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Far From SuccessfulThe EQS is probably one of the cars that Mercedes-Benz would like to forget. The idea was to spin off the S-Class into two branches: one with ICE or hybrid power, and build a separate platform for pure-electric versions. To say that the experiment had failed is putting it lightly. Worldwide sales never went beyond 30,000 units per year and were easily outsold by the fuel-fed S-Class. If anything, the whole EQ line of cars hasn't paid dividends for Mercedes-Benz. That includes the EQS SUV and its Maybach counterpart, as well as the EQE, EQE SUV, EQB, and EQA. With that, Mercedes-Benz is in the process of simplifying its lineup by combining two platforms into one, as first demonstrated by the redesigned CLA. Is the EQS Going Away Soon?Based on Auto Express' recent report, that would be a yes. Given its sales figures, it's probably no surprise. It also didn't help that the car didn't exactly receive critical acclaim to redeem it. The car's styling also drew a fair amount of criticism, and a facelift in 2024 did little to boost deliveries. It's not known when exactly it will get the axe, but it's likely that it will be gone before the decade ends or once the next-generation S-Class is introduced. Mercedes-Benz Not Giving UpMercedes-Benz isn't abandoning the idea of a battery-powered flagship sedan, though. However, it appears that the company is insisting on building another separate platform for the electric S-Class. Ola Källenius, the automaker's current CEO, explained to Auto Express back in late 2024, "You don't want to have a very big car that is then kind of small-ish on the inside, in relative terms. You want to have that fully uncompromised packaging, and you want the performance to be uncompromised. Hence, the only solution that we think is viable in that scenario is that you have two platforms." Mercedes-Benz What's Next?That said, plans can change, and investing in a bespoke architecture for a niche market doesn't sound like the best fiscal idea. Also, the full-size luxury sedan market isn't exactly strong at the moment. Case in point, the Lexus LS has been discontinued in several markets, and the Audi A8 faces an uncertain future. What Mercedes can do is to take a page from its rivals across town, BMW, and adapt a single platform that accommodates ICE, PHEV, and EV powertrains like in the 7 Series. Besides, the company is already doing that with its entry-level models, and it seems wise to do the same for the rest of the range. Whether the EV version will have a different architecture from its ICE and hybrid counterparts or not is still up for debate. One thing is for sure, though, and that's the EQS will be absorbed by the S-Class lineup, likely to feature more traditional styling. Mercedes-Benz View the full article

Seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will drive the No. 1 Toyota Tundra for Tricon Garage when NASCAR heads to Naval Base Coronado for a unique street race in San Diego, California. Johnson, a California native, will also be attempting doubly duty that weekend as he plans to run the NASCAR Cup Series race as well. Carvana will sponsor both efforts. While Johnson has over 700 ...Keep readingView the full article

Volvo is immensely proud of the electric crossover it will reveal later this month, and it has every right to be. The Swedish automaker has announced that the upcoming EX60 offers a best-in-class range of 810 kilometers, or 503 miles. That's better than the all-new BMW iX3 (500 miles), the latest Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology (443 miles), and the longest-range Tesla Model Y (400 miles). Granted, Volvo's figures are calculated on the less stringent WLTP cycle, meaning we can expect slightly lower figures with EPA testing, but even so, the fact that Volvo is able to outperform the latest and greatest from Germany, as well as Tesla, is quite an achievement. But long range isn't all the new Volvo EX60 will have going for it. Remarkable Charging Speeds Volvo At the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show, a startup called Donut Lab revealed a solid-state battery capable of recharging in just five minutes, but even without that next-gen technology, Volvo's electric crossover won't keep owners waiting at a charging station for long, promising the ability to recoup up to 211 miles of range in just 10 minutes (when using a 400kW fast charging). These specs, courtesy of the 800-volt SPA3 platform, will make the Volvo EX60 capable of more range than any Volvo that came before, including the bigger, more expensive EX90, and its charging speeds are the best Volvo has managed to date, too. In addition, the EX60 will carry a 10-year battery warranty. The EX60 is the first car built on this architecture, and more are planned, but they'll all be SUVs. Volvo Took a Page Out of Tesla's Book Volvo As pioneered by Tesla, the 2027 EX60 is built with the help of mega casting, where hundreds of smaller components are replaced with a single casting during production. This not only reduces complexity, but also weight, which is part of why the EX60 boasts such remarkable figures. We'll know more on 21 January, when Volvo reveals the full spec sheet and shows us more images, but until then, one of the teaser images shows the floor of the trunk, revealing additional storage compartments. But what catches the eye is what lies just ahead of this false floor: folded-down seats. Based on the size of the area behind these seats, it appears that the EX60 could be a seven-seater, putting it in direct competition with China's version of the aforementioned Model Y and beating both its German rivals. Hopefully, Volvo will be able to make pricing competitive. We'll report back in just under three weeks. Volvo View the full article

GM’s Sales Year in ReviewWhile several automakers struggled with demand in 2025, General Motors ended the year with plenty to celebrate. According to GM, it ranked first in total U.S. sales, delivering 2.85 million vehicles across its core brands – Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC – a 6 percent increase year over year. GM also maintained its leadership in key profit-driving segments. The company remained the U.S. leader in full-size pickup trucks, with sales reaching roughly 940,000 units, up 7 percent from 2024. In addition, the company extended its 51-year streak as the top seller in the full-size SUV segment, supported by strong performances from the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, both of which recorded their best full-year sales since 2007. Momentum carried over into the crossover segment, reporting volume rising 12 percent to 1.28 million units for the year. Buick Progress Across the PortfolioAmong individual brands, Buick – GM’s mid-tier premium division – posted its best sales result since 2019. The Envista compact crossover delivered best-ever full-year sales, improving 15 percent year over year. Its dealer network also earned recognition, ranking No. 1 in the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index Study (Mass Market category). At Chevrolet, GM’s primary volume brand, sales highlights included best-ever results for the Traverse and Trax, as well as record annual EV sales. The automaker is set to reintroduce the Bolt EV in early 2026, which will reinforce GM’s push to offer an affordable entry point into electric mobility with a starting price under $30,000. However, GM was not immune to the broader EV market slowdown. In Q4 2025, the company's EV sales fell 43 percent year over year to 25,219 units, following a record-setting third quarter. The decline largely reflected shifting consumer demand tied to changes in federal EV tax incentives. GMC, which focuses exclusively on trucks and SUVs, delivered its second consecutive record year, with full-year sales up 6 percent. The Sierra achieved best-ever annual sales, climbing 10 percent, contributing to GM’s dominance in the full-size pickup market alongside the Chevy Silverado. A Strong Year Despite Market ChallengesRounding out the portfolio, Cadillac posted its best retail sales since 2007 and, according to GM estimates, led the U.S. luxury EV market. The brand’s electric lineup includes the Lyriq, Escalade IQ, and the low-volume Celestiq, competing against models such as the Porsche Taycan, Mercedes-Benz EQE, and Lucid Air. Commenting on the results, Duncan Aldred, GM senior vice president and president of North America, said, “Demand for our brands and products is strong at every price point, and we are well-positioned to build on this momentum in the year ahead.” Among GM’s major rivals, Stellantis reported a three percent year-over-year sales decline in 2025, while Ford Motor Company has yet to release its full-year sales results. Cadillac View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Stellantis Shoots For The Stars in 2025In 2025, the Stellantis group launched a plethora of new vehicles to rekindle interest in some of its brands. Notable launches include the new-generation Dodge Charger EV and SIXPACK, putting the Hemi V8 back in the Ram 1500, and the all-new Cherokee hybrid. All this and more translated into a positive year of sales for the group. With the year drawing to a close, the Stellantis group took advantage to post strong numbers in the 4th quarter of 2025. In fact, the group increased sales in the U.S. during the 3rd and 4th quarters of the year, up 4% compared to the same period in 2024. In total, the company sold 1,260,000 vehicles in America. Stellantis 2025 PositivesSome of the key factors that led to the positive sales numbers in 2025 come from the group as a whole. Jeep posted its best-ever December sales figures in three years, Ram came in with a retail sales growth of 17 percent, and the Dodge Durango got its best-ever sales year since 2005, up 37 percent year over year. Even Chrysler, with its sole nameplate on offer, had a good year-end with total minivan sales up 32 percent in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024. "With consecutive quarterly sales increases and market share growth, it’s clear that we are taking the right steps to reset our business in the U.S.,” said Jeff Kommor, head of U.S. retail sales. “There is still work to do, but we made progress this year with a diversified powertrain lineup, highlighted by the return of the HEMI to the Ram 1500, the all-new Jeep Cherokee hybrid, and the all-electric Jeep Recon. We ended 2025 on a high note and will keep that momentum in 2026 with five new models entering the showrooms now: Jeep Cherokee, Recon, refreshed Grand Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee, and the Dodge Charger SIXPACK.” Issues and Future OutlookWhile sales may have been healthy for the group overall, the total sales number stated above is, in fact, 3 percent lower year on year. It must also be pointed out that 2025 was a year plagued by production recalls that affected some of the group's sales stalwarts. We've covered multiple recall reports this past 2025, mostly concerning the 4xe electrified models. In fact, in 2025, the entire Stellantis group had to recall 2,776,953 vehicles. It goes without saying that build quality control issues definitely affect sales. Last October, Stellantis announced a significant $13 billion investment in America over four years – the largest in the company's 100-year history. It aims to expand vehicle production by 50% in the U.S. and will create additional jobs across its production areas. Stellantis View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Historical PrecedentToyota's Gazoo Racing (GR) as a brand is now more recognized than ever. With several exciting road cars bearing the GR badge, the brand isn't just the motorsport or racing side of Toyota. In reality, though, Gazoo Racing was actually born out of true passion and even secrecy by Chairman Akio Toyoda. Back in 2007, Akio wanted to finally indulge his passion for motorsport by entering the 24 hours of Nürburgring. The problem was his participation, and his team wasn't officially sanctioned by the Toyota Motor Corporation, which paved the way for the birth of Gazoo Racing, along with Akio's now-famous alias "Morizo" monicker. Akio even recalls that their first forays into racing were "humiliating," and has used it as fuel to make the brand and the cars better ever since. Just "Gazoo Racing"In a bid to revitalize and strengthen its capabilities, Toyota has decided to return to its roots by dropping "Toyota" and going back to just "Gazoo Racing". This move, according to the company's official press release, was done to "strengthen its motorsports-bred making of ever-better cars and the fostering of talent." To reach this goal, Akio and the GR Team will continue to use a Japanese ritual known as "Shikinen Sengu". This idea was adapted from the Ise Shrine in Japan's Mie Prefecture, where every 20 years, all the structures must be fully rebuilt. It was this very ritual that drove them to build and sell the Lexus LFA, and we all know how that turned out. Using that same principle has enabled Gazoo Racing to become a major player in performance, with cars like the 86, Yaris, Corolla, and Supra. These are now followed up by the recently launched GR-branded production models in the form of the GR GT and the Lexus LFA concept. Not to mention Gazoo Racing's continued push in motorsport, with a heavy presence (and success) in WRC, NASCAR, and WEC, and a renewed interest in Formula 1 through the Haas Team partnership. Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe Rebranded as Toyota RacingWhile Gazoo Racing takes center stage in branding, other arms of Toyota's motorsport division are also rebranding. Most of the WRC and WEC development is done in Europe through the Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe group, which is now being rebranded to just "Toyota Racing." The only racing entity to stay in place will be the Toyota Gazoo Rookie Racing team. This is where Morizo shines, using this team as a platform to test new technologies through motorsports. As such, its name will remain the same and serve as a bridge between Gazoo Racing and Toyota Racing. View the full article

Brembo's known as the go-to for aftermarket and performance brakes, but it's never made a UTV option. That might be changing with these concepts.View the full article

Kia has released the first official teasers and video of its new EV2, a baby electric SUV that will sit at the very bottom of the brand’s EV line-up when it makes its world debut tomorrow at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9, 2026. It is aimed squarely at Europe, with design, development and production all centered there, and it will become Kia’s smallest and most affordable dedicated EV beneath the EV3, EV5, EV6 and EV9. Related: Kia’s $30,000 Electric SUV Moves Closer to Reality The EV2 is a B segment crossover, roughly 4 meters long, sized more for tight European streets than American interstates. Kia is pitching it as an entry point for buyers who want a “real” SUV feel without a big price or footprint. That fits the way the brand has been surprising on the sales charts lately. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A Boxy And Upright DesignThe teaser images and earlier concept sketches point to a mini EV5 look rather than a bubbly city car. Expect a tall, upright front end with Kia’s Star Map lighting signature, chunky wheel arches and short overhangs. The show car wore rear hinged back doors and no B pillar, but those details are likely to be toned down for production, with the basic boxy stance and strong shoulder line carried over. Underneath, the EV2 is expected to use a 400 volt variant of Hyundai–Kia’s E GMP architecture, shared with the EV3 and EV4. Battery options in the 40–55 kWh range have been reported, which should give more than 200 miles of WLTP range in base form and potentially closer to 270 miles for the bigger pack. That would put it in the same broad usability band as larger family EVs, just in a smaller package and at a lower price. Inside, early previews show a simplified dashboard that mirrors the brand’s other electric models, with a wide digital display panel, physical controls where they matter and a focus on maximizing space in both rows. Kia has been good at combining everyday practicality with family friendly touches across its range, from the way the big EV9 is laid out against rivals like Hyundai’s Ioniq 9, to the clever seating tricks that help the Carnival stand out. Expect the EV2 to borrow that same approach. Why The EV2 MattersFor Kia, the EV2 is less about headline-grabbing specs and more about volume and access. Pricing is expected to start around €30,000 in Europe, undercutting the larger EV3 and targeting buyers who might otherwise be looking at small petrol crossovers or city cars. Built in Slovakia, it should also qualify for local incentives in a number of EU markets, helping Kia keep transaction prices sharp. If the EV2 can hit its range and price targets while feeling like a scaled-down EV9 rather than a cut-down budget special, Kia will have another quiet hit on its hands when the covers come off in Brussels. View the full article

A new analysis has revealed the top-selling cars, trucks, and SUVs in the used market over the course of 2025. With the average transaction price of new cars hitting $50,000 in recent months, many consumers are forced to buy used to get the vehicle they want. The top three spots on the best-selling used models list feature no surprises, with the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Ram 1500 dominating. After that, though, we can see some deviation from the best-selling list of new cars. Chevrolet and Toyota feature strongly, as each have three models in the top 10 for 2025. Related: Smaller Pickups Fueled Ford’s Best Sales Year of the Decade America’s Favorite Used Cars 2025 Ford F-150 Lobo Ford View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Here’s a look at the top 10 best-selling used vehicles in the United States, as per an analysis by iSeeCars. The study analyzed over nine million used car sales from the last five model years (2020 to 2025). 2025 Rank Model 2024 Rank 1 Ford F-150 1 2 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2 3 Ram 1500 3 4 Chevrolet Equinox 4 5 Nissan Rogue 7 6 Toyota Camry 5 7 Ford Explorer 8 8 Chevrolet Malibu 29 9 Toyota Corolla 11 10 Toyota Tacoma 6 Toyota and Chevrolet are the only two brands with three used models in the top 10. While there were some changes in the rankings for 2025, the biggest mover by far was the Chevy Malibu. Discontinued late in 2025, the Malibu was the 29th best-selling used car in 2024, but it bolted into the top 10 last year. Popular with rental car agencies, it’s likely that many Malibu models were released into the used market and replaced with equivalent models that remain in production. The Malibu was Chevy’s last sedan on sale in this market, as the brand focuses on crossovers and trucks. The Equinox was the best-selling used car in America last year, excluding pickup trucks. Chevrolet Even though the Toyota RAV4 is typically the best-selling new car in America, excluding pickup trucks, it was only 11th on the used market. It's a similar story for the Honda CR-V; usually a top 5 seller for new vehicles, it was only the 15th most popular used buy. “The ever-popular truck and SUV segments continue to resonate with used car buyers,” said Karl Brauer, Executive Analyst for iSeeCars. “This means only four actual ‘cars’ are among the 20 most popular used cars in 2025: the Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic.” Tesla Dominates Used EV Segment Tesla The two best-selling new EVs last year were also the best-selling used EVs. However, the roles were swapped, as the Tesla Model 3 just about outsold the Model Y in the used EV segment. These were followed by the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, and Tesla Model S. The Model 3 and Model Y commanded a dominant 38.8% share of used EVs sold that are between 1 to 5 years in age. The Mach-E commanded a 5% share. Despite being the best-selling used EV, the Model 3 didn’t reach the top 20 when all used cars are considered, so gas-powered models still dominate the used market. Related: BYD Has Overtaken Tesla as the World’s Top EV Seller Final ThoughtsAlthough buying a used car can get you a bigger or more premium vehicle, prices are also rising in this category. From July 2024 to July 2025, used car prices increased by 3.7%. Chevrolet was one of the automakers to buck this trend, with a 2.8% decrease in used values of its models over the same period. The average cost of a used car was around $32,000 in the middle of last year, almost $20,000 less than the average transaction price of a new car. If you aren’t hellbent on driving a shiny new vehicle off the showroom floor, buying used is still a smart way to keep within your budget while getting the vehicle you actually want. Related: You're Not Imagining Things: Cheap Used Cars Are Vanishing View the full article

Growing up in Odessa, Texas, Mikel McQueen didn’t have many distractions – just baseball, work, wide-open spaces, and drag racing. Now 24, he’s become one of the most accomplished young bracket racers in the region, collecting wins and championships at a rapid pace. Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #197, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November/December 2025. McQueen’s path started generations before he ever sat in a car. His great-grandfather helped fund the construction of the local track. His grandfather raced and built cars. His father, Randal McQueen, continued the tradition and brought young Mikel out to the track. Baseball was his preferred pastime until he saw a Jr. Dragster for the first time. He got one of his own and raced casually while also pursuing baseball. From ages 9 to 14, McQueen stepped out of the seat as his father joined his friend’s Top Alcohol Dragster team on the NHRA Lucas Oil Series national tour. Mikel tagged along when he could, an experience that shaped his own ambitions. McQueen jumped back into Jr. Dragsters at 16 when he and his father built his final Jr. Dragster from the ground up at the family’s fabrication business. He aged out at 17 with numerous wins across West Texas and New Mexico. Baseball had dominated his childhood, and after high school, McQueen felt lost without it. He found direction through longtime friend and 2024 DI 30 Under 30 honoree Mason McGaha, whose family welcomed him onto their NHRA Pro Stock team. The experience taught him how to work on race cars at the professional level, but it didn’t quite scratch the itch to compete. “It still was like I was missing something,” he says. “After I got back in the car I was like, ‘This is what I want to do. I can’t work on a car – I’ve gotta be behind the wheel.’” A Super Stock ride led to a Super Comp dragster opportunity. At his first bracket race in years, he went straight to the finals. That was the sign he needed. “After that I just started looking for a car,” he says. “I told my dad, ‘We’re going to have to get into it because I gotta be behind the wheel.’” In May 2021, he purchased his own dragster. The connection was immediate, as he notched two wins in three finals that season. But growing up around heads-up racers, McQueen struggled with the bracket racing discipline until local racers stepped in to help. “They took me under their wing and started teaching me the art of bracket racing,” he says. From 2021 forward, McQueen’s momentum has been relentless. In 2022, he won four of the five finals he reached to lose the track championship by one round. He won the championship in 2023 on the strength of five wins in seven finals, then won three titles in 2024 with seven wins in 10 finals. This season was his best yet, though. As this story was coming together, McQueen had 13 wins in 19 finals, securing one championship with another two possible. He earned a Wally in Amarillo and reached the split at the Spring Fling Million in Las Vegas. “I think winning the Wally meant the most,” McQueen says. “My dad and his buddies all ran Top Alcohol Dragster, and that was my biggest dream – to win a Wally.” McQueen has refined his bracket racing strategy through competing throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and even Florida’s winter races. “You’ve got to beat that guy beside you,” he says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re .100 on the tree or triple zero – you’ve still got to find a way to turn on that win light.” McQueen, who’s studying mechanical engineering, is set to graduate the day after the 30 Under 30 ceremony at the PRI Show in Indianapolis. With school behind him, he plans to chase more big-money races while working toward a seat in Top Alcohol Dragster, the class he grew up traveling the country to watch. “I’d really like to go get in a Top Alcohol Dragster and see if I couldn’t go chase after a world championship,” says McQueen, who credits his parents, grandparents, and supporters like Mark Taliaferro, Alan Bradshaw, Mason Wright, David and Kerry James, and Brian Canady for shaping his path. “A lot of people have helped me get to where I’m at, and I want to make them proud.” The post DI 30 Under 30 2025: Mikel McQueen first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Ryan Martin made history Wednesday, clocking the first pass in the 3-second zone on 28x10.5 tires, a 3.94 at 198 mph.View the full article

A Mercedes-AMG G 63 carrying a sales price of just under $600,000 just disappeared somewhere between a New York dealership and a Nevada driveway. While most legal battles in the auto world involve drivers suing carmakers, think of cases like Tesla being sued after a fatal Model X crash or the wave of lawsuits tied to Hyundai and Kia break-ins, this story flips the script. This time, it is Mercedes-Benz going on the offensive, taking transport brokers and carriers to court over a luxury SUV that never made it home. The G 63 That Vanished in Transit Mercedes-Benz The saga began in late 2024 when a customer, William Costa, bought a new Mercedes-AMG G 63 for about $584,000, financing more than $437,000 through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. According to Automotive News, the buyer hired brokers Carpool Logistics to for the vehicle to be shipped from Brooklyn to Henderson, Nevada. Carpool Logistics then subcontracted the job down to Deep Xpress, who then subcontracted it again to Deep XpressDreamwork Towing. After picking up the car in January 2026, they then hired G Quality Transportation to deliver the luxury SUV later that same day. The G-Wagon was ultimately dropped off on the side of a road in Los Angeles, and it was paid for in cash at delivery. After that, the water becomes muddy, and the trail goes cold. Days later, the original broker reported the vehicle stolen, and Mercedes-Benz Financial concluded that the SUV had effectively been lost due to failures in oversight and communication during transit. Why Mercedes is Going after Brokers and Transporters John Beltz Snyder Instead of focusing on the buyer or the dealership, Mercedes-Benz Financial is targeting the companies responsible for moving the SUV across state lines. The lender is suing multiple brokers and carriers for negligence and liability under the federal Carmack Amendment, a law that governs who pays when goods are lost or damaged during interstate transport. The complaint argues that each party in the logistics chain assumed responsibility for the vehicle while it was in their care, but failed to ensure it reached its intended destination. Some of the transport companies named in the case dispute their involvement or say they followed the instructions they were given, while others have yet to publicly respond. At the end of the day, someone, someone must be held accountable, but who that is still remains up in the air for the time being. An Ongoing, Complicated Investigation Mercedes-Benz In the world of high-end vehicle deliveries, risks involved in the logistics process are often left on the back burner. However, this situation shines a light on what happens behind the scenes: the process has become increasingly fragmented, often involving brokers who rely on multiple subcontractors to move a single vehicle. Instead of having one party do the transportation itself, at least four parties were involved in one near-$600,000 luxury SUV delivery. That structure can work when everything goes right, but it leaves little room for error when something goes wrong. This investigation is still in its infancy, but as Charles Ostrowski, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services' lawyer, told Automotive News, "Discovery in the action should help reveal additional details". View the full article

After initially being left off the event schedule, the fan-favorite True 10.5 class is poised to return January 23-25 for the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission, the second race of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, once again competing for $40,000. True 10.5 was originally scheduled to only appear at The Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks and the World Series of Pro Mod. But with the immense popularity of the class, combined with an incredible showing at the Snowbirds, event officials saw no choice but to include it at all three events. “I couldn’t be more excited to bring back True 10.5 to the U.S. Street Nationals,” said Drag Illustrated Founder and Editorial Director Wes Buck. “This is one of the hottest classes in all of drag racing, and the fans deserve to see them put on a show. We understand that balancing slicks and radials at the same event can be tricky, but I know that Wade Rich and the gang at Bradenton Motorsports Park will have the track on kill for everyone.” Fans in attendance or watching on FloRacing will experience an unexpected twist this time around as well – the clocks will be on. While the decision whether to light the scoreboards or not has been a highly debated topic for some time due to questions about participation, promoters Tom Gunner and Michael Poland believe with the Winter Series being specifically designed to bring out the best drivers in the country, it shouldn’t be an issue. Tom Gunner (left) and Michael Poland (middle) “Drag racing has to evolve to stay exciting, and this class proves that growth doesn’t mean losing an identity – it means pushing it further,” Gunner said. “That’s why we decided turning the clocks on was the best option for True 10.5. The possibility of taking 64 cars and qualifying for a 32-car field in the future is alive and well with the boards on. We have one goal in mind with this class, and that goal is to give fans the fastest 28×10.5 small tire field in the world every winter.” Missouri-based chassis builder Larry Larson will be looking to defend his Snowbirds victory, where he took home $40,000. It was his second big-money victory of 2025 on a 28×10.5 slick, after winning $75,000 in May at the King of the South invitational at Shadyside Dragway. Going back-to-back in Bradenton won’t be easy, however, as he will have a bullseye on his back from a star-studded group of drivers including Snowbirds runner-up Russell Stone, Ryan Martin, Scott Taylor, Kye Kelley, and a host of others. “We learned in a hurry at Snowbirds that True 10.5 was the fastest small tire class ever assembled,” said Poland. “Larson was rolling from his very first pass to the finals, with side-by-side racing every single round. The numbers these guys were discussing had never been talked about before on a 28×10.5 slick in the history of drag racing. We knew the numbers, the racers all knew the numbers. The only people that didn’t know were the fans, and we have to give them that insight.” Martin, piloting his infamous Fireball Camaro, recently posted the first-ever recorded 3-second pass on a 28×10.5 slick, running a 3.949 at 198.73 mph during testing at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Gunner and Poland don’t expect that number to hold up in a couple weeks, though. “Somebody is going to make history at U.S. Street,” Poland said. “The boards will be on during eliminations and we will see the quickest pass ever recorded on a 28×10.5 slick. You can take that to the bank.” This story was originally published on January 8, 2026. The post True 10.5 Returns at U.S. Street Nationals – This Time With The Clocks On first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

GR Everything Except...Toyota Gazoo Racing started out in 2007 as a motorsports project, then became its own division in 2015. Since then, it’s turned into a key part of Toyota’s identity. The GR badge now means something, whether it’s on a true performance car or just a GR Sport trim that adds a bit more edge to a standard model. Toyota now puts GR or GR Sport badges on everything from hot hatches to family crossovers. Even the RAV4 gets a GR Sport plug-in hybrid, making it the most powerful RAV4 yet. The Land Cruiser 300, not available in the US, also has a GR Sport version in some regions, with tougher looks and some chassis upgrades. Given that momentum, it seemed reasonable to expect the same approach for America’s revived Land Cruiser. Known globally as the Land Cruiser 250 or Prado, it slots below the LC300 but still carries serious heritage and capability. For now, though, that GR badge isn’t coming. Toyota Toyota Says Not YetAccording to a report cited by CarExpert, Toyota Australia has confirmed that a GR Sport version of the Land Cruiser Prado is not currently on the table. “At this stage, we have no plans to introduce a GR Sport variant for the Land Cruiser Prado,” a Toyota Australia spokesperson said. That statement puts any hopes of a Land Cruiser GR Sport to rest, at least for now. It could have brought sharper looks, some unique suspension tweaks, and a few hardware upgrades, all without taking away from the full GR models. A Land Cruiser GR Sport also would have made sense from a lineup perspective. If the larger, more expensive LC300 can justify a GR Sport variant, the smaller and more globally accessible Prado seems like an easy fit. For the US market, a GR-flavored Land Cruiser could have helped broaden appeal beyond traditional off-road buyers and into lifestyle territory. Toyota TRD vs GR, and Why It MattersPart of the reason might be branding. In the US, Toyota has relied on TRD, or Toyota Racing Development, for its performance and off-road image. TRD trims and accessories already fill a similar role to GR Sport, especially on trucks and SUVs. Toyota has been shifting GR into its global performance brand, while TRD becomes more focused on certain regions. The change hasn’t always been smooth. Recent news about the Camry TRD shows Toyota is still figuring out where each badge belongs. For the Land Cruiser, keeping things simple avoids confusion. Whether that changes as GR grows is still up in the air. For now, the US Land Cruiser stays GR-free. Toyota View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

KTM’s 10-year 390 Adventure warranty in India isn’t just about coverage. It hints at where the brand really stands today.View the full article

Jim Farley, Ford's CEO and one of the board members for Harley-Davidson, recently spoke about the Motor Co.'s future and where it needs to go.View the full article

With hard lessons learned from the F-150 Lightning, the electric pickup that was recently discontinued, Ford is now focusing on perfecting its upcoming Universal EV platform. This platform will spawn several much more affordable EVs, including an electric truck at around the $30,000 price point. Given the low price, one would think these EVs may miss out on the brand’s best self-driving technologies, but that’s not the case. Ford has confirmed that its first eyes-off driver-assistance system will debut on the new EV platform in 2028. This will be a much more advanced setup than the existing BlueCruise Level 2 system. Related: Hands-Free Showdown: BlueCruise, Super Cruise, Autopilot. Which One Owns the Highway? The Big Jump From Level 2 to Level 3 Ford Many automakers currently offer Level 2 systems, whereby you can take your hands off the wheel and let the car take care of steering, braking, and accelerating. Even Tesla’s Full Self-Driving, whereby the car can handle point-to-point driving in almost any environment, remains a Level 2 system, as the driver needs to remain attentive and be ready to take over if necessary. Level 3 is a massive step up, as you can take your eyes off the road as well. This would allow drivers to partake in other tasks while commuting, such as watching videos. Ford’s planned eyes-off system will use LiDAR sensors, much like Rivian’s new autonomy suite, promising more accurate obstacle detection in low-visibility conditions. But Ford’s new system will not be standard at the $30,000 price point. An extra fee will be required, but Ford hasn’t decided how much this will be or whether it should be a subscription. “We’re also learning a lot about the business model,” said Doug Field, Ford’s chief EV, digital and design officer, when talking to Reuters. “Should it be a subscription? Should you pay for it all at the beginning? We’re focused right now on making it super affordable, and we’re very excited about that. We have time to establish the pricing for it.” Tesla charges $8,000 for its FSD suite, and Ford will want to come in below this, as such a cost would diminish the value proposition for a $30k EV. Quality a Key Concern Ford Ford has infamously led the industry in recalls over the last couple of years, with over 150 of them during 2025. Many of these were for older models, though, and Ford will want to avoid a repeat of this with its new EV platform and associated technologies. To support this goal, the company intends to develop the eyes-free system in-house. By relying less on suppliers, Ford hopes to assume greater quality control over the final product, while also reducing costs and delivering faster updates to customers. As exciting as the eyes-free system is, such technologies are only worth it if they operate reliably. Just ask Volvo; its software-defined EX90 electric SUV has been riddled with glitches, and some owners have even taken the Swedish brand to court because of it. Final ThoughtsIf Ford can get the quality and pricing right, it could become one of the first automakers to offer Level 3 self-driving on a genuinely affordable vehicle. Mercedes already has a Level 3 system, but it’s limited to specific highways in certain states, and is only offered on high-end luxury models like the S-Class. Ford now has the opportunity to position itself as a leader in democratizing advanced self-driving tech. View the full article

A Sports Sedan That Refuses to Bow OutThe Genesis G70 landed on the scene in 2017, and by the time it hit US roads in 2019, it was clear this was the driver’s car in the lineup. Compact, rear-wheel drive, and tuned with real intent, it set itself apart from the brand’s more comfort-oriented sedans. Nearly a decade later, the G70 is starting to show its age. The first big update came in 2020, reaching the US as a 2022 model, but the basics have stayed the same. There were reports that the G70 will end production after 2027, especially as buyers keep moving toward SUVs and EVs. Now, a fresh update from Korea says that the G70 is getting at least one more update before Genesis decides what comes next. Genesis Certification Filed, Facelift ConfirmedAccording to Korean outlet Top Rider, the Genesis G70 has completed local emissions and noise certification for what’s described as a second facelift, internally referred to as IK PE2. Of note, certification is an important step in Korea before a vehicle can go on sale, effectively confirming that a revised G70 is moving forward for the Korean market. Right now, it looks like the changes will be more of a tweak than a full overhaul. The same 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-four and 368-hp 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 are expected to stick around, with no major power changes. That should keep the G70 quick enough, even as other brands leave the segment. Expect a small bump in curb weight, likely due to new safety requirements, according to the report. That might mean a slight dip in fuel economy, but the way the G70 drives shouldn’t change much. Genesis Will It Arrive in America?No one outside Genesis knows what the next facelift will look like – at least for now. There are no official images or teasers yet, so the changes could be minor. Even a modest revision to the front end or lighting would help keep the G70 looking fresh without a big spend. The other mystery is whether this updated G70 will make it beyond Korea. If the facelifted model launches locally as a 2026 model year car, a US arrival around 2027 would be the earliest realistic scenario. That assumes Genesis sees enough value in carrying on the G70 globally, even as premium compact sedans continue to lose ground. Still, Genesis putting time and money into another update says a lot. With most of the lineup now focused on bigger, comfort-first models, the G70 is one of the last cars in the stable built for drivers. For now, Genesis isn’t letting go of that side of its identity. Genesis View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

As autonomous tech advances, Europe questions whether faster approval is worth the risk. Especially since Tesla's FSD still can't see motorcyclists. View the full article

Although Lucid doubled EV production last year, deliveries were still far below the company’s original projections for 2025. For Lucid to significantly boost sales, it needs more affordable models, which is why the company is planning to release three midsize EVs. While a smaller SUV is a guarantee, it was widely believed that at least one of these new models would be a sedan. However, a new report says otherwise, with the company’s interim CEO expressing no interest in a smaller version of the Lucid Air—or any other sedan, for that matter. No Tesla Model 3 Rival Tesla Besides a few stalwarts like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, sedan sales have been struggling in the United States. The situation is even more challenging for electric sedans, bar the popular Tesla Model 3. Perhaps for this reason, Lucid’s interim CEO, Marc Winterhoff, has made it clear that he doesn’t want to invest in another sedan. “I don’t want to be in the sedan segment,” said Winteroff at a CES 2026 roundtable, according to Inside EVs. “That’s not our focus.” What we can expect is a Tesla Model Y rival, expected to be revealed later in 2026, with production ramping up in 2027. An off-road-focused SUV will be another one of the midsized models, while the last model’s body style is unknown. The rugged SUV is expected to come with a higher ride height and draw inspiration from the Gravity X concept. Related: Lucid Shows Its Wild Side With Lifted Gravity X Concept What Could The Third Mystery Model Be? Now that we know a sedan is off the table, what could Lucid’s third midsize model be? Three midsize SUVs would be overkill, but perhaps Lucid could consider a coupe-SUV in the vein of the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron. Such a model could have an intensified focus on design and performance, at the expense of some practicality. If volumes and profits weren’t a priority, we’d love to see a Lucid coupe, but it’s highly unlikely. Coupe sales have also declined in recent years, and many have been discontinued. But the Lucid Air coupe built by West Coast Customs in 2024 gave us an enticing glimpse into how the brand’s design language could translate into a luxurious two-door model. Final Thoughts While it’s a bit disappointing that Lucid has no plans for a smaller and more affordable sedan, the young company must prioritize growth and profits, so focusing on segments that are popular in this market is the key. The Gravity SUV has already surpassed the Air sedan in sales and that gap is expected to widen through 2026. By 2029, the three new Lucid midsize models should all be on sale, barring any delays in their development. Just as Tesla’s sales exploded with the arrival of the Model Y and Model 3, Lucid will be hoping that its downsized models finally help the brand realize its full potential. View the full article

Unreal Adventure is back and we’ve got Part 6 below! Don’t worry, if you missed the previous videos we’ve got links to those as well. In the last episode, drivers and crews learned what Washington’s hardcore trails like to do to fullsize rigs, and in this episode they are crossing the Columbia river on more Washington trails in order to get back to Oregon. We’re super excited to see how the 2025 edition of Unreal Adventure will play out, because the 2024 edition was awesome! I want to build a rig to take so bad! I need another project like a hole in my head, but 2026 is going to be the year where I get a bunch of my stuff up and running so maybe 2027 is the year I build my dream off-road rig. Just you wait. Until then, I’m going to watch Unreal Adventure videos and be jealous of my off-road friends. Watch. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PREVIOUS VIDEOS FROM UNREAL ADVENTURE 2025! Video Description: It’s Episode 7 of Unreal Adventure 2025, presented by Skyjacker Suspension and we’re hitting the next-level-awesome Rim Butte trails in central Oregon! Towering lodgepole pines, razor-sharp lava rock, and challenging climbs and off-camber descents. We’ve got field fixes, awesome 4×4 action, and for the first time we’re splitting the coverage of this, the final day of the event into two parts! The post Unreal Adventure 2025: Unreal Adventure Hits The Pacific Northwest! Episode 7 – Part 1 Razor Sharp LAVA ROCK vs 4x4s: Oregon’s Rim Butte Trail appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

More than 20 million motorcycles were sold in India in 2025 alone. But what could this mean for the global motorcycle industry?View the full article

It’s one thing to have a driveway cleaner or mowing guy come to the door and ask if they can mow or pressure wash for free. I mean they do the work right there at your place. But what if someone asks you whether they can paint your car? If you live in town, and have any body damage on your car, you might have been approached by someone who says they can fix it for you at home or in the parking lot at Home Depot. I’ve seen it a few times, but for someone to ask you if you are interested in a FREE complete paint job just seems way too good to be true. Well apparently it isn’t. Or at least not always. The post This Guy Is Asking Strangers to Paint THEIR Car… What Would You Say If Approached By This Guy? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A chopped top is one of the most iconic, and extreme modifications you can make to a custom hot rod. Whether you are talking about a 1930’s hot rod, a 1940’s or 1950’s custom, or even a late model custom truck, if you take a few inches out of the top then you’ve made a statement. And while we’ve shared a few chop top how to videos over the years, it’s always fun to mix it up with another one. This time it’s a 1937 Chevrolet that is getting the chop and it is a whole different monster than most of the others we’ve featured as the windows and roof are much smaller than a lot of cars. Check out this video as it covers Part 1 of the process from the Old Iron Workshop channel. The post Ruined Or Remarkable? CHOP CHOP Part 1: How To Cut Up A Perfectly Good 1937 Chevrolet To Make It Shorter! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

2026 Dakar Rally Stage Five – Alula (Marathon) to Hail The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team is back on top after Stage Five of the Dakar Rally, Luciano Benavides claiming the stage win, with a consistent Daniel Sanders finishing third, and moving back into the overall lead. Stage five brought the first marathon to […] The post KTM men back on top after Dakar Stage Five appeared first on MCNews. View the full article