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488 GT3 For The StreetsWhile this Ferrari 488 looks like a track-only build, it’s actually designed to live on public roads. The man behind the project is TJ Hunt, who explained how the car came together – especially given Ferrari’s strict stance on heavily modified builds – during a conversation with YouTuber and automotive photographer Larry Chen. The inspiration dates back roughly seven years, when Hunt saw a GT3 widebody build based on a Ferrari 458, the 488’s predecessor. He decided to pursue a similar idea using the 488 and genuine GT3 Evo components, but the process was far from straightforward. These parts are typically reserved for race teams, and GT3 Evo–spec components require extensive bodywork modification because the track-only cars use a longer wheelbase than the road-going model. Straight From the CircuitDetails surrounding how Hunt acquired the parts remain limited, though he noted that they were sourced from a 488 GT3 race car that won the 24 Hours of Barcelona in 2022. That helps explain why some components, such as the front carbon-fiber splitter, show visible repair marks. The hood vents were also blocked off, a practical decision aimed at protecting the car from weather exposure – after all, the engine no longer requires the same level of cooling it would demand during extended track use. As for the powertrain, the 488 is powered by a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 – the engine that marked the end of Ferrari’s naturally aspirated V8 era, last seen in the 458. From the factory, the car produces 660 horsepower, but with upgraded turbos, it reportedly put down high-700 horsepower on a dyno test earlier this year. The car rides on BBS E89 motorsport wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. @tjhunt_ on Instagram The Cost of Going All InWhen Chen asked about the cost of the GT3 Evo parts, Hunt’s response was bleeped out, though his reaction made it clear the number was substantial. A quick scroll through Hunt’s YouTube channel, which boasts around 2.4 million subscribers, eveals a video titled “I Bought a $100,000 Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo Kit,” suggesting the total landed well into six-figure territory. As for Ferrari’s infamous blacklist, Hunt seemed unsure how the Italian marque views the build, but argued the car doesn’t cross the same lines as some previously banned examples, referencing DJ deadmau5’s heavily wrapped 458 Spider. For now, Hunt gets to enjoy what is likely a unique experience: driving a GT3-based 488 on public roads. @tjhunt_ on Instagram View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Manual transmissions are becoming increasingly scarce, and for numerous reasons, and if two-pedal driving is the norm, two new patents filed by Porsche aim to make shifting gears via paddles as enjoyable as possible. Automatics are easier to produce, are more often bought by most customers, and are now capable of handling more torque than manuals, but according to two patents filed with the European Intellectual Property Office, they have room for improvement, reports CarBuzz, specifically when it comes to their shift paddles, which can be both more exciting to use and more comfortable to engage with in the winter. Since the patents were filed separately, we'll address them separately, but we have no doubt that their ideas could be combined. Porsche Proposes an End to Cold Fingertips Porsche We already have heated seats, steering wheels, armrests, and door cards, and the first patent argues that there's no reason that similar heating elements could not be installed in shift paddles. While this may seem like overengineering, the patent says that metal shift paddles get "uncomfortably cold" in the winter, and since Porsche is a luxury brand, these sorts of small details matter. Metal shift paddles are meant to create a greater sense of luxury, purpose, and tactility, but what good are they if the driver doesn't want to use them? Therefore, Porsche proposes that a heating element be added to the paddles during the molding or casting process, and we imagine this idea could be applied to carbon fiber or plastic paddles, too. Porsche Patents Good Vibrations for Gear Shifts Porsche Porsche's second patent for shift paddles notes that, while automatic transmissions of all sorts have come a long way, they remain less engaging than shifting gears with a stick and a clutch pedal. But as we noted at the outset, these are close to falling entirely out of favor, so Porsche suggests adding a "mechanical counterforce generating device" to the paddles' mechanism, essentially adding a mild form of force feedback like you'd get on a video game controller, albeit less intensely than in that application (we can see the seeds of this idea in the fitment of magnetic shift paddles in the 911 GT3 RS with the Weissach Package). The idea is that pulling back on the paddle would provide more resistance, and like a video game controller, the amount of feedback could be adaptive; less resistance in comfort and more in sport and track modes, for example. The patent also proposes that each gear could be made to feel different, potentially allowing the driver to determine the gear they're in without looking down, and the system could even be tuned to make it harder/impossible to select a gear that is too low for the current engine speed. Our Conclusion Michele Tantussi/Bloomberg via Getty Images Both patents show that Porsche obsesses over the details, and while both seem at face value like somewhat petty ideas, the more we consider these potential technologies, the more we see that Porsche is determined to keep driving pleasure at the fore - whether one is trundling to work in the snow or revving to 9,000 rpm on the track. Will these ideas make production? We don't know for sure, but besides their obvious but relatively minor cost and complexity implications, we see no reason why they shouldn't. View the full article

A Ghost That’s Meant to IntimidateDubai-based car customization brand Venuum Black has unveiled its take on the Rolls-Royce Ghost, dubbed the RR Ghost Vanta. Purists may want to look away, as the ultra-luxury sedan receives a series of visual modifications that give it a far more aggressive stance – an approach not traditionally associated with the Rolls-Royce brand. Perhaps the most noticeable change is the lowered ride height, which gives the Ghost a more street-oriented presence. That look is further reinforced by a body-colored widebody kit, featuring subtle vertical, winglet-style aero elements at the ends of the front bumper, rear bumper with a diffuser, and side skirts. With these updates, the side profile is reminiscent of the now-discontinued Chrysler 300C. In an Instagram post, Venuum described the car as a bespoke build that “features a reimagined widebody kit that gives the Ghost an assertive stance, heightened presence, and a new level of exclusivity.” Designed for PresenceThe RR Ghost Vanta also rides on a set of disc-style wheels that complement the build’s aerodynamic theme. This wheel design is commonly seen on electric vehicles, where it is used to help reduce drag and improve efficiency. While Venuum did not discuss mechanical changes, the build is expected to retain the Ghost’s combustion powertrain. Under the hood, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is likely powered by a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 sourced from parent company BMW Group. Assuming no changes were made, output should remain at 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Since the introduction of the current-generation model in 2020, all-wheel drive has been standard, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. @venuum_black on Instagram Bespoke, RedefinedVenuum has not released any interior photos, though its previous commissions suggest a high degree of interior customization is likely available. One example is the company’s Ferrari Purosangue built for American influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul, which featured a bright yellow interior and a Rolls-Royce-style “starry sky” headliner. Production of the Ghost Vanta will be limited to just 25 units worldwide, joining Venuum’s growing Rolls-Royce portfolio that includes the Wraith Apollo, Cullinan Tyrannus, Spectre Shadow, and Dawn Eros. Pricing has not been disclosed, though it’s expected to be substantial, given that a factory Ghost – the brand’s entry-level model – already starts in the mid-$350,000 range. @venuum_black on Instagram View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The only factory white Ferrari 250 GTO ever built is heading to auction, and it might be the next car to flirt with a 70 million dollar price tag. Chassis 3729GT, a 1962 250 GTO finished in Bianco with blue interior, is one of just 36 GTOs and one of only a handful in right hand drive. It will cross the block at Mecum’s 2026 Kissimmee sale, which runs from January 6-18, as one of the most historically loaded GTOs to come to market in years. Mecum Auctions View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Only Factory White 250 GTOFrom new, 3729GT was ordered by British team boss and Jaguar dealer John Coombs, who specified the unique white paint that still sets the car apart today. It is the only 250 GTO the factory delivered in Bianco, something we covered in more detail when we first reported that. Coombs had the car set up for serious competition, adding extra bonnet louvres, an additional front wing vent and a cooling duct to the cabin. Under the hood sits the familiar Colombo 3.0 liter V12, sending roughly 300 horsepower through a five speed manual to the rear wheels. Period race weight sat well under a ton, and in the early 1960s this was one of the sharpest GT packages on the planet. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Proven Race History And Blue Chip Provenance3729GT was no garage queen, as it raced in period at Brands Hatch, Goodwood and other British and European events with star drivers including Roy Salvadori, Graham Hill, Mike Parkes, Jack Sears and Richie Ginther. Highlights included second overall in the RAC Tourist Trophy at Goodwood, a result that helped secure Ferrari’s GT manufacturers’ title. Coombs also loaned the car to Jaguar for back to back testing against development E Types, work that helped guide the Lightweight E Type program and underlined just how advanced the GTO was. Later, Jack Sears bought the car and kept it for roughly three decades, after which it went to major collectors who resisted the temptation to over restore it. Today it carries Ferrari Classiche certification, retains much of its original interior, and is widely described as maintained and refinished rather than completely rebuilt. That level of authenticity is part of why expectations sit so high. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Chasing GTO History At The Very Top Of The MarketFerrari 250 GTOs already occupy rare air, public auction results for other examples have climbed well past 50 million dollars. Private sales have reportedly nudged the 70 million mark, and modern halo cars like the 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 show Maranello knows there is still intense appetite for ultra low volume specials. Stacked against that, a right hand drive 250 GTO with unique factory color, heavyweight period race history, long term ownership and Classiche backing has every ingredient the top of the market rewards. If any GTO is going to make the jump toward 70 million at public auction, 3729GT is a credible candidate. View the full article

A key precedent setThe long-running battle between automakers and franchised dealers over direct-to-consumer sales just tilted again, this time in Colorado. Scout Motors, the Volkswagen-backed revival of the iconic off-road brand, has secured a dealer license that allows it to sell vehicles directly to customers in the state. For dealers already uneasy about the slow erosion of the franchise model, it’s another worrying precedent. Colorado’s Motor Vehicle Dealer Board voted 6–2 to grant Scout Motors a license to sell new, used, and wholesale vehicles. The permit expires in October 2026, well before Scout’s South Carolina factory is expected to begin production in 2027. Still, the symbolism matters more than the timing. Colorado is the first state to formally approve Scout’s direct-sales strategy, handing automakers a fresh example to cite as they push back against dealer laws elsewhere. More than a retro throwbackWhen Volkswagen announced the return of the Scout brand in 2022, nostalgia wasn’t the only headline. VW also made clear that Scout would not use the traditional dealer network. Instead, the company plans to sell vehicles online, supported by company-owned showrooms and service centers. That approach immediately alarmed Volkswagen dealers, who argued that Scout, as a VW-backed brand, should be required to sell through existing franchises. Volkswagen Colorado regulators disagreed. In granting the license, the board determined that Scout Motors is not a “same-line” manufacturer as Volkswagen, Audi, or Porsche, despite being financially backed by VW. That distinction could prove crucial as Scout faces similar legal challenges in other states, including California and Florida. Dealer backlash grows louderNot surprisingly, Colorado dealers aren’t thrilled. Mike Maroone, CEO of Mike Maroone Auto and a former AutoNation executive, has been particularly outspoken. In an interview with CBT News, he criticized the decision as a workaround that undermines the franchise system and the investments dealers have made under long-standing state protections. Scout Motors Maroone has also pushed back on the idea that Scout is meaningfully separate from Volkswagen. In his view, operating as a standalone brand doesn’t change the reality that it’s owned and funded by a major OEM—one that has relied on dealer partners for decades. Allowing a manufacturer-backed brand to bypass those partners, he argued, sets a dangerous precedent. Dealer associations, Maroone said, are likely to respond with a mix of litigation, negotiation, and political pressure. Franchise dealers have deep roots in state politics, and many see this fight as existential rather than theoretical. Why Colorado mattersColorado isn’t just any test case. The state has one of the strongest EV markets in the country, accounting for roughly 27% of EV sales, buoyed by federal and state incentives. Even though some incentives were rolled back in October, demand remains relatively strong, making the state an attractive proving ground for new sales models. Scout For Scout, the irony is hard to miss. While it can now sell directly in Colorado, it still can’t do so in South Carolina—its home state and the site of its multibillion-dollar factory investment. South Carolina law not only bans direct manufacturer sales but also prohibits automakers from owning service centers, a potential headache for future Scout owners. Final thoughtsFor dealers, Scout’s Colorado win feels less like an isolated ruling and more like another crack in the franchise wall. Even if Scout sells relatively low volumes at first, the broader implication is clear: regulators may be increasingly willing to let automakers experiment outside the traditional system. View the full article

In a time when Congress seems hellbent on selling off every ounce of public lands, the people of the great state of Texas said, "No, we're going to buy more," through the new Centennial Parks Conservation Fund.View the full article

Fancy Taking Godzilla Off the Beaten Path?For nearly two decades, the Nissan GT-R has stood as a symbol of Japanese engineering excellence — a twin-turbo V6 supercar that blended brutal speed and sharp all-wheel-drive handling. Since its 2007 debut, “Godzilla” has evolved through constant refinement, earning cult status as both a track weapon and a performance icon, even as Nissan winds down its production. Enter the Prins Off-Road GT-R, a one-off reimagining of Nissan’s icon that trades its low-slung, track-hugging setup for a lifted stance and trail-ready muscle. With about 4.7 inches of extra clearance, custom long-travel suspension, chunky all-terrain tires, reinforced fenders, LED light bars, and a roof-mounted spare, it transforms the GT-R into a gravel-gobbling beast. Power still comes from the familiar 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 pushing over 600 horsepower, but now paired with upgrades that give this former tarmac terror a new dual personality, just as comfortable ripping down muddy backroads as it is dominating the track. Prins NL Why It Might Just Sell NowInterestingly, this isn’t the first time this off-road GT-R has appeared. The same car was initially offered with camouflage wraps and rally-style kits, appearing in the Dutch market around 2020. At the time, though, the concept was met with curiosity rather than conviction. Enthusiasts didn’t quite know what to make of a rally-ready “Godzilla.” The current example, priced at roughly $117,000, stands above most clean stock 2010 GT-Rs, which helps explain its earlier struggle to find a buyer. But the world has changed. With cars like the Porsche 911 Dakar, a factory-built, trail-taming sports car that’s now commanding well over its original $259,000 sticker at auction, the appetite for high-performance adventure machines has exploded. The off-road GT-R suddenly feels less like a novelty and more like a bold statement perfectly in step with the times. Prins NL A GT-R for the Adventurous EraThe GT-R’s legacy as a performance benchmark is secure, but what’s remarkable is how that legacy continues to evolve. The Prins Off-Road GT-R may have been ahead of its time when first conceived, but in today’s market, where enthusiasts crave speed, versatility, and a story, it’s perhaps finally found its moment. Buyers no longer want just a fast car; they want one that can go anywhere and say something about them. And this lifted, battle-ready GT-R does exactly that. Once dismissed as an oddity, it now feels like a symbol of where performance culture is headed, a Godzilla reborn for the age of adventure. Prins NL View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Top Fuel driver Josh Hart, a life-long Mopar fan and collector, will be selling his prized Mopar car and truck collection at the Kissimmee Mecum Auction, January 6-18. Hart was recently named Top Fuel driver for John Force Racing and in a show of support for the longstanding Chevrolet sponsorship of the 24-time NHRA world championship winning team Hart is going all in to support his new team. “I am going all in with John Force Racing in my pursuit of a Top Fuel world championship and I wanted to show that I am also all in when it comes to representing our sponsors like Chevrolet,” said Hart, a multi-time Top Fuel national event winner. “Chevrolet is an iconic manufacturer, and I will be very proud to wear the Chevy bowtie on my Burnyzz Speed Shop Top Fuel dragster and my uniform. I can’t wait for the 2026 season to start.” Hart’s collection that is up for grabs during the Mecum auction includes multiple Dodge Vipers, several Dodge Drag Pak Challengers and a beautiful Dodge Power Wagon. All the cars in Hart’s collection are in mint condition, many with low mileage and amazing detailing. Hart has spent years building his collection and hopes that all the cars go to appreciative collectors. “All of the cars in my collection have been prized possessions, but I saw this as an opportunity to find them a new home with collectors that will appreciate them as much as I did,” said Hart. “Some of the cars are some of the earliest cars to roll of the assembly line. The Drag Paks are amazing cars that I have had since they first were released. This is a great mix of cars that could be museum pieces or the perfect daily driver.” Hart’s collection includes: 2018 Demon with 80 miles and 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 with 3 miles, matching VINs specially built for Hart with crate, sold as a pair 2017 Dodge Hellcat last built manual with 700 miles 2017 Viper GTC 1 of 1 program twin turbo, 1200hp with 300 miles 2021 Drag Pak race-ready driven by Top Fuel driver Josh Hart during the 2025 NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series 1967 Power Wagon fully built with real Hellephant power plant on a Rubicon frame with 37’s All high production number and some of the last models to roll off the assembly line with every option carbon fiber and loaded personalized build sheets to Hart and triple black along with four other Drag Paks and another Viper ACR Hart will be on track racing for John Force Racing at the season opening NHRA Gatornationals, March 5-8, 2026. The Kissimmee Mecum Auction will be live from January 6-18. 2026. This story was originally published on December 30, 2025. The post Josh Hart to Sell Mopar Car Collection During January Kissimmee Mecum Auction first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Drag racing runs deep for Austin Hayward, the young gentleman standing guard over the timing systems at NHRA national events. Hayward’s role within NHRA is to calibrate, maintain, and oversee national event timing for the categories that fall under the Mission Foods and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. He’s the direct line between the NHRA division directors and the manufacturers of the three timing systems, working closely with representatives from Portatree, Accutime, and CompuLink, and he’s also part of the team looking at what the future of timing systems is for drag racing over the next 30 years. Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #197, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November/December 2025. Genealogy connects Hayward to drag racing – his grandfather, Art Hayward, was president of Chrondek timing systems (the predecessor to the current Compulink system) and served as the NHRA Electronics Director for three decades. Buck Hayward, Art’s son and Austin’s father, learned the trade and devoted much of his early life to building racetracks. “I don’t know if I had a choice, really,” says Hayward from In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, where he had just arrived to set up the timing system ahead of the final race of the season. “I don’t know what else I would have done – I was eight or nine years old and going to work with my dad at the racetrack every weekend. If he left me at home, I was mad. It’s just where I wanted to be.” Hayward was also a racer and grew up at Barona Drag Strip in San Diego. He went from Jr. Dragsters to a big car and did fairly well, but he truly found his niche right there in his grandfather’s footsteps. It wasn’t, however, through Art’s encouragement that his career grew in that direction. “We were very close, but my grandpa hated me racing and working at racetracks,” Hayward admits. “He didn’t want me involved in this at all. He had seen so many starry-eyed kids come into the sport and face challenges and have nothing else at the end. He died in 2018, the same day as ‘Mongoose’ [Tom McEwen], and two weeks before that – the last time I saw him – he apologized for trying to keep me away from this. He saw how much I loved it and that I was really good at it. That meant a lot to me.” The younger Hayward’s love for working at a dragstrip likely came at the pivotal moment when he was just seven years old and was tasked with working the time slip booth after the staff member was a no-show. “Over the years, I just ended up working every position imaginable at the dragstrip,” he recalls. “I raced, too. I snookered my dad into buying me a Jr., had the deal set up when I was 11. When I was 18, I moved to Houston and went to SAM Tech because I wanted to go work on Pro Stock cars.” But as fate and habit would have it, working behind the scenes was where Hayward would land. Kenny DeLaughter, who built Houston Raceway Park and became the track/maintenance manager, was his entry point, and track owner Seth Angel eventually took notice and offered him a full-time gig. It just grew from there. Hayward learned it all, fell in love with mastering track prep, and helped everyone he could. For a short time, he and wife Ambria worked to bring tiny Texas track Pine Valley Raceway back to life. Although they poured everything into the project, from heart and soul to time and dollars, that period of time proved more of a learning experience than a successful business venture. Ambria has been by Hayward’s side through incredible highs and lows, and they’re looking forward to the future and a time when they can grow their family and pass along their shared passions and all this life has to offer. “I love drag racing and the people I work with, and I really love seeing records set and first-time winners,” says Hayward. “I’ve been very blessed in that way. Drag racing has taught me a lot about life and how it has a weird way of changing. You have to be able to pivot. You also have to enjoy what you’re doing and have fun. I don’t do this for the accolades, I’ve just always done it because I’ve loved it.” The post DI 30 Under 30 2025: Austin Hayward first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

One of the most trusted names drag racing, David Reese and Reese Brothers Race Cars have found international status in less than a decade.View the full article

Harley-Davidson's new CEO is requiring all white-collar workers within 50 miles of Milwaukee to come back to the office.View the full article

Toyota RAV4 in Three FlavorsThe latest-generation Toyota RAV4 is now available in three flavors: Core, Rugged, and Sport. Each one gets its own look and powertrain setup, resulting in a diverse lineup with distinct styling. For a nameplate that needs to win over various types of customers – be it daily drivers, weekend explorers, and those who want a bit more on-road performance – it’s a deliberate move. Even before Toyota’s own show cars (from its forklift maker, nonetheless) hit the spotlight at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the aftermarket is already moving. JAOS, a veteran in 4WD and SUV upgrades, is focusing on the Rugged version of the RAV4, known as the Woodland trim in the US and Adventure grade in Japan. JAOS Real Upgrades from Japan’s 4x4 SpecialistThe JAOS parts list for the RAV4 Woodland covers all the basics for an overland-style build. A new bumper guard adds presence while maintaining ground clearance. Integrated LEDs and relocated fog lamps give the face a more serious look. A nose protector with amber marker lights caps off the enhancements up front. Down the sides, Fender garnishes with exposed dummy bolts make the RAV4 look wider, though you may want to match them with the wider set of rims and tires. Side and pillar protectors draw inspiration from outdoor gear, featuring matte and textured finishes. Mud flaps (yes, available in red), door handle films, fuel lid covers, luggage tray, and rear scuff plates are all about protecting the parts that get beaten up in real use. Some of the most important upgrades aren’t obvious at first glance. JAOS adds BATTLEZ suspension parts for a slight lift – about 0.8 to 1.0 inch – and adjustable dampers that keep things comfortable on the road but ready for trails. Wheel choices finish the package, with a set of 17-inch ADAMAS BL5 in matte or smoked finishes. The Toyo Open Country All-Terrain Tires are optional, but they do look good here, don't they? JAOS Is It Coming to America?There’s no extra power under the hood, and that’s not a surprise because off-road chops aren’t just about horsepower. JAOS keeps Toyota’s engines as they are, focusing on durability, ground clearance, and actual off-road usability. Based on JAOS's catalog, prices in Japan range from $35 to $1,450 per part (at current exchange rates), depending on what you choose. The suspension kit is about $1,100, and the exclusive wheels are about $1,450 per set. Since Toyota dealers in Japan sell and install most of these parts, the whole process feels more like ordering factory accessories than going the usual aftermarket route. US availability isn’t clear as of yet, but it wouldn’t be a stretch. JAOS already has distributors stateside, and the Woodland trim could actually use this kind of upgrade. If enough buyers want it, this rugged RAV4 could easily show up in American showrooms. JAOS View the 21 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Mips acquires Koroyd, allowing helmet brands to combine rotational and linear impact protection in one system. View the full article

A Deal That’s Likely DoneAn unnamed source told Reuters that Hyundai is not expected to exercise its two-year buyback option for its former manufacturing plant in Russia. This move would effectively close the door on a near-term return to the market. The option was included in the sale to Russia’s AGR Automotive Group in 2024, when the Korean marque recorded an accounting loss of 287 billion won (about $200 million) and transferred the plant for a symbolic price of 140,000 won ($97). Located in St. Petersburg, the facility played a key role in Hyundai – along with its corporate sibling Kia – becoming one of the top-selling automotive groups in Russia. The plant had an annual production capacity of more than 200,000 vehicles and previously built models such as the Hyundai Solaris, a subcompact sedan based on the Accent – previously offered in the U.S. market until the 2022 model year – but adapted for local market conditions. Other models produced at the plant were the Hyundai Creta and Kia Rio. The Insider TakeawayThe source, who is familiar with Hyundai’s internal discussions, said, “It is not a situation where we can buy back the shares.” He did not elaborate on the reasons, but cited Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine, adding that “the war should be over.” With the ongoing conflict and sanctions making operations in Russia challenging, several other automakers have also sold their assets. Mazda was the first to lose its buyback rights in October, while two of the world’s largest automakers, Toyota and Volkswagen, exited the market without retaining any buyback options. Other automakers, including Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and French automaker Renault, still hold buyback options that expire between 2027 and 2029. Hyundai’s own option, however, is set to expire in January, and based on the source’s comments, the company is unlikely to act on it. Hyundai The New Normal in RussiaWith many automakers now out of the Russian market, Chinese brands have reportedly taken a dominant position, selling nearly one million vehicles in the country last year out of a total 1.57 million units sold. Globally, Hyundai Motor Company appears to be on a strong financial footing, having reportedly surpassed Volkswagen to become the world’s second-most profitable automaker, trailing only Toyota. In the United States, the Korean automaker has committed $26 billion in investment through 2028, while the expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit has weighed on parts of its electric-vehicle program. Cole Attisha View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

KTM's future in MotoGP has been uncertain since the brand's insolvency last year. But more rumors are swirling, and this time about its title sponsor Red Bull leaving.View the full article

A shrinking runway for small gas carsEurope’s auto industry may have dodged the most dramatic version of the European Union’s 2035 ban on new combustion-engine vehicles, but the pressure on automakers hasn’t let up. Even with regulators signaling flexibility, manufacturers still face aggressive targets: fleet emissions must fall 90% from 2021 levels, with stricter CO₂ limits kicking in well before the end of the decade. From 2030 onward, the rules get tougher still. Against that backdrop, Volkswagen is drawing a hard line. According to VW brand CEO Thomas Schäfer, small gas-powered cars simply don’t pencil out anymore. Speaking with Auto Motor und Sport, Schäfer said models in the B-segment—think the Polo—are headed for an all-electric future. “The future in this segment is electric,” he said. The problem isn’t consumer demand so much as math. Engineering a new internal-combustion car to meet upcoming emissions standards would be prohibitively expensive, Schäfer argued. Those costs would ultimately be passed on to buyers, pushing prices high enough that small cars would lose their main advantage: affordability. The Polo’s electric successorThat reality means the clock is ticking on small ICE cars at VW. The Polo isn’t disappearing overnight, but its long-term successor will be electric. VW plans to introduce an “ID. Polo” as an indirect replacement, signaling the brand’s intention to keep the nameplate’s spirit alive—just without a gas engine. picture alliance/Getty Images A return to ultra-small, gas-powered city cars like the Up! or the Lupo is also off the table. VW sees little reason to revive the A-segment with combustion power when a wave of relatively affordable EVs is about to arrive. The first of those will land soon. VW’s electric Polo-sized hatchback is expected next year with a starting price of about €25,000, including VAT. In 2027, the production version of the ID. Every1 concept aims to push the entry point down to €20,000. Incentives in some EU countries could lower those prices further. VW isn’t stopping there. A Polo-sized electric crossover—previewed by the ID. Cross concept—has already been shown, and all three models will ride on the MEB+ platform, which is designed exclusively for EVs. Gas and electric, side by side Moritz Frankenberg/picture alliance via Getty Images Despite the clear direction, VW isn’t flipping a switch overnight. Existing gas-powered models like the Polo and T-Cross will continue for an unspecified period, running alongside their electric counterparts. The company hasn’t set firm end dates, but the long-term trajectory is clear: combustion engines in VW’s smallest cars are living on borrowed time. Final thoughtsThe shift comes as VW continues to dominate Europe’s sales charts. After the first ten months of 2025, the brand surpassed one million sales in the EU alone, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Including the UK and other nearby markets, that figure climbs past 1.2 million vehicles. Despite claims that EV demand is cooling, European data suggests otherwise. Through October, electric vehicles accounted for 16.4% of EU sales, up from 13.2% a year earlier. Broader regional figures tell a similar story. If VW’s bet pays off, its new generation of affordable EVs could accelerate that trend—and make the demise of the small gas car in Europe feel less like an ending and more like a handoff. View the full article

The upcoming RC700 shows China’s push into the middleweight sportbike segment as brands chase impressive specs and performance.View the full article

A Longstanding Cybertruck FaultTwo years after its highly publicized debut, the Tesla Cybertruck is once again under scrutiny, this time for a problem many owners say has literally clouded their vision. From the very beginning, when early prototypes were first spotted during testing, one detail drew instant attention: the massive, single windshield wiper dominating the front glass. The wiper’s sheer size became an early talking point among enthusiasts and critics alike when the Cybertruck was first spotted. Now, with another winter underway, that once-novel design feature has emerged as one of the vehicle’s most persistent pain points. Spanning nearly four feet, the oversized blade was meant to double as both an aesthetic statement and an engineering solution befitting Tesla’s futuristic pickup. Instead, it has become a recurring frustration for drivers navigating snow, ice, and slush. Reports from owners across North America describe the wiper’s inconsistent performance in cold, wet conditions. Snow and road grime tend to accumulate quickly, while uneven pressure leaves streaks and blind spots across the windshield. Tesla, in internal service communications shared by Tesla accessory distributor Teslahubs, acknowledged that “wiper performance is under active Engineering investigation,” signaling that the company is still working toward a fix despite multiple updates. Tesla Why the Giant Wiper Keeps Falling ShortThe Cybertruck’s single-blade system was designed to deliver wide coverage in a single sweep, but real-world performance has often fallen short. Owners have complained since launch that the blade struggles to maintain consistent contact with the glass, particularly near the center and upper edges of its arc. At highway speeds, some drivers report that the wiper fails to rest properly. In contrast, others note spotty washer-fluid distribution, a minor annoyance in summer that becomes a serious concern in snow or freezing rain. As winter sets in, these shortcomings become harder to ignore, with ice buildup and slush making the problem even more pronounced. More troubling are claims that the wiper’s limitations may affect the Cybertruck’s advanced driver-assistance systems. Several owners have reported that the blade sometimes fails to clear the area in front of the Full Self-Driving cameras, reducing visibility for both the driver and the vehicle’s software. Social media posts on X have amplified the issue, showing videos of partially cleared windshields during snowstorms. The growing chorus of complaints suggests that this is less a rare manufacturing defect and more a systemic design challenge, one that could have broader implications for Tesla’s future vehicles. Love the Cybertruck. Hate the wiper system. Tesla needs to issue a voluntary service providing a free upgraded/redesigned wiper arm and sprayer. This is not a one-time event. Happens every time we hit salt/slush and snow. It’shighly unsafe. There were a few times today on I-70… pic.twitter.com/ajy2BYFQDA — Spotted Model: Cars & Tech (@spotted_model) December 18, 2025 Fixes, Recalls, and What Comes NextTesla has made several attempts to address the wiper issue, but so far, solutions have been incremental rather than transformative. In June 2024, the company recalled a batch of Cybertruck wiper motors due to potential reliability concerns. Software updates followed, tweaking the blade’s sweep and resting position. Tesla also introduced a revised “V2” wiper blade intended to improve performance, but many owners say the newer version has brought its own set of quirks. Complaints of erratic movement and durability issues continue to surface online and in service centers nationwide. Industry watchers now speculate that a more substantial redesign may be underway. Observers have pointed out that while Tesla’s early “Cybercab” concept vehicles featured a similar single-wiper system, newer prototypes appear to adopt a more traditional dual-blade layout. If that shift makes it to production, it could mark a quiet acknowledgment from Tesla that the original single-wiper concept was a step too far for real-world driving, especially in harsh winter conditions. Until then, Cybertruck owners are left waiting, watching the snow fall, and hoping Tesla’s engineering team finally wipes away one of the truck’s most notorious flaws. View the full article

Is it Really Happening?The return of the WRX STI has been a case of "will they or won't they?" for the longest time. The current WRX was shown to the world in mid-2021, and at the time, Subaru said it wouldn't be making an STI version of the car. A report from Road and Track back in 2022 mentioned that the hotter WRX won't be happening due to constant regulation changes. Heck, there was even a statement from the company that said "a next generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform." Fast forward a couple of years, and Subaru has rolled out a couple of STI concepts and prototypes, and even a limited-edition model that's a half-step between WRX and STI dubbed the S210. More recently, the automaker rolled out a teaser on Christmas Day that featured a car with the much-revered badge. Subaru Hyping it UpNot content with just one teaser, Subaru literally just posted a second one just hours ago at the time of writing. This time around, we see its interior, hear a little more of it, and see a few more snippets of the exterior. Nothing too revealing, as usual, but we can make out some details. For instance, we see a fully digital cluster that looks slightly different from the WRX. In this case, there's now a boost pressure displayed on the screen. It also appears the car might be a manual, based on a quick glance at its pedal box. Lastly, the exhaust looks ever so slightly larger compared to the ones fitted to the WRX. The Sound, ThoughYes, Subaru included the engine sound in the first teaser, but there's more of it this time around. That said, we'll be frank and say it doesn't sound too, er, inspiring. Having been in several STI models over the years, this one seems strangely wheezy and generic four-cylinder. We couldn't hear any of the signature boxer rumble, except for a hint of it at startup. Oh dear. But if it's any consolation, at least the car sounds like it has a manual. There's an audible rev drop when the car cycled through the gears (assuming it has them), and there's also a blip of the throttle when it downshifted. Then again, modern automatics and even CVTs have reached a point where they mimic manuals, so we're a little cautious on that. S Still Hiding Key DetailsBack then, it was easier to differentiate a WRX from an STI. The clues were wider fenders, different wheels, a large wing, and a taller hood scoop. Subaru has cleverly hidden all those details by hiding most of them, angling it so it's harder to determine, or through erratic jump cuts. With that, it's either we look out for more teasers for clues, or we have to wait until January 9 for the full reveal. We're keeping our fingers crossed that it sounds better in real life, and crossing our toes that it really does have three pedals. One thing is for sure, though: it looks very much based upon the current VB WRX platform, even after Subaru said it won't build an STI on it. Subaru View the full article

Is Talaria doing something different, or is the brand's new Komodo electric dirt bike an EV moto clone?View the full article

A couple of carefully chosen updates strengthen an already swagger-laced package, but is the 2026 Bonneville Bobber the right choice for you?View the full article

The used passenger jet market is more active than you might think. The big airlines buy new jets and after they are done with them they are sold, often to smaller airlines and freight companies. They pull all the seats out of them, and outfit them for cargo holding, and freight transport. Not a big deal, because modern airplanes are modular and customizable, but a FedEx plane doesn’t look like a United Airlines plane, and that means there is a really, really, big paint job to worry about. Watch the video below to see just what painting a FedEx plane looks like. The post Watch A United Airlines Plane Transforms Into A FedEx Plane In This Repainting Timelapse Video appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Have you ever put off a project for 20 years? We did with our 1966 Chevelle. You see, the hole in the firewall where the steering column goes through wasn’t sealed up. We tried duct tape, cardboard, sound deadener, silicone caulking, and whatever else to half-ass patch the hole. There was no good way to get in there to get it sealed up. The 20-Year Solution About a year ago we picked up these slick firewall plates from JJ’s Rods, which is owned by Borgeson. These plates are designed for specific applications and include the rubber boots and all the hardware. Pretty straight forward right? We knew that it was going to require removing the steering column and getting under the dash, so we procrastinated another year. What’s one more year when you’ve waited 20, right? Remove Before Install Our first step for installation was to remove the steering column. Before we even did that we removed the drivers seat to give us more room under the dash, but this isn’t necessarily required. With the seat and the column out of the way, we actually removed the clutch and brake pedals but that was because we were going to redo the clutch master cylinder at the same time. These plates can be ordered with a boot for clutch linkage or without. We ordered with, and figured we can use that hole and boot to route wires and such through. Seeing that we already had all sorts of engine wiring for our Holley EFI going through, we were going to have to modify the plates a bit to make it all work. Slight Modification What we ended up doing was cutting the top section off the clutch boot area that gave us a nice slot to slide all the wires into. This saved us from having to redo hours and hours of wiring. At this point we trimmed up the boots as well. For the column, we made the hole in it 1/8th-inch smaller than the column. For the wiring side, we cut a slot in it so we could slide all the wiring into it. With the plate modified so it would fit, we held it up into place to mark the mounting holes we needed to drill. At this point we realized JJ’s Rods was really smart and they actually designed it to use the factory holes in the firewall. A couple of them had to be drilled out, but the initial hole is already there making this step super easy. Before installing the plates we installed the rubber seal around the perimeter of the plate on the firewall side. Team Work At this point you’ll need a second set of hands. One person under the hood, and one under the dash. We held the plates in place, and fished the provided hardware through the holes and firewall. Tightening them down we see this allows the plates to form against the firewall and seal it up nicely. Our last steps were to tidy up wiring, install the pedals, steering column, and seat. That was it! This isn’t a hard job, just one that takes some time to do. We’d say this is a one day, or a weekend job. Now when we cruise we don’t have hot air blowing on us, which will be great in the summer. Plus there’s the added safety where if there is an issue with the motor and it catches fire, that fire won’t come through the firewall directly onto us. To check out all the different plates available, hop on Borgeson.com! The post The Firewall Fix We Should’ve Done 20 Years Ago. This Simple Kit Is Just What The Doctor Ordered. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

If you missed any of the Formula 1 action that was going on at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, then you missed a lot. Celebrating 75 years of F1 was the focus of the 2025 running of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and that meant F1 drivers and cars from decades of racing were on hand. The chance to see some of them on track at the same time was truly something special. There are drivers and cars that have never been on track before and will likely never do it again either. If you are a fan of F1, you want to watch the video below because it really is something special. Video Description: Did you manage to get a ticket for the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard? Now is the time to relive those magical four days in July and watch the full Formula 1 show in its entirety. With 75 years of F1 to celebrate, there’s a lot to cover, so let’s get into it. We start things off by following one of the all time greats as Sir Jackie stewart makes his way to the best F1 celebration of the year. The post Celebrating 75 Years Of F1 At Goodwood 2025: Relive The Best F1 Action at the Goodwood Festival of Speed appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

There has never been a shortage of crash action at a World Rally Championship event, as cars often find themselves off the road, rolling over, slamming trees, and getting stuck in spectacular fashion. It’s a rally thing and these cars are built to take a lot of abuse. It is not uncommon to find a team making repairs after a stage where their car lost a corner or two. If you want to check out the action from the top crashes of the 2025 season, watch the video below and enjoy! The post 2025 WRC Highlights Video: Here Is Every Major World Rally Championship Crash from 2025! Rough and Tumble Action! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article