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If you thought Pininfarina's recent reimagining of the original Honda NSX was too old-school, perhaps you'll like what another famous design house has created. Italdesign has taken the covers off its own NSX tribute at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, and unlike the Pininfarina version, this isn't a restomod based on the original, first generation of the everyday supercar. Instead, it's a blend of old and new design cues draped over the body of the most recent NSX, and Italdesign, with Honda's blessing, intends to produce a very limited number of them for monied collectors to enjoy. The company hasn't said exactly how many will be made, nor has it revealed what each will cost, but we can be sure that those figures will be inversely proportional. Two Design Eras Collide in One Retro-Modern Supercar Italdesign View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The overall shape and the design of the front end make it clear that the modern NSX lurks beneath, but the rear end is particularly reminiscent of the original. Here, an LED lightbar integrated into the rear spoiler in the shape of the old NSX's back end loops around the rear fascia, while an aggressive diffuser gives the supercar more menace. At the front, the hood has been massaged to call to mind the shape of the Honda emblem, but pop-up headlights couldn't be recreated, so Italdesign fitted "eyelids" over the LED units. Italdesign View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Red Honda badges pay tribute to the NSX-R, while a new roof scoop is inspired by the snorkel on the NSX-R GT homologation special. 19-inch front and 20-inch rear Advan wheels also bear red badging, and one of the renders provided incorporates the brand's trademark red-and-black livery, giving the supercar even more retro flavor. If this is too much, numerous other classic choices are available, including blue, yellow, white, black, and grey. Presumably, customers can spec a custom finish, too. Subtle Interior Updates for Italdesign's NSX Italdesign View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Renders of the cabin show an Alcantara-clad steering wheel with a red noon marker (optional), carbon fiber dashboard trims (in black or silver) with a small "NSX Tribute by Italdesign" inscription on the passenger side, and various color combinations, most of which include red stitching, though yellow is also imagined, and one render shows a full tan makeover. Black, grey, and white make the most sense given this car's NSX-R design influences, though, but we'll have to wait and see what customers choose. Italdesign hasn't talked about the powertrain, which means the twin-turbo V6 hybrid setup has surely been left untouched. Unfortunately for America, that doesn't really matter — Italdesign's makeover is only suitable for right-hand-drive models. Italdesign View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

On Friday, Front Row Motorsports announced some personnel changes to its organization. Of note, Noah Gragson and the No. 4 team will have a new crew chief this year. Grant Hutchens will sit atop the pit box for Gragson this year, replacing Drew Blickensderfer, who moves into the role of Competition Director. Hutchens has worked as a Cup crew chief before, but only in a handful of races between ...Keep readingView the full article

The U.S. Senate wants to know why cars are so expensive, but Ford CEO Jim Farley doesn't want to testify — not yet, anyway. Senator Ted Cruz planned a congressional hearing with the CEOs of the Detroit Big Three (Ford, Chevrolet, and Stellantis) on January 14, but Farley, through legal counsel, first hesitated by citing a scheduling conflict with the Detroit Auto Show, which starts on the same day and was described by Farley as the "Super Bowl week for autos." His letter to Cruz also pointed out that it's unfair to expect Detroit CEOs to attend and not others after Tesla CEO Elon Musk was omitted from the invite list, with the EV maker's VP of engineering being called to the hearing instead. Basically, if Tesla can have engineers answer questions on the cost of new cars, why can't other automakers? Now, the whole hearing is up in the air. Senate Commerce Committee Hearing Delayed ABC News According to Politico, the January 14 hearing has been delayed because of Farley's declining to testify on the scheduled date. After Farley's letter, GM CEO Mary Barra also declined to attend unless other Detroit CEOs did. Committee spokesperson Phoebe Keller said the committee is "coordinating with the leaders of the auto industry to reschedule this hearing." If Ford, GM, and Stellantis CEOs all attend, it will mark the first time since 2008, when carmakers were reeling from the recession, that the CEOs of the Big Three jointly appear before Congress. Since then, Tesla has become a powerful force in the auto industry, but it seems that even with Farley's objection to non-CEOs testifying, Musk is unlikely to appear at the hearing. Elon Musk is Unlikely to Testify on Affordability Marc Piasecki/Getty Images Senator Cruz has since defended the decision not to invite Musk, fearing that his appearance would derail the whole hearing. "If Elon is a witness, the Democrats will turn it into a circus," said Cruz. The senator is adamant that the hearing will go ahead and that Farley will make his case before the committee, but it's unclear if the other Detroit CEOs will make a simultaneous appearance. Whatever happens, the country would love to understand why cars have become so expensive. In May 2025, a study revealed that Americans are keeping cars longer because they can't afford replacements, with nearly 40% of respondents saying that a new car is out of reach. A similar analysis published last week shows that things have not changed, and with the average new car price exceeding $50,000 for the first time ever in 2025, these studies are no surprise. Will this hearing lead to improvements? Hopefully, but for now, we have to wait for CEOs and senators to agree on a date to meet. Related: A Mazda MX-5 Miata is Cheaper Today Than Ever in Its History View the full article

This Honda CX400 café racer cuts a sharp silhouette despite its quirky DNA, thanks to Tokyo's Minami Motorcycle.'Ultimate simplicity' isn't quite how we would describe the fabled Honda CX500. Its blocky longitudinal V-twin motor was an oddball, paired with an awkward silhouette and bodywork that nev... View the full article

Orlando Speedworld Dragway has banned electric vehicles. The track cites safety risks as reason for the vehicle ban. View the full article

Problems with the specs on the pistons and piston rings could cause an oil starvation situation and a seized connecting rod bearing.View the full article

2025 was a year defined by U.S. EV pushbackLooking back, 2025 was a year where EVs took a back seat in America, as the Trump Administration systematically dismantled electric vehicle policies and reversed years of progress toward clean transportation. On his first day in office, President Trump paused billions in federal EV charging infrastructure funding and revoked Biden’s target for EVs to comprise half of new vehicle sales by 2030. The administration eliminated the $7,500 tax credit for new EVs and $4,000 credit for used ones, incentives that had driven consumer adoption. In December, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced an initiative that would roll back fuel economy standards to levels easily achievable with gasoline-powered vehicles. Over the summer, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin proposed rescinding the 2009 endangerment finding, the scientific determination that greenhouse gases threaten public health, a move that the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) found would increase gas prices. Though EV sales surged in September as buyers rushed to claim expiring tax credits, they plummeted in October when the incentives ended. Yet beneath the volatility, a new survey finds that consumer interest in EVs in the U.S. may not be entirely on the back burner after all. Deloitte Deloitte: U.S. EV interest increased, but still remains at single digitsAccording to new data from Deloitte and its 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study, U.S. consumer interest in EVs has increased, though it remains at single digits. Just 7% of U.S. car buyers told the accounting firm and management consulting specialists that they plan on buying an electric vehicle for their next car, a steady year-over-year increase from the 5% figure it collected in the 2025 edition of the same survey. At the same time, the first choice of American buyers is cars powered by conventional gas-or diesel-powered internal combustion engines (ICE), with 61% responding. Trailing behind, 21% of American buyers said that they want a hybrid, while just 5% said that they want to buy a plug-in hybrid. Notably, Deloitte's data shows that Americans aren't the most stubborn against the electric plug. Just 5% of Japanese car buyers said that they are interested in buying an EV for their next vehicle; however, they show a near-equal interest in traditional ICE-powered cars and hybrids. About 41% of Japanese buyers are interested in a traditional ICE-powered car, while 37% say they'll consider a hybrid like the Toyota Prius. David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images Deloitte: U.S. buyers value quality and pricing over brand loyaltyDespite the overwhelming preference for powertrain choice favoring gas cars, another tenet that Deloitte observed about U.S. car buyers was that they don't particularly feel loyal or committed to a single automotive brand and are willing to enter into a relationship with another. They found that just 45% of U.S. car buyers said that their vehicle was from the same brand as their last one, and 53% of U.S. buyers surveyed said that they plan on choosing a model from a different automotive brand for their next car. In contrast, Deloitte found that the Japanese are the most brand loyal, with 51% reporting that they stuck with the same brand as their last car, and 41% said that they intend on switching to another brand for their next car. Influencing this move is the American consumer's fixation on the core product attributes of a particular car brand. The firm found that the most important factors that drive U.S. consumers' choice of car brand are quality (58%), vehicle performance like fuel economy or electric range (51%), and price (46%). In addition, just 36% of American consumers indicated that they preferred American cars, while 46% said they didn't care where a car came from, as long as it met their needs. Final thoughtsIn a statement, Deloitte's vice chair and U.S. auto sector leader, Lisa Walker, noted that its data shows that the U.S. auto sector is "entering a critical phase defined by tightening affordability, evolving expectations around value, and a growing emphasis on longer-term ownership experiences," adding that dealership experiences contribute to these sentiments. As affordability, value, and "bang for your buck" become the top priority for automakers and consumers alike going into 2026, it should not be surprising to see buyers defect from their established alliances and loyalties to particular brands, as MSRPs and deals become the new meta. View the full article

BMW’s iX3 was one of the automotive world’s most significant reveals in 2025, as the electric SUV ushered in a new design language and control interface for future BMWs. The initial reception to the iX3 has been positive, and now we can start getting excited about the coupe version of it, the iX4. Already spied on a transporter truck last year, we now have fresh spy photos of the iX4 hitting the road for the first time, and the new look seems like an improvement over the gas-powered X4. Downsized Kidneys And New Headlights BMW iX4 Spy Shot SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The iX3’s distinctive face has been mirrored on the iX4, so it receives the new vertical grille design that takes up a lot less space than some other grilles on modern BMWs. On either side of the kidneys are new headlights in a panel that sweeps across most of the front fascia. This particular iX4 has a simpler wheel design than the one spied last year; five thicker spokes take the place of the more intricate, multi-spoke design spotted earlier. The sloping roof is the key departure from the boxier iX3, giving the iX4 a much sportier profile. Different-sized wheels will be available, and these will likely impact the EV’s range. Powertrains are expected to mirror those of the iX3, so the 50 xDrive model will likely have the same dual motors producing 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. A 0-60 time of under five seconds and a range of up to 400 miles are on the cards for this iX4. It should also benefit from a 400-kW charging rate, which can add 175 miles of range in just 10 minutes at an 800V DC charging station. Related: 5 Coolest Features Of The All-New BMW iX3 A New Interior Concept BMW iX4 Spy Shot SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Like the iX3, the new iX4 will get the iX3’s new Panoramic Vision display (not pictured in the spy photos). This combines a center touchscreen and a pillar-to-pillar display with key driving information, positioned below the windscreen. The iX3’s unusual four-spoke steering wheel should find its way into the iX4, too, which is available in a white finish. Early reports suggest the iX3 has markedly better interior finishes than the gas-powered X3. BMW What remains to be seen is how much of an effect the iX4’s sloping roofline has on rear-seat space, particularly headroom. Such a design typically impacts the maximum cargo capacity, too, not that this has stopped thousands of BMW fans from buying the brand’s coupe-SUVs. We hope to see a summer launch for the sporty iX4, which will compete against rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Porsche Macan EV. View the full article

Mazda Spirit Racing Enters Production With the MX-5Mazda has officially taken its Spirit Racing performance sub-brand from concept to production, and it has done so with the most fitting platform possible: the Mazda MX-5. As reported last October, the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster (its JDM name) marks the first mass-produced vehicle to wear the Spirit Racing badge, a division created to transfer Mazda’s motorsport experience directly to road cars. Until now, Spirit Racing projects had largely been limited to modified show cars and endurance-racing concepts. Interest was immediate. The range-topping Roadster 12R, limited to just 200 units and offered via lottery in Japan, reportedly attracted close to 9,500 applicants. That level of demand instantly positioned the 12R as one of the most sought-after modern MX-5 variants ever produced. More telling, however, was the reaction to the standard Spirit Racing Roadster. Limited to 2,200 units and sold on a first-come, first-served basis, it also sold out almost immediately, Japan's Best Car reports. Focused Hardware, Not Just a BadgeBoth Spirit Racing variants are based on the ND-generation MX-5 and share a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated SKYACTIV-G inline-four, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. In the standard Spirit Racing Roadster, output is rated at approximately 184 horsepower, while the 12R benefits from revised cooling and tuning to push output closer to the 200 hp mark. Numbers aside, the philosophy remains intact: keep weight low, throttle response sharp, and driver involvement front and center. The standard Spirit Racing Roadster features Brembo brakes, Bilstein dampers, a reinforced tunnel brace, and aero components developed through Mazda’s Super Taikyu endurance racing program. Inside, Alcantara trim and sport-focused seats create a more purposeful cabin. The 12R builds on this foundation with forged RAYS wheels, REcaro full bucket seats, a serial-numbered engine cover, and a soft-top roof, positioning it as a factory-prepared track car rather than a cosmetic special. Pricing reflects the exclusivity: around $35,000 for the Spirit Racing Roadster and a jaw-dropping, $50,000 for the 12R, both sitting well above the standard MX-5 but still within enthusiast reach. Mazda What This Means for Mazda and EnthusiastsWith both versions now sold out, Mazda has effectively confirmed there is strong demand for lightweight, analog performance cars, even in a market increasingly dominated by electrification and digital interfaces. The Mazda Spirit Racing MX-5 is about refining a proven formula with motorsport-informed hardware and a clear sense of purpose. That approach appears to have resonated deeply with buyers. Mazda has yet to confirm whether the Spirit Racing Roadster will be offered outside Japan, and the extremely limited production numbers cast doubt on broad global availability. Still, the instant sell-out sends a clear signal that the Spirit Racing project is a viable production brand with real credibility. If this MX-5 is the template, Mazda’s future performance cars may prioritize balance, feel, and authenticity over raw numbers, and that may be exactly what today’s enthusiasts are asking for. Mazda View the full article

Former No Prep Kings star Kayla Morton traded in her fire suit for a microphone last month at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks, joining FloRacing’s live broadcast team in Bradenton, Florida for the first race of the 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service. Morton dove headfirst into her new role, relishing the opportunity to record top-end interviews during qualifying and eliminations, offer in-depth reporting from the pits, and even call some of the action alongside veteran announcer Brian Lohnes. “I am so happy to be working with FloRacing,” Morton said. “This position keeps me around the things and people I love the most while I’m not in the driver’s seat. Everybody – from the staff at Flo to all the drivers – were incredible. Some of these racers I’ve known for years, some for just a few short days, but I felt a warm welcome from each and every one of them. We did an amazing job bridging the gap between the divide in drag racing that needs to be mended.” Morton was especially suited to bridge the gap between the “professional” Pro Mod side of drag racing with grassroots classes like True 10.5 and Lil’ Gangstas – many of whom share a similar street and no-prep racing background like she does. That familiarity was important in showcasing everyone equally. “I love being able to provide insight about my 28×10.5 homies for the fans and the people who only know the Pro Mod racers’ names,” said Morton. “It allows us to shine some light on those racers and highlight another class at these events. “My favorite part about the Snowbirds was being in the booth with Brian Lohnes,” Morton added regarding the two’s banter in the booth throughout the weekend. “We had so much fun and I even gave him a few new lines to use.” Bringing Morton on board for the Snowbirds was originally brought up by fellow broadcaster Courtney Enders, who has been working with FloRacing since 2020. Enders presented the idea to Drag Illustrated Founder and Editorial Director – and DI Winter Series promoter – Wes Buck, who gave her the green light. While Enders admitted she wasn’t sure how the final product would turn out, the end result couldn’t have been better for the duo. “I’ll be honest, I was a little unsure about how it would go with Kayla,” said Enders. “She obviously knows her stuff, and I know she’s respected, but truthfully, I’ve never shared the mic with a woman as confident and strong as she is. We joked that if we had met ‘in the wild,’ it may not have gone so well. “But joking aside, it was flawless,” Enders added. “She jumped right in with no fear, asked the tough questions, and had a great presence on camera. It’s obvious the drivers respect her. I kept asking her, ‘Are you having fun? Do you like it?’ because I wanted this to work so bad. I’ve gained a new friend and FloRacing has added an irreplaceable asset. I couldn’t be more proud to share the stage with her.” Morton isn’t done yet either. She’ll be returning for the final two races of the DI Winter Series as well, beginning with the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission January 23-25. “I’m stoked to return for the U.S. Street Nationals,” Morton said. “The Winter Series is simply full of people that I want to be around. The energy here is unmatched. The event is magnetic, exciting, and genuine. I’m ready to get on a plane back to Florida.” This story was originally published on January 9, 2026. The post Kayla Morton Embraces New Role With FloRacing first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

At just 22, Bryce Micke is helping carry one of drag racing’s most respected family names into the next generation. As a key crew member on Mark Micke’s twin-turbo M&M Transmission ’69 Camaro, Bryce plays a hands-on role in one of the most talked-about programs in Pro Mod. When he’s not helping his uncle chase wins at the biggest Pro Mod events in the country, he’s behind the wheel of his own turbocharged Top Dragster – or back home at M&M Transmission, machining, welding, and learning the business from the inside out. Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #197, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November/December 2025. “I’d say I’ve wanted to do every bit of drag racing my whole life,” Micke says. “It’s been an addiction more than a passion. I just keep coming back for more.” As a young boy, Micke traveled with his father, Ryan, and uncle Mark, first when Mark was running NMCA Pro Mod and later when he campaigned Jason Carter’s iconic blue Malibu in Radial vs. the World. He got his own Jr. Dragster when he was 13 and spent three years racing that before moving up to a big car. “We were done messing with the little car,” he laughs. “So we bought my first Nelson car, a twin-turbo LS dragster, to run Super Comp. I followed in Mark’s footsteps a little bit being the turbo kid.” That first dragster earned Best Engineered honors and a Wally before he sold it to step up to Top Dragster. “Learning to drive a turbo car and understanding what it takes to work on one has probably been my biggest accomplishment so far,” Bryce says. “Making sure the race car is truly behind you, that your equipment’s right – that’s something not many people grasp right away.” Growing up in a mechanically-minded family, Micke gravitated towards learning as much as he can about the machines he works on, whether it’s his own race car or his uncle’s. “I built the first two motors for my own cars,” he says. “When Mark decided to build the Pro Mod, that definitely threw me into a whole new realm of working on high-horsepower billet stuff. It’s a monster. Within the first few months, I realized that as long as you pay attention, do your due diligence, and make sure it’s right, it’s not so hard.” That mentality extends to Micke’s role at M&M Transmission in Jefferson City, Missouri. “My day-to-day now is running a little shop with Greg Cody, who I’ve been lucky to work with,” he explains. “We run a single CNC machine, and I weld all the stators for M&M. I try to do anything I can to help the company grow. “I’m very thankful my dad started doing hydraulic stuff when he was younger, then sold the converter business to Mark when he went to work for Boeing,” Bryce says. “I moved into the seat of trying to rebuild some of the hydraulic stuff and keep us growing on the converter side.” When it comes to the Pro Mod program, Micke is especially proud of what the young crew has accomplished. With a team that also includes 2022 DI 30 Under 30 honoree Damon Cole, the M&M team went on a tear qualifying No. 1 at race after race, from Mid-West Drag Racing Series competition to the inaugural Drag Illustrated Winter Series. When completing a rained-out race at the MWDRS Martin event, Micke qualified No. 1 and won both races. “That was one of those ‘Wow, this car is an animal’ moments,” Micke says. Micke isn’t intimidated by the monster that is Mark’s Pro Mod. Instead, he’s drawn to it. “My goal is to get into the Pro Mod within the next year,” he says. “Mark and I kind of made a bet. He told me if I got down to 250 pounds, I could drive the Pro Mod. I was 345 when we started. Within a year, I dropped a hundred pounds. Now, I’m definitely looking to collect on that bet.” But first, Micke and the M&M team are moving forward with Mark in the driver’s seat going into the Winter Series, which starts with the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals in early December and wraps up with the World Series of Pro Mod in late February. “Our focus is making sure we’re ready to compete with the best,” he says. “Those races bring out legends, and to even be part of that field is something special.” Micke has accomplished a lot at a young age, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. He’s quick to point out he’s done it all with an all-star team of mentors, from his dad, who taught him about fuel systems, to Cody, whose Pro Stock background informed Micke’s understanding of what engines like and dislike. And, of course, there’s Uncle Mark. “That man’s given me every opportunity I could ask for,” Bryce says. “He’s shown me how to turn what we love into a living and how to do it the right way. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher.” The post DI 30 Under 30 2025: Bryce Micke first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Yes, KTM and Triumph are part of the story, but Bajaj Auto’s export surge is being driven by something much bigger.View the full article

Caterham's 2+2 Project V sports car has landed in Las Vegas at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show in show car form before a working prototype shows up later this week at the Tokyo Auto Salon, but its time in the U.S. won't be temporary, with global sales scheduled for 2027. That includes America. Speaking with Car and Driver, Caterham Cars' overseas representative, Justin Gardiner, revealed that the company is "going to take America very seriously as of this week," adding, "We are looking to sell a lot of these over here." Inspired by the Lotus Elan +2, the Project V will be aimed at the likes of the Porsche 718, which means it won't be cheap (more on that later), but it also means a focus on driving fun, despite electric power. Caterham is Tackling Electric Sports Cars Differently Caterham The Project V discards the idea of over-digitalizing the cabin of a car, as is common with so many new cars, electric or otherwise. Instead, it has physical knobs and real gauges with needles. The only screen is there for smartphone integration and to provide the legally mandated rearview camera, and the seats sit very close to the ground thanks to the Project V's liquid-cooled Xing Mobility battery backs are in the front and back of the chassis (a layout intended to mimic the driving feel of the minimalis Caterham Seven), rather than in a skateboard pack beneath the cabin, like most EVs. Caterham View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Caterham has also elected to use an off-the-shelf Yamaha Motor 200kW 400-volt rear e-axle with an inverter, reduction gear, and permanent magnet synchronous motor all-in-one, keeping things as simple as possible. Speaking of simplicity, Gardiner said, "We're just going for the minimum amount of traction control that we absolutely have to have. Because this is a new car, it will have to have ABS, it will have to have traction control, and it will have to have airbags [...], but we are keeping it as simple as possible. One motor, rear wheels, that's it." Fun-to-Drive, But Expensive to Buy Caterham View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Gardiner explained the choice of battery type, saying "Caterham drivers like to thrash the hell out of their cars," so the company focused on discharge time rather than charging time. "If somebody's draining those batteries really, really fast, a lot of EVs go into limp mode because they're overheating," said Gardiner. "We know our customers are going to do that. We just know they are. So we have to make the battery packs work." Project V is currently aiming for a 0-62 mph time of less than 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 143 mph, and Gardiner says that although Porsche's electric 718 Boxster and Cayman will have a lot more power, "they won't be as much fun to drive." Unfortunately, despite keeping things as simple as possible, the original target price of a little more than $107,000 has been readjusted to around $135,000, but if the Project V feels anything like the Seven, it could be a revelation to drive. As Gardiner says, "There's nothing more fun than a Caterham." Caterham View the full article

Sunoco debuts EPX, a high-oxygen ethanol fuel capable of handling 30+ psi of boost, solving the issues found in pump E85.View the full article

A Hilariously Firm NoIn a recent interview with The Drive, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis finally addressed rumors of a high-performance, short-bed, single-cab model coming to market. The best part is, he answered it in a way that sounds like a hilariously valid crashout. So, Mr. Kuniskis, what are the odds of it happening? "Do you know what the market is for a regular cab sport truck? It’s just tiny, tiny, tiny, tiny, tiny, tiny, tiny, little sliver. It's like the wagon with the manual that everybody used to ask for. Now they’re asking for the manual single-cab truck. And, of course, they want it with a manual transmission. They want it with a 6.4," Kuniskis told The Drive. Yeah, we'll take that as a "nope." Stellantis Wagons Catching Strays, TooIt's a refreshingly honest and straightforward answer from a CEO if you ask us. Kuniskis compared the whole single-cab Ram 1500 with a 6.4 thing to the "we want a manual wagon" cries from us motoring journalists and internet commenters. "Used to be back in the day, all the journalists would say, you should build a station wagon with a manual transmission, and I’d be like, come on, man. For you. Yeah, for you and the six other friends of yours that want to buy it," said the executive. A blunt and valid point, we say. Look, we love wagons, too, but not enough people are buying them to justify keeping them around in certain markets. Heck, even Volvo is pulling out of the 'regular wagon' segment in America. The answer is simple: If you really want them, buy them, and buy a lot of them. RAM It's a Business, At The End of the DayAs cool as the idea is, it simply isn't going to generate money for Ram. Car companies are businesses at the end of the day, and enthusiasts are just a small percentage of buyers. Sad, yes, but true. Also, Ram already has several high-performance versions of the 1500 with the return of the TRX right at the top. And yes, that has a supercharged 6.4 Hemi V8 One could argue that Ram dabbled in the whole single-cab sport truck thing about 20 years ago with the Dodge Ram SRT-10. Again, a cool and awesome idea, but it only found 10,046 buyers over the span of three model years from 2004 to 2006. "Tell me where you put the 6.4 that makes sense. And I don’t mean ego. 
I mean, just business sense. Tell me where to put the 6.4 in the current light duty lineup," added Kuniskis. The Drive pointed out that the turbocharged Hurricane HO inline-six engine already makes 550 hp, and that the 6.4 would actually be slower even though it'll surely sound nicer at wide-open throttle. Sure, Ram can add go-fast bits to it, but it'll drive up the price and limit consumer reach. Besides, Ram doesn't build single-cab bodies for the 1500 anymore, so it'll have to produce those to make that happen. Ram View the full article

The Benelli TNT 550 blends upright ergonomics, modern electronics, and a 500cc-class engine for daily use.View the full article

Rear Camera MalfunctionIn May 2025, Volvoissued a safety recall for a rear camera issue: Google-based infotainment screens have faulty software that prevents the rear camera feed from being displayed. What's notable about this recall is that it covers 413,000 cars across most of the Volvo lineup. Not to mention that the production years covered by this recall span over four years, from 2021 to 2025. Same Issue, New SymptomIt seems the problem is far from resolved, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has just issued a new safety recall. The second recall relates to the same issue from May, bumping up the total affected cars to 413,151 in the U.S. A second recall advisory was issued because "an additional issue has been found that causes the same symptom." The issue, as described in the NHTSA advisory, is that "the image does not show up during the start of each backing event." This, of course, is not only a failure of a feature customers paid for but also a potential safety risk for those who rely heavily on the rear backup camera. In the advisory, though, the NHTSA noted that those affected by the issue can still use other safety features, such as park assist warnings, rear automatic braking, and cross traffic alert, which don't rely on the camera to detect obstacles. Pending Remedy ProgramTo address the issue once and for all, the advisory mentioned what Volvo plans to do about it. A remedy program will be implemented where new software will be released at the end of the first quarter of 2026. Once available, Volvo will update all the cars affected by this issue through over-the-air (OTA) updates. It's interesting that the remedy software doesn't yet exist despite the issue occurring around May 2025. This rear-view camera issue is not exclusive to Volvo. A recent one rolled out for both Audiand Porsche. Audi's total tally of affected units is around 356,000, while Porsche's number is 173,00, adding together with Volvo's 413,151 puts a total of almost a million cars across three brands that have rear camera faults. Yikes. Volvo View the full article

If you ride a 2024 through 2026 CBR600RR, you should know about a manufacturing defect involving the engine block cylinder surface.View the full article

Citing a long list of concerns, many of them the common ones on most folks minds, Orland Speed World Dragway has officially closed their doors to Electric Vehicles. The ban does not apply to hybrids, just fully electric vehicles, and this ban is effective immediately. And while I understand the reasons that they have cited, I personally don’t agree with them, as they make assumptions that these reasons are exclusive to electric vehicles and this just isn’t true. I’ll go into that in more detail on an upcoming editorial, but until then here’s the announcement from the race track management. PRESS RELEASE / EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY ELECTRIC VEHICLE at Orlando Speed World Dragway THURSDAY, JANUARY 8th, 2026 #raceosw #ElectricCar #PressRelease #osw #dragracing The post Orlando Speed World Dragway BANS ALL ELECTRIC VEHICLES From Competing At The Track, Effective Immediately. What Do You Think? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A scheduling clash means that the MotoGP summer break will take place after the Suzuka 8 Hours race, meaning there's a slim chance premier class riders will take part.View the full article

2026 Dakar Rally Stage Six – Hail to Riyadh Daniel Sanders topped the original time sheets at stage six of the Dakar Rally, with a looming speeding penalty set to change the official outcome. The Australian proving unstoppable in the sand, quickly catching Luciano Benavides after the neutralised zone and setting a formidable pace in […] The post Brabec wins Dakar Stage Six as Sanders hit with penalty appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Earlier this week, eagle-eyed Jeep fans noticed that the brand’s Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid SUVs disappeared from the manufacturer’s website. Jeep said this was due to a stop-sale while it finds a remedy for a large recall affecting these models. But in a more dramatic twist, Stellantis has decided to discontinue these models completely. And, in what appears to be a more comprehensive realignment of the company’s electrification strategy, Chrysler’s Pacifica hybrid has also been scrapped. Shifting Customer Demand To Blame 2024 Jeep Wrangler High Altitude 4xe Stellantis View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article This move from Stellantis is surprising, given how popular the Jeep PHEVs were. But Stellantis isn’t abandoning electrification—it’s just moving away from PHEVs, specifically. “Stellantis continually evaluates its product strategy to meet evolving customer needs and regulatory requirements,” said a Stellantis spokesperson in an email sent to The Drive. “With customer demand shifting, Stellantis will phase out plug-in hybrid (PHEV) programs in North America beginning with the 2026 model year, and focus on more competitive electrified solutions, including hybrid and range-extended vehicles where they best meet customer needs.” The Pacifica was the only plug-in hybrid minivan in the country, but rivals like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival hybrid have simpler hybrid powertrains that don’t need to be plugged in. As of this writing, the 2026 Pacifica PHEV is still listed on Chrysler’s site, so if you want one, time is running out. As for the range-extended vehicles it now wants to focus on, Stellantis already has the Ram 1500 REV, with its 3.6-liter V6 engine acting as a generator. A range-extended EV version of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is also on its way later this year. Related: First Ford, Now Honda: Why Automakers Are All-In On Hybrids For 2026 What About The Dodge Hornet PHEV? The Stellantis statement points to a complete exodus of the company’s plug-in hybrid range, and this is likely to include the Dodge Hornet PHEV. Although the compact Dodge PHEV wasn’t mentioned directly, we know that dealers are battling to move this model off showroom floors. Last month, inventory of 2024 (yes, 2024) Hornet PHEVs still sat at over 80%, and we can only assume 2025 versions have been a hard sell, too. The 2025 Hornet PHEV is still listed on Dodge’s website, but we don’t expect to see a 2026 version of the electrified crossover. What It Means Many manufacturers are being forced to continuously adapt their powertrain strategies in response to changing demand. Betting too heavily on one powertrain option is a mistake, as is going all-in on EVs. Last year, we saw a string of EVs being killed off, and the feeling right now is that self-charging hybrids are the sweet spot. As for plug-in hybrids, this powertrain is not only expensive to produce, but these vehicles tend to have significantly more problems than regular hybrids and non-hybrid models. This is another reason for brands like Stellantis to focus on self-charging hybrids. View the full article

GWM Challenges China’s EV MomentumChina remains the global epicenter of electrification, with battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounting for more than half of all new car sales. Most domestic automakers are aggressively pivoting toward EV-only or heavily electrified lineups built around downsized engines and dedicated platforms. Against that industry-wide current, Great Wall Motor (GWM) made an intentionally disruptive statement at CES 2026 by unveiling a self-developed four-liter twin-turbo V8. The move is especially telling given GWM’s position in the market. New energy vehicles represented just over 30 percent of its 2025 sales, trailing rivals such as BYD and Geely, which have embraced full electrification. Rather than chasing EV dominance, GWM is reinforcing its strength in large-displacement internal combustion engines, particularly for premium off-road and performance applications. Displaying the V8 at one of the biggest consumer trade shows in US, long regarded as V8 heartland, signals confidence that there is still global demand for emotionally engaging powertrains, even as electrification accelerates. A Modern V8 Built for Hybrid PossibilitiesDespite its old-school cylinder count, GWM’s V8 is anything but outdated. The four-liter engine employs Miller cycle technology, twin turbochargers, and a front-mounted water-cooled intercooler. An integrated post-boost piping layout and front-end accessory drive, complete with an optional viscous fan, suggest the engine was engineered with durability and thermal stability in mind, particularly for demanding off-road or high-load environments. Fueling duties are handled by a dual-injection system combining 350-bar direct injection with 5.5-bar port injection, paired with a variable-displacement oil pump. This setup allows the engine to adapt efficiently to different operating conditions while minimizing carbon buildup. Power is routed through a GWM-developed nine-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter, and crucially, the V8’s architecture includes provisions for integrating a small electric motor and battery. This opens the door to hybridized V8 applications, blending electrified assistance with traditional muscle rather than replacing it outright, similar to that of Toyota's application. CHINAPEV.COM Performance SUVs, Supercars, and the Return of EmotionExact output figures remain unconfirmed, though the V8 was previously quoted at around 500 horsepower when it appeared at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2025. GWM chairman Jack Wei, has stated that the engine will underpin the brand’s most performance-focused vehicles. Their upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser 300-sized Tank 800 luxury off-roader is expected to be the first production model to feature the V8, positioning it as a flagship body-on-frame SUV. More broadly, GWM’s strategy reflects a wider industry sentiment. Even as electrification surges, other manufacturers, including Toyota with its highly anticipated Toyota GR GT supercar and Dodge teasing us with bringing back the Hemi V8 in its Charger, have hinted at keeping or reviving V8s for performance-oriented models. GWM’s V8 debut suggests that for enthusiasts and halo products, raw power and mechanical character still matter, and may continue to coexist with electrification rather than disappear because of it. GWM View the full article

A snowmobiler plunged through the ice on Pleasant Lake on New Year's Eve, suffering only hypothermia after being rescued by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.View the full article

They say bigger is better, but has KTM gone too far with its latest 1390 Super Adventure R?View the full article