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Even with its cutting-edge hybrid system combining twin-turbo power and an electric motor, the 2026 Corvette ZR1X cannot escape Washington's fuel economy rules. The car carries a gas guzzler tax of $2,600, pushing the starting price beyond $210,000. With dealers adding markups and buyers already spending six figures, the federal penalty amounts to little more than a rounding error. Remember, GM maintains a one-year no-flip policy, though that hasn’t stopped some owners from listing theirs for well over $100,000 over sticker price, which really makes the Corvette’s gas guzzler tax seem like a mere afterthought. Chevrolet The Fastest Corvette Gets The Least TaxThe federal government imposes this penalty on new passenger cars falling below specific fuel economy thresholds. The ZR1X pushes 1,250 horsepower through its electrified all-wheel drive system, yet is rated for approximately 15 mpg combined. Interestingly, the hybrid ZR1X receives a lower penalty than its pure gas sibling. The standard ZR1 faces a $3,000 gas guzzler charge due to its roughly 14 mpg combined fuel economy. Buyers choosing the hybrid save $400 despite gaining nearly 200 additional horsepower. The Corvette Z06 with standard aerodynamics carries a $2,600 penalty matching the ZR1X, while Z06 models with aggressive carbon aero packages jump to $3,000 due to increased drag. Chevrolet How The Gas Guzzler Tax Works Congress established the gas guzzler tax in 1978 through the Energy Tax Act, following the 1970s energy crisis. The current structure has remained unchanged since 1991, establishing twelve penalty tiers ranging from $1,000 for vehicles achieving between 21.5 and 22.5 mpg to a maximum of $7,700 for cars rated below 12.5 mpg combined. The EPA determines ratings using unadjusted fuel economy numbers, which typically yield figures about 25 percent higher than adjusted window sticker numbers. This means vehicles that achieve roughly 16 mpg on window stickers avoid the penalty. The tax applies exclusively to passenger cars, exempting trucks, SUVs, minivans, and crossovers regardless of fuel consumption. It could be argued that some trucks and SUVs should fall under the ambit of the gas guzzler tax, but considering these vehicles weren't popular for non-commercial purposes when the Energy Tax Act was drafted decades back, they escape. Ford Might As Well Call It The ‘Performance Tax’High-performance cars are natural penalty targets, considering trucks and SUVs are exempt from the gas guzzler tax. For buyers spending $200,000 or more, an additional $2,600 barely registers. However, more accessible performance vehicles feel the impact differently. The Ford Mustang GT carries a $1,000 penalty with a starting price around $50,000. For mainstream muscle cars, the gas guzzler tax represents a more significant percentage of purchase price, though it hardly dissuades buyers. View the full article

So now we have carmakers jacking up prices of new cars in ways that can only be termed egregious. This might come across as surprising, but OEMs are increasing the destination and delivery charges, inflating the actual window sticker, otherwise called the vehicle’s sticker price or its MSRP. The information comes courtesy of the Detroit Free Press, stating that Chevrolet, Ford and Ram have all increased their destination charge from $1,995 last year to $2,595 for most of their 2025 and 2026 lineup. Apparently, hiking the destination charge instead of the MSRP means the dealer shoulders the brunt of the tariff load more than the automaker. We are in a time when volatility and uncertainty are at their peak. You have fears of a recession looming and a potential AI bubble, with tech companies burning through cash like dry leaves in a wildfire. Think about fuel prices and living costs—everything has been going bananas for the last year or so. On top of all that, you have carmakers finding devious ways to squeeze more money from your wallet. Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images Sam Abuelsamid, vice president of market research at Telemetry, was reported saying, "They are hiding some of the tariff costs in the destination charge, because you can’t opt out of the delivery charge even if you live next to the factory and pick your vehicle at the gate.” Ivan Drury, director of insights at Edmunds, told the Detroit Free Press that, "I have seen those destination fee increases that are out of the norm versus the typical annual adjustments. Almost everyone is guilty in part on some level because of tariff/inflation and hedging their bets.” Getty Images According to Edmunds, a 2023 Ford F-150 carried a destination charge of $1,795, which rose to $1,995 for MY24 and $2,595 for MY25. A similar trend can be seen with the Chevy Silverado 1500, as MY23 saw a destination charge of $1,895, which became $1,995 for MY24 and $2,195 for MY25. Drury also went on to say that the Detroit giants were the ones increasing the most among mass market automakers, with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen having the lowest destination charges across the industry. View the full article

A Verdict With Real TractionA New Mexico jury has ordered Michelin North America to pay $220 million in a wrongful-death lawsuit stemming from a tire blowout involving a Ford Excursion. Per Car Complaints, the plaintiffs, including vehicle owner Mr. Eleazar Marin, alleged that the tire in question – an all-season Michelin LTX M/S2 – was defective at the time it left the factory. The incident occurred in Gaines County, Texas, in 2021, when the front-left tire of the Excursion allegedly suffered a blowout, causing the full-size SUV to cross into oncoming traffic. The vehicle collided with another heavy-duty vehicle towing a trailer, resulting in a fatal crash that killed three of Marin’s family members: his wife, Rosalva Marin, daughter Laura Marin Zamarippa, and granddaughter Alexis Zamarippa. Michelin Inside the Alleged DefectsAccording to the lawsuit, the Michelin LTX M/S2 allegedly experienced a tread separation caused by multiple design and manufacturing defects, including improper adhesion between the steel belts, an inadequate belt-edge protection package, and an inferior belt system. The complaint further alleged the tire lacked sufficient antioxidants and proper belt-width-to-tread proportions, and exhibited various belting anomalies such as offset belts, improper splices, and irregular wire spacing. The tire involved in the crash was reportedly manufactured in Alabama around June 2014, though the exact purchase date was not disclosed in court filings. Reports indicate the tire was approximately seven years old at the time of the accident and had accumulated roughly 70,000 miles of use. As a general guideline, tires are typically recommended to be replaced every six to 10 years or 50,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on wear and overall condition. Ford The Jury Wasn’t Buying ItWhile those figures suggest the tire was still within commonly cited replacement windows, Michelin reportedly argued during the trial that evidence showed the tire had already sustained damage. Despite that defense, the jury ultimately assigned 100% of the blame to Michelin, resulting in the $220 million verdict. The tire manufacturer will likely seek a reversal. The LTX M/S2 product line remains on sale today, marketed for use on light trucks and SUVs, as well as electric vehicles – think along the lines of the Rivian R1T. Michelin, which has been manufacturing tires since the 19th century, also maintains an active presence in global motorsports and currently participates in top-tier programs such as America’s endurance racing series, the IMSA SportsCar Championship. Michelin View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Every year the message is pretty similar, and on behalf of the Reynolds family, along with our amazing BangShift.com sponsors, I’d like to wish all of our friends and readers a very Merry Christmas. We also send a hearty Season’s Greetings from all the BangShift Contributors, who have given their weekends and evenings to us in pursuit of great content and coverage. But I’d also like to remind everyone out there that with all the stress, anger, and hatred we see in our daily lives nowadays, it is even more important than ever to remember what matters most. And what matters folks is family and friends. The rest is just stuff. So remember to be a good human, have fun, and enjoy your time with them this year. Out here in Texas we’re getting our bacon on this Christmas thanks to the guys at American Powertrain, who hooked us up with kick ass Benton’s Bacon. You can get yours still during their BACONshift sale, don’t forget. McTaggart will be hanging around with the family and enjoying some good food served up potluck-style. Meanwhile I’ll be enjoying Christmas in the new shop with family and friends. We’ve decorated, are cooking up a feast, and welcoming Santa with open arms. We hope that you too will be enjoying great food and drink with family and friends. After all, that’s what the holidays are all about. We’re going to assume that, since you are BangShifters, you’ve been both naughty and nice this year, but in a recent conversation with Santa, he told me that you just needed to be mostly nice and that even Santa was naughty every once in a while according to Mrs. Claus. Last year we encouraged you to start, or carry on, a family tradition. Our favorite is the Christmas Burnout tradition, and we’re hoping you’ll send us links to the videos again this year. To those members of the armed services defending our country and protecting the freedoms that we hold so dear, we also wish you and yours the best on this Christmas. Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed by us, and the wonderful readers here at BangShift.com. We hope that wherever you are you feel our gratitude and respect. For those of you who have lost a loved one this year, remind those around you to take full advantage of those that are still with us. Family is the most important thing, and we consider each of our dedicated readers to be part of the BangShift family. Your well wishes this holiday season mean the world to us. Thank you. Have a very Merry Christmas! The post Merry Christmas From BANGshift! We Hope You Enjoy Christmas With Your Loved Ones And That Santa Is Good To All Of You! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The Ford Raptor family currently comprises three models: the F-150 Raptor, the Bronco Raptor, and the Ranger Raptor. But that is likely to change in the not-too-distant future, and for the better. EVs are proving so unpopular that Ford has walked away from multi-billion-dollar deals to minimize further financial losses, while enthusiast-focused vehicles like those in the Raptor line have been immensely popular and profitable, so Ford will be leaning into what its buyers want with more fun cars. As reported by Ford Authority, Ford CFO Sherry House, speaking at the 2025 Barclays Global Auto and Mobility Tech Conference, said, "I know that some people in the audience here just had a wonderful ride in some of our Raptors, and that's a product that I think that we're going to be doing a bit more of as as well." Raptors Aren't the Only Fun Fords We Could Get Ford "We're going to be leaning into these products that are just passion products," continued House. "I mean, these are vehicles that people love." The 900-horsepower Raptor R shown at SEMA falls into that category, though it's not yet confirmed for production, but the "passion products" House refers to will likely not only encompass Raptor vehicles, either. A new Mustang Shelby GT500 is expected to arrive before long, likely sometime in 2026, and there have long been rumblings of a Ford Mustang sedan, potentially with the name Mach 4. Related: Before the Mustang Turbo, Ford Built This Wild Capri Instead On top of that, Ford CEO Jim Farley has said that the Blue Oval is considering a 1,000-horsepower off-road supercar, and the automaker has announced that an "all-new Ford Racing production road car" will be unveiled ahead of the 2026 Detroit Auto Show in January. This might be a new Ford GT supercar, or it could be another high-performance Mustang, like the aforementioned GT. Whatever it is, it's clear that Ford is leaning into exciting vehicles. Even EVs Could Become More Exciting at Ford Christopher Stevens/Ford At Monterey Car Week in August, Jim Farley revealed that he thinks there remains a "huge market" for sedans, adding that they're very aerodynamically efficient, and this is good for EVs. With that in mind, he said that his vision for a new Ford sedan would be fast, send its power to the rear wheels, offer high performance, and be affordable. Considering that the Mustang lent its name to the Mach-E crossover, it's not a stretch to imagine that the rumor of a Mustang sedan could be realized by a new EV. Hopefully, we'll learn more in Detroit. View the full article

Spoold Media was on hand at the Christmas Tree Drags at Bradenton, and we’ve got their video right here. We’ve already shared the video from 1320Video and KSR, but this one is different and fun too, so check it out. If you missed the others, use the link below to check them out too. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER CHRISTMAS TREE DRAGS COVERAGE Video Description: There’s nothing more festive in my opinion than Christmas trees going 6 seconds in the quarter mile at 180-200+mph!!!!! Bradenton Motorsports opened their gates for the annual Christmas Tree Drags and we got the opportunity to ride along with a racer and bring you this vlog style video of the event!!! The post CHRISTMAS TREES GOING 6 SECONDS IN THE 1/4?!?!? MORE CHRISTMAS TREE DRAGS FROM BRADENTON!!!! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The Mooneyes Christmas Party is always one of our favorite events of the year, and I really do miss it now that I live in Texas. It was one of those annual shows that we really looked forward to each year. It was at Irwindale Speedway for many years, and was limited in size because of it, but now that it has moved to Pomona there is a lot more room which means even more hot rods, race cars, and customs. Plus lots of bikes, models, and vendors as well. It was one of our favorite places to Christmas shop too! In the video below from FunWithLopez you’ll get to see what the 2025 edition, a celebration of 75 years of Mooneyes, was like. Let us know what your favorite hot rod, custom, and model were from the show in the comments below. Video Description: The Mooneyes Christmas Party Show & Drag 2025 at the Pomona Fairplex delivered an unforgettable celebration of Kustom Kulture and high-octane drag racing. Held on December 20, 2025, this legendary Southern California car show marked a historic milestone as Mooneyes celebrated its 75th Anniversary at its brand-new venue, the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, following the closure of Irwindale Speedway. The atmosphere was electric, with the scent of nitro and the thunderous roar of engines filling the air from sunrise to sunset. We captured the complete Mooneyes 2025 experience, showcasing an elite collection of hot rods, custom builds, lowriders, and rat rods. A major highlight of our coverage included the stunning models and pin-up girls posing alongside these rolling works of art, perfectly capturing the timeless “eyes” aesthetic. Seeing these talented models bring the classic rockabilly style to life in front of the world-class builds added an incredible layer of authenticity to the show. We had the opportunity to say hello to the beautiful Georjah Erin. On the legendary strip, the 1/8 mile drag racing action was relentless, featuring classic gassers and vintage dragsters. The festivities continued with a glamorous Pin-up Girl Contest, intricate pinstriping demos, and live sets from The Rockets and The Outlaw Daddies. As one of the most anticipated 2025 car shows, this year-end festival honored the legacy of Dean Moon in spectacular fashion. The post MOONEYES Christmas Party 2025 Video: Classic Cars, Hot Rods & Models Together Celebrating 75 Years Of Mooneyes! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A 911 S/T Story for the History BooksPorsche has apologized to two 911 S/T owners after a production mix-up left both cars bearing the same “1,724 of 1,963” limited-edition badge. The owners appear to have accepted the apology after visiting the automaker’s Zuffenhausen facility in Germany, where the numbering error was officially corrected and documented. To recall, Porsche introduced the S/T in 2023 as a 60th-anniversary tribute to its iconic sports car. Production was capped at 1,963 units, referencing the year the original 911 debuted. As deliveries of these cars continue around the world, two examples were produced with identical number plaques, an error the automaker later described as an accident. Porsche Mistake Turns Into MemorabiliaSo here's what happened: One of the affected owners is Suzan Taher, whose 911 S/T was originally assigned the number “1,742.” The other owner, Pedro Solís Klussmann, specifically requested “1,724,” a number with personal significance. He chose the number because he, his mother, and his grandmother all celebrate their birthdays on the 17th, while the number 24 refers to his father’s birthday. To resolve the situation, the incorrect plaque was formally handed over to Porsche for archiving. Klussmann, who also serves as president of the Porsche Club Guatemala, and Taher each received official documentation, including a photograph of both cars now wearing their correct limited-edition numbers. The automaker also presented the owners with an “elegant” box containing samples of their cars’ respective interior and exterior materials. Klussmann’s 911 S/T was specified with Porsche’s Heritage Design package, highlighted by an exclusive Shore Blue Metallic exterior finish. Inside, the car features seats trimmed in Classic Cognac fabric with black pinstripes. Taher’s example, meanwhile, was commissioned through Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program, the brand’s in-house bespoke division comparable to Lamborghini’s Ad Personam. Her car was finished in Paint to Sample Plus shade called Rose Red, with the interior receiving a matching Guards Red treatment. Porsche said the Rose Red color – originally offered on models in the 1970s, including the iconic Carrera RS 2.7 – will officially join the regular Paint to Sample program starting in the 2026 model year. The 911 S/T is effectively positioned between the GT3 Touring and the track-focused GT3 RS. As such, the anniversary model retains the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine, producing 518 horsepower and revving to 9,000 rpm. Key mechanical highlights include a six-speed manual transmission, extensive weight-reduction measures, and a chassis explicitly tuned for agility and driver engagement. Porsche Even the Best SlipAddressing the incident, Karl-Heinz Volz, Director of Porsche’s bespoke program, acknowledged the error in an official press release: “There is a lot of specialized manual work involved in manufacturing, and human involvement means that mistakes can happen. The important thing is how you deal with them. It was very important to us to apologise to our customers appropriately and to correct the error.” Despite the production lapse, both vehicles retained their unique VINs, meaning the issue was ultimately cosmetic. With the correction complete, Porsche said that the incident now stands as a documented anecdote in the history of Sonderwunsch. Porsche View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

This thing is cool! Well it looks cool anyway, even though I’m not a big fan of the 6.2 liter diesel under the hood. And before all you 6.2 and 6.5 fans start bitching, know that I grew up with a 6.2 liter diesel swapped squarebody Suburban, and I own another 6.2l powered squarebody Suburban right now. Can they be reliable? Sure. Do they make big power? No. Do they get great mileage? Not really. Can you count on them actually staying reliable? Ehh, that kind of depends on how they have been treated. So will this one be reliable enough to make it home to Tennessee for Derek? Or will it leave him stranded along the way? Video Description: I bought this Old GMC Diesel Squarebody sight unseen off the innerwebs. I flew to pick it up with zero tools or parts. Now, let’s see if it will road trip 600+ miles back home to Tennessee! The post Vice Grip Garage Christmas Extras: DETROIT DIESEL Dually Squarebody! Will It Make It 600 Miles Home or Leave Him Stranded? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Polestar has secured another bailout-sized cash injection, landing $300 million in new equity while major shareholder Geely converts a similar amount of debt into stock. It’s the latest step in a string of rescue moves meant to keep the EV brand liquid long enough for the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 launches to gain traction. New Equity Deal Brings In BBVA And NatixisThe fresh money arrives via a private placement of new Class A shares to two banking heavyweights, BBVA and Natixis, which are investing $150 million each. The shares are being sold at a price tied to Polestar’s recent average trading levels, and no single investor will be allowed to end up with more than 10% of the company once the deal closes. Polestar says the proceeds will be used to strengthen liquidity and the balance sheet as it ramps production and sales, that includes scaling up the Polestar 3. The new equity is meant to help underpin that push while the company works toward its existing revenue and margin targets. Geely Converts Debt And Extends More CreditAlongside the $300 million cash raise, Geely Sweden Holdings is converting roughly $300 million of existing shareholder loans, plus some accrued interest, into equity. That move cuts Polestar’s debt load and should trim annual interest expense by tens of millions of dollars, at the cost of further dilution for existing shareholders. The latest package also sits on top of a previously announced loan facility of up to $600 million from a Geely unit, giving Polestar a sizeable, if heavily related-party, safety net. There’s an added backstop baked into the structure too: the new bank investors get the option to sell their shares back to a Geely-owned entity at a defined return after a few years. In practice, Geely is quietly underwriting the risk and signaling it still intends to keep Polestar afloat. Buying Time For Polestar 3, 4 And 5Taken together, the equity infusion, debt-for-equity swap and loan facility amount to roughly $1.2 billion in support agreed in a single month. It’s less a growth round than an emergency recapitalization designed to buy time for Polestar’s product plan. Beyond the 3, the brand is counting on the sleeker Polestar 4, which we’ve already sampled in Texas, and the upcoming Polestar 5. The question now isn’t whether Polestar has enough short-term funding; on paper, it does. The real test will be whether the brand can turn that runway into sustained demand and margins in a crowded premium EV segment. If the 3 and 4 can convert attention into sales, this latest lifeline could look like a smart bridge. If not, it’ll be remembered as another expensive attempt to keep a struggling EV badge in the air a little longer. View the full article

Have you ever been driving down the road and had a backseat or passenger seat driver telling you how you should be doing it better? Or telling you straight up that you are doing it wrong? Worse yet is the passive aggressive backseat driver. If you have driven with this person then you have probably, at some point, said something along the lines of “If you think you can do a better job, then you drive!”. Well what happens when a Rally driver decides that they are tired of listening to their navigator/co-driver and gives them a chance behind the wheel? Let’s see how this works out. Can a rally co-pilot actually drive? Video Description: What happens when a rally co-driver takes the wheel? Find out as we take you exclusively behind the scenes as Martijn Wydaghe puts down the pace notes and swaps sitting next to Thierry Neuville in the co-driver’s seat for the driver’s seat at the 2025 Rallye du Pays Vençois in France! The Belgian took the wheel of a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 and impressed the crowds with his commitment and pace, winning his first-ever rally stage in the process How did you think he got on? The post Stop Telling Me How To Drive! They Might Be Good At Instructions, But What Happens When a Rally Co-Driver Takes the Wheel? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The K4’s Place in the MarketThe Kia K4 enters the 2026 model year with a modest price bump, now starting at $22,190 MSRP – an increase of just $200 over the previous year. Still, the K4 remains among the most affordable new cars available in the U.S. market, a position that stands out even more as the roughly $20,000 Nissan Versa is getting axed after the 2025 model year. In this lower-cost space, the K4 overlaps with a handful of budget-friendly alternatives, including the Hyundai Venue and Chevrolet Trax, which start at $20,550 and $21,700, respectively. Within the compact sedan segment specifically, the Toyota Corolla carries a base price of $22,725, while the Honda Civic opens at a noticeably higher $24,595. Kia What's New For 2026For 2026, Kia carries over the same trim structure for the K4, consisting of the LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo, though some pricing adjustments vary. The mid-range K4 EX sees the largest increase at $400, while the flagship GT-Line Turbo, powered exclusively by a 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, only receives a $200 hike. All other K4 trims are equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), the brand's in-house CVT, whereas the GT-Line Turbo is fitted with a more traditional 8-speed automatic transmission. Updates for the 2026 model year are relatively limited. SynTex upholstery is now standard on the EX and GT-Line trims, with the EX also gaining heated front seats and a rear folding armrest. Certain GT-Line packages further add a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster running Kia’s ccNC interface, along with a heated steering wheel. Kia Pricing OverviewBelow is the full list of MSRP pricing for the 2026 Kia K4: Trim 2026 Pricing 2025 Pricing K4 LX $22,190 $21,990 K4 LXS $23,290 $22,990 K4 EX $24,390 $23,990 K4 GT-Line $25,390 $25,190 K4 GT-Line Turbo $28,290 $28,090 In addition to the sedan, the all-new K4 Hatchback is also slated for sale in the U.S. as a 2026 model, albeit at a higher starting MSRP of $24,890. Even so, both K4 body styles continue to provide relatively attainable options in a market increasingly dominated by crossovers and SUVs, a point made more relevant as the average transaction price of new vehicles stateside hovers around $50,000. Kia View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Supercar With a Serious MissionA New Jersey police department is making headlines for an innovative approach to community outreach that combines high-octane excitement with a life-saving message. The Garfield Police Department in Bergen County has teamed up with Lamborghini Paramus to unveil “Outrun Opioids,” a community initiative that uses a 2023 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato to raise awareness of opioid addiction and recovery resources. Instead of chasing suspects, this supercar’s mission is to chase conversations by helping residents better understand the pathways to treatment and recovery in their own community. Dressed in official Garfield Police graphics and topped with a blue light bar, the off-road-capable Huracán Sterrato is designed to command attention wherever it goes. That visibility is no accident. With its 602-horsepower engine, off-road capability, and unmistakable silhouette, the vehicle has quickly become a centerpiece for discussions around substance use and stigma. The car made its debut at the 37th Annual PBA Toy Drive in Closter, where it attracted crowds eager to learn about its unexpected purpose. Police officials say the Lamborghini is not a symbol of enforcement but of empathy, a striking reminder that help is available and recovery is possible. Turning Attention Into Access to HelpBeyond the spectacle, the “Outrun Opioids” campaign has a practical and potentially life-changing component. Prominently featured on the Lamborghini’s livery is a QR code linking directly to The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources. Scanning it connects users with a 24/7 live navigator who provides confidential assistance, treatment referrals, and guidance for individuals or families struggling with addiction. It’s an innovative way to bridge the gap between awareness and action, ensuring that the attention the car draws translates into access to real support. Garfield police officials say the Lamborghini will continue to appear at youth programs, public events, and educational initiatives throughout the region. Each outing is an opportunity to start conversations that could lead to intervention before tragedy strikes. The department emphasizes that the Huracán Sterrato won’t be used for patrols or emergencies; it’s purely an educational tool. No Cost to Taxpayers, Maximum Community ImpactWhile the project’s glitzy exterior might raise questions, city leaders are quick to stress that the initiative carries no financial burden for Garfield residents. The nearly $310,000 Lamborghini remains the property of Lamborghini Paramus and is being loaned to the department free of charge. Officials say that the partnership model allows the city to make a big impact without spending a dime of taxpayer money, a point that has helped the campaign earn broad public support. The Huracán Sterrato will remain wrapped in Garfield Police livery through June of next year, then return to its original form after a “Chief for a Day” community celebration. Until then, police hope the car continues to draw crowds and conversations that lead to healing. View the full article

For Uniontown, Ohio’s Scott Chitty, drag racing is not just a pastime, it’s a way of life. Following in the footsteps of his father, Terry Chitty, who ran NMCA Nostalgia Pro Street for many years, Scott began racing Jr. Dragsters at eight years old. From that point forward, he spent countless weekends traveling with his parents, competing, and forming lifelong friendships along the way. Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #197, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November/December 2025. Among his many wins during his Jr. Dragster career, Chitty recalls his victory at the Thunder Valley Challenge in Bristol, Tennessee, when he was just 10 years old as his most memorable. He also notably earned two Summit Motorsports Park track championships, one at just nine years old and another at 17. After aging out of Jr. Dragsters, Chitty transitioned to the Sportsman class driving a 1992 Chevy Camaro, which proved to be a smooth transition thanks to his many years of foot brake experience. He went on to win his first race in the Camaro at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. Over time, he shifted into index racing, where he has since found his groove. “I like index because it’s different from bracket racing. I like the pro tree; I was always good on a pro tree even in Jrs. Plus, it’s new competition and just something different for me.” Chitty says. Now at 30 years old, Chitty competes in the Summit Racing Equipment Index Series at Dragway 42 in the 7.00 class. Since 2020, he has secured five track championships in the 7.00 and 11.50 index classes. When his schedule allows, Chitty also bracket races his LS-powered 2000 Chevy S-10 and travels to various races in the Midwest region. Over two decades of racing, Chitty has collected numerous wins and championships across multiple classes, but a few stand out as career highlights. “Winning my first Ironman was huge,” he says. “I never ran IHRA races in Jrs., so to finally get one in a big car meant a lot.” He’s also proud of his strong performance at Norwalk’s prestigious Night Under Fire event, where the top 32 in each class face off. Chitty runnered up in 2023 and took part in the iconic winner’s parade under a massive fireworks show. “At the end of the race, they drive you up the track and then stop to let everybody come out for autographs,” Chitty says. “It was a pretty cool experience.” Just this past October, Chitty captured another win at Dragway 42, this time behind the wheel of a borrowed 1981 AMC Spirit. After breaking his Camaro at the Bracket Finals for, coincidentally, the second year in a row, he piloted the Spirit to a win in the Box class before defeating No Box winner Mark Frazier in the final round of the Mickey Thompson Tire Run-Off Race. When he’s not at the track, Chitty works full time at Charlie’s Garage, an automotive service shop that his mother, Terri, had scouted out for his dad many years ago. After the passing of his mother in 2014, an opportunity arose for his dad to take a leap of faith and purchase the very shop the couple had often talked about owning together. Nowadays, working side-by-side with his father every day at their shop, located just five minutes from home, is something Chitty never takes for granted. “My mom found this for him when he originally got a job there. A couple years after that, we acquired it. Dad runs the front while I do tires, brakes, and oil changes because I went to school for it all,” he says. “We can work on the car here too. We’re very lucky to have all of this.” Before his mother’s passing, Chitty fondly recalls many years of cherished memories. She would always have the motorhome ready for them to just hop in and go. “We went everywhere. They weren’t afraid to drive anywhere. I was very lucky to experience a lot of things because of Dad and Mom. It was pretty cool,” Chitty says. Beyond his own racing, Chitty also crews for Glenn Butcher’s Top Sportsman Camaro on the PDRA tour. The opportunity, and the years-long friendship that followed, began with a simple act of kindness when his dad helped Glenn’s son with his Jr. Dragster. Now, Chitty wrenches on Butcher’s 959-cubic-inch motor and recently helped him secure a PDRA win in Martin, Michigan. When Ohio’s winter season arrives, Chitty’s competitive spirit doesn’t slow down, it just shifts scale. He’s also a devoted slot car racer, running 1:24 scale replicas of his own drag cars across the Midwest. “When we put the big cars away, it’s slot car season,” he says. Chitty has claimed several big-money victories in Ohio and Pennsylvania, but mostly enjoys travelling with friends like 2019 DI 30 Under 30 honoree Matt Dadas, JP Schuster, and Jaeden Durst during what’s typically considered their offseason. For Chitty, his racing goals are simple. He wants to keep improving, learning, and racing with his friends and family. While he’s focused on another 7.00 index championship, he also hopes to climb higher in both the Top and Sportsman classes. Looking ahead to 2026, his schedule includes a few big-money bracket races and possibly a few IHRA events as he chases down another Ironman trophy. More than anything, though, Chitty most enjoys the camaraderie of the tightknit racing community he’s formed over the years. The post DI 30 Under 30 2025: Scott Chitty first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

I don’t know that most frame shops would even want to repair this thing, or that the condition of the wrecked truck would be worth saving. But that’s what is happening in this video here as ten days of work goes into getting this frame back into shape. Yep, 10 days. It seems kind of impossible to think that it was repaired at all, but when you see the techniques that go into this one you’ll be impressed. This is some old school fix greatness and it’s going down in Russia. The post Is This Even Savable? THE FRAME REPAIR MASTER TACKLES THIS INCREDIBLY COMPLEX MERCEDES TRUCK FRAME REPAIR appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Volkswagen’s newest China-only electric SUV, the ID.Unyx 08, is aiming squarely at domestic rivals with big range numbers and fast-charging tech the brand hasn’t yet rolled out in the U.S. The mid-to-large electric SUV will offer up to 730 kilometers (about 453 miles) of CLTC range and an 800-volt architecture, positioning it as the tech flagship of VW’s ID.UNYX sub-brand. Up To 730 Km Of CLTC Range And 800V Fast ChargingThe ID.Unyx 08 rides on hardware co-developed with Xpeng and uses CATL-supplied LFP battery packs in two sizes, around 82 kWh and 95 kWh. Depending on configuration, Volkswagen is quoting CLTC range figures of 630, 700 and 730 km, which will translate to lower numbers under EPA-style testing but still signal a strong efficiency play for a large SUV. Single-motor rear-wheel-drive versions make about 230 kW (308 horsepower), while a dual-motor all-wheel-drive model adds a front motor for more punch and traction. The 800-volt electrical system is a first for a Volkswagen-branded EV in China and should allow the ID.Unyx 08 to take advantage of very high DC fast-charging rates at compatible stations. It’s a notable step beyond the current ID.4 and ID.7 setups, and it comes as VW works to steady its EV reputation. China-Only Design That Barely Reads As A VWDimensionally, the ID.Unyx 08 stretches to about 5,000 mm in length with a 3,030 mm wheelbase, putting it firmly in the big-SUV camp. The styling pushes far past traditional Volkswagen cues, with a smooth nose, razor-thin LED light bands and a coupe-like roofline that look closer to leading Chinese EVs than to anything wearing a VW badge in Europe or America. Inside, VW is promising a high-end, software-led cockpit with a large central screen, a dedicated AI assistant built on a large-language model and Level 2-plus driver-assistance features, including “parking-to-parking” automated driving in some conditions. Over-the-air updates will cover both infotainment and driving functions, reflecting the way Chinese buyers increasingly expect their EVs to feel like rolling smartphones. What It Means For VW’s Global EV PlansFor now, the ID.Unyx 08 is strictly a China play, built by Volkswagen Anhui under the “In China for China” strategy. But the ingredients are the sort of things enthusiasts and shoppers elsewhere would like to see. Volkswagen has already hinted that it is rethinking the kind of EVs it wants to offer in the U.S., including more affordable, lifestyle-oriented models rather than just conventional crossovers. If the ID.Unyx 08 performs as advertised, it could end up being an early glimpse of what the next generation of Volkswagen EVs might look like outside China. View the full article

Subcompact Sedans: Officially Extinct in AmericaThere was a time when there were loads of options for subcompact sedans in America. Some notable examples include the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Mirage, and the main topic of this story, the Nissan Versa. The Versa would be the last of its kind after the discontinuation of the Mirage in 2024. Now, it's the Versa's turn to bow out. The Drive reports that America's last subcompact sedan will be no more in 2026. "In line with Nissan’s product strategy, the Nissan Versa ended production in December 2025 for the U.S. market. Nissan remains committed to offering affordable and stylish vehicles in the sedan segment with models like Sentra and Altima, while also offering strong value in the compact SUV segment with the Kicks," Nissan Senior Product Communications Manager Josh Clifton told the publication. An Odd LegacyGranted, the Versa won't go down in history as one of the greatest cars, let alone the greatest Nissans, ever made. Still, the discontinuation of the small sedan means there will be no more sub-$20,000 brand-new cars in America once remaining stocks dry up. So, not only is the Versa the last subcompact sedan in America, but it's also the last car anyone can buy for under 20 large. It may not seem like it, but this is a significant moment, and its cancellation is guaranteed to bring up average new car prices in the country. It's unlikely we'll ever see a brand-new car stateside costing that little. For reference, the Versa carried a base price of $17,390 for the S trim with a manual transmission. If you can't be bothered with a clutch, the S CVT was still under $20,000 at $19,190. Some Parts of the World Will Still Get itThat said, subcompact sedans remain a significant market outside the US. Latin America is one, and the same goes for Southeast Asia and the Middle East. If there's a need to prove that, a heavily facelifted version of the Versa was spied in Mexico just a few weeks back. In other parts of the world, the Versa is also known as the Sunny and the Almera. It's called the Sunny in the Middle East, while the Almera name is used in Southeast Asia. The Latin American Versa will likely retain the 1.6-liter engine in its facelifted guise, and the same goes for the Middle Eastern Sunny. Meanwhile, the Southeast Asian Almera uses a 1.0-liter turbo to skirt tax regulations. Josué Adán Granados/Facebook Josué Adán Granados/Facebook View the 11 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has a bit of a public relations headache on its hands. FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly requested that a fleet of new armored SUVs be ordered for his use, but instead of sticking with the American staple that is the Chevrolet Suburban, Patel reportedly requested BMW X5 Protection SUVs be ordered. These armored luxury SUVs are produced at the German automaker's Spartanburg Plant in South Carolina, and according to MS Now (formerly MSNBC), they were selected to be "less conspicuous." We'll get to that in a moment, but it's not the only reason that was given to explain the unexpected decision. FBI Says BMWs Are Cheaper Than Chevys BMW The outlet spoke to FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson, who confirmed that the BMWs were ordered by the bureau for the director's use and said that these were more cost-effective than other armored vehicles that were considered. "Government agencies, including the FBI, routinely evaluate, replace and update vehicle fleets based on usage, security needs or budgetary decisions," said Williamson. "The specific decisions [...] were evaluated partly as a way to save taxpayers millions by picking cheaper selections or making cost structures more efficient." Related: President Trump Unveils Plan To Dramatically Loosen U.S. Fuel Economy Rules The government-spec Chevrolet Suburban Shield from GM Defense can cost from $600,000 to as much as $3.6 million, according to GM Inside News Forum, while the cost of an equivalent BMW is unknown. However, the X5 Protection VR6 costs between $200,000 and $300,000. According to an insider who spoke with the publication, a new Suburban would have cost $480,000, and this was more than double what each BMW in the fleet cost. If that's accurate, it seems that Director Patel will be riding around in a VR6-rated X5. BMW Stealthier Than Chevy? Chevrolet As for the suggestion that the BMWs are less conspicuous, one might argue that it's well-known that government agencies use vehicles like the Chevrolet Suburban for transporting officials, and it's less common knowledge that the government has a contract with BMW for X5 SUVs that the State Department uses to protect diplomats and other officials in high-risk environments worldwide. Therefore, perhaps the implication is that Patel using X5s is a way of sneaking under the radar, though that's less likely given how much publicity the purchase is attracting. Either way, there's no doubt that you're more likely to encounter a Chevy in most of America than a Bimmer. America first saw the Suburban in 1935's Carryall Suburban (later bearing a GMC badge), which was developed with encouragement from the U.S. Army, and now, in its 12th generation, it's the longest-lasting moniker in American history. View the full article

Chris Evans is back as, maybe, Captain America in the first Avengers: Doomsday trailer. But he's trading in his iconic Harley for a Triumph. View the full article

The fastest that Christmas has ever moved196 miles per hour. Apparently, it's about as fast as Christmas trees get. It's unlikely the Grinch was able to hit that on his way down Mount Crumpit, but Texas-based Hennessey continues to up the game (not that anyone else is even competing). The new record took a 5-and-a-half-foot Christmas tree strapped to the roof of a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to a whopping 196 MPH at Chase Field in Beeville, Texas. Why, you may ask? Well, when you have the fastest Corvette around, and it's December, can you think of a better way to celebrate the holidays? Hennessey took this pine past 190 mph Hennessey Performance View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The record was set regardless of the weight added by the more than 200 lights (and accompanying ribbon). It marks Hennessey's seventh Christmas Tree Run, and the third piloted by pro driver Spencer Geswein. The record surpassed the previous 192 mph run, set in 2022, with a Hennessey Venom 1000 Ford Mustang. This year's run used the above ZR1, but it's clear the brand has more room to run. During testing on the runway, the Hennessey team also tested the fully optioned C8 ZR1 ZTK track pack car without the tree, managing 206 mph before running out of room. Ideally, next year, Hennessey will be able to break 200 with a tree on top. It's probably a significant aerodynamic obstacle to overcome, but one that can likely be outdone with a little more power. Surely Hennessey, of all tuners, can manage that. Below you can find a record of the Christmas Tree Run arms race, showing each car's top speed with the tree intact. It's not much of a leaderboard without competitors, so here's hoping some other brands get involved. You can also check out the full run, captured on video, below. Watch Hennessey's record-breaking Christmas Tree RunHennessey Christmas Tree Speed Runs, 2017-2025 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody 174 mph 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (HPE1000) 181 mph 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang 182 mph 2021 Audi RS6 Avant (Hennessey tuned 800 hp) 183 mph 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S 175 mph 2022 Venom 1000 Mustang 192 mph 2025 Chevrolet C8 Corvette ZR1 196 mph View the full article

Moto News Weekly Wrap December 23, 2025 What’s New: Jett Lawrence is out for three months minimum Stark gets the nod to race Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Erzbergrodeo hits 30 in 2026 Anderson and Suzuki celebrate SX1 title Kawasaki JPM 360 Developments Team for AusProMX & AuSX Roczen, Anderson, Nichols and confirmed for Suzuki SX efforts […] The post Moto News | Hard Enduro | SX | MX | Calendar updates appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Tesla takes an unusual approach in its quest to "solve autonomy," as CEO Elon Musk says, relying more heavily on camera systems than lidar and radar sensors to help guide semi-autonomous driving in its vehicles. Indeed, Tesla began removing ultrasonic sensors in 2022. It's something that many have been critical of, but the electric vehicle manufacturer is determined to make its deceptively named Full Self Driving (Supervised) system work with as little reliance on anything but cameras as possible, as evidenced by a new patent filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, first spotted by Not a Tesla App. The patent describes a way of shielding FSD camera lenses from glare, something that can be a hindrance to human drivers and robotaxis alike, and often causes FSD to disengage. The Problem and Tesla's Patent-Pending Solution USPTO View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The patent draws attention to the fact that traditional glare shields (the plastic housings around cameras) are usually just regular pieces of textured plastic, and even though these have a matte black finish, they are still flat surfaces that reflect a significant amount of light towards the camera lens, washing out the sensor. Thus, these shields fail to adequately lower the Total Hemispherical Reflectance (THR) needed for a camera to work in all conditions, and that's a major problem for autonomous driving. Tesla's solution is to produce the glare shields with a three-dimensional array of ultra-minuscule cones - not unlike the acoustic foam used to dampen sound in a recording studio. Related: Elon Musk Says Tesla FSD Now Lets Drivers Text and Drive, But It's Still Illegal These microscopic cones would have heights ranging from 0.65 millimeters to 2 mm and sharp tips, trapping incident light instead of allowing it to bounce off. To further improve the design of camera housings, the patent proposes an ultra-black coating, like Vantablack or other carbon-nanotube-based paints, creating a void from which light cannot escape. This aims to drastically reduce the THR, thereby allowing the camera to see as clearly as possible. An Active Anti-Glare System Tesla While the basic idea seems likely to be effective, Tesla wants to take things a step further with an electromechanical adjuster for the shield, using stepper motors and actuators to tilt it in real-time depending on where the sun or other sources of glare - like other traffic in the nighttime - are emanating from. Finally, Tesla's patent addresses how it might produce the glare shields, which would be difficult on such a microscopic level: sintered steel, which appears solid but allows air to pass through, would be used to produce the proposed sharp-tipped cones rather than plastic, which might easily be deformed or otherwise damaged. Combine this idea with a recent Tesla patent for in-car Starlink, and it seems that the automaker's future EVs may be more capable than ever thought possible - despite not using lidar or radar. View the full article

It's a sad day for those who love station wagons, and our dream of a Volvo super wagon certainly won't come true - at least not anytime soon. Volvo has announced that the V60 Cross Country, its only remaining longroof, will be ending production in April 2026, and that means that anyone interested in buying a new Volvo wagon only has a few weeks left to do so. The Swedish automaker says that orders will be accepted "until late January 2026," with examples expected to be available as part of dealer inventories "for a few months after that." So why has Volvo, a brand famous for its wagons, abandoned the segment? We can probably all guess the answer to that one... Another Wagon Goes Away Because of SUVs Volvo Volvo's press release notes that over its 70 years of selling cars in the United States, it's "always adapted to the needs of [its] customers and the U.S. market," noting that "sometimes these adaptations can be bittersweet," and the decision was taken because Volvo's customers in the U.S. "overwhelmingly" prefer SUVs. Of course, it hasn't always been that way. In August 1955, four years before introducing the three-point safety belt to the world, a PV444 became the first Volvo imported to the United States when it landed at the port in Long Beach, California. In 1991, Volvo gave us the side impact protection system, and many other safety innovations followed over the coming year, but it was only in 2002 that Volvo's first SUV pitched up with the XC90. Nowadays, Volvo might not be able to exist without products like the large XC90, the midsize XC60, the compact XC40, and their all-electric EX counterparts. What We'll Miss When the V60 Cross Country Departs Volvo As standard, the V60 Cross Country comes with all-wheel drive, fed by Volvo's B5 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This produces 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, delivering 26 mpg on the EPA's combined cycle. It can get to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, it can tow 2,000 lbs, and it's got 50.5 cubic feet of volume with the rear seats in place (60.5 cubes with them folded). But it's not just the practicality of the Volvo's last wagon in America that we'll miss - it's the style and versatility, too. As a Cross Country variant, it has 8.3 inches of ground clearance, meaning it's able to handle some light off-roading, which, let's be honest, most SUV owners never engage in. It's an understated and impeccably elegant car, but so far this year, Volvo has sold 10 times more XC60s than V60s, so the wagon must go. If you're interested in securing one before it disappears for good, prices start at $53,495 (plus $1,195 for destination), or $619/month on a lease. Volvo View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Coming to Dealerships SoonNissan has announced that the facelifted 2026 Pathfinder will start at $37,500 in the U.S., excluding the $1,495 destination fee. This represents a $1,100 increase over the 2025 model year, an adjustment that’s fairly typical for a mid-cycle refresh. Despite the uptick, the Pathfinder’s base price remains competitive within the crowded midsize crossover segment. Key rivals include the Hyundai Santa Fe, which starts at $34,800, and the Kia Telluride, which starts at $36,390. Meanwhile, Ford’s long-running entry in the segment, the Ford Explorer, now opens at $38,465. According to Nissan, the refreshed Pathfinder is scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships in early 2026. Nissan Updated Equipment and FeaturesFor the money, the 2026 Pathfinder brings several standard features, including a 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. A newly designed Qi2 wireless smartphone charger is available, which Nissan describes as segment-first. The system uses a raised magnetic ring to hold compatible smartphones securely in place, reducing the risk of misalignment that can slow charging speeds or interrupt the connection altogether. Higher trims – including Rock Creek, SL, and Platinum – benefit from upgrades to the automaker's HD Intelligent Around View Monitor. These versions add Front Wide View, which provides a 180-degree view of the area ahead and to the sides of the vehicle, a feature that should appeal to buyers of the more adventure-focused Pathfinder Rock Creek. These trims also receive Invisible Hood View, a camera-based system designed to enhance forward visibility by effectively showing what’s beneath the front of the vehicle. In addition, the Pathfinder Rock Creek comes equipped with an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, LED fog lights, and a tubular roof rack, among other upgrades. Under the hood, Nissan has taken a different approach from its luxury sibling. While the Infiniti QX60 has moved to a downsized 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, the facelifted Pathfinder retains its 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6, which produces 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the Rock Creek package brings a slightly more aggressive tune, bumping output to 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Nissan Pricing and DealsFor reference, below is the complete MSRP breakdown of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder lineup in the U.S.: Model MSRP Pathfinder S 2WD $37,500 Pathfinder SV 2WD $39,900 Pathfinder SL 2WD $42,500 Pathfinder Platinum 2WD $49,400 Pathfinder S 4WD $39,500 Pathfinder SV 4WD $41,900 Pathfinder SL 4WD $44,500 Pathfinder Platinum 4WD $51,400 Pathfinder Rock Creek 4WD $45,000 In the meantime, buyers who prefer the outgoing 2025 Pathfinder may find added value in current incentives. The Japanese marque is offering several lease deals this month, including a reduced down payment of $4,018 for the SV 2WD trim. Nissan View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Say hello to the 412 Superfast, a nearly $2 million 1987 Ferrari 412 with the 6.5-liter V12 from a 30-year-younger 812 Superfast. You're probably wondering why anyone would offer a restomod based on one of the ugliest, least-loved Ferraris ever made, and why they would spend a whopping $1.8 million in the process. The answer is simple: because the person who commissioned it loves the car and others of the era. It's as simple as that - each of us probably has a car we like that our friends don't, and no amount of arguing can change our minds. But like any project, the initial goal wasn't to spend this much money, and things just snowballed as the builders, Otsuka Maxwell Design, dug deeper and suggested crazier ideas. A video on the Hagerty YouTube channel (embedded at the bottom of this article) shows all the details from the viewpoint of photography extraordinaire Larry Chen. Almost Everything Gets Upgraded Hagerty/Larry Chen The build retains its original frame rails and glass, though the front and rear windshields were replaced with new items, and the trim and door handles have been polished. But pretty much everything else has been modified. The bumpers have been slightly tucked, the fenders boast integrated metal flares, and the rear spoiler is custom-made from metal. At the front, the original pop-up headlights were deemed too obtuse and replaced with shallower custom units inspired by the Mondial and F40, and at the back, the car that donated its engine also provided its taillights. Interestingly, the wing mirrors are from a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, because the builders wanted wedge-shaped body-mounted mirrors with electronic adjustment but without any radar gubbins. OMD View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Everything is rounded off with a custom two-tone "Superfast Gold" and black finish, with custom 18-inch Brixton Forged wheels hiding carbon-ceramic brakes from a Ferrari F430 (with the brake booster from a Ferrari FF). A larger 412 Superfast badge in the 812 font identifies the one-of-one build, which took more than 5,000 hours to create and boasts more than 500 custom parts. Manic Mechanical Upgrades Hagerty/Larry Chen View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The F140GA engine (now with custom valve covers inspired by F1 cars from the 1980s and 1990s) delivers over 700 wheel horsepower, making more than 500 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, thanks to a standalone Motec C1212 ECU, port injection, individual throttle bodies, a carbon fiber plenum, and a blend of E85 and 91 octane. But the 812 Superfast didn't come with a manual, so OMD took the transaxle from an automatic Ferrari 599 (which is an automated manual, like that in the E46 BMW M3 CSL - and manual 599 GTBs are ultra-rare) and turned it into one. In-house-designed CNC A-arms support the build, and the steering rack is again custom, while a Bosch Motorsports ABS setup helps keep braking under control. Other highlights include a larger radiator, a custom air-conditioning system, and, interestingly, a windshield wiper motor from Toyota, because it provides variable wiper speeds. An Interior That Spares No Expense OMD View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The cabin is lathered in Alcantara, including the steering wheel (which comes from a 512 TR but was also shared with a 348), and that's par for the course in a restomod, but the seat centers and door cards are trimmed in Mongolian Cashmere that costs $1,000 per yard, and the door handles and gear knob are made of Bastogne walnut from a tree cut down in the same year as this car was made. This alone cost $3,800. The seats are electronically adjustable Sabelt items with carbon backs and the carpet is the same stuff as in a Rolls-Royce. Infotainment is taken care of with an Excelon setup with CarPlay, and there are custom buttons that put the car into its wet setting, turn the traction control off, and enable launch control. With all of this in mind, the $1.8 million build cost suddenly makes sense. But we don't blame you if you still think it's ugly. View the full article