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A 2020 Ford F-150 Shelby Super Snake pickup showing just 5,930 miles is crossing the block at Barrett-Jackson’s 2026 Scottsdale auction next month, giving buyers a shot at one of the more extreme street trucks Shelby has built in recent years. The low-mile example, listed as CSM No. 20SSS0133 and consigned from the Centre Pointe Collection, is scheduled to roll through WestWorld of Scottsdale in January, where it will test demand for modern, high-output Shelby-badged pickups at a time when Ford performance fans are just as likely to be shopping brand-new muscle. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article 770-HP Supercharged V8 In A Lowered F-150Like other 2020 F-150 Shelby Super Snakes, this truck starts with a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 and adds a Shelby-spec Whipple supercharger, bringing output to around 770 horsepower. Power goes through a 10-speed automatic, and Shelby backs it up with a lowered, adjustable Fox/Ridetech suspension, a big-brake package with six-piston front calipers and slotted rotors, and 22-inch Shelby wheels on performance tires. Shelby and independent testing have quoted 0–60 mph times in the mid-three-second range, putting this pickup in the same straight-line territory as serious sports cars. Cosmetic changes include a vented hood, unique front fascia, stripes, badging, and a finished bed area under a color-matched tonneau cover. Inside, the truck gets leather upholstery, Shelby branding, and the usual F-150 convenience and towing tech, so it still works as a usable street or show truck rather than a stripped-out toy. Production for this generation of F-150 Shelby Super Snake has typically been pegged at about 250 units, which helps explain why clean examples are starting to appear more often at high-profile auctions. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Collectible Muscle In A Changing Ford LineupThe Barrett-Jackson truck’s sub-6,000-mile odometer reading and collection provenance make it the kind of modern specialty Ford that could appeal to buyers who remember when muscle meant big-displacement coupes and two-door fastbacks, including period heroes like a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429. Today, Ford’s performance story stretches from halo trucks and Mustangs to three-row crossovers that can be optioned up with plenty of power and tech. Against that backdrop, a supercharged, low-run Shelby pickup like this Super Snake reads as both a brand statement and a potential future collectible. Scottsdale bidders will decide how much of a premium they are willing to pay for a modern Ford truck that blends horsepower numbers out of the muscle-car era with the comfort and tech of a contemporary luxury pickup. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

When OEM Isn't EnoughBentley is known for making bespoke exquisite machines that should not leave its customers wanting more. However, if that happens, there are tuning companies that add their own touch to brands and models to boost performance and further individualize looks. Brabus is one such company, a German firm that gained notoriety by modifying Mercedes-Benz models. Brabus creations became known for their sinister styling and over-the-top performance enhancements – even adding Smart cars as part of the company's portfolio. With a strong reputation for Mercedes-Benz tuning, the brand is looking to diversify and has now set its sights on Bentley. The First Brabus BentleysUshering in a new era for the tuning firm, Brabus has decided to work on and release 2 special editions for Bentley. Using the Continental GT model as the base, the company has just introduced the Brabus 900 Superblack and the Brabus 900. Both builds are highlighted by Bentley’s advanced 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with hybrid power, which Brabus tweaked to push out 900 metric horsepower (888 hp) and 811 lb-ft of torque. The sound is enhanced through a valve-controlled sports exhaust system. Look-wise, both the 900 Superblack and 900 feature an exposed carbon look, with a carbon front skirt, a carbon diffuser, a carbon rear spoiler, and 20-inch Monoblock ZM "Platinum Edition" rims. The interior can be had with 2 distinct packages: the Brabus Glaze Trim, which includes 191 bespoke interior pieces, and the Brabus Signature interior, which features premium black leather. There are a few Signature Interior packs to choose from, each with different options. The only huge difference between the 900 Superblack and the 900 is the body type. The former is based on the Continental GT Speed, and the latter is based on the GTC Convertible. The 900 Superblack is indeed black, while the 900 is finished in Pale Brown. Both models are the ideal contrast in personality: the 900 Superblack is the subtle, sleek, understated approach, compared to the 900's more expressive, attention-grabbing aesthetic. Made to OrderWith five decades of experience under its belt, Brabus marks this occasion in true custom-build style. Both the 900 Superblack and 900 can be customized appropriately using the options listed on Brabus's website. The price of which is, of course, going to be costly, with all custom options listed as "price upon inquiry." Well, we're sure its clientele isn't the type of people who believe in scarcity of money, so that's just about right. View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

There’s a reason why, when you survey a parking lot on a grand touring route, you see a disproportionate number of machines wearing the blue-and-white roundel. BMW motorcycles have earned a reputation for unshakeable reliability and endurance, cementing their status as one of the ultimate cross-coun... View the full article

Fire AlertVolkswagen is recalling certain ID.4 units due to a fire risk linked to irregularities in the high-voltage battery cells. The issue is serious enough that the automaker is advising owners to park their EVs outside after charging and not to leave them inside the garage overnight, as a potential fire could cause severe property damage. According to the recall report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected units may contain individual battery cells with misaligned electrodes caused by a quality deviation during manufacturing. A misaligned electrode can compromise the internal structure of the HV battery cell, increasing the likelihood of a fire. The recall involves 311 units of the 2023–2024 ID.4 produced between September 16, 2022, and September 22, 2024. While only a small portion of the population is affected, the issue poses a considerable risk. Volkswagen Small Batch With Big ConsequencesVolkswagen reported several thermal events in various states beginning in early 2024, with some vehicles catching fire while parked and others experiencing the issue on the road. After coordinating with its supplier, SK Battery America, Inc., the automaker determined that the defect required a formal recall, which was finalized on November 26, 2025. Because of this issue, affected owners may experience a loss of range and/or performance. The 2023 ID.4 carries an EPA-estimated range of up to 275 miles, while the updated 2024 model increased that figure to up to 291 miles using an 82-kilowatt-hour battery. Volkswagen also cautioned owners to avoid using Level 3 DC fast charging, which typically allows the ID.4 to recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes, and set the SOC limit to 80%. Reducing charging stress helps lower the risk of a thermal event, an important precaution given how difficult EV battery fires are to extinguish once thermal runaway begins. Volkswagen Charge Smart, Stay SafeThe company will begin notifying affected owners on January 30, 2026. Dealers will replace the potentially defective high-voltage battery cell modules free of charge. A reimbursement plan will not be offered because all vehicles covered by this recall remain within their New Vehicle Limited Warranty Period. This battery-module defect is not the only issue against the ID.4. Volkswagen is also recalling one 2026 ID.4 – along with 26 units of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models – due to incorrectly installed wheel bolts that may cause the wheels to detach. Owners for this separate safety campaign will also be notified on January 30, 2026. Volkswagen View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Likely the Wildest Cruiser We've Seen to DateDubai Police have expanded their already headline-grabbing fleet with a new addition that manages to outshine even their Bugattis and Lamborghinis. The force has officially taken delivery of a Mansory-modified Ferrari Purosangue, unveiled during the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE 2025. Even for a city that treats hypercars as daily tools of governance, this might be the most outrageous patrol vehicle yet. The one-off build, known as the Mansory Pugnator, was commissioned specifically for the Dubai Police, marking the first time the force has adopted Ferrari’s V12 family hauler into active service. The move isn’t shocking in principle, since Dubai is no stranger to exotic patrol cars, but the execution is anything but subtle. While the department’s signature white and green livery attempts to tame Mansory’s theatrics, the aggressive reshaping of the Purosangue still dominates every angle. Forged Carbon, Flared Arches, And A Whole Lot Of Visual ShockMansory’s conversion begins with a redesigned front bumper, enlarged grille, and forged-carbon splitter that push the Purosangue far from its original, elegant silhouette. Flared wheel arches, a vent-heavy aftermarket hood, and sharp new side skirts dramatically amp up the presence. The SUV rides on black wheels ringed with yellow accents, a styling choice that ensures it will not blend into any traffic scene. The rear treatment is even more dramatic. Mansory disrupts the factory roofline with a static wing that looks like it belongs on a concept car rather than a Ferrari SUV – sorry, FUV. A secondary lip spoiler sits below it, adding to the layered, almost theatrical appearance. The carbon rear bumper, diffuser, and stacked quad exhausts complete a look that stands in stark contrast to Ferrari’s typically restrained design language. Mansory No Clear Operational Role, But Maximum Public ImpactDubai Police have not detailed how the Pugnator will be deployed. Historically, supercars in global police fleets serve mainly as PR tools for tourism and events. Dubai, however, often positions its exotics as both marketing pieces and potential patrol assets. Whether this Purosangue ends up on active duty or spends its time on social media remains to be seen. What is clear is that this latest acquisition reasserts Dubai Police’s dominance in the unofficial competition of world-class, eye-catching patrol vehicles. Even among a lineup that already includes some of the most exotic machinery on the planet, the Mansory Ferrari Purosangue stands out. In fact, it may be the wildest police car we have seen yet, and perhaps the most on-brand symbol of Dubai’s unapologetically extravagant automotive culture. Mansory View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Slow-Selling Electric VWsAs of September 2025, Volkswagen's slowest sellers are the performance models, the Golf GTI and Golf R (5,700 and 2,684 units, respectively), and its EVs, the ID.4 and ID. Buzz (22,125 and 4,934 units, respectively). Clearly, demand for battery-electric Volkswagens isn't there in America, and the automaker may have a solution: range-extended EVs. Range-extended EVs sit between pure electrics and traditional hybrids. You drive on battery power most of the time, but there’s a small gasoline engine onboard that works only as a generator when the battery runs low. This setup means you don’t have to worry as much about finding a charger, which is still a big concern for many American buyers. It’s not a full hybrid, but it does take away some of the range anxiety that comes with going all-in on electric. Volkswagen is now looking into whether it should bring this setup to its biggest-selling SUVs and sedans in Western markets, including the US. The engineering is already baked into its next global platform, so it’s really just a question of when and where it will pull the trigger. Volkswagen Extended-Range EVs Are the KeyThis information comes from Bloomberg, which points to sources inside Volkswagen. Company leaders are now weighing shifting demand, changing policies, and the reality that EV sales are slowing down in both Europe and the US. All of this is happening as VW maps out its next five-year investment plan. One big reason for the shift is that the EU is rethinking its 2035 ban on combustion engines. EV adoption hasn’t moved as fast as expected, so regulators are now open to other options. Germany’s leaders have even said they want to keep range-extended models legal past 2035, which gives carmakers more room to maneuver. Volkswagen told Bloomberg it’s watching the market and will only roll out the technology if buyers actually want it. China is set to get VW’s first range-extended models next year, which means the engineering is already finished and ready to go. VW’s Scout Already Announced a Similar StrategyThe timing matters because VW’s American off-road brand, Scout, has just shifted its focus to range-extended EVs. BMW is also looking at this approach again after putting it on the shelf years back. Earlier this year in Shanghai, Volkswagen showed off three upcoming EVs for China, including the ID. Era, which is a family-sized range-extended model. If VW decides to bring range-extended vehicles to the US, this could be the one to watch, or at least the platform it will use. Volkswagen isn’t walking away from electrification, but, like many other brands, it’s spreading its bets. Hybrids and hybrid-like solutions are back in focus, and VW seems ready to follow where the market goes instead of trying to push buyers ahead of their comfort zone. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

BMW has hit a massive milestone with its iconic 3 Series. The sedan has now been in production for 50 years, with over 18 million models manufactured since 1975. The 3 Series helped establish the compact luxury sedan segment after the larger 5 Series arrived on the scene a few years prior. The car soon came to be associated with sporty driving dynamics, especially once the E30 generation went on sale. Today, the X3 and X5 SUVs easily outsell the 3 Series, but the sedan remains a core product within BMW’s lineup. Munich Production Base Eventually Expanded to 13 Countries BMW 3 Series production B View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Although the BMW Group Plant in Munich has been the center of 3 Series production since 1975, the popularity of the sedan necessitated expanding production to other parts of the globe. Eventually, the sedan came to be manufactured at 18 plaints across 13 countries, spanning four continents. BMW Many of the production advances made by BMW through the decades were pioneered by the hot-selling 3 Series, such as the fully-automated body shop introduced in Munich back in 1982. Taking BMW production international was spearheaded by the sedan, with new production lines in the United States (from 1994) and South Africa (from 1984) ensuring BMW could meet global demand. Now in its seventh generation, the 3 Series sedan spawned numerous other body styles and variants, including coupes, convertibles, wagons, and the high-performance M models. What’s The Best-Selling 3 Series? B According to BMW, the E46 3 Series—the fourth generation of the sedan—sold 3,266,885 units globally, making it the top-selling model from the brand ever. The E46 is often regarded as peak 3 Series. Back then, it was still a truly compact sedan, so it felt more engaging to drive than today’s model. It was flawlessly built, a manual was still widely available, and it was the last 3 Series generation to be widely available with the brand’s iconic naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engines. It is arguably the prettiest 3 Series ever, too. The preceding E36 and more modern E90 also sold strongly, but the growth of SUVs began eating into 3 Series sales after that. Today’s G20 remains a benchmark, but it has grown to the extent that it’s roughly the size of an E39 5 Series. It grips and goes harder than ever, but the delicacy and feel of older, smaller 3 Series sedans has eroded somewhat. What Lies Ahead For The Sedan? SH Proshots/Autoblog Soon, the eighth-generation of the 3 Series will arrive, with a fully electric version called the i3 expected to go into production in the second half of 2026. It will be the next Neue Klasse model after the recently launched iX3 SUV, so will usher in BMW’s new design language and control interface. Codenamed the G50, the next 3 Series won't completely abandon gas power. We expect a return of both four- and six-cylinder engines, but likely with increased outputs. There will also be a new, fully electric M3, which will be the first true M model from the Neue Klasse generation. As it always has, the next 3 Series will adapt with the times, and we hope the sedan gets to see another 50 years. View the full article

FuelTech debuts new EFI gear at PRI 2025, for junior dragsters and high-power race cars alike from a billet throttle body to a third-gen CDI.View the full article

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 arrives in the United States early next year. It will go up against the Toyota RAV4, which has also just entered a new generation. As if that’s not enough of a challenge, the CX-5 must also fill the big shoes of the second-generation model. But buyers are likely to move on to the new CX-5 quickly if it proves to be good, and Mazda has just given families a solid reason to spring for the new one, as it has passed its first major crash tests with flying colors. According to new Euro NCAP tests, the new CX-5 is officially a five-star car, and it achieved a particularly outstanding result for vulnerable road users. Related: Your Next Car is About to Face Brutal New Safety Tests No Safety Concerns For New CX-5According to Euro NCAP (note that the new CX-5 is designated as a 2025 model in Europe, but will be a 2026 model in the USA), the Mazda CX-5 displayed zero major safety concerns in testing. It achieved the following results in four major safety-testing parameters: Adult occupant: 90%Child occupant: 89%Safety assist: 83%Vulnerable road users: 93%“The passenger compartment of the Mazda CX-5 remained stable in the frontal offset test,” said a report from Euro NCAP. “Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and the front seat passenger. Mazda showed that a similar level of protection would be provided to occupants of different sizes and to those sitting in different positions.” Euro NCAP/YouTube The Mazda wasn’t perfect, though, with the safety authority noting protection of the driver’s chest as marginal, but it wasn’t enough to knock a star off its rating. The side barrier test returned adequate results, and the seats were able to reduce whiplash-related injuries. The fact that the Mazda protects occupants of different sizes is noteworthy, given that crash-test dummies have largely been designed around male body sizes for many years, but that’s finally changing. The Mazda outperformed its rival, the Honda CR-V, in all four major categories, even when the Honda was equipped with the safety pack available in the European market. The CR-V performed well, but wasn’t as solid across the board as the Mazda. The Mazda Stands Out In One Area Euro NCAP/YouTube While occupant protection is generally a strong suit of modern vehicles in a crash, it’s more challenging to design a car that reduces the likelihood of injury or even death for vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. But the Mazda’s score of 93% in this area is outstanding. Protective measures for a vulnerable road user’s head were generally impressive, and the autonomous emergency braking system responded well to pedestrians and cyclists. “In tests of its response to pedestrians, the system performed extremely well, including the protection it offered to those behind the car,” said the safety body. To give you an idea of how good the Mazda’s 93% score is for vulnerable road users, here are a few recent vehicles and their comparable scores: Porsche Cayenne: 81%Hyundai Nexo: 76%Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: 82%Jeep Compass: 74%Tesla Model Y: 86%Volvo EX90: 82%Volvo EX30: 79%SUVs generally have a tougher time in these tests, as their taller, heavier bodies are riskier when accidents occur with pedestrians or cyclists. Related: IIHS updates its testing criteria to focus on pedestrians and back-seaters Final Thoughts Mazda Many compact crossovers are used as family vehicles, so high safety scores in this segment are crucial. We expect to see similar results when local testing authorities (the IIHS and NHTSA) evaluate the CX-5 here. What may count against the new CX-5 when it arrives is the lack of a hybrid. The RAV4 now has a standard hybrid that’s more powerful than the Mazda’s base engine. No turbocharged CX-5 has been announced, and although a hybrid is coming, that will only get here in 2027. View the full article

Is Tesla OK?Tesla is ending 2025 with a jarring setback: U.S. sales in November plunged to their lowest level since January 2022, according to exclusive Cox Automotive data shared with Reuters. Even after rolling out new “Standard” variants of the Model Y and Model 3, priced about $5,000 below the previous base models, the company saw sales fall nearly 23% year-over-year to 39,800 units. These cheaper versions were meant to help Tesla maintain volume as it shifts its long-term focus toward robotaxis and humanoid robots, technologies central to its $1.4 trillion valuation. But the numbers highlight a deeper issue. EV demand has weakened sharply since the Trump administration ended the $7,500 federal tax credit in late September. Tesla launched the cheaper variants in hopes of offsetting that drop-off, yet the new trims failed to expand the market. The report states that the Standard versions cannibalized Premium sales, especially for the Model 3. Rather than attracting new buyers, the move pushed existing customers to spend less, shrinking overall revenue and weakening Tesla’s pricing power. Tesla Why Sales Are FallingThe silver lining of the report indicates that Tesla technically gained market share in a collapsing EV market, jumping from 43.1% to 56.7%. But even dominating a shrinking segment couldn’t keep its own sales growing. U.S. EV sales as a whole fell more than 41% in November, and Tesla’s decline shows that cheaper offerings alone no longer spark demand like they once did. The constant pricing shifts have also created buyer hesitation, as consumers grow wary of depreciation and unpredictable discounts. Compounding Tesla’s difficulty is the aging nature of its lineup. Aside from the Cybertruck, which has struggled to find mainstream appeal, Tesla hasn’t launched a truly new product in years. Its refreshed Model 3 and Model Y updates didn’t drive the excitement the brand needed, and Cox’s Streaty was blunt: Tesla needs an entirely new vehicle. With rivals rolling out fresh, feature-rich EVs at competitive prices, Tesla’s once-clear innovation lead is narrowing fast. Tesla Market Forces and Brand ChallengesHigh interest rates, softened EV enthusiasm, and stricter tax credit rules have made the market tougher for every automaker, but Tesla faces additional headwinds. CEO Elon Musk’s alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump and far-right rhetoric has sparked protests and damaged Tesla’s once-iconic image. For a brand built as much on cultural influence as engineering, reputational hits now carry real commercial consequences. Tesla has responded with aggressive incentives, including 0% financing on the Standard Model Y, an unusually steep promotion for a model that only began deliveries weeks ago. Analysts say such offers reveal deeper demand issues, especially as both Standard variants remain in inventory with reduced pricing. In the report, Camelthorn Investments’ Shawn Campbell put it, “If the demand was there, they wouldn’t be offering 0% financing.” Getty Images What This Means for TeslaWith deliveries set to fall again this year, Tesla faces mounting pressure to refresh its lineup and restore momentum. Competition is intensifying from all sides, and affordability alone won’t sustain volume. The widely rumored next-generation vehicle platform may become Tesla’s reset button. But until it arrives, November’s four-year low stands as a warning: the EV pioneer must evolve faster or risk losing ground in a market it once defined. Tesla Model X configurator View the full article

A routine drive on Florida’s I-95 turned into a scene straight out of an action movie when a small aircraft made an emergency landing directly onto a moving Toyota Camry. The dramatic moment, captured on a passing driver’s dash cam, has quickly spread online, showcasing one of the wildest real-world crash scenarios you’ll ever see. What Happened on I-95 WESH 2 says the aircraft was on an instructional flight after departing from Merritt Island when it suddenly lost power in both engines. With limited altitude and no runway in reach, the pilot aimed for the southbound lanes of I-95 near Cocoa, hoping for a controlled landing. Traffic was light, but not empty. As the plane descended toward the asphalt, it clipped a Toyota Camry, striking the rear section before bouncing off and skidding to a stop. Despite the chaos, the outcome was shockingly good thanks to modern safety regulations. The 57-year-old woman behind the wheel of the Camry was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. Both the pilot and his passenger walked away unscathed. If this were to be a classic car from the seventies or eighties, with thinner metal and far less structural reinforcement, it would have fared dramatically worse against an airborne vehicle falling from the sky. Caught on VideoThe viral footage came from Jim Coffey, who watched the aircraft descend far too quickly for comfort and used the Camry as an emergency landing cushion. The video shows the plane dropping into the frame at a steep angle before the sudden burst of debris as it makes contact with the Toyota. Crews shut down lanes in both directions while securing the scene and removing the aircraft. The video has since exploded across social platforms, prompting a flood of shock, AI accusations, and universal relief that no one was seriously hurt. Seeing as new safety testing procedures have been developed, perhaps adding a “light aircraft on the roof” simulation wouldn't be the worst idea. Will a Plane Fly Into You While Driving? Now that's a question we'd never thought would be asked, but here we are. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, more than 44,000 planes take off in the United States on an average day, yet only a handful ever make emergency landings outside of airports. If we generously assume one highway landing per year and tens of millions of daily car trips, you’re looking at odds so small they may as well be fictional. But for the sake of fun, let’s take it further. Based on those numbers, the chance of a plane landing directly on your car while you’re mid-commute sits at roughly one in a million, which is about the same probability as being struck by lightning while winning the lottery. In short, no. A plane is not going to land on you. This Toyota Camry just happened to be the unlucky winner of the strangest safety test the universe has ever conducted. View the full article

A Crowd-Puller That Many Won’t GetThe Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has had no trouble drawing attention. It surfaced about a week before the Japan Mobility Show and immediately stirred interest as the entry-level sibling to the global Land Cruiser lineup. During the show itself, the model was such a magnet for visitors that getting a clean look at it during press days became difficult. Toyota leaned heavily into a simple, functional design that resonated with enthusiasts who miss the discontinued FJ Cruiser. But just because everyone wants a closer look doesn’t mean everyone will get the chance to buy one. The compact off-roader is already off the table for the US and Europe, and now Australia – one of Toyota’s biggest markets for rugged vehicles – has been added to the Land Cruiser FJ’s no-fly list. Toyota Australia Shuts the DoorAccording to CarExpert, Toyota Australia has no plans to offer the Land Cruiser FJ in its current form. Sean Hanley, the brand’s sales, marketing, and franchise operations chief, said the issue isn’t pricing or positioning but emissions compliance. The 2.7-liter gasoline engine used in the FJ does not meet Australia’s Euro 6 emissions requirements. Hanley was direct in noting that the vehicle was developed primarily for Asian markets, where regulations are less strict. As a result, he said the FJ is a “no-go zone” under its present specifications. Toyota An Old Engine Meets Modern RulesThe crux of the Land Cruiser FJ’s limited reach is its 2TR-FE 2.7-liter gasoline engine. This four-cylinder has been a workhorse for Toyota, powering everything from the Hilux Surf and Tacoma to the Innova, Fortuner, Hiace, and multiple generations of the Prado. But time has caught up with it. Some of those models are already history, and the engine itself wasn’t built to meet the tough emissions standards that are now the norm in places like the US, Europe, and Australia. That’s the main reason the FJ is being kept out. There’s still hope if Toyota decides to give the FJ a cleaner, more modern engine. According to Hanley, a Euro 6-compliant powertrain could open the door for markets that have shut it out. For now, though, the Land Cruiser FJ stays parked outside the borders of countries with stricter emissions rules. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Davis Technologies revealed a major Profiler software overhaul at the 2025 PRI Show, featuring dual Profiler support.View the full article

Bently has just set a lap record of a different kind with its Flying Spur Speed, a large luxury sedan that one expects to be taking up space at the local country club, not displaying track heroics. The record was set at the Drivecenter Arena in northern Sweden, the most northerly active racetrack in the world. What makes the Bentley’s record particularly impressive is that it was achieved on an ice-covered track in harsh winter conditions, showing that the big Flying Spur not just has ample power—but can also put that power down effectively. Just 100 Miles From The Arctic Circle Bentley Flying Spur Speed B View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The track sits just 100 miles from the Arctic Circle at what was once a military airbase. Covered in 12 inches of ice and snow, the 2.05-mile track would have been a challenge for even a well-sorted all-wheel-drive sports car, let alone a bulky sedan. But the Flying Spur managed to complete a lap in just two minutes and 58 seconds, the quickest time ever recorded in winter conditions. Bentley Flying Spur Speed Bentley View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Flying Spur used for the record run was unmodified, other than studded 21-inch winter tires to deal with the conditions. The car managed a peak speed of 120 mph, despite the longest straight section being under 1,500 feet. In its current form, the luxury sedan has a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 and an electric motor that’s integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The setup produces a combined 771 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. But the Bentley was able to overcome the obvious traction issues experienced on sheet ice with its variable AWD system and rear-wheel steering. The electronic limited-slip differential and new ESC software also assisted in keeping the car stable. Even so, there was plenty of sliding around on the track, as you can see in a video Bentley released of the record feat. Not Bentley’s First Ice Speed Record Bentley Bentley previously captured ice speed records in 2007 and 2011, accomplishments that inspired this latest effort. The 2007 record involved the Continental GT, which reached a top speed of 199.86 mph on a stretch of the frozen Baltic Sea. Finnish world rally champion Juha Kankkunen set that speed record, and he broke his own record again in 2011, this time exceeding 205 mph along the same stretch. Go back even further to 1986, and a classic Bentley Turbo R averaged 140 mph at the Millbrook Proving Ground in the UK in similarly icy conditions. But Bentley’s track prowess exists beyond sedans, GTs, and icy tracks. Just this year, the Bentayga Speed SUV set a new Goodwood Hillclimb record for ICE SUVs, an environment that couldn’t be further removed from the Drivecenter Arena. Not only are these Bentleys some of the finest luxury cars on the planet, but they’re true driver’s cars, and that’s what continues to separate the British brand from its great Rolls-Royce rival. Related: Has Bentley Officially Surpassed Rolls-Royce? View the full article

All-New for 2026One of America's favorite midsize crossovers got a massive overhaul this year. The Kia Telluride has been given a comprehensive redesign this year, and it's safe to say that it'll likely become one of the hottest cars out there once it reaches showrooms. Like the Palisade, it seems that the Telluride also drew inspiration from a particular British luxury SUV. Not that it's a bad thing, though, as the crossover does have a good bit of presence. K Another Potential Best-SellerTelluride sales have been up year-on-year since it entered the market. Its first full year of sales in 2021 saw 93,705 units seeing new homes, and that was followed by 99,891 units in 2022. Since 2023, the Telluride has been selling over 100,000 yearly. There's a reason why some dealers have called it the 'Sell-u-ride' as it's been flying off dealer lots. The redesigned model has all the potential to continue the upward trend. We're not even done with the year yet, and Telluride sales are expected to beat 2024's figures. For those curious, it's at 111,123 as of November 2025 versus 115,504 for 2024. K But Will a Pickup Version Work?Yes, we know, the Tasman exists, but it's not sold in the US. Then again, the Tasman has its own set of, er, challenges, and tariffs have all but obliterated its chances of ever coming to America. Still, the nation loves its pickups, and Kia has all the potential to penetrate that market. Why not do it with its second-best-selling model, then? That's what digital artist Theottle had in mind when he turned the Telluride into a pickup. Using a Volkswagen Amarok as a starting point, the artist incorporated elements of the popular crossover onto the truck, with rather surprising results. In our eyes at least, it works. It's probably polarizing in some eyes, but it's safe to say that it's not as divisive as Kia's real-life midsize truck. To Build or Not to BuildWe're not entirely optimistic about it ever becoming a reality, though. Traditional body-on-frame models like the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado dominate the midsize pickup market. Sure, there's the Honda Ridgeline, but that's more of a niche model in that crowd. It's selling decently, though. We can't deny that a Telluride pickup looks good, at least virtually. Perhaps Kia can take some cues from the digital version and apply them to the Tasman. Maybe then we'll see some improvement in sales. Theottle View the full article

Strange Engineering unveiled new driveshaft speed sensor kits and the updated Evolution 2 lightweight brake system at the 2025 PRI Show.View the full article

(Words and Photos by Chad Reynolds) We’ve got photos from the 2025 PRI Show in Indy right here! Man this place is full of epic stuff that I’d really love to see under the tree, or under the hood in 2024. The PRI Show is where everyone that’s anyone seemed to be on hand checking out parts, making sponsors happy, signing autographs, partying at the local bars and just having too much fun all around. It’s our favorite trade show of the year and we are having a great time. There are tons of things to see and even more importantly, awesome people to talk to. Check out our continuing coverage below, we’ve got more galleries coming this week as well! We are in Indianapolis for the 2025 PRI Show and man there is lots of cool stuff here as usual. Thursday we got to the show, judged the featured products, saw some awesome stuff we’d never seen before, and then wandered around shooting some photos. Then we attempted a more stuctured approach to our coverage and went aisle by aisle in search of all things cool. Check back tomorrow for even more coverage as we’ve got all kinds of cool stuff we know you will dig. The Performance Racing Industry show is one that any racer would love to attend. Unlike the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where every kind of automotive aftermarket part is on display, the PRI Show features only racing-related parts. If the parts aren’t related to the motorsports world, you won’t find them here. The post Our PRI Show Photos Start Right Here: The First Gallery Of Photos From The PRI Show, And We’ve Got More Coming! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

VinFast: A (Very) Condensed HistoryOne can say that VinFast can trace its origins, of all things, to the food industry. More specifically, the VinGroup empire was built on instant noodles. Its founder, Phạm Nhật Vượng, then expanded into real estate, and VinGroup today has subsidiaries in hospitality, healthcare, and, yes, cars. A bit of an odd origin story, but here we are today. VinFast broke ground in 2017, and its first models were reskinned versions of the F10 BMW 5 Series and F15 BMW X5. A subcompact hatch soon followed, based heavily on the Chevrolet Spark. The company changed course dramatically in 2022 VinFast Coming to AmericaVinFast landed in the US in late 2022, and one of the cars that caught everyone's attention was the VF9. It's the brand's flagship model, and faced glaringly negative reviews, among other things. A rough start, although the company said some improvements have been made. Ditto the smaller VF8. Still, the company pursued aggressive expansion, establishing itself in 13 states and securing several dealers in Canada. Sales were decent for an upstart, but it hasn't been smooth sailing in the last couple of years. A Bumpy YearPer Automotive News, 2025 has been particularly rough for VinFast. Sales in the US have seen a steep decline, reporting a drop of 57% year-on-year as of October. Less than 1,500 have been sold in 2025, and direct-sale stores have been closing down. In California, the company has closed all its direct-sale stores and gone for franchising instead. Two dealers also packed up shop in the last six months in the Golden State, and another one closed in North Carolina. A third California dealer will be exiting by the end of the year, bringing the total to four. Meanwhile, in Canada, half of the ten stores are now out of business. VinFast's dreams of making a splash in North America are starting to look bleak. Vinfast The Hits Keep ComingFaced with such challenges, this is what VinFast Chairwoman Lê Thị Thu Thủy told Automotive News. "Given the tariff situation and the instability in the EV market, we just need to see how that settles before we kind of push hard in the U.S. Until we see some growth and stability in the U.S. market, we don’t intend to open more dealerships. Instead, we cultivate the relationship with the existing dealers and make sure they can get to profitability faster." The Vietnamese automaker originally planned 125 dealers by the end of 2024. At the time of writing, the company only has 22, and it'll be 21 as we enter 2026. But the dwindling sales and dealers aren't the only issues. Yes, there's more. Automotive News also reports that not all remaining dealers have vehicles in stock. The publication reported that a Florida dealer had only one car in stock. In fact, only 17 have vehicles in their yards, and most have fewer than 15 units in their inventories. One can't really make sales if there's nothing to sell in the first place. If that's not enough, VinFast faces yet another hurdle. There's the aforementioned tariff situation, and the federal EV tax credits are no more. With the way things are going, the plans to actually build cars in America have been postponed, likely indefinitely. Vinfast Pivot to AsiaBack in Vietnam, VinFast is doing well for itself. Then again, it shouldn't be much of a surprise. Apart from private sales, there's the national taxi market where, coincidentally, VinGroup offers such services. Still, credit where it's due, as the company has shifted close to 150,000 vehicles in its backyard. Vietnam has also begun exporting to its neighbors in Southeast Asia, namely Indonesia and the Philippines. Sales figures are unknown in Indonesia, but in the Philippines, there was a period when no cars were sold. CarGuide reported that VinFast posted no sales in July and August. Meanwhile, Autocar India reports that VinFast is trying to make headway into India through local assembly and managed to sell 288 units last month. View the full article

Crower Cams and Equipment Co., has been sold to founder Bruce Crower’s grandson, Louis Floquet, the company announced. Founder’s grandson, Louis Floquet, takes the helm — continuing Crower’s proud American-made legacy! San Diego, CA (December 2025)–Crower Cams & Equipment Co., an iconic name in high-performance racing and American manufacturing, proudly announces a new chapter in its story. The company remains in family hands as Louis Floquet, the grandson of founder Bruce Crower, assumes ownership and leadership of the brand. We’re proud to share that Crower’s legacy stays right where it began — with family. The next generation has stepped up, with Louis leading the company forward with the same passion for performance, craftsmanship, and American-made quality that built the Crower name. Bruce Crower founded the company in 1955 with one goal — to make the best American-made racing parts possible. From groundbreaking cam designs to precision lifters and rockers, every Crower part has carried that spirit of speed, innovation, and reliability. That same commitment drives the brand today. Under Louis’s leadership, Crower remains proudly American-made, dedicated to producing the trusted, high-quality components that racers, builders, and enthusiasts have relied on for generations. “Crower has always stood for integrity, innovation, and family,” said Louis Floquet. “It’s more than a company name — it’s a legacy. I’m honored to carry it forward, keeping production here in the USA and continuing to earn the trust of those who build and race with Crower.” As Crower looks ahead, the mission remains simple: to honor the past, serve the performance community, and continue building world-class parts — all made right here in America. The Crower name lives on — stronger than ever, still made in the USA. www.crower.com About Crower Cams & Equipment Co. Founded in 1955 by industry innovator Bruce Crower, Crower Cams & Equipment Co. has been a leader in high-performance racing components for nearly seven decades. Known for engineering precision, performance innovation, and American-made quality, Crower continues to serve racers and builders around the world with camshafts, lifters, rocker arms, and more — all proudly made in the USA. Media Contact: Crower Cams & Equipment Co. Email: info@crower.com Website: www.crower.com Instagram: @crowercams The post Louis Floquet Keeps It In The Family As His Grandfather Would Have Wanted! Crower Cams Stays Family Owned! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Race Star debuted a new 15-inch beadliner wheel and tire setup for 28x10.5 small-tire drag racing at the 2025 PRI Show.View the full article

We’re excited to bring the latest update on the future of Bandimere Speedway 2.0, as the entire Bandimere family has been diligently working to bring the racing fans and enthusiasts of Colorado a brand new Bandimere Speedway experience. After closing in their longtime home of Morrison, Colorado due to environmental and noise concerns with houses surrounding them little by little, word quickly spread that the Bandimere family was NOT leaving Colorado high and dry and that they intended to build a new Bandimere Speedway facility. After many months of searching for the right property, they have landed in the town of Hudson and are excited for the future. As you’ll see in their announcement below, zoning, permits, and planning are well under way and the town is as excited as they are. Check out the announcement below, and follow Bandimere Speedway on Facebook for more updates as they come! The post Bandimere Speedway 2.0 Update! Property Has Been Acquired, Permits And Zoning Are Underway, And The Town Of Hudson Are Behind Them! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

At the beginning of October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a probe into Waymo driverless taxis, alleging that they committed safety violations by failing to stop when a school bus ahead of them had. According to the initial report with the Office of Defects Investigation, the robotaxis would do this "particularly when the bus is boarding or offboarding students." Although students get on and off school buses on the sidewalk, opposite to the side of the bus that the robotaxi would pass on, this presents an obvious safety risk, or else it wouldn't be illegal to pass stopped school buses in the first place. At the time, a Waymo spokesperson defended the September 22 incident that led to the investigation by telling Car and Driver that the bus was partially blocking a driveway that the robotaxi was exiting and that the lights and stop sign were not visible from the sensors' point of view. But now, the investigation has finally turned into a full recall. Over 3,000 Vehicles Recalled Getty The NHTSA recall says that all affected vehicles were repaired with an autonomous driving system software update by November 17, spanning some 3,067 units with production dates from 20 August to 5 November 2025. For the record, the initial investigation had covered approximately 2,000 Waymo driverless taxis. This recall fix comes as Waymo targets 1 million robotaxi rides per week, according to Forbes, having recently surpassed 450,000 rides per week. Thus far, Waymo robotaxis have done some 14 million trips in 2025 alone, and these trips provide the company with more and more data to further improve its systems. But no matter what Waymo has achieved, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has written off the company's progress by posting on his social media site X (formerly Twitter) yesterday that the company "never really had a chance" against Tesla, despite Tesla itself lagging in the robotaxi race. Waymo never really had a chance against Tesla. This will be obvious in hindsight. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 10, 2025 Waymo's Publicity is Good and BadWith such a tricky technology, Waymo faces both good and bad publicity, with recent reports including multiple crashes in San Francisco just days after a woman gave birth in a driverless taxi. Elsewhere, Waymo driverless cars can now drive themselves on highways, but they've also proven susceptible to hacking, with one individual playing a prank that saw 50 robotaxis trapped in San Francisco's longest dead-end street. Clearly, there's still a long way to go before autonomous cars from any company can be truly trustworthy, but recalls like this one help achieve that goal, bit by bit. Related: Rimac One-Ups Musk By Revealing a Fleet of Robotaxis Before Tesla Does View the full article

The Baja Rally is awarding $10,000 to the top Rally Pro racer, and a chance for amateur racers to win a custom-built rally bike from ChampADV.View the full article

Word is out that Hot Rod Magazine is rocking and rolling on Route 66 for Hot Rod Drag Week 2026! It’s an all Route 66 year as Hot Rod Power Tour will also be traveling Route 66 for the 100 year anniversary of the famed road. This is a whole new route and a great new experience, for Drag Week 2026 and we’re excited! Here is some of the info, and a link to more, from HotRod.com. Visit the website to get more details and read all about what promises to be a historic Drag Week for 2026. HOT ROD DRAG WEEK 2026 SCHEDULE: Tech Inspection, Registration, Test ‘N’ Tune: September 13—Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, IL Day 1: September 14—Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, IL Day 2: September 15—Byron Dragway, Byron, IL Day 3: September 16—Cordova Dragway, Cordova, IL Day 4: September 17—World Wide Technology Raceway, St. Louis, MO Finals/Day 5: September 18—Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, IL Racer registration opens in February, as well as Drag Pack tickets, and the latest information will be communicated through the HOT ROD Event newsletter and website. The 2025–2027 HOT ROD Drag Week rules are available, and you can find the rules here. All questions should be emailed to DragWeek@motortrend.com The post HOT ROD Drag Week 2026 Announcements: Dates, Locations, and Details for the Historic Route 66 Raceway Launch appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Rivian has just announced several major breakthroughs in its autonomy and AI journey, aimed right at Tesla’s Full Self-Driving suite. At its first Autonomy & AI Day, the EV maker revealed a new proprietary silicon and outlined plans to integrate LiDAR into future models. The company also announced a new autonomy subscription suite called Autonomy+, with one-time or monthly purchase options. These plans all form part of Rivian’s mission to eventually achieve Level 4 autonomy, where a vehicle can handle all aspects of driving without driver supervision or intervention within pre-mapped environments. Related: Rivian Promises Hands-Free Driving by 2026—Even in City Traffic In-House Silicon Underpins New AdvancesThe backbone of Rivian’s progress in self-driving tech is a new in-house silicon, designed for its vision-centric physical AI. The company’s Autonomy Compute Model 3 (ACM3, one of several geeky terms Rivian brandished about at the presentation), ultimately allows for high processing power, efficiency, and performance. More than any other feature, our owners have asked for more hands-free miles. With Universal Hands-Free, you can now enjoy hands-free assisted driving on any road with clearly defined lanes. That’s roughly 3.5 million miles in the U.S. and Canada. Look for it in our next… pic.twitter.com/ZFhwVzvt6b — Rivian (@Rivian) December 11, 2025 “I couldn’t be more excited for the work our teams are driving in autonomy and AI. Our updated hardware platform, which includes our in-house 1600 sparse TOPS inference chip, will enable us to achieve dramatic progress in self-driving to ultimately deliver on our goal of delivering L4. This represents an inflection point for the ownership experience – ultimately being able to give customers their time back when in the car,” said Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. Here are some of the key takeaways from Rivian’s Autonomy & AI Day: LiDAR will be integrated into future R2 modelsGen 3 Autonomy hardware will begin shipping on R2 models late next yearUniversal Hands-Free driving coming to over 3.5 million miles of roads in Canada and USANew Autonomy+ subscription, priced at $2,500New Rivian Assistant launching early in 2026Rivian’s latest autonomy hardware with LiDAR is undergoing validation before plans to be integrated on R2 models at the end of 2026; the R2 will be smaller and cheaper than the R1S SUV. With LiDAR, the ability to identify obstacles in sub-par conditions is enhanced, as opposed to a camera-only system as Tesla uses. Rivian R2 with LiDAR Rivian View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Universal Hands-Free system is an exciting development, as it can operate off highways as long as the road has clearly painted lines. Rivian’s mention of Level 4 autonomy is a bold one, given that most current self-driving systems (including Tesla’s FSD) are at Level 2, which requires driver supervision at all times. Mercedes has introduced Level 3 autonomy, whereby the driver does not need to supervise driving duties, on select high-end models. Related: Nissan’s Upcoming Autonomy Tech Handles Much More Than Highway Driving Autonomy+ To Launch With Attractive Pricing Rivian Rivian’s new autonomy suite, Autonomy+, will launch early in 2026. As with Tesla’s FSD, its capabilities will expand continuously. However, with a one-time cost of $2,500, it’s far cheaper than Tesla’s FSD system, which costs $8,000. Alternatively, Rivian customers can pay $49.99 per month for access to Autonomy+. This suite will include Universal Hands-Free Driving, assuming you’re operating the vehicle in an area compatible with the functionality. Moving away from self-driving tech for a moment, the company’s new Rivian Assistant will launch in early 2026 on Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1 vehicles. This voice-driven assistant is designed to work seamlessly with third-party apps, with Rivian naming Google Calendar as the first integration. According to Ford CEO Jim Farley, every new car should have an AI Assistant. Related: Elon Musk Says Tesla FSD Now Lets Drivers Text and Drive, But It's Still Illegal Final ThoughtsRivian’s decision to develop in-house autonomous tech will give it full control of the self-driving experience, as it works its way to Level 4 autonomy. We applaud the use of LiDAR as part of a multi-modal sensor strategy, which should improve the vehicles’ ability to identify and respond to obstacles in challenging conditions. The Autonomy+ suite sounds promising, especially for less than a third of the price of Tesla’s FSD. Obviously, we’ll have to see how close it gets to FSD in terms of handling most self-driving duties—the latest FSD system is much-improved, with many journeys now being accomplished with zero driver intervention. We’ll know more about how close Rivian has gotten to Tesla early next year, when Autonomy+ launches. View the full article