reporter

Finnegan’s Caddy is one of the more talked about projects from the Finnegan’s Garage channel, and is also one of the projects he’s most looking forward to. The plan is for this thing to run 8’s and be able to haul him and three buddies in it for a drag and drive event. I think it’s a great project, and it’s going to be a real head turner. I can’t wait to go for a ride. But as you know, this project has run into all kinds of delays and snags over the years so sometimes it is little things that make a huge impact. To be getting some big stuff done in this one has got to have Mikey feeling like a million bucks. With more cage, custom seats, and more, this project is moving along! Video Description: MY new muscle car sweepstakes is a 1985 Buick Regal T-Type, a super clean turbocharged G-Body car that I know you’ll love. We are also giving away awesome B&P Manufacturing Liberator aluminum hand trucks and autographed FSM swag packs. You can get info on how to enter the contest for free and support the channel here: https://www.fsmgarage.com You wanna learn how to bend tubing and weld it into a roll cage or custom mounts for new seats? I’ll teach ya all about that stuff in this episode of Finnegan’s Garage. Using a hydraulic bender and my trusty Miller Welders Dynasty 400 I made big fabrication progress on my next drag and drive project, my 1961 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. Want more info on the LaJoie seat I’m using? Go here: https://www.thejoieofseating.com Want more info on the Centurial tubing profile gauges I used? Go here: https://www.centurialinc.com Want more info on the Miller Dynasty 400 TIG machine I use? Go here: https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment… Want more info on the Fein Versamag vise? Go here: https://fein.com/en_us/tools/fein-ver… The post Finnegan’s Body-Dropped 1961 Caddy Coupe DeVille Got Custom Seats and More Rollcage Bars! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

This could be yours! Mortske sells most of the cars and trucks he finds and features on the channel, which is good news for you because you get to see, and hear, what he thinks about these rides as he’s working on them. This 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T is a pretty cool looking muscle car, that’s for sure. It’s a real deal R/T, and although it doesn’t have the original 440 and 727 combo, it does have A 440/727 combo. This car is faded as can be, but it’s there and straighter than you might think. Check it out! Video Description: While looking at some other parts I stumbled across a 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T and asked if it was for sale. Sure enough the previous owner had passed and his son was ready to part with it so a deal was struck up. Now that we’ve got it back to the shop lets see what we’ve got and attempt to get it driving for the first time in 30 plus years! If you’d like to own this car in the as shown condition it is available for $10,000. As always, thanks for watching! The post Is This The Best Junkyard Find Ever? Mortske Says He’s Never Found One Better! Let’s See If This Thing Will Run. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Dakar Rally 2026 is on! The worlds longest, toughest, and most infamous off-road race has started and we couldn’t be more excited! Famous racers and teams, well known for their prowess in the sand and on Dakar in general, have already been struggling which is just more proof of how gnarly this race really is. There are a lot of new cars and new teams mixed in with proven cars and older teams, but it’s the little things that matter at Dakar. If you don’t take care of your equipment, and keep your teams and people healthy, then you’ll never finish and if you don’t finish you can’t win. This race goes all over Saudi Arabia and will subject drivers and riders to all kinds of sand terrain and more. But the sand is what swallows teams. It’s the most fierce of the challenges. Will 2026 prove to be even tougher than last year? Would you run at Dakar if given the chance? Let us know in the comments section below. The post Dakar Rally 2026 Coverage: Prologue And Stage 1 Racing Action From The World’s Biggest And Baddest Off-Road Rally appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship was a great one, with lots of door to door racing action all over the country. The racing was hot and heavy, but Mercedes was once again able to take the season championship. They are aiming for a 3rd in a row in 2026, but nobody else on the grid is going to cut them any slack as they all fight for the win. The 2026 season starts at Daytona in less than two weeks! In the video below they review the 2025 season and talk about what is in store for the 2026 season as well. Video Description: Ahead of the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, Leigh Diffey, Brian Till, and Calvin Fish look back at a thrilling 2025 season before diving into who can take down Mercedes-AMG as it aims for a third consecutive IMSA championship title, which teams are primed to reset, relevant team and driver changes, and much more. #NBCSports #IMSA #MotorsportsOnNBC The post IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 2026 Preview Special Video: Road Racing Greatness Going Down! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

In 2025, with more information available to us than ever in history, it has become harder and harder to differentiate good information from bad. The truth is that most of it is our own fault because for some reason, in 2025, we have decided that believing experts is so 2019 and instead we’ll trust some random dude on Facebook. Lake Speed Jr, the Motor Oil Geek, is no random dude on Facebook. He’s developed some of the top performing oils in our industry, is more knowledgeable on what is going on inside internal combustion engines than most people will ever know. Plus he’s a hell of a nice guy, who wants to share his knowledge with the world. So pay attention folks, as he helps you figure out what to believe and what not to believe. CLICK HERE FOR MORE MOTOR OIL GEEK VIDEOS Video Description: Another AI generated video claiming 5W-30 motor oil provides 40% better wear protection than 0W-20 has gone viral recently, but the video failed to show the evidence to support this claim. Let’s fact check three important claims from this video to see if this is content you can trust. Who is the @themotoroilgeek ? I’m a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Certified Lubrication Specialist and Oil Monitoring Analyst (I’ve maintained both of those for over a decade). I also worked for Joe Gibbs Racing for 12 years as their lubricant specialist. During that time, we worked with Wix Filters (one of our sponsors) to test and develop filters for our race engines. We also worked with Lubrizol and Chevron-Phillips Chemical to test and develop oils for our race cars. Following that, I was the head of R&D for Driven Racing Oil. During that time, I formulated and tested over 50 products. We also worked with Cummins, Comp Cams, Oak Ridge National Labs and General Motors on various R&D products. Those efforts are recorded in peer reviewed white papers published by SAE International and ACS Sustainable Chemistry journals. I also own and operate SPEEDiagnostix, which provides used oil analysis. #oilchange #motoroil #engine #syntheticoil #oilanalysis #0W20 #5w30 The post More Ai Lies? The FACTS about 0W-20 vs 5W-30 With Actual Evidence! Social Media Claims Are Worthless! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Can these turned up street trucks make it down the track without pitching their drivetrains on the ground? I’m always curious as to how capable these turned up modern trucks really are when it comes to putting in work. I mean I know that some of them pull trailers, but pulling a sled on the truck and tractor pull track is a whole different thing and can be really hard on transmissions, axles, differentials, and steering parts. Let’s see how they fair! The post Truck Pulling 2025! Wild Unlimited Street Diesel Trucks! Randolph, OH DMF-Cancer Benefit Pull. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

ASBK 2026 DesmoSport Ducati Three riders will race in the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) for Desmosport Ducati in 2026, with Olly Simpson and Anthony West joining Kiwi Luca Durning at the traditional season-opener alongside the WorldSBK championship at Phillip Island on February 20-22. DesmoSport Ducati Team Owner – Ben Henry “We’ve had Senna Agius back […] The post Anthony West joins DesmoSport Ducati for 2026 ASBK assault appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

MotoGP Crash Data The FIM has released its Final Falls Report for the 2025 MotoGP World Championship, providing a comprehensive breakdown of crashes across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 by session, circuit and rider. Across all three classes, 965 falls were recorded during the 2025 season, a reduction compared to several recent peak years and broadly […] The post 2025 MotoGP crash data by rider, class, circuit and turn… appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Tesla opened its long-hyped diner in Los Angeles in July 2025. It was meant to showcase a new vision for EV charging. Rather than a basic restaurant attached to a Supercharger station, it was pitched as a retro-futuristic destination blending Americana, EV culture, and Elon Musk’s flair for spectacle – finally, you'd look forward to charging your Model Y. Six months later, that promise feels largely unfulfilled. The crowds have disappeared, the novelty has worn off, and what was framed as a bold lifestyle experiment now looks like a dystopian concept. From Viral Attraction to Quiet Pit Stop X @Tesla At launch, the Tesla Diner thrived on spectacle. Long queues wrapped around the block, and social media buzzed with photos from fans and curious first-timers. It was sold as an experience first and a restaurant second, packed with Tesla branding. For a brief moment, it worked. But by early 2026, the tone had changed. Recent visitors online describe a mostly empty parking lot and more staff than customers. Several novelty menu items have quietly vanished, and the project lost another layer of credibility when celebrity chef Eric Greenspan exited late November of 2025. What remains is a clean, well-maintained space that serves unbelievably overpriced products – much like an actual Tesla showroom. The timing of the diner's downfall is unfortunate. Tesla is navigating a turbulent period, with BYD overtaking it as the world’s top EV seller and U.S. sales falling to a four-year low in November. Reviews Tell a Very Different Story Now X @Tesla The Tesla Diner’s seemingly healthy 3.9-star Google rating, based on 994 reviews, hides a shift in sentiment. Early feedback leaned heavily positive, driven by hype and novelty. More recent reviews tell a different story. Common complaints include slow service, high prices, limited parking for non-Tesla owners, and a lack of anything that genuinely feels futuristic. One particularly blunt Google review by user muhammad khan from 2026 summed up the shift in sentiment, describing the visit as a “huge disappointment” with slow service, outrageous pricing, and described the robots as "Wall-E from Wish.com." A Branding Exercise That Forgot the Basics X @Tesla The Tesla Diner was always more about branding than food. That alone is not a problem. The issue is execution. Once the buzz faded, the diner needed to stand on its own, and it struggles to do so. It is not affordable enough to compete with classic diners, not constantly innovative enough to justify its promises, and not welcoming enough for visitors outside the Tesla ecosystem. That challenge is amplified by Musk’s increasingly polarizing public image. He was once a near-universal tech darling, but became unpopular among broad segments of the public – that sentiment inevitably spilled over into Tesla-branded spaces. Combined with lawsuits tied to fatal Model X crashes and regulatory pushback, including bans on retractable door handles in China, the diner’s struggles feel less isolated. Musk once envisioned Tesla diners spreading to major cities worldwide. Judging by his silence surrounding the Los Angeles location, that dream has gone to bed. The Tesla Diner had serious potential, but even the most powerful brand in tech cannot rely on hype forever. View the full article

Trends and tradition are two major themes of what we do around here at Bike EXIF. We’re always watching out for the next hottest thing making waves, but at the same time, the motorcycling hobby has an intense reverence for its past. It’s all about bowing your head to where we’ve been, while imaginin... View the full article

Tesla, Chevrolet, Ford, and Hyundai dominate the EV conversation in the US, yet they all rely on lithium-ion battery technology that's more than three decades old. The industry knows its limits, which is why the race to crack solid-state batteries has become so intense, with Toyota aiming to launch the world’s first solid-state EVs by 2027. China, however, is moving on a different timeline and with a different strategy. The real story is not simply about building a better battery, but about who gets to set the rules. By introducing the world’s first national standard for solid-state EV batteries, China is positioning itself to define how this next-generation technology is classified, validated, and ultimately commercialized. Redefining the Groundwork for Solid-State Batteries Toyota At the center of this shift is a draft national standard titled Solid-State Battery for Electric Vehicle – Part 1: Terms and Classification, released by China’s National Automotive Standardization Technical Committee and opened for public comment. The document establishes clear definitions for battery types based on how ions move inside the cell, separating them into liquid, hybrid solid-liquid, and fully solid-state designs. In the process, it removes the loosely used “semi-solid-state” label that has muddied the waters. The standard also raises the technical bar. To qualify as solid-state, a battery must not exceed a 0.5 percent weight loss rate under vacuum drying conditions, a stricter threshold than earlier industry guidelines. The intent is clear: distinguish genuinely solid designs from transitional chemistries that still rely on liquid electrolytes. This matters as solid-state claims expand beyond commuter cars, considering Rimac is developing a solid-state battery for a future Bugatti. Why The Rules Matter More Than The Products BYD Solid-state batteries are often framed as the solution to EV concerns that led to a significant decrease in EV sentiment in 2025. While the technology promises improvements in energy density, safety, and longevity, commercialization has lagged partly due to the absence of shared definitions and standards. China’s approach addresses that gap directly. According to STCN, this document is only the first of four planned standards, with performance, safety, and lifespan requirements already in development alongside a dedicated specification for solid electrolytes. Together, they are designed to move solid-state batteries from laboratory projects to scalable industrial products with fewer gray areas across the supply chain. What This Means for the Global EV Race Mercedes-Benz China’s timing is no accident. The country is on track to become the world’s largest car seller, while BYD has already overtaken Tesla as the top global EV brand. Battery leaders like CATL and BYD, which together supply more than half of the world’s EV batteries, are targeting limited solid-state production around 2027, with broader deployment expected later in the decade. For the rest of the world, this means that solid-state batteries are about to flood showrooms. As automakers worldwide race toward next-generation batteries, China will define what “solid-state” actually means to shape the market long before the first mass-produced cells arrive. View the full article

The Subaru Legacy: Why it’s ImportantIf there’s one model that brought Subaru to the modern age, it’s the original Legacy. Launched in 1989, it’s officially been retired for the 2026 model year, so we thought it would be a good time to revisit it. The car was designed to take on the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in sales, and the Mitsubishi Galant in motorsports. It was Gunma's first true midsize sedan, and was worlds away from the brand’s previous efforts. The first-generation Subaru Legacy is memorable for a number of reasons. Of course, the most important is its significance to the company, but its exploits in rallying would mark the beginning of the brand's longtime association with that specific motorsport discipline. Subaru The Touring BruceOf course, the Legacy is known for all those things in its home market of Japan. But another thing that made it memorable there was a series of ad campaigns that have likely been ingrained in JDM car culture. We are, of course, talking about the Bruce Willis era. Willis appeared in the Japanese-market Legacy's promotional materials from 1991 to 1993 from print ads, brochures, and TV commercials. Call it odd, but it reflected Subaru's mood at the time with its bolder and more daring direction, at least for the Japanese market. Perhaps as a thank you to the actor's services for the company, Subaru introduced the Legacy Touring Bruce in 1993. Admittedly, there's not much info about it, although it might have been a run-out special for the first-generation model's final model year. That year also coincides with Fuji Heavy Industries' 40th anniversary. Mind you, this wouldn't be the last time Subaru and Willis would work together. The two reunited again in 2005 when the Legacy celebrated three million cumulative sales since its introduction in 1989. Sadly, no Touring Bruce edition was made for the fourth-generation model. Subaru The Legacy of the First LegacyOf course, having a celebrity endorser wasn't the only reason why the first-generation Legacy became successful. Beyond the advancements and the motorsports entries, it helped that it was a genuinely good car despite the stiff competition at the time. Remember, the midsize sedan market was one of the hotly contested segments at the time. Oh, how times have changed. The Legacy's end of production in 2025 and subsequent discontinuation in 2026 mark the end of an era for Subaru. While it never really challenged the Accord and Camry in terms of volume, the Legacy was still a success in its own right. It's the car that changed the course of the brand, and, let's be honest, gave it more financial security. It can be said that its early success inspired the company to push for models like the Impreza, Outback, and Forester, further boosting its sales and product portfolio. Without the Legacy, Subaru might look like a totally different automaker today. Subaru Subaru View the 14 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Chevrolet vehicles are no strangers to Bring a Trailer. Most of the time, they show up as a Camaro, Corvette, or the occasional classic pickup or SUV. That’s why seeing a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD on the auction block feels slightly out of place. On a site known for sports cars, nostalgia pieces, and weekend toys, this flatbed stands out as a near-new, no-nonsense work truck being auctioned alongside multi-million-dollar collectibles. With just 6,000 miles on the clock, it’s essentially a normal Chevrolet Silverado built to take just about anything, anywhere. Ready-to-Haul Setup Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer This Silverado 4500HD Crew Cab is based on a dually chassis-cab platform and comes fitted with a Hillsboro Industries hybrid steel and aluminum flatbed. The setup includes diamond-plate surfaces, tie-down rails, a headache rack, aluminum side boxes, and a receiver hitch. There’s also an RDS aluminum fuel transfer tank with a Fill-Rite 12-volt pump and nozzle, turning it into a genuinely self-sufficient work rig. Power comes from GM’s 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8, rated at 350 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Allison six-speed automatic transmission. A dual-range transfer case, locking rear differential, and factory exhaust brake round out the drivetrain. In proper configuration, the Silverado 4500HD is rated to tow up to 37,000 pounds – more than triple that of a Ford F-150 Lariat Powerboost. A Familiar Silverado Cabin, by Design Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer Despite being a 2024 model, the Silverado 4500HD shares much of its interior design with the decade-old Silverado. While that may raise eyebrows for some, buyers shopping in this segment often prefer proven, simpler tech that’s easier to live with and easier to fix. This example still offers plenty of comfort, with black Katzkin leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, red seat belts, air conditioning, and some tech like cruise control and an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity. A Rare Kind of Listing on Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer At the time of writing, bidding sits at $54,500. While the original window sticker isn’t included, the 2024 Silverado 4500HD carried a starting MSRP of $59,535 before factoring in the flatbed, fuel system, and other upgrades. Given its low mileage and fully-built setup, this is a rare case of a heavy-duty truck that's practical, fairly priced, and ready to work the moment the auction ends. View the full article

The Tonale You Can Buy TodayThe Alfa Romeo Tonale just got a solid update for 2026. The styling is sharper, the cabin feels more polished, and the lineup is easier to understand. It comes across as more self-assured than before, and true to Alfa form, it brings more personality than most compact premium SUVs. There’s still a limit, though. For 2026, the Tonale only comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, matched to a nine-speed automatic and standard Q4 all-wheel drive. It’s a good setup and definitely an improvement over earlier versions, but if you were hoping for something that matches the Quadrifoglio experience from the Giulia or Stelvio, you’re out of luck. That gap may finally be addressed with the next-generation Tonale. According to reports out of Italy, the compact Alfa SUV is lining up for a much more ambitious role in the brand’s portfolio, one that includes a full-fat Quadrifoglio variant with significantly more power than anything the Tonale has offered so far. Stellantis Rumors From ItalyAccording to Club Alfa, the next-generation Tonale is already taking shape behind the scenes. The new model is expected to ride on Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform, which would allow it to grow noticeably in size. Overall length could reach around 181 inches, putting it closer to today’s Stelvio in footprint and presence. The big news is the rumored Quadrifoglio version. Club Alfa says Alfa Romeo could use a Stellantis plug-in hybrid system based on a 1.6-liter turbo engine. In other cars, this setup already makes about 360 hp, and with some upgrades to both the engine and electric motor, total output could go past 400 hp. That would be a jump of more than 100 hp over the current Tonale and would finally give Alfa a compact SUV with the kind of straight-line speed the badge deserves. Early estimates put 0-62 mph at about 5 seconds, with top speed limited to around 155 mph. Stellantis Treat This With a Pinch of Salt For NowTiming-wise, the next-generation Tonale should debut near the end of 2027, with production at Alfa Romeo’s Melfi plant likely starting late that year or early 2028. The name isn’t set in stone either. It could still be called Tonale, but some reports say it might get a new name and run alongside the current model for a while. Expect the styling to move toward a sleeker, more athletic look that matches Alfa Romeo’s updated lineup. We should get a clearer picture by the middle of this year, when Alfa is set to share more about its future plans. For now, this is all still rumor. As tempting as a 400-hp Tonale Quadrifoglio sounds, nothing is official yet, so take it with a healthy dose of salt. Still, if you’re planning to shop for a premium small SUV in a few years, Alfa Romeo is one to keep an eye on. Stellantis View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

What NHTSA Data ShowsThe numbers are in for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2025 recall list. While the data highlights which automakers recalled the most vehicles last year, it doesn’t always tell the full story. In many cases, safety campaigns stem from supplier-related issues rather than defects unique to a specific model or brand. Even so, recall data can still serve as a useful reference for consumers seeking to avoid vehicles that may be subject to frequent corrective actions. Tenth on the list is Volkswagen, which recalled 663,663 vehicles. Two of its largest safety campaigns involved a loose engine cover that could melt on the Atlas, as well as a distorted rearview camera issue that violated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111. Next is Tesla, with a total recall population of 745,075 units. Despite landing on the list, the EV maker showed improvement compared to 2024, when it recalled more than five million vehicles. Its biggest safety campaign last year affected over 370,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, though the fix was delivered over the air (OTA), sparing owners a visit to the dealer. Volkswagen View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Middle of the RankingsEighth place goes to Nissan, which recalled 874,265 vehicles. The most serious issue involved more than 440,000 Rogue and Altima models, along with Infiniti QX50 and QX55 vehicles, that were at risk of engine failure due to manufacturing defects. Kia followed in seventh, recalling 982,346 vehicles; its largest single 2025 campaign included about 250,000 K5 sedans (2021–2024) for a fuel tank fire risk. Just shy of the one-million mark is General Motors, with 998,260 recalled vehicles. One of its most notable defects involved the L87 V8 engine, which was also linked to multiple lawsuits. According to recall documents, affected models – including the Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; Cadillac Escalade; and GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL – may have been built with defective connecting rod and/or crankshaft components. The first automaker to exceed one million recalled vehicles is Hyundai, with 1,078,212 units. Roughly half came from 2020–2025 Palisade SUVs equipped with seat belt buckles that may fail to latch. Honda followed with 1,560,813 recalled vehicles. One major contributor was an accessory-related issue involving 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels sold for the 2016–2021 Civic that could detach from the vehicle. General Motors View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Heavy Hitters of the ListAmong the top three, Stellantis ranked third after recalling 2,776,952 vehicles. The 4xe plug-in hybrid system was flagged several times, including a safety campaign affecting Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe models over a potential high-voltage battery fire risk. Second place belongs to Toyota, which recalled 3,223,256 vehicles. Notably, the Japanese marque issued just 15 safety campaigns – far fewer than many rivals – meaning each recall covered a larger population. Its biggest campaign affected more than one million vehicles due to a rearview camera defect. Manufacturer Total Potentially Affected Ford Motor Company 12,930,696 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing 3,223,256 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) 2,776,952 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) 1,560,813 Hyundai Motor America 1,078,212 General Motors, LLC 998,260 Kia America, Inc. 982,346 Nissan North America, Inc. 874,265 Tesla, Inc. 745,075 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. 663,663 Topping the list is Ford, which breached the 10-million mark with 12,930,696 recalled vehicles. The Blue Oval and its Lincoln luxury brand also issued a record 153 safety campaigns – the most it has ever released in a single year. CEO Jim Farley has explained that the company added more inspectors and engineers to identify quality issues earlier, even if that leads to more recalls, to protect customers from potentially larger problems down the road. This underscores that a high recall count doesn’t automatically mean an automaker is unreliable. Recall data reflects how issues are identified, reported, and addressed – not just how often they occur. For long-term dependability, consumers may be better served by reliability studies from organizations such as Consumer Reports, which evaluate real-world ownership experiences over time. Jeep View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Korean Brands Performing Well in AmericaHyundai and Kia tend to appear on recall lists, and 2025 was no different, with both brands making the top 10 for recalls that year. But that’s only part of the picture. While those headlines grab attention, they run alongside a bigger story: both brands have been quietly racking up steady, sometimes record-breaking sales. In the months leading up to the end of 2025, Hyundai and Kia were already posting strong month-over-month numbers, quietly stacking records as the year went on. With the full-year figures now confirmed, the outcome feels more like validation than surprise. Kristen Brown Hyundai’s Best Year Keeps Getting BetterHyundai closed out 2025 with its fifth consecutive year of record retail sales and its third straight year of record total sales in the US market. The brand reported total annual sales of 901,686 vehicles, an eight-percent increase over 2024, while retail sales reached 772,712 units, also an all-time high. Much of that growth came from Hyundai’s wide SUV lineup. The Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade each set their own sales records, showing just how well these models fit what buyers want right now. Electrified vehicles also played a bigger role, making up about 30 percent of Hyundai’s retail sales. Hybrids, in particular, saw double-digit growth as more buyers looked for better fuel economy without jumping straight to a full EV. December capped things off with Hyundai’s best-ever sales for that month, a sign that demand stayed strong right up to the end of the year. Looking at the full picture, 2025 didn’t just keep Hyundai’s winning streak alive – it put the brand in an even stronger spot as it heads into 2026. Hyundai View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Kia Hits Another All-Time HighKia’s 2025 results follow a similar pattern, but the headline is even simpler: the brand just had its best sales year ever in the US, moving 852,155 vehicles and breaking past the 800,000 mark for the first time. That’s a seven percent jump over 2024, and it’s the third year in a row Kia has set a new annual sales record. SUVs continued to be the core of Kia’s lineup. The Sportage had the best sales year of any Kia model to date, and both the Telluride and Carnival set new records of their own. Electrified models also gained ground, posting double-digit growth compared to last year. Retail sales climbed for the eighth straight year, giving Kia its highest-ever US market share. At this point, consistency is doing much of the talking. Kia has built a momentum across multiple segments, and 2025 made that increasingly clear. Kia View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Off-Road Expressionist MovementOver the past few years, the off-roading market has seen an increase in the owners' self-expression. From a hobby that used to be biased purely towards function over form, people are now finding ways to show off by looking good and performing well. One of the newest canvas people have been modifying is the new-generation Toyota Land Cruiser 250, also known as the Land Cruiser in the US. Kuhl Racing has shown an interesting build for the Toyota SUV, headed for one of the biggest aftermarket shows of the year. Added Kuhl FactorFresh off its Toyota GR86 off-road build, Kuhl has just announced and unveiled another showstopping Toyota build slated to be showcased at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon this coming January 9-11. Kuhl is known for its extreme build, and this Land Cruiser 250 build is no exception. Dubbed as the "Blocked Iron Build," a combination of some aerodynamic parts and steel guard bumpers, according to Kuhl, it is a hint of sportiness and "three-dimensionality." Centered on the idea of "blocks," steel components have been added all around the LC's body, starting with the front and rear bumpers and bash guards, while the sides feature pipe fenders to accommodate the big rims and tires. There are also subtle touches like a rear wing and a rear gate wing. Lastly, the roof features a cool roof rack with an integrated lightbar. Kuhl says the Iron Block Build is meant to highlight the steel components without being flashy. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Not Just For ShowFurther beefing up the build, the Kuhl Land Cruiser gets an adjustable JAOS suspension kit with spacers that add 3 inches of lift. Its most striking feature, though, is the extremely massive tire-and-rim combination; the mud-terrain tires measure 37 inches, while the rims are 22-inch Kuhl Verz Wheels (finished in a cut-clear color). Adding the suspension, spacers, and rims and tires gives the modified Land Cruiser a total lift of 7 inches. While this Land Cruiser build is set for a show debut, the Iron Build package is not just a concept; it will also be offered for sale. Pricing, however, wasn't disclosed yet. View the full article

Trump Trade War Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Donald Trump spent much of the past decade warning he was ready to set off a global trade war, insisting it would, among other things, help rebuild American manufacturing. When he finally pulled the trigger, the auto industry found itself at ground zero. How things will shake out remains uncertain, trade talks with key trade partners moving far more slowly than the president promised. But, for now, tariffs are adding at least 15% to the wholesale price of most foreign-made vehicles. It’s not just imports that are affected. Tariffs on imported aluminum and steel, as well as foreign-made parts and components, have driven up production costs for virtually all vehicles assembled in the U.S., as well. Related: Why Ford Says Trump's Trade War Actually Helps Japan Trump has impacted the auto industry in a variety of other ways. He’s signed a flurry of executive orders that, among other things, have restricted California’s ability to set unique emissions standards effectively mandating EVs. He’s pulled back federal support for a nationwide charging network and pushed Congress to eliminate EV tax credits. EVs Short Circuit – But Battery Power Isn’t Dead Between 2019 and 2023 EV sales grew almost eightfold and the Biden administration hopes battery-electric vehicles would account for nearly half the U.S. market by early in the coming decade. But the phase-out of those tax credits has effectively short-circuited that plan. After a September surge by buyers hoping to beat the deadline, fourth-quarter sales collapsed. Demand is expected to rebound – at bit - but where all-electric models were once forecast by AutoPacific, Inc. to top 25% by decade’s end, the consulting firm now estimates the figure will come in at barely half that. Related: Automakers Bet on Performance EVs to Revive Slowing Demand More products are in the pipeline but others are being delayed or cancelled. And several current models are being dropped, including the Acura ZDX, Ford F-150 Lightning, Nissan Ariya and Volkswagen ID.Buzz. Proponents still hold out hope that a wave of new, low-cost models - such as the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt, and the Universal EV family Ford will launch in 2027 – could rebuild momentum. Promising new battery technology also could help. And, despite conventional wisdom, public chargers are going in by the many thousands each month. Toyota While EV demand has slowed, other forms of electrification are gaining traction fast. Conventional hybrids are expected to account for 15% of the U.S. market in 2025, double the 2023 share, according to industry data. It helps that today’s HEVs are not only fuel-saving but often the most powerful option available for products like the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrids are becoming more common and new extended-range electric vehicle systems are set to roll out, helping overcome range and charging concerns. Ford plans to bring back its Lightning in E-REV form. AffordabilityAccording to the president, the word, affordability “doesn’t mean anything to anybody.” He’d have a hard time convincing American motorists. As recently as 2015, the average transaction price for a new vehicle – factoring in sticker price, options, and discounts – was $33,500, according to Kelley Blue Book. Currently, it is nudging $50,000, and recent industry announcements make clear the figure will be going up again in the coming months. A variety of factors, including the cost of raw materials, chips and other components catch some of the blame. Then there are those pesky Trump tariffs. Until now, manufacturers have largely swallowed most of those added duties to avoid hurting sales. General Motors estimated this will result in a $5 billion hit to its bottom line this year, the industry overall expected to feel an $80 billion impact. But more of those costs are beginning to be passed on. Porsche, for one, announced a second tariff-related price hike coming this month. America’s K-shaped economy – where there’s a widening gap between rich and poor – means low-end buyers are expected to be hit hardest, especially as manufacturers start paring back on entry models such as the Nissan Versa, the last product in the U.S. market starting under $20,000. Cox Automotive foresees manufacturers continuing to downplay lower-priced segments in favor of more luxurious products generating higher margins as affluent consumers seem more willing to absorb tariff-related price hikes. Shareholder Ready to Reward Musk, Despite Tesla’s Challenges Getty In an industry often run by anonymous executives, Tesla has built its brand on the back of its outspoken CEO Elon Musk. That helped transform the start-up into the world’s leading EV manufacturer. But Musk’s image took a hit when he become an active player in the Trump reelection campaign, subsequently becoming head of the controversial Department of Government Efficiency. Musk demonstrated his strategy when he appeared on stage with a chainsaw – and his team quickly started firing thousands of government workers while claiming a goal of cutting $2 trillion in government “waste.” Related: Tesla’s Chair Just Made a Bold Claim About Elon Musk’s Future Musk has since admitted regretting his role and a number of studies have since, found little, if any, savings were achieved. In some areas, costs actually rose. Worse, at least for Musk and Tesla, the exec’s role triggered a massive global backlash resulting in massive demonstrations – and some vandalism – at Tesla stores. And a sharp slump in sales this past year was, at least partially, due to boycotts. Whatever the reason, Tesla sales plunged by 8% in 2025. As a result, it was toppled from its role as global EV king-of-the-hill by China’s ambitious BYD which saw its own sales jump 28%, even though its products aren’t available in the U.S. market. Not all went wrong for Tesla in 2025. It finally launched its first small fleet of robotaxis in Austin, Texas, this past June, with plans to expand to other markets in the months ahead. It’s also moving ahead with its AI and robotics operations. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images Musk, for all the pushback, still remains wildly popular with investors who went on to approve a board proposal that could generate an eventually $1 trillion payout for the CEO should he meet a series of targets over the coming years. And while some major shareholders voted no – and, in some cases, sold out their stock – Tesla’s stock price ended the year at more than double its $214-a-share low point last April. Nissan Struggles for RedemptionNo major automotive manufacturer has faced the challenges like Nissan in recent years, the automaker still struggling to reverse the crisis touched off by the arrest and ouster of former CEO superstar Carlos Ghosn back in November 2018. For a while, it seemed, the automaker couldn’t catch a break, its reputation in tatters it saw sales and earnings collapse while its C-suite was wracked by one shake-up after another. The year got off to a bad start when a proposed merger with Honda collapsed. Getty Images So, the mood was particularly glum when Ivan Espinosa was named chief executive last April. His first move was to press even further with his predecessor’s cost-cutting effort. Newly dubbed RE:Nissan, it called for the elimination of 15,000 jobs, while the company’s production capacity ultimately will be trimmed by a third. Related: Nissan's Car Guy Boss Wants to Bring the Silvia Back to Life But Espinoza has also acknowledged his company can’t simply cost-cut its way to prosperity, putting more emphasis on introducing desirable new products. Among other things, it will soon revive the old Xterra badge. And it is moving ahead with an updated electrification program using its e-Power technology. Espinoza hopes to see improved financial results but its last quarterly figures, covering April through September saw a net loss 22.9 billion yen, with global sales down 7.3%. Massimo Di Vita/Archivio Massimo Di Vita/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images Nissan isn’t the only big-name manufacturers with an uncertain future. Stellantis entered 2025 without a CEO, the company in the midst of a six-month search to find a replacement for Carlos Tavares who resigned unexpectedly on Dec. 1, 2024. When Antonio Filosa, then COO of the Americas, was named to replace Tavares last spring he moved quickly to shake things up. Among other things, he approved the return of the iconic Hemi V-8 engine for the Ram 1500 pickup. Filosa also radically altered the Stellantis electrification plan. Whether it all pays off could take a few more quarters to prove out. Add to the last Jaguar which, last month, ended production of the F-Pace, its last gas-powered model. The struggling British marque is preparing to become an all-electric manufacturer – despite the problems facing the EV market. It’s expected to launch its first new model, drawing from the controversial Type 00 concept, early in 2027. View the full article

The Factory Powering Toyota’s American SuccessToyota continues to battle Ford for the top spot on the list of best-selling brands in America, and one factor helping sustain that momentum is its massive manufacturing footprint in Georgetown, Kentucky. Thanks to Car Confections, we get a closer look inside the facility, which plays a central role in producing two of Toyota’s best-selling models in the U.S. – the Camry Hybrid and the RAV4 Hybrid. Spanning roughly 1,300 acres and encompassing around nine million square feet of plant space, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) stands as the Japanese marque’s largest factory in the world. Construction on the site began in 1986, and just two years later, the first Camry rolled off the production line. Today, the plant has the capacity to build up to 550,000 vehicles annually, along with more than 600,000 engines. Foundations of Every Camry and RAV4The tour begins in the stamping shop, where raw steel is pressed into shape to form the vehicle’s body panels. From there, the panels move to the welding shop, where a combination of skilled team members and industrial robots joins the components together to create the vehicle’s body structure. Sensors are also used throughout the process to ensure consistency and precision during welding. Car Confections also highlighted one of TMMK’s newest developments: the K-Flex Line. Based on “Line One,” which originally produced the first Camry at the plant, the updated system has been engineered to support multiple vehicle types. The flexible line can accommodate everything from sedans to SUVs, and it has also been designed with future battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in mind. This aligns with previous reports indicating that the plant will produce the two new three-row electric SUVs. Given their size, these future models are expected to compete with vehicles such as the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the Rivian R1S. Car Confections on YouTube Smart Tech Behind the ScenesSeveral other innovations were featured in the tour, including the automated guided vehicles capable of transporting full vehicle bodies and engines throughout the plant via a Wi-Fi-based system. Toyota also highlighted its use of internal data platforms to monitor activity at each workstation, while artificial intelligence is employed to analyze the movement of team members and help develop workflows that are both safer and more efficient. The plant further supports innovation through its on-site Production Engineering and Manufacturing Center (PEMC), where engineers test, refine, and develop new manufacturing technologies before being deployed across the production network. Looking ahead, Toyota plans to reintroduce the Camry to its home market of Japan, with units sourced directly from TMMK. The midsize sedan will be one of three U.S.-built models heading to the Land of the Rising Sun, alongside the Highlander and the Tundra. Car Confections on YouTube View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Relentless Pursuit of Lap TimeFerrari is arguably the most race-oriented automotive brand, having been a constant presence in Formula 1 and competing across multiple series, including the World Endurance Championship (WEC). On the track, gains measured in tenths or even hundredths of a second can prove decisive, and the Italian marque’s latest patent could potentially give its future road cars a measurable advantage in lap times. The patent application outlines a technology described as a “predictive control system for aerodynamic appendages in a road vehicle.” According to the filing, the system relies on predictive algorithms to estimate aerodynamic load demand and forthcoming driving conditions. Ferrari submitted the application (look up no. 20250388276) in June 2025 and was published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in December. USPTO From Reaction to PredictionActive aerodynamic components themselves are nothing new in performance-oriented road cars, with the Porsche 911 GT3 RS widely regarded as one of the benchmarks in this space. What differentiates Ferrari’s patent, however, is not the presence of active aero but the logic behind it. Instead of merely responding to driver actions, the system predicts when and how aerodynamic elements should be deployed ahead of time based on estimated vehicle operation. Under conventional systems, when a driver applies the brakes, active aerodynamic components switch to a high-drag configuration to aid stability and deceleration. These elements also adjust automatically in response to throttle input and steering angle, each triggering a predefined aerodynamic setting. In this sense, most current systems remain largely reactive to driver inputs – whereas Ferrari’s patent proposes an anticipatory approach. USPTO Reimagining a Familiar Aero ToolThe patent does not specify which aerodynamic components would be controlled by the system, although the most common example would be an adjustable rear wing. In low-drag scenarios, the wing can shift to a more streamlined profile to reduce aerodynamic resistance and enable higher top speeds, similar in principle to the drag reduction system (DRS) used in F1. Under braking, the wing can move into a high-drag position, increasing downforce at the rear axle, improving grip, and allowing the car to maintain stability and cornering speed without spinning. While the idea of predicting aerodynamic adjustments in advance is compelling, a patent filing does not guarantee that the technology will ultimately reach production. But if Ferrari chooses to allocate resources toward implementing this system, it could become another track-oriented feature integrated into its road-going models – alongside existing technologies such as the active aero system found in the SF90 Stradale and the extensive weight-saving measures applied to the brand's “Speciale” variants. Ferrari View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The IHRA is launching a pro watercraft racing series with $250,000 in the prize pool, and intends to create meaningful opportunities for pro PWC racers.View the full article

At just 21 years old, Scotty Kruck has already established a reputation as a driver and tuner in the world of small-tire index racing and grudge racing. Rising out of the Jr. Dragster ranks like many racers of his generation, Kruck has emerged as one of the most formidable contenders in the increasingly popular Lil Gangstas class. Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #197, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November/December 2025. Kruck raced Jr. Dragsters until he was 13, at which point he started driving his father’s SS Camaro while his own ’91 Camaro was in the works. He won the first race he entered in his dad’s car, continuing a family tradition that began long before Scotty came along. His maternal grandfather raced, his parents, Billy and Ginger, met at the racetrack, and Scotty was born into the lifestyle. “I kind of had no other choice,” he says, laughing. “Not that I’d have wanted it any other way, but I’ve been a part of racing since I was born.” The Arkansas-based racer has competed in anything from no-time and grudge racing to index classes and heads-up shootouts. The Kruck family’s stable includes six different cars, each with its own specialty. Kruck has learned to tune them all. Between his driving prowess and tuning abilities, Kruck has turned on more than a few win lights in the last year or so. “I actually won Small Tire Gangstas, the big race [Tom Gunner and Michael Poland] put on in Texas last year,” Kruck says. “I’ve raced for $40,000 or $50,000 grudge races and won three Lil Gangstas races this year. I’ve been pretty successful and thankful for my racing career.” That success includes his most meaningful victory to date – winning the first-ever Bear Shit Only Lil Gangstas race during Big Jake’s Southern No-Time Nationals at Xtreme Raceway Park. The invitational field was stacked with previous Lil Gangstas event winners, making it something of an all-star race for the burgeoning class. “That was probably the most exciting win,” says Kruck, who followed that win closely with a semifinal finish in the quicker of two 32-car Gangsta X fields at Donald Long’s No Mercy 16 at South Georgia Motorsports Park. “There were 32 winners in that race – 32 killers. So it was pretty awesome finding yourself in the winner’s circle knowing you raced against guys like that.” Off the track, Kruck and his father recently launched a new venture together, Kruck Automotive, in Benton, Arkansas. Though they take on some performance projects like LS swaps, they largely work on daily drivers, performing work on brakes, transmissions, engines, and more. “It’s been truly a blessing because it kind of took off,” Kruck says. “It can definitely be a chore. It’s just me and my dad and one employee, and he really helps when we’re gone racing. We usually end up traveling down to Texas because the payouts are unmatched.” With multiple cars in the family’s arsenal, including his ’91 Camaro known as “Cain” and his dad’s 5.30-index car, Kruck credits his family and friends for helping make their packed schedule possible. “It’s been a process trying to race and run a business, but we’re making it work,” he says. “If it wasn’t for my family and my girlfriend, running this stuff would be a lot more challenging. They’re there every weekend.” He’s also sure to thank supporters like Nitrous Express, Prayer Plumbing, and CDS Motorsports, as well as the manufacturers behind the products he uses to race competitively: Neal Chance Racing Converters, Menscer Motorsports, Santhuff, Racepak, Naiser Racing Components, and M&M Transmission. Moving forward, expect Kruck to continue running Lil Gangstas as the class expands beyond its origins at nitty-gritty Texas tracks to dragstrips across the country. It’s a tough place to race and it’s only getting tougher, but that’s what appeals to Kruck. “It’s getting huge and we do pretty good at it,” he says of Lil Gangstas. “But it’s a real challenging class. You have to be on your game because it’s getting to the point where when you go to a race and there’s 60 cars, you might have five that are not close to the cap, but you’ve got 55 that are straight killers and hard to beat.” Even if that competition slows the roll Kruck has been on, he’s not letting up any time soon. “I’ve been racing since I was four years old,” Kruck says. “And I don’t plan on stopping, unless God’s got other plans for me.” The post DI 30 Under 30 2025: Scotty Kruck first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Story Behind the SaleThe Ford Fox Body Mustang is often regarded as one of the more polarizing generations in the model’s history, with fans either embracing it or dismissing it. However, most enthusiasts can agree that a well-documented barn find is always compelling – and this particular 1983 Mustang GT convertible, featured by WD Detailing, stood out even more because of the personal story behind its sale. The owner and his wife are staying at a rehabilitation facility, but hope to return home. That plan, however, has been complicated by an HVAC system at their house that has not worked for over 10 years. The elderly couple decided to sell the boxy-designed Mustang, which had been stored in the owner’s garage for more than two decades. Decades Without AttentionGiven that the car was a genuine barn find, its condition was understandably poor. The tires were deflated, and the interior was heavily contaminated with rat nests. The channel primarily details vehicles – often at no cost – to help owners see their cars restored to their former glory. This particular Mustang belongs to the model’s third-generation iteration, more commonly known as the Fox Body. It rides on the Fox platform, which was also shared with vehicles such as the Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln Continental. According to the owner, the car originally ran with a V6 engine before being upgraded to a 5.0-liter small-block V8. That engine was rated at approximately 175 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. While those figures may sound modest today, they were more competitive at the time, especially given that the car weighed around 3,000 pounds—roughly in the same ballpark as a modern Toyota Corolla. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an automatic transmission. WD Detailing on YouTube Turning the PageThe Fox Body generation was eventually replaced in 1994, marking a notable shift away from the sharp, boxy styling. While the SN-95 remained derived from the Fox architecture, Ford heavily reworked it – often described as the “Fox-4” – with substantial improvements aimed at rigidity and overall refinement. In addition to the Fox Body Mustang, the garage also housed a classic Ford Model A, the direct successor to the Blue Oval’s iconic Model T. WD Detailing pledged to match the sale price, effectively doubling the amount the Mustang sold for. The channel also helped the elderly couple set up a crowdfunding page and connected them with a friend who volunteered to provide free labor and installation for a new HVAC system. WD Detailing on YouTube View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Opening the Door to Entry-Level LeasingTesla has expanded its leasing program to include the cheapest Model 3 and Model Y trims. These lower-cost Standard variants were reintroduced in October last year as the automaker responded to softer demand following the expiration of U.S. EV incentives. In theory, adding leasing should help broaden access to its most affordable EVs. However, according to a report from CarsDirect, the newly launched lease offers are “surprisingly bad” when examined more closely. For the Model 3 Standard Rear-Wheel Drive, which carries an MSRP of $38,380 including destination, Tesla lists a lease price of $449 per month. That figure is based on a 36-month term with a 10,000-mile annual allowance and requires $4,145 due at signing. Once that upfront cost is spread across the lease term, the effective cost rises to $564 per month. Tesla A Stark ContrastThat effective figure is roughly 35 percent higher than the lease deal that was available on the better-equipped Model 3 Premium RWD a little over a week ago. While that promotion has since ended, the comparison highlights how sharply Tesla’s lease value proposition has shifted in a short period. The equipment gap between the two trims adds another layer to the comparison. The Model 3 Standard omits several features found on the Premium, such as the second-row touchscreen with heated rear seats, Autosteer driver-assistance functionality, and wraparound ambient lighting. Performance and range are also affected. The Standard model’s EPA-rated driving range is 321 miles, or 42 miles less than the Premium trim, while its 0–60 mph acceleration time of 5.8 seconds is 0.9 seconds slower. A similar pattern is observed with the Model Y. Tesla now allows the Model Y Standard to be leased for $479 per month under the same 36-month, 10,000-mile structure, with $4,174 due at signing. That results in an effective monthly cost of $595 – about 24 percent higher than the effective lease cost of the Model Y Premium offered before the recent pricing changes. CarsDirect noted that this disparity could give shoppers “a good reason to put off their purchase until better deals return.” Tesla Where Tesla Stands NowFollowing the holidays, Tesla raised lease prices across both models. The Model 3 Premium RWD now leases for $499 per month, the Premium AWD for $599, and the Performance AWD—which delivers a 0–60 mph time of 2.9 seconds – for $749. On the Model Y side, lease prices stand at $549 per month for the Premium RWD, $649 for the Premium AWD, and $799 for the Performance AWD. Tesla enters 2026 with these higher lease prices in place as it looks to regain momentum following a slower year. The company delivered approximately 1.63 million vehicles in 2025, representing a 9 percent year-over-year decline. That slowdown allowed Chinese automaker BYD to overtake Tesla as the world’s best-selling EV brand. Tesla View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Buttons Make a ComebackVolkswagen owners and car reviewers have been vocal about one thing: too many touch controls, not enough real buttons. Simple tasks like changing the temperature meant digging through menus or fiddling with sliders, and those haptic steering wheel controls never really caught on. Volkswagen listened, and now it's showing off what’s next for its interiors. The big news? Physical buttons are making a return. The first car to get this new interior is the Volkswagen ID. Polo, a small electric hatchback that’s set to be the entry point for the brand’s EVs. Volkswagen says this isn’t just a one-off design. The same approach will roll out across all future ID models, with an emphasis on easier controls, better materials, and more recycled content. Of note, the photos the company shared are from a near-production concept vehicle, so they’re close to what buyers will actually get when the ID. Polo hits showrooms. Volkswagen Inside the New CockpitThe new interior looks calmer and more organized than what you’ll find in today’s ID models. Two big screens sit side by side: a 10.25-inch digital cluster behind the wheel and a nearly 13-inch touchscreen in the center. The key difference is that these displays are backed up by real buttons, not just more touch controls. Right under the main screen, there’s a row of buttons for climate and hazard lights, so you don’t have to hunt through menus for basic settings. The steering wheel drops the touch pads and brings back proper buttons. There’s even a rotary knob between the cup holders and phone tray for volume and media – simple, but it makes a difference. Materials get more attention, too. The dashboard and doors use fabric to make the cabin feel warmer and less like a gadget, and recycled materials are used throughout. There’s even a retro mode for the digital gauges – press a button, and the display throws back to the original Golf – a small touch that should add some character. Volkswagen Pricing Reality CheckVolkswagen originally promised an affordable electric ID model, hinting that prices would beat most in the EV market. But now, it looks like the ID. Polo could end up costing more than planned, thanks to higher production costs, new software, and pricier materials. Final pricing isn’t set, but most signs point to a starting price around $30,000 or more, depending on the market and incentives. Volkswagen is clearly fixing one of its biggest complaints with the new interior, but the price and US availability are still up in the air. Volkswagen View the 12 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article