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The Benda Dark Flag 950 blends old-school cruiser looks with the smooth punch of a modern V4 engine.View the full article

Even more companies with names you might recognize have joined the case, but it's not yet clear what the New Year will bring.View the full article

A recent study revealed that over half of drivers surveyed viewed the loss of Apple CarPlay as a deal-breaker, making General Motors' decision to eventually abandon the system look like a big mistake. But cross-town rival Ford won't be going the same way. Speaking at the 2025 Barclays Global Auto and Mobility Tech Conference, Ford Chief Financial Officer Sherry House said that it wants customers to have options, not limit them to a single type of interface. "We think it's very important to give customers choice and give them access to technology. So that's going to be a key part of what we are doing on a go-forward basis," said House. "I would say that if I want to just continue on in this theme a little bit, because it is something [...] I'm passionate about, we're going to also continue to give the customers choice as it relates to Apple CarPlay." Why Ford is Doing Things Differently from GM Ford Late last year, GM's given reason for removing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was that it believes its own infotainment software is more than sufficient, but the crux of the matter is that GM eventually wants its cars to be built on "software-defined platforms," and making these integrated systems work as efficiently as possible is not easy when there's a third-party smartphone integration system in the way. To try to smooth the transition, GM recently announced the introduction of Apple Music, though that's scant consolation to those who are enamored by Apple and Android interfaces. Meanwhile, Ford is keeping CarPlay (and presumably Android Auto, too) because it would rather work around what its customers like. "We think that [Apple CarPlay] is a product that our customers really enjoy, so we're going to continue to allow them to have access to that," said Sherry. Ford Lost the Battle a Long Time Ago Ford The decision to keep Apple CarPlay around at Ford was made some time back. As noted by Ford Authority, CEO Jim Farley said in 2023 that Apple and Android smartphone integration "will always be super important because it's a safety-critical device, and then there's going to be a lot more going on inside the car than your phone. So the interior has to be really well done. But in terms of content, we kind of lost that battle 10 years ago." Ford isn't the only one. The fact that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered in a plethora of contemporary cars makes it nearly impossible for automakers to sway buyers into embracing new interfaces. People love the fact that they can get out of a Corolla and into a Mustang without learning how the screens work all over again — it's that simple. Whether Apple takes over entire interior ecosystems, as it has done with Aston Martin, is another matter entirely. View the full article

The Price Gap at LaunchVolkswagen’s upcoming entry-level electric vehicle, the ID. Polo, is now expected to miss its previously promised affordable price point of €25,000 (around $29,300). A report from Germany’s Handelsblatt indicates that the model will initially arrive at dealerships with a starting price north of €30,000 (roughly $35,000), with that figure applying to a mid-spec variant. The German automaker will still deliver its mass-market EV, but prospective buyers may need to wait longer than originally planned. Limited availability of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries is said to be slowing the rollout of the base model in Europe, with the wait expected to stretch for another six to nine months. Volkswagen Built for Cities, Not SuburbsGiven the compact size of the ID. Polo, the model is not expected to make its way to the U.S., where consumer demand continues to favor larger vehicles such as the Ford F-150. This also helps explain why Volkswagen opted to introduce only the long-wheelbase version of the ID. Buzz in the U.S. In Europe, the new entry-level EV will be offered with several power outputs: 85 kW (114 horsepower), 99 kW (133 hp), and 155 kW (208 hp), with the 208-hp version slated to reach dealerships first. A sportier GTI-branded variant will later become available, which boosts output to 166 kW (223 horsepower). Both the 114-hp and 133-hp versions rely on a 37-kWh LFP battery pack, which explains why they will not be available at launch. Higher-output variants, meanwhile, are fitted with an NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery using the new unified cell developed by PowerCo. Rated at 52 kWh, it is said to deliver a driving range of up to 450 kilometers (around 280 miles), according to Volkswagen. Volkswagen A Strategy Still Taking ShapeThe ID. Polo is just one of six new models Volkswagen plans to introduce next year as part of a broader push to expand its lineup of lower-cost, entry-level EVs. In the U.S., however, VW's EV roadmap remains less certain as it reassesses its strategy following the loss of the $7,500 federal tax credit and the impact of newly introduced tariffs. Reports suggest the company may explore range-extender EVs as a potential alternative – a move that could resonate with American buyers, given that such vehicles still allow refueling at traditional gas stations, making longer interstate travel more bearable. For now, Volkswagen continues to rely on the ID.4—a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y – as its primary entry in the U.S. EV market, with the ID. Buzz playing a niche role. Volkswagen View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

In an age where traditional media is racing toward the bottom each day, even this news about Harley-Davidson closing its dealerships feels predatory and is obviously fake.View the full article

Authorities seized around $40 million worth of motorcycles, including at least nine GP bikes, suspected of belonging to Canadian cartel kingpin Ryan James Wedding.View the full article

I chatted with one of Brembo Racing's dedicated MotoGP racing engineers about what goes into making sure every racer has top brakes.View the full article

It seems that Ferrari is preparing to produce a new one-off supercar, and it may already have a name. According to Road & Track, which discovered a new trademark with the World Intellectual Property Office, that name may be "HC25." If you have a bank account with nine figures in it, buying "regular" supercars and hypercars like the Ferrari 12Cilindri or Bugatti Chiron just doesn't cut it. If you're a Bugatti aficionado, you can commission something like the one-off Brouillard, and if you're a Maranallo maniac, something like the Ferrari SC40. The latter's four-character name is what hints that HC25 could preview something special, though what exactly may be difficult to decipher. What Ferrari's New Trademark Could Signify Ferrari It's not uncommon for the names of low-volume special editions to hold major significance to either the manufacturing company or the commissioning buyer, and that may be the case here. For example, the Lamborghini SC18 Alston's nomenclature references Sant'Agata's motorsports division, Squadra Corse, the year in which it was revealed, 2018, and the commissioning buyer's son, Alston. Therefore, it's possible that this HC25 trademark points to the name of the buyer and perhaps the year in which it was ordered. It could also point to a 25th anniversary or even the number of examples that will be made; there's no guarantee that this trademark will apply to a one-off. Yet, it seems most likely that this is a new one-off's name because the similarly named KC23 (revealed in 2023) was also a very special one-off. Could This be the Reimagining of the Ferrari 250 GTO? Mecum Auctions The SC40 we mentioned at the outset was a modern reincarnation of the Ferrari F40, and since Maranello seems to favor four-character names for such special projects, we can't help but wonder if the HC25 name refers, in some way, to the Ferrari 250. The 250 GTO is one of the most beloved cars ever made, and if Ferrari is willing to reinvent something as iconic as the F40, perhaps it's willing to reimagine the gorgeous 250, too. Of course, another possibility is that this trademark won't be used at all. Although the trademark was first uncovered by R&T on December 29, it was first applied for on July 25, and perhaps Ferrari has decided to hold off; revealing too many one-offs too quickly can reduce their perceived value, so maybe we'll get an HC26 instead sometime next year. View the full article

We love all the folks that we regularly showcase here on BANGshift.com and one of our favorites is Tommy Lee Byrd, the Hot Rod Hoarder. He hits great events, features some great historical race cars and hot rods, and also has some fun builds like his cool Henry J gasser. So when Tommy puts out a video with the best vintage drag cars of 2025, we’re going to share it because we know these are truly special. Check out the video below and let us know which one is your favorite of 2025. Video Description: Vintage drag cars come in all shapes and sizes, and I’m fortunate to see LOTS of them each year. Some are stashed away in hidden car collections, while others are put on display at car shows and nostalgia drag racing events. Either way, I enjoy researching old drag cars, and as I was winding down my 2025 season, I realized how many vintage drag cars I had featured in my videos throughout the year. IT WAS A LOT! So I decided to put together this compilation by pulling clips from many of my videos. There isn’t a lot of drag racing action in this video (you can watch some of my other videos to see that), but I figured you guys might enjoy seeing a collection of stories and descriptions about all these cars. There are front engine dragsters, funny cars, altered wheelbase cars, gassers, Super Stockers, altered roadsters and all types of old school door slammers. #dragracing #racing #history The post Drag Racing HISTORY: The Hot Rod Hoarder’s Best Vintage Drag Cars of 2025 Are All Right Here! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Dig or Die Christmas Clash 6 is in the books but boy was it fun! In the video below you’ll get to see all the action from the 2025 race thanks to our friends at Spoold Media. Check out all the video below and let us know what you think. We’re sending off 2025 with some great drag racing action. \Video Description: The baddest of the bad street cars congregated at the Rock as it was time for Dig or Die!!! From imports to domestics, it would be a battle to the end as we would see who would take home the cash and bragging rights at Christmas Clash 6!!! The post REAL STREET CARS BATTLING ON NO PREP!!!! EXTREME STREET AT DOD CHRISTMAS CLASH 6 AT ROCKINGHAM appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The 1990’s were awesome for the custom car and truck scene because horsepower was just starting to come back and everyone was into making big visual changes to their rides in order to keep them from looking like a stock jelly bean. While I dig the Impala/Caprice/Roadmaster platform they were plenty mundane looking without some visual help. The Impala SS looked significantly better with just some trim, badging, and monochrome treatment before adding a bigger wheel and tire combo. But if you wanted something to really stand out, you needed graphics and billet and a big stereo, which are all done on this throwback 1993 Buick Roadmaster station wagon. We dig this thing, and hope that one of you will buy it and take it on Power Tour or Rocky Mountain Race Week this year. Check out the ad at the link below and let us know what you think. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL AD SO YOU CAN CONTACT THE SELLER Ad Info: 1993 Buick Roadmaster · Wagon · Driven 108,000 miles This is a magazine car from the mid 90’s and it’s been left the way it was built to my best ability. Fully bagged, built stereo, B&M blower, Colorado custom wheels with matching steering wheel and extensive body work and custom paint. Lots of upkeep maintenance and needs for nothing. Ready to go. The post Billet, Custom Graphics, Tweed And More: This 1993 Buick Roadmaster Is 1990’s Custom Greatness And Can Be Yours! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Goodwood puts on some really cool events, and there Revival and Festival of Speed are two of the most famous. They recently showed this year’s Festival of Speed livestream replay, and now it’s time for the Goodwood Revival livestream replay. If you are looking for something fun to watch while you pretend to work today, or while you lounge around on your day off, check out the Goodwood Revival livestream replay! Video Description: Lofi Hip Hop Radio? Not quite. This is something far better: wall-to-wall motorsport action from the 2025 Goodwood Revival. It might not help you study or unwind, but when the family gets a little too much over the festive period, this should hit the spot. You’re welcome. In this live stream, we’re showing every second of action from the Goodwood Revival, celebrating the golden era of motorsport with iconic cars, legendary racing and timeless style, all set at the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit. Sit back, turn it up, and enjoy the racing. We look forward to welcoming you back to Goodwood again very soon. #GoodwoodRevival #Goodwood #HistoricRacing #Motorsport #GoodwoodRoadRacing The post Goodwood Revival 2025 24/7 Livestream: Relive All The Action From Goodwood’s 2025 Edition Of Their Famed Revival appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Do you want to be a race car driver?If you grew up as a gearhead or car enthusiast as a child, there is a big chance that when you were asked what you wanted to be when you grew up by a parent or teacher, the answer would be "race car driver" alongside other dream jobs like "test driver" or "car designer." While it may be nice to dream of ourselves on a podium alongside Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, or Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin, chasing the motorsports dream requires a full commitment to the sport that would practically begin long before a kid gets their driver's licence. Not to mention, the cost of travel and supporting the journey through full seasons on multiple levels of the motorsport ladder, from karting to actual cars, would cost exponentially more than any travel ball or hockey. However, K1 Speed, the chain of arrive-and-drive indoor go-kart racing tracks, is partnering with Porsche to provide a leg up for those dreamers who have real talent that could translate to real performance in a real Porsche race car. K1 Speed The K1 Speed to Porsche Motorsports pipeline is realAs part of a new multi-year partnership with K1 Speed that will see Porsche Motorsport branding in more than 70 K1 Speed locations, and K1 Speed branding on cars competing in various Porsche one-make series race cars, the North American division of Porsche Motorsport has created a new initiative to identify and support a new generation of racing talent. According to a statement released by both Porsche Motorsport North America and K1 Speed, the two are collaborating to create what it calls a "clear pathway" from karts to cars. The karting chain's competitive series would act as a feeder into the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, where selected drivers would have the chance to compete in Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama and Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West by Yokohama. ‟K1 Speed hosts thousands of motorsports enthusiasts each year, and all of us at PMNA look forward to connecting with them,” Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America, said. ‟Whether they are casual fans of motorsport or are searching for a path into professional racing, we are excited to introduce them all to the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and the opportunities that it offers.” Specifically, Porsche will be selecting the best of the best from K1 Speed's international competitive racing program, Challenge GP. Here, drivers at Junior, Teen, and Adult levels compete every month at their local K1 Speed to earn points that could take them into state and national-level competitions. From the group of top Teen and Adult drivers that reach the national stage, Porsche Motorsport North America and K1 Speed will jointly select two standout drivers (one teen and one adult driver) who will be able to compete in a future season of either Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama or Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West by Yokohama with a waived entry fee; a direct foot in the door from racing in Porsche-branded karts to racing professionally in real Porsche cars. “It’s an immense honor for K1 to partner with Porsche Motorsport North America to provide up-and-coming American racers with an extraordinary opportunity,” said David Danglard, CEO and Founder of K1 Speed and K1 Circuit. “We built K1 on the belief that future champions start here, and this partnership with Porsche creates a pathway to take them from our indoor tracks to the country’s greatest circuits.” Larry Placido/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images A direct path into real Porsche racingPorsche Motorsports North America's partnership with K1 Speed is one heck of an opportunity for talented drivers, as the selected national-level drivers who graduate from the karts will be thrown into some proper racing with real fast cars on some of America's most well-known race tracks. On its website, Porsche says that the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America "serves as a launching pad for aspiring racers" and an opportunity for seasoned pros to "demonstrate their expertise and compete against the best in the business," where racers in Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Cars and 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsports race side-by-side. In 2026, the series will visit well-known racetracks, including Sebring International, Barber Motorsports Park, Sonoma Raceway, Circuit of the Americas, Virginia International Raceway, Road America, and Road Atlanta. Alternatively, the Sprint Challenge West is concentrated on circuits on the western part of the country, including Apex Motor Club, Sonoma Raceway, Circuit of the Americas, Road America, and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Final thoughtsThe substance of the K1 Speed and Porsche Motorsports North America partnership is truly one of those things that leaves me thinking, "damn, where was this when I was a kid?" I live about 30 minutes from a K1 Speed, and I could imagine kid me being very excited to join the league, even if it meant making that drive every month. Truthfully, there is a part of me that is pretty certain I wouldn't reach that extremely high level if I were actually to participate in it. Still, it would surely be a massive motivator if it meant that at the very top, there is a seat in a Porsche Clubsport or Cup Car. View the full article

Range anxiety is (still) realApart from the recent dissolution of the Federal EV tax credit back at the end of September and the loosening of corporate average fuel economy rules, one persistent factor that has kept many American buyers out of battery-electric vehicles is range anxiety: an issue exacerbated by the lack of public EV charging infrastructure throughout the country. One response that automakers such as Ford, Stellantis, and Volkswagen's upcoming Scout brand are developing as a potential solution is a new category of electric vehicles known as EREVs, or Extended-Range Electric Vehicles. These cars feature a small gasoline engine that serves as an onboard power plant, activating when the battery needs to be charged. However, French automaker Renault hasn't entirely given up on trying to unlock more range out of its EVs. Its latest creation, the Filante Record 2025, is a new electric concept car that just proved that electric vehicles can (literally) go the distance on a normal-sized battery alone when engineers are given free rein to experiment. Renault View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Over 626 miles on a single chargeIn a statement released by Renault, the French automaker announced that on December 18, 2025, this sinister-looking, art deco-inspired machine drove 1,008 kilometers (~626 miles) in under 10 hours without stopping to recharge at a test track in Morocco. Renault says that the record in itself was a challenge that it undertook at the beginning of the year: to drive an EV more than 1,000 kilometers without stopping to charge using a car equipped with off-the-shelf components in its inventory and going at speeds that mimic realistic highway speeds. After inclement weather blew off its first attempt in October, the engineers at Renault pushed the Filante to cover over 1,000 km at an average speed of 102 km/h (~63 mph). Best of all, it did all this with an 87 kWh battery, the exact same size battery that you’d find in Renault’s Scenic E-Tech electric SUV, a consumer-grade EV that is WLTP rated for 381 miles. The automaker states that after nearly 10 hours of driving, the vehicle consumed just 7.8 kWh per 100 km and still had 11% battery left, enough for another 120 kilometers (~74.56 miles) at highway speeds. Renault View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article The secret sauceAlthough Renault’s Filante Record 2025 is a concept car, it is a rolling laboratory for proven efficiency. The vehicle itself weighs just 1,000 kg (~2,200 lbs), or approximately the same weight as a new Mazda MX-5 Miata, which is remarkably light for a modern car. To keep the weight down, the Filante is made of exotic materials reserved for high-caliber sports cars, including carbon fiber, aluminum alloys, and even 3D-printed components made of a super-light material called Scalmalloy. The Filante also features an ultraviolet blue paint job that acts as a tribute to the 1925 40 CV and 1956 Étoile Filante record cars, a fighter-jet-inspired cockpit bubble, steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire, as well as a custom set of Michelin tires that have low rolling resistance and enhance the vehicle's aerodynamics. While the Filante looks like it is straight out of a cyberpunk fantasy video game or movie, it isn’t just for show; the vehicle’s design is a masterclass in aerodynamics presented as a gorgeous tribute to Renault’s record-breaking past. Renault aerodynamics engineer Jocelyn Mérigeault said that the Filante’s shape was developed after extensive testing in the wind tunnel. The team redesigned the wheel fairings to mount directly onto the wheels, improving airflow around the mechanical components and optimizing the air intakes to reduce the car’s drag coefficient to about 0.30. “Filante was inherently aerodynamic from the outset,” in a statement. “What we did was fine-tune it to unlock its full potential and enable it to meet our performance targets." Renault Record-breaking drive "felt like running a marathon," said the test driverThe task of achieving the efficiency record was given to three Renault test drivers and engineers. Laurent Hurgon, a Renault development driver, went first and drove for 3 hours and 20 minutes before handing it over to Constance Léraud-Reyser, a chassis control systems engineer who described his four-hour shift behind the wheel as taxing. "Four hours at the wheel felt long, but the adrenaline and the music in my ears helped me push through," he said. "[...] With the heat and the thirst, it really felt like running a marathon, but the personal challenge was met, as I managed to drive for four hours, far longer than planned." However, Arthur Ferrière, the chassis tuning engineer, brought the vehicle through the home stretch, finishing the 1,008-kilometer run after 9 hours and 52 minutes. Final thoughtsWhile the Filante Record 2025 isn’t a production car you can buy tomorrow, this wild experiment proves that massive range improvements are possible with existing battery technology when you optimize everything else. Surely, the next EVs won’t exactly look as cool and sinister as the Filante, but the lessons learned are sure to help aid designers of future EVs bring the same sort of efficiency innovation to regular customers. Although the future of EVs is at a crossroads in the United States, it is nice to see that real innovation is happening overseas. Hopefully, designers could learn a thing or two and apply the same sort of discipline and principles for the next-generation machines sold here in the States. View the full article

Motorcycle Aerodynamics Moto Guzzi 250 Gambalunghino Aerodynamics plays a central role in modern MotoGP, but its importance was not always so clearly understood in motorcycle racing. To appreciate how this discipline first took hold, it is worth stepping back to the early 1950s, when Moto Guzzi became the first manufacturer to approach aerodynamics as a […] The post Moto Guzzi was the first motorcycle company to take aerodynamics seriously… appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Moto News Weekly Wrap December 30, 2025 What’s New: Dakar 2026 Preview – Sanders the favourite Gus Riordan signs with Phoenix Racing Honda for XC2 Willy Browning the new AMA Motocross Manager Kawasaki and Penrite Racing GO24 part ways Jaimon Lidsey claims 2025 Phil Crump Solo Classic trophy 2026 Australian Solo Speedway Championship kicks off […] The post Moto News | MX | Speedway | Summercross | Dakar Preview appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

YouTuber Mike Martin has turned one of Jeep’s smallest crossovers into something a lot closer to a Dodge muscle car. His Hemi-swapped Renegade project, documented in a long-running video series, takes a 2015 Jeep Renegade shell and drops it onto major components from a wrecked Dodge Charger R/T, complete with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, ZF eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article From Tiny Crossover To Rear-Drive Hemi HammerThe build starts with a total rethink of what a Renegade is. Martin cut out the original floor and both subframes, then grafted in the front half of the Charger’s floor and front subframe, fabricating a custom rear subframe to carry a limited-slip differential and rear suspension. The result is a Renegade body sitting over a Charger-style rear-drive layout instead of the stock transverse four-cylinder and all or front-wheel drive. Under the hood sits a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 originally rated at about 370 horsepower, now upgraded with a Texas Speed cam, Manley valves, uprated springs and a cylinder deactivation delete, breathing through a Holley EFI High Ram intake. Power runs through the Charger’s 8HP70 eight-speed automatic to a Hellcat limited-slip differential, with big Brembo brakes and coilovers helping it cope with the extra speed. It’s a very different way to enjoy Hemi power than lining up for a full-size pickup at a time when Ram can’t build them fast enough. Widebody Looks, Charger Hardware, Real Road MannersOutside, the Renegade already wore a custom widebody with aggressive arches, so the new drivetrain just leans harder into that stance. Inside, Martin is integrating large chunks of the Charger’s electronics and cabin hardware so that the car behaves like a Charger in a Renegade shell, right down to the CAN systems and controls. He’s also been clear that the goal is a real road car with air conditioning and usable comfort, not just a stripped track toy. It’s a wild contrast with what Jeep is doing from the factory. At one end of the lineup, the Renegade has moved into small-hybrid territory with versions like the North Star Edition. At the other, buyers who want factory-backed hardware and a bed can look at offers such as the current 2026 Jeep Gladiator lease deals. Martin’s build sits in its own lane, as it is a one-off mashup that answers a question nobody asked but plenty of people are happy to watch play out on YouTube. View the full article

The IHRA is bringing another race track back to life. Heartland Motorsports Park will be reopened under IHRA ownership in 2026.View the full article

Drivers in the state of Texas can no longer assume they know the roads well enough to stick with the speeds they've always done, as new variable speed limits are rolling out across the state. Digital speed limit signs are being installed to change the legal limit on certain roads after a deadly February 2021 crash, originally attributed to icy roads, raised safety concerns. A multi-car pileup took place on I-35W during an intense winter storm, and temperatures had fallen below freezing for over 36 hours with speed limits remaining at 75 mph, according to the National Transportation Safety Board's report. Six died, and 36 were injured in an accident that spanned 1,100 feet on the North Tarrant Expressway. Expect to See More Digital Signs Across the StateNaturally, a vehicle's braking distance and handling change when the weather turns inclement and reduces traction, and these new variable limits aim to reduce the risks that drivers face when their vehicles become more difficult to control. The initiative began with a pilot program two years ago, after legislators approved the use of variable speed limits to change posted limits depending on road conditions. The idea is that people will be encouraged to drive more slowly when the weather turns bad, when there's traffic up ahead, or when other hazards present themselves (roadworks, accidents, et cetera). Similar signs already exist in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, Florida, and several other states, using real-time data to adjust the limits in the hopes of improving safety and flow. Related: Hennessey Reveals Why He Keeps Chasing Dangerous Speed Records "If we're not able to alter or modify the speed limit to reflect the current conditions, safety is in jeopardy," State Representative Terry Canales, author of the bill to authorize variable speed limits, told the Texas Tribune. The signs will start to appear on freeways already connected to the Intelligent Transportation System, which uses cameras and sensors to monitor conditions, readjusting the limits once conditions are deemed safe, reports Chron. Meanwhile, in Arizona... Getty Images As Texas works to ensure speed limits suit the conditions, a new bill proposed by Arizona State Rep. Nick Kupper could remove them entirely — but only at certain times. The Reasonable and Prudent Interstate Driving (RAPID) Act endeavors to give the Arizona Department of Transportation the authority to create "derestricted speed zones" on certain rural interstates during daylight hours, with an 80-mph limit remaining in place after dark. The derestriction would also not apply to commercial vehicles, including semi trucks, and urban areas with populations over 50,000 people would remain restricted, too. A long list of requirements would need to be met, but like the implementation of variable limits in Texas, the idea is that this would help improve traffic flow and safety, though some argue that irresponsible individuals would abuse the Autobahn-like measure. View the full article

Tesla is putting a firm price on bad passenger behavior in its driverless ride service. The company has introduced a two-tier cleaning fee policy for its robotaxis, and the top tier is clear: if you vomit or leave other “biowaste” in the car, you can be billed up to $150 on top of your fare. Getty How Tesla’s Cleaning Fees WorkTesla’s robotaxi policy now splits extra cleaning into two different levels, according to Tesla influencer Sawyer Merritt. A lower tier, around $50, covers things like food spills, heavy dirt or minor stains that go beyond a quick vacuum. The upper tier, up to $150, is reserved for more serious messes, including vomit, blood, other bodily fluids and evidence of smoking that requires deep cleaning and airing out. NEWS: Tesla has introduced cleaning fees for their Robotaxis. • $50: Charged for moderate messes, such as food spills, significant dirt and minor stains. • $150: Charged for severe messes, such as biowaste or smoking in the vehicle. Tesla: "We prioritize maintaining a clean… pic.twitter.com/t8BFCcNrrr — Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) December 23, 2025 If a car is flagged as dirty after a trip, Tesla reviews the condition and, if it decides the vehicle needs extra work, adds the cleaning fee to the rider’s trip receipt. Passengers see the charge in their ride history in the app, with a note indicating it was for cleaning. Disputes are handled through Tesla’s support team rather than an in-app button, so anyone who thinks they were charged unfairly has to contact the company directly. The idea is familiar from traditional ride-hailing. Uber, for example, already has a similar structure that can reach roughly the same $150 ceiling for severe incidents involving bodily fluids. Tesla is simply adapting that logic to a driverless fleet where the company, not an individual driver, owns and maintains the cars. Getty View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Robotaxis That Still Need People To Clean ThemThe fee policy comes as Tesla ramps up its robotaxi ambitions. The company is currently testing an autonomous Model S robotaxi variant and has said it has more than 1,000 robotaxis on the road in trial service, but for now, those cars still run with human drivers. Tesla is also previewing dedicated hardware for a driverless future. The production-ready Cybercab prototype shows the kind of purpose-built interior the company wants to deploy at scale, with materials and layouts designed to be easy to clean and robust under heavy use. Until fully automated cleaning systems arrive, though, human crews still have to deal with spilled drinks and motion-sick riders. View the full article

A Closer LookIn November 2025, Stellantis recalled more than 320,000 Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe models over a high-voltage battery pack issue that could pose a fire risk if left unaddressed. Now, one owner affected by the safety campaign – identified as manufacturer recall number 68C – has offered a behind-the-scenes look at how dealers carry out the fix, filming the repair process as technicians work on the vehicle. The YouTube channel Jeeps On The Run shared footage of a dealer servicing the owner’s Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the SUV’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. This electrified system has been the subject of repeated owner complaints, to the point that Consumer Reports named the model the most unreliable midsize SUV in its most recent annual survey. Inside Jeep’s Recall WorkflowDuring the visit, the owner showed his Wrangler 4xe connected to a charging source while technicians updated the battery pack control module (BPCM) – a process commonly referred to in automotive terms as “flashing.” According to the on-site technician, the software update typically takes a couple of hours. Once completed, the vehicle undergoes a test drive, which usually lasts a short time—sometimes as little as 20 minutes. The owner also asked how customers could verify that the repair was completed correctly. The technician explained that successful repairs are indicated by a “completed test drive” screen and a “battery passed” screen. While these confirmations are not automatically printed, customers can request copies. Following further discussion with the technician, the owner learned that his Wrangler 4xe ultimately required a battery replacement. For context, plug-in hybrid vehicles differ from conventional hybrids in that they can be charged externally, allowing the high-voltage battery to power the electric motors, which contribute directly to improved performance and efficiency. PHEVs can also operate in all-electric mode, though typically for shorter distances than full EVs. In this case, the Wrangler 4xe pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with two electric motors, producing a combined 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of roughly 21 miles. Jeeps On The Run on YouTube Didn’t End With a CheckmarkAlthough the recall report issued last November did not yet outline a finalized remedy plan (with affected customers notified directly by email), any required battery replacement should be performed free of charge, as is standard for safety recalls. In the meantime, the owner was provided with a loaner vehicle – a Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude 4x4 that was essentially brand new, showing just 95 miles on the odometer. In addition to this issue, Stellantis has separately recalled 112,859 Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe units due to sand contamination in the engine that could lead to failure. Jeeps On The Run on YouTube View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The first production 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 70th Anniversary Edition, VIN 001, is heading to Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale 2026 sale, giving Corvette collectors a rare shot at the C8 that opened the anniversary run. With ultra-low mileage, the full Z51 package and every key anniversary cue still in place, it is a time-capsule take on one of the most collectible modern Stingrays. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article First 70th Anniversary Stingray, Loaded From NewChevrolet marked 70 years of Corvette in 2023 with a dedicated Anniversary package for the C8 Stingray, and this coupe is the first production example. Like every Anniversary Stingray, it uses the mid-mounted 6.2-liter LT2 V8 sending power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. With the Z51 Performance Package fitted, output is rated at 495 horsepower and the car gains uprated brakes, a performance exhaust, shorter gearing and additional cooling hardware. Barrett-Jackson’s listing notes that VIN 001 was ordered as a heavily optioned driver’s spec, with Magnetic Ride Control and a front-axle lift to protect the nose over steep driveways. Finished in Carbon Flash Metallic with contrasting stripes and special 70th badging, it also carries the two-tone 70th Anniversary interior with Ceramic leather, red stitching, and matching anniversary logos on the seats and sill plates. It is a very different way to celebrate Corvette history than a mid-1960s car in your garage. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article A Time Capsule For C8-Era CollectorsThe real hook here is how little the car has been used. VIN 001 has only delivery-style mileage on its odometer and has been treated as a collectible from day one, much like other low-mileage modern C8s. This is a preserved object aimed squarely at collectors who care about build sequence as much as performance numbers. That last point is important as Chevrolet has already shown it’s willing to push the C8 platform further with the upcoming ZR1, whose headline figures are intense enough that some observers are wondering if Chevy might even be lying. If that proves even partly true, this 70th Anniversary Stingray VIN 001 could end up looking like the clean starting chapter to a much wilder C8 story, the car that opened the door before the highest-spec models took things to another level. For the right buyer, though, the appeal is simpler. This is the first production 70th Anniversary C8, optioned correctly, barely driven and sold through one of the highest-profile auction blocks in the hobby. If VINs and anniversaries matter to you, this is about as high-end as a regular-production Stingray gets. View the full article

Taste is subjective, so it's with a hint of trepidation that I compile my Editor's Choice Top 10 each year. After all, my job is to select the world's best custom motorcycles week after week—so distilling an already discerning catalog to just 10 machines is a burdensome task.It starts with a 'short'... View the full article

Drawing the LineChina is set to impose the world's first hard cap on electric-vehicle energy consumption beginning next year. According to CarNewsChina, newly produced EVs weighing around two tonnes (about 4,400 pounds) will be limited to 15.1 kWh per 100 km, which translates to roughly 139 MPGe under Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) metrics. That efficiency target places the rule in roughly the same territory as the Tesla Model Y. Officially titled Energy Consumption Limits for Electric Vehicles Part 1: Passenger Cars, the regulation requires all newly made EVs to meet the new efficiency threshold. Models that fall short will force automakers to carry out technical revisions to bring them into compliance, potentially affecting the use or development of larger battery packs. The report also notes that EVs failing to meet the mandatory energy-consumption limits will lose eligibility for tax exemptions. Geely When Bigger Stops Being BetterThe new cap is particularly stringent when viewed through a U.S. lens, where EVs are often developed to be larger, heavier, and more powerful in response to consumer preferences. A clear outlier under China’s framework would be the GMCHummer EV, which is widely regarded as one of the least efficient EVs on sale today. The Hummer EV carries an EPA efficiency rating of roughly 53 MPGe while tipping the scales well over 8,600 pounds. Chinese regulators argue that the tighter standard will produce tangible benefits. The updated rule tightens energy-consumption requirements by approximately 11 percent, which authorities say could result in an average 7-percent increase in driving range for EVs using the same battery capacity. In addition, the regulation is intended to accelerate the adoption of energy-saving technologies, pushing manufacturers toward more efficient motors and EV architectures. BYD Setting the Stage for a New EV RealityThe new cap applies only to battery-electric vehicles, so hybrids and plug-in hybrids – like the Toyota RAV4 Prime – are exempt. CarNewsChina also reports that many EVs from Geely and BYD, two of the top-selling EV brands in China, already comply with the new limits and are expected to require minimal or no changes. While the regulation applies specifically to China, its influence could extend well beyond the domestic market. As the world’s largest EV market, China sets one of the most influential benchmarks for global EV development, meaning automakers hoping to compete there may need to rethink vehicle size, weight, and efficiency. Over time, that pressure could reshape global EV strategies – effectively discouraging oversized, inefficient EVs from entering the market. The new regulation is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. BYD View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Denny Hamlin's father, Dennis Hamlin, has died after injuries sustained in a house fire in Stanley, North Carolina, on Sunday. Hamlin's mother, Mary Lou, 69, is currently being treated at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center and is listed in critical condition. The fire's cause is still under investigation. Still reeling from a tragic December 18th plane crash that claimed the life ...Keep readingView the full article