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Kawasaki’s farm bike proves utility-focused dual sports still have a place in today’s motorcycle market. View the full article

Crash Safety Tests MatterCrash safety tests are one of the best ways to see how cars sold in the US really hold up in protecting their occupants when things go sideways. While missing out on an IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ doesn’t mean a car is unsafe for daily driving, the tests reveal potential vulnerabilities. For 2026, IIHS tightened the rules, focusing on rear-seat protection in its updated moderate overlap front crash test. Plenty of models made the cut and grabbed Top Safety Pick+ honors. Some didn’t. Two of the misses are names you probably know: the 2026 Crosstrek and the 2026 WRX. What’s interesting is that these two sit at opposite ends of Subaru’s sales chart. The Crosstrek led the pack in 2025, racking up 191,724 sales early in the year. The WRX, on the other hand, was near the bottom, just ahead of the BRZ and Solterra. Where the WRX StumbledThe current WRX has been around since 2022, and Subaru has already tweaked the rear seat belts a few times to boost safety. They added new pretensioners, load limiters, and belt tongues for 2024, then made more changes for 2025 models built after August. Even after those updates, the 2026 WRX – which recently got a price cut – didn’t meet IIHS standards for a Top Safety Pick. In the new moderate overlap front test, the rear passenger dummy’s lap belt moved up from the pelvis to the abdomen, according to the report. That raises the risk of abdominal injury. IIHS gave the WRX a “Poor” rating for rear passenger chest injury protection and a “Marginal” score for rear passenger restraints and dummy movement. Since Top Safety Pick requires at least an “Acceptable” rating here, the WRX didn’t make the cut. Crosstrek: Same Problem, Bigger SpotlightThe Crosstrek’s case stands out even more, mostly because so many people buy one. Subaru gave it a redesign for 2024 and updated the rear seat belts for 2026, but those tweaks didn’t fully solve the problem IIHS found. Like the WRX, the Crosstrek’s rear passenger lap belt moved onto the abdomen in the moderate overlap test. The ratings were similar: “Acceptable” for rear passenger chest injury protection and “Marginal” for rear passenger restraints and movement. That one issue was enough to keep Subaru’s best-seller out of the 2026 Top Safety Pick running. For a brand that’s built its reputation on safety, this is more about details than a major problem. The Crosstrek and WRX are still solid cars, earning “Good” ratings in almost every other area. The new IIHS rules just highlight where there’s still work to do, especially for people riding in the back. Subaru View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

There are two new Marc Marquez documentaries available to watch on YouTube. One is produced by TNT Sports and the other by MotoGP.View the full article

Valentino Rossi is suing his father's partner over a financial dispute; however, Rossi is adamant that money is not the issue.View the full article

The XYTE One blends scooter agility with car-style safety and weather protection in a compact electric package. View the full article

Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen can trace its roots back to 1962, and in the same decade, it first came up with its now-famous 20-spoke design, born from the desire to have something both striking and as ideal for distributing forces as the optimal five-spoke setup. Over the last six decades, the company has reinterpreted the basic formula over and over again, and in 2026, as BMW officially takes over control of the brand, more change is coming. A post recently shared on the BMW Alpina Instagram page teases a new Alpina wheel, still with 20 spokes, but now with a diamond-cut finish for the faces and gloss black paint between each spoke, along with a convex, not concave, slant for the outer edges of said spokes. BMW Will Make Ripples at Alpina, Not Waves From this image and the accompanying caption, it's clear that BMW intends to retain at least some of Alpina's signature design cues, but it also wants to leave a mark and help evolve the brand. The caption reads as follows: "A hallmark design from our heritage. The 20-spoke wheel continues its journey, symbolizing our commitment to the legacy we protect." BMW Alpina As touched on above, we've seen numerous variations of the 20-spoke wheel, and even a gold Oro Tecnico finish, but never before has a duo-tone wheel found a home on an Alpina product. This implies that BMW wants us to view Alpina in broadly the same light, but also as an entity with fresh blood. The most pertinent question now is, is this post teasing only new accessories or a new vehicle? The latter would make the most sense to make the most of the brand's fresh start. What BMW Alpina Could Be Up To Alpina Reports have indicated that BMW Alpina's first product under Munich's control will be a new 7 Series-based B7 with a V8 under the hood, and BMW recently trademarked the name XB8, potentially hinting at a reimagining of the XM, or heralding a new luxury nameplate above the X7. Alpina's naming rights being owned by the corporate giant that is the BMW Group gives the brand new vigor — vigor that could sustain a push further upmarket, potentially with Alpina turning into a direct rival to Mercedes-Maybach. Indeed, speculation that the Alpina name could someday be applied to ultra-luxury limited editions like the BMW Skytop has been rife. Whatever the case, the newly formed BMW Alpina is not wasting time applying its touch to the automotive landscape, and this teaser means developments will be brought to light imminently. View the full article

Over the years I’ve pulled a few engines apart that surprised me because they had damage inside that you would think might keep it from running, or at least running as well as it seemed to in the vehicle. On the other hand I’ve seen some with damage that seemed very minor at first glance but ended up being catastrophic. The worst things I’ve ever had to pull apart are engines that have broken and wedged parts and pieces together so nothing wants to come apart. But what if you can get the engine apart, but just can’t get the balancer off? That’s what is going down in this video from Peter Harrell, owner of Harrell Engine and Dyno, so we’re going to watch and be entertained, and maybe even learn something. Video Description: Let’s tear down a big block chevy. We run into problems as the crankshaft has welded itself to the balancer. How are we gonna get it apart? The post Engine Teardown Nightmare! This Crankshaft Welded Itself To The Balancer! Watch How Peter At HED Get’s This Thing Apart. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Nationwide, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Doug Herbert join forces to combat distracted driving for Teen Driving Awareness Month.View the full article

Mitsubishi's Flagship SUV is Coming For SureIt's no secret that Mitsubishi is readying its return to the midsize SUV market. It was even an easter egg in one of the company's corporate videos recently, silently showing off its shadowy figure. There's a lot to be excited about here, given that it exited that segment about 20 years ago in America, and in 2021 for the rest of the world. Mitsubishi isn't naming the SUV officially just yet, though, but trademark filings over the years have suggested the return of the Montero nameplate. Now, a document from Australia finally reveals at least one of the names it will use once launched. MitsubishiMotorsTV/YouTube Ladies and Gentlemen, It's PajeroA document obtained by the Australian publication Drive shows several details about the SUV. Chief among these was the model name, and we can safely say that the Pajero nameplate is coming back. It's probably to no one's surprise, but it's a fitting name for a flagship SUV from Mitsubishi. Honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way...unless you're from a Spanish-speaking country. We'll leave you to Google what it means in Spanish, but this does open up the possibility of bringing back the Montero name as well. This model will be the largest SUV Mitsubishi will make, after all, so might as well use that connection from the past. Mitsubishi More Details EmergeThere were also other details shown in the document. The VIN reveals that the Pajero will be produced in Thailand instead of Japan. That's confirmed by the MMA at the start of the VIN, and VINs that start with ML to MR indicate that it does, indeed, come from The Land of Smiles. It'll likely be built in the same plant that rolls out Triton pickups and Australian-market Nissan Navaras. With its country of origin confirmed, there's a good chance that the Pajero will use the same platform as the aforementioned pickups. If so, that means the SUV will return to using a ladder frame chassis instead of a unibody like the third and fourth generations. Engines are still a mystery at this point, but the twin-turbo diesel from the Triton (201 horsepower, 387 lb-ft) could make its way under the hood, and perhaps a gas engine with some form of hybrid assist. Mitsubishi Coming to America?That's great news and all, but is there any chance of it coming to America? That'll depend on tariffs, and of course, interest. The Pajero/Montero could be a good potential rival to the Toyota4Runner. The two were competitors in the '80s all the way to the mid-'00s, after all. With Nissan also planning to revive the Xterra, it might be a good time to bring back a truck-based 4WD stateside. As for tariffs, there's currently a 19 percent reciprocal tariff for goods made in Thailand. It'll bump up the price for sure, and it might threaten the Pajero's chances of an American comeback, even with strong customer interest. View the full article

By one thousandth of a second, doorslammer world record holder Jimmy Taylor charged to the provisional No. 1 qualifier position Thursday night at the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission at Bradenton Motorsports Park, earning the $5,000 Pro Line Racing “Off The Trailer” Bonus. He edged out Jason Harris, who qualified No. 1 and won the opening race of the three-race Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service. Harris is attempting to complete the Jerry Bickel Race Cars Clean Sweep Challenge, which will award him a brand-new Pro Mod rolling chassis if he can qualify No. 1 at all three Winter Series events. With a 3.555-second pass at 224.77 mph, Taylor asserted that Harris will have to go through him if he wants to go back-to-back. In addition to the opening Pro Mod qualifying session, Thursday’s action included two qualifying sessions for the FuelTech Radial Outlaws Racing Series drag radial classes – Pro 275, Limited Drag Radial, X275, and Ultra Street – as well as Pro 10.5. The increasingly popular True 10.5 category also ran one shakedown session. While Harris stole the show at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks in early December, Taylor wasn’t far behind him in qualifying, as he ended up No. 2 on the final Snowbirds qualifying order. Determined to better that at the U.S. Street Nationals, Taylor and tuner and engine builder Carl Stevens Jr. went to work. Their efforts paid off when Taylor rolled to a 3.555 at 224.77 to come out on top of a Pro Mod qualifying session that saw 20 drivers dip into the 3.50-second range. “It’s insane that so many cars are already in the .50s,” Taylor said. “The bump’s definitely going to be in the .50s before it’s over with, but we’ve got another good run [Friday] night. I think the bump will be a .59 before it’s over with. I’m impressed. Everybody has just gained so much speed from the last race, even with the holidays and everything else. It’s crazy.” Though Taylor still has three more qualifying sessions before he can rest comfortably as the official No. 1 qualifier, he does have the Pro Line Racing “Off The Trailer” Bonus in the bag. It’s a $5,000 bonus awarded to the provisional No. 1 qualifier after the first qualifying session, regardless of engine builder. “That feels good, I ain’t gonna lie,” Taylor said. “Just to qualify No. 1 on the first pass against a field like this, it’s just phenomenal. We couldn’t be happier with it. It’s just amazing to be No. 1 out of all these cars, and going up against people that I’ve watched my whole life? Pretty wild.” As the most recent race winner and the Winter Series points leader, Harris ran in the final pair of the Pro Mod session. Driving his Harts Charger-boosted “Party Time” Harold Denton tribute ’69 Camaro, Harris lit up the scoreboard with a 3.556 at 211.33 to slide into the No. 2 spot behind Taylor. In addition to the JBRC Clean Sweep Challenge in qualifying, Harris is chasing the Elite Motorsports Million, which would pay him an unprecedented $1 million bonus if he can win all three Winter Series races. Canadian Justin Bond is third with a 3.563 at 211.83 in Scott Tidwell’s Harts Charger-equipped ’69 Camaro. Billy Banaka, the 2025 NHRA Pro Mod championship runner-up, qualified fourth in his ProCharged Billy Banaka Racing ’68 Camaro with a 3.565 at 210.77. Two-time NHRA Pro Mod world champion and 2025 WSOPM runner-up Stevie “Fast” Jackson laid down a 3.569 at 211.39 in the screw-blown Motion Raceworks “Shadow 3.0” ’68 Camaro. Frank Falter IV sits on the 32-car bump spot with a 3.632 at 207.78. In Pro 10.5, retired NFL superstar Fletcher Cox wheeled his nitrous-fed “Training Day” ’69 Camaro to the provisional No. 1 position. Cox, who reached the final round at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, posted a 3.895 at 189.36 in the opening qualifying session to take the early lead. Though numerous drivers improved in the second session, none of them were quick enough to pass Cox. Carson Baker, driving his ProCharged ’24 Camaro out of the Fireball Racing camp, ran a 3.914 at 196.02 to sit second. Canada’s Nick Agostino is third with a 3.930 at 201.64 in his turbocharged, small-block “Cannoli Express” ’69 Camaro. In FuelTech Radial Outlaws competition, the provisional No. 1 qualifiers are Lyle Barnett in Pro 275, Jamie Stanton in Limited Drag Radial, DJ McCain in X275, and Steve Romeo in Ultra Street. Barnett, who was the Pro Mod runner-up at the 2025 U.S. Street Nationals, drove Tommy Youmans’ Harts Charger-boosted “Salvage Title” Mustang to a 3.678 at 206.54 to lead the way. By just two thousandths of a second, Stanton in his ProCharged ’02 Camaro went to No. 1 with a 3.876 at 191.27 ahead of Bradenton’s own Brett LaSala. McCain, the defending series champion in X275, picked up where he left off in 2025 and powered to a 4.116 at 173.43 in his nitrous-fed “Vecna” C6 Corvette. Romeo in his Pennsylvania-based, ProCharged ’67 Chevelle ran a 4.402 at 158.52 to lead Ultra Street. Qualifying continues Friday with Pro Mod sessions at 9 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. and radial sessions at 11:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. General admission tickets are available for $35 per day on Friday and Sunday, while tickets for Saturday are $40. Active military and children ages 12 and under get in free. VIP packages are also available. Fans can watch the race through the official event livestream on www.FloRacing.com. For a detailed schedule, tickets, and other event info, visit www.RaceBMP.com. This story was originally published on January 22, 2026. The post Jimmy Taylor Edges Out Jason Harris For Thursday Provisional No. 1 Spot at U.S. Street Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

2026 Indian Chief Vintage Indian Motorcycle has expanded its Chief range for 2026 with the introduction of the Chief Vintage, a model that leans more heavily into traditional styling while retaining the modern chassis, electronics and engine package introduced with the current Chief platform. Inspired by Indian’s 1940s-era Chief models, the 2026 Chief Vintage combines […] The post Indian brings back vintage Chief styling in modern package appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

WorldSBK 2026 January Jerez Test – Day Two January 22, 2026 The 2026 WorldSBK pre-season began this week with a two-day private test at Circuito de Jerez–Ángel Nieto, though persistent rain and a track that stayed patchy even as it began to dry meant most teams treated the outing as a baseline and systems check […] The post Massive Jerez WorldSBK Test recap – Times/Notes/Quotes/Images appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

As you will have gathered, this article is not intended to explain how to keep your motorbike’s bodywork paint original looking. Quite the contrary! We’re going to give you some tips on how to make your two-wheeler look even better, with some amazing effects that will transform your bike and give it a real facelift. Body paints for motorbikes There are several types of paints for custom motorcycle: paints that change colour depending on the circumstances (chameleon paint), holographic paints, […] The post What special effects motorcycle paint can I use? appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

When Polaris announced that it was selling a majority stake in Indian Motorcycle to the private equity firm Carolwood LP, the internet buzzed with the usual chatter that accompanies such announcements. But despite the naysayers, the American marque hasn't skipped a beat.This year marks Indian's 125t... View the full article

‘The Complaint here is filled with inflammatory and disingenuous rhetoric, but none of it shows any wrongful conduct by Pacific Life.’ This is the key component of the argument made by Pacific Life Insurance in a legal filing on Thursday morning that motioned Judge Kenneth D. Bell of the Western District of North Carolina to dismiss the lawsuit brought forth against it and an independent ...Keep readingView the full article

things aren’t the way they were yesterday. Here, we’ll round up the biggest news stories of the last 24 hours on AutoBlog and divvy them up into bite-sized chunks that get right to the heart of the story, allowing you to go deeper if you want. Tesla takes home a win in court Getty In March 2022, a driver in her 2021 Tesla Model 3 lost control of her vehicle along Interstate 87 in Yonkers, New York. Conditions at the time were snowy and icy, and the vehicle crashed into two medians as a result. The driver sustained injuries from the resulting crash, per the police report. The driver went on to sue Tesla, claiming a frozen touchscreen caused loss of control. However, the case lacked supporting expert testimony, resulting in a win for Tesla. To read our full coverage of the suit and its dismissal, carry on below. Read More: Court Dismisses Lawsuit Claiming a Frozen Tesla Touchscreen Caused a Crash Mazda tilts towards hybrids as EVs face challenges Mazda Mazda is delaying its first electric vehicle until 2029, but the brand has made an aggressive bet on hybrid technology. The numbers support this decision; the market share of hybrids has gone from 3.1 percent to 16.3 percent in the last five years alone, according to a report from S&P Global. With the federal tax credits having expired, EV sales took a temporary hit. To read more about how long that hit lasts, and whether Mazda's bet on hybrids will pay off through a tough regulatory climate, read our coverage and analysis below. Read More: Mazda Is Betting Big on Hybrids as Americans Cool on EVs Bugatti's stunning Veyron tribute is here Bugatti The Veyron was a high watermark for supercars for decades. Lavishly expensive, the toy of the plutocracy was one of the truly awe-inspiring engineering feats of the early aughts. Driven by its insane W16 engine, Bugatti has decided to relive the Veyron's glory days with its tribute to the model: the FKP Hommage, honoring not just the car, but Ferdinand Karl Piëch and the Veyron legacy. To get all the gory details, read on below. Read More: Bugatti F.K.P. Hommage Revealed As the Ultimate One-Off Veyron Tribute 2026's best buys, according to experts Hyundai If the new year has endowed you with the desire to buy a new car that is both good to drive and won’t break the bank, but you’re not sure what to get, perhaps this list will help. U.S. News & World Report has announced the winners of its 2026 Best Cars for the Money Awards, and with the classifications now spanning 20 different categories, up from 13 in 2025, there’s something for every lifestyle, even as the average new car price hovers around the $50,000 mark. The winners and losers can be found below, but we'll give you the cheapest one right now: the $22,000 Kia K4. Read More: These Are 2026’s Best Cars for the Money According to Experts View the full article

Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the 68th running of the Daytona 500 next month. He will pilot the No. 36 Front Row Motorsports Ford Mustang. FRM also has three chartered cars with locked in spots -- the No. 4 of Noah Gragson, the No. 34 of Todd Gilliland, and the No. 38 of Zane Smith. Smith also competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with FRM. He has made two ...Keep readingView the full article

Far From the Freelander You KnowRemember the Land Rover Freelander? It was the British marque's entry in the compact crossover class that was sold over two generations. The Freelander was introduced in late 1997, but only made its way to America towards the end of 2001. It had a bit of a rough time across the Atlantic, as it was persistently dogged by issues. It was discontinued in 2005 and renamed LR2 in 2008. The Freelander name carried on in the rest of the world, though, and it was eventually succeeded by the Discovery Sport in 2014. More recently, Land Rover has revived the name to serve as its entry-level brand of sorts for China, and now, there are plans for global expansion. Land Rover Now a Standalone BrandThe decision to turn Freelander into its own brand was officially announced in June 2024. That said, it's not out in the market just yet, but the models it will make won't share many bits with Land Rover vehicles. Instead, Freelander models will be co-developed with JLR's partner in China, Chery. Initially, it meant to roll out electric vehicles only, but now, there are also plans to build plug-in hybrid vehicles. And while it's a stepping stone into Land Rover ownership, Chery assures that the Freelander models won't merely be upbadged vehicles of those it currently makes. Freelander Global ExpansionCar News China reports that Freelander will also be offered outside of China as well. Perhaps that's reflected by the decision to add plug-in hybrid models instead of just relying on pure EVs. The first market expected to get these Freelander SUVs will be the Middle East sometime this year. The publication also reports that the first Freelander model will ride on a Chery-developed E0X modular architecture. That platform is used on Chery's more premium Exeed and Luxeed brands. It'll be a midsize crossover with, perhaps unsurprisingly, boxy styling. Well, Land Rover influenced the whole squared-off look for SUVs this decade, after all. Of course, the bigger question here is if there's any chance of it coming to America. First, the car has to succeed outside of China before it embarks on that challenge. There's the matter of tariffs, yes, but should it be successful in global markets, it could land in North America via Canada or Mexico. Once conditions are favorable, Freelander could have a crack at the U.S market. Exeed View the full article

VICE officially debuted its new NHRA docuseries Chasing Speed Wednesday night, pulling fans deep inside drag racing’s most brutal and breathtaking arena. The premiere episode traces the sport’s relentless quest for speed as NHRA approaches its 75th anniversary, spotlighting icons like John Force and the next generation carrying the torch — including Brittany Force and rising star Austin Prock. Episode one is now streaming on VICE’s YouTube channel, with the full video embedded below. This story was originally published on January 22, 2026. The post WATCH: Episode 1 of VICE’s New ‘Chasing Speed’ Docuseries first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

It’s day one of the 2026 U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission, the second of three races in the 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Thursday’s schedule includes two qualifying sessions for the FuelTech Radial Outlaws Racing Series classes and Pro 10.5, as well as one Pro Mod qualifying session and a True 10.5 shakedown session. Tune in to the official event livestream on FloRacing.com. PRO 10.5 ULTRA STREET X275 LIMITED DRAG RADIAL Coming Soon PRO 275 Coming Soon This story was originally published on January 22, 2026. The post Thursday Qualifying Results – 2026 U.S. Street Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Why Modern EVs Lock Out OwnersThe automotive industry has perfected a business model where selling a vehicle is just the beginning. Car manufacturers develop proprietary diagnostic tools, seal components so no one else can repair them, and make vehicle architecture as complex as possible. The result is that repair revenue flows back to dealerships, forcing owners to visit them even for minor issues. Students at TU/e Eindhoven University developed Aria, or Anyone Repairs It Anywhere, a modular electric vehicle designed to give drivers the ability to diagnose faults and perform repairs themselves. The vehicle has swappable body panels, removable battery modules, and internal electronic components that can quickly be removed and replaced. TU/Ecomotive How The DIY Repair Electric Vehicle WorksAria features a built-in toolbox, detailed repair manuals, and a diagnostic application (over widely-used USB-C) to identify issues and assist drivers in completing repairs with a 3D model of the vehicle. Panels can be removed in minutes to reveal components underneath. Instead of replacing an entire expensive battery pack, six individual battery modules can be swapped out independently. Though Aria has modest specifications (a top speed of 56 mph and a 137-mile range), its importance lies in proving the concept's feasibility. The students are showing that the inability of owners to maintain their vehicles is a design decision, not a technological requirement. When manufacturers choose to provide real repairability, it becomes achievable. What This Means for Car OwnershipMost parts on modern electric vehicles are proprietary and difficult to obtain. Battery packs are integrated into the chassis, making them extremely difficult to replace. There are far fewer mechanics qualified to work on electric drivetrains and battery systems, meaning repairs are both time-consuming and costly. Because of these integrated batteries, non-standardized parts, and a lack of skilled technicians, electric vehicles are becoming much harder to repair, and many are being scrapped prematurely. TU/Ecomotive Aria challenges the throwaway mentality by extending vehicle lifespan and lowering repair costs. Team leader Taco Olmer wants the European Union to apply Right to Repair regulations to passenger vehicles, proving that sustainable and practical designs are possible. View the full article

Heading into its 75th anniversary season, the celebratory kickoff to the milestone year gets underway with the highly-anticipated premiere of “Chasing Speed,” a six-part docuseries that premiered Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on VICE TV. Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta and Funny Car world champ Austin Prock helped celebrate the start of NHRA’s 75th season and the debut of “Chasing Speed” by ringing the Opening Bell on the New York Stock Exchange, opening a full day of media to celebrate the docuseries and the 75th season in the Mission Drag Racing Series in 2026. Chasing Speed delivers a genuine, unfiltered look at the biggest stars in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, telling their stories and each of their dreams for greatness. In doing so, the six-part docuseries, which will air each week leading into the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals on March 5-8 at legendary Gainesville Raceway, pulls the curtain back on the raw speed, pressure and ample personalities in the NHRA. From 340-plus-mph record runs to championship battles fought one pass at a time, Chasing Speed follows the teams and drivers chasing glory across the 2025 NHRA season. You’ll see the intensity behind the scenes, the stakes on the starting line, and the culture that’s fueled 75 years of drag racing history. The six hour-long episodes follow the entire 2025 season, including focusing on Austin Prock’s rise and second straight world championship, and Antron Brown’s run to repeat a Top Fuel title, the standout females who make NHRA the world’s most diverse motorsport, racing legend Tony Stewart’s second year in the Top Fuel class and the dramatic championship chases in every category. On Wednesday in New York City, Kalitta and Prock were both honored for their 2025 NHRA world championships before ringing the Opening Bell. The standout duo, who have combined for four world championships since 2023, also promoted the premiere episode of the six-part docuseries on VICE, capped off by a special screening of the debut episode at New York City’s Tribeca Film Center. Prock and Kalitta visited Times Square and the Empire State Building as part of the championship media tour, meeting with several outlets, including NYSE Live! Kalitta closed out the day with an appearance on FOX Business to promote NHRA’s 75th anniversary season and NHRA’s long-standing partnership with FOX Sports, which will broadcast all 20 NHRA races in 2026, including the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. This story was originally published on January 22, 2026. The post NHRA Stars Ring NYSE Opening Bell Leading Into ‘Chasing Speed’ Premiere on VICE TV first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

BMW is taking a more localized approach with its next electric SUV, confirming it has developed a China-specific version of the upcoming iX3. The model is called the iX3 Long Wheelbase, and it is intended to meet Chinese market expectations for rear-seat space, cabin comfort, and digital integration, while still serving as a key rollout model for BMW’s Neue Klasse EV architecture. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article What Makes The China iX3 DifferentThe clearest hardware change is the stretched wheelbase. BMW says the China-market iX3 gains 108 millimeters of wheelbase, primarily to improve rear-seat comfort and passenger space, a priority in China’s premium segment. BMW also says the suspension and chassis calibration have been tailored for local roads and driving preferences, aiming for a comfort-focused balance without losing stability. Beyond packaging, the China iX3 is also “different” in the software stack. BMW says its Operating System X is being localized heavily, with about 70 percent of the software engineering done in China. The navigation system is developed with Amap and designed to offer more detailed visual guidance for complex interchanges. BMW is also integrating large language model capability for its in-car assistant using Alibaba and DeepSeek, while adding deeper Huawei ecosystem support including Digital Key, HiCar, and a HarmonyOS NEXT-based My BMW app experience. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Charging, Range, And The Performance ClaimsBMW says the iX3 Long Wheelbase uses an 800-volt architecture and sixth-generation eDrive technology. For China it is quoting a CLTC range of more than 900 kilometers, which translates to about 559 miles on the Chinese test cycle. BMW also claims up to 400 kW DC fast charging, with more than 400 kilometers, around 249 miles, added in about 10 minutes under ideal conditions, and 10 percent to 80 percent in about 21 minutes. BMW also says the vehicle supports vehicle-to-load capability. BMW also says the iX3 Long Wheelbase will debut at Auto China in Beijing and go on sale in the second half of 2026. While it is developed specifically for China, BMW also says it is planned for selected international markets including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India. Why This Matters For BMW’s EV StrategyBMW’s decision to launch the iX3 first in China shows that the company views localisation as essential for staying competitive, rather than just an added bonus. Chinese customers want plenty of rear-seat space and tech that integrates smoothly with local platforms, so BMW is addressing these needs directly instead of trying to sell a one-size-fits-all global product. This move also sheds light on the upcoming lineup of Neue Klasse-based electric vehicles that have been spotted and talked about before their release, along with ongoing sightings like the BMW iX4. Demand is another key factor, with signs that BMW’s next electric X3 series is already attracting strong early interest. View the full article

This EV Roadster Targets Hardcore DriversAs electric vehicles become increasingly defined by large touchscreens, advanced driver aids, and software-led experiences, the SC01 is taking a very different approach. The 429hp Chinese electric roadster has been confirmed for Europe in a limited run of 1,000 units, and it arrives with a clear focus on driving rather than digital features. That approach places the SC01 at odds with long-held views from some of the industry’s most influential figures. Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has previously questioned the idea of electric sports cars, stating: “But for me, as the master driver, my definition of a sports car is something with the smell of gasoline and a noisy engine.” The SC01’s creators appear intent on challenging that view by prioritising lightweight engineering and driver involvement rather than attempting to replicate the sensory traits of combustion performance cars. SC01 View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Lightweight Engineering Sets the SC01 ApartThe SC01’s defining technical feature is its low curb weight of 1,365kg, a figure that undercuts most electric vehicles currently on sale in Europe. It is lighter than the Porsche Cayman GTS and significantly lighter than electric rivals such as the MG Cyberster, whose size and comfort-focused design result in far greater mass. Power comes from two electric motors, one mounted on each axle, producing a combined 320 kW or 429 horsepower. This allows for a claimed 0–62mph time of 2.9 seconds. A 60kWh battery is positioned centrally within a tube-frame chassis, contributing to a low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution. Double wishbone suspension, racing dampers, and lightweight alloy and magnesium wheels further emphasise the SC01’s focus on handling and response rather than technology-led differentiation. SC01 View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Even the Skeptics Are Starting to ShiftThe SC01’s arrival in Europe comes as attitudes toward electric performance cars continue to evolve. Akio Toyoda himself appears to have softened his earlier stance with the introduction of Toyota’s all-electric LFA Concept, a move that suggests electrification and emotional driving appeal are no longer seen as mutually exclusive. That shift is not limited to Toyota. Porsche is also openly developing a fully electric model for its core sports cars, with an electric 718 Boxster and Cayman currently under development. Against that backdrop, the SC01 positions itself as an early and focused attempt to redefine what an electric sports car can be. According to CarNewsChina the SC01 might be priced north of $70,000. With just 1,000 units planned for Europe and assembly set to take place in Italy, it aims to prove that engagement, simplicity, and driver involvement can still exist in an electric era. SC01 View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

According to Tesla, using its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) suite dramatically lowers the chances of being in a major or minor collision. The company’s data states you’ll have to drive around 5.1 million miles with FSD engaged before being in a major collision, whereas the U.S. average (including all vehicle makes) is just 699,000 miles. That’s just one of Tesla’s many safety claims for FSD, and now one auto insurer in the U.S. will be rewarding Tesla drivers with much lower premiums for using FSD instead of driving their cars manually. This move could further incentivize consumers to make the switch to a Tesla, while putting pressure on other automakers to further advance their autonomous capabilities. Up To 50% Off Insurance Rates Tesla Lemonade, the digital insurance company, says that per-mile rates for FSD-engaged driving will be lower by up to 50%. That's not as impressive-sounding as the free insurance for Teslas it proposed a few months ago, but it's still a significant saving. Called the Lemonade Autonomous Car insurance, it's the first of its kind in the industry for self-driving cars, and Tesla’s FSD suite will lead the way. According to the insurer, future FSD software updates could further lower insurance premiums. “Traditional insurers treat a Tesla like any other car, and AI like any other driver,” said Shai Wininger, co-founder and president at Lemonade. “But a car that sees 360 degrees, never gets drowsy, and reacts in milliseconds can’t be compared to a human. Our existing pay-per-mile product has given us something no traditional insurer has: a unique tech stack designed to collect massive amounts of real driving data for precise, dynamic pricing. Lemonade Autonomous Car was built on that foundation.” Even households with one Tesla and a car from another brand without FSD can take out a single policy. Lemonade’s ability to process “nuanced sensor data” from Teslas and how often FSD is engaged can easily adjust pricing accordingly. As both companies invest heavily in artificial intelligence, the decision to pioneer the new insurance offering with the EV giant was a simple one. The Autonomous Car insurance product will start rolling out on January 26 in Arizona, followed by Oregon a month later. Related: Autonomy Showdown: Tesla's Full-Self Driving (FSD) vs Rivian's Universal Hands Free (USF) Update How Much Can You Save? Tesla According to Lemonade’s 2025 data, the average monthly cost of insuring a Tesla ranges from $32 for the Model Y to $39 for the Model S and X. Using the Model Y as an example, its insurance costs would be $183 over six months. Under the new Autonomous Car product, a Model Y owner could theoretically save over $90 over six months. Obviously, you could save more depending on your risk profile and Tesla model. The FSD system, like most others on the market, is rated as a Level 2 self-driving suite. This means drivers still have to pay attention at all times and be ready to resume manual vehicle control if needed. However, FSD isn’t limited to specific highways. It can handle point-to-point drives through urban areas. Most rivals don’t have this capability, although they’re slowly catching up: The new Mercedes CLA with MB.Drive Assist Pro can also handle point-to-point driving without manual intervention. Related: Mercedes Brings Tesla-Style Point-to-Point Self-Driving to the U.S. Autoblog’s Take Tesla In a 2025 study from AAA, it was found that 6 in 10 drivers in the United States were afraid to ride in a self-driving vehicle. This question didn’t distinguish between partially and fully autonomous vehicles, but shows that many Americans are still skeptical of these technologies. The tech is also costly, with FSD currently costing $8,000. Lemonade’s new insurance product can potentially overcome these challenges by giving consumers a completely new reason to try self-driving tech, beyond its convenience and potential safety benefits. The more you use it, the more you save, and you can gradually recoup some or all of the costs associated with paying for the tech initially, thanks to lower insurance rates. One question mark remains, though—is Lemonade putting too much trust in FSD, too soon? The latest version of the software works remarkably well for many Tesla drivers, but the system has been investigated for temperamental and dangerous behavior in certain conditions. For now, we’ll wait to see if larger insurers like State Farm and Progressive follow Lemonade’s lead. Related: FSD Investigation Hits Millions Of Teslas—See If Yours Is On The List View the full article