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Marc Márquez back on track Marc Márquez has resumed on-track preparations ahead of the 2026 MotoGP season, returning to circuit riding last week at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia as part of his recovery following the injury sustained in October. The two-day Valencia outing marked Márquez’s first structured circuit training since late 2025, aside from […] The post Marc Márquez getting back up to speed at Valencia appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

WorldSBK 2026 Barni Spark Racing Team Barni Spark Racing Team has confirmed its rider line-up for the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship, unveiling Álvaro Bautista and Yari Montella as its two riders during a team presentation in Reggio Emilia. The Italian squad will field the latest Ducati Panigale V4 RS26 for the upcoming season, marking […] The post Barni Spark Racing officially launch ’26 WorldSBK campaign appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Video Games Shaping RealityGaming has clearly influenced the modern automotive scene. For instance, William Byron, who got his start in sim racing on iRacing, has since risen to the top of NASCAR and is now a two-time Daytona 500 champion. That influence, however, isn’t limited to motorsports. French luxury marque DS Automobiles has just unveiled the Taylor Made N°4 Concept, a design study that draws heavily from the aesthetics and culture of video games. For context, DS Automobiles is a Stellantis subsidiary that was previously under the Citroën umbrella. The N°4 – pronounced “number four” – is a premium compact hatchback positioned against rivals such as the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. None of these models is currently offered in the United States, where consumer demand continues to favor larger vehicles like the Ford F-150. Nevertheless, the new concept demonstrates that creativity in automotive design has no limits, drawing inspiration well beyond traditional luxury-car norms. Design Freedom Without Market PressureThe Taylor Made N°4 Concept was completed by the DS Design Studio in collaboration with Taylor Barnard, a young Formula E driver who openly describes himself as a “hardcore gamer,” citing titles such as Fortnite, Rocket League, and Call of Duty. Barnard recently joined the DS Penske team this season, following a stint with McLaren. One of the concept’s most striking elements is its reinterpretation of titanium, including a finish known as Craft Titanium. This material replaces traditional carbon fiber in aerodynamic components such as the front splitter and air vents, giving the car a distinctive visual identity compared with most performance-oriented models. The vehicle also features “Light Gold” accents, a signature of the DS Performance Line. Additional personalization includes Barnard’s racing number 77, an N°4 script on the nose, and purple highlights – his favorite color. No powertrain specifications for the concept were released. However, the production N°4 is available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrain options. “I dreamt it up, DS Automobiles made it. The N°4 was already my favourite model in the range, so when the brand’s design department presented me with this project, I was both enamoured and honored,” Barnard said in a press release. Stellantis Design That Lives OnlineThe Taylor Made N°4 Concept made its public debut at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9, displayed alongside Barnard’s DS E-TENSE FE25 Formula E single-seater. Those unable to attend in person will still be able to experience the car digitally, as it is set to debut later this year in Driving Empire on Roblox. For U.S. buyers, the closest Stellantis alternative in terms of size is the Fiat 500e, which ranks among the smallest cars sold in the country, alongside models such as the Mini Cooper and the Mazda Miata. Stellantis View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Our first Speed Read of 2026 boasts a racy Yamaha R5 café racer from the UK, a feisty Yamaha WR155R scrambler from Indonesia, and a burly Suzuki Bandit 1200 from Australia. Dig in! Yamaha R5 by Jets ForeverBuilt by Jets Forever’s Tony Taysom and Jeff Duval in their UK workshop, this stunning Yamaha ... View the full article

The Combustion Engine Stubbornly Holds Its GroundThere was a point in time not very long ago when everyone was saying that polluting gas-powered vehicles were on the brink of losing favor to electric cars. However, it looks like buyers’ preferences are moving back to sticking with the tried and tested formula of internal combustion. A new study from Deloitte reports that 61% of US consumers would choose a gas engine in their next vehicle, compared to just 5% who would switch to electric and 21% who would consider a hybrid. America led the charts in ICE-favoritism, with the next highest being 53% of respondents in Southeast Asia leaning towards gas for their next purchase, followed by India at 50%, Germany at 49%, and the UK at 44%. Looking at key insights from previous year’s studies, where in 2018 consumers were interested in moving away from ICE, while as recently as 2022, Deloitte surmised that interest in EVs continued to grow, these new findings paint a different picture. T It All Comes Down To PriceOf course, the economic side is the main driving factor in this story. As manufacturers continue to electrify their product lines, consumers face the harsh reality — new car prices have gone up, up and up. For 62% of US consumers, getting a good deal remains the most important part of their next vehicle purchase decision, followed by 47% who value transparent pricing. Of the people who would consider an EV for their next purchase, 52% of consumers would do so to lower their fuel costs, meaning that US consumers still very much care about the total cost of ownership of their cars. That’s the catch with EVs, though, the higher up-front cost. US buyers see driving range, time to charge and cost as major deterrents to switching to electric. With so many consumers concerned about cost, some major auto manufacturers are delaying the transition to fully electric models and finding ways to keep ICE alive. Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images The Global Retreat From Combustion BansOther countries are having second thoughts about banning combustion engines. Several European countries have postponed or softened their combustion engine bans due to conflicting views between the market realities and the policies of governments. For example, the UK has pushed back its ban from 2030 to 2035, while Germany secured exemptions for synthetic fuel for gasoline-powered cars. All these changes support Deloitte's research that shows that consumers don't want to give up on internal combustion for alternative technology they view as expensive and inconvenient. In response, U.S. lawmakers have enacted legislation that supports the continued development of gasoline engines, including new federal regulations that allow gasoline engines to meet efficiency requirements until at least 2032. The bottom line is that while the future may be electric, the present remains gas-powered. View the full article

The FJ Cruiser: 20 in 2026Wasn't 2006 just a few years ago? Well, apparently not, and for those born in the early-'90s, brace yourselves. It's been 20 years since Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet, the Nintendo Wii made its way into living rooms, Italy won its last World Cup title, and the production rollout of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Have your knees recovered yet? Good, because it's a good time to celebrate this SUV. While it didn't exactly have a hugely successful run in America, sales were strong enough for it to merit a production run that lasted 16 years. Its retro look was backed up by actual off-road capability, and it helped that it had the same underpinnings as the Toyota 4Runner of its time. Of course, its main attraction was its styling, and we all must thank Jin Won Kim for its exterior. Toyota A Fresh Grad Penned ItKim was a fresh graduate of the ArtCenter College of Design when he walked through the doors of Toyota's Calty Design Research studios in 2001. But not long after he started work there, his design for a modernized FJ40 would be chosen for the FJ Cruiser concept, and eventually, the production model. By the way, he was just 24 years old when he did that. The concept model was presented during the 2003 Detroit Auto Show and received a hugely positive response. It's just what Toyota needed, as the whole FJ40 revival started off as a bit of a secret project that needed a bit of a nudge before it got green-lit. Toyota Let's Not Forget Automotive Interior DesignersLet's be honest, automotive interior designers do not get enough credit. The thing is, it also makes or breaks the car, probably even more than the exterior. After all, you interact with the interior more than the exterior. William Chergosky had been around the design circles for longer than Kim. If there's something you should know about the FJ Cruiser's interior designer, it's that he's credited for the exterior design of the 1996 Dodge Copperhead Concept. Safe to say that Chergosky complemented Kim's funky exterior when he did the interior of the FJ Cruiser. It's retro minimalism done right, without being kitsch, as it still has logical, sensible ergonomics. Toyota Chergosky and Kim Today To say the FJ Cruiser made an impact on the careers of the two designers is putting it lightly. The concept model was the pair's first big project for Toyota, and what a way it was to start things off with the brand. The duo still works at Calty today, although Kim had a brief stint at Faraday Future before returning to Toyota. Since the FJ Cruiser, their portfolios have grown a lot, designing and contributing to some of the most important and impactful cars the brand has made. Kim is currently one of the chief designers over at Calty, while Chergosky is one of the company's chief interior designers. Some of the significant cars Kim has penned include the eleventh-generation Corolla, the seventh-generation Lexus ES, the current-gen Sienna, and perhaps, as a hat-tip to his first car, the Land Cruiser 250. As for Chergosky, you can thank him for the interiors of the third-generation Lexus GS, the LC grand tourer, the eighth-generation Toyota Camry, and the current Highlander. He also made significant contributions to the GR Supra and the current GR 86. Quite the CV for both, we say. Toyota Toyota View the 23 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Plot ThickensLast month, Jason Fenske, creator of the Engineering Explained YouTube channel with roughly 4.1 million subscribers, published a video expressing his disappointment with his leased 2025 Lucid Air Touring—painting the EV as more problematic than expected. Lucid has since responded, acknowledging shortcomings and outlining steps to improve its products. According to Fenske, Lucid reached out following the video (now exceeding 1.2 million views), admitting it was dissatisfied with where the company stood and that changes were underway. The California-based automaker also noted an internal organizational shift that occurred about a month before the video’s release, telling Fenske: “It’s fair to say we’re not happy with where we’ve been, and we know we have to do better, and we’re hard at work on that.” A Fan Favorite Turns CriticalFor context, Fenske said he leased the Air after believing Lucid produced some of the best-engineered EVs on the market. Instead, he encountered a mix of software and hardware issues—some significant, others minor. Among the latter was an oddly stiff cupholder that required excessive force to remove a drink. In a follow-up video, Fenske detailed several software fixes Lucid has already implemented, including resolving a software-update bug, improving plug-and-charge reliability, and addressing an issue that caused the rear heated seats to turn on automatically when his dog rode in the back. The EV maker also plans to introduce an overhauled user-experience update, dubbed UX 3.0, which is expected to arrive in early fall this year. As for hardware, Lucid said it is developing a fix for a frunk that sometimes fails to open properly. The company also explained that the push-to-open door mechanism—criticized for requiring too much force—was not part of the original design. It was agreed that the cupholder design was flawed and said a revised version is planned for the first half of 2026. Engineering Explained on YouTube The One Problem That Still LingersAmong his complaints, Fenske was most critical of the driver-profile system, noting that the biometric scanner is poorly positioned and that the system doesn’t allow easy profile switching—something he pointed out is available in EVs from Tesla. Lucid explained that while Tesla’s system is built on Linux, it uses Android, which introduces more complex customization challenges, so he isn’t expecting changes in this regard anytime soon. In a playful response, Fenske said, “I, Jason, have created change within the automotive world. Take that, mom and dad.” With roughly two and a half years remaining on his lease, Fenske still has time to reassess. For now, however, he says he’s leaning toward returning the EV rather than keeping it. Other cars in his garage include a Ford Maverick and a Toyota GR Corolla. Engineering Explained on YouTube View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Cybertruck Tesla Never BuiltTesla previously explored the idea of offering a six-seat Cybertruck but ultimately scrapped the concept. One owner, however, decided to do it himself, building a custom six-seat configuration and even demonstrating it with his family of six parked in his driveway. That location seems fitting, given that taking the modified truck onto public roads could raise serious safety and regulatory concerns. Shared on Facebook by user Roger Davis, the added middle seat between the front driver and passenger positions fits in surprisingly well, almost giving the impression that it could have been a factory-developed option. However, integrating the extra seat required the removal of the center console, which normally houses storage space and the dual cupholders. As a result, during the short demonstration, Davis’ son was left holding a drink for him, a telling compromise of the setup. First ever Six seat Cybertruck https://t.co/UJilO56XSg pic.twitter.com/rMfea1fLTT — Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) January 3, 2026 Tesla May Have Seen This ComingThe idea of a six-seat Cybertruck is certainly appealing, especially considering that it is a utilitarian pickup truck designed for hauling gear, equipment, and people. A layout like this could open the door to outdoor adventures with more family members or friends joining the trip. But the concept was likely abandoned due to safety implications – something Tesla would prefer to avoid right now as it continues to face investigations related to products such as its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. In the event of a frontal collision, the passenger seated in the center would have no airbag directly ahead. While front bench seats are still offered in certain markets, they are typically reserved for commercial or work-focused vehicles where regulations differ. In a passenger vehicle, especially in the U.S., such an arrangement could prove problematic. Strict safety standards have prevented certain vehicles – such as Japanese kei cars – from being sold in the American market, and a six-seat front-row layout like this would likely face similar regulatory challenges. Roger Davis on Facebook Five Seats, and That’s Probably EnoughFor Tesla buyers who need additional seating capacity, the automaker already offers the Model X, which features a third-row seat that allows seating for up to seven passengers. Some of its electric alternatives include the Rivian R1S and the Hyundai Ioniq 9. In China, Tesla even sells a three-row version of its smaller compact crossover known as the Model Y L, with the “L” designation standing for long wheelbase. If this configuration were to arrive stateside, it could potentially cannibalize sales from the Model X and complicate the current lineup strategy. With all that considered, the Cybertruck is expected to remain a five-seat electric pickup from the factory for the foreseeable future. As it stands, the model starts at around $79,990 (excluding the destination fee) for the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) trim. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Same Lexus IS, Different PlaybooksLexus gets points for keeping the IS in the lineup while others have dropped out or gone all-in on electric. The 2026 update, shown first in Japan, is about fine-tuning, not a full overhaul. The V8 is out, but the IS picks up a sharper front end, retuned suspension, new steering hardware, and updated tech. It’s enough to keep it in the game without pretending it’s an all-new car. The real split lies in how each market builds the car. Japan gets a special edition based on the IS300h hybrid. In the US, choices are limited to one engine and fewer styling options. Both get an F Sport-flavored IS, but Japan has more freedom to mix things up. That difference becomes clear once you look beyond the headline refresh and into the details Lexus is willing to offer domestically. Lexus Mode Black V vs. America’s Special AppearanceJapan’s IS F SPORT Mode Black V lJapan’s IS F SPORT Mode Black V is basically the counterpart to the 2026 IS 350 F SPORT Special Appearance Package in the US. Both go for blacked-out trim, black wheels, and small visual tweaks instead of real performance upgrades. They’re for buyers who want a sportier look without going all-in on a full F model. Meanwhile, the Mode Black V goes all-in with a black Ultrasuede interior, extending the dark theme throughout the cabin. The Special Appearance Package stops short of that – a small difference on paper, but one that changes the overall feel of the car. When it comes to powertrain, Japan’s Mode Black V is based on the IS300h hybrid, prioritizing smoothness and fuel economy. In contrast, the US-market IS is locked into a single V6 configuration, producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic, while all-wheel-drive variants rely on a six-speed. There’s no hybrid option for American buyers. Lexus View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article TRD Parts: Where Japan Pulls Further AheadJapan also gets a full lineup of TRD parts made just for the IS. These aren’t show cars – they’re real accessories you can order through Toyota Customizing & Development. The list covers front spoilers, side skirts, rear diffusers, sports mufflers, chassis braces, performance dampers, and 20-inch forged wheels, all ready to bolt onto the IS300h or F Sport. Crucially, these parts allow owners to dial in the look and feel of their IS far beyond what the US order sheet permits. It’s the kind of modular, factory-approved personalization that used to define Japanese domestic-market cars. In America, most of that expression is left to the aftermarket. TRD View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Scoring Big in China’s EV RaceAudi’s effort to tap into strong electric-vehicle demand in China appears to have paid off, with the E5 Sportback securing the 2026 China Car of the Year award. The result edges the automaker past major local competitors in this contest, including BYD models, which surpassed Tesla in global EV sales for the first time last year. It is worth noting that Audi does not directly sell the E5 Sportback. Instead, the model is handled by its China-exclusive sister brand, AUDI (yes, with the capitalization). This distinction helps explain why the E5 nameplate may be unfamiliar to a global audience. Nevertheless, the award highlights how local partnerships can help legacy automakers remain competitive in China, where domestic EV brands continue to grow rapidly. Audi A Closer Look at the AUDI EVThe AUDI E5 Sportback is an all-electric, wagon-like model that served as the launch vehicle for the Chinese sub-brand this year, which was developed in partnership with SAIC. Buyers can choose from four powertrain configurations, including both rear-wheel-drive and Quattro all-wheel-drive setups. The range-topping variant produces up to 579 kW (776 horsepower), allowing it to sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds—roughly matching the acceleration of the standard S e-tron GT. Depending on configuration, the E5 Sportback can also travel up to 770 kilometers (478 miles) on a single charge. Despite the Audi branding, the E5 Sportback and future AUDI models ride on a different foundation than the global EV lineup. These China-market vehicles are built on the Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP), also co-developed with SAIC. By contrast, electric Audis sold in markets such as the United States – including the Q6 e-tron – are based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). Both architectures, however, employ an 800-volt electrical system. Beyond its 2026 China Car of the Year title, the AUDI EV has collected several additional honors. These include 2025 Most Popular Premium Car, Intelligent Premium Sedan of the Year, Best Handling Sedan of the Year, and Best Design Sedan of the Year. Audi More Models Are on the WayAUDI’s expansion is set to continue with the upcoming E7X, an all-electric model that shares similar proportions with the Audi Q7. The E7X is scheduled to launch later this year and is expected to make its public debut at the 2026 Beijing International Auto Show. Meanwhile, Audi’s performance in the U.S. paints a different picture. The automaker endured a challenging year after posting its weakest sales result of the decade, delivering 164,942 vehicles in 2025, marking a 16-percent decline compared to the previous year. View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

It’s Rest Day at Dakar 2026, but that doesn’t mean that everyone is just sitting around. In the video below you’ll see where everyone stands now as drivers and crew, along with their race machines, get a bit of a break and a rest. The crews of course were also making sure machines are ready for Stage 7, as there is still a lot of Dakar 2026 left to go, and a lot going on for Rest Day. We’ve been sharing every day’s coverage from the 2026 Dakar Rally and today is no different. Watch the video to see all the Stage 6 action, highlights, and more below! Bodies and vehicles are being put to the test and the carnage and emotions are real! This tough and technical stage was toughernastier than many expected. Dakar Rally 2026 is on! The worlds longest, toughest, and most infamous off-road race has started and we couldn’t be more excited! Famous racers and teams, well known for their prowess in the sand and on Dakar in general, have already been struggling which is just more proof of how gnarly this race really is. There are a lot of new cars and new teams mixed in with proven cars and older teams, but it’s the little things that matter at Dakar. If you don’t take care of your equipment, and keep your teams and people healthy, then you’ll never finish and if you don’t finish you can’t win. This race goes all over Saudi Arabia and will subject drivers and riders to all kinds of sand terrain and more. But the sand is what swallows teams. It’s the most fierce of the challenges. Will 2026 prove to be even tougher than last year? Would you run at Dakar if given the chance? Let us know in the comments section below. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE COVERAGE FROM PREVIOUS STAGES! The post Dakar Rally 2026 Coverage: Rest Day Action! Drivers, Navigators, And Race Machines Get A Break. The Crews, Not So Much! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The latest Toyota Camry is the ideal combination of old and new. It may be based on the platform of the previous Camry, but this ensures reliability. On the other hand, its standard hybrid powertrain and smart design are obvious improvements over the old one. With all of this in mind, it’s no surprise that the Camry remains one of the best-selling sedans in the country. You can still buy a new one for under $30,000, but if you’d prefer to go the leasing route, Toyota has lease deals running on three Camry trims right now. This Month’s Toyota Camry Lease Deals Toyota The cheapest way to lease a new Toyota Camry right now is with the base LE trim. The Toyota Camry’s lease price for this model starts at $299 per month over a 39-month term, with $2,999 due at signing. This leasing offer for the Camry includes 10,000 miles per year, with $0.15/mile for any mileage exceeding this limit. Taxes, title, licensing, and registration costs are all excluded. Here’s a look at all three Camry leases for January: Trim LE SE XSE Cost per month $299 $339 $419 Lease term 39 months 39 months 39 months Due at signing $2,999 $2,999 $2,999 These leasing deals for the Toyota Camry are applicable to California, but you can check deals in your area using your zip code. All three lease deals expire on February 2, 2026. If you’d rather buy a 2026 Camry, current prices are as follows: LE: $29,100SE: $31,600Nightshade: $32,600XLE: $34,300XSE: $35,500All prices exclude a destination charge of $1,195. Lease Costs Versus Key Rivals Honda Accord Honda View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Over 39 months, the effective monthly lease cost for a Toyota Camry LE is $375.90. Over at Honda, the cheapest Honda Accord costs $209/month over 36 months, with $3,999 at signing, for an effective monthly cost of $320. Although that makes the Camry sound expensive, that’s mostly because the base Accord still has a less powerful non-hybrid powertrain. To get an Accord Hybrid this month, you’ll have to spend $329/month over 36 months, with $3,999 down. The effective lease cost for this model, which is more comparable to the Camry, is $440/month. Another big rival, the Kia K5, doesn’t have a hybrid alternative at all. This model starts from $279/month over 36 months, with $3,499 down. The effective lease cost for the Kia starts from $376 per month, almost exactly as much as the Camry. Given the Toyota’s more impressive standard engine, it’s the one we’d choose between these two. Related: 2026 Toyota Camry Trim Matchup: Base LE Vs. Flagship XSE Final ThoughtsCompared to last month’s lease deals, the Camry LE costs the same to lease this month, but the lease term is three months longer this January. The SE is slightly cheaper this month, but the XSE benefits most, and is now $20 cheaper to lease per month. If you’re willing to go for the less powerful and efficient base Accord, it’s ultimately cheaper. But if you can stretch to the Camry, we’d recommend it. The Toyota is as complete a package as it has ever been, it looks great, and it’s even quite enjoyable to drive. Combined with Toyota’s enviable reliability reputation, it’s hard to beat. View the full article

You see how these upgrades changed the way your Scrambler looks, feels, and rides after two years of use. You walk through the key changes you made, why you chose them, and how each part fits your riding style and daily needs. You focus on practical upgrades that improve control, comfort, safety, and sound. You also share how smart part choices and careful installs helped you balance cost with real performance. Key Takeaways You improved ride height, balance, and comfort through […] The post Keeway Cafe Racer 152: New Upgrades, Mods appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

What Is It?The Sealion 6 DM-i is BYD's entry in the compact crossover market. Mind you, BYD does have a lot of cars that are in that segment, but the Sealion 6 is, by far, one of its more popular models. It's also known as the Song Plus in its home market of China and Latin America, and the Seal U over in Europe. There are loads of trims and powertrain choices to choose from, from plug-in hybrid to full electric. The Sealion 6, in its current form, came out in 2023, although the original model dates back to late 2020. It's part of BYD's Ocean Series that caters to a wider, more mainstream audience. BYD The SpecsWhile classified as compact, it's just a few inches shy of being a midsize in terms of dimensions. It measures 188.4 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 66.1 inches high, and rides on a 108.9-inch wheelbase. The Sealion 6 is comparable in size to a Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but just a little bit longer than the two best-sellers. In terms of features, it has advanced driver assists that include adaptive cruise and autonomous emergency braking as standard, as well as surround-view cameras, adaptive headlights, and traffic sign recognition. Inside, there are heated and ventilated front power seats, along with a 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are thrown in the mix, as well as a 10-speaker sound system and a dual 15-watt wireless charger. Its main party piece is its vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities that allow it to power some household items. On the plug-in hybrid side, there are two battery sizes and two power outputs available. The standard battery pack is an 18.3 kWh unit, while extended-range models benefit from 26.6 kWh batteries. Front-wheel-drive versions use a 1.5-liter engine mated to a single motor, and the all-wheel-drive Sealion 6s get a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with two motors. Single-motor Sealion 6s put out a combined output of 215hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the dual-motor bumps those ratings up to 319 hp and 405 lb-ft. BYD How It DrivesWe haven't tried the all-wheel drive model, but we can share a few impressions of the standard front-wheel drive version. For the most part, the Sealion 6 runs on its electric motor, and you'll only hear the engine kick in when absolutely necessary. Response is sharp and immediate, but it's probably slow by American standards, with a measured 0 to 60 mph time of about 8.5 seconds. Still, its transitions from EV to ICE are smooth, and the car is generally silent in operation. Fuel economy is, of course, the main highlight. We observed 36 mpg in heavy traffic and, er, exuberant driving, but it can easily come close to 50 mpg with a more careful right foot. Battery consumption isn't half bad, either, and the gas engine is always keen to top up the charge. We reckon the long-range all-wheel drive model could hit 40 mpg in similar conditions, and with over 300 hp, the claimed 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.1 seconds is believable. Where the Sealion 6 needs improvement is in the ride and handling department. It's actually soft, but a little too soft in some cases. It wallows about on expansion joints, performing an admirable impression of a Mercury Grand Marquis. It never really settles down, and there's a feeling of floatiness at highway speeds. The pillowy suspension tuning didn't do wonders for driving dynamics, and the mute steering does nothing for driver engagement. BYD VerdictIt's already taken Asia by storm and is leaving a strong impression on Europe. The thing is, the Sealion 6 just needs a few more tweaks to the chassis to make it an even more serious threat to the establishment. It already has the hardware to compete with some of the best, and should it be sold in America, the value proposition will be too good to pass up. It's the size of a RAV4, priced like a Corolla Cross, and filled to the brim with features. Prohibitive tariffs are denying BYD and loads more Chinese automakers from entering the U.S market. But should conditions be favorable, BYD has all the potential to break through if it chooses the Sealion 6 as its push model stateside. BYD BYD View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Tesla-Style door handles get their day in CongressA U.S. lawmaker is proposing legislation that would effectively require automakers, including EV firms like Tesla and Rivian, to address genuine safety concerns with electrically-operated flush-mounted door handles directly; a design element popularized by the Elon Musk-led brand. The Securing Accessible Functional Emergency Exit Act, or SAFE Exit Act, was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) late on January 6. The bill itself will require the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a final rule within two years of the bill's passing that will require "a power independent, easy-to-find manual release for each door providing occupant egress, which shall be intuitive to use and readily accessible for the occupant," labels to guide occupants to locate said manual releases and a way for emergency responders to access the cabin when the vehicle loses power. Tesla Currently, there is no federal standard regarding electric vehicle doors. In a press release, Rep. Kelly declared the need for these kinds of rules, adding that "profits and, least of all, style, should not come before people’s lives," and that "Elon Musk and his Tesla designs are not safe, nor efficient, and it has cost people their lives." "When crashes or power loss leave drivers and passengers trapped inside their own cars, that is not innovation—it’s a safety failure," Rep. Kelly said. "Just like requiring basic safety standards like seatbelts, my SAFE Exit Act will protect consumers. As the auto industry continues to innovate, we must ensure people’s safety." Legislation follows other actions taken to address safety concernsRep. Kelly's bill is the first indication that safety risks posed by electrically powered vehicle doors have gotten the attention of lawmakers in Washington, D.C., and adds to the growing concerns regarding these mechanisms following incidents where people were harmed or lost their lives when they were unable to get out of their vehicles. Tesla is singled out due to its positioning in the U.S. market as a leader in electric vehicle sales. Every vehicle in Tesla's current lineup, including the popular Model Y and Model 3, as well as the Model X, Model S, and Cybertruck, utilizes some form of electronically operated door release handles designed to be visually seamless. While it may look futuristic, these mechanisms have garnered actual complaints from owners who have raised concerns about what happens when the system loses power when the vehicle’s 12V system fails. Recent reports show that at least 15 people have died in Tesla crashes where electric door releases failed, and the NHTSA has launched a preliminary probe into 174,000 2021+ Tesla Model Y vehicles after reports of electronic door handles failing to open and passengers getting trapped. Rivian Tesla isn't the only EV brand affected by the proposed legislationAlthough the proposed legislation has singled out Tesla, the proposed bill would also affect other EV brands that utilize similar door handle designs in their vehicles, including peer brands like Rivian. Like Tesla, its current lineup consists of the R1T electric pickup truck and the R1S SUV, which utilize flush, electronic door handles. Last month, a Rivian owner and a user on the r/Rivian subreddit publicly called on the manufacturer to make emergency door release handles more easily accessible after he failed to demonstrate how to use them in an emergency to his kids. According to the owner’s manual, the first step in locating the emergency release is to pry open the panel located just below the armrest, which reveals a tab that opens the doors when pulled; however, it didn’t exactly go that way. “My kids are definitely dead in an emergency,” 2025 R1S owner and Reddit user u/AlstonCentral said in a December 2025 post. “The panel broke and could not be restored without Rivian service center ordering a new part, and I fully failed to even find the cable. There’s no way kids could ever figure this out if they had to.” Rivian has addressed this concern in its upcoming R2, which will feature manual door releases positioned closer to the powered handles in a more visible spot. However, some owners of current Rivian vehicles have shared DIY solutions to make emergency exits more visible and easily accessible for children. Final thoughtsRep. Kelly’s new bill is not the only piece of world legislation aimed at curbing the effects of electronically-operated door handle mechanisms. Last month, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released draft rules that would effectively ban these types of mechanisms in vehicles after January 1, 2027. This would affect all vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons and require both interior and exterior handles with a mechanical emergency release. The new bill, the SAFE Exit Act, is also endorsed by Consumer Reports. In a statement on a press release issued by the Congresswoman, Cooper Lohr, the Senior Policy Analyst of Transportation and Safety at Consumer Reports stated that it is “critical for people to be able to immediately get out of the car during a vehicle fire or similar emergency,” and that this type of equipment can make it impossible for occupants to exit the vehicle in a life-threatening situation. "Fortunately, this problem has a solution: every car should be required to have intuitive, accessible, and easy-to-find manual releases that work even when power fails," Lohr said. "We thank Congresswoman Kelly for introducing the SAFE Exit Act, which is a smart, timely response to a very real and growing safety risk." View the full article

We're getting silly numbers out of cars these days. We have boosted four-bangers and hard-charging turbocharged V8s on top of modern hybrids that can put out decent numbers without sacrificing efficiency. Simply put, we're getting more power with smaller engines and electrification. That puts V12s in a precarious position. It could be said that having that many cylinders has become pointless, but it's all the more reason we're glad some remain. With that, here are the few V12s you can still buy brand-new in America. Aston Martin VanquishWe kick off this list with a British grand tourer, the Aston Martin Vanquish. It's the only V12-powered car that Aston Martin makes these days after the DB11 turned into the DB12 and lost four cylinders along the way. The 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged mill is good for 824 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque to give it a 0 to 60 mph time under 3.5 seconds. Available in either coupe or Volante (convertible) body styles, base prices for the Vanquish start at $436,500. Aston Martin Ferrari 12CilindriOne would think that Ferrari would have more V12s in its stable, but only two remain these days. The first of the pair is the 12Cilindri, and it continues the lineage of the 166 Inter — Ferrari's first GT. No turbochargers here, folks, as its peaky 6.5-liter doles out 819 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, all of which are sent to the rear wheels. It's a rare beast in the world that's quickly becoming filled with downsized turbo engines, and we're more than delighted it's still around. Prices start at $471,000. Ferrari PurosangueDon't call it an SUV, Ferrari says, but with a ground clearance of about 7 inches, the Purosangue somewhat qualifies for that classification. Sorry, Maranello. Serving as the spiritual successor of the GT4CLusso, it shares the same block as the 12Cilindri. That's good news as the means it gets a naturally-aspirated V12 that punches out 715 hp and 528 lb-ft. The Purosangue lays down its power with all-wheel drive, and you'll be paying at least $435,000 for this 'Ferrari Utility Vehicle'. Lamborghini RevueltoFrom Maranello, we move to Sant'Agata Bolognese for our next 12-cylinder marvel. We are, of course, talking about the Lamborghini Revuelto. It's the first mid-engined plug-in hybrid from the raging bull, but the company isn't doing that for the sake of boosting its eco credentials. Instead, that hybrid powertrain helps boost the total output of the Revuelto's naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter V12 to 1,001 hp and 783 lb-ft of torque. For those who are curious, it can also drive up to 6.2 miles on battery power alone, and prices start at around $600,000. Mercedes-Maybach S680Finally, a sedan in the list. While Audi and BMW have given up on 12 cylinders for the most part, the same isn't true over at Mercedes-Benz. More specifically, it's Mercedes-Maybach with its stretched-out S680. Powering this 18-foot-long, wheeled luxury liner is a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 that produces 603 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. It's more than enough to shift its over 5,000 lb mass to quietly whisk its VIP occupants away from prying eyes. The S680 is also the most affordable one in this group, with a starting price of 'just' $244,400. Mercedes-Benz Rolls-Royce CullinanPurists and traditionalists may scoff, but the Cullinan has been a hugely successful product for Rolls-Royce. After all, it has accounted for about half of the company's sales since its introduction. When we said BMW no longer produces V12s, it's only half the truth. The Bavarians don't put it in their own cars anymore, but rather, place them in Rolls-Royces. The Cullinan is no exception to that, with its 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 pushing out 563 hp and 627 lb-ft. You'll have to procure at least $327,750 for the privilege of purchasing one of these. Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce GhostNo longer an extra-fancy BMW 7 Series, the second-generation Ghost can now be called a pure-blooded Rolls-Royce. It serves as the more, ehem, accessible alternative to the palatial Phantom, but we dare not call it lacking in the luxuries department. It uses the same engine as the Cullinan, and the power outputs are exactly the same. If it matters, the Ghost is a little bit quicker off the line. Prices start at about $330,000. Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce PhantomFor the ultimate luxury sedan experience, it's hard to top the Rolls-Royce Phantom. It's big and heavy enough to dwarf SUVs, and the interior experience can best be described as opulent. There aren't enough superlatives around to describe its splendor, if we're being honest. At this point, we might as well copy-paste the engine specs, as its 6.75-liter V12 makes the same power and torque figures. Still, it's quite the palace on wheels with a price tag to match — that's (at least) $450,000. View the full article

Ferrari’s newest front-engine V12 hasn’t even had time to cool off, and flippers are already treating it like a royal asset. A 2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri coupe showing just 274 miles sold for for just under $700,000 via duPont Registry, revealing how the market values Maranello’s latest 12-cylinder flagship. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article A Delivery-Mile 12Cilindri In All The “Right” OptionsThis example is finished in Rosso Mugello with Nero accents over a Cuoio leather and Alcantara interior. It wears satin 21-inch forged wheels, Giallo calipers over carbon-ceramic brakes, hand-painted Scuderia shields and black ceramic exhaust tips, with full paint-protection film already applied. It is essentially a launch-spec car with the boxes most collectors want ticked. Under the long hood sits the F140-series 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12, now tuned to the 12Cilindri’s 800-plus horsepower range and revving deep into five figures, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Four-wheel steering, a heavily reworked aero package and modern driver aids make it quicker and more approachable than the outgoing 812 Superfast, even if the basic recipe is familiar. The shape leans hard into Ferrari’s GT history, it has a long nose, cab-backward stance and a fastback tail that nods to the Daytona era. This is very much a grand tourer with luggage space and day-to-day usability, not a stripped-out track special. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Part Of A Long Front-Engine V12 Money TrailPrices like this only make sense if you see the 12Cilindri as one more link in a long chain of front-engine Ferrari V12s that have turned into serious financial instruments. At the very top of that chain sits the 250 GTO. Far closer to earth, you can see the pattern in cars like a clean 1999 Ferrari 550 Maranello. That car was once just a used GT; now, good manuals with history are treated as long-term holds. The same thing is happening with rarer mid-engined V8s, like a 360 Challenge Stradale. This 12Cilindri has been playing the same game since day one. It’s an early model with plenty of options, coming at a time when the future of large, naturally aspirated V12 engines is uncertain. For buyers who think this might be one of the last pure, non-hybrid front-engine Ferraris of its kind, spending significantly more than the list price for a car with just 274 miles seems less like a luxury and more like a smart investment. View the full article

Lewis Hamilton had a truly terrible first season with Ferrari in Formula 1. So much so, that the GOAT bought a KTM dirt bike and turned off his phone. We can relate.View the full article

Ford is preparing to do something that we thought was impossible in today’s EV market – undercut Chinese vehicles. The brand is targeting a starting figure of around $30,000 for its next electric pickup. For context, the best-selling electric truck of 2025, the discontinued Ford F-150 Lightning, started at roughly $55,000. Rivian’s R1T and the TeslaCybertruck sit even higher, comfortably north of $70,000. So how does Ford plan to pull that off? According to an exclusive interview with MotorTrend, the answer lies in what the company believes will be the cheapest electric motor in the world. The Motor That Could Change Ford’s Electric Future Cole Attisha Using Midjourney 7.0 & Gemini 2.5 Flash Image According to Ford’s head of EVs, Doug Field, the company is developing what it claims will be the cheapest electric motors in the world, even in China. That is no small claim in an industry where China dominates through scale, ruthless efficiency, and affordability, hence why they're projected to be the best-selling car nation in the world. But instead of just finding the cheapest materials to make the electric motors, Ford assembled a team of 500 brilliant engineers, many recruited from outside companies like Rivian, Tesla, and Apple. With this tactic, Ford wants its clever design to beat sheer manufacturing scale, at least for now. In the interview, Ford goes on to say that its next electric pickup will offer both rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive options, along with multiple battery choices. Cheaper Starts with Smarter Engineering Ford Much like Tesla did with the "Standard" range, Ford is stripping their new electric truck down to its essentials and rethinking the production process. According to MotorTrend, in comparison to a Mustang Mach-E, the next-generation truck uses 25% fewer fasteners and a wiring harness that's 22 lbs lighter and 4,000 feet shorter. Yet, the $30,000 electric pickup will have eyes-off self-driving. But it doesn't stop at the design. The goal is not automation, but rather to remove unnecessary steps altogether. At the Louisville plant, the number of workstations is set to drop by 40%, allowing the truck to move through production faster and at lower cost. Why This Could Reshape The EV Market Cole Attisha Using Midjourney 7.0 & Gemini 2.5 Flash Image If this plan works, the ripple effects will be huge. A $30,000 electric pickup would put pressure on rivals who have grown comfortable selling EVs as premium products. It would also force competitors to rethink how much complexity is really necessary in a modern vehicle. People will start looking at electric trucks as practical tools again, instead of status symbols. And if Ford pulls this off, this way of thinking will trickle down the rest of their lineup, making all their other products more competitively priced than rivals like Chevrolet and GMC. Maybe the day of having affordable cars once again is on the horizon, thanks to Ford – sounds familiar, doesn't it? View the full article

Uber is set to become the next ride-sharing service to launch driverless robotaxis, announcing plans to partner with tech developer Nuro and EV maker Lucid at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show. For its part, Lucid doesn’t want things to end there. In a meeting with a handful of journalists at CEO in Las Vegas, Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff revealed his company will soon start ramping up the capabilities of its advanced driver assistance systems of its retails products using Nuro technology. By next year, Winterhoff said, some Lucid models will be capable of “Level 2++” driving, meaning hands-free operation not only on limited-access highways, but even in crowded urban areas. The ultimate goal, he added, is to introduce a Level 4 system that could operate completely without a driver by 2029. Related: Lucid Built Twice as Many EVs in 2025, But Can It Sell Them All? “Almost There”The three partners “are collectively building an experience like no other,” Kay Stepper, the executive overseeing Lucid’s autonomous vehicle efforts, said earlier this week. Early robotaxi prototypes are already in real-world testing and the plan is to launch the first for retail service in the San Francisco Bay Area late this year. If anything, Uber and Nuro “were pushing for even earlier dates,” said Winterhoff. The robocab project is moving forward even as Lucid accelerates development of autonomous technology for its retail vehicles. What he describes as Level 2++ capabilities are “almost there,” and should be in place within the coming year for the Gravity SUV. Shifting FocusGoing forward, however, Lucid’s program will shift focus from Gravity to the new midsize line-up set to begin rolling out in 2027. By starting from scratch, Lucid was able to build in a more sophisticated computing system, while also designing the mainstream models to seamlessly hide the extensive suite of cameras, radar and Lidar sensors more advanced levels of autonomy will require, company officials explained. A number of obvious, if subtle, modifications had to made to retrofit those devices into the Gravity robocabs, noted Lucid design chief Derek Jenkins. Most obvious are the tweaks to the “tiara,” the roof rack-like package on the vehicle’s roof. Among other things, it contains a number of Lidar units and other sensors, as well as several digital displays to greet passengers. Lucid has yet to offer much detail about the new midsize line-up, expected to be named "Earth," though Winterhoff this week confirmed three distinct models will be built off the new platform. A teaser image suggests the first will adopt a relatively conventional SUV-like shape which, industry insiders anticipate, will directly take on the Tesla Model Y. It will launch in early 2027 and be followed a year later by a second EV. A third model will take 18 more months to develop and could adopt a more radical design language, Winterhoff hinted. Autonomous Timetable The rollout of autonomous vehicle technologies has accelerated rapidly across the auto industry over the last several years. Most manufacturers today offer some degree of ADAS, advanced driver assistance systems, that, at the very least, can automatically maintain the traffic flow and help drivers remain centered in their lane. A growing number of brands have added hands-free driving capabilities – such as General Motors’ Super Cruise and Ford’s Blue Cruise. These “Level 2+” technologies are typically limited in terms of the roads they can operate on and require motorists to remain vigilant, ready to retake control at a moment’s notice in an emergency. Lucid will next move to expand the range in which its ADAS system can operate, its Level 2++ technology. But that’s just the start, he added. “The plan is to go Level 3 by 2028 and Level 4 by 2029.” Level 3 systems will allow “hands-free, eyes-off” operation – meaning drivers safely could do things like texting or watching videos, though they’d still need to be ready to quickly retake control. Level 4 will yield the same driverless capabilities as the Uber/Lucid version of Gravity. The new midsize models – expected to be called “Earth” – will come first in terms of adding these capabilities, Winterhoff explained, though the plan is to then upgrade the capabilities of the Gravity SUV. He left open the possibility that Lucid’s original product line, the Air sedan, will also have its capabilities upgraded. That will require completely updating its electrical architecture and onboard computing system which would be an expensive project for a vehicle generating relatively low sales numbers. Related: No Model 3 Rival: Lucid Says Sedans Aren’t Part of Its EV Future A Fix Coming Lucid’s grand plans have generated more than a little bit of skepticism considering the company’s ongoing problems with far less sophisticated technology. It has faced a series of electronic gremlins with its navigation system and other functions, including faulty digital keyfobs that aren’t always recognized by the vehicle. The company has been addressing these with a series of software updates and Winterhoff said he has completely replaced the tech team responsible for getting things fixed. “We absolutely know this was an issue,” he said. With an upcoming software release “we will be over the hump in January, latest in March,” if a second update is needed, he promised at CES. That’s not the only challenge facing the company, though. Lucid has been burning through cash at a rapid rate, worsened by the slow launch of the Gravity SUV. Since Winterhoff came in as interim replacement for Lucid founder Peter Rawlinson last February, it has since been able to build some much-needed momentum. It produced 8,412 vehicles – most of them the Gravity – during the final three months of 2025, doubling the previous quarter’s output. Deliveries, meanwhile, were up 55% during the same period. “That was quite an achievement,” Winterhoff boasted, noting that in a period that’s been called the “EV Winter,” Lucid was “the only EV manufacturer that increased deliveries during the fourth quarter” in the U.S. market. View the full article

For Samuel Peterson, drag racing is the only life he’s ever known. The 24-year-old track prep specialist and event promoter based out of Michigan has been immersed in the sport thanks to a deeply rooted family legacy that stretches across multiple generations of dragstrip operators. Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #197, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November/December 2025. “Before I was born, my mom and dad worked at Rockingham Dragway,” Peterson says. “My grandpa, Steve Earwood, owned that for many years and just recently sold it. So, my earliest memories as a kid are from the tower watching IHRA national events and stuff like that.” When his parents moved north in 2002, the next chapter of their racing journey began. His father accepted the position of general manager, and his mother joined the marketing team, at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park. More than two decades later, the Peterson family still works there, maintaining their deep connection to both the sport and community that has shaped their livelihood. Growing up at the track, Peterson learned the ins and outs of what makes a racing surface fast, safe, and consistent. Over the years, that experience molded him into a meticulous track prep specialist who strives for perfection. His talent is now sought after by promoters across the country and his reputation has grown through dedication, long hours, and hands-on learning from some of the best in the industry. In recent years, Peterson has traveled to major events alongside Sticky Mafia’s Jimmy Bradshaw. Together, they’ve worked everything from the Mid-West Drag Racing Series (MWDRS) to Street Car Takeover and many other large events. Peterson admits each track presents new challenges like weather conditions and differing racing surfaces, but he thrives on the problem-solving skills that his role demands. One of the most rewarding parts of the job has been sharing the staging lanes with racers and teams he grew up idolizing. “One of my memories from Rockingham is being up in the tower and watching Brandon Snider run Pro Extreme back in the day,” Peterson says. “He tunes for Jim Whiteley, and after I started prepping at a MWDRS race, he came up to me on the starting line and said, ‘Man, I’m so glad to see you here.’ I was like, ‘Wow. I used to get excited seeing you at the racetrack and now here you are excited to see me.’ It was kind of a full-circle moment.” Peterson’s grandfather, Steve Earwood, is one of the most respected figures in track management and has played a crucial role in his growth over the years. He has passed down not only his knowledge, but also his perfectionist mentality. “I’m not happy until everyone is going down the racetrack and it’s all going smoothly,” he says. Peterson admits that even with all the advice from his family members over the years, track prep always faces countless variables including weather shifts, large car counts, and inconsistent surfaces that can always throw a wrench into things. “Being on the road has definitely helped me,” Peterson says. “At my track, I know exactly what I need to do to go fast. But I’ll get to another track, and it’s not even close to the same. My job is to make it consistent.” That consistency, he explains, is the key to earning racers’ trust and ensuring events run smoothly. He has also recently expanded his role beyond track prep. In the past year, Peterson promoted two of his own events at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park and he’s planning to double or even triple that number next year. “I’m probably going to do four-to-six events this coming year, scaled up from this past year,” he adds. While his focus is primarily on track operations, Peterson still has the itch to get behind the wheel and drive himself. “I’ve always wanted to work in racing, but now I’m kind of regretting that because I’ve really been wanting to drive lately,” Peterson admits with a laugh. He has driven a variety of race cars already, including a turbo Mustang on 275s, a dragster, and even the well-known Volvo wagon from Drag Week. Most recently, he made his Nostalgia A/Fuel debut in a front-engine nitro car at the Northern Nationals. “It went 7.14 to the quarter and I lifted at about 700 feet,” he says. “Hopefully within a year or two, I’ll get to make another hit in a blown nostalgia Top Fuel car.” Peterson believes his driving experience has made him a better track specialist. By understanding firsthand what drivers need from a racing surface, he can fine-tune his approach to the day’s track prep. His time spent crewing for Joel Wensley during the 2024 Drag Illustrated Winter Series also deepened his understanding of how different classes and car combinations react to varying racing surface conditions. Away from the racetrack, Peterson balances his professional life with his growing family. He and his wife, Bailey, are raising two daughters, Laiken and Claire, and while his racing schedule keeps him busy, he enjoys the time he gets at their recently purchased home. With his family’s unwavering support and a career that continues to accelerate, Peterson remains grateful for the journey he’s on. From his earliest days spectating from the tower at his grandpa’s racetrack to managing and prepping major events, his love for the sport has never faded. “I literally grew up around drag racing my whole life,” he says. “I don’t know how to do anything else.” The post DI 30 Under 30 2025: Samuel Peterson first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Melting Pot for Japan's Best TunersThe past few days have been awash with news coming from the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon. What makes this particular show unique is that it is the perfect mix for all kinds of automotive enthusiasts. Big manufacturers flock to the show and even choose to launch new models there, but the displays are dominated by the extremely unique builds that the Japanese car scene is known for. One of the most unique and well-done examples is what's being called the "Pocket Bunny," a Suzukikei car turned mini-Godzilla. Pocket BunnyThe creators behind this build are Pandem Rocket Bunny and Takahashi Jun. The Pocket Bunny is described as a "Radical Custom Body Swap." The original body came from a Suzuki Twin, a Japanese market Kei car. What they've essentially done is turn the Suzuki into a tiny and cute R32 Skyline, hence the name Pocket Bunny. During the show, the Pocket Bunny was exhibited by TRA Kyoto, a shop that sells body kits, wheels, and other parts from Rocket Bunny Racing and Pandem. In an interview by Kuruma News, the inspiration for the Pocket Bunny was said to be Japanese Manga. Despite how difficult it seemed, they chose to proceed with the project because they felt it would be a "hit" with the public. Oh yes, it does. Not Just a ConceptDoing the conversion is no small task; in fact, the schematics show that considerable cutting and sculpting of the original body are needed to accommodate the kit. The original length is also extended to better fit the new panels. Some panels, like the lights and the bumper, were molded into one singular piece to fit the smaller width of the Suzuki Twin; all of this results in what is undoubtedly a very good example of a shrunken Nissan Skyline GT-R R32. Even better, this Radical Custom Body Swap kit is actually available for sale. Buyers will be able to get the kit unpainted to allow them to customize the color, but as of right now, it is listed as sold out. The kit costs around $4,000 with the current exchange rates. Hypewhip/Instagram View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Most Extreme Defender That Money Can’t (Yet) BuyLand Rover is back at the Dakar Rally with a machine that doesn’t hold back: the Defender Dakar D7X-R. Built for the new Stock category, this is the most extreme Defender yet – and you can’t buy one, at least not now. It’s a pure competition car, stripped of comfort and loaded for one thing: surviving the toughest terrain Dakar can throw at it. One of the standout features is Flight Mode. Switch it on, and all the driver aids step aside, letting the Defender run with almost no electronic help – exactly what Dakar demands. This isn’t a car built for the daily commute or the school run. It’s all about the rally. And yes, plenty of people already want one. Land Rover sees the demand, and while it won’t be easy, the company's looking at how to make that interest count. Land Rover From Works Racer to Customer DreamAccording to an interview with Defender Managing Director Mark Cameron by PistonHeads, Land Rover’s Dakar involvement is not just about chasing trophies. The brand worked with the FIA and ASO to reshape the Stock category specifically so it could race something that still looks and feels like a Defender. That authenticity matters, especially when thinking about customers. Cameron knows there’s real demand for customer cars and hints at a possible path – maybe even a Road to Dakar program for private teams with deep pockets. But there are roadblocks. Right now, rules cap the price of customer rally cars at about £300,000 (around $40,000), which isn’t enough for Land Rover to build and support a Dakar-ready Defender. There are also bigger questions about emissions, safety, and whether a production version could ever be road legal. But the idea isn’t going away. Land Rover has exclusive Dakar branding for the next three years, which only makes a limited-run road car based on the D7X-R more likely. “There are enough customers around the world that want the best example of what you produce, regardless of how much it costs,” Cameron told PistonHeads. Land Rover Dakar D7X-R vs Defender OCTABeneath the tough exterior, the Defender Dakar D7X-R shares its bones with the Defender OCTA, but that’s where the similarities stop. Both get a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 and an eight-speed automatic, but everything else is built for a different world. Regulations hold the D7X-R to about 390 horsepower, while the OCTA gets 635. Torque stays the same. The rally car uses a shorter final drive and tops out at 106 mph. All the high-tech road systems – like 6D Dynamics suspension, electric steering, and electronic diffs – are gone. Instead, you get mechanical limited-slip differentials, hydraulic steering, and stripped-down electronics built to take Dakar punishment. The D7X-R stands wider, rolls on 35-inch tires, packs a huge 145-gallon fuel tank, and clears up to 14.6 inches off the ground. The OCTA is still a beast on the road, with more comfort and a wider range of abilities. If Land Rover ever builds a customer D7X-R, it’ll be the top dog – leaner, louder, and much rarer than anything else in the lineup. Land Rover View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Steve Magnante is back at it, at Backyard Auto in New Hampshire to check out another great muscle car shell. This is a 1965 Dodge Coronet 440, and while it didn’t come with a Hemi under the hood, it is the exact body that would have been used to build them in 1965 and that means you could build your own out of this one right here. These are incredibly expensive cars if they are real 990 Race Hemi cars, and we know of one of the finest in the country that is for sale right now for 6 figures. Check this out, as Steve will give all the info you expect. The post Steve Magnante Junkyard Crawl: Here’s A Race Hemi Coronet Ready To Come Alive. This Post Car Could Be Epic! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Back on the LotIn addition to the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee midsize crossover equipped with the new turbocharged inline-four Hurricane engine, the American marque has also begun delivering the all-new Cherokee. One of the first customer-bound units has arrived at Cross Jeep ChryslerFiat in Kentucky, where sales consultant David Figg showcased the compact crossover on his Facebook page. The 2026 Cherokee now rides on Stellantis’ STLA Large architecture, which also underpins other Jeep models such as the Wagoneer S. After a two-year hiatus, the nameplate returns with the KM model code and adopts a noticeably boxier overall design. That squared-off profile reflects a styling trend across today’s crossover and SUV market, as seen with recent redesigns on the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Land Cruiser. A First Look in the WildThe newly delivered unit at Cross Jeep Chrysler Fiat arrived in Limited trim and was finished in Hydro Blue Pearl. In the lineup, the Limited sits below the flagship Overland trim, while the Cherokee and Laredo trims serve as the more affordable entry-level options. Figg also highlighted that the Cherokee KM is now powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine, which employs two electric motors to produce a combined output of 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an eCVT. Jeep estimates that this electrified powertrain is capable of delivering up to 500 miles of total driving range. Stellantis What It CostsPricing for the new Cherokee lineup starts at $35,000 (excluding the $1,995 destination fee) for the base Cherokee trim. At the top of the range, the Overland trim has a $43,000 MSRP and brings exclusive equipment such as 20-inch wheels, all-season performance tires, and a two-tone gloss-black painted roof. Across the lineup, all trims receive a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. This Cherokee’s arrival at a Kentucky dealership signals Stellantis' renewed push into a crowded segment, where rivals such as the Toyota RAV4, Ford Bronco Sport, and Subaru Forester continue to compete. The hybridized model also represents one of Jeep’s latest product launches, alongside the all-new Recon, which marks the brand’s first Trail Rated EV. However, despite the increasing electrification across the portfolio, the company has recently stepped back from plug-in offerings, dropping the 4xe from both the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee as it reshapes its long-term powertrain strategy. Stellantis View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article