reporter

Buying a car in person can be daunting for the uninitiated.For most car buyers, strolling into a car dealership can be the most nerve-wracking experience that they’ll ever feel, as it can feel like walking into enemy territory. No matter how prepared buyers are, they still have that nagging feeling in the back of their minds. These are the buyers who know what they want, have done their research and are ready to make a move on a brand-spanking new sedan, crossover, or truck. Yet, despite it all, the feeling that they’re about to get played still lingers. Unfortunately, many buyers enter showrooms wondering whether they’ll end up paying thousands more than they should or whether the salesperson will pressure them into buying a car immediately, before they have time to think. For decades, the car dealership experience has been synonymous with stress. It’s become such a cultural touchstone that we’ve all heard the horror stories: the finance manager who suddenly “finds” extra fees, the salesperson who won’t take no for an answer, the insultingly low trade-in offer. These aren’t hypotheticals; they’re real experiences that have shaped how Americans feel about buying cars in person. And now, new data confirms what many of us have suspected all along: the biggest problem with in-person car buying isn’t the cars themselves, it’s how you’re expected to buy them. Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images YouGov: Buyers actually want a price that is the price, no ifs, ands, or buts.According to a recent survey conducted by well-known pollsters YouGov, Americans who’ve visited an auto dealership in the past three years want clear-cut transparency when it comes to how much they’ll spend on a car. When asked what would make them more likely to buy a car in person at a showroom rather than online, 56% of those polled said that transparent pricing was their top motivator. Additionally, 41% of respondents said that they want online pricing to be honored in-store; essentially, this means that if a car is listed on a dealership website for $32,000, buyers should be able to get it for $32,000, plain and simple. Apart from the actual buying process, 34% of respondents surveyed stated that they value the atmosphere and hospitality experience at the dealership, meaning they expect dealerships to have a salesperson greet them when they walk in, a designated, comfortable area to sit, and offer complimentary refreshments. Other motivators that YouGov recognized included additional benefits, such as a 48-hour return window (22%), the option of a home or extended test drive (18%), and convenient maintenance services like pick-up and drop-off (17%). Getty Images YouGov: Less than ⅓ of people actually bought a car during their last dealer visit.Despite the stats on buyers’ motivation, the survey found that most people aren’t even visiting dealerships to buy cars. According to YouGov, just 45% of recent visitors went for servicing or repairs, making it the most common reason for visiting the dealer. Test drives came in second at 36%, while browsing models came in third at 33%. Just 29% actually placed an order or bought a vehicle during their most recent visit. However, in terms of their actual visits, recent visitors have generally found them favorable. Over 72% of those surveyed described their most recent visit as positive, which includes 34% who said that it was ‘very positive’ and 38% who said that it was ‘somewhat positive’. Among recent visitors who said the in-store experience is very important to them, the consensus on a positive visit is simply having no pressure to make a purchase. Over 54% of those surveyed cited this as crucial, while 47% found transparent pricing and financing important, and 46% valued knowledgeable and helpful staff. On the flip side, when these same buyers were asked what ruins the experience, 52% said that a one-way or aggressive sales approach hurts their visits. Right behind that, 40% said that prices or fees not being clearly explained made their in-store experiences negative, as well as unnecessary add-ons being pushed too hard. Related: Ford Is Redesigning Dealers to Make Car Buying Feel Easier Final ThoughtsDespite platforms like Carvana and established names like Hertz continuing to grow by offering transparent, pressure-free alternatives, traditional dealerships, 84% of recent dealership visitors surveyed by YouGov say the in-store experience is at least somewhat important to them. Customers are not abandoning physical retail; they still want to touch, see, and test-drive cars. They want knowledgeable staff who can answer questions about the vehicles and make a potentially life-changing decision without the salespeople breathing down their necks for an immediate sale. As a bona fide car enthusiast, I believe that seeing cars up close is an essential part of the car-buying process. Cars are a significant purchase for many Americans, which justifies the need for a "touch-and-feel" retail experience. However, this experience should be as seamless as possible, and the sooner customers recognize their power, the sooner the dealership experience can be reformed. View the full article

Johnny Morris, the founder, majority owner, and and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, has published a fiery letter addressed to NASCAR and the France family, focusing on the insults leadership shared amongst themselves while talking about longtime team owner Richard Childress. In text messages produced through discovery as part of the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v NASCAR antitrust lawsuit, the ...Keep readingView the full article

Daniel Sanders FIM Awards 2025 Daniel Sanders capped a defining year in his rally career by receiving the 2025 FIM RallyGP World Championship medal during the FIM Awards in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Australian rider was recognised for a season in which he delivered consistent speed, accurate navigation and race management, placing him at the forefront […] The post Daniel Sanders looks towards Dakar defence after standout 2025 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Lionel Racing has revealed the ten best-selling diecasts from the 2025 NASCAR season, counting them down throughout the day on Thursday. In 2024, Dale Earnhardt Jr. reminded everyone just how popular he is when his Budweiser-backed Late Model car beat all other diecasts from the year. In 2023, Kevin Harvick's return to the No. 29 for the All-Star Race with a recreation of his 2001 scheme on ...Keep readingView the full article

Crower Cams announces Louis Floquet is taking over the family business. The move guarantees its production strictly in the USA.View the full article

Irving Vincent to Daytona project Beau Beaton Interview The legendary Irving Vincent is heading to Daytona. The men behind the machine, Ken and Barry Horner, are entering Beau Beaton in the 2026 Super Hooligans category. Beaton has ridden almost every version of the Irving Vincent since 2009, and now he’ll put the latest two-valve, air-cooled […] The post Beau Beaton on the Irving Vincent to Daytona mission – Interview appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Motorcycle Manager The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) is the peak body for the automotive industry in Australia. FCAI represents to governments the interests of importers of cars, light commercial vehicles, motorcycles and off-highway vehicles. It aims to provide certainty for the industry, promote innovation, foster competitiveness, and ensure […] The post Situation Vacant – FCAI Motorcycle Manager appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

As we move through December and barrel toward a frigid Winter, there are some things you need to consider when you’re traveling and camping by vehicle at this time of year. While you’re probably going to want to avoid high-country trips because of the prospect of high-elevation snow, there’s still a ton of great overland travel to do. It is, after all, “Desert Season,” so let’s get after it and catch up on how to overland during winter. I probably don’t need to tell you that staying dry and warm is the name of the game when it comes to overlanding during winter. As someone who overlands and camps year-round, I’ve come to rely on a handful of techniques (and gear) to ensure that I remain comfortable during my winter explorations. By no means should my recommendations be taken as the final word on the subject of winter overlanding, though. Rather take my lessons and preferences as recommendations and jumping-off points for your own experiences. Let’s break down some of the best ways I’ve found to stay warm while overlanding during winter. Warm Clothing Dressing for hanging around a campsite is a bit different from dressing for skiing or another aerobic activity. That’s because when you’re at camp, you’re mostly sedentary — that is after you’ve unpacked your rig and gathered and chopped your firewood. The key is LAYERS. Overdoing it with layers is never a bad thing. If you get too hot, it’s easy to peel a layer off. You’ll be far happier losing a layer because you’re too warm than wishing you had one or two more warm pieces of clothing. I start with a baselayer like merino wool pants from Smartwool and long sleeve shirt from Icebreaker, add in some wool socks from Darn Tough. Next up is your mid-weight layer. I use a heavier half-zip or hooded merino wool top and all-weather pants like the KUHL Klash Durable Water Repellant Pants. I’ll add a down jacket or waterproof and windproof shell if the weather is scheduled to take a turn. Don’t forget your wool beanie and waterproof gloves too. BUY NOW Darn Tough BUY NOW Campfire This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Having a fire is your best bet to not just “making it through” a winter overland trip but to actually enjoying your time outdoors in the winter. And there is a lot to enjoy about a crackling fire to warm your bones at camp. Despite the challenges it poses, winter overlanding is amazing because of the solitude. There are a fraction of the number of overlanders out during the winter months than there are during summer. That means you’ll have the best trails and campsites mostly to yourself. Also, cold, wet weather means there are no restrictions on fire. So you can make a roaring fire every night at camp without much worry of starting a wildfire. That said, if there’s not an established fire ring at your campsite and the ground is too frozen to dig in, you may want to bring a packable, portable fire pit like this one from Snow Peak. Buy Now Don’t want to worry about bringing or finding your own firewood? Propane fire pits are a fantastic way to get the ambiance and warmth of a campfire without the need to burn wood. Just hook your fire pit up to any propane tank and enjoy hours of heat and the orange glow of a campfire that is easily packable – check out this TemboTusk Fire Pit for instance. BUY NOW Heaters Bringing your fire pit into your tent isn’t advisable, so you may want to find a way to create more heat inside your tent or off-road trailer than your body heat trapped inside a zero-degree sleeping bag. In that case, you’ll want to look at a gas-powered heater. READ MORE: The Art of Letting Things Happen with the 2024 Ultimate Overland Build Please understand that unsafe use of a gas-powered heater can be dangerous or downright deadly as there is a greater risk of fire and/or carbon monoxide poisoning. Heaters can make winter camping great, but if you’re not diligent, they can be a nightmare in the making. So, please use abundant caution if you decide to use an in-tent, gas-powered heater. I’ve had pretty good luck with the Mr. Heater Buddy as well as the Mr. Heater Little Buddy Heater. BUY NOW BUY NOW I’ve used the larger propane-powered Buddy around camp (specifically at my feet while I’m cooking dinner) and in my rooftop tent before bed. I wouldn’t leave the Buddy Heater going in my rooftop tent because I worry about burning my sleeping bag or blankets. The Buddy is powerful enough to heat the tent before I crawl into bed. On particularly cold nights, I’ve used the Mr. Heater Little Buddy overnight in my rooftop tent. Because it’s much smaller, it puts off a lot less heat than the larger Buddy heater. The only issue with the Little Buddy is that it only lasts six hours. So, you might need to change out the propane bottle in the wee hours of the morning to stay warm. Hearty Meals Let’s say you get to camp late and in the dark, which isn’t difficult in the winter because the sun goes down at 4:30 p.m., and you need a hot, hearty meal to sustain you through the night. I recommend a high-calorie freeze-dried meal, like those from PEAK REFUEL. Buy now Designed for backpackers, these meals pack 40 grams of protein per pouch and only require a bit of boiling water to prepare. If you chow down on the Three Bean Chili Mac, you may be providing your own heat in your sleeping bag – if you know what I mean. Keep Moving If clothing, heaters, and food don’t warm you up, I recommend you keep moving to stay warm. It’s the oldest method for ensuring your core temperature stays up and your extremities stay flush, too. Cut firewood. Haul gear around. Walk the dog. Whatever you can come up with, generating your own heat is a great way to stay toasty. If all else fails, get inside your truck and fire it up. But don’t make the mistake of wearing all your warm gear inside your warm truck. Your body will acclimate to the gear, and then when you get back out of your truck in your gear, you’ll be extra cold. Strip off your layers if you’re going to warm up in your truck. You’ll thank me later. View the full article

It’s time to start figuring out plans for Hot Rod Power Tour 2026 folks! They just dropped all the info on the when, where, and how of Hot Rod’s biggest event of the year. We’ve got all the info below, plus links to the details and registration. From HotRod.com Celebrate 100 years of Route 66 with HOT ROD as the world’s largest rolling automotive festival drives the most famous American roadway. Serving as the first of two major HOT ROD events honoring the historic highway’s centennial, the Power Tour runs June 8–12, 2026, starting in Illinois and ending in Oklahoma, following one of the most nostalgic and culturally important stretches of pavement in American history. The 32nd annual HOT ROD Power Tour launches at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois, near the easternmost point of the historic highway. HOT ROD POWER TOUR 2026 SCHEDULE Kickoff/Day 1: June 8—Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, IL Day 2: June 9—Village of Rantoul, Rantoul, IL Day 3: June 10—World Wide Technology Raceway, St. Louis, MO Day 4: June 11—Missouri State University, Springfield, MO Day 5: June 12—Tulsa Raceway Park, Tulsa, OK Get Your Tickets! Several levels of tickets are available—Platinum, Gold, Long Hauler, and Daily. The Long Haul category is reserved for those who wish to attend every day, and it comes with several perks, like a car pass and two admission tickets for every venue, a Long Haul plaque, and other goodies. Also available in limited quantities are the Platinum and Gold packages that feature special parking locations, lunches, exclusive goodie bags, and other VIP perks. HOT ROD Power Tour also offers single- and multi-day passes for enthusiasts who can’t make the full five-day road trip. Please sign up for the HOT ROD Events newsletter to get the latest information or visit the HOT ROD website for the newest details. CLICK HERE TO READ THE WHOLE ANNOUNCEMENT, INCLUDING DETAILS ON EACH STOP! The post 2026 HOT ROD Power Tour Announcements! Here Are The Official Dates, Locations, and Registration Details! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

General Motors is planning a roughly month-long shutdown of its Flint Assembly plant in Michigan, temporarily halting production of the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD. The pause stretches the usual holiday break into a five-week idle window so GM can complete maintenance and project work tied to future truck updates, rather than responding to a sudden drop in demand or a fresh parts shortage. Holiday Shutdown Will Stretch Into Late JanuaryFlint Assembly will go dark from late December through late January, turning the normal Christmas shutdown into an extended break. During that time, no Silverado HDs or Sierra HDs will roll out of the plant, including popular trims such as off-road-focused Silverados and upscale GMC models. GM is framing the move as a planned downtime window to complete tooling, upgrades and other projects that are harder to tackle while the line is running at full speed. "Flint Assembly will take extended holiday downtime to complete planned maintenance and project work," General Motors told GM Authority. Flint is a key node in GM’s truck network, and the timing suggests the company is using a quieter part of the sales year to prepare for the next round of heavy-duty updates. Recent drives of high-spec trims, such as the 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali Ultimate, underline why GM wants its flagship work and tow rigs feeling as fresh as possible even as new competitors arrive. Flint Is Ground Zero For GM’s Heavy-Duty TrucksFlint Assembly is the only plant that builds the GMC Sierra HD and the sole source for dually versions of the Silverado HD, so the pause will temporarily shut off that supply. Some single-rear-wheel Silverado HD configurations are also built at GM’s Oshawa plant in Canada, which is expected to keep running and should help cushion the impact for Chevy dealers. That mix means any tightness is most likely to show up in certain Sierra HD trims and Silverado HD dually models, especially in regions where heavy-duty tow ratings and diesel power are in high demand. For fans who follow Chevy’s broader lineup, it is a reminder that GM has to juggle multiple audiences at once, from heavy-duty truck buyers to enthusiasts eyeing classics like a clean 1996 Chevy Impala SS when new inventory gets thin. Chevrolet What It Means For Buyers And GM’s Future PlansFor most shoppers, the short-term effect should be modest. Dealers typically carry some reserve inventory, and Oshawa-built Silverado HDs will keep flowing, so the pause is unlikely to empty lots overnight. The bigger story is what the downtime enables: GM is investing heavily to update its truck factories while also pushing deeper into EVs, with cheaper battery chemistries on the way in models like the next Chevy Bolt. In that context, a planned month-long shutdown at Flint looks more like a reset button. GM is trying to keep its profitable heavy-duty pickups competitive and available while it retools for the next generation and invests in battery platforms that will define the rest of its lineup. View the full article

It's been a big 24 hours across the auto industry. From the return of what may be the world's most niche engine layout, to a $198,000 Honda Civic Type R riff, to a huge price cut on Polestar 3s, things aren't the way they were yesterday. Here, we'll round up the biggest news stories of the last 24 hours on AutoBlog and divvy them up into bite-sized chunks that get right to the heart of the story, allowing you to go deeper if you want. You've probably never heard of this engine, or the mad Italians making it A square or U engine layout is an extremely rare engine architecture that generally features four cylinders arranged in a square block with two parallel crankshafts — one for each pair of cylinders — that are geared together and rotate in opposite directions. Now, it's coming back thanks to MV Agusta. Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta has revived the dual-crank U engine architecture for use in its high-end boutique motorcycles. It's a five-cylinder, with three pistons on the forward crank and two on the rear. It'll be offered in a range of displacements, making up to 240 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque. To hear more about the unique configuration and its applications, check out the full story here: Read More: MV Agusta Brings Back an Engine Design Missing for Decades We sort out which Honda CR-V trim is best Cole Attisha The Honda CR-V was the automaker’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. during 2024 and has maintained this title through the first three quarters of 2025. There are also quite a few trims to choose from: LX ($30,920), EX ($33,150), Sport Hybrid ($35,630), EX-L ($35,400), TrailSport Hybrid ($38,800), Sport-L Hybrid ($38,725), and Sport Touring Hybrid ($42,250). But which is best? We think the Sport Hybrid is the smartest buy, offering increased power and efficiency, and an exterior that better balances form and function through features like black roof rails and dual chrome exhaust. It’s also the least-expensive CR-V hybrid, which nets you some benefits you can read more about here: Read More: The 2026 Honda CR-V Has Many Trims, but Only One Is the Smart Buy A Chinese Type R with a six-figure price tag? Lynk & Co Lynk & Co’s 03+ TCR follows the same basic philosophy as the Civic Type R TCR – take a production performance sedan and evolve it into a fully compliant touring car. The catch? A six-figure price tag. At $198,000, the streetcar-turned-racer isn't cheap. Despite that, the Lynk & Co 03+ TCR sold out its first production batch almost immediately after orders opened in China. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing around 345 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Xtrac six-speed sequential. Get all the specs here: Read More: China’s $198,000 Honda Civic Type R TCR Rival Just Sold Out Instantly Polestar slashes prices to stay competitive Polestar The mid-sized Polestar 3 usually starts at $67,500. That's before the brand’s Clean Vehicle Incentive. It offers qualifying buyers up to $18,000 off any 2025 Polestar 3 when financing through Polestar at a 2.99% APR. After the cuts, MSRP falls to a solid $55,400. However, it is a limited pricing adjustment. The brand's $18,000 discount is available until January 2, 2026, and is clearly aimed at clearing the remaining 2025 stock. That matters because the 2026 Polestar 3 brings major upgrades, including an 800-volt electrical system for faster charging, a revised battery pack for increased range, and significant power bumps across the range. To read more about how this makes the 2025 Polestar 3 stack up against competitors, check out the full story below: Read More: Polestar 3 Gets a Massive $18,000 Price Cut Making It Cheaper Than Most New Cars View the full article

Citroën ELO Crashes the Party of Sports Cars and Super SUVsIn a market obsessed with fast sports cars, towering off-roaders, and ultra-luxe status symbols, Citroën has rolled out something that feels like it crash-landed from another planet. The ELO concept is tiny, bright orange, and shaped like a friendly appliance, yet it seats up to six people in a footprint of just 13.4 feet. Instead of chasing performance numbers or hyper-expensive tech, ELO focuses on playful usefulness. It channels classic Citroën eccentricity with an electric platform that frees up a shockingly airy interior. The result is a vehicle that comes with soft edges and a welcoming personality. Stellantis A Living Room Cosplaying as a MinivanInside, the driver sits in the middle, echoing exotic supercars like the McLaren F1, but here the seat rotates 360 degrees so the cabin can become a lounge, a meeting nook, or a workspace when parked. A traditional dashboard is nowhere to be found. Information is instead projected across the windshield on a transparent strip, reducing clutter and giving the cabin a clean, open feel. Seating is wildly flexible for something so small. Three identical second-row seats fold or detach entirely to become outdoor chairs, and two extra seats pop out from underneath to complete a six-seat layout without compromising cargo space. Opposing doors with no center pillar create a wide opening that makes the van feel like a small room rather than a cramped people carrier. Stellantis It Knows What it is, Even If You Don'tThe ELO centers on three concepts: rest, play, and work. For rest, it carries two inflatable mattresses, turning the rear cabin into a mini bedroom or cinema with a projector and pull-down screen. A roof opening lets occupants look up at the sky, adding a sense of escape usually reserved for camping trips. For play, the car supports outdoor use with removable seats, an onboard compressor for inflating adventure gear, and a vehicle-to-load capability for powering accessories like a grill or speaker. When it is time to work, the center seat pairs with a hidden tablet mount to create a small but surprisingly functional mobile office. The Citroën ELO is unlikely to become a production model exactly as shown, but that is not the point. It challenges the industry’s obsession with size, aggression, and performance by offering something small, friendly, and smartly flexible. It will debut at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9. Stellantis View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

GM Faces Unified Legal BattleGeneral Motors faces mounting legal pressure over its 6.2-liter V8 L87 engine troubles. The issue was first brought to federal regulators' attention by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after receiving over 1,000 consumer complaints about the engine failure. The NHTSA began investigating the issue, which led to GM announcing a recall of almost 600,000 trucks and SUVs in April 2025 due to the failures of the engine's crankshaft, bearings, and connecting rods. This recall affects certain model year 2019 through 2024 trucks and SUVs, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500; the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, and GMC Yukon; and the Cadillac Escalade. While the defect itself is the central issue in the lawsuits, the main argument made by the plaintiffs of this consolidated lawsuit is that the repairs offered by GM (a change in engine oil spec) are insufficient to correct the defects in the engines. The class action lawsuit is set to proceed in Michigan. Chevrolet View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Federal Judge Consolidates GM Engine LawsuitsDue to the nature of large-scale auto defects, numerous other lawsuits were filed shortly after the first filed by Powell early this year. By August 2025, the Federal Judge had consolidated ten or more of these lawsuits under the name of the Powell lawsuit, resulting in the creation of a single lawsuit. Since then, another lawsuit has been added to the list of complaints against GM. By consolidating the lawsuits, the plaintiffs will be able to present evidence in a single proceeding rather than having to present evidence multiple times in different courts. The Court will examine the extent to which GM remedied the engine defects and whether the plaintiffs should receive compensation above and beyond the repairs being provided by GM under the recall. I Do Cars/YouTube What This Means for GM and Vehicle OwnersThis litigation is a serious threat to General Motors and will potentially result in increased warranty costs, damage to GM's brand image, and/or financial liability for GM. On the other hand, for the owners of the affected trucks and SUVs, this litigation may ultimately result in some form of monetary compensation if the Court rules in their favor. Additionally, the ruling may establish precedent for how manufacturers respond to similar recalls in the future. There are still hundreds of thousands of GM trucks and SUVs on the road whose owners believe that the engines in those vehicles are fundamentally flawed regardless of the recall efforts. The outcome of the litigation will help to determine if these beliefs are valid and what additional measures, if any, GM will need to take beyond the current recall program to resolve the issues. View the full article

I love a good auction! Honestly, I wish I had attended this one here too, but I was out of town at a race at the time. The good news is that this way I didn’t have to talk myself out of buying things since I’m on a self imposed no car buying program at the moment. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t a lot of folks buying up lots of cool stuff. This auction was from a junkyard with lots of 1930’s to 1980’s cars and trucks and that means lots of projects and parts vehicles, which we totally love. The last auction we were at like this one had a jillion people attending and was a fun one to be at. We’re pretty sure we know some folks on site who made out on some new project cars. Take a look at the video and let us know what you would have brought home! The post Oklahoma Junkyard Auction Action: Classic Cars & Trucks SOLD! 1930s to 1980s for Projects and Parts! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The all-new 2027 Kia Telluride will go on sale in the first quarter of 2026. It will introduce new engines (including a hybrid) and an assertive look for Kia’s wildly successful three-row crossover. But if you can’t wait until then, the 2025 Telluride is still on sale, and it hardly feels outdated. Plus, the current model has a smooth V6, something the new one lacks. For December, there are some tempting Kia Telluride lease offers to consider, so here’s a detailed look at the numbers. Related: 2025 Kia Telluride Vs. 2027 Kia Telluride: Side-by-Side Gallery This Month’s Kia Telluride Lease Deals Kia There are four lease deals on the Kia Telluride this month. All apply to the S trim, which is one notch above the base LX. The cheapest Kia Telluride lease price is $359 per month over 24 months, with $3,939 down. This is for a front-wheel-drive variant, and the price excludes tax, title, licensing, and registration costs. The deal includes 10,000 miles annually, but you’ll be liable for an additional cost of $0.20 per mile if you drive more than this. You can spend up to $409 per month leasing the same trim, but that depends on the lease term and whether all-wheel drive is equipped. Here’s a summary of all four Kia Telluride leasing deals for December. Model Telluride S FWD Telluride S FWD Telluride S AWD Telluride S AWD Cost per month $359 $379 $389 $409 Lease term (months) 24 36 24 36 Due at signing $3,939 $3,823 $3,939 $3,823 These lease deals all expire on January 2, 2026, but if you wait until then, Kia may have ceased production of the 2025 model and stock could be low. Note that these are also California-specific deals, so check Kia’s special offers page with your zip code for deals that may be specific to your area. If you’d prefer to buy a 2025 Kia Telluride, it’ll cost you $36,390 for the base LX, with the S featured here being the only other trim that starts at below $40,000—it costs $39,390. The range goes all the way up to the SX Prestige X-Pro, which will set you back $53,685. Related: Here's Our First In-Person Look at the Radically New 2027 Kia Telluride Powertrain and Features Kia As mentioned, the current Kia Telluride has a V6, something the upcoming model does not. While not particularly efficient, many drivers will prefer a larger V6 in a vehicle of this size. In the case of the Telluride, it’s a 3.8-liter mill producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic and FWD are standard, with AWD optional. It’s an unfussed powertrain that gets the job done relatively quietly, but it will do no better than 22 mpg combined. The S trim featured as part of this month’s lease deals gets a few noteworthy changes over the base LX. Instead of 18-inch alloys, it has 20-inch items, and there are also roof rails and twin exhaust tips. Inside, the S has second-row captain’s chairs instead of the LX’s bench, which improves comfort but reduces the overall seating capacity to seven. Other standard features for the S include SynTex imitation leather upholstery, wireless device charging, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface. For under $40k, it’s a solid offering in this segment. Related: 6 Future SUVs Worth Waiting For Final Thoughts K Sometimes, an older, proven vehicle is a sensible purchase. The 2025 Kia Telluride is still highly regarded, and there’ll be no concerns about reliability for a model that has been on sale for a good few years now. It’s a proper three-row crossover that can accommodate even adults in the third row, which is why it’s worth the extra cost for many over Kia’s cheaper Sorento. Current lease deals for the Telluride are significantly cheaper than the ones for the Honda’s Pilot, another three-row crossover with a naturally-aspirated V6. It’s yet another reason to consider the solid Telluride. View the full article

Few motorcycles capture the sheer recklessness of late-1970s performance culture quite like the Kawasaki Z1-R Turbo. Born at a moment when horsepower wars were escalating faster than brakes, handling and emissions laws could keep up, the Z1-R TC arrived through a uniquely American workaround. Concei... View the full article

Three Doors DownHyundai is gearing up to revive the gasoline-powered i30 N, injecting excitement back into the global hot hatch scene. Yet once again, the United States is left watching from the sidelines. According to Autocar, the reborn i30 N is aimed squarely at markets outside America. For US enthusiasts, it is a familiar story. The original i30 N never came here either, despite its cult following overseas and its status as the car that launched Hyundai’s N performance brand. But there is a silver lining. The spirit of the i30 N has already lived on in America once before, in the Veloster N, a quirky three-door hatchback that shared its core mechanicals with the European original. The Veloster N became a surprise hero for American drivers who wanted a raw, engaging, front-wheel drive performance car. Its disappearance left a void, but Hyundai’s recent engineering moves suggest that void might not remain empty for long. Why We Miss Out, and Why That Might ChangeHyundai’s decision to keep the i30 N abroad stems from simple market math. Compact hatchbacks are niche sellers in the US, and electrification pressures in Europe pushed Hyundai to focus resources where demand is strongest. The brand retired the i30 N and i20 N in 2024, while emphasising high-performance EVs such as the Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N. Many assumed that signaled the end of combustion for N models. Now, Hyundai is making clear that combustion will still play a role in its performance future, with hybrid assistance expected in the revived i30 N. That fact alone does not promise American entry, but it does hint at something more important. Hyundai is not done building engine-driven performance cars. And that opens the door for a new US-bound model that fills the space the Veloster N left behind. Hyundai The Veloster N: Our Best Clue for What’s ComingThe biggest reason for optimism comes from Hyundai’s recent development mule: a wild Veloster-based prototype that hides a brand-new high-revving combustion engine. They mounted it mid-ship for testing purposes, but its layout is flexible. The key detail is the mule itself. Hyundai chose the Veloster of all things as its test bed. This choice suggests Hyundai sees value in resurrecting the Veloster’s role as the US-friendly gateway to N performance. The brand does not test engines in old shells by coincidence. That makes this mule feel less like a quirky engineering experiment and more like a quiet signal that Hyundai is preparing a next-generation Veloster N or a Veloster-like successor that channels the same snappy, playful, daily drivable magic. What the World Gets and What We Might Get SoonAutocar spy shots from the British publication show that the facelifted third-generation i30 will debut next year, with the reborn i30 N expected by late 2026 or early 2027. Hyundai has already confirmed plans for seven new N models by 2030 with combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains. That is a wide enough umbrella to fit an all-new small performance car tailored for the US. So while we once again miss out on the i30 N nameplate, the signs point to something equally exciting on the horizon. If Hyundai’s Veloster-based test mule is any indication, the next great N car for America may already be warming up. And if it captures the spirit of the old Veloster N, American fans could end up with a comeback that is more rewarding than getting the i30 N ever would have been. Hyundai View the full article

A Cadillac With an Italian TwistNormally, automakers tap coachbuilders to experiment with fresh styling, but that wasn’t the case with this Cadillac featured in the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage. Owner Lee Carr brought in his exceptionally rare 1953 Cadillac Series 62, one of only two examples ever built by Italian coachbuilder Ghia. In the early postwar years, Ghia was eager to rebuild momentum after its factory had been destroyed in a wartime air raid. Looking to broaden its presence beyond familiar European marques such as Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and Fiat, the Turin-based coachbuilder set out to showcase its design approach to American buyers. To do that, the team shipped two Cadillac Series 62s from the U.S. to Italy and reworked them in hopes that General Motors would greenlight a full production run, but to no avail. Hitting the Jackpot With a Rare CadillacToday, the surviving pair belongs to Lee Carr and the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Carr shared that it was actually his wife who urged him to buy the Cadillac Series 62 Ghia after seeing it displayed at the Imperial Palace collection in Las Vegas. When the casino collection shut down, the custom Cadillac was shipped to Scottsdale for auction, where Carr purchased it. Despite its glamorous past, the car needed extensive work after spending years as a showpiece rather than being on the road. Carr said the body and paint restoration alone took two years, followed by another five years of mechanical sorting to make it roadworthy again. The two-seater coupe retains its original configuration, powered by Cadillac’s 331-cubic-inch V8, which Carr says makes 158 horsepower, but museum records from the Petersen list the output at 210 hp. It’s paired with a four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. He described the performance and handling as dull, which is expected for a car of its era, especially when compared with today’s entry-level Cadillac CT4, which already makes 237 horsepower. Jay Leno's Garage on YouTube Beauty, Not the BeastBut he emphasized that the car’s charm lies entirely in its design. According to him, people stop and stare to admire the styling, and he even recalls a police officer flashing their lights at him solely to get a closer look. The Cadillac was just one of several American projects Ghia worked on; Ghia also built the bodies for Chrysler’s experimental turbine cars. Although the original Turin coachbuilding shop no longer operates, the Ghia name lives on under Ford ownership. Jay Leno's Garage on YouTube View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Built to Take a BeatingEarlier this year, Ford stirred up plenty of buzz with the reveal of the Ranger Super Duty, thanks to its serious heavy-duty upgrades that set it apart from the rest of the lineup. So what’s behind the hype? Ford Ranger Super Duty supervising engineer Drew O’Shannassy breaks down what makes the ladder-frame chassis so special. In a video posted by automotive journalist Tony O'Kane, O’Shannassy explained that the Super Duty’s chassis carries over only one or two components from the standard Ranger, meaning it’s essentially all-new. The engineering team designed the reinforced steel frame to deliver greater capability, particularly for customers who rely on the Ranger as a true workhorse, such as farmers and emergency service operators. True Workhorse PartnerThe front bumper includes built-in mounting points for off-road accessories like auxiliary lights. Underneath, the frame is protected by bash plates for both the transfer case and the fuel tank, the latter expanded to 130 liters, allowing owners to stay out in the field longer with fewer fuel stops. Power comes from a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing 207 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. While a gasoline counterpart is available in the Ranger Raptor, a diesel mill is better suited for heavy-duty demands thanks to its strong low-end torque. Ford also upgraded the steering rack to handle the added weight and stresses of a truck with a 4,500-kg (9,921-lb) gross vehicle weight rating. The suspension features large lower control arms contributing to a wider 1,710 mm (67.3-inch) track width, O’Shannassy’s favorite detail of the build. At the rear, the truck retains a leaf-spring setup, not the plushest arrangement, but ideal for load-bearing and durability. Tony O'Kane on YouTube A Truck Down UnderOther notable specs include 18-inch steel wheels wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain tires, an 850-mm (33.5-inch) wading depth, and a rear driver-assistance technology bar that supports advanced features like parking aids, particularly helpful when towing. While all these upgrades sound enticing, especially in a midsize package, the Ranger Super Duty is currently available only in Australia and New Zealand. America has its own version of the Super Duty, but it refers to a line of full-size heavy-duty trucks, including the F-250 and F-350. Ford View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Ford is preparing for a long-awaited return to the compact car space. The Fiesta nameplate, retired globally in 2023 and years earlier in the United States, may soon reappear in electric form thanks to a new partnership with Renault. Ford has never explicitly said Fiesta EV, but with two compact Ford-branded electric models arriving in 2028 on Renault’s Ampere platform, the direction is hard to miss. The Fiesta could be heading back to showrooms, only this time with a charging cable instead of a fuel tank. Renault Partnership Sparks Two New Ford EVs Ford Renault Alpine After walking away from the Fiesta and Focus, Ford watched its mainstream footprint shrink, especially in regions where compact cars still matter. It seems Ford is now trying to rebuild that entry-level foundation. Ford’s new partnership with Renault gives it access to the Ampere EV platform, the same underlying architecture used in the famously fun-to-drive Renault 5 and Alpine A290. Two small Ford EVs have already been confirmed, both designed by Ford and produced by Renault in northern France. And since Renault has zero presence in North America, this arrangement gives Ford an opportunity to reintroduce a quirky, city-friendly model without overlapping the two brands. There’s also a broader market shift Ford can’t ignore: Demand for affordable, basic transportation is rising again, evident in the popularity of low-spec Ford Maverick trims. Customers have been flocking to the cheapest versions of that truck, proving that simple, budget-friendly vehicles still have a strong place in the market. If Ford wants to re-enter the compact segment with credibility, delivering something small, affordable, and efficient could be exactly the move buyers are waiting for. Mustang Mach-E and Capri Lessons on Heritage Ford Ford’s EV credentials are proven, and the Mustang Mach-E makes that clear. It delivers a competitive range, strong tech, and confident performance. The problem has always been the nomenclature. Using the Mustang name on an electric SUV upset purists who felt the model strayed too far from its roots. The same concern applies to the Capri revival, which resurfaced not as the sleek European coupe people remembered but as yet another electric SUV. That history raises an important question for the potential Fiesta EV. Would Ford stay faithful to what made the original great, or would the badge be stretched into something larger and less recognizable? With the Focus expected to return as an SUV, there is legitimate concern that the Fiesta could face a similar fate. Fingers crossed the upcoming Fiesta EV won't become a coupe-shaped crossover abomination that shares little with the small, playful hatchback people loved. A Fiesta EV Makes Sense, But Expectations Will Be High Ford More than 16 million Fiestas have been sold worldwide, and the model remains one of the most recognizable compact cars on the planet. It earned that reputation by being affordable, practical, and surprisingly fun, especially in ST form. A battery-powered successor makes sense for Ford, particularly as the automaker seeks to regain market share in the high-volume entry-level segment. What remains uncertain is how faithfully Ford will interpret the legacy. A Fiesta EV built on French hardware with a modern design brief could be exactly what the brand needs, or it could be a return in name only. And even if Ford gets it right, one big question still hangs over the entire project. Would the Fiesta EV actually be sold in the United States, or would North America miss out again while Europe gets another quirky electric car that America actually wants? View the full article

Modern Racing, the Mooresville, North Carolina–based race car technology, wiring, and fabrication powerhouse, has added respected industry veteran Billy Carroll as its new Director of Business Development. The move strengthens Modern’s rapidly expanding operation as the company prepares for a major milestone: exhibiting at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show for the first time. Carroll brings decades of experience in sales, customer relations, and business development through various roles at some of the most influential manufacturers and service providers in the drag racing industry. In his new position, he’ll focus on expanding Modern’s customer network, nurturing existing relationships, and supporting the company’s growing list of racers, teams, and builders. “My primary role is new business development and customer relations,” Carroll said. “This will allow Justin [Elkes, Modern Racing founder and owner] to spend more time focused on new product development. I also plan to make sales calls and visit customers when attending events.” Elkes sees Carroll’s addition as a crucial step in the company’s continued evolution. “We’re thrilled to add an industry veteran like Billy Carroll to our growing team,” Elkes said. “His wealth of knowledge and experience will help us continue to serve our expanding customer base. Modern Racing truly has become a one-stop-shop for everything it takes to go drag racing, from the grassroots level to the top tiers of the sport. Billy will be a big part of continuing that mission.” Carroll’s arrival comes at an exciting time for Modern Racing, which has significantly expanded its in-house capabilities in recent years. The company can now build complete Pro Mod chassis, produces industry-leading wiring and electronics solutions, and offers comprehensive fabrication and race support services. Those capabilities will be on full display at the PRI Show, where Modern Racing will unveil a full in-house-built Pro Mod chassis and showcase its latest wiring, electronics, and fabrication offerings. The booth will also serve as the public debut for the company’s Signature Series “Plug and Play” Harness line. “Our Modern Racing product line will be on display at the PRI show for the first time this year,” Carroll said. “This was the best way to introduce our Signature Series ‘Plug and Play’ Harness line to those not currently familiar with what we have to offer or the quality of our craftsmanship. We install or provide harnesses for many professional teams and are now making this line available to chassis builders and racers that would like to install the kit themselves. Our motto is ‘Don’t worry about Wiring. Worry about Winning.’” With Carroll strengthening the front-end business and customer engagement efforts, and Elkes continuing to drive innovation on the technical side, Modern Racing is positioned for its most significant growth phase yet. The company will exhibit all weekend at PRI, giving racers, builders, and industry partners their first up-close look at Modern’s full suite of products and capabilities – and their first opportunity to meet Carroll in his new role. This story was originally published on December 10, 2025. The post Billy Carroll Joins Modern Racing as Director of Business Development first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Hagerty’s 2026 Bull Market List names 11 vehicles it thinks are poised to appreciate over the next year, focusing heavily on 1990s and 2000s “analog modern” performance cars that younger enthusiasts already love. The lineup runs from sub-$20,000 roadsters to seven-figure supercars, all evaluated in “very good” condition, and is meant to highlight cars that can still be driven regularly without destroying their value. For shoppers who spend weekends scrolling ads for everything from classic trucks to barely used Corvettes, it is a data-driven cheat sheet for what might be worth grabbing sooner rather than later. Modern Performance HeroesAt the newer end, Hagerty tips the 2006 to 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, with its 7.0-liter LS7 V8 and huge performance per dollar, and the 2006 to 2010 BMW M5, the E60 sedan with a standalone V10 that feels more exotic with each passing year. At the very top sits the 2004 to 2007 Porsche Carrera GT, now averaging about $1.55 million and celebrating its 25th anniversary in the spotlight as an untouchable supercar that still reigns supreme. Youngtimer Favorites and Frbidden FruitFurther down the price scale, the 1999 to 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB) offers more power and refinement than the original with the same lightweight feel, while the 1995 to 1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6 adds six-cylinder character to the hot-hatch formula. Hagerty also includes the 1995 to 1998 Nissan Skyline GT-R R33, a twin-turbo all-wheel-drive coupe whose Gran Turismo fame and late arrival under U.S. 25-year import rules keep demand high among younger buyers. These are the cars many new collectors grew up with on bedroom walls and game covers, and Hagerty’s data suggests their values are already responding. Trucks, SUVs and Classic IconsThe list is not all low-slung coupes. The 1990 to 1993 Chevrolet 454 SS pickup and 1981 to 1993 DodgeRamcharger tap into the muscle truck and classic SUV boom, offering big-block grunt or square-body charm at prices that still undercut comparable Broncos. On the classic side, the 1969 to 1972 Dodge Charger remains a muscle-car benchmark, the 1969 to 1972 Alfa Romeo GTV blends racing pedigree with sharp Italian styling, and the 1956 to 1957 Continental Mark II stands out as hand-built 1950s American luxury that Hagerty still considers undervalued. Taken together, the 11 picks show how the collector market is shifting toward later-model performance cars while still rewarding distinctive trucks and long-established icons. View the full article

When I was younger, customs like the MOD ROD didn’t really do anything for me, but as I’ve gotten older I dig them a bit more. In fact, at Holley’s Moparty in 2024 I ran into a guy with one of those acrylic bubble cars that he had built from scratch and everyone was slack jawed over it. Nobody could believe he had actually made the acrylic bubble in his own shop, and seeing everything else on it that looked like it had come from the Jetson’s was pretty cool. It gave me a different kind of appreciation for the wild customs of the 1960s and 1970s. Video Description: This time on Gearz, Stacey rolls in one of the most iconic show cars of the 1970’s, the MOD ROD. Follow along as he walks through what made this car so special then, and what keeps it special now. After that Stacey shows how to properly disassemble the cab or body of your project, and pre-fit some new components at the same time. It’s all about planning and it’s all on GEARZ! The post THE MOD ROD! This Wild 70’s Custom Show Car, Plus How to Strip a Truck Cab, On The Latest Episode of Stacey David’s Gearz appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

There were a ton of awesome cars and trucks at the 21st running of the Street Car Super Nationals in Las Vegas this year and I was in love with several of them. I can’t get enough of the awesome rides on hand each year and it is one of the reasons I love this event so much. The variety is great. But one of the cars that really stood out for me, and probably flew under the radar for many because of its sedate looks, was this killer Chevrolet Nova that had the look of steelies and center caps while running deep in the 4’s on the track. I love this car! It’s a real deal street car, weighing in at 4,000 lbs, and it hauls ass. Oh and it looks like a million bucks too! The best part is that it can be yours! Yep, it is for sale and you can check it out in two videos below. I would LOVE to own this thing, but it’s a bit outside my BANGshift budget, so I’m going to let someone else buy it and enjoy it. It’s not cheap, but you couldn’t build it any cheaper. This thing is rad. The highlights include a twin turbocharged 540, small tires on what look like steelies, beautiful paint, full interior, and so much more. Check it out below. Video Description: Take a detailed walk around the legendary LCR Shop Car “Side Chick”—now updated and better than ever! This street-titled Nova is packing a monstrous twin turbo 540ci Big Block Chevy, custom interior, and over 2,500 horsepower. Check out the upgrades since our last video and see why this beast is turning heads at every event. Key Features: Twin Turbo 540ci Big Block Chevy engine Custom interior Street legal and titled 2,500+ horsepower Recently updated from previous build Available for sale now! If you’re looking for a show-stopping, street-ready muscle car with extreme power, this Nova is for you. Interested in buying or want more details? CLICK HERE TO REACH OUT FOR MORE INFO Lucas takes the LCR Shop Car, known as “Side Chick,” to Las Vegas for one last adrenaline-fueled race. Watch as we push this 4000lb beast to its limits, aiming for a lightning-fast 4.59 seconds in the 1/8 mile! Experience the excitement of high-performance racing, behind-the-scenes moments, and the passion that drives our team. Will “Side Chick” make history on the Las Vegas strip? Tune in to find out! In this video: Final race of the LCR Shop Car “Side Chick” Attempting a 4.59-second 1/8 mile at 4000lbs Las Vegas drag strip action Exclusive driver insights and team strategy The post FOR SALE: This 2,500+ HP Twin Turbo Nova Was My Favorite Ride Of Street Car Super Nationals 2025! Full Walkaround – Lucas’ “Side Chick” Shop Car appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

For the Chinese IndustrialistWe’ve seen plenty of Chinese takes on European luxury cars, but none go as far as the Maextro S800. This is China’s answer to Bentley, Rolls-Royce, but more specifically, the Maybach S-Class. It’s certainly a bargain against its European adversaries, given that prices range between $100,000 and $150,000. Maextro You can tell how similar the exterior is to a Maybach with its dual-tone paint finish and the long silhouette, which, coincidentally, is proportionally similar to Mercedes-Benz’s flagship luxury sedan. The trick headlights and taillights feature a constellation/starry pattern, akin to the Koenigsegg Regera, but dialed up to eleven. Its 21-inch wheels are a direct copy of the Rolls-Royce Phantom and even include the floating hub cap. If you’re taking inspiration from something, might as well take it from the best. Lounge Seats, Refrigerator, and a Built-In ProjectorOn the inside, luxury is aplenty. Everything that you think is metal is metal. If it’s not, then it’s probably glass or wood. The steering wheel has a very Bentley-esque design, and the doors close automatically once you step inside and depress the brake pedal. The 43-speaker premium audio should deliver concert-like depth and clarity, but the experience is elevated with what is perhaps its standout feature—the massive 40-inch Huawei-sourced projector screen. Maextro Exclusive to the rear passengers, the device projects onto an area that doubles as a partition and a screen, which electrically drops down at the press of a button—no surprises there. The entire rear passenger section becomes isolated with blinds covering every nook and cranny where light might sneak through. But it only gets better. To ensure your viewing experience is nothing less than ideal, you have noise-cancellation at your disposal, in addition to a refrigerator and magnetized glass holders. Oh, and there is the Rolls-Royce-inspired starlight headliner, should you feel things are a bit plebian. On the powertrain side of things, you are given the option of a battery-only version alongside two range extender models. The EV packs a 97 kWh battery featuring a dual-motor setup with up to 523 horsepower, delivering close to 420 miles of driving range. Extender models make do with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 65 kWh battery with either a dual-motor 523-horsepower setup or a tri-motor 848-horsepower arrangement, both capable of delivering a claimed range of well over 700 miles. View the full article