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For decades, birders, hunters, naturalists, and explorers have had two ways to magnify what we want to observe more closely. Binoculars are convenient to carry and provide moderate magnification, generally between seven and ten power—any more and they become increasingly difficult to hold steady. When more power is needed for distant objects or extremely detailed views of nearer things—a maddeningly difficult-to-identify Empidonax flycatcher, for example—we use a spotting scope, which provides significantly higher magnification: 20, 30, 40 power or more. But the scope must be mounted on a tripod to provide a stable image at those levels. Until now. We just spent a week with Swarovski’s astonishing AT Balance 18-45x65 spotting scope, which incorporates an internal stabilizing mechanism that allows rock-steady handheld viewing at any setting—leave the tripod home. The Balance scopes come in two models: the AT Balance we tested has an angled eyepiece, a 65mm objective lens, and a zoom range of 18 to 45 power; the ST Balance has a straight-through eyepiece, a 50mm objective lens, and a zoom range of 14 to 35 power. The former weighs 52 ounces, the latter 46. And since you’re already wondering, retail on the AT Balance is $3,999; the ST is $3,349. How does it work? From Swarovski’s site: The AT/ST Balance spotting scopes incorporate a moving lens that is adjusted by an electric motor (voice coil motor) to offset movements. These motors work particularly quickly, very precisely, and with low friction – the pushing and pulling movements are smooth and continuous. They are also used in applications such as camera autofocus systems. The integrated gyroscope sensor measures the current movement of the spotting scope. Based on this, a calculation is made to determine which lens movement is necessary to compensate for the motion to result in a stable image. With the stabilization concept of the AT/ST Balance also in movement there is no perceptible “floating” or “after-image,” which is key to the unique natural sense of vision. Automatic locking of the moving lens in the event of a fall or a sudden interruption in the power supply protects the lens while also ensuring the best optical quality by keeping the lens in the central position. Each scope is powered by a 3.6-volt, 1860mHa rechargeable lithium-ion battery, claimed to last 12 hours of normal use between charges (via an external USB-C charger). The scope will enter a “time-out” mode after five minutes of non-use; tilting the scope (as if to focus on something) re-awakens it. However, there is no auto-off mode—you must turn it on and off manually via the switch under the eyepiece. That’s how it works. How well does it work? Superbly—with just a bit of a learning curve. On a recent clear morning Roseann slung the scope over her shoulder via the included strap and we bicycled up into the forest service land near our house. Before long we spotted a distant raptor perched on an agave stalk, not quite identifiable through my 10x42EL Swarovski binoculars. I turned on the scope (a two-second press on the switch), rotated the eyepiece to its lowest, 18X setting, and moved it to my eye. At that setting I easily confirmed the raptor as a red-tailed hawk—but more importantly as a motionless red-tailed hawk: the image was steadier than it was through the binoculars despite the nearly double magnification. The learning curve resulted from the fact that it was a bit challenging to hold the scope while keeping my eye at the correct distance from the eyepiece to ensure a full field of view. However, I quickly found that by lightly bracing the outer edge of the eyepiece against my eyebrow and the bone beneath, I could easily stabilize the eye relief to maintain a full view. Roseann employed her thumb as a brace to do the same thing. We both remarked on how much faster the stabilized scope was to deploy than a standard spotting scope on a tripod—it’s nearly as fast as a binocular, and the ST with its straight-through view would undoubtedly be even faster. For rarely still subjects while birding the advantages of this cannot be overstated. More learning: at 18X the 65mm objective lens of the AT provides a comfortably wide 3.6mm exit pupil. Bumping the power all the way up to 45X brought the hawk leaping even closer, but shrank the exit pupil to just 1.45mm, requiring careful positioning of my eye to avoid vignetting. (Note that this is true of any scope or binocular; the exit pupil is a function of objective diameter divided by magnification, no matter what you’re looking through.) Later figuring revealed that the exit pupil of the ST Balance 14-35x50 is virtually identical to the AT at its respective lowest and highest power. Of course the larger objective lens of the AT gathers more light so it is brighter at any setting. More viewing convinced me that the sweet spot of the AT 18-45x65 resides between 18x and 30x for most use, with that 45X setting reserved for really challenging, distant subjects in good light. I suspect, but have yet to confirm, that the AT’s similar strength would lie between 14x and 25x. Lest I neglect other aspects of the AT 18-45x65, I should note that the optics appeared to be every bit the match for our non-stabilized Swarovski ATX95 spotting scope, with allowance of course for the smaller objective lens of the stabilized model. Sharpness and color fidelity were simply above reproach. Despite the complex electronics, both stabilized models are weatherproof to IP68 standards, i.e. completely dust-proof and immune to heavy rain or even immersion. Both scopes incorporate a safety function that locks the moveable lens in place instantly in the event the gyroscopic sensor detects that the scope has been dropped. Also note that both scopes will work perfectly with a flat or missing battery; you just won’t have the stabilization and will need a tripod. Full disclosure: I wondered at first if the AT/ST scopes were a solution to a problem that didn’t exist. After watching Roseann carrying this one slung comfortably over a shoulder while riding a bicycle, then enjoying perfectly stable handheld long-distance views of wildlife, I changed my mind. But my final thought came totally out of left field. As I was reluctantly packing up the AT Balance to ship it back to Swarovski, I looked at it and abruptly thought, Jack Aubrey would have swooned to look through this thing from the deck of HMS Surprise. View the full article

MotoGP 2026 Prima Pramac Yamaha Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP has formally launched its 2026 MotoGP campaign in Siena, marking the team’s second season as Yamaha’s satellite factory operation and a significant transition year for both riders and machinery. The launch also coincides with two milestones for the organisation: celebrating 25 years of competition in MotoGP […] The post Jack and Toprak unveil 2026 colours at Prima Pramac Yamaha Team Launch appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Valcourt, Quebec, January 13, 2026 – In his first Dakar Rally campaign, Can-Am Factory racer Kyle Chaney scored a monumental career-first win on stage five of the rally, establishing his position as a front-runner at the pinnacle of Rally Raid. Chaney and his navigator, Jacob Argubright piloted their Can-Am Maverick R to the stage win through sheer pace, clean navigation, tire management, and sharp decision-making, deep into a demanding marathon stage. After nine stages of racing, Chaney’s determination and consistency are paying off, as he sits in second position in the overall rankings. “The longer I’m here, the more it sets in how big and prestigious this race is,” said Chaney on his inaugural Dakar effort. “The stage win definitely feels good, but it doesn’t overtake the time we lost on the previous stage. I knew it was going to be critical to have a good day. It was fun having a good car that worked well and not having any issues. It was an experience, for sure!” Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli Chaney’s Can-Am Factory Racing teammates also found strong pace as the 2026 Dakar Rally passed its midpoint. Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli notched an impressive stage win on stage seven, while Kyle Chaney and Joao Monteiro completed a podium sweep for Can-Am factory racing. “It was a really good day for us, I’m happy to find out at the finish that we won the stage,” said Ferioli after his win on stage seven. “It was a clean day, we had to overtake cars because we’d had problems in stage 6, but we did it and now we’re ecstatic. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow, the Dakar has no easy stages.” Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez On stage nine, three-time Dakar Rally champion Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez put together an outstanding drive to win the stage. Lopez was followed by Hunter Miller and Kyle Chaney in third and fourth place on the stage, respectively. The Can-Am Factory team continues to move up in the overall rankings, with Chaney and Monteiro running second and third position, respectively, after nine stages. Looking ahead, the team is in the middle of the second Marathon Refuge stage of the 2026 Dakar Rally. With no team assistance available overnight, stage ten will play a crucial role in the overall rankings of the rally. Overall Standings After Nine Stages 2nd: Kyle Chaney 3rd: Joao Monteiro 5th: Chaleco Lopez 6th: Manu Andujar 7th: Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli Key Highlights Dakar Rally rookie Kyle Chaney scored his first stage win on stage five, and is second overall in the standings after nine stages of racing. Can-Am Factory Racing swept the podium on stage seven, with Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli taking the win, followed by Chaney and Monteiro. Multi-time Dakar Rally champion Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez notched a stage win on stage nine. The Can-Am Maverick R thrived in the Saudi Arabian desert, claiming five of the top seven overall positions in the standings after nine stages of racing. The post Dakar Rally Rookie Kyle Chaney Earns First Career Stage Win and Sits Second Overall After Nine Stages appeared first on UTV Guide. View the full article

In his first Dakar Rally campaign, Can-Am Factory racer Kyle Chaney scored a monumental career-first win on stage five of the rally, establishing his position as a front-runner at the pinnacle of Rally Raid. Chaney and his navigator Jacob Argubright piloted their Can-Am Maverick R to the stage win through sheer pace, clean navigation, tire management, and sharp decision-making, deep into a demanding marathon stage. After nine stages of racing, Chaney’s determination and consistency are paying off, as he sits in second position in the overall rankings. “The longer I’m here, the more it sets in how big and prestigious this race is,” said Chaney on his inaugural Dakar effort. “The stage win definitely feels good, but it doesn’t overtake the time we lost on the previous stage. I knew it was going to be critical to have a good day. It was fun having a good car that worked well and not having any issues. It was an experience, for sure!” Chaney’s Can-Am Factory Racing teammates also found strong pace as the 2026 Dakar Rally passed its midpoint. Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli notched an impressive stage win on stage seven, while Kyle Chaney and Joao Monteiro completed a podium sweep for Can-Am factory racing. “It was a really good day for us, I’m happy to find out at the finish that we won the stage,” said Ferioli after his win on stage seven. “It was a clean day, we had to overtake cars because we’\ had problems in stage 6, but we did it and now we’re ecstatic. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow, the Dakar has no easy stages.” On stage nine, three-time Dakar Rally champion Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez put together an outstanding drive to win the stage. Lopez was followed by Hunter Miller and Kyle Chaney in third and fourth place on the stage, respectively. The Can-Am Factory team continues to move up in the overall rankings, with Chaney and Monteiro running second and third position respectively after nine stages. Looking ahead, the team is in the middle of the second Marathon Refuge stage of the 2026 Dakar Rally. With no team assistance available overnight, stage ten will play a crucial role in the overall rankings of the rally. Overall Standings After Nine Stages 2nd: Kyle Chaney 3rd: Joao Monteiro 5th: Chaleco Lopez 6th: Manu Andujar 7th: Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli Key Highlights ● Dakar Rally rookie Kyle Chaney scored his first stage win on stage five, and is second overall in the standings after nine stages of racing. ● Can-Am Factory Racing swept the podium on stage seven, with Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli taking the win, followed by Chaney and Monteiro. ● Multi-time Dakar Rally champion Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez notched a stage win on stage nine. ● The Can-Am Maverick R thrived in the Saudi Arabian desert, claiming five of the top seven overall positions in the standings after nine stages of racing. The post Kyle Chaney gets first Dakar Rally stage win appeared first on UTV Action Magazine. View the full article

Mini wrapped up 2025 with its strongest performance in years, growing global sales and nearly doubling fully electric volume as the brand’s transition away from purely gasoline power gathered pace. Mini EVs Move From Niche To CoreWorldwide deliveries rose 17.7% year-over-year to 288,290 vehicles, but the standout figure was on the electric side: Mini delivered 105,535 fully electric cars in 2025, an 87.9% increase compared with 2024. Roughly one in three Minis sold globally is now a battery-electric model, and in markets such as the Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey, and China, EVs already account for more than half of brand sales. That change has been enabled by a broader, more accessible lineup. Mini’s latest compact crossover is positioned as a more attainable entry point into the brand, and it is available with all-wheel drive rather than restricting buyers to front-drive. Electric powertrains are now spread across core models rather than confined to a single halo car. MINI View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Countryman Volume And JCW Performance Lead The ChargeThe Countryman remains Mini’s volume anchor, as in 2025 it accounted for 93,305 units, a 15.2% gain that left the crossover representing about one-third of global sales. Fully electric Countryman deliveries climbed more than 80%, underscoring how demand for a larger, family-friendly Mini is dovetailing with interest in EVs. Also John Cooper Works models grew 59.5% to 25,630 units in 2025, supported by updates that keep the sub-brand at the sharp end of the hot-hatch segment. The latest two-door JCW maintains the familiar formula of strong acceleration, quick steering, and everyday usability. Together, the Countryman and JCW ranges helped lift total “Mini Cooper family” sales (3-Door, 5-Door, Convertible) to 162,789 units, up just over 10%. What This Means For Mini Buyers In 2026For shoppers, Mini’s strong 2025 shows up as more electric choices alongside gasoline and performance variants, plus a steady flow of style-led special editions. The brand is clearly treating EVs as a core business rather than an experiment, which should translate into broader availability and more tailored trims over the next model year. On the pricing side, current Mini Cooper lease deals give an indication of how monthly payments are evolving as electric and John Cooper Works models take a larger share of the mix. With overall sales rising and more than 100,000 fully electric cars delivered in a single year, Mini’s 2025 results look less like a spike and more like the new baseline for the brand’s small-car, big-character, EV-heavy future. View the full article

General Motors has officially changed its global headquarters to the Hudson’s Detroit complex on Woodward Avenue, moving out of the aging Renaissance Center on the riverfront and back to the street where it first planted its flag in 1911. The new HQ sits in the “Block Building” section of Hudson’s Detroit, a mixed-use development with office space, retail, and a GM showroom at street level. Inside, GM Design leaned on themes from the Eero Saarinen–penned Technical Center in Warren, with clean lines, open floors, heritage displays, and a lot of glass looking out over downtown. The company is taking roughly 200,000 square feet across multiple upper floors, with the lobby used as a rotating showcase for new Chevy, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac models. It is a sharp contrast with the half-empty RenCen towers the company is now working to redevelop with Bedrock, potentially turning parts of that site into apartments, hotel space, and more accessible riverfront. A Bold HQ Move In A Messy Transition EraOpening a glossy new HQ could look like pure victory lap, but GM’s reality is more complicated. On the one hand, 2025 was a banner year for its core brands. That strength is coming largely from trucks and SUVs, and GM is not walking away from them. It recently committed $500 million to upgrade a U.S. factory and double down on gas-powered vehicles. At the same time, the electric side of the business is under pressure. GM has now disclosed a $6 billion loss, a clear sign that Ultium-based products and software-heavy programs like Cruise and Super Cruise are not yet paying off the way the company hoped. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Why Staying In Downtown Detroit Still MattersGM could have quietly retreated to a cheaper suburban campus. Instead, it chose a brand-new skyscraper in the middle of downtown and wrapped the move in language about commitment to Detroit and Michigan, pointing to billions invested in local plants, suppliers, and jobs. The new HQ gives it a more modern face to recruit software engineers and EV talent, puts a fresh GM storefront on Woodward, and shows that the company still wants to be seen as a central pillar of the city’s comeback story, not just a legacy name on a fading riverfront tower. View the full article

If you own a 2025 Volvo EX30, the Swedish automaker wants you to park your subcompact crossover outside due to a fire risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently announced a recall for the EV after it was determined that some examples of the EX30 have high-voltage batteries potentially susceptible to short-circuiting and overheating. Thus, owners are advised to "park outside and away from structures and limit their charge to a maximum of 70% until the recall repair is complete." This comes just a few days after Volvo recalled over 400,000 cars for faulty rearview cameras, but at least this time around, the problem exists in only a handful of vehicles. The Problem with the Volvo EX30 Volvo The NHTSA's recall report says that 40 vehicles are potentially involved in this recall, impacting 2025 models produced between September 6, 2024, and October 25, 2025. These vehicles were produced with high-voltage batteries from the Sunwoda Power Battery Company in China, and the cause of the issue has been attributed to "a process deviation that may result in the formation of lithium plating growth that could also lead to an internal cell short." Volvo was first made aware of the problem in July 2025 in a vehicle outside the U.S., and this led to an investigation that was escalated to a Critical Concern Action Process. Toward the end of December last year, the team in charge of critical concerns issued a safety notification recall. Related: Volvo’s Next Electric SUV Claims Impressive Range and Charges in 10 Minutes The good news is that "Volvo Cars can confirm there are no warranty claims or field or service reports related to this defect in the U.S., but if the issue does rear its head in locally sold cars, owners can expect a battery overheating message to pop up in the driver's display cluster. Volvo's Fix is Coming Next Month Volvo View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The bad news is that, while dealers have already been notified of the problem in preparation for a fix, owners will only be able to search their VINs from January 26, and remedy owner notification letters are only expected to go out on February 23. Unfortunately, it's unclear how Volvo intends to solve this issue. Normally, the recall report will detail either a software update or a component replacement, but no such information is available yet. Presumably, Volvo is trying to determine whether it can get away with avoiding a battery replacement, which would surely be costly and time-consuming. Until then, these few EX30s should be parked far away from anything that could catch fire. View the full article

No Dealers, No ProblemChinese automakers remain effectively absent from the U.S. market due to factors such as ongoing geopolitical tensions. For ultra-wealthy enthusiasts like Richard Skelhorn, however, those obstacles don’t pose much of a barrier. Skelhorn recently brought his BYD Yangwang U9 to Miami, Florida, even claiming that the electric hypercar marked its first-ever appearance on American soil. Before dismissing the BYD Yangwang U9, it is worth noting that the electric hypercar has already built an impressive résumé on paper. The high-performance U9 Xtreme variant is reported to have achieved a claimed top speed of 496.22 km/h (308.33 mph), surpassing benchmark-setting hypercars such as the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+. In addition, the same model is said to be the first production electric sports car to break the seven-minute barrier at the Nürburgring, recording a lap time of 6:59.157 – essentially making it the fastest of its kind. A Tourist Visa for a HypercarAccording to Skelhorn, he purchased the U9 in August before registering the vehicle in Dubai. He described the Chinese-built EV as merely a “tourist,” explaining that it is required to leave the country after a year. He showcased the U9 on Instagram alongside another compelling EV, the TeslaCybertruck. Specs-wise, the BYD U9 Xtreme is equipped with four electric motors producing a combined 3,000 horsepower – roughly 900 horsepower more than the Rimac Nevera R, an all-electric hypercar developed within the same engineering group that oversees Bugatti. Vehicles like these help explain why traditional horsepower wars have become increasingly irrelevant today, though they still show what modern advancements are capable of achieving. @skel100x on Instagram Unapologetic EV AmbitionHowever, some of these innovations may push the envelope a bit too far. The U9, for example, comes equipped with BYD’s DiSus-X suspension system, which allows the EV to physically hop off the ground – a capability Skelhorn demonstrated in his social media post. While the feature is said to be designed to help the car clear obstacles such as potholes, it can also feel more like a technology statement piece meant to get people talking. Its SUV sibling, the Yangwang U8, takes things even further, showcasing the ability to drive through water—an unusual but potentially useful feature during emergency flooding situations. Regardless of how advanced these Chinese EVs become, the American market is unlikely to see them anytime soon, especially now that the current administration has further increased tariffs on imported vehicles. BYD has instead focused its efforts on other regions, including Europe, where models such as the Atto 3 and Dolphin appear to be performing well in terms of sales. The strategy has paid off, with BYD even surpassing Tesla as the world’s best-selling EV manufacturer last year. Yangwang View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Good news! Tesla's seven-seat Model Y has returned and is now available to order in the U.S. The bad news is that it's not the example large families would have liked — unlike the China-only Model Y L, which gets a seven-inch longer wheelbase to comfortably seat six people, the one being sold in America is based on the existing Model Y, which means Tesla has basically just put another pair of seats in the cargo area. As a result, the third row effectively only pays lip service to the idea of more practicality, with legroom suitable only for the smallest human beings and cargo room severely impacted. Just one look at the image below shows that adults couldn't possibly sit in the rearmost seats. Tesla's Model Y Has Been Here Before Tesla The pre-Juniper facelift Model Y got similar treatment, and it was quickly discontinued due to a lack of popularity. It's highly unlikely that things will be any different this time around. As noted by InsideEVs, several comments on Tesla's announcement on X (formerly Twitter) were less than complimentary, with one user calling the option "pointless without the bigger Y L wheelbase," and another saying, "No one wants this version; they want the Model Y L. You're literally wasting your time." On a separate note, another X user pointed out that only the Model Y Premium AWD seats up to seven, with the RWD version not getting access to the option on Tesla's website. It's also worth noting that the seven-seat option is only available in the U.S. That brings us to pricing. Tesla Model Y Seven-Seater PricingModel Y Premium now seats up to 7 Also, all configurations of Premium & Performance now come with black headliner + larger 16" center touchscreen All yours → https://t.co/OtbBOTYTTe pic.twitter.com/YcosQeD34o — Tesla North America (@tesla_na) January 13, 2026 The Tesla Model Y Premium All-Wheel Drive trim carries a base MSRP of $48,990, and the seven-seat option adds $2,500 to the bill, bringing the total to $51,490. Add in the $1,390 destination fee, a $250 order fee, $321 for registration, a $7 tire fee, $37 for title filing, a $344 license fee, and a $5,247 sales tax, and the total is just shy of 60 grand at $59,086. For that money, you could easily purchase a real three-row EV, like the Kia EV9, which starts at $54,900 ($56,545 including $1,645 for destination). To be fair, the EV9 Light RWD only manages 230 miles of EPA-estimated range, while the Model Y achieves 327 miles. The Tesla also has more power, with 375 horses on tap, while the EV9 delivers just 215 hp. Ultimately, buyers will have to decide between power and range or real-world practicality and space, at least until Tesla finally gives Americans the Model Y they deserve. View the full article

NASCAR has a new championship format for 2026, and the overwhelming reaction has been positive. But what exactly has changed with this latest iteration and why is it such a good thing? Let's take a look: Looking over the format, it is much better in regards to rewarding the best driver during each particular season. The eliminations and multiple rounds/resets are completely gone, replaced by a ...Keep readingView the full article

A 2020 McLaren Senna GTR, chassis #21 of just 75 built, is on the block at Bring a Trailer, offering one of the wildest track-only McLarens you can actually go and bid on rather than just stare at in a collection. The car is listed by Silver Arrow Cars Ltd in Newport Beach, California, and shows only 845 kilometers, or about 525 miles, on its digital odometer. Current bidding is fast approaching $700,000 with six days left of bidding. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article A Track-Only Senna Turned Up To 11The Senna GTR is McLaren’s idea of what happens when you stop worrying about license plates. It uses the MonoCage III carbon-fiber monocoque and a twin-turbocharged 4.0 liter V8 rated at 814 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, driving the rear wheels through a seven speed dual clutch automatic. Dry weight is quoted at 2,619 pounds, already lighter than the road car, but the real story is the aero. Compared with a standard Senna, the GTR has a 3 inch wider front track and a 2.7 inch wider rear track, a far more aggressive front splitter, a deeper rear diffuser and a huge rear wing with a drag reduction system. McLaren says it can generate 2,205 pounds of downforce at 155 miles per hour, about 442 pounds more than the street car at the same speed. That puts it in the same mental space as the factory track specials from Ferrari and Aston Martin rather than normal supercars. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Barely Run, Fully LoadedThis example wears a clean white exterior over a black Alcantara interior. Outside, it has an anti collision radar system with rear cameras, roof scoop, front and side intakes, polycarbonate windshield and windows, and integrated pneumatic air jacks. The 19 inch staggered center lock wheels are wrapped in Pirelli slicks, and the suspension is straight out of McLaren’s GT3 playbook, with double wishbones, four way adjustable Öhlins dampers and adjustable anti roll bars. Inside, you get GTR branded Sabelt fixed back carbon fiber seats with six point harnesses, an integrated roll cage, fire suppression system, titanium nitride pedals, leather door pull straps, air conditioning, a data logger and a pit to car radio. A plaque in the driver side door jamb identifies it as car #21 of 75. The Carfax report shows no accidents or damage, and the listing notes that the current seller acquired it in 2025 and is offering it on a bill of sale, as you would expect for a pure track car. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Where It Sits In The McLaren Food ChainIn McLaren’s world this is near the very top: rarer and more extreme than most road legal models, but still loosely tied to a production car rather than being a pure racing prototype. If you want something slightly more usable and slightly less insane, there are still interesting options. Go further down the ladder and the original carbon tub supercar, the 12C, is even more accessible. The Senna GTR is different though, it is a car you trailer, not commute in, and you spend your money on lap time and rarity rather than convenience. For the right buyer, though, a low mile, documented, numbered GTR like this one is exactly the sort of thing that will not come around often, on Bring a Trailer or anywhere else. View the full article

Another day, another EV. This time, however, it’s a massive range-extender Volkswagen, which is unlikely to find its way out of China. The brainchild of the VW-SAIC joint venture, the ID. Era 9X is a massive six-seater luxury SUV targeting the affluent Chinese, with its Range Rover-like minimalism, glitzy interior, and huge proportions. Volkswagen Aside from VW’s insistence on weird and wacky names, there’s nothing fussy about the 9X overall. “Imposing yet subdued” was perhaps the design brief. Although the designers may have taken the “imposing” aspect a bit too far. The 205-inch-long VW will likely not be mistaken for anything else on the road. Maybe its corporate siblings from Europe, the Audi Q9 or a Bentley Bentayga EWB, are worthy opponents. That is, whenever the Q9 shows its face. Width and height are 78.6 inches and 71.2 inches, respectively, with the 9X riding on a long ​​120.8-inch wheelbase—truly gargantuan proportions for a VW, shall we say. Volkswagen According to Motor1, this Range-extender VW tips the scales at just shy of 6,000 pounds. What may seem underwhelming is that all this mass is put in motion with the help of a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, one or two electric motors, and a 65.2 kWh battery pack. The engine is rated at 141 horsepower, while the combined output for the base rear-wheel drive model is 295 horsepower and 510 for the all-wheel drive variant. Being an EREV, VW reckons the ID. Era 9X is capable of 249 miles of CLTC range from the battery alone, while the total range is expected to be north of 600 miles. Volkswagen Details are scarce about the interior, but an all-screen affair is evident up front, with minimal, if not no, physical buttons at all. From the press photos, it's clear that there is a massive fold-down display for the rear passengers that unlocks a theater-like viewing experience. Although we’re unsure of the screen size, it doesn’t seem to be as large as the 40-inch item inside this ultra-luxury Chinese EV. As you may have guessed, this huge VW isn’t headed to the United States or Europe anytime soon, but a few EREVs of a more palatable size are coming. View the full article

The Lexus ES and Its Identity CrisisThe latest Lexus ES represents the brand’s continued push toward refinement, comfort, and global appeal, but not necessarily excitement. With the newest generation, Lexus traded the flowing, understated elegance of the previous ES for sharper creases and a more modern, upright stance. It’s cleaner and more formal, a look clearly tailored to markets like China where restraint and prestige often matter more than visual drama. For longtime fans, however, the result feels safe to a fault. That sense of visual anonymity is exactly what has opened the door for aftermarket and factory-backed customization specialists. While the ES remains a strong seller thanks to its quiet ride, high-quality cabin, and reputation for reliability, it has struggled to inspire passion in the way sportier rivals, or even Lexus’ own IS, can. In a segment where buyers increasingly want personalization and presence, the ES risks blending into the background. Enter Modellista, Lexus’ in-house tuning and styling arm, with a mission to inject some much-needed personality. Lexus Modellista Lexus ES: Subtle Drama, Japanese StyleUnveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the Modellista kit for the Lexus ES doesn’t attempt to turn the sedan into a full-blown sport sedan, but that’s not the point. Instead, it focuses on clean, deliberate enhancements that sharpen the car’s visuals without compromising its premium character. Up front, a new body-colored splitter subtly extends the bumper, giving the ES a lower and wider appearance. Matte black mirror caps add contrast, breaking up the otherwise monochrome design. Along the sides, extended skirts house the most eye-catching feature of the package: a customizable LED light strip capable of glowing in multiple colors. It’s a bold move for a car as traditionally reserved as the ES, signaling Modellista’s intent to appeal to buyers who want modern flair and nighttime presence. The look is completed by striking 21-inch forged aluminum wheels with a spiral spoke design, arguably the single biggest upgrade over the standard factory wheels. At the rear, a reshaped diffuser section ties the kit together, adding just enough visual weight to balance the front. Modellista View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Personalization May Be the ES’s Saving GraceWhile the Modellista Lexus ES shown in Tokyo remains a prototype, its existence raises important questions about the future of the nameplate. The previous-generation ES offered special editions like a Black Line and even an F Sport variant that added edge and attitude, but Lexus has yet to confirm whether a similar trim will return for the all-new model. If it doesn’t, accessory-driven upgrades like this Modellista kit may become the primary way for buyers to add character to an otherwise conservative sedan. Pricing and global availability of the Modellista kits are still unknown, particularly outside Japan. As Lexus leans into restrained, globally palatable design language, individuality risks being lost in the process. Modellista’s ES package shows how subtle changes, lighting, wheels, and sharper aero details can dramatically shift perception without undermining the car’s core strengths. Modellista View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Garett Mitchell, better known as the popular YouTuber Cleetus McFarland, began his stock car racing career last year in the ARCA Menard's Series. He did so under the guidance of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, who became close friends with Mitchell over the past 1.5 years. However, Biffle was among seven who lost their lives in December plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina. They were planning ...Keep readingView the full article

A Steady Year for Mercedes-Benz in AmericaMercedes-Benz concluded 2025 with 303,200 passenger cars sold in the US, just a hair higher than the previous year by 1 percent. Add the 40,000 vans delivered, and the total US tally lands at 343,200 units. As expected, SUVs carried most of the weight, showing exactly where American premium vehicle buyers are putting their money. The Mercedes-Benz GLE, built in Alabama, just had its best sales year ever, up 14 percent over 2024. A strong finish in the fourth quarter helped, with demand climbing 12 percent in those last months. The GLC wasn’t far off either, ending the year with a 20 percent jump. Both models kept Mercedes-Benz firmly in the lead when it comes to premium SUVs. Not everything was headed upward, though. Vans finished the year down 14 percent from 2024, even with a small lift in the last quarter. Passenger car growth stayed modest, especially as competitors rolled out more incentives and updated models. Mercedes-Benz Performance Models and a Familiar RivalryAt the top end, Mercedes-Benz still found plenty of takers. Mercedes-AMG sales climbed 12 percent, setting a new record. The G-Class did even better with a 26 percent increase over last year – also marking its best year yet. Some core models picked up speed, too. The CLE jumped 53 percent year-over-year, and entry-level options like the GLA grew 21 percent. Those gains helped offset slower sellers in the rest of the lineup. Even so, Mercedes-Benz wasn’t the biggest winner in US luxury sales for 2025. BMW set another all-time record, showing just how fierce the competition is. Mercedes’ numbers look steadier than spectacular, relying on strong SUV demand instead of big leaps in total volume. Mercedes-Benz A Bigger Picture GloballyOn the global front, Mercedes-Benz Group moved 2,160,000 cars and vans in 2025, which is 10 percent lower than last year. The fourth quarter was the highlight, with 558,400 units sold and a 6 percent bump over Q3, making it the strongest stretch of the year. AMG deliveries were up 7 percent worldwide, and the G-Class hit another global sales record. Mercedes-Benz leadership says 2025 kicked off their most ambitious product and tech push yet, with new electric platforms and software-focused models paving the way for 2026. An update to the S-Class flagship is also on the way, so that’s something to watch out for this year. Mercedes-Benz View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Every so often, a factory-built car shows up at a drag strip and completely resets expectations. Not nudges them forward. Not “pretty quick for a street car.” Completely rewrites the conversation. That’s exactly what happened when Chevrolet rolled the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X onto the starting line at US 131 Motorsports Park. The result? An 8.675-second quarter-mile at 159.5 mph – in a street-legal, production-spec Corvette that anyone with the means can order. That number alone is staggering. But the context behind it makes it even more jaw-dropping. Built With the Drag Strip in Mind From the outset, GM engineers weren’t coy about the mission. The ZR1X wasn’t just designed to be the quickest Corvette ever – it was engineered to be the quickest production vehicle General Motors has ever produced, period. At the heart of the car is a twin-turbocharged, mid-mounted V8 paired with an electric motor driving the front axle. Combined output: 1,250 horsepower. More importantly for drag racers, the platform was engineered for violent acceleration, repeatability, and traction – the three pillars of real quarter-mile performance. This wasn’t a dyno queen or a marketing prototype. GM brought the car to a public drag strip, the same surface where weekend racers test their own cars. The goal wasn’t just to post a hero number – it was to prove the performance could be backed up, run after run. Deep 8s… From the Factory Anyone remotely familiar with drag racing understands the significance of running in the 8-second zone. 10-second cars are fast. 9-second cars are special. 8-second cars are serious race cars. Breaking into the mid-8s is territory typically reserved for purpose-built drag machines or seven-figure hypercars with limited real-world usability. And yet here was a Corvette – on pump gas, factory calibration, factory aero, and street tires – ripping off multiple passes in the 8.7s before finally laying down an 8.675. Even more impressive? GM didn’t get there by turning the car loose once and packing up. Engineers made incremental calibration changes throughout the day, adjusting torque delivery to the front axle, managing heat soak, and refining launch parameters. The car remained consistent despite being run hard in real-world conditions. That consistency is what separates a stunt from a statement. The Numbers That Drag Racers Can Appreciate Let’s talk about what really jumps off the timeslip: Quarter-mile: 8.675 seconds Trap speed: 159.5 mph 60-foot: 1.37 seconds Acceleration: roughly 1.5-1.75 g through first and second gear There are plenty of lifelong drag racers with purpose-built machines that’d be thrilled with a 1.37-second short time – to see those kind of numbers from a production vehicle on 21-inch wheels borders on unbelievable. And this wasn’t a one-off. GM recorded multiple runs in the 8.6s and a string of passes in the 8.7s, validating that the performance is repeatable and production-ready. Street Car. Real Track. No Excuses. One of the most compelling parts of the ZR1X story is where it happened. US 131 Motorsports Park isn’t a private proving ground. It’s a public drag strip – the kind of place where Corvette owners actually go to race. GM made a point to emphasize that what ran down the track is what will go into production. No special engines. No trick parts. No one-off tuning. In other words, this wasn’t a theoretical number. It was a real one, printed on a real timeslip, on a real drag strip. Even when GM swapped to an unprepped surface and fitted the optional ZTK performance package, the ZR1X still clicked off an 8.99-second quarter-mile. That’s still deep into territory that most “built” street cars never reach. Why This Matters to Drag Racing For drag racers, the ZR1X represents something bigger than just another fast production car. It proves that OEM engineering has officially crossed into territory once dominated exclusively by race cars. The idea that a showroom-floor vehicle can run mid-8s, back it up, and do it reliably is almost hard to process – especially for anyone who grew up when an 8-second time slip required a trailer, slicks, and a rulebook. The ZR1X doesn’t just flirt with that line. It obliterates it. A New Benchmark When GM engineers finally packed up after two full days of testing, the verdict was clear: mission accomplished. The Corvette ZR1X is now officially the quickest Corvette ever, the quickest GM production vehicle ever, and one of the quickest street-legal production cars the world has ever seen. For drag racing fans, it’s a reminder that straight-line performance still matters – and that the quarter-mile remains the ultimate truth serum. Because no matter how advanced the technology gets, the scoreboard never lies. This story was originally published on January 13, 2026. The post Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Goes Deep Into the 8s, Redefines What a Production Car Can Do at the Drag Strip first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Jeep Makes Room in the BudgetThe Jeep Wrangler posted an 11-percent year-over-year sales increase in 2025, but its longtime archnemesis, the Ford Bronco, has been steadily closing the gap – ending the year significantly closer to the Wrangler than in their 2024 sales matchup. Now, Stellantis appears to be looking to sustain that momentum by cutting prices. According to a report from Bloomberg, the four-door Wrangler Sport S now starts at $42,495, a figure that already includes the $1,995 destination fee. That price represents a $1,350 reduction compared to the previous model year. It also slightly undercuts the Bronco Big Bend, which carries a starting price of $42,990. Cole Attisha Using Gemini 3 Pro and Adobe Lightroom Reworking the Option SheetJeep has also reduced the cost of certain options. A bundle that includes LED lighting, all-terrain tires, and a heated steering wheel and seats is now priced at $5,000 – down sharply from $9,400. Meanwhile, the Sky Slider, a motorized canvas roof designed for open-air off-roading, is now offered for just $995 from roughly $4,000. According to Bob Broderdorf, Jeep’s chief executive officer, the latest pricing strategy is intended to reinforce the brand’s core identity and appeal. “We did this on every car,” Broderdorf told the publication. “This is us giving back to the customer the things that make Jeep Jeep.” The timing of the price reductions appears fitting, especially as the average transaction price of a new vehicle in the United States has climbed to around $50,000. Whether this revised strategy will strengthen the Wrangler’s position – and perhaps slow the Bronco’s rapid gains – remains to be seen. However, moving forward, the Wrangler, along with the Grand Cherokee, will no longer be offered with Stellantis’ 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. Jeep A Bet on AffordabilityFor reference, Jeep sold 151,163 Wranglers in 2024 before improving that figure to 167,322 units in 2025. The model also recorded a 3-percent sales increase in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the same period a year earlier, even as several automakers posted steep declines during the quarter. The Ford Bronco, meanwhile, sold 109,172 units in 2024 and surged to 146,007 units the following year. Aside from the Wrangler, Jeep continues to compete across multiple segments of the SUV market with the 2026 Grand Cherokee and 2026 Cherokee. Dealer shipments of both models have already begun this year, with a particular focus on updated powertrains. Notably, the Cherokee gains a new 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine, which the automaker claims can deliver a driving range of up to 500 miles. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Putting the engine over the rear wheels and keeping it there has been both a blessing and a curse for Porsche and its 911. On the one hand, the challenges that come with putting an engine so far back without creating handling that makes a car unmanageable have been immense, but on the other, finding ways to overcome those challenges has created a spirit of innovation throughout the company, and Porsche's latest patent is further proof that the engineers in Stuttgart never stop trying to make their cars and the people who drive them faster. A new patent filed with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, first noted by CarBuzz, illustrates this perfectly. Therein, the sports car manufacturer suggests a system that projects the ideal driving line into the driver's field of vision, not unlike in racing video games. How Porsche's New Idea Works Porsche In 2022, BMW launched the M Mixed Reality experience, using virtual reality goggles to help a driver take the optimal route around a track, but Porsche's idea needs no in-car accessories, and instead of using a head-up display (or similar system) to project the ideal driving line onto the windshield, Porsche imagines having a drone flying above and ahead of the car, projecting graphic information onto the track ahead. If this system works as intended, it would not only allow seasoned drivers to improve their abilities, but it would also help novices to get faster more quickly. Learning a track that you've never driven before could also be simplified. Related: Porsche Patents Heated Paddle Shifters That Feel More Like a Manual The computing power required for such a system would no doubt be immense, as the patent proposes the ability to "dynamically adapt the optimal driving line to the driving behavior of the vehicle and/or/ to track conditions of the race track [...], i.e., adapted to real-time data." This means the drone would need to be very fast, know the limits of the track, and understand what the car itself is capable of on said track. But that's not the only challenge. Numerous Obstacles to Production RM Sotheby's While patent applications can never be taken as official confirmation that an idea will reach production, this one seems particularly far-fetched. Not only would the drone need to be particularly quick and agile, and not only would the drone and car need to communicate with each other in real-time, but the drone would also need incredibly advanced projection technology to be able to display the ideal driving line in bright sunlight or on a lit nighttime track. There's also the question of how this drone's projection and even its presence would interfere with other drivers. Would the drone only be able to work properly when a driver is alone on the track, or would Porsche be able to find a way of ensuring that projections are partially canceled out when another driver is in their path? That's unclear, but with Ferrari introducing a similar patent back in 2023, and with cars becoming faster and more capable than ever, manufacturers are always looking for ways to allow drivers to harness optimal performance. View the full article

Stroud Safety has acquired White Safety, expanding its presence in motorsports safety while continuing to support racers entering the sport and those seeking accessible safety solutions. White Safety will continue operating from Oklahoma City and remain focused on providing reliable, cost-effective motorsports safety equipment for grassroots and entry-level racers. The acquisition is intended to strengthen long-term support for the White brand while maintaining its established role within the racing community. “White Safety has always served an important part of this sport,” said Tommy Cunningham, owner of Stroud Safety. “There are a lot of racers who need dependable safety equipment at an accessible price point, and White has earned their trust by delivering exactly that.” White Safety will continue offering its most popular products while benefiting from Stroud Safety’s manufacturing experience, testing resources, and operational support. John Gentry, Chief Revenue Officer of Stroud Safety, said the acquisition supports a clear distinction between the two brands. “Stroud and White serve different racers with different needs,” Gentry said. “This allows each brand to stay focused while improving long-term support, availability, and service for customers.” As part of the transition, White Safety has launched a newly updated website designed to improve product access and customer communication. For more information, visit www.whitesafety.com or contact White Safety at 405-733-2795. This story was originally published on January 13, 2026. The post Stroud Safety Acquires White Safety; Brand to Continue Serving Entry-Level Racers from Oklahoma City first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

How many new wagons with a manual gearbox can you think of? Zero is the only right answer, at least in the United States. When even Volvo has ditched wagons, it’s obvious the body style is on a downward trajectory, and adding a manual shifter in an era where automatics dominate is even more unexpected. But this is exactly the sort of car Kia has just revealed—the new K4 Sportswagon is a compact wagon that can be had with a manual gearbox. It’s a refreshingly unorthodox arrival in a sea of crossovers. The K4 Family Expands 2027 Kia K4 Sportswagon Kia View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Kia already has a K4 sedan and K4 hatchback, with both being on sale in this market. The K4 Sportswagon is the third addition to the compact family, sharing its front fascia with its siblings. But the longroof design adds a totally different twist. Kia has kept things sleek by concealing the handles of the rear doors, and the upswept beltline between the C and D pillars is another sporty touch. The K4 Sportswagon is 184.8 inches long, which is actually 0.6 inches shorter than the sedan sold in the USA. Its cargo area measures a useful 21.3 cubic feet, though, easily exceeding the 14.6 cubic feet in the sedan. A powered, hands-free tailgate further improves versatility. "With the K4 Sportswagon, we are extending the appeal of the K4 to customers who value space and versatility as much as they are interested in design and technology," said Sjoerd Knipping, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Europe. "By offering this wagon, we continue to show our ambition to provide practical solutions without compromising on innovation." Related: Are Station Wagons Set To Make a Comeback? The Trump Administration Seems To Think So Small Engines Keep Things Simple 2027 Kia K4 Sportswagon K View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The K4 Sportswagon doesn’t quite live up to its name in the engine department. It comes with a standard 1.0-liter turbo engine producing just 113 horsepower, a figure that the average American would scoff at. This engine is paired with a six-speed manual, and it’s also available with a mild-hybrid setup. A 1.6-liter turbo engine with up to 177 hp sounds much peppier, and this model gets a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Later this year, a hybrid will be added to the range. Kia’s familiar high-tech interior and available driver-assistance features will be present, including blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Unfortunately, the 2027 Kia K4 Sportswagon isn’t destined for American shores. Wagons struggle here, and the budget wagon segment is extinct in the United States, whereas the body style still has a loyal following in Europe. The K4 Sportswagon joins a trio of recently revealed Kia GT EVs that are also unlikely ever to be sold in America, and honestly, it’s our loss. A K4 Sportswagon with a manual gearbox and the sedan’s available 190-hp turbo-four sounds like a great alternative to a small crossover, but it’s simply not the kind of car this market would be interested in. View the full article

Unfiltered View on the New RoadsterTesla CEO Elon Musk recently touched on the unveiling of the next-generation Roadster, offering comments that quickly raised eyebrows. Speaking on the Moonshots podcast, Musk said the upcoming performance electric vehicle will not prioritize safety, going so far as to discourage potential buyers if safety is their top concern. For an EV promised to rocket from zero to 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds, it would seem reasonable to expect safety to remain a central focus for the new Roadster. After all, Tesla likely cannot afford another regulatory or reputational setback – especially as federal regulators continue to probe the EV maker over safety concerns tied to its products, including the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. 🚨 Elon on the Roadster unveiling, scheduled for April 1: pic.twitter.com/U4N3lVADRK — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) January 6, 2026 The Ferrari ComparisonMusk justified his statement by pointing to Ferrari buyers, arguing that customers do not purchase the Italian marque’s cars with safety as their primary consideration. That comparison highlights how Ferrari ownership is often linked to prestige and, for others, outright performance. He told the Moonshots podcast (via Teslarati on X): “Safety is not the main goal. If you buy a sports car or buy a Ferrari, safety is not the number one goal.” He added, “If safety is your number one goal, don’t buy the Roadster.” Despite the bluntness of those remarks, Musk clarified that Tesla aspires “not to kill anyone” with the new Roadster. The long-delayed EV, whose concept debuted in 2017, is instead positioned as what Musk described as the “best of the last of the human-driven cars.” That framing suggests the model is intended to serve as a performance benchmark before fully autonomous vehicles eventually dominate the market. Tesla Chasing the Performance BenchmarkIn that context, the Roadster would compete in the same halo-performance tier as the Rimac Nevera and Lotus Evija. Early reports indicate the upcoming Roadster will offer features like a tri-motor powertrain and a claimed range of up to 620 miles. If achieved, that figure would surpass the current production benchmark set by the Lucid Air, which boasts an EPA-rated range of 512 miles. More details are expected once Tesla officially unveils the Roadster on April 1. Coincidentally, the date falls on April Fool’s Day, which some may view skeptically given the company’s history of ambitious timelines and optimistic claims. But if the company ultimately delivers on its promises, the nameplate would mark a significant step forward from its predecessor, which was introduced in 2008 – at a time when the EV market was still almost non-existent. Tesla View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

BMW has already reported record sales in the United States for 2025, with 388,897 vehicles sold. Those sales were driven by the X3 and X5, which each sold over 76,000 units. But BMW’s strong 2025 wasn’t limited to the United States or its core luxury models. The high-performance M division has shared its global sales figures for last year, and it achieved its 14th consecutive record year. The automaker sold 213,457 M models globally last year, surpassing competitors in the process and demonstrating that BMW remains a benchmark brand for enthusiasts. BMW M Outsells Rivals Once Again 2026 BMW M2 CS BMW View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article BMW’s 2025 sales of M models were up by 3% over 2024, and the brand says it outsold competitors for the seventh consecutive year. While not all rivals have reported sales of performance models, we know that Mercedes-AMG hit 145,000 sales last year, so BMW M’s 213,457 units is easily ahead. We must point out that BMW combines true M car sales (like the M3 and M4) with sales of “M-lite” variants, or M Performance models, such as the X3 M50. Mercedes-AMG did not provide a detailed breakdown of how individual AMG models performed sales-wise. “Our 14th consecutive sales record validates our strategy. We will continue to offer performance and high-performance vehicles across the entire BMW model range. With fully electric, partly electric and all-ICE powertrains,” says Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. Almost one in every 10 BMWs sold in 2025 was an M variant; these performance models had a share of 9.8% within BMW’s range, another milestone, up from 9.4% previously. In Switzerland, BMW M models are especially popular, with almost every fourth BMW sold there being an M model. The United States was BMW M’s largest single market, with over 72,000 vehicles sold in 2025. An SUV Is Now BMW M's Top-Selling Model BMW BMW says the X3 M50 was its best-selling individual model, without specifying exactly how many units of the SUV were sold. Although not a replacement for the full-fat X3 M (a new X3 M should be on the way at some stage), the X3 M50 is still a serious performer. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine produces 393 horsepower, enabling a 4.4-second sprint time from zero to 60 mph. With its performance in 2025, the X3 M50 overtakes the i4 M60 as the best-selling BMW M product. BMW says the M5 and M5 Touring saw “enormous sales increases” in their first full year on sale. The M2 was the best-selling high-performance model—this group includes only full-fat M cars. The M3 family was another significant contributor to M car sales, buoyed by new additions like the M3 CS Touring, which is sadly not sold in the United States. Related: BMW’s New M3 CS Touring Is the Fastest Wagon Ever Around the Nürburgring Final Thoughts BMW BMW M has had its fair share of criticism in recent years. The XM was universally panned for its brash design and for being a poor choice as the only modern standalone M car. The new M5s are brilliant, but their plug-in hybrid powertrains have added an enormous amount of weight. And, lower in the lineup, the new M2 CS sadly doesn’t come with a manual. But despite all of this, the M division is still going strong. A larger and larger percentage of all BMWs sold now come with an M badge on the back, and the range still includes a few key ingredients that BMW fans worship: Rear-wheel drive, the availability of a manual, and the presence of potent six-cylinder and V8 engines. View the full article

Simultaneously owning a Mustang, a Corvette, and a Cobra would be a dream, but it's out of reach for most — unless you're willing to mash design elements of all three together in a single car. That's what appears to be the motivation behind perhaps the weirdest car for sale in America, this custom 1955 Ford Thunderbird "Moon Rocket," now bidding on Bring a Trailer for just $36,000, with four days of bidding remaining. Built nearly 70 years ago, it's an award-winning creation, bagging the People's Choice Award at the Oakland Roadster Show in January 1957, just two years after it was purchased new by San Francisco-based hot rodder Jerry Anolik. This Thunderbird Has an Incredible Backstory Bring a Trailer View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article According to the listing, the car had a crash shortly after winning the abovementioned award, and that's when custom front-end bodywork was created. It's reportedly been rebuilt three times between 1954 and 1959, with the last year being when it was reintroduced in silver and red at the Oakland Roadster Show, where fellow builder George Barris dubbed the car, which was originally blue, the "Moon Rocket." The car was toured across America and also raced in NHRA events, but after a fire at Bonneville Speed Week in September 1960, it was disassembled and stored until 2010, when it was placed on a rotisserie and reassembled by its original builder. Later that year, it was sold, with the new seller restoring the Moon Rocket over the course of several years. Under the hood is a 331 cubic inch (5.4-liter) Cadillac V8 with a GMC blower, quad Stromberg carburetor, and a three-speed manual transmission from a LaSalle (a now-defunct GM brand that was positioned alongside Cadillac). The shifter for this transmission is also out of the GM parts catalog, having been sourced from a C1 Corvette, and other highlights include a dual exhaust system with Smitty mufflers, a power-adjustable bench seat, and an AM radio. Overdone in Every Sense of the Word Bring a Trailer View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Besides the outrageous bodywork and the protruding power plant, the car has been overdone in the paint booth, too, with some 31 coats of lacquer paint reportedly being applied during its refurbishment. But why not? This is a car with a louvered tail panel made from 1941 Chevrolet truck door skins; nothing on this car is ordinary. Fake side pipes are made from 1936 Ford driveshafts, the taillights are from a 1956 Buick, the fuel filler is now on the trunk, and there's no way to put a roof on this thing anymore. The BaT listing documents a lot more of this once-famous build, and for whoever does buy this weird and wonderful one-off, it's still got plenty of life in it, with just 54,000 miles on the odometer. View the full article

Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart is back, at least for one race at the national level of NASCAR. Stewart, who is now 54 years old but still actively racing, will pilot the 'free agent' truck for Kaulig Racing and Ram in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway. 'Smoke' hasn't started a NASCAR race since retiring from the Cup Series at ...Keep readingView the full article

Not Exactly a SecretCars have been collecting data the moment vehicle telematics became widespread. These days, however, it's more extensive now given the advancements in technology. There are more data points to collect, which has become a concern for consumers. The worry here is that the data is being collected by third-party companies that then offer it for sale to those who need, or rather, want it. Since then, there have been several lawsuits against automakers that claim regarding the matter. James Riswick This Time, It's ToyotaMore recently, Toyota has been named in a lawsuit for the "unauthorized collection and dissemination of private information collected" by a Florida resident, WTSP reports. The plaintiff claims that data was gathered from his vehicle's telemetry, specifically a 2021 RAV4. He found that out when he was getting insurance for his vehicle, only to find that there was already a comprehensive driving profile on him. Toyota has since argued that the plaintiff accepted the terms and conditions of its connected services. It includes the collection of data "on a continuous and regular basis," although there was no mention of whether said data could be purchased by affiliates outside of Toyota. That said, it's unknown whether rejecting the terms and conditions disables the vehicle's connected services. Toyota Features Masquerading as Data Gold MinesRemember GM's Smart Driver program? It analyzed driving behavior and gave a score at the end of every trip, turning into a challenge of sorts for those behind the wheel to gain a higher score. But on the other side of the screen, it was a data gold mine for GM and its affiliates, and allegations of sharing said data without consent came pouring in. The automaker has since been penalized by the FTC. GM has been ordered to stop selling data for five years. However, these 'driver score' systems are still around and allegedly continue to gather telemetry. That's on top of the microphones in vehicles and built-in apps such as navigation and concierge services. Chevy Is There a Way to Avoid It?As we mentioned before, "take one extra walk-around: ask the dealer what data you’re opting into. If they cannot answer you, huge red flag." Also, take time to read the 'lawyer screens' and, if possible, disable the so-called driver score apps. Some automakers offer the option to delete the data entirely. That should come in handy if one is getting a second-hand vehicle. Privacy settings can also be changed via an application if possible. But if you want to avoid all of that completely, the only solution here is to get a relatively analog car with no telematics whatsoever. With that, driving a modern classic doesn't sound like a bad idea at all. Toyota View the full article