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Once upon a time, it was more than enough to own a supercar to prove your wealth. But what if your guests are in your apartment and can't see what's in your garage? In 2018, a Pagani Zonda R was used as wall art, and in 2023, a McLaren Senna GTR owner went viral for lifting his supercar 57 stories so it could be displayed in his apartment, and since then, there have been several others who have gone to similar lengths to display their love of exceptional cars. In some cases, luxury manufacturers themselves make it possible to display automotive art within arm's reach of one's living room with car lifts. But not all instances of mixing cars and architecture are caused by a need to preen, and not all such instances are acceptable to local authorities, as one man in Austria recently discovered. Parking Dispute Leads to Ferrari Relocation, but Only Temporarily According to German publication Bild, 28-year-old Amar Dezic, who owns and runs an auto parts and aftermarket tuning business in Vienna, Austria, was disappointed to be told by apartment management that they would not release a parking space for his Ferrari 296 GTB. The man reportedly owns several vehicles, including a Porsche Panamera, a BMW M2, and a Range Rover Sport, and he wanted one more garage space to safely store his supercar in for the winter. When his request was denied, he came up with another solution: crane the 819-horsepower supercar onto the terrace of his apartment. He also intended to house the 296 in an illuminated glass box "as a showcase for a work of art." Unfortunately, the solution lasted all of one week: building inspectors ordered the Ferrari removed from his balcony, citing fire hazards as their main concern. Getting it up there cost him "in the four-figure range," and he'll presumably have spent a similar amount to undo the Ferrari's placement. The Ferrari's Fate is a Dull but Sensible One Dezic will now store the hybrid supercar in his company's warehouse over the winter, but he's frustrated, saying "only here" is housing a car in your apartment a problem. He's referring, of course, to Dubai apartments that allow such extravagance, and perhaps, too, to the Melbourne-based Senna GTR owner we mentioned at the outset. The story is bound to divide opinion. On the one hand, it may seem like a harmless display of wealth, and a fire in the apartment building is probably unlikely, but on the other, it's worth noting that the 296 GTB has been the subject of two recalls due to a fire risk, and even if it weren't, anything can happen. What are your thoughts? Did authorities overreact, or are people like Dezic taking unnecessary risks to flaunt their wealth? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Bumblebee isn't just the single best entry in the live-action Transformers movie franchise; it's a new concept motorcycle from SWM.View the full article

We've got some fresh leaks of KTM's new RC450 thanks to Chinese type-approval documents. It looks like KTM could be about to take over this niche.View the full article

Meet the Honda NS150LA, an absolute ray of sunshine and fun in an all-too-frequently drab and colorless two-wheeled landscape.View the full article

Who'll come out on top in a race between Travis Pastrana, Ken Roczen, and Carson Brown on a 500cc 2-stroke? This is the best dirt bike video on the internet.View the full article

Is this the new version of the most extreme Range Rover Sport, the SVR, or simply the most aggressively styled Range Rover Sport SV yet? Whatever it is, somebody has curbed the wheels good and proper. But let's not get hung up on that - this is a development vehicle, after all, and it's built to sustain all sorts of abuse. This prototype was spotted on the Nürburgring with a current-gen Range Rover Sport SV following closely behind, and while no camouflage has come off since the last time we spied the upcoming Range Rover Sport SV variant at the 'Ring, these images certainly give us a closer look than ever before. The Most Expensive RR Sport Looks Angry SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article This year, JLR has revealed several Range Rover Sport special editions with gargantuan price tags, and this, the most aggressive version yet, looks set to cause buyers' accountants just as much concern. To recap, past special editions released in 2025 have included the SV Celestial, the SV Carbon Edition, and the SV Black, the last of which is a treatment that was recently applied to the less athletic 'regular' Range Rover, too. As this prototype has largely the same features as those models - headlights, taillights, and general body shape - we expect it to foreshadow the last of the current L461 generation. SH Proshots/Autoblog The previous L460 SVR offered a carbon fiber hood over its 5.0-liter supercharged V8, which produced 575 horsepower, and it's possible that this will too, though beneath it, BMW M's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 will now appear. Since the current Range Rover Sport SV makes a whopping 626 hp, we can expect at least that here. But if this is an SVR and not an SV facelift, perhaps 626 ponies won't be enough (as ridiculous as that is to say about an SUV). Whatever badge it wears, expect an asking price close to or even beyond $200,000. Aggressive But Restrained Styling SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Although this prototype has enormous dual-exit exhaust tips mounted in the center of the revised rear diffuser panel, like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, the rest of the design is relatively restrained. Yes, there's a large roof spoiler, but it's not obnoxious. Sure, the front end is sharper and more aggressive than that of the current RR Sport SV, but none of the intakes are gaping. And yes, the wheels conceal massive Brembo brake calipers, but they look well-proportioned for a vehicle of this size. With the end of the year fast approaching, we expect to learn more about what JLR is cooking up only in 2026, and since winter testing has only just started for some manufacturers, we may have a long wait still. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the full article

A Record Year for the Corvette ZR1The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has been making headlines this year, setting a series of performance records hard to ignore. Chevrolet brought a pre-production ZR1 equipped with the ZTK Performance Package to some of the most demanding tracks in the US. This resulted in five new production-car lap records – at Watkins Glen, Road America, Road Atlanta, and both the Full and Grand layouts at Virginia International Raceway. These laps showed the range of capability built into the ZR1, from its carbon-fiber aero and Cup 2R tires to revised suspension and a powertrain making over 1,000 horsepower. Each driver set a record, underlining GM’s confidence in the car’s consistency. Chevrolet didn’t stop with American circuits. It quietly added another benchmark to the list, this time north of the border. A Quiet but Significant Record in CanadaAt Canadian Tire Motorsports Park – a track known for its elevation changes and the kind of corners that reward real racing talent – the ZR1 clocked a 1:18.2 lap with Ron Fellows at the wheel. Fellows, who grew up watching races at “Mosport” and now co-owns the place, already held the production-car record there with a Corvette Z06. This new lap shaved almost four seconds off his previous best. Fellows pointed to the ZR1’s blend of downforce, braking stability, and power delivery as the reason he could push harder through the fast sections. With the ZTK aero package, the car generates over 1,200 lbs of downforce at speed, allowing him to brake later and carry more speed through the corners than he could in the Z06. “It’s just getting comfortable with the pure acceleration, and also getting comfortable with how the car stops,” said Fellows. “With the added downforce, it’s all about getting people to trust the car’s cornering capability.” This run adds to the ZR1’s growing list of real-world benchmarks and shows how all that engineering actually pays off when the stopwatch is running. Chevrolet Blue Oval RivalryWith all these records, it’s only natural to compare the ZR1 to its closest American rival, the Ford Mustang GTD. Chevrolet recently confirmed that both the ZR1 and the all-wheel-drive ZR1X lapped the Nürburgring faster than the GTD, making the Corvette the fastest American car around the circuit – at least for now. Ford’s Mustang GTD is a track-focused flagship, built around aero tech and rear transaxle balance, with its Nürburgring run meant to highlight a new chapter for the Mustang as a supercar. The tight competition between the two leans toward the Corvette ZR1 for now, though, especially when it comes to value. It’s interesting to see how this rivalry pans out in the coming years, but right now, we’re enjoying watching from the sidelines. Chevrolet View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Monster Energy's Josh Hill calls Oregon home. But his insane backwoods super motocross track, built out of an active logging area and timber mill, is properly ludicrous.View the full article

The Solaris solar-powered EV motorcycle concept imagines a future where motorcycles run entirely on sunlight and never plug in. View the full article

The NHRA has announced the 2026 national event category schedule, purse increases, and special features for its 75th anniversary season.View the full article

Traversing the rugged topography of the Ontario Highlands, the Bush Chicken is a 730-mile loop composed of 60% gravel and 40% pavement. This guide details the track from the dense forests of Haliburton to the Ottawa Valley, highlighting key discovery points and surface conditions. Prepare for a mix of scenic backroads and technical terrain through this diverse geological province.View the full article

Craig Dack CDR Yamaha Team Owner Craig Dack has experienced and seen just about everything the sport can throw at a person, yet 2025 still managed to test his CDR Yamaha outfit in new and imaginative ways. Injuries, replacement riders, difficult calendars and the rise of World Supercross all collided to create one of the […] The post Craig Dack reflects on season 2025 and discusses the sport in general appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

South Georgia Motorsports Park names Don O’Neal General Manager. He leads the track’s expansion for the 2026 NHRA return.View the full article

Buddy Hull is launching a new NHRA Funny Car program with renewed ambition, bringing in crew chiefs Mike Guger and Johnny West.View the full article

Carvana's value has skyrocketedAccording to recent reports, Carvana, the company known for popularizing the online, direct-to-consumer used-car marketplace, has dramatically increased its value, surpassing that of traditional automakers, including Detroit-based companies like General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. Per Barron's, the value of Carvana stock is currently approaching a 12-day streak of positive gains, rising by as much as 1.1% to $461.40 on December 10, and is up by nearly 50% over the past 12 days. If it holds onto its gains and shares close above $459.68, the company’s market capitalization is said to surpass $100 billion for the first time, surpassing the likes of GM's $73.86 billion market cap, Ford's $52.4 billion, and Stellantis's $18.849 billion. Getty Images Wall Street experts are confident about CarvanaMuch of the excitement around the stock on Wall Street revolves around a recent announcement that could change its trajectory. On December 5, S&P Dow Jones Indices announced that Carvana and two other companies would be added to the S&P 500, with the first day of trading scheduled for December 22. Inclusion in a primary index like the S&P 500 can help boost a company's shares, as investment in the index as a whole can increase demand for the stock. Following the Dec. 5 announcement, analysts at major Wall Street firms, including Barclays, Evercore ISI, and Bank of America, raised their price targets on Carvana, signalling confidence in the company's overall performance. The recent gains over the past 12 days follow strong Q3 2025 results, which, according to Bloomberg, did not stand out to investors until auto dealers reported lacklustre numbers, which made the online used-car marketplace stand out. At the time, Carvana reported selling 155,941 vehicles in the third quarter of 2025, which helped drive total revenue up 55% to $5.65 billion. “Its online model continues to gain traction, which has helped improve margins,” SLC Management managing director Dec Mullarkey told the financial news outlet. “Investors have noticed the progress and have been impressed with its execution and momentum.” Bloomberg/Getty Images Carvana's proliferation comes at a time of rising car affordability.The meteoric rise of Carvana comes at a time when the affordability of new cars has become a significant issue. According to data from Kelly Blue Book and Cox Automotive, the average transaction price of a new car in November 2025 was $49,814, a 1.3% year-over-year increase, which is not far from the $49,760 recorded in October. However, in September, average transaction prices reached an all-time high of $50,080, a figure influenced by transactions involving more expensive luxury and electric cars during the month. In a statement to Bloomberg, Matt Maley, chief market strategist at brokerage firm Miller Tabak + Co., noted that as long as this issue persists, it could drive interest in the used market and benefit Carvana. “For those who are more financially strapped, used cars are more attractive,” Maley said. “Given the K-shape of the US economy right now, that should help used car sales improve in 2026.” Related: Your Next Certified Pre-Owned Ford Might Come From Amazon Final ThoughtsCarvana isn't alone in the online used car-buying space. Recently, Ford announced that its customers can now explore inventory and complete most of the paperwork to finance or purchase pre-owned vehicles on Amazon’s car-buying platform, Amazon Autos. In addition, Hertz Car Sales launched its own dedicated online platform, which allows customers to get trade-in offers, calculate monthly payments, get pre-qualified for financing, and view optional protection plans without leaving their homes or couches. While average new-car prices reach new highs, used-car prices follow closely behind. Edmunds data shows that the average cost of a three-year-old used car reached $31,067 in Q3 2025, the highest level in three years. As the automotive market evolves, it will be interesting to see how Carvana and its competitors adapt to consumer needs and the ongoing affordability challenges. View the full article

Ferrari is marking 60 years of the Dino with a deep dive into how its first mid-engined V6 road car went from rough sketches to one of the brand’s most recognizable silhouettes. A new feature from the official Ferrari Magazine revisits the 1965 Paris Motor Show prototype, the designers behind it and the old-school craftsmanship that shaped the car that was never meant to wear a prancing horse badge, yet now sits alongside million-dollar modern Ferraris that trade hands as quickly as rare SUVs. A Radical Layout For a “junior” FerrariThe Dino project began with a brief from Sergio Pininfarina that lasted barely half an hour but flipped Ferrari’s usual formula. Instead of a front-engined V12 GT, the team had to package a compact V6 behind the seats, with the wheels pushed to the corners and a low nose. Designer Aldo Brovarone’s proposal won out: a flowing berlinetta with rounded front fenders, a low roof and a high, cut-off tail. Enzo Ferrari then stepped in to refine the look, vetoing an early “fish-mouth” grille as too close to existing V12 cars and pushing for a clean, grille-less nose with twin headlights under plexiglass and a concave rear window that wrapped into the flying buttresses. The resulting proportions became a template for later mid-engined Ferraris, all the way to today’s flagship plug-in hybrids like the SF90 line. Shaping The Dino By HandFerrari’s anniversary piece spends as much time on process as on styling. Before any metal was formed, the Dino existed as full-scale drawings in multiple views, each overlaid with a dense measurement grid. Wooden cross-sections were then built up like slices of a loaf of bread, assembled into a skeleton and filled with resin to create the mascherone, a full-size reference buck. Panel beaters hand-formed aluminum over this structure, while a steel cage and a perfectly flat “marble” base fixed the exact wheelbase and reference points. All of it was done pre-CAD, with slide rules and drafting tables, which helps explain why the Dino’s curves and panel lines still read as one coherent piece of sculpture. From Junior Badge To Blue-Chip ClassicWhen it was new, the Dino’s V6 and separate badge marked it out as a “junior” Ferrari; today, its purity and proportions put it firmly in blue-chip territory. Auction results show top-flight 246 GTs and GTSs comfortably into six figures, and the 60th anniversary will only reinforce its status for collectors already chasing pristine analog Ferraris from later decades. Ferrari’s own retelling of the Dino’s birth makes it clear that what started as an outsider project now sits at the core of the brand’s mid-engined identity, both in the showroom and in the collector market. View the full article

If you want to spend as much as possible on a new Porsche 911, you can grab a Turbo S Cabriolet for $284,300. But Porsche has just unveiled a new truly special 911 collector car that costs over $100,000 more than that—$387,000, to be exact. This is the 2027 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche, and the name tells you all about why it’s so special. This car pays tribute to Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (also known as F.A.), the grandson of Porsche AG Founder, Ferdinand Porsche. The younger Ferdinand passed away in 2012 but would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 11, 2026. His significance within Porsche’s history is reflected in this collector car, a truly exquisite version of the 911. Related: 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 — A deep dive into the latest generation Modern Powertrain Meets Nostalgic Touches Porsche View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Only 90 examples of the 2027 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche will be built, and each customer will benefit from a one-on-one personalization program for each order. Such programs only become available once you spend close to $400k on a sports car. As the name suggests, this collector car is based on the 911 GT3, specifically the version with the Touring Package. That means you get Porsche’s magnificent 4.0-liter boxer-six naturally aspirated engine with 502 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. The GT3 Touring comes with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and it has a more subtle adaptive rear spoiler in place of the normal GT3’s aggressive rear wing. Porsche The exterior and interior were inspired by the G-body 911 driven by F.A. in the 1980s. F.A. Green metallic is the exclusive color created for this GT3, which references the Oak Green metallic used on F.A.’s very own 911. Sport Classic wheels in Satin Black are a nostalgic touch, and there are center lock hubs with a 1963 Porsche crest design. A gold plaque on the rear decklid grille has a “90 F.A. Porsche” logo. Related: 50 Years of Porsche Turbo, from 911 and 944 to Cayenne and Panamera Exquisite Interior Details Porsche View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article In the cabin, there are more details inspired by the personal taste of F.A. Porsche. Complementing the Truffle Brown Club Leather are Limestone stitching and seat centers in a grid-weave fabric; this fabric was inspired by the legend’s favorite sport coat. “My father’s favorite sport coat carried this pattern. Like his pencil, his pipe and his ashtray, this coat is part of my childhood memories and directly linked with his home office,” Mark Porsche said. Atop the instrument cluster, there’s a Sport Chrono clock inspired by the original Chronograph 1. The shift lever has an open-pore wood handle, there’s a plaque engraved with F.A. Porsche’s signature, and there’s a special dashboard trim piece with its own gold plaque. Every buyer of this Porsche will receive an exclusive version of the Porsche Design Chronograph 1. The housing is made of titanium, and the chronograph includes a number of special details, like F.A. Porsche’s signature being laser-engraved under the housing. Celebrating F.A.’s Contribution to Porsche Porsche Being born into the illustrious Porsche family is no guarantee that one will go on to contribute to the brand’s legacy, but F.A. made sure he'd be remembered. Born on December 11, 1935, F.A. Porsche developed a passion for design from a young age. He interned in the modeling department at Porsche in 1957, before this department was separated from the bodywork construction division. With F.A. at the helm, models like the 904 Carrera GTS, 804 Formula One race car, and 901/991 were created. He also founded Porsche Design in 1972 with his brother. His design studio’s many highlights include the Chronograph 1 wristwatch and the P’8478 sunglasses with changeable lenses. “I am sure that my father would have loved this very special 911,” Mark Porsche said. “Many details of this exciting project were influenced by his personal taste. Production of the 2027 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche will start in mid-2026, with one of the 90 examples to be built globally intended for his son, Mark. Once a few options are added, this will easily be a $400,000+ 911—and one of the most expensive cars you can buy. View the full article

One of drag racing’s most entertaining personalities is about to step into one of the most proven pieces in Limited Drag Radial. Tom “Jimmy Dale” Gunner has been announced as the new driver of Rob Kohler’s familiar screw-blown fourth-generation Camaro, with his competition debut set for the fast-approaching U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission – the second stop of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service. Gunner’s arrival in LDR comes with real momentum. A successful small-tire standout, he’s fresh off winning the inaugural Lil’ Gangstas Shootout at the 2025 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, and his brand has exploded thanks to a potent mix of on-track performance and an unapologetically authentic presence online and at the track. Now he’ll strap into a car capable of immediately running at the front of the pack – the same machine formerly piloted by Lyle Barnett, which has been as quick as the low 3.90s in the eighth-mile. “I’ve been lucky enough to wheel some killer race cars over the years, and now it’s badass watching my buddy Jimmy Dale get his shot in a top-tier LDR hot rod,” said Barnett. “The dude loves this sport, reps it harder than most, and uses his platform to push drag racing forward. Seeing him step up to the big stage just feels right.” Team owner Rob Kohler echoed that confidence. “I met Jimmy Dale and [Michael] Poland a couple seasons ago and every time I turn around those guys are in the winner’s circle. How do you not give those guys an opportunity to win in a competitive car, and that’s exactly what we are going to do in 2026,” Kohler said. For longtime partner Michael Poland, the move is both a milestone and a validation. “I’m so proud of my brother and how far we have come. His personality and craziness – you would think he would be the same in a race car, but it’s the complete opposite. I’ve been around a lot of drivers in my short time in the industry and he’s the most cool, calm, and collected out of all of them. The dude was born to drive a race car. I’m glad to be a part of this and what we have built together. I’m excited to roll into this next journey with Jimmy Dale Racing and Rob Kohler Racing.” For Jimmy Dale himself, the opportunity is something he’s still trying to process. “To have a team like Rob Kohler Racing believe in me and a mentor like Lyle Barnett is a pinch-me moment,” Gunner said. “Just three years ago Poland and I were racing in an abandoned parking lot in Mineral Wells, Texas, and now this is going to catapult Jimmy Dale Racing into the highest levels of drag racing. We are freaking pumped.” Gunner will begin testing immediately and hit the track in competition when LDR fires up at the U.S. Street Nationals in Bradenton. This story was originally published on December 11, 2025. The post Tom “Jimmy Dale” Gunner Set to Join Rob Kohler Racing for Limited Drag Radial Campaign first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

South Georgia Motorsports Park has tabbed respected racer, veteran, and industry figure Don O’Neal as its new General Manager, tasking him with leading the facility into a new era ahead of a packed 2026 schedule that includes the return of the NHRA Southern Nationals. O’Neal, a U.S. Army veteran with extensive experience across motorsports, business, and event operations, will oversee all day-to-day activity at the Valdosta-area facility. His role includes racer and fan experience, partner development, community engagement, and the continued evolution of SGMP into a true multi-use destination while keeping drag racing at its core. “SGMP is a special place for racers and fans,” O’Neal said. “Our goal is simple: run efficient shows, improve the racer and fan experience, and build strong community and sponsor partnerships.” Track owner Raul Torres says O’Neal’s blend of on-track experience and operational leadership made him the clear choice to guide SGMP’s next phase. “Don combines practical race operations with sponsor and community insight,” Torres said. “We’re investing in facility upgrades and a sustainable schedule, and Don will lead that plan with accountability. This is about boosting tourism, educational opportunities, and economic growth for South Georgia and North Florida.” Under O’Neal’s leadership, SGMP is focusing on several near-term priorities, including: Operational efficiency: on-time shows, improved traffic flow, and a reinforced safety-first culture. Enhanced racer and fan experience: better communication, improved wayfinding and signage, and hospitality upgrades. Multi-purpose programming: adding concerts, festivals, and lifestyle events that complement traditional race weekends. Regional economic impact: deeper alignment with hotels, tourism officials, and workforce programs while tracking local economic output through periodic reporting. Community and partner alignment: strengthening local partnerships and defining measurable ROI for sponsors. The announcement comes as SGMP prepares for one of its most significant seasons yet, highlighted by the NHRA Southern Nationals returning to the facility in May 2026. For more information and event updates, visit GoRaceSGMP.com or follow @GoRaceSGMP on social media. This story was originally published on December 11, 2025. The post Don O’Neal Named General Manager of South Georgia Motorsports Park first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

I’m pleased to say we have positively settled this matter. Representing 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports in its antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, lead attorney Jeffrey Kessler made the announcement to Judge Kenneth D. Bell at 10:03 a.m. in the Potter Courtroom on the second floor of the Western District of North Carolina. There was still more work to be done to formalize the end of ...Keep readingView the full article

Tesla's Cybertruck is a wicked machine, whether you'd like to admit it or not. That said, even the so-called indestructible pickup has some inherent flaws. One of them is the factory wheel setup, which has become a growing point of criticism as demand for the Cybertruck appears to be cooling down. Now, Unplugged Performance has stepped in with a solution worthy of the truck’s size and aspirations: the UP Forged UP-RW Cyber Road Warrior. Designed to handle the Cybertruck’s weight and real-world punishment, it brings the brand’s Road Warrior philosophy into a more extreme class. Better yet, owners can upgrade without buying new tires and have a lifetime warranty. Forged Strength Meets The Cybertruck Unplugged Performance With its 6,600-pound curb weight and immense torque, the Cybertruck places heavy demands on its wheels. The factory cast wheels simply aren’t ideal for that kind of stress, and Unplugged Performance notes that cast construction can introduce “air pockets, brittleness under extreme loads, and lower resistance to potholes” compared with forged wheels. That alone gives many owners a reason to explore aftermarket options. The Cyber Road Warrior answers this with fully forged 6061-T6 aluminum construction and a 3,195-pound load rating per wheel, up significantly from the stock 2,500 pounds. Unplugged Performance already earned a reputation for its Road Warrior wheels on the Model 3 and Model Y, but the Cybertruck demanded a tougher evolution. It is built for a heavier, harder-working platform, and the design reflects that mission. Real-World Results Without a Range Hit Unplugged Performance Range anxiety often stops EV owners from modifying wheels, but that concern doesn’t apply here. Unplugged Performance tested three identical Cybertrucks on the same High Desert route: one on the Foundation Series setup, one on Tesla’s Core Wheel, and one on the Cyber Road Warrior. The forged wheel matched the efficiency of Tesla’s most aerodynamic factory option and beat the Foundation Series configuration. The company even notes that under certain conditions, range may improve. For shoppers comparing upgrades, especially with wild alternatives like Unplugged Performance’s gold 24-inch Cybertruck wheels, efficiency remains a major reason to choose something more purposeful. Plug-and-Play Practicality Unplugged Performance The Road Warrior line also brings back its signature replaceable outer ring, a sacrificial piece designed to absorb curb rash. Instead of a costly repair, owners simply replace the ring. The brand backs the wheel with a warranty that covers any bent or cracked wheel at no cost, adding peace of mind to an already practical upgrade. Because the wheels were engineered around the factory 20-inch Cybertruck tires, installation is simple and doesn’t require new rubber. Combined with the added strength, range-friendly design, and everyday usability, the UP Forged UP-RW Cyber Road Warrior feels like the setup the Cybertruck should have come with from the beginning. View the full article

A Wagon Revival on the Horizon?Station wagons, once the vehicle of choice for American families, have been largely replaced by SUVs. The NHTSA has previously speculated that increasingly-stricter passenger car fuel efficiency regulations have driven manufacturers to replace station wagons in their lineups with SUVs and crossovers, which are classified as light trucks and subject to more lenient standards. Doubling down on this theory, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, in a recent interview with CNBC, claimed that the proposed rollback of the strict Biden era fuel efficiency standards would incentivise carmakers to offer consumers more entry- and mid-level station wagons, precipitating their widespread return to American streets. Understanding the LogicThe idea of a station wagon revival stems from how the fuel consumption regulations classify vehicles. Station wagons are classified as passenger cars, and passenger cars face more stringent fuel efficiency regulations than vehicles categorised as light trucks. Large, roomy, and heavy station wagons would struggle to meet the tighter passenger car standards and, rather than tackle the pressure to optimize every model for maximum fuel efficiency and face potential compliance penalties, manufacturers started offering SUVs to customers shopping for family-sized vehicles. GM The Trump administration’s proposed plan to relax these regulations and drop the 2031 fleet average fuel consumption requirement from 50.4 mpg to 34.5 mpg once again makes it viable for manufacturers to build large, heavy vehicles in the passenger car segment. But it only makes sense for manufacturers to reintroduce station wagons if the demand still exists. What About SUV Love?The idea that station wagons are set to make a comeback assumes that the massive market shift towards SUVs was driven more by the stringent fuel efficiency standards for passenger cars, and not by changing tastes and preferences. After all, Americans today love their SUVs; the commanding seating position, comfort, practicality, image, perceived safety, and greater cargo space have all contributed to this shift. It seems unlikely that station wagons becoming slightly more available and accessible would once again sway market preferences based solely on nostalgia for the once ubiquitous body type. Subaru The Bottom LineEasing fuel consumption regulations has the potential to lower new car prices and save carmakers billions, as it will reduce the time, effort, and cost directed towards making vehicles more frugal year-on-year. However it will also slow down the development of EV and hybrid technology. Whether or not the revised regulations will drive a station wagon resurgence in a market obsessed with tall and bulky SUVs remains to be seen. View the full article

A Fresh Coat for a ClassicThe Land Rover Defender Octa debuted in 2024 as the new flagship of the Defender lineup, bringing high-performance engineering and exclusive customization options. Now, the British marque is extending those premium finishes by making Octa-inspired colors and trim combinations available to more customers through Land Rover Classic. Land Rover Classic – a division dedicated to restoring heritage Land Rovers – is offering these options for the Defender 90 Station Wagon and Soft Top, as well as the longer-wheelbase 110 Station Wagon. The palette includes Octa-exclusive shades such as Petra Copper, Faroe Green, and Sargasso Blue, plus Narvik Black seen in Defender Octa Black and Patagonia White. These new additions join the existing paint offerings for the Classic Defender V8, including Borasco Gray, Carpathian Gray, and Charente Gray. The company said each example spends around 300 hours in the paint shop, with every color offered in either a gloss or satin finish to mirror the look of the Defender Octa's optional matte protective film. Land Rover More Ways to CustomizeCustomers may also choose interior schemes inspired by the Defender Octa, featuring lightweight Ultrafabrics in Khaki Green, Light Cloud, or Lunar, with Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather available as an option. The blackout theme from the Defender Octa Black can also be specified, pairing with ebony leather. Additional interior customizations include hand-trimmed heated Recaro sports seats and color configurations for the steering wheel, transmission levers, and dashboard, among others. Land Rover Classic is also offering exterior enhancements, including a gloss-black radiator grille and a chopped-carbon-fiber bonnet script. According to Land Rover Classic director Dominic Elms, this expanded customization program is a response to customers wanting their classic Defenders to match the new Defender Octa visually. He noted that this demand “inspired our Works Bespoke team to work with innovative paint and material technologies to create the ultimate Defender pairing.” Land Rover Style Has Its PriceThese options aren’t limited to existing owners. Through the Works Bespoke program, customers can commission a fully restored Classic Defender built from donor vehicles produced between 2012 and 2016. Each build is fitted with a 5.0-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower and paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic, part of a transmission family also used in several high-performance models, including the Dodge Challenger. However, the price reflects the craftsmanship involved. A bespoke Classic Defender V8 starts at £190,000 (about $254,000 at current exchange rates), significantly higher than the new Defender Octa, which begins around $158,000 in the U.S. That’s roughly the same MSRP as a modern Porsche 911 GT3 RS – but for the right buyer, the appeal of a bespoke classic might speak for itself. Land Rover View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Waymo recently announced an expansion of its self-driving robotaxis into five more cities across the United States, including Dallas, Houston, and Orlando. That may be good news for commuters who want to get to their destination efficiently, but an incident in San Francisco this week shows that these robotaxis aren’t always better than having a human at the wheel. In a video that’s gone viral, two Waymo taxis struck each other, while a third one became involved in a robotaxi standoff that blocked the road completely. That wasn't the only unusual incident involving a Waymo driverless cab this month. Cul-de-Sac Stumps Waymo Robotaxis Chii_Rinna via Storyful The incident occurred on December 6, with two of the Waymo taxis making mild contact on what appeared to be a dead-end road. A third taxi coming from the opposite direction added to the chaos by apparently sensing the other two taxis and coming to a standstill. The three vehicles were then locked in a standoff that left onlookers bemused and other drivers frustrated, as the road became blocked. Waymo employees later arrived on the scene in an attempt to diffuse the situation and get the taxis moving again. The incident occurred just a few days before Waymo released a statement reviewing its year, saying that its robotaxis achieved a more than 10-fold reduction in serious injury or worse crashes when compared to human drivers. To be fair, nobody was injured in this San Francisco incident, but the event does demonstrate the limitations of self-driving technologies. This particular scenario—three taxis stuck in a dead-end road—is an unusual situation, and the tech simply couldn’t work out how to get the cars unstuck. Related: Waymo’s Driverless Cars Can Now Drive Themselves on Highways Not The Only Crazy Waymo Story This Month Waymo While the San Francisco crash isn’t the kind of press coverage Waymo would want, another story involving one of the company’s robotaxis had a distinctly different tone. As per NBC News, a pregnant woman in labor ended up giving birth in the back of a robotaxi when on her way to the hospital. Both mother and child arrived safely at the University of California San Francisco Hospital before emergency services could get to her. It’s very likely that, were it not for the efficient robotaxi, the mother would have been left without assistance for even longer. "We’re proud to be a trusted ride for moments big and small, serving riders from just seconds old to many years young," a Waymo spokesperson said. "We wish the new family all the best, and we look forward to safely getting them where they’re going through many of life’s events." The Waymo and Tesla Robotaxi Battle Continues Steven Paul Waymo and Tesla are both competing in the robotaxi space. While both companies tout impressive safety standards for their self-driving taxis, each has had a few worrying incidents. Tesla robotaxis have been involved in several crashes already, as widely reported earlier this year. In a heated exchange on X (formerly Twitter) this week, Tesla boss Elon Musk claimed that Waymo “never really had a chance against Tesla.” He made this statement when responding to Google DeepMind Chief Scientist Jeff Dean, who pointed out that Waymo has covered far more rider-only autonomous miles than Tesla. Whichever robotaxi company wins the war, let’s hope that there are fewer safety-related incidents than we’ve seen so far. Related: Rimac One-Ups Musk By Revealing a Fleet of Robotaxis Before Tesla Does View the full article

Flat track mad scientist Toshiyuki ‘Cheetah’ Osawa delivers a spicy Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 flat tracker as hot as the chili pepper it's named after.Peaking at 2.2 million Scoville units, the Carolina Reaper is widely considered the world’s hottest chili pepper. But it didn't get that way on its... View the full article