stats{
  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(12,20,40,.98) 0%,rgba(16,26,46,.96) 50%,rgba(12,20,40,.98) 100%)!important;
  position:relative;
}
.speed-stats::before,.speed-stats::after{height:1px!important}
.globe-sec{
  background:linear-gradient(170deg,rgba(8,14,30,.99) 0%,rgba(14,22,42,.98) 100%)!important;
}
.cats-sec{
  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(14,22,42,.98) 0%,rgba(18,28,50,.96) 100%);
}
.team-sec{
  background:linear-gradient(160deg,rgba(12,20,40,.98) 0%,rgba(16,26,46,.96) 100%);
  position:relative;
}
.team-sec::before{
  content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;
  background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 30% 40%,rgba(38,109,203,.06) 0%,transparent 60%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse at 70% 70%,rgba(38,109,203,.04) 0%,transparent 50%);
  pointer-events:none;
}
.nl-sec{
  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(10,16,34,.99) 0%,rgba(8,14,28,.99) 100%)!important;
  position:relative;
}
.nl-sec::before{
  content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;pointer-events:none;
  background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% -20%,rgba(38,109,203,.1) 0%,transparent 65%);
}

/* ── PREMIUM FOOTER ── */
footer{
  background:linear-gradient(180deg,#080f1e 0%,#040a14 100%)!important;
  border-top:1px solid rgba(38,109,203,.15)!important;
  position:relative;overflow:hidden;
}
footer::before{
  content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;
  background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 0%,rgba(38,109,203,.07) 0%,transparent 55%),
    url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='200' height='200'%3E%3Cfilter id='n'%3E%3CfeTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='.85' numOctaves='4' stitchTiles='stitch'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Crect width='200' height='200' filter='url(%23n)' opacity='1'/%3E%3C/svg%3E");
  opacity:.03;pointer-events:none;
}
footer::after{
  content:'';position:absolute;top:0;left:0;right:0;height:1px;
  background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,rgba(61,128,229,.4),transparent);
}
.f-col-ttl{
  font-size:10px!important;font-weight:800!important;letter-spacing:3px!important;
  color:#fff!important;margin-bottom:22px!important;
  position:relative;padding-bottom:12px;
}
.f-col-ttl::after{
  content:'';position:absolute;bottom:0;left:0;width:28px;height:2px;
  background:linear-gradient(90deg,var(--blue),transparent);
  border-radius:2px;
}
.f-links a{transition:color .2s,padding-left .2s!important}
.f-links a:hover{color:#a8c8f5!important;padding-left:4px!important}
.f-bot{border-top:1px solid rgba(38,109,203,.12)!important}
.f-name{font-size:15px!important;font-weight:900!important;letter-spacing:1.5px!important;color:#fff!important}
.f-logo-img{display:none!important}

/* ── NEWSLETTER SECTION PREMIUM ── */
.nl-ov{font-size:10px!important;font-weight:800!important;letter-spacing:4px!important;color:var(--blue-b)!important}
.nl-h2{font-size:clamp(26px,3.5vw,44px)!important;font-weight:900!important}
.nl-form{
  background:rgba(10,18,36,.85)!important;
  border:1px solid rgba(61,128,229,.25)!important;
  border-radius:12px!important;overflow:hidden;
  box-shadow:0 0 0 1px rgba(61,128,229,.08),0 8px 32px rgba(0,0,0,.4)!important;
}
.nl-form:focus-within{border-color:rgba(61,128,229,.6)!important;box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(38,109,203,.12),0 8px 32px rgba(0,0,0,.4)!important}
.nl-in{font-family:var(--fh)!important;font-size:14px!important;font-weight:600!important;color:#fff!important}
.nl-in::placeholder{color:var(--ghost)!important}
.nl-btn{font-size:10px!important;font-weight:800!important;letter-spacing:2px!important;padding:14px 26px!important;border-radius:0!important}

/* ── CATEGORIES premium card ── */
.ct{border-radius:14px!important;padding:36px 16px 20px!important}
.ct-ic{display:none!important}
.cats-grid{gap:20px!important}

/* ── TEAM CARDS premium ── */
.team-card{border-radius:16px!important;padding:32px!important}
.team-nm{font-size:1.2rem!important;font-weight:900!important;letter-spacing:-.5px!important}
.team-role{font-size:.8rem!important;font-weight:700!important;color:var(--blue-b)!important;letter-spacing:1.5px!important}

/* ── EDITOR'S PICK CAROUSEL CSS ── */
.pick-carousel-outer{overflow:hidden;border-radius:16px;position:relative}
.pick-carousel-track{display:flex;transition:transform .55s cubic-bezier(.25,.46,.45,.94)}
.pick-slide{min-width:100%;box-sizing:border-box}
.pick-carousel-nav{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:14px}
.pcn-btn{
  width:38px;height:38px;border-radius:50%;
  background:rgba(38,109,203,.15);
  border:1px solid rgba(38,109,203,.3);
  color:#fff;font-size:16px;
  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;
  transition:background .2s,border-color .2s,transform .15s;
  cursor:pointer;font-family:var(--fh);
}
.pcn-btn:hover{background:rgba(38,109,203,.3);border-color:var(--blue);transform:scale(1.08)}
.pick-dots{display:flex;gap:6px;align-items:center}
.pick-dot{
  width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;
  background:rgba(255,255,255,.22);transition:background .3s,width .3s,border-radius .3s;
  cursor:pointer;
}
.pick-dot.active{width:22px;border-radius:3px;background:var(--blue-b)}
.pick-img-badge{
  position:absolute;top:14px;right:14px;
  font-family:var(--fh);font-size:8px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:2.5px;
  text-transform:uppercase;color:#fff;
  background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(38,109,203,.85),rgba(26,79,158,.85));
  backdrop-filter:blur(8px);padding:5px 12px;border-radius:20px;
  border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.18);
}
.pick-body{display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;gap:0}
.pick-grid{gap:56px!important;align-items:stretch!important}

/* ── 3D PRESS-AND-HOLD EFFECT ── */
.ac,.ct,.fc,.cc,.fct,.team-card{
  transform-style:preserve-3d;
  transition:transform .3s,border-color .3s,box-shadow .3s,background .3s!important;
}
.ac.pressed,.ct.pressed,.team-card.pressed{
  transform:translateY(-2px) perspective(500px) rotateX(3deg) rotateY(-1deg) scale(1.04)!important;
  box-shadow:0 28px 60px rgba(0,0,0,.55),0 0 0 1px rgba(61,128,229,.4),0 0 50px rgba(38,109,203,.1)!important;
  border-color:rgba(61,128,229,.55)!important;
}

/* ── GLOBE SECTION premium ── */
.globe-grid{gap:60px!important}
.globe-canvas-wrap{position:relative}
.globe-canvas-wrap::before{
  content:'';position:absolute;
  width:460px;height:460px;border-radius:50%;
  background:radial-gradient(circle,rgba(38,109,203,.16) 0%,rgba(26,79,158,.06) 45%,transparent 70%);
  pointer-events:none;top:50%;left:50%;transform:translate(-50%,-50%);
  animation:globe-pulse 6s ease-in-out infinite;
}
@keyframes globe-pulse{0%,100%{opacity:.7;transform:translate(-50%,-50%) scale(1)}50%{opacity:1;transform:translate(-50%,-50%) scale(1.04)}}
#earth-canvas{width:420px!important;height:420px!important;border-radius:50%!important;
  box-shadow:0 0 0 1px rgba(38,109,203,.18),0 0 60px rgba(38,109,203,.12),0 20px 60px rgba(0,0,0,.5)!important}

/* ── ARTICLE CARD: smoother hover shadow ── */
.ac:hover{
  box-shadow:0 20px 60px rgba(0,0,0,.55),0 0 0 1px rgba(61,128,229,.28),0 0 40px rgba(38,109,203,.08)!important;
}

/* ══════════════════ MOBILE / RESPONSIVE ════════════════════ */
@media(max-width:1100px){
  .globe-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr!important;gap:48px!important}
  .globe-canvas-wrap{order:-1}
  #earth-canvas{width:340px!important;height:340px!important}
  .globe-canvas-wrap::before{width:380px!important;height:380px!important}
}

@media(max-width:900px){
  .feat-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}
  .feat-side{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr!important;grid-template-rows:unset!important}
  .ss-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)!important}
  .ag{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)!important}
  .cats-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr)!important}
  .pick-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr!important;gap:32px!important}
  .pick-img-wrap{height:320px!important}
  .fg{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr!important}
}

@media(max-width:768px){
  .wrap{padding-left:18px!important;padding-right:18px!important}
  .hero-body{padding:0 18px 60px!important;overflow:visible}
  .hero-h1{font-size:clamp(24px,7vw,40px)!important}
  .hero-exc{font-size:14px!important}
  /* Nav: hide links, keep brand + subscribe */
  .nav-links{display:none!important}
  .nav-links.mob-open{display:flex!important;flex-direction:column;position:fixed;top:60px;left:0;right:0;z-index:9999;background:rgba(6,12,26,.97);padding:16px 0 24px;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(38,109,203,.3);backdrop-filter:blur(20px)}
  .nav-links.mob-open .nav-item{width:100%}
  .nav-links.mob-open .nav-link{padding:14px 24px;border-radius:0;width:100%;justify-content:space-between}
  .nav-links.mob-open .dd{position:static;transform:none;opacity:1;pointer-events:all;background:rgba(255,255,255,.04);border-radius:0;border:none;box-shadow:none;padding:0 0 8px 0;margin:0 16px}
  .nav-links.mob-open .dd::before{display:none}
  .nav-links.mob-open .ddi{padding:12px 24px}
  .nav-in{padding:0 18px!important}
  /* Site name stays visible on mobile, next to logo */
  .nav-name{display:block!important;font-size:11px!important;letter-spacing:.6px!important}
  .nav-name small{display:none!important}
  /* Hamburger icon */
  .nav-r::before{
    content:'\2630';font-size:20px;color:#fff;cursor:pointer;
    padding:6px 10px;border-radius:6px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.08);
    line-height:1;display:flex;align-items:center;
  }
  .ag{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}
  .ss-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)!important}
  .cats-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)!important}
  .pick-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr!important;gap:24px!important}
  .pick-img-wrap{height:260px!important}
  .fg{grid-template-columns:1fr!important;gap:36px!important}
  .team-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}
  .team-card{flex-direction:column!important;gap:20px!important}
  .globe-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}
  #earth-canvas{width:300px!important;height:300px!important}
  .pick-carousel-nav{gap:10px!important}
  .sh{flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px!important}
  .fcg{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}
  .a2c{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}
  .ccg{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}
  .stats{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr!important}
  .sh-hero{padding:100px 18px 60px!important}
  .sc{padding:40px 18px 60px!important}
  .art-cw{padding:32px 18px 60px!important}
  footer{padding:50px 0 24px!important}
}

@media(max-width:480px){
  .hero-h1{font-size:clamp(22px,8vw,32px)!important;max-width:100%!important}
  .ss-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr!important}
  .ss-num-wrap{font-size:clamp(28px,10vw,44px)!important}
  .cats-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)!important}
  .feat-side{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}
  .ag{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}
  .globe-stat-num{font-size:22px!important}
  .globe-stats{gap:24px!important;flex-wrap:wrap}
  .pcn-btn{width:32px!important;height:32px!important;font-size:14px!important}
  .pick-img-wrap{height:220px!important}
  .pick-h2{font-size:clamp(18px,6vw,26px)!important}
  .pick-txt{font-size:14px!important}
}

/* ── Touch / tap feedback ── */
@media(hover:none){
  .ac:active,.ct:active,.team-card:active{
    transform:scale(.97)!important;
    box-shadow:0 4px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.4)!important;
    transition:transform .1s,box-shadow .1s!important;
  }
}


/* Loading pct counter */
.ld-pct{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:28px;font-weight:900;color:#fff;letter-spacing:2px;margin-top:16px;text-shadow:0 0 20px rgba(61,128,229,.8),0 0 40px rgba(61,128,229,.4);opacity:0;animation:fin .4s ease .8s forwards}

/* Category icon SVG sizing */
.ct-ic{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:48px;height:48px;flex-shrink:0}
.ct-ic svg{width:48px;height:48px;display:block}

/* Card 3D magnetic tilt */
.card{transform-style:preserve-3d;will-change:transform;transform:perspective(700px) rotateX(0deg) rotateY(0deg)}
.card.tilt-active{transition:transform .05s linear}
.card:not(.tilt-active){transition:transform .5s cubic-bezier(.25,.46,.45,.94),box-shadow .5s}

/* Cursor: larger premium needle */
#crs-svg{display:block;filter:drop-shadow(0 0 6px rgba(61,128,229,.7)) drop-shadow(0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.5))}
#crs.hover #crs-svg{filter:drop-shadow(0 0 14px rgba(61,128,229,1)) drop-shadow(0 0 28px rgba(92,163,245,.6))!important}
#crs.click #crs-svg{transform:scale(.88)!important}

/* Stats alignment - baseline with tabular nums */
.ss-num-wrap{display:inline-flex;align-items:baseline;gap:3px}
.ss-val,.ss-suf{font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums}
.ss-suf{font-size:0.45em;font-weight:700;opacity:0.85;align-self:flex-end;padding-bottom:0.1em}

/* Ld pct counter */
.ld-pct{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:30px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:3px;
  color:#fff;text-align:center;margin-top:14px;
  text-shadow:0 0 24px rgba(61,128,229,.9),0 0 48px rgba(61,128,229,.5);
  opacity:0;animation:fin .5s ease .6s forwards}

/* Nav brand: stripes appear on right side */
.nav-brand{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;cursor:pointer;flex-shrink:0}
.nav-brand::before{display:none!important}

/* ── LUXURY ADDITIONS ───────────────────────────────────────── */

/* Star canvas */
#star-canvas{position:fixed;inset:0;z-index:-1;pointer-events:none;opacity:.5}

/* Cursor trail dots */
.crs-trail{position:fixed;border-radius:50%;pointer-events:none;z-index:999997;transform:translate(-50%,-50%);will-change:left,top;transition:opacity .4s}

/* Scroll progress bar */
#scroll-prog{position:fixed;top:62px;left:0;right:0;height:2px;z-index:997;pointer-events:none}
#scroll-prog-fill{height:100%;width:0%;background:linear-gradient(90deg,#1a4f9e,#266dcb,#7ab3f5,#266dcb,#1a4f9e);background-size:200% 100%;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(61,128,229,.9),0 0 22px rgba(61,128,229,.35);border-radius:0 2px 2px 0;transition:width .06s linear}

/* F1 start lights */
.f1-lights-row{display:flex;gap:15px;justify-content:center;margin:22px 0 8px}
.f1-led{width:27px;height:27px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.09);border:1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,.24);transition:background .12s,box-shadow .12s}
.f1-led.on{background:#ff2200;box-shadow:0 0 20px 7px rgba(255,34,0,.95),0 0 44px rgba(255,34,0,.55)}
.f1-led.off{background:rgba(255,255,255,.04);box-shadow:none;animation:ledOff .25s ease forwards}
@keyframes ledOff{0%{background:#ff2200;box-shadow:0 0 12px 4px rgba(255,34,0,.8)}100%{background:rgba(255,255,255,.04);box-shadow:none}}

/* Holographic card sheen */
.holo-sheen{position:absolute;inset:0;border-radius:inherit;pointer-events:none;z-index:3;opacity:0;transition:opacity .3s;background:radial-gradient(circle at calc(var(--hx,50%)) calc(var(--hy,50%)),rgba(255,255,255,.18) 0%,transparent 60%)}
.holo-rainbow{position:absolute;inset:0;border-radius:inherit;pointer-events:none;z-index:2;opacity:0;transition:opacity .3s;mix-blend-mode:screen;background:conic-gradient(from calc(var(--hd,0deg)),rgba(61,128,229,.35),rgba(122,179,245,.35),rgba(255,255,255,.2),rgba(38,109,203,.35),rgba(61,128,229,.35));filter:blur(8px)}
.ac:hover .holo-sheen,.pick-card:hover .holo-sheen,.feat-main:hover .holo-sheen,.feat-side-item:hover .holo-sheen{opacity:1}
.ac:hover .holo-rainbow,.pick-card:hover .holo-rainbow,.feat-main:hover .holo-rainbow,.feat-side-item:hover .holo-rainbow{opacity:.55}

/* Telemetry HUD */
#telemetry-hud{position:fixed;bottom:28px;right:24px;z-index:996;background:rgba(8,13,26,.82);border:1px solid rgba(38,109,203,.28);border-radius:10px;padding:14px 16px;min-width:160px;backdrop-filter:blur(18px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(18px);box-shadow:0 8px 32px rgba(0,0,0,.5),0 0 0 1px rgba(38,109,203,.1);opacity:0;transition:opacity .4s;pointer-events:none}
#telemetry-hud.visible{opacity:1}
.hud-eyebrow{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:7px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:3px;text-transform:uppercase;color:rgba(61,128,229,.7);margin-bottom:10px}
.hud-metric{margin-bottom:8px}
.hud-row{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;margin-bottom:4px}
.hud-label{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:8px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--muted)}
.hud-val-wrap{display:flex;align-items:baseline;gap:2px}
.hud-val{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:16px;font-weight:900;color:#fff;line-height:1;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums}
.hud-unit{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:7px;font-weight:700;color:var(--muted)}
.hud-bar-track{height:3px;background:rgba(38,109,203,.15);border-radius:2px;overflow:hidden}
.hud-bar-fill{height:100%;background:linear-gradient(90deg,#1a4f9e,#3d80e5);border-radius:2px;transition:width .15s linear;box-shadow:0 0 6px rgba(61,128,229,.7)}
.hud-sep{height:1px;background:rgba(38,109,203,.2);margin:8px 0}
.hud-gear-row{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between}
.hud-gear-lbl{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:8px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--muted)}
.hud-gear-val{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:26px;font-weight:900;color:#3d80e5;line-height:1;text-shadow:0 0 12px rgba(61,128,229,.7)}

/* Carbon fiber on nav and footer (subtle overlay) */
.nav::after{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;pointer-events:none;z-index:0;background:repeating-linear-gradient(45deg,rgba(255,255,255,.015) 0px,rgba(255,255,255,.015) 1px,transparent 1px,transparent 4px),repeating-linear-gradient(-45deg,rgba(255,255,255,.015) 0px,rgba(255,255,255,.015) 1px,transparent 1px,transparent 4px);background-size:4px 4px}
footer::after{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;pointer-events:none;z-index:0;background:repeating-linear-gradient(45deg,rgba(255,255,255,.01) 0px,rgba(255,255,255,.01) 1px,transparent 1px,transparent 4px),repeating-linear-gradient(-45deg,rgba(255,255,255,.01) 0px,rgba(255,255,255,.01) 1px,transparent 1px,transparent 4px);background-size:4px 4px}
footer{position:relative}

/* Animated conic border on feat-grid */
@property --angle{syntax:'<angle>';inherits:false;initial-value:0deg}
.feat-grid{position:relative}
.feat-grid::before{content:'';position:absolute;inset:-1px;border-radius:13px;z-index:-1;background:conic-gradient(from var(--angle),transparent 0%,rgba(38,109,203,.55) 20%,rgba(122,179,245,.4) 30%,transparent 40%,transparent 100%);animation:borderRotate 6s linear infinite;pointer-events:none}
@keyframes borderRotate{to{--angle:360deg}}

/* Pick card shimmer */
.pick-card{position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.pick-card::after{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;background:linear-gradient(105deg,transparent 30%,rgba(255,255,255,.08) 50%,transparent 70%);background-size:200% 100%;animation:pickShimmer 4s ease-in-out infinite;pointer-events:none;z-index:4}
@keyframes pickShimmer{0%{background-position:200% 0}100%{background-position:-200% 0}}

/* Smooth luxury page transition override */
@keyframes pgFadeLux{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px) scale(.995)}to{opacity:1;transform:none}}
.page.active{animation:pgFadeLux .45s cubic-bezier(.25,.46,.45,.94)}

/* Enhanced ambient particle opacity */
.amb{filter:blur(8px);opacity:.18}

/* Ticker hover glow */
.ti:hover{color:#fff;text-shadow:0 0 18px rgba(122,179,245,.7);transition:color .2s,text-shadow .2s}

/* ─── TEAM / AUTHORS PAGE (conflict-free classes) ───── */
.atg{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fill,minmax(320px,1fr));gap:28px;margin-top:48px}
.atc{display:block;background:var(--card);border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:16px;padding:30px 28px 24px;transition:border-color .25s,transform .25s,box-shadow .25s}
.atc:hover{border-color:var(--bh);transform:translateY(-3px);box-shadow:0 16px 40px rgba(0,0,0,.25)}
.atc-av{width:68px;height:68px;border-radius:50%;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-family:var(--fh);font-size:22px;font-weight:800;color:#fff;margin-bottom:16px;overflow:hidden;background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--blue-d),var(--blue));box-shadow:0 4px 16px rgba(38,109,203,.3)}
.atc-av img{width:100%;height:100%;border-radius:50%;object-fit:cover;display:block}
.atc-role{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--blue);margin-bottom:6px}
.atc-name{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:20px;font-weight:800;color:#fff;margin-bottom:12px;line-height:1.2}
.atc-bio{font-size:14px;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.78;margin-bottom:18px;display:block;overflow:visible}
.atc-link{display:inline-block;font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--blue);text-decoration:none;transition:color .2s;padding:8px 0 0}
.atc-link:hover{color:var(--blue-b)}
/* ─── CAT LOADING STATE ──────────────────────────────── */
.cat-loading{display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;justify-content:center;padding:80px 20px;gap:16px}
.cat-spin{width:40px;height:40px;border:3px solid var(--border);border-top-color:var(--blue);border-radius:50%;animation:spin .8s linear infinite}
@keyframes spin{to{transform:rotate(360deg)}}
.cat-load-lbl{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--dim)}
.cat-load-more{display:block;margin:40px auto 0;font-family:var(--fh);font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;padding:13px 32px;border-radius:50px;background:rgba(38,109,203,.15);border:1px solid var(--border);color:var(--blue);cursor:pointer;transition:background .2s,border-color .2s}
.cat-load-more:hover{background:rgba(38,109,203,.28);border-color:var(--bh)}
.cat-load-more:disabled{opacity:.4;cursor:not-allowed}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   THE AUTO HERALD — ABSOLUTE LUXURY LAYER 2026
   Final polish: no !important wars, clean cascade
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */

/* ── BREAKING LIVE BADGE ─────────────────────────────────── */
.brk-live{
  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:7px;
  font-family:var(--fh);font-size:8px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2.5px;
  text-transform:uppercase;color:#fff;
  background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(200,30,30,.92),rgba(140,10,10,.9));
  padding:4px 13px 4px 9px;border-radius:22px;
  box-shadow:0 0 18px rgba(220,38,38,.45),inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.22);
  border:1px solid rgba(255,90,90,.32);
}
.brk-dot{
  width:7px;height:7px;border-radius:50%;
  background:#fff;flex-shrink:0;
  box-shadow:0 0 7px rgba(255,255,255,.95);
  animation:brk-pulse 1.1s ease-in-out infinite;
}
@keyframes brk-pulse{
  0%,100%{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}
  50%{opacity:.55;transform:scale(.78)}
}

/* ── DDI-IC: CLEAN EDITORIAL LINE ───────────────────────── */
.ddi-ic{
  width:3px!important;height:14px!important;
  background:linear-gradient(to bottom,#5ca3f5,rgba(38,109,203,.25))!important;
  border-radius:2px!important;flex-shrink:0!important;
  display:inline-block!important;margin-right:0!important;
  font-size:0!important;
}

/* ── DDI-FLAG: COUNTRY CODE BADGE ───────────────────────── */
.ddi-flag{
  font-family:var(--fh);font-size:7.5px;font-weight:800;
  letter-spacing:1.2px;color:var(--blue-b);
  background:rgba(38,109,203,.1);
  border:1px solid rgba(38,109,203,.25);
  border-radius:5px;padding:2px 6px;
  flex-shrink:0;line-height:1.4;
}

/* ── DROPDOWN ITEM REFINEMENT ────────────────────────────── */
.ddi{
  border-radius:8px!important;
  padding:10px 14px!important;
  gap:12px!important;
  border:1px solid transparent!important;
  font-size:10px!important;font-weight:700!important;letter-spacing:1.3px!important;
  transition:background .15s,color .15s,border-color .15s!important;
}
.ddi:hover{
  background:rgba(38,109,203,.13)!important;
  color:#c8deff!important;
  border-color:rgba(38,109,203,.18)!important;
}
.dd{
  min-width:215px!important;
  border-radius:16px!important;
  padding:12px!important;
  box-shadow:0 28px 80px rgba(0,0,0,.72),
             0 0 0 1px rgba(38,109,203,.16),
             inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.055)!important;
}
.dd::before{border-radius:2px!important}

/* ── TICKER REFINEMENT ───────────────────────────────────── */
.ticker{height:40px!important}
.tick-lbl{
  padding:0 24px!important;
  min-width:140px!important;
  background:rgba(4,10,26,.92)!important;
  border-right:1px solid rgba(38,109,203,.25)!important;
}
.ti{
  font-size:10.5px!important;letter-spacing:1.8px!important;
  color:rgba(255,255,255,.9)!important;
}

/* ── NAV REFINEMENT ──────────────────────────────────────── */
.nav-name{font-size:14px!important;letter-spacing:.6px!important;font-weight:900!important}
.nav-name small{font-size:7.5px!important;letter-spacing:3.5px!important;opacity:.52!important}
.nav-link{
  padding:8px 14px!important;border-radius:6px!important;
  font-size:9.5px!important;letter-spacing:1.6px!important;font-weight:800!important;
}
.btn-sub{
  border-radius:8px!important;font-size:9px!important;
  letter-spacing:2px!important;font-weight:800!important;
  padding:9px 20px!important;
}

/* ── SECTION HEADER POLISH ───────────────────────────────── */
.sh{padding-bottom:20px!important;margin-bottom:40px!important}
.sl{font-size:13px!important;font-weight:900!important;letter-spacing:4px!important;color:#fff!important}
.sl::before{
  width:4px!important;height:22px!important;
  background:linear-gradient(to bottom,#7ab3f5,#1a4f9e)!important;
  border-radius:2px!important;
}
.sa{font-size:10px!important;font-weight:800!important;letter-spacing:2px!important}

/* ── FEATURED CARD REFINEMENT ────────────────────────────── */
.fc-tag{font-size:8.5px!important;letter-spacing:3px!important;font-weight:800!important}
.fc-meta{font-size:8.5px!important;letter-spacing:2px!important}
.fc::after{height:3px!important}
.fc-main .fi-wrap{height:300px!important}
.fc-sm .fi-wrap{height:155px!important}
.fb{padding:24px!important}

/* ── ARTICLE CARD REFINEMENT ─────────────────────────────── */
.ac-tag{font-size:8.5px!important;letter-spacing:3px!important;font-weight:800!important}
.ac-foot{font-size:9px!important;letter-spacing:1.8px!important;padding-top:13px!important}
.ac-body{padding:20px!important}
.ai-wrap{height:200px!important}
.ac{border-radius:12px!important}

/* ── HERO SECTION POLISH ─────────────────────────────────── */
.hero-tag{
  font-size:10px!important;font-weight:800!important;letter-spacing:3px!important;
  padding:7px 17px!important;border-radius:8px!important;
}
.hero-meta{font-size:9.5px!important;letter-spacing:2.5px!important}
.btn-hero{
  padding:16px 38px!important;font-size:10px!important;
  letter-spacing:2.5px!important;border-radius:8px!important;
}
.btn-hero:hover{transform:translateY(4px)!important}

/* ── PICK SECTION REFINEMENT ─────────────────────────────── */
.pick-lbl{font-size:10px!important;letter-spacing:3.5px!important}
.pick-h2{font-size:clamp(22px,3vw,38px)!important;line-height:1.12!important}
.pick-txt{font-size:16px!important;line-height:1.9!important}
.btn-outline{
  border-radius:8px!important;font-size:10px!important;
  letter-spacing:2.5px!important;font-weight:800!important;
  padding:14px 28px!important;
}
.pcn-btn{border-radius:8px!important}

/* ── BRAND MARQUEE REFINEMENT ────────────────────────────── */
.bmarq{padding:22px 0!important;border-top:1px solid rgba(38,109,203,.1)!important;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(38,109,203,.1)!important}
.bitem{font-size:11.5px!important;letter-spacing:4.5px!important;font-weight:900!important;color:rgba(148,163,184,.45)!important}
.bitem:hover{color:rgba(92,163,245,.8)!important}

/* ── SPEED STATS POLISH ──────────────────────────────────── */
.ss-eyebrow{font-size:10px!important;letter-spacing:5px!important}
.ss-h2{font-size:clamp(24px,3vw,40px)!important}
.ss-lbl{font-size:10px!important;letter-spacing:3px!important}
.ss-sub{font-size:13px!important;margin-top:6px!important}
.ss-item{padding:50px 28px 40px!important}
.ss-item::before{height:3px!important}

/* ── GLOBE SECTION POLISH ────────────────────────────────── */
.globe-h2{font-size:clamp(28px,3.5vw,46px)!important;line-height:1.08!important}
.globe-p{font-size:17px!important;line-height:1.9!important}
.globe-stat-num{font-size:34px!important;font-weight:900!important}
.globe-stat-lbl{font-size:10px!important;letter-spacing:3px!important}

/* ── CATEGORIES GRID POLISH ──────────────────────────────── */
.ct{border-radius:16px!important;padding:36px 16px 20px!important}
.ct-nm{font-size:11px!important;letter-spacing:2.5px!important;font-weight:900!important}
.ct-cnt{font-size:12px!important;margin-top:5px!important}
.ct:hover .ct-nm{letter-spacing:3px!important;transition:letter-spacing .3s!important}

/* ── NEWSLETTER SECTION ──────────────────────────────────── */
.nl-ov{font-size:10px!important;letter-spacing:5px!important;font-weight:800!important}
.nl-h2{font-size:clamp(28px,4vw,46px)!important}
.nl-form{border-radius:10px!important}
.nl-btn{
  font-size:9.5px!important;letter-spacing:2.5px!important;
  font-weight:900!important;padding:14px 28px!important;border-radius:0!important;
}

/* ── TEAM CARDS POLISH ───────────────────────────────────── */
.team-nm{font-size:1.2rem!important;font-weight:900!important;letter-spacing:-.4px!important}
.team-role{font-size:.78rem!important;letter-spacing:1.5px!important;font-weight:700!important}
.t-soc{border-radius:22px!important;font-size:.75rem!important;font-weight:700!important}

/* ── AK CREDENTIALS PARAGRAPH ───────────────────────────── */
.aa-creds{
  font-family:var(--fh);font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1px;
  color:rgba(122,179,245,.7);margin:12px 0 22px;line-height:1.6;
}
.aa-creds strong{color:rgba(92,163,245,.9);font-weight:800}

/* ── FOOTER POLISH ───────────────────────────────────────── */
.f-name{font-size:15px!important;font-weight:900!important;letter-spacing:1px!important}
.f-col-ttl{font-size:10px!important;letter-spacing:3.5px!important;font-weight:900!important;padding-bottom:14px!important;margin-bottom:24px!important}
.f-col-ttl::after{width:32px!important;height:2px!important}
.f-links a{font-size:13.5px!important;font-weight:600!important}
.f-links a:hover{padding-left:5px!important}
.f-copy{font-size:12px!important;font-weight:600!important}
.f-bot-lnks a{font-size:11.5px!important;letter-spacing:1px!important}
.soc-btn{border-radius:8px!important;width:38px!important;height:38px!important}

/* ── ARTICLE PAGE POLISH ─────────────────────────────────── */
.ap-tag{font-size:9.5px!important;letter-spacing:3.5px!important}
.ap-exc{font-size:19px!important;line-height:1.75!important;border-left-width:4px!important;padding-left:22px!important}
.ap-meta{font-size:9.5px!important;letter-spacing:2.5px!important}
.ab p{font-size:16.5px!important;line-height:1.95!important;color:#c8d5e8!important}
.ab h2{font-size:22px!important;font-weight:900!important;border-left-width:4px!important}
.ab blockquote{font-size:18px!important;line-height:1.8!important;border-left-width:4px!important}

/* ── AUTHOR CARD (article footer) POLISH ──────────────────── */
.author-card{
  border-radius:16px!important;
  padding:32px 36px!important;
  background:rgba(8,14,28,.55)!important;
  border-color:rgba(38,109,203,.14)!important;
  box-shadow:0 12px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.35),inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.055)!important;
}
.a-av{width:72px!important;height:72px!important;border-width:2px!important}
.a-info .a-nm{font-size:16px!important;font-weight:900!important}
.a-info .a-role{font-size:9px!important;letter-spacing:3px!important;margin-bottom:12px!important}
.a-info .a-bio{font-size:14px!important;line-height:1.8!important}

/* ── SCROLL PROGRESS REFINEMENT ──────────────────────────── */
#scroll-prog{top:62px!important;height:2px!important}
#scroll-prog-fill{
  background:linear-gradient(90deg,#163d87,#266dcb,#7ab3f5,#266dcb,#163d87)!important;
  background-size:300% 100%!important;
  animation:prog-shine 3s linear infinite!important;
  box-shadow:0 0 12px rgba(61,128,229,.9),0 0 24px rgba(61,128,229,.3)!important;
}
@keyframes prog-shine{from{background-position:200% center}to{background-position:-200% center}}

/* ── TELEMETRY HUD POLISH ────────────────────────────────── */
#telemetry-hud{
  border-radius:14px!important;
  padding:16px 20px!important;min-width:168px!important;
  background:rgba(6,10,22,.88)!important;
  border-color:rgba(38,109,203,.22)!important;
  box-shadow:0 12px 40px rgba(0,0,0,.6),0 0 0 1px rgba(38,109,203,.08)!important;
}
.hud-eyebrow{font-size:7.5px!important;letter-spacing:3.5px!important}
.hud-gear-val{font-size:28px!important}

/* ── ABOUT PAGE (sub-page) POLISH ────────────────────────── */
.sh-ov{font-size:10px!important;letter-spacing:5px!important;font-weight:800!important}
.sh-h1{font-size:clamp(30px,4vw,54px)!important;font-weight:900!important}
.sh-sub{font-size:17px!important;line-height:1.75!important}
.ss h2{font-size:21px!important;font-weight:900!important;border-left-width:4px!important}
.ss p{font-size:15.5px!important;line-height:1.9!important;color:#b8cce8!important}

/* ── CONTACT PAGE POLISH ─────────────────────────────────── */
.cc-ic{font-size:34px!important;margin-bottom:16px!important}
.cc-tp{font-size:9.5px!important;letter-spacing:3.5px!important}
.cc-h3{font-size:21px!important;font-weight:900!important;letter-spacing:-.3px!important}
.cc-desc{font-size:14.5px!important;line-height:1.75!important}
.cc-em{font-size:13.5px!important;font-weight:800!important;letter-spacing:.6px!important}

/* ── CATEGORY PAGE POLISH ────────────────────────────────── */
.cat-load-more{
  border-radius:8px!important;font-size:10px!important;
  letter-spacing:2.5px!important;font-weight:800!important;
  padding:14px 40px!important;
}

/* ── ABOUT PAGE AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT ─────────────────────────── */
.about-author{
  background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(30,60,130,.12),rgba(38,109,203,.06))!important;
  border-color:rgba(61,128,229,.22)!important;
  border-radius:20px!important;padding:44px 40px!important;
}

/* ── STATS BOX ───────────────────────────────────────────── */
.sbox{border-radius:12px!important;padding:32px 24px!important}
.snum{font-size:38px!important;margin-bottom:8px!important}
.slbl{font-size:9.5px!important;letter-spacing:3px!important}

/* ── GLOBAL SMOOTH LINK UNDERLINE ON HOVER ───────────────── */
.nav-link,.ddi,.f-links a,.f-bot-lnks a,.sa{text-decoration:none!important}

/* ── FINE GRID TEXTURE ON HERO ───────────────────────────── */
.hero::after{
  content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;pointer-events:none;
  background-image:linear-gradient(rgba(38,109,203,.018) 1px,transparent 1px),
                   linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(38,109,203,.018) 1px,transparent 1px);
  background-size:90px 90px;z-index:1;
}
.hero-body{z-index:2!important}

/* ── LOADER PCT COUNTER (final tweak) ────────────────────── */
.ld-pct{font-size:32px!important;letter-spacing:4px!important;
  text-shadow:0 0 28px rgba(61,128,229,1),0 0 56px rgba(61,128,229,.5)!important}

/* ── PICK IMG BADGE ──────────────────────────────────────── */
.pick-img-badge{
  font-size:8.5px!important;letter-spacing:3px!important;font-weight:900!important;
  padding:6px 14px!important;border-radius:8px!important;
}

/* ── HOLO SHEEN ENHANCEMENT ──────────────────────────────── */
.holo-sheen{
  position:absolute;inset:0;pointer-events:none;
  background:linear-gradient(115deg,transparent 40%,rgba(255,255,255,.04) 50%,transparent 60%);
  transition:opacity .4s;opacity:0;border-radius:inherit;
}
.ac:hover .holo-sheen{opacity:1}

/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   CATEGORY TILE PHOTOS — tinted, frosted, real imagery
   Replaces flat icon/emoji tiles with actual car photography
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.ct::after,.fct::after{
  content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;z-index:0;
  background-image:linear-gradient(175deg,rgba(9,15,30,.28) 0%,rgba(7,11,22,.86) 78%,rgba(6,10,20,.94) 100%),var(--timg);
  background-size:cover;background-position:center;
  filter:saturate(1.12) brightness(.62);
  transform:scale(1.08);
  transition:transform .6s cubic-bezier(.25,.46,.45,.94),filter .4s ease;
}
.ct:hover::after,.fct:hover::after{transform:scale(1.16);filter:saturate(1.2) brightness(.72)}
.ct::before,.fct::before{z-index:1}

/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   GLOBE STATS — boxed, centered, count-up, clear Instagram embed
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.gs-grid{display:flex;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap}
.gs-box{
  display:block;text-decoration:none;cursor:default;
  background:var(--card);border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:14px;
  padding:22px 18px;text-align:center;flex:1;min-width:108px;
  transition:border-color .3s,transform .3s,box-shadow .3s,background .3s;
}
.gs-box.gs-ig{cursor:pointer}
.gs-box:hover{border-color:var(--bh);transform:translateY(-4px);box-shadow:0 14px 34px rgba(0,0,0,.35)}
.gs-box .ss-num-wrap{font-size:clamp(20px,2.6vw,28px)!important;margin-bottom:8px!important;justify-content:center!important;white-space:nowrap}
.gs-box.gs-ig .ss-num-wrap{font-size:clamp(18px,2.3vw,25px)!important}
.gs-box .globe-stat-lbl{font-family:var(--fh);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--dim)}
.gs-ig-lbl{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:5px;flex-wrap:wrap;line-height:1.6}
.gs-ig-icon{flex-shrink:0;color:var(--blue-b);transition:color .2s}
.gs-handle{color:var(--blue-b);font-weight:800;transition:color .2s}
.gs-ig:hover .gs-handle,.gs-ig:hover .gs-ig-icon{color:#fff}