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Artificial intelligence holds the promise of greater convenience, and this year, Ford owners will begin to get a taste of what's possible. The Blue Oval has announced several technological developments that will reach customers imminently, and they have real-world uses that can't be ignored. These include a new Ford AI assistant that can be accessed from the Ford or Lincoln smartphone app, advances in BlueCruise semi-autonomous hands-free driving, and a new internally developed "vehicle brain" that promises to reduce architectural clutter and increase reliability. Ford's New AI Assistant Will Have Multiple Applications Ford View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Ford describes its new AI assistant as "a seamless layer of intelligence" that is "not generic." One example of how to use its capabilities is before loading a pickup with home improvement supplies. A customer will be able to whip out their phone, take a photo of a pallet of mulch, for example, and ask the AI how many packets would fit in their truck bed. The AI, being connected to the vehicle, knows the bed dimensions and the truck's weight ratings and can calculate how many bags will safely and legally fit. Obviously, this will have limitations. The photo example includes the pallet that the mulch is stacked on, giving the AI a frame of reference, and there may be items that the AI does not clearly interpret, requiring additional information, but you get the idea. Ford View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Another example Ford provides is asking the AI how to prep one's vehicle for off-roading, with responses that provide information on ground clearance, the best drive mode to activate, and optimal tire pressures for rock or sand. The system can also use one's vehicle location to recommend nearby trails or roads to explore. Ford says its new assistant will start reaching up to 8 million customers through the Ford and Lincoln apps in early 2026, with a native in-vehicle rollout beginning in 2027. BlueCruise Self-Driving and Improved Efficiency Ford Tesla CEO Elon Musk may want other automakers to license his company's so-called Full Self-Driving technology, but it's not happening, and Ford is among those that would rather develop their own systems. Ford's BlueCruise is in 1.2 million vehicles and counting, and Ford claims that its self-ownership of the tech allows it to "deliver significantly more capability at a 30% lower cost than if [Ford] bought it from outside suppliers." This, says Ford, makes semi-autonomous driving tech easier to scale and democratize, and it plans to introduce new hardware and software related to BlueCruise in 2027 on its all-new Universal Electric Vehicle platform, with Level 3 eyes-off assistance coming in 2028. On a separate note, Ford recently announced that this project has reached the prototype stage. Related: Ford Drivers Logged 264 Million BlueCruise Miles as Comfort With Autonomy Grows This will be achieved with the help of a single module that controls infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems, audio, and networking within a single component. According to the automaker, this "vehicle brain" cuts module size nearly in half with dramatically increased performance, resulting in a more consistent, more reliable, and more capable vehicle year after year. It should also mean less weight and cabling, not unlike Rimac's incredible new ECU. In other words, future Fords should be more advanced, less prone to recalls, and more capable of adopting upgrades as they become available. The Blue Oval emphasizes affordability and large-scale access for these ideas, pushing hard to become what Volkswagen once was, the people's car, and if it can keep to these timelines, it won't be long before millions of Fords are smarter, safer, and more advanced — even without a $70,000 or higher price tag. View the full article

The Compass That Can’t Find NorthNeedless to say, the current U.S.-spec Jeep Compass is long overdue for an update. While the third-generation Compass debuted globally in 2025, production has so far been limited to Italy, leaving U.S. buyers without the redesigned model. Unfortunately, those waiting for the updated version may have to wait a little longer, as MoparInsiders reports another delay at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. The report states that United Auto Workers Local 128 President Matt Frantzen addressed a delay of roughly seven months in reopening the plant. “I have spoken with [UAW Vice President Rich Boyer] about the rumors we’ve heard regarding a potential delay here in Belvidere,” Frantzen told members. “He has spoken with the corporation, and they confirmed that there is a delay of approximately seven months.” The Belvidere Assembly Plant is slated to produce the next-generation Compass, along with the all-new Cherokee (KM), which is currently assembled at the Toluca Car Assembly Plant in Mexico. Stellantis Manufacturing on HoldStellantis, the parent company of brands like Jeep and Dodge, has halted production at the Belvidere Assembly Plant since February 2023 following the discontinuation of the previous-generation Cherokee. Last year, the automaker committed more than $600 million to reopen the Illinois facility, a move that was projected to create about 3,300 jobs as part of a broader $13 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing. With the roughly seven-month delay, production could now reportedly begin around June 2028. The plant is undergoing retooling as part of a wider manufacturing overhaul across Stellantis facilities, as the company continues to broaden its powertrain strategy to accommodate additional electrified options—most notably range-extended EVs such as the Ram 1500 REV. Stellantis Now Stretching to 2028As such, the U.S. market will continue to miss out on the newer Compass, which is underpinned by STLA Medium. The platform supports a wide range of powertrains, including plug-in hybrid and fully electric configurations. Based on the European online configurator, the all-electric version is currently offered with a WLTP-estimated range of up to 310 miles, a figure that would be expected to be lower under the EPA testing cycle used in the United States. The current U.S.-spec Compass dates back to its introduction in 2016, making it one of the oldest vehicles still on sale in Jeep’s lineup. It serves as the brand’s entry-level SUV, with a starting price of $28,995 before destination charges. Meanwhile, the all-new, Mexico-built Cherokee has already begun deliveries this year, with pricing starting at around $35,000. Stellantis View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Mazda's EV PortfolioWhile Mazda insists that it will keep the internal combustion engine alive for as long as possible, it has had to dip its toes in the electric vehicle arena to keep up with the times. Currently, its full electric vehicles are based on Chinese models from Changan, some of which are making their way to other parts of the world. The first fruit of that collaboration was the EZ-6. Also known as the 6e outside of China, it's a midsize, rear-wheel-drive sedan available in either EV or PHEV form. More recently, Mazda rolled out the EZ-60 and renamed CX-6e in other markets. That one's a compact crossover, also available as an EV or PHEV. Mazda Further ExpansionIn a bid to boost EV production, the company has chosen a second country to build its EVs. That country is Thailand, which, in recent years, has become the Detroit of Southeast Asia. All of Japan's major automakers have assembly lines there, along with several Chinese and European companies, and even Ford. Mazda is among the many that have set up shop in Thailand, and its Rayong plant currently builds the Mazda 2, Mazda 3, CX-3, and CX-30. The Mazda 2 and CX-3 are facing the axe soon, which shouldn't be much of a surprise given their age. However, new models could soon fill the void left by aging models. Mazda What Could be Built There?It's likely that the Changan-Mazda partnership could yield more EV compact crossover models. However, "electrified" also covers hybrids, and with the next-generation CX-30 confirmed to get a hybrid option, there's a good chance those will be assembled in Thailand. Speaking of, the current CX-30 is only offered as a mild-hybrid in some countries, and its successor will finally get a full-hybrid option. It's slated to be released in 2027, and it's possible that it use one of two powertrains. The first is the Toyota-based system already used in the CX-50, while another could come from the upcoming CX-5 hybrid, scheduled to arrive in 2027. The same could apply to the rumored CX-20 that will replace the CX-3 and Mazda 2. That model is said to be based on the Vision X Compact show during the 2026 Japan Mobility Show. In fact, one can see a sketch of what appears to be the said concept in the signing of the agreement, so it's a safe bet that the production will be produced there. Another likely candidate is the CX-6e, given the current partnership. Thailand Bureau of Information The DealMazda will invest about $150 million (on top of its current investment) in Thailand as the manufacturing hub of its electrified compact crossover product range. It's a massive deal, not just for Mazda but for Thailand itself, further strengthening its position in ASEAN as the biggest hub for automotive manufacturing. "The vehicles to be produced will be high-performance compact SUVs that meet international standards, both in terms of environmental friendliness and hybrid technology. This large-scale comprehensive production investment is to support domestic sales and exports to Japan and other countries, such as ASEAN countries, targeting a production of 100,000 units per year," said Masahiro Moro, president and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation. Yes, you read that right, they'll be sending the built cars over to Japan, meaning Thailand will effectively be the second-biggest hub for Mazda's electrified crossover. It's interesting to see how more and more cars from the Land of Smiles are being exported to Japan. Mazda View the full article

At the Detroit Auto Show earlier this month, Ford revealed the long-awaited successor to the Mustang Shelby GT500, but it kicked off a new era of Ford Racing (formerly Ford Performance) by naming it the Dark Horse SC. The Blue Oval said it wanted to show the link between its motorsport efforts and the road cars these exploits can result in, but it also seemed to be a way of distancing the new car from the old Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Fast forward nearly two weeks, and during the auctioning of the first-ever example of the Dark Horse SC, Ford executive director of customization Matt Simpson revealed that the car produces "well over 700 hp." Is that enough? Comparing the Dark Horse SC to the GT500 Ford "Under the hood, we've got a 5.2-liter supercharged V8, [with] well over 700 hp," said Simpson — and the same could be said of the Shelby GT500. Both track-focused cars have the same basic engine configuration, both feature carbon fiber wheels (in top spec), and both have seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions, not manuals. As for output, the Shelby-badged Mustang famously made a whopping 760 hp, and Ford's apparent reluctance to reveal the Dark Horse SC's specific rating is curious. Is the Dark Horse SC as powerful as the Shelby was? Is it less so? Does it make more? Cases could be made for either scenario. Related: Shelby’s New GT350/TA Is a Manual Mustang Rarer Than the GTD If the Dark Horse SC makes less than 760 hp, it would not be surprising that Ford might want to avoid it potentially being viewed as a "lesser" vehicle. If it makes the same figure, direct comparisons with the Shelby would undoubtedly be made, which may diminish the rebrand to a Ford Racing product. And if it makes more power, it might make the Dark Horse SC appear too similar to the Mustang GTD, despite the latter being a vastly more engineering-intensive and capable machine. In other words, cynics in the room will have something negative to say, no matter what Ford has done here. Ignore the Numbers Ford/Porsche Ultimately, the Dark Horse SC's full horsepower output is irrelevant. Yes, over 700 hp will be fantastic, but what really matters with this car is that it's a supercharged V8-powered Mustang with particularly exceptional handling. It's got loads of aerodynamic upgrades, carbon-ceramic brakes (with the Track Pack), and suspension enhancements that include MagneRide dampers with revised software and hardware, stiffer springs, and revised control arms, to name a few improvements. This is the ultimate (relatively) attainable Mustang for the track day enthusiast, and while most $300,000+ GTD examples are likely to spend the majority of their lives in the climate-controlled garages of collectors, Dark Horse SC buyers will be people who want to regularly experience the track in America's take on a GT3 RS. This is a celebration of the Mustang nameplate, Ford's racing endeavors bearing fruit in the real world, and the S650 platform as a whole, and whatever its true output, we're just glad it exists. View the full article

Chery has launched its first battery electric pickup in China under its Rely pickup brand, with pricing starting at 127,800 yuan, about $18,300, and running up to 158,800 yuan for higher trims. The truck is positioned as a work-ready electric option with mainstream sizing, multiple drivetrains, and a tech-heavy cabin, arriving as new energy pickups become one of the fastest-growing niches in China. A View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Truck Specs And Lineup DetailsEarly reports describe the Rely R08 EV as a body-on-frame pickup offered in six variants. Dimensions are listed at 5,330 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,890 mm tall, with a 3,230 mm wheelbase, putting it in the midsize-to-fullsize zone by global standards. r Powertrain choices include a single-motor rear-wheel-drive model and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive model, with outputs cited at 150 kW for RWD and 300 kW for AWD. Range is reported at up to 510 km on the CLTC cycle depending on trim, which is the figure Chinese brands typically use for domestic marketing and it generally reads higher than EPA-style numbers. Autohome View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Tech And Equipment HighlightsThe R08 EV is also being pitched as modern inside, with reports citing an infotainment setup using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip in some versions. Driver assistance is described as Level 2 capable depending on trim, with commonly listed features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. This is the typical spec mix for value-focused Chinese EVs, where the headline is less about a single breakthrough feature and more about offering a complete equipment list at a low entry price. Market Context, Why Pricing MattersPickups are still a smaller segment in China than in North America, with 2025 pickup sales cited at about 589,000 units. What is changing quickly is electrification, with new energy pickup volume cited at roughly 73,000 units in 2025, up about 243 percent year over year, which helps explain why Chery is moving into the category now. A base price around $18,300 is part of that strategy, because it creates a lower barrier for buyers who want a truck shape for utility but have been priced out of many electric offerings. Chery’s wider EV messaging continues to lean into future battery narratives. It also fits a product portfolio that mixes mainstream launches with attention-grabbing ideas, and off-road EV projects. View the full article

General Motors is gearing up to shake up the pickup truck segment this year. In the company’s latest earnings report for 2025, it confirmed that new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierrapickup trucks will be revealed later this year. The current Silverado and Sierra first went on sale in 2018, making them older than all key rivals besides Ram’s 1500. Even so, combined sales of the Silverado and Sierra led the full-size segment last year. Here’s a look at what we can expect from the 2027 pickups. Familiar Looks, New Engines Chevrolet/USPTO In patent filings uncovered late last year, the design of the all-new Silverado may have been previewed, but sketches in the patent filing aren’t necessarily indicative of future production designs. Still, what we can see looks very much like a more modern Silverado with a squared-off front fascia and a C-shaped design for the headlights. Twin bulges on the hood and dual exhaust cut-outs are also visible. More importantly, the Silverado (as well as its Sierra cousin) will retain V8 power. The Gen 6 pushrod-driven small-block V8 is expected to debut in both pickups, and GM will allegedly be specifying thicker oils to address reliability issues experienced with the current crop of V8s. GM’s existing turbocharged four-cylinder engine should power more basic versions of the trucks, too. Chevrolet While it’s not known if the current turbodiesels will continue, buyers after a more efficient option should expect a hybrid of some kind. In a report from 2025, a plug-in hybrid powertrain was said to be under development for the Sierra. However, this electrified option may only debut in 2027, after the new trucks are revealed this year. A hybrid option will provide a direct competitor to the Ford F-150 PowerBoost and Toyota Tundra i-Force Max hybrids. In terms of suspension, many rivals now have a coil spring rear suspension that improves ride comfort. This could be another change for the GM trucks. More Upscale Interiors With Larger Displays GMC Inside, we expect the GM pickups to adopt a more screen-heavy layout than the current models. According to some spy shots floating around the web, the dashboard will have a layout similar to some Cadillacs, which suggests a possible 33-inch widescreen display. Both pickups should get more plush materials, especially on upper trims, but the Sierra will once again be positioned as the more luxurious of the two. Although no other information has been confirmed by GM, we fully expect the new trucks to come with class-competitive towing/payload capabilities, Super Cruise hands-free driving, and several off-road trims, building on current trims like the Silverado LT Trail Boss. The most expensive version will likely be the Sierra Denali. GMC We expect both trucks to start at over $40,000 for the first time—current models have a starting MSRP of just below this. Regardless of GM’s progress in the EV segment, its pickup trucks are still its bread and butter, so expect the new Silverado and Sierra to challenge for class-best honors. View the full article

The Other Side of a Strong YearThe Volkswagen ID.4 closed out 2025 strong with a 31-percent year-on-year sales increase to 22,373 units, but it is beginning the new year facing two separate recalls. One addresses a software-related issue, while the other is an expanded safety campaign tied to a hardware defect involving misaligned electrodes in the high-voltage battery cell modules. In severe cases, the defect can increase the risk of a battery fire. As a brief overview, Volkswagen began investigating the issue after several thermal events in various states were reported starting in early 2024. The company initially launched a recall covering 311 model-year 2023–2024 ID.4s last December (25V836) after identifying a manufacturing quality deviation involving its supplier, SK Battery America, Inc. Volkswagen Double TroubleThe updated recall (26V028) now covers 670 vehicles produced between November 3, 2022, and September 22, 2024. As part of the remedy, the automaker will replace the potentially affected high-voltage battery cell modules. Similar to the earlier safety campaign, owners are advised to limit charging to 80 percent, avoid Level 3 DC fast chargers, and park their vehicles outdoors immediately after charging until the repair has been completed. Meanwhile, the recall addressing the software-related issue (26V030) affects 43,881 model-year 2023–2025 ID.4s produced between September 2, 2022, and April 10, 2025. According to the recall report, the affected vehicles may experience thermal propagation due to the absence of Self-Discharge Detection (SDD) software, which can increase the risk of a fire. As part of the remedy, Volkswagen dealers will inspect the battery’s health, install updated SDD software, and replace high-voltage battery cell modules if necessary. Volkswagen Addressing the Risk of Battery FiresThe German marque plans to notify affected owners about both recalls on March 20, 2026. All battery replacements and software updates will be carried out at no cost, with the company noting that it will not offer a reimbursement plan because the affected vehicles remain within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period. The U.S.-spec ID.4—produced at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga Assembly Plant in Tennessee—is VW's sole 26MY electric vehicle offering stateside, as the automaker reportedly reassesses its strategy for the ID. Buzz. Competing against rivals such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the ID.4 is offered with either a 62-kWh or 82-kWh high-voltage battery, with the larger pack delivering an EPA-estimated range of up to 291 miles. Looking ahead, Volkswagen also plans to update its compact crossover EV for the 2027 model year, reportedly incorporating a new battery technology aimed at improving efficiency and driving range. Volkswagen View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Use EFI data like closed-loop correction and fuel flow to spot a valvetrain issue and know when tuning isn’t the problem.View the full article

Letting Technology Take the WheelAs in-car technology continues to evolve, advanced driver-assistance systems like Tesla's Full-Self Driving (Supervised) increasingly appear to be the future of automotive travel. That trend is reflected at Ford, which reported a significant increase in BlueCruise usage, reaching 264 million miles driven in 2025. The Blue Oval said the number translates to an 88-percent increase in the U.S. among owners of Ford and Lincoln vehicles compared to the previous year. It comes as little surprise that F-150 owners led the charge, given the truck is the brand’s best-selling model, followed by owners of the Mustang Mach-E and the outgoing F-150 Lightning EV. It is worth noting that the company relied solely on numbers from owners who opted in to data sharing. The Data Behind the SurgeBlueCruise logged approximately 3.8 million hours of use last year, marking an 87 percent increase compared to 2024. Trips taken using the system also rose by 50 percent to 18 million, with the highest single-day usage recorded ahead of Thanksgiving on November 21, when roughly 72,000 trips were made. These gains reflect the confidence Ford and Lincoln owners have in BlueCruise, particularly given that it is not a free feature. The system is offered with a 90-day complimentary trial, after which owners can subscribe for $49.99 per month—about half the cost of Tesla’s FSD. Ford also offers a one-time purchase option priced at $2,495, as well as an annual subscription for $495. Ford Paying for ProgressThe American automaker plans to further enhance its ADAS offerings with the BlueCruise 1.5 update, which introduces Automatic Lane Change capability. The feature allows vehicles to change lanes without the driver touching the steering wheel. It will debut on the 2026 model-year Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Nautilus. As a reminder, BlueCruise is an SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance system, meaning regulations still require drivers to remain fully attentive at all times. This contrasts with SAE Level 4 systems such as those used in Waymo robotaxis, where a human driver is not required. Some rival Level 2 systems available in the U.S. include Subaru’s EyeSight and General Motors’ Super Cruise. By 2028, however, Ford has confirmed that its first eyes-off driver-assistance system (SAE Level 3) will debut on next-generation electric vehicle models, which are being developed with affordability in mind at a target price of around $30,000. Ford View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Here’s another great Photo Gallery from Joe Grippo, as we’ve got even more to share from his Best Of 2025. Check them out below and if you missed the previous gallery, we’ve got a link below to that one too. (Words and Photos by Joe Grippo) Joe Grippo is one of BANGshift’s longest running contributors and has covered everything from junkyards to car shows and drag races to drag and drives, and so much more. He drags his lovely wife, and enthusiastic brother, along with him to some of the shows and races and he’s been contributing for years. It is kind of amazing to think that he’s been a supporter of the site since its inception, and is still going strong. Big thanks Joe, we appreciate you so much. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PREVIOUS PHOTOS Here’s his writeup: Well, here we are again, finishing up another trip around the sun and wrapping up the year that was 2025. Seems like a good time to revisit the previous twelve months through my photographic year in review. January started out with some indoor car show stuff where we saw the recently restored Scott Shaffiroff Pro Stock Mustang II and the A.J. Foyt IROC series Camaro. Maple Grove Raceway continued with their Winter Series No Prep races, always a wild time. And dig the Godden Speedway Bike my neighbor had just finished up, so killer! February had a trip to my favorite car collection, 3Dog Garage where Ross the owner had just added some Andy Brisio creations and a GT40. Mind blow. Another trip to the Grove for 20-degree temps and more No Prep insanity. March, we went back inside for the East Coast Indoor Nats, that Comet and that Corvette with the proper number of taillights were it for me.v April kick off our race season. I was able to get a spot in a track rental at Maple Grove with bunch of Exotic car dues. I was the loudest car there. Then it was the Spring Carlisle swap meet, where a ton of cool stuff was there for the taking is you had the scratch. Need a drum of orange Hot Wheel track or a CW Racing Phaze 1 BMX frame? Of course you do. May had a trip to Delaware for the Good Guys, where I took in all kinds of killer Rods. Fat Fender Fords, Pro Streeters channeled coupes and high zoot street rods filled the infield of Dover Speedway. June was the Carlisle All Ford Nationals and some bracket races. July, we did some big money bracket racing, again at the Grove with the Independence Shoot-Out. Next, we hit our favorite nostalgia meet, Geezers at the Grove at, of course, Maple Grove Raceway. August was a diverse month. A friend finished his restoration of J.C Baker’s DragMaster Dart and held an unveiling party. Mr. Baker was in attendance for the emotional reveal. Quite a day. I took a quick rundown to Cecil County Dragway to take in qualifying at the Yellowbullet Nats, always killer cars and racing in front of a packed house. Then on a random Tuesday evening I went to get a haircut and saw that my barber Jesse had ridden his rigid, coffin-tanked H-D chopper to the shop, had to click a few off. September was a crazy blur being the busiest month of the year. It kicked off with the NHRA Keystone Nationals at Maple Grove. Factory Stock and some bad ass Comp Eliminator cars are highlighted. Then thanks to BangShift we tagged along for DragWeek. Numidia Dragway, Maple Grove and Cecil were our stops, along with some checkpoint and roadside wildness. A few days later we loaded up my Mustang and headed to Bowling Green, Kentucky for the Holley Ford Festival. What a blast! We got to see a ton of Fords we had never seen before. Along with some old friends, like Chad who was barking into the mic all weekend. While in Bowling Green we hit the nearby Corvette Museum. Oh yeah, and Buc-ee’s. October is Hershey, more specifically the AACA Eastern Region Fall Meet, or aka, my favorite week of the year. Swap Meet and car show loaded with a variety of stuff you likely won’t see anywhere else. Fall is for drag racing, we hit some bracket races and the NHRA Division 1 Dutch Classic. And don’t sleep on Fall Carlise for additional swap meet goodness. November is when we start to slow down and go to one of our traditional last events of the year is the Pumpkin Run at Harry Flemings Junkyard in Egg Harbor, New Jersey. Support the local shows! Thanks for reliving 2025 through my adventures, more coming in ’26, starting soon. The post Joe Grippo’s Best of 2025: Here’s Our Final Gallery Of Photos From Joe’s 2025 Highlight Galleries. Racing, Hot Rods, Customs, And More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Tomorrow, the 29th of January, Mercedes-Benz will unveil its heavily revised 2027 S-Class, and with that reveal imminent, engineers are now bringing near-production AMG S 63 prototypes out to play in the Swedish snow. As a refresh rather than an all-new model, much of the bodywork will remain broadly unchanged, with the big changes happening beneath the skin. Mercedes says tomorrow's new S-Class has changes to over half the car, with some 2,700 parts being changed or improved, including mild styling updates, more advanced interior tech, better safety features, and more luxury. There's also a new V8 engine, and all of these improvements will come to AMG's S 63, too. Let's start with the styling before discussing that new V8 and the tech. New AMG S 63 Styling Shows Restraint SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The bumpers at the front and rear of this prototype look very similar to those of the current S 63, though it's entirely possible that the center grille between the headlights will be bordered by a fine strip of LED lighting. Speaking of which, the headlights and taillights will add three-sided stars to their daytime running light signatures, following the precedent set by the CLA. The clusters themselves may also be mildly reshaped, but any departure won't be major. As usual for an AMG model, the front fenders will feature fake accent grilles so that those viewing the car in profile get a hint of the performance the S 63 is capable of. Large drilled and slotted brake discs also warn off challengers, and while these five-spoke wheels look good, we suspect that the production S 63 will get a newer design. The final touch of aggression comes in the form of AMG's signature squared exhaust tip setup, with four finishers. New V8 Engine with Bigger Turbos, Plus More Tech SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Previously, our spies had reported that the current S 63's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid P3 powertrain would be retained, but we now know that this is being phased out in favor of the M177 Evo, an evolution of Merc's hot-vee twin-turbo V8 that has been in use for over a decade, now with larger turbochargers and a flat-plane crankshaft. These changes will make the engine smoother and more responsive, reports Car Magazine, while simultaneously reducing emissions. Of course, those changes alone are not enough for the engine to meet next year's Euro 7 emissions regulations, so the S 63 is expected to remain a plug-in hybrid. Whether the S 63 will match or exceed its current 791-hp/1,055-lb-ft rating remains to be seen, but the engine isn't all that's worth mentioning. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Inside, the S 63 will have even more luxurious materials and improved quality, and the tech experience will be enhanced by MB.OS, with an expansive Hyperscreen and artificial intelligence features from both Microsoft and Google. MB.OS will also provide the benefit of iDamping, which lets cars send their damping information to a cloud-based server. This information is shared with other iDamping-equipped vehicles, letting them anticipate irregularities in the road. We'll know more after tomorrow's debut of the "regular" S-Class, but the S 63 will only be revealed later this year. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the full article

The US Court of International Trade will issue a decision, but they have to wait for the Supreme Court to issue a different decision first.View the full article

Lucid’s production numbers doubled last year, but the EV automaker is still being held back by a small lineup of exclusively full-size, high-end vehicles. That’s set to change soon, as Lucid is planning to introduce three midsize models at a lower price point, with at least two of these being SUVs. Lucid has just taken a massive step towards getting these cheaper models into showrooms, as it has completed the first midsize prototypes. The news comes from Nick Twork, Lucid’s Head of Communications, who had a first look at the new prototypes. More Affordable Lucids Get CloserSpent time in our prototype build area today watching the first full Lucid midsize vehicles come together. Same Lucid DNA as Air and Gravity - space, efficiency, dynamics, and range - paired with dramatically improved manufacturability and cost structure. These are going to… pic.twitter.com/3K4qQ7b3oC — Nick Twork (@ntwork) January 23, 2026 Even though the new Lucids will be smaller and cheaper, Twork promised the “same Lucid DNA” as the Gravity and Air in terms of range, efficiency, dynamics, and space utilization. However, he also promised “dramatically improved manufacturability and cost structure” for the new midsize models. Lucid will be hoping these new models don’t suffer from the supply chain issues and software foibles that plagued the Gravity SUV. While it’s not known how much the new EVs will cost, one will be a Tesla Model Y rival. The Tesla is still the best-selling SUV in the U.S. and starts at just under $40,000, a price point Lucid will need to get close to or beat if it is to be truly competitive. This Model Y rival is expected to be revealed later this year. Furthermore, a new off-road SUV is also on the way, but the last midsize EV’s body style is unknown. What we do know is that it won’t be a sedan, as the company’s interim CEO said recently he has no plans to compete in the sedan segment. Related: No Model 3 Rival: Lucid Says Sedans Aren’t Part of Its EV Future Lucid Needs To Sell More Cars Lucid only delivered 15,841 vehicles in 2025, and while this was 55% more than 2024’s performance, it’s still down on most other EV brands. The company produced 18,378 vehicles, more than it delivered, which potentially points to a miscalculation of customer demand. However, it’s hard to truly judge Lucid’s 2025 performance when it only has two expensive models on sale. The Air sedan starts at over $70,000 and the Gravity has a base price of over $80,000 (including destination), both well beyond the average new vehicle price of around $50,000. Besides Tesla, Lucid will also have to compete with Cadillac in the luxury EV space. The American brand has been a leader in the luxury EV space for months now, with many Audi and Mercedes owners switching to the Cadillac brand. We expect more teasers and specifications to follow in the months ahead as Lucid gets closer to revealing the first of its midsize EVs. Related: Lucid CEO Says Automakers Are Marketing EVs the Wrong Way View the full article

Kyle Wade, the racer and fabricator behind the massively popular BoostedBoiz YouTube channel – now at 1.45 million subscribers – has turned unlikely platforms like a Honda Civic, Toyota MR2, and even a Honda Odyssey minivan into fan-favorite, record-setting machines. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #197, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November/December 2025. “I’ve always loved cars,” Wade says. “I remember just watching videos of street racing and stuff when I was a kid. I always thought cars were cool. I wanted to go fast.” That obsession followed him through high school and into his earliest builds. He started a YouTube channel to document his trips from Longmont, Colorado, down to car meets in Denver. He started showing the process behind his projects, which became more outside-the-box as the channel grew. Collaborations with fellow automotive YouTubers like 2023 DI 30 Under 30 honoree Garrett Mitchell – better known as Cleetus McFarland – also helped grow the channel’s audience If the BoostedBoiz channel has a mascot, it’s Wade’s red Honda Civic. A lightweight, home-built, boosted street car, the Civic became that helped define the channel’s early identity. “It’s the most OG build,” Wade says. “It’s had so much time into it, and it’s still all the original fabrication that me and my buddies did years ago.” The Civic wasn’t just a YouTube prop. It was a legitimate contender. One of Wade’s biggest moments came recently when he won the second-quickest Stick Shift Shootout bracket at FL2K at Bradenton Motorsports Park, which is now his home track as he essentially lives next door. Where the Civic brought attention, the MR2 brought Wade’s first taste of serious performance. “That car means a lot to me,” he says. “It was the first actual fast car I built, and it was the first car I ever went 7s in.” The MR2 quickly became one of the channel’s crown jewels. With its mid-engine layout and big-power turbo setup, it served as Wade’s unofficial engineering program. Everything he learned shaping the MR2 bled into later projects. “It was a world-record car at one point,” he explains. “We had the quickest and fastest MR2. It held the record for a while.” Even after that record eventually fell, Wade’s pride in the platform remains unmatched. The car marked a formative jump from fast street builds to serious drag machines, and its fanbase, much like the Civic’s, is fiercely loyal. “The MR2 is still one of my favorite builds I’ve ever done,” he adds. But of all Wade’s projects, few have captured the public’s imagination like his Honda Odyssey the undisputed quickest minivan in drag racing. “That thing really blew up,” he laughs. “People love the Odyssey.” Original, different, and loaded with turbocharged absurdity, the Odyssey became an immediate fan favorite. From callouts to side-by-side passes with legitimate race cars, the minivan represented Wade’s perfect blend of comedy, creativity, and capability. These staple builds have helped Wade develop a global audience that now follows every BoostedBoiz experiment, from jet-powered minivans to world-record Tesla attempts. Despite the channel’s massive reach, Wade remains grounded. His greatest pride is the culture around BoostedBoiz. It’s a community built from the same curiosity and enthusiasm that pushed him to start experimenting with Hondas in the first place. “I just want to keep inspiring people to build cool stuff,” Wade says. “If they see what we’re doing and think, ‘Man, I could try something like that,’ that’s what it’s all about. “I’m showing people that it can be done on a budget,” he continues. “I think with a lot of things I do, I’m one of the more grassroots channels that people really feel like they can take some info from that and start doing it on their own.” As much as Wade has inspired others, he has also taken inspiration from those around him over the course of his time in the sport. Brent Leivestad of PFI Speed, McFarland, and Kyle Loftis have all inspired Wade in various ways. And just like those three individuals empowered Wade to make moves, he hopes people in his audience relate to his passion and effort and find similar inspiration to get out into the garage and onto the dragstrip. “I’m just a normal guy and so are these other people. They’re just dedicated to do it,” Wade says. “That’s just something I didn’t really realize when I started. I thought these guys probably had scientists in the trailer mixing fuels in tubes or something and it was like rocket science, but I just realized, ‘Oh, it’s just normal guys that are just sending it.’ I try to show people that it can be done. Just get out there, get started somewhere, and have some fun.” This story was originally published on January 28, 2026. The post DI 30 Under 30 2025: Kyle Wade first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

For John Vergotz Jr., drag racing has always been part of life. His father, veteran nitrous Pro Mod driver John Vergotz, has long been a fixture in doorslammer racing and now competes in PDRA Pro Nitrous, IHRA Pro Nitrous, and other eighth-mile Pro Mod events with a Pat Musi–powered ’69 Camaro. Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #197, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November/December 2025. “I was introduced to the racetrack only a couple weeks after I was born,” he says. “My dad was racing at the IHRA Winternationals in Rockingham, North Carolina, when my mom called saying she was going into labor five weeks early. A couple weeks later I was at the track.” When he turned 8, his dad put him in a Jr. Dragster, making his debut at Lucky City Dragway near the family’s home in Pennsylvania before venturing out to tracks like Thompson Raceway Park in Ohio. After nine years in Jr. Dragsters, Vergotz moved up to a bracket dragster. “I hopped right into a bracket dragster that had a plain Jane 454 big-block Chevy,” Vergotz, now 24, says. “We quickly upgraded the engine and started going faster. Now I have a new dragster and a 615 SR20 engine that runs 4.50s-4.60s for bracket racing.” This past season, he made his first laps in the family’s Pro Nitrous Camaro. It was a big step up, but after numerous discussions, the father-son duo decided to proceed, starting with a few short launches. “We took things slow to start and ended the season with a 3.76 at 188 mph,” Vergotz says. “That was with the nitrous on only until 3.4 seconds in the run and with four kits. So I still have plenty to learn with speed and power. But over time we’ll get there. “Getting to hop into my dad’s seat behind that 974-cubic-inch Musi Power has been my most meaningful accomplishment yet,” Vergotz adds. “There is nothing quite like that.” Before getting the opportunity to drive the Pro Mod, Vergotz acquainted himself with the car as a crew member, and eventually as a tuner. He observed the team’s past tuners before diving in to call the shots himself. “I will be the first to tell you, it’s hard,” he says. “There’s nothing quite as hard as learning a Pro Nitrous engine, chassis setup, and the laptop and EFI configuration. But over time, things started to click.” Vergotz has learned to work with the family-based team’s limited budget and schedule, making the most of every pass during an event to learn what the car wants while also trying to compete against teams with big budgets and big-name tuners. “We aren’t the car to burn down the scoreboard every run, and we haven’t been in the winner’s circle many times as of recently,” he says. “But man, we are getting close. Our starting positions come elimination day are improving and improving.” Vergotz has spent late nights staring at the laptop, studying data, overlaying runs, and watching videos of the car to continue finding more performance. These efforts paid off earlier this year in a pressure-packed moment at the PDRA Northern Nationals at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park. “In Q3, I talked with Dad and we were in a spot of ‘nothing to lose,’” Vergotz says. “We either go a personal best and move up spots, or focus on going A to B and settling for toward the bottom of the pack. It was a fast event, so I swung for it all. John Sr. clicked off a 3.65 at 203.99 mph.” Other 2025 highlights include qualifying for the Summit Racing Equipment PDRA ProStars all-star event and qualifying No. 2 at the PDRA Thunder Valley Throwdown at Bristol Dragway, where a tricky track surface challenged the doorslammer racers. “As a tuner, bad conditions are partially what define you,” Vergotz says. “Being able to be within only a couple thou of Tommy Franklin and Jeff Pierce [tuner and 2016 DI 30 Under 30 honoree] is a huge feat for us.” Though getting to drive his father’s Pro Nitrous car was a major milestone, the younger Vergotz doesn’t have any plans to take over as the full-time driver. “I’m sure I will make my event debut this coming 2026 season, but by no means am I in a hurry to kick the old man out of the seat. “The bond my dad and I have is something that will never be broken,” he adds. “He is my biggest fan, supporter, my mentor, best friend, and so much more. He’s the drive and constant worker toward making me a better tuner and the person I have grown to be today.” Beyond his dad, Vergotz credits the Vergotz Racing team, which includes his girlfriend, Ashley Strauss, and right-hand-man Shane McLaughlin. He also shouted out Pro Nitrous sponsor Keith Kelling of Kelling Equipment Repair and dragster sponsor Chad Wright of CJW Solutions. “First and foremost, all the glory goes to God. Without Jesus, none of this is possible” he says. “Truly this is a collective team effort. We all have our own jobs and responsibilities. None of this is possible without each and every one of them.” Vergotz hopes to make bigger moves in 2026 both as a driver and a tuner. On the driving side, he’s shooting for some big-money bracket victories in his dragster. As a tuner, he wants to guide his father to success at the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, hopefully setting the tone for a big season. “Another thing on my list is to become an event champion at one of the stops on the IHRA or PDRA season tour,” Vergotz says. “Lastly, I want to click off a 3.62–3.63 elapsed time in the Pro Nitrous category. That would really put us up there with some teams.” This story was originally published on January 28, 2026. The post DI 30 Under 30 2025: John Vergotz Jr. first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

More is more—that’s generally the policy when an automaker updates one of its high-performance models. More power, more speed, and unfortunately, more weight in many instances. But BMW’s newly announced spring 2026 updates for the iconic M5 sedan go in the opposite direction. The company announced a surprise 41-horsepower reduction in output for the mighty M5’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, as part of revised drive technology for the brand’s top plug-in hybrids. New emission standards are to blame for the change, but thanks to the wonder of electrification, the M5’s performance is unchanged. Here’s what’s going on. BMW Prepares For Euro 7 Emissions Standard BMW New Euro 7 emission regulations are set to be introduced in the EU from 2027, but BMW is preparing for it ahead of time. Euro 7 will introduce even stricter emission requirements for new vehicles, including a 35% reduction in NOx emissions from cars and vans and a greater focus on emissions during real-world driving conditions. High-performance vehicles with big, powerful engines are bound to be affected most, which is why BMW has introduced optimized drive technology for the M5. This change will come into effect from March 2026 and focuses on the M Hybrid system’s V8. Optimized engine control, enhanced exhaust re-treatment, and the use of the Miller combustion process are some of the changes to be made. As a result, the V8’s standalone output goes from 577 to 536 horsepower. However, BMW was able to compensate for this drop in output with optimized software for the electric drive system, so the M5’s combined output stays at 717 hp. That should keep the 0-60 sprint time to 3.4 seconds, despite the car’s hefty curb weight of 5,390 lbs. The BMW XM Label, which also has a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, will also introduce the Miller cycle. As with the M5, its combined peak output of 738 hp remains unchanged. For now, these changes are not confirmed for US-spec M5s, but even if they are, the sedan's performance remains unchanged. Related: BMW M Will Do Anything To Keep Straight-Sixes Singing And V8s Roaring Will Euro 7 Regulations Affect Americans? BMW Vehicles in the United States are not subject to the same limitations of Euro 7 standards, although there are many states with more stringent emissions regulations than others. However, since many brands develop models for global markets with the same specifications—the M5 we get here is virtually identical to the one sold in Europe—many of the changes introduced on the other side of the pond may filter through to vehicles sold here. Developing different versions of the same car for different markets could prove complex and expensive. In the case of the M5 and XM, their advanced plug-in hybrid systems allowed BMW to retain the same combined output, despite the more emission-compliant V8s. But this won’t necessarily be possible in high-performance vehicles without such a hybrid system. B On the other side of the price spectrum, budget cars will also be affected by Euro 7 regulations, as the costs associated with adding advanced emission control equipment to these models threaten to make them less profitable for automakers and pricier for consumers. Heavy EVs will also be under the microscope when the new rules are implemented, as non-exhaust emissions from tire particles and brake dust will also be addressed. For enthusiasts, the new emissions rules threaten the continued production of some of the most exciting cars around. They will also make developing new ones more challenging, especially without resorting to hybridization. View the full article

As part of the season-opening kickoff to NHRA’s 75th anniversary in 2026, the NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout returns to Gainesville Raceway, taking place on Saturday, March 7 as part of the 56th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. The specialty race features a loaded eight-car field, including defending Callout winner and reigning world champion Doug Kalitta. He earned the top seed in the unique bonus race that offers a big purse and bragging rights to open the milestone campaign. The rest of the field, in order, includes Kalitta’s teammate, Shawn Langdon, 2025 Gatornationals winner Antron Brown, racing legend Tony Stewart, Justin Ashley, Clay Millican, Shawn Reed and 2023 Callout winner Josh Hart. With the unique Callout format, Kalitta will get to pick his opening-round opponent. Langdon will get the next selection until all the first-round matchups are set. The quickest winning driver in the opening round gets to call his shot for the semifinals, too, setting one of the matchups. All three rounds take place on Saturday in Gainesville, with the opening-round selections set for Friday, March 6 in the Top Eliminator Club, A special Callout broadcast will also air on FS1. Kalitta will also try to become the first Top Fuel driver to earn multiple wins in the Callout, which offers a total purse of $130,000. “It was a good event last year and we ended up winning it, so definitely hoping we can pull it off again this year,” Kalitta said. “We ended up calling out Clay (Millican) for the first round. Anytime you get an opportunity to have those specialty races, they usually are just a lot of fun. It’s the first race of the year, too, and Gainesville really packs in the people. It’s always good to have an extra race on Saturday and just kind of have some fun with it. Our Mac Tools team is definitely looking forward to another opportunity this year. We hope to have some fun with it for sure and pick up right where we left off last season.” Last season, Kalitta defeated Millican in the opening round and then knocked off Brown before taking down two-time world champ Brittany Force in the finals. With a big purse, a special Callout trophy and plenty of bragging rights on the line, it can also provide the perfect boost to open the season at one of the most historic races on the NHRA schedule. This year’s loaded field features three NHRA Top Fuel world champions, while all eight participants have Top Fuel victories. Final 2026 NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout Field 1. Doug Kalitta 2. Shawn Langdon 3. Justin Ashley 4. Tony Stewart 5. Clay Millican 6. Shawn Reed 7. Antron Brown 8. Josh Hart The 2025 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals featured wins by Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Chad Green (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle). This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1. This year promises to be one of the biggest races in Gatornationals history. Along with a full slate of racing, fans can expect a multitude of events to celebrate the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals and NHRA’s 75th anniversary, including: Appearances from a host of NHRA legends during the event, including Kenny Bernstein, Don Garlits, Joe Amato, Don Prudhomme, Shirley Muldowney, Darrell Gwynn and Bob Frey. A celebration of Bernstein’s historic 300-mph run from 1992. A free, limited-edition NHRA 2026 season poster to the first 6,500 fans in attendance on Sunday. A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and a 75th anniversary stage in Nitro Alley. Race winners will get the special NHRA 75th anniversary Diamond Wally, along with the Gatornationals traditional Golden Gator trophy. This year, fans will see a host of major stars, including Kalitta, Stewart, Hart, who joined John Force Racing, and the return of star driver Leah Pruett. In Funny Car, the stars include back-to-back world champ Austin Prock, Capps, Matt Hagan, Jack Beckman and new John Force Racing driver Jordan Vandergriff, while Pro Stock features champ Glenn, Anderson, Erica Enders, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Aaron Stanfield. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Gaige Herrera is after a fourth straight Gatornationals win, while Richard Gadson begins his title defense against the likes of Matt Smith, Angie Smith and Chase Van Sant. To purchase tickets to the 2026 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, including upgraded experiences in the Gainesville Top Eliminator Club, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. This story was originally published on January 28, 2026. The post Top Fuel All-Star Callout Returns to Open NHRA’s 75th Anniversary Season at Gainesville first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Daniel Wilkerson and SCAG Racing are excited to welcome back Summit Racing Equipment as an associate sponsor of the SCAG Power Equipment Funny Car for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. A longtime supporter of Wilkerson, Summit Racing Equipment has played an integral role throughout his career, supplying key components essential to the performance and safety of a Nitro Funny Car — from driver safety equipment to critical performance parts. “Twenty years ago, when I got my Super Comp license, there was a Summit Racing Equipment decal on my car,” said Wilkerson. “They have supported me throughout my entire career, so I am very excited to get to extend our relationship through 2026.” Summit Racing Equipment branding will be featured on Wilkerson’s Funny Car throughout the year, beginning with the NHRA Gatornationals, March 6–8, in Gainesville, Florida, where the 2026 season officially gets underway. This story was originally published on January 28, 2026. The post Summit Racing Equipment Continues Partnership With Daniel Wilkerson For 2026 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Nissan has been working hard to reinforce its reputation for making some of the most reliable cars on the road, even as the brand deals with recent hiccups like its random opening doors recall and reports of exploding rear windshields. In a recent press release, we have a new behind-the-scenes look at the 2026 Nissan Frontier’s V6 engine testing process, which helps explain where Nissan continues to invest serious effort. According to the automaker, the goal is simple: expose potential weaknesses long before customers ever turn the key. How Nissan Stress Tests the Frontier V6 Nissan USA Nissan USA Nissan USA At Nissan’s Decherd Powertrain Assembly Plant in Tennessee, quality teams regularly pull random engines straight from the production line for validation. These engines are mounted to dynamometers, allowing engineers to run them under controlled conditions that simulate extreme use. Loads, engine speeds, and operating scenarios are pushed far beyond what most owners will ever experience. Quality assurance manager Brandon McClain says each tested engine is fully torn down afterward and inspected component by component. If something looks off, Nissan can trace it back to a specific stage in production and address it before it becomes a widespread issue. Simulating 130,000 Miles of Abuse Nissan USA Nissan USA Nissan USA Some of the most intense testing cycles run for as long as 300 hours. Dyno engineer Tyler Banks explains that these tests replicate the strain an engine would see over roughly 130,000 miles of real-world driving. During the process, oil and coolant temperatures are repeatedly pushed beyond normal operating limits while the engine runs at high load and near redline. The result is an environment far harsher than daily driving, even when towing heavy loads in extreme heat. Nissan says that if the Frontier’s 3.8-liter V6 can survive this kind of punishment, it should have little trouble handling the demands of midsize truck buyers. Rigorous trucks like these set it apart from rivals like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Ford Ranger. Notably, even these competitors, especially Ford, have not been immune to their own recalls. Does the Frontier’s Testing Really Pay Off? Nissan Nissan USA Nissan USA Electronic gremlins aside, it seems that Nissan is leading the pickup pack when it comes to durability nowadays. After dyno testing, engines are either approved or flagged for deeper investigation. Nissan also relies on advanced X-ray scanning to inspect engine blocks for defects as small as 1.2 millimeters without destroying parts. Banks offers one piece of advice for owners hoping to match that durability in the real world: follow the maintenance schedule and change the oil. That's all. While America is still missing out on the first plug-in hybrid Nissan Frontier, the V6's rigorous testing suggests the brand is still taking long-term reliability seriously where it counts most. View the full article

In the 20-plus seasons that Piedmont Dragway’s Big Dog Shootout has been held on the first Thursday night of the month, many names have risen to the top, catapulting them to bigger events on a much bigger stage. One name that comes to mind is Travis Harvey winning his very first time in NHRA Pro Mod, the result of the success of the “Carolina Kid” at Piedmont Dragway. Another name is, of course, Jason Harris, who found himself in the thick of possibly winning a cool $1,000,000 in the largest Pro Mod event in the known universe, during the three-event Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service held at the epic facility in Florida, Bradenton Motorsports Park. Any one that knows anything about fast door car racing has at least heard of Todd Tutterow, but most of us living in the Carolinas know the extent of the impact that the Tutterow family has had on the racing world. Competing and tuning from North Carolina to as far away as Qatar, the family name fills the record books and has filled their shop with not only their own cars, but awards and trophies for customers from all over the U.S. and beyond. Ty and Todd Tutterow But the 2025 season would be a two-horse race with another gentleman who has centainly paid his dues at the “DoorSlammer Capital of the World” in Scott Lang. For the past two seasons, Lang has become proficient driving the ex-Randy Weatherford Camaro, with Pro Line power, to success in PDRA and this season, Big Dog. Let’s look at the season in review to help understand how dominant these two were. April was won by Lang, as was August. Tutterow responded with wins in May and October. Keep in mind that during the season, a total of 19 different drivers competed to win the porcelain dog that is the coveted Big Dog trophy. Details for the year are as follows: April was won by Scott Lang with runner-up going to Travis Harvey. This set up May for Tutterow to defeat Mike Decker Jr. Thus, we have one and one. June was the victim of rain and there was no race in July. August began the run to the finish of the year with Lang winning over a very competitive Zach Houser. September brought another runner-up to Harvey with Tutterow winning. Now the final in October. Some numbers first. There were 19 cars that took a time to compete in the Shootout resulting in Mike Decker Jr. third in points. Fourth went to Dale Brinsfield and fifth went to Harvey, lower in points, no doubt, after missing the May event. And finally, the October race with Lang and Tutterow totaling 144 points each as the finals were lining up. The only way a winner would be determined is if someone could win AND set an E.T. record in the process. That would give someone an additional 3 points and the title. The scoreboard told the story with “Cuda Time” setting a new track record at 3.600 and the title. So, for the second year in a row, “Cuda Time” wins the Big Dog Shootout, last year with owner Barry Mitchell driving, and for the 2025 season, “King Tut,” Todd Tutterow. Also crowned were two other points champions with Tanner Miller dominating the Outlaw Door Slammer eliminator, winning by a huge margin over Chris Smith and TG Paschal. It should come as no surprise that the winner of the 7.49 Rico’s Real Street was Melvin Watlington, again. His margin was close, however, by only 2 points over Mark Dudley Jr. Congratulations to both. As most are aware, Piedmont Dragway has been sold to the IHRA and Darryl Cuttell. Progress is being made as this is written, and results are already evident. Walls are down and a new track surface is being planned that will make the surface a minimum of 3,000 feet in length and also will be raised about a foot for drainage. To fans and competitors alike, hang on. The new Piedmont Dragway is on the way and the “DoorSlammer Capital of the World” will be ready to make more history. This story was originally published on January 28, 2026. The post The Legend of Todd Tutterow Continues With 2025 Big Dog Shootout Title first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Skipping the FaceliftThe second-generation Hyundai Kona only launched in 2023, so it’s still new by most standards. Normally, Hyundai would give it a mild facelift halfway through its run – just enough styling tweaks and tech updates to keep buyers interested. But a prototype spotted in Korea hints that Hyundai is taking a different route. Instead of the usual mid-cycle update, they seem to be working on a full next-generation Kona, complete with an SX3 marker. That’s pretty important as the current model is SX2, and Hyundai rarely jumps code numbers unless there’s a big change coming. This suggests Hyundai might skip the usual facelift and go straight for a full redesign. What stands out is how the prototype was largely influenced by the Crater Concept – a design study that once seemed out of reach for a production car. Now, it looks like those bold ideas are making their way into the next Kona sooner than anyone expected. Inspired by the Crater ConceptEven with the heavy camouflage, the SX3 prototype already looks different from the current Kona’s rounded, playful shape. The front now gets a clamshell hood, tighter panel gaps, and a wider look overall. It sits lower and feels more planted than the outgoing model. While the prototype hides some details, expect a full-width horizontal DRL across the nose, using pixel-style LEDs like the Crater Concept. The main headlights sit lower in the bumper, matching the look of Hyundai’s bigger SUVs. Down the sides, the thick black cladding is gone, replaced by sculpted, body-colored fenders. The window line is sharper, the roof more angular, and the prototype looks taller than the current Kona. At the back, most details are still covered, but the proportion speaks for itself. There’s a roof spoiler, a wide tailgate, and a lower bumper that makes the car look wider. The new Kona is clearly aiming for a more confident stance this time around, moving away from the quirky style of the past. Shorts Car/YouTube View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article When Will It Be Revealed?Inside, the biggest change will be Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect infotainment system, also expected in the next-gen Tucson. It looks like the dashboard will be completely redesigned to fit a large, unified display, but we still expect physical buttons as Hyundai promised. The Crater Concept’s influence shows up inside, too, with horizontal lines and stripe patterns on the doors and seats. The bridge-style center console and storage are still there, but don’t expect a big jump in rear-seat space. Early info points to the same wheelbase, so design and tech take priority over making the car bigger. As for timing, this next-generation Kona could arrive around 2027, lining up neatly for the 2028 model year. That would put it roughly five years after the current model’s global debut. Gabriel Ionica View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

In Philadelphia, where the iconic 'Rocky' steps are located, a UTV driver used the massive snowstorm last week to recreate the iconic scene. We're not sure if it was 100% legal. View the full article

Funny Cars! We love funny cars around here, and if you don’t it kind of makes you weird to be honest. They are some of the most extreme drag cars on the planet and over the years they have changed dramatically in both looks and peformance. The video below shows some fun 1972 and 1973 Funny Car action from a few locations, and is really fun to watch. If you like Nostalgia Drag Racing, and specifically Nostalgia Funny Cars, then this is going to be a video for you. These cars are the real deal, and were the most modern machines of their time. Now they make us wax nostalgic about the good old days and we love them for it. Check it out. The post Vintage Funny Car Video: Check Out This Cool 1972 and 1973 Funny Car Action Video – Before They Were Nostalgia Cars! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It’s tool test time and this time it is cordless screwdrivers that are going to battle it out for science. These are not high powered impact drivers, or drill drivers, but rather the around the house and more precise assembly type of tools that help round out a simple tool kit. What’s interesting about this testing video is that the Amazon Basics brand, which has been the standout leader in the category, is proving hard to beat without spending real money on name brands like DeWalt and Milwaukee. So can either of those beat the Amazon Basics? Or will another new test subject come in and surprise the field? Check out the video below to find out! Video Description: Torque Test Channel Interactive Leader Board Rank Chart (1 Time Purchase, Live Updated for Life) $15.00 CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE RANKING OF EVERY TOOL EVER TESTED BY TORQUE TEST CHANNEL What does it take to beat the Amazon Basics screwdriver? We buy the new DeWALT and Milwaukee M4 to try and find out, along with a few other models yet to take on the gauntlet. This $24 tool is harder to unseat than you might think! We do not accept any tools shown on the channel from any brand, nor do we take any sponsorships, partnerships, discounts, product placement deals, pre-market brand samples, money, items or compensation of any kind from brands, tool makers or otherwise in the planning or creation of these videos. ~We may earn from qualifying purchases via the links above~ As always, the creator of this channel is also working in product development for Astro Tools. Always consider multiple sources when looking at a tool! The post Tool Testing: Beating The AMAZON BASICS Cordless Screwdriver took buying New DeWALT, M4 Milwaukee, and More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing needs no introduction. It’s one of the great V8-powered sports sedans on sale today, combining neck-snapping speed with superb handling. It also represents the last of the great old-school sports sedans to combine rear-wheel drive, a V8, and a manual gearbox. For fans of the hot Caddy, a new Deep Ocean Package has been introduced in limited numbers. Although it doesn’t add more power, it gives the sedan an even more alluring look and feel, but it all comes at an eye-watering price. A Menacing Look For Cadillac’s Best Sedan C The Deep Ocean Package costs an incredible $26,995, according to GM Authority, which is more than you’ll pay for a new Chevrolet Trailblazer crossover. Although official images of the package haven’t been released yet, it does sound like a rather enticing upgrade for the sedan. Besides Deep Ocean paint, it gets the following upgrades: Black mirror capsGloss Black Cadillac and model nameplatesBlack lug nuts19-inch forged alloys in Satin GraphiteCarbon Fiber 1 and Carbon Fiber 2 packagesHigh-performance semi-aniline leather seats with carbon fiber backsSantorini Blue seat beltsBlue-painted brake calipersProduction of Blackwings with the package will only begin in March, so it doesn’t currently show up on Cadillac’s configurator. The Carbon Fiber packs mentioned above are currently available separately, though. The first one costs $5,750, adding carbon fiber items like a front splitter and rear extra aero spoiler. The second Carbon Fiber pack includes a grille header, rocker moldings, a rear valance diffuser, and more—all finished in the lightweight material. The cheapest CT5-V Blackwing already costs $98,900, so the Deep Ocean Package increases its price to $125,895. That’s more than BMW charges for a new M5, which starts at $123,300. The BMW’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is more powerful (717 horsepower to the Blackwing’s 668 hp), but it’s also far heavier and doesn’t come with a manual. Only 200 units of the Deep Ocean Package are available, so we expect these to be snapped up quickly when they're officially available for sale. Related: Inside the Factory Where Cadillac Builds the Last Manual V8 Sport Sedan Cadillac Pushes Deeper Into Luxury Territory Cadillac The $26,995 package is the kind of attention-grabbing option we’re more accustomed to seeing from Porsche, where money is often no object. But it’s just another example of Cadillac pushing deeper into ultra-luxury, exotic territory with the models and experiences available to its clientele. As an example of this, the brand introduced the Curated by Cadillac personalization program for the CT5-V Blackwing last year, offering a level of bespoke customization typically reserved for the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Speaking of those brands, Cadillac already has an ultra-luxury model to challenge them in the form of the majestic Celestiq—and it has a price tag to match. Cadillac has also electrified its largest SUV, the Escalade, with the Escalade IQ and IQL. The latter costs well over $150,000 when fully specified. The American brand is clearly on a mission to challenge the industry’s best and recapture the magic of its heyday. View the full article