reporter

Ford Wants to Save Your WheelsA wheel imbalance can cause discomfort when driving and, if left unaddressed, can eventually cost a fortune in service and parts replacement. That's presumably why Ford has filed a patent for a wheel imbalance detection system that could help spot this kind of problem. Published on December 4, 2025, and first detected by Ford Authority, the patent describes a system that uses sensors to monitor vehicle wheel speed and body vibrations. The collected data is then compared to various thresholds to determine whether any abnormalities are present. While drivers can often “feel” a wheel imbalance, a system that analyzes those signals can help provide a more precise, data-driven way to identify the issue early. Ford Factors That Lead to ImbalanceNew factory wheels are unlikely to be imbalanced. One common issue is tire wear, which naturally increases as the miles add up. However, driving style plays a significant role as well. Frequent hard acceleration, sudden braking, or aggressive cornering can accelerate uneven tire wear. U Road conditions are another factor. Vehicles that frequently travel over rough terrain – such as off-road SUVs like the Ford Bronco – can be more susceptible to imbalance. In some instances, wheel weights explicitly installed to counterbalance the tire can come loose when the vehicle hits potholes, gravel, or unpaved sections. Drivers typically start to feel an imbalance through excessive vibration, commonly referred to as wheel shimmy. This vibration can be especially prominent at highway speeds, negatively affecting ride comfort for passengers. Over time, it can prematurely shorten tire life, forcing owners to replace a complete set earlier than planned, make extra trips to a shop for rebalancing, and, worse, potentially compromise safety. Getty Driving Toward a More Refined FutureA wheel balance detection system could work alongside the tire pressure monitoring system, a standard feature in most modern cars, to help preserve both tire health and vehicle stability. USPTO However, as with many patents, there is no guarantee that Ford will eventually bring this system to production. Automakers often file patents to protect an idea or prevent competitors from using it. But considering the comfort, safety, and maintenance benefits it offers, such a feature would be a welcome addition for Ford owners. It also joins the Blue Oval’s recent patent filings, including one for a smart head-up display with automatic adjustment functionality. Ford View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Cboys are at it again, comparing a heavily modified mega ATV to the biggest ATV ever made. From Russia, where else? And seeing how they compare in expense, too. View the full article

Pocket-Sized Fiat Crossing the AtlanticFiat is betting that Americans are finally ready for its smallest car yet. The Fiat Topolino, a pint-sized electric city car that's become a common sight in Europe, is officially coming to the US. The announcement slipped out during Art Week Miami, where Fiat unveiled a one-of-one artist collaboration designed by Romero Britto, but the bigger news came straight from the brand's CEO. "The Fiat Topolino, our small, joyful, colorful car that is now everywhere in Europe, has made several appearances in the US over the past year," said Olivier Francois. "So much so that I'm happy to share that we'll be bringing the Fiat Topolino to the US, with more details to come next year." At a time when mainstream cars are only getting bigger, this thing barely takes up more space than a golf cart. But will it be popular among Americans? Fiat What the Topolino Really IsDespite the historic Fiat badging and its "little mouse" name, the Topolino isn't a clean-sheet Fiat product. It's a rebadged version of the Citroën Ami, with near-identical hardware shared with the Opel Rocks as well. All three are urban electric quadricycles designed primarily for short trips, low speeds, and minimal running costs. This also means the concept isn't entirely new to the US. Back in 2021, the Citroën Ami quietly arrived in American cities through Free2Move's car-sharing fleet, operating in places like Washington, DC, and Portland. It didn't wear Fiat branding, but the formula was the same: ultra-compact size, simple construction, and electric power aimed at dense urban environments. Smaller than the US-spec Fiat 500e, Fiat's version leans harder into charm. Compared to the Ami's industrial vibe, the Topolino adds softer styling cues and a lifestyle angle that connects more directly with Fiat's brand image, especially for city dwellers who see cars as accessories rather than status symbols. Fiat But Will It Sell to Americans?Pricing hasn't been confirmed yet, but in Europe, the Topolino sits well below traditional vehicles at around 10,000 euros, or roughly $11,600 with today's exchange rate. Note that these values won't necessarily reflect the US pricing, considering several things, primarily tariffs. As for demand, that's still a mystery at this point. But keep in mind that the rugged version of the Topolino's twin, the Citroën My Ami Buggy – a doorless, beach-ready roundabout – reportedly sold out in minutes when it launched. That kind of response suggests there's a real appetite for tiny, purpose-built EVs when the price and personality line up. Then again, that's Europe. Let's see if the situation's going to be the same in the US, where big rigs are preferred. If anything, it could become a niche product like kei cars, which, coincidentally, is also being mulled over to be brought stateside. Fiat View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Tesla has announced a slew of useful and entertaining upgrades as part of a holiday software update. While some are purely for entertainment purposes, such as the festive Santa Mode, others enhance the navigation and charging experience for Tesla owners. Fortunately, it appears there’s nothing as controversial as Tesla’s latest FSD update, which allows users to text and drive—obviously, this is illegal. Here’s a look at the very legal, very cool new features that’ll soon be accessible in your Tesla, regardless of whether you drive a base Model 3 or Cybertruck. Grok Makes Navigation EasierGrok is now way more integrated into Tesla with the new rollout Tesla’s 2025 Holiday Release adds “Grok with Navigation Commands (Beta),” so you can literally tell Grok to add or edit destinations and let it guide you as a smart driving assistant Set Grok’s personality to… pic.twitter.com/BpTORl7f6n — X Freeze (@XFreeze) December 7, 2025 Grok, the generative artificial intelligence chatbot that’s already integrated with the social network X, is now integrated with Tesla’s navigation system. Here, Grok can add and edit navigation destinations, becoming a personal guide. The Grok navigational assistant can be used entirely via voice, so no fussy inputs on the touchscreen are required to instantly call up a convenient route to your destination. Other useful updates from Tesla include the following: Navigation improvements, such as viewing suggested destinationsDog Mode with Live Activity functionExpanded details for Dashcam clips3D view of Tesla SuperchargersAutomatic use of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lanes, when eligibleSave a charge limit per locationReminder chime when leaving your phone behindFor the navigation system, favorites can now be reordered and you can set a Home or Work pin anywhere on the map. Recent trips and habits will now also bring up a list of suggested destinations. Tesla/X When Dog Mode is active, Live Activity snapshots can be viewed on your iPhone, including live updates about temperature and battery conditions. This is perfect for ensuring your furball remains comfortable at all times. For the Dashcam, clips will now include more information, such as steering wheel angle, self-driving state, and speed. The remaining updates listed above are pretty self-explanatory. These little refinements and additions make commuting and charging easier, and go a long way to explaining why Tesla owners derive such pleasure from their vehicles, as they’re constantly being improved. The Silly Stuff Tesla/X Of course, being a Tesla holiday update, you can also expect plenty of new features to keep you and the kids entertained. Take the Tesla Photobooth, for instance, which allows you to take in-car selfies of you and your crew, while adding fun filters, stickers, and emojis. These selfies can be shared from the Tesla app. Tesla/X Santa Mode adds a festive twist to the displays, with Christmas trees, snow effects, and snowmen. There’s also a new light show called Jingle Rush, complete with its own color effects. The entire list of new or upgraded features have been published by Tesla in an article on X. We live in a time when even the stiff-lipped Germans are having fun with in-car gaming, but these new features are a reminder that Tesla is still the king of surprise-and-delight features. View the full article

Four wheels were always in Valentino Rossi's racing future, but the question of which four wheels he'd choose wasn't always clear.View the full article

If there’s one problem Toyota doesn’t have, it’s selling cars. The immensely popular RAV4 crossover was the world’s top-selling individual model last year, and even as a new generation arrives, the current one is still a hot seller. The Camry, Corolla, and Grand Highlander are other models that continue selling in droves. But one Toyota that has caught our eye this year is the Tacoma Hybrid. It wasn’t all that long ago that hybrid pickups were nowhere to be found, but now brands like Toyota and Ford both have a few on sale. The midsize Tacoma Hybrid has been one of Toyota’s success stories in 2025, with a year-on-year increase in sales of over 400%. Related: 2026 Toyota Tacoma Gets a Little More Expensive—Should You Get a 2025 Model Instead? A Bumper 2025 For The Electrified Taco T First on sale for the 2024 model year, the Tacoma Hybrid is now starting to pick up steam. Over the first three quarters of 2024, Toyota registered just 4,526 sales of the Tacoma Hybrid, but it wasn’t available for the entire calendar year. In 2025, over the same period, Toyota moved 22,773 examples of the Tacoma Hybrid, a jump of 403%. Sales of the entire Tacoma lineup increased by just over 60% over the same period, so the hybrid is growing at a much faster rate than the Tacoma lineup as a whole. T The Tacoma Hybrid has a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motors (known as the i-Force Max), with the combination producing impressive outputs of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. That’s a lot better than the best non-hybrid model can manage (278 hp and 317 lb-ft). Besides the boost in power, the Tacoma Hybrid returns up to 23 mpg combined with four-wheel drive, whereas the non-hybrid Tacoma 4WD gets 21 mpg. It may be pricier, but the Tacoma Hybrid’s power and efficiency are hard to beat. Related: 2025 Toyota Tacoma: 6 reasons to love it, 3 reasons to think twice No Rivals To Speak Of T A factor contributing to the Tacoma Hybrid’s growing popularity is its lack of rivals. None of its major competitors—including the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger—have hybrid options, leaving this niche all to Toyota. Jeep intended to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the Gladiator known as the 4xe, but the automaker scrapped those plans, citing a lack of demand for electrified pickups. As Toyota is showing, that’s not completely true. Ford does have hybrid pickups, but not in the midsize segment. Its Maverick Hybrid is smaller, less powerful, and cheaper, while the F-150 Hybrid is a more expensive full-size model. While Toyota was criticized for its slow EV rollout, it seems the Japanese automaker is having the last laugh. It is ahead of its rivals in the hybrid space, which is what many consumers feel comfortable with right now. Such is the popularity of Toyota hybrids that the company is investing $912 million in local manufacturing to expand the production of electrified models. The Tacoma Hybrid’s growth looks set to continue as long as rivals fail to offer any alternatives. Related: Toyota Could Launch a Plug-In Hybrid Tacoma Soon View the full article

The psychological toll of a bad crash is something every rider needs to work through for themselves, but here's video proof it can be done.View the full article

Tony Henningson joins Arctic Cat as CFO with decades of powersports experience and real rider credibility.View the full article

Do you have a friend that you’d trust to handle the trade of one of your cars? Someone that you know will make a good trade for something fun that you would have chosen for yourself? It takes a whole different level of trust to allow someone to do a trade like that for you. Or, perhaps, someone willing to take the risk for the potential entertainment value that these trades might bring. I sure hope it’s good! If you want to trade one of your own rides for one of these two, send them an email at the addresses below. We can’t wait to see what kind of trades people offer. Video Description: Welcome to Newbern’s Garage! We’re shaking things up this time with a little twist. I’m trading my buddy Mike Cotten’s 1985 Dodge Omni GLH for something—and surprising him. Meanwhile, he’s trading my 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and surprising me. This could turn into something awesome… or a complete disaster. Either way, it’s going to be fun. Got a trade offer? For the Turbo Coupe, email: alltastelikechicken@gmail.com For the GLH, email: newbernsgarage@gmail.com The post What Do You Have To Trade? Would You Let Your Friend Trade Your Car On Your Behalf? Newbern is Trading Cotten’s Car And Cotten is Trading Newberns! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It’s Day One of five where someone is going to take home $25,000 each day at the 2nd Annual FTD Customs End of the Year Extravaganza. Is this the final big money bracket race of the season? It is at Immokalee anyway, and thanks to our friends at MotorMania, we’ve got all the action live for you to check out right here. This is the beginning of the 5 race days, with each one worth real money. I can’t think of a better way to star Christmas than with a win at the End of Year Extravaganza. Can you? Video Description: Immokalee, FL – It’s the end of the year and as the season winds down, there’s no reason to stop racing. Year after year, the big bracket events move south with racing up through and including New Years. One of the few places left to race is in southern Florida at Immokalee Region Raceway. This is the 2nd annual FTD Customs End of the Year Extravaganza. This event features 5 races paying each winner $25K! With a 200 car cap on entries, this race will be fast paced and the competition will be fierce! The post FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: The 2nd Annual FTD Customs End of the Year Extravaganza – $25,000 Tuesday appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Bob Riffle's 1973 Dodge Dart was an iconic race car in the 1970s. The Dart recently was fully restored to its original state. View the full article

Moto News Weekly Wrap December 9, 2025 What’s New: 12 Round AusEnduro Championship confirmed for 2026 2026 Aussie Track and Dirt track calendars confirmed Monster Energy Honda HRC Rally-Raid line-up revealed Three World Champions to kick off SuperEnduro season in Poland Laengenfelder returns with KTM to defend MX2 title in 2026 Jack Miller tops final […] The post Moto News | Dirt Track | Rally | Enduro | 2026 Calendars appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Drag Illustrated is proud to announce the release of its 2025 30 Under 30 Issue, the 10th edition of the magazine’s annual celebration of drag racing’s most promising young drivers, tuners, crew members, content creators, and industry professionals. The digital edition is now live, with the print edition set to debut later this week at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis. This year’s cover spotlights NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rookie Brayden Davis, who has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young racers in the sport. His breakout season, championship pedigree, and immediate impact in a challenging professional category made him a fitting choice to represent the milestone 10th edition of Drag Illustrated’s signature youth-focused initiative. “The 30 Under 30 Issue is one of our biggest and most meaningful projects every year,” said Nate Van Wagnen, editor-in-chief of Drag Illustrated. “What started as a simple effort to highlight the young people making an impact in drag racing has become a defining movement in the industry. Ten editions in, we’ve honored hundreds of racers, engine builders, tuners, media professionals, manufacturers, and series officials who represent the sport’s next generation. This year’s class is one of the most diverse yet, covering every corner of drag racing.” The 2025 list once again reflects the incredible depth of young talent emerging across the sport. Whether competing on the NHRA tour, chasing world records at outlaw events, fabricating world-class equipment, innovating behind the scenes, or building digital audiences that grow the sport, the 2025 honorees represent the passion, creativity, and drive shaping drag racing’s future. Honorees will receive custom 30 Under 30 jackets, along with gift certificates and prizes from numerous program partners. Lincoln Electric will once again award a major prize package – including a TIG welder, welding kit, and welding class – to one honoree selected by random draw. This year’s program sponsors include Elite Motorsports, Lincoln Electric, Moser Engineering, P2 Contracting, PEAK Performance, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Stroud Safety, Strange Engineering, and VP Racing Fuels. “We’re incredibly grateful to the companies and individuals who support the 30 Under 30 program,” said Wes Buck, Drag Illustrated founder and editorial director. “These partners believe deeply in the value of celebrating the next generation. Their support allows us to give these honorees the recognition – and the rockstar treatment – they deserve.” The 2025 30 Under 30 press conference will take place Friday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. ET in the Sagamore Ballroom within the Indiana Convention Center. All honorees and their supporters are invited to attend. Group and individual photos of the 2025 30 Under 30 class will take place on stage immediately following the program. 2025 Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 List Lainey Abney, Lil Gangstas racer Brandon Barker, bracket racer Scott Chitty, bracket racer Brayden Davis, NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Zane Diamond-Odell, Pro Mod and small-tire crew member Austin Flemming, chassis builder and racer Devin Grace, no-prep racer Austin Hayward, timing system specialist Billy Hoskinson, small-tire racer and content creator Melanie Johnson, NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster driver Austin Kardules, promoter and team marketing Jeff Kline, photographer Scotty Kruck, Lil Gangstas driver and tuner Jack Line, engine builder and crew member Jordan Manton, manufacturer Trevor Manton, manufacturer Sydney Marshall, track prep specialist Mikel McQueen, bracket racer Bryce Micke, Pro Mod crew member and manufacturer Brandon Miller, Pro Stock driver and NHRA Top Sportsman world champion Samuel Peterson, track prep specialist and driver Robert Richard, photographer Jack Roberts, no-prep tuner Bobby Savedra III, Pro Mod crew member and aspiring driver Mellie Snedeker, photographer and writer Taylor Strange, Pro Mod crew member and small-tire racer Megan Taylor, photographer and manufacturer rep Johnny Thompson, Pro Mod tuner and driver John Vergotz Jr., PDRA Pro Nitrous tuner and bracket racer Kyle Wade, import racer and content creator Joel Wensley Jr., PDRA Pro Street driver Read the full 30 Under 30 Issue digital edition at digital.dragillustrated.com. This story was originally published on December 8, 2025. The post Drag Illustrated Releases 2025 30 Under 30 Issue Featuring Brayden Davis first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Building custom cars and trucks takes a lot of work, money, and dedication, along with some blood, sweat, and tears. But what does it really take to actually show a full blown show truck all over the country? I know folks who have show cars that travel the country with them, and it is not for the faint of heart. There is a lot of work that goes into it. Check out this episode of Influence and Impact to see what it really takes from Mike Barcia who has been doing this for some time. Like I said, there is way more to it than just building a bad ass ride. Video Description: Auto Revolution’s Influence & Impact traces the automotive history of custom car and truck builders. We are joined by Mike Barcia, one of the judges for the Grand National Truck Show’s top honors. Mike shares what it takes to not only build but to show a high caliber mini truck and his full-size OBS dually dubbed ‘No Compromise.’ Follow Mike Barcia at @ncmikebarcia. Recorded at the Grand National Truck Show. Classic trucks, C-10s, Mini Trucks, Off-road and Late Model Trucks including the World’s Most Beautiful Truck. See more at www.rodshows.com. Get parts for your OBS truck at www.obsclash.com! Belltech Suspension Promo Code Use the Promo Code AUTOREVOLUTION at www.belltech.com to get FREE Shipping! Powerbass USA Promo Code Use the Promo Code AUTOREV at www.powerbassusa.com to get 10% OFF! Get Auto Revolution merch at www.autorevolutiononline.com The post Influence and Impact: What it Takes to Build and Show Award Winning Trucks with Mike Barcia appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

2025 FIM Awards The post Curated selection of images from the 2025 FIM Awards appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Dino’s Git Down started out as a group of friends hanging out at Dino’s place and grew into a get together that outgrew the street, the neighborhood, and the first few real event venues they moved to. This show has grown to be one of the biggest Chevy shows in the entire world. It’s nuts and everyone that goes to Dino’s Git Down talks about it non-stop. This is one of the MUST ATTEND shows of the year and the 2025 edition did not disappoint. Video Description: Dino’s Git Down 2025 was absolutely awesome! This was my first time attending Dino’s. This is the biggest classic truck show of the year everything from Lifted C30 4×4 Dually to Lowrider C10s. The Arizona Cardinal’s stadium parking lot was packed with trucks. Featuring fully restored C10s, Squarebody trucks, and OBS legends. If you love seeing custom builds, perfect paint, and the absolute best in classic GM trucks, you won’t want to miss a single minute. You want to know the best part? Dino’s is free to attend for spectators. From lifted monsters to slammed street cruisers, this is the ultimate walk-through of every generation of the world’s most iconic pickups. Which C10 was your favorite? Let us know in the comments! The post Dino’s Git Down Truck Show Video: All Chevy Trucks, All Kinds Of People, And A Whole Lot Of Awesome In Arizona appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 European Series Road Racing (ESR) The 2026 North West 200 has been confirmed for May 4–9 and will form part of the new European Series Road Racing (ESR) Superbike Championship, adding an extra competitive dimension to one of road racing’s landmark events. The NW200 is currently slated to host […] The post North West 200 to host new ESR Championship in 2026 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

More and more new cars are being assembled with high performance adhesives these days. While seem sealer was being used as early as the 1950’s, it was sparingly applied back then. As cars have become more and more civilized, the use of seam sealer has become more and more prevalent. But new cars don’t just use seam sealer to cover welded joints, as they also use it to provide resonance control and more. And if you thought there was a lot of seam sealer in brand new cars, you might be confusing some of what you see because in reality there is a lot of adhesive in newer cars as well. Panel Bond, an adhesive used to attach metal and composite panels to each other and to the car’s main body, has become more and more common over the past 10 years or so. In fact, there are lots of cars who’s body panels are bonded. Quarter panels, for example, are often glued onto newer cars. So can you use panel bond on your favorite classic cars? Could I install quarter panels on my 1969 Camaro with panel bond? Is it actually strong enough? Or as strong as a weld? Watch the video below to find out. Video Description: On this weeks episode of Restoration Revelations, we are going Myth Busters on ya. We have been getting questions on the strength of our No Weld Smooth Firewall Kits for 68 – 72 A-Body GM cars. So we are going to take the 3M Automotive Adhesive and put it up against a very common practice in automotive restoration, the plug weld. We have designed a test that will tell us just how much force it takes to failure on both the plug weld and the adhesive. Which one do you think will break first? The plug weld has been around forever, from Mopars to Fords or from Chevelles to Camaros, there is almost certainly some form of plug weld on your restoration. But lately as technology improves, so does the way we build cars. Automotive adhesive can be found on a lot of the modern muscle cars or import cars, and it’s strength is just as impressive as welding. So stay tuned and see who wins. The post A Restoration Shop Using 3M Panel Bond? How Does Panel Bond Stand Up Vs. Welding – Let’s Find Out Which is Stronger! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Every year, roughly 30% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. There were 12,429 drunk driving-related fatalities on American roads last year, equating to approximately 34 deaths a day. That's according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but according to BMW, such a tragic statistic need not be the norm much longer. A new patent filed with the World Intellectual Property Office (noted by CarBuzz) suggests combining existing technologies to stop inebriated individuals from getting behind the wheel, or at least, from getting a sufficiently equipped car started and moving. What BMW's Patent Proposes Many new cars are available with the option of a digital key, where the user's smartphone or smartwatch is used to unlock and lock the vehicle, remotely start the engine/electric motors, activate driver preferences, turn on climate control, and determine things like battery state of charge, among other pieces of information. As annoying as this tech can be when it doesn't work properly, when it does work properly, it removes one more item from the user's pocket, enhancing convenience. BMW's patent suggests that the phone be connected to a breathalyzer, which could be part of the car or a portable gadget. Regardless, until the user blows into the breathalyzer to confirm that their blood-alcohol level is below the legal limit, the car could remain immobilized. The patent suggests that, even if a user fails this test, their digital key could still allow the vehicle to activate the infotainment and climate control systems, minimizing the chances of a drunk user freezing or falling asleep while they sober up or wait for a non-drinker to arrive. Big Brother is Scary, but Safety MattersOf course, while such an idea could prove particularly useful in cases where a court-ordered interlock is mandated, for example, this potential technology also raises questions about how an individual's data might be used and whether their breathalyzer scores would be recorded and possibly even sold to insurance companies; GM was sued for selling customer data earlier this year. Even if a person doesn't attempt to drive in an inebriated state, recording and passing on such information could be detrimental to their premiums. Related: Study: BMW Drivers Have the Highest DUI Rate in Major U.S. Cities However, like a recent patent in which McLaren proposed limiting track-focused vehicle modes to predetermined secure environments, this patent highlights that the human race has proven time and again that it cannot always be trusted to make the safe or smart choice. And given the reputation that BMW drivers often have, perhaps a little more oversight wouldn't be so bad. After all, if traffic fatalities could be lowered by nearly a third, we'd all sleep better at night. View the full article

That Just EscalatedElectric vehicles aren’t exactly new to the market anymore, yet incidents like this one from a Lucid owner on Reddit highlight the unexpected problems future EV buyers might still face. In a post on r/LUCID, user raging_onyx shared how a simple water spill inside their 2026 Lucid Air’s trunk escalated into a $15,000 repair bill. The owner explained that they hit a pothole, causing a water container in the trunk to tip over and spill. Almost immediately, the EV threw a barrage of warnings: the car dropped into low-power mode, regenerative braking was disabled, and the system urged them to pull over. What made the situation worse was that neither the insurance (Progressive) nor Lucid’s warranty initially wanted to cover the repair. The Blame Game StartsAccording to the insurer, the damage didn’t fall within the typical comprehensive categories, such as natural disasters, fire, or theft. Meanwhile, although not explicitly stated, the warranty likely didn’t apply because the Lucid service center believed a manufacturing defect didn’t cause the issue. Faced with a massive repair bill, the owner described hearing the estimate as a “punch in the gut,” especially since they had only been leasing the EV for about two months. EVs are generally engineered to be highly water-resistant, with automakers testing their models against ingress standards (IP ratings), especially for critical electrical equipment. Because of this, an instant system meltdown from a spill could raise eyebrows, unless other pre-existing issues were already present. But without official diagnostics or documentation, it’s impossible to know for sure what exactly triggered the failure. What we do have is the repair order, which includes a replacement of the wiring harness – a job that can quickly become expensive. Water may have seeped into high-voltage components or connectors, leading to moisture intrusion, electrical faults, and potential corrosion if not addressed immediately. Some Good NewsA few days after outlining the ordeal, the owner updated the thread, saying they had received an email from a Progressive representative confirming that the repair would be covered under comprehensive coverage. The insurer had negotiated the cost with Lucid, and the adjuster told them they’d need to visit the shop to pay their deductible. This isn’t an isolated case either. A Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner went viral recently for a similar issue that climbed to a $12,000 repair bill, only for the insurance company to eventually step in after public attention. As EV adoption grows, stories like this may become more common – not necessarily because the technology is flawed, but because newer systems reveal issues only real-world use can uncover. The best thing automakers can do now is pay attention to these incidents, address vulnerabilities quickly, and strengthen future EV models so their customers don’t face unexpected, wallet-draining repairs. Ryan Brackin View the full article

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 — geared together and rotating in opposite directions. The main advantages of such a layout are its compact size and the fact that shorter crankshafts offer more torsional rigidity and are less prone to twisting under load. Very few manufacturers have even attempted developing such an engine for series production, the only one of note being British motorcycle brand Ariel, who produced square four engines in various capacities from 1931 to 1959. Japanese manufacturers Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki also experimented with this layout in the 1980s, primarily for their two-stroke grand prix race bikes, but the design soon faded into obscurity. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Fast Forward to 2025Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta, known for building some of the most exotic machines on the planet, has now revived the dual-crank U engine architecture, almost a century after Ariel first brought it mainstream. The high-end boutique brand, whose exclusive creations are often considered rolling pieces of art, revealed their creation to the world at EICMA 2025, this year’s Milan Motorcycle Show. The engine in question in a five-cylinder take on the square layout with three pistons driving the forward crank and two pistons driving the rear, so its more trapezoid than square — something that has never been attempted before. MV Agusta What We Know So FarAt the moment, this engine exists only as a concept, but MV Agusta has shared a few details, as well as their future plans for it. The company states that its five-cylinder quadrato (Italian for square) engine platform will be offered in varying displacements ranging from 850 cc to 1150 cc, and will power models across various segments, from supersport motorcycles to naked street bikes, and even tourers. MV Agusta also claims that the platform will be capable of generating over 240 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque, and rev to over 16,000 rpm — all while weighing under 132 lbs. MV Agusta Square Engine Pros and ConsThe square engine architecture offers several inherent advantages over more common high-performance motorcycle engine designs of similar capacity. They offer a smaller overall footprint, being narrower than an inline four and shorter front to back than a V4, allowing for easier packaging within the frame. They also offer excellent balance and refinement, while MV also states that the five-cylinder firing order will ensure a wide spread of usable torque across the rev range, eliminating the need for variable valve timing. While all of this sounds great, square engines did come with some drawbacks, which ultimately saw them fade out of existence. These included issues keeping the rear cylinders cool in the old days of air-cooling, and the complexity and cost involved with building an engine with two crankshafts and four camshafts. Of course, modern liquid cooling takes care of the first issue, and your average MV Agusta buyer isn’t really concerned with cost, so it’s quite possible that we could see this concept turn into a reality in the coming years. The Bottom LineIn an era when innovation and development in the internal combustion space seems to have ground to a halt, it’s always refreshing to see a manufacturer directing time and resources towards coming up with something that nobody else thought of trying. While MV Agusta’s new engine platform is probably years from production, it gives petrolheads hope and the promise that the days of screaming exhausts aren’t done yet. View the full article

My dad’s toolbox has always been a mix of Snap-On, Craftsman, some Mac and some other random stuff. He was a mechanic when I was little and then a service advisor, etc, etc. When he was making his living working on cars, he would shop the tool truck here and there, but he was never a single brand guy. So when I started collecting tools early on in life I got whatever anyone gifted me or that I could find cheap. And when we built our first shop, I went shopping for more tools and landed on a large Husky tool set along with some other special sets like Gear Wrench ratcheting end wrenches, after receiving a small set on Hot Rod Power Tour. The point is, I’m a fan of whatever tools are quality for the money and fit your budget. And there has never been a better time to be a tool buyer because there are so many options from a bunch of brands with great warranties at a really broad range of price points. So watch the video below to see which tool sets were tested, how they stack up, and which one you might want if you are in the mood to spend some money on tools this Christmas. Video Description: The Mechanic Tool Sets were tested for 3/8 ratchet working arc swing, 3/8 ratchet back drag, ratchet head size, ½ in open and closed end max torque, socket adapter failure load, ratchet failure load, toolbox organization, and for tool case quality. GEARWRENCH, DeWalt, Husky, Amazon Basics, Kobalt, WORKPRO, FASTPRO, DURATECH,CRAFTSMAN, and VEVOR were tested. I purchased all of the Mechanics Tool Sets to ensure an unbiased review. So, thank you for supporting the channel. The post Is This The Mechanic’s Tool Set You Should Be Buying This Christmas? Putting Several Sets To The Test! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The Secret to Engine Longevity Is…You’ve heard a lot about how today's modern engines are too delicate to achieve high mileage, thanks in part to the thinning out of engine oils. While this is true, the fact remains that modern vehicles are designed to operate within very narrow parameters for optimal fuel efficiency. They simply require the proper care to achieve the type of mileage numbers older cars were able to attain with less frequent and less expensive maintenance. To see the type of high mileage that means your car lasts decades, you don’t need to be a mechanic or spend hundreds of dollars. All you need to do is use common sense and follow through on time-proven techniques from real mechanics for protecting your engine and drivetrain by being consistent with your maintenance. The Six Essential Maintenance RulesChange your oil religiously: The single most important thing you can do for your engine is also the simplest to do, even yourself. Fresh oil keeps everything lubricated and prevents harmful buildup. Follow your manufacturer's recommended intervals, but consider changing it even more frequently if you make lots of short trips or drive in extreme conditions. Part's specialist Chris from Beachside Auto Parts on YouTube recommends changing oil every 3,000-4,000 miles if you’re mainly doing short trips and idling a lot, going up to 5,000 miles for mixed driving — half the 10,000 mile service intervals many modern cars recommend. It may seem like you’re doubling maintenance costs, but the payoff is an engine that lasts longer. Quality matters too, so spring for good synthetic oil and OEM replacement oil filters. Getty Images Keep your cooling system healthy: Engines produce a lot of heat, and modern turbo-charged engines produce the most heat of all. Your cooling system works overtime to dissipate all that heat. Make sure you flush your coolant regularly and check for leaks. A failed cooling system can lead to engine failure in minutes, turning a simple fix into a complete disaster. Don't ignore the transmission: Whether you have an automatic or manual transmission, the fluid needs attention. Service it per the manufacturer's schedule, even if the manual says it's "lifetime" fluid. Transmissions are expensive to replace, but maintaining them properly is relatively cheap. Getty Images Replace filters and fluids on schedule: Air filters, fuel filters, brake fluid, and differential fluid all play crucial roles. These items are inexpensive, but forgetting them can lead to expensive damage down the road. Address problems immediately: That weird noise or warning light isn't going to fix itself. Small issues become big ones when ignored. Catching problems early saves money and prevents cascading failures. Drive sensibly: Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and constantly redlining your engine all add unnecessary wear. Smooth driving extends the life of nearly every component in your vehicle. Final ThoughtsMost people overcomplicate car care or ignore it completely until something breaks. The reality is simpler than you think. Stick to regular maintenance schedules, use quality fluids, and fix small problems before they become big ones. These basic habits separate cars that die at 100,000 miles from those still running strong at 300,000. View the full article

Madison Merchel could not have had a stronger YouTube debut. For her very first upload, she documented the discovery of a silver Ferrari 360 Modena, a yellow Porsche 986 Boxster S, and a dark blue Porsche 996 Carrera hidden in an abandoned barn. The cars had been sitting untouched for years under layers of dust and mold. In the grand scheme of barn finds, a three-car haul is tiny compared to some of the sprawling collections uncovered in recent years, yet this one still stands out as one of the coolest we have seen in a while. Three Gems From the 2000s YouTube @ Madison Merchel YouTube @ Madison Merchel YouTube @ Madison Merchel YouTube @ Madison Merchel After months of back and forth with the late owner's family, Merchel made an offer on all three cars as they sat. She knew none of them had run in ages. She also knew the risks. Still, she took the gamble. The family accepted the undisclosed amount, handing over three time capsules in various stages of decay. The Boxster had a mouse nest in the frunk, the Ferrari’s cabin showed patches of mold, and the Carrera (fitted with a K&N air intake) looked like it had hibernated for a decade. While the two Porsches are stick-shift cars, the 360 is equipped with the F1 automated manual transmission rather than the rare six-speed gated manual; however, a manual swap remains on the table. Surprising First Starts After Years of Silence YouTube @ Madison Merchel YouTube @ Madison Merchel YouTube @ Madison Merchel With a new battery and fresh fluids, each car roared back to life. Massive plumes of smoke poured from the exhausts, especially the Ferrari, which practically vanished behind a cloud as it crawled out of the barn. Viewers winced when the 360 was revved while still cold, and it looked like it had been filled with too much oil. Only future videos will reveal whether any of this causes problems later. Despite having a rough idle, the fact that all three engines ran with only basic prep suggests there's more life in them than their condition had us believing. The Start of A Promising Restoration JourneyWhile the two Porsches should be manageable projects, especially since Porsche now offers period-correct seat fabrics for older cars like the 996 to aid in the restomod process, the Ferrari might prove to be a real challenge. Despite being new to YouTube with only 2,000 subscribers, Merchel is no stranger to the autosphere, with nearly 38,000 fans following her journey on Instagram. Currently, she owns a 991.2 Porsche GT3 RS, an FD Mazda RX 7, and a 1JZ-swapped Nissan N13, and has worked on one of the most beloved M3 generations, the E36 M3. Whether these three new additions will return to factory spec or evolve into something entirely different remains to be seen. However, if history tells us anything, this will be a restoration series worth following. View the full article

A true driver's roadMost winding, mountainous roads caution you to drive slowly and remind you of the dangers surrounding you. Deep drop-offs, falling rocks, drivers cutting over lanes - you name it. The Tail of the Dragon, however, has one sign of caution, which only asks that you stay in your lane. That’s because car enthusiasts who like to tempt fate are racing up and down this scenic drive, almost constantly. It’s easy to see why Tail of the Dragon is so attractive for drivers, too. On a scenic fall weekday, I drove the Tail of the Dragon no less than seven times, and was blessed with (mostly) open road. It’s a stretch that almost seems designed to be driven aggressively. Unlike many curvy mountain roads, Tail of the Dragon seems to encourage pugnacity rather than restraint. Curves beg you to drop the nose of your car sharply with firm braking so you can speed through the rare (and short) straightaways. The Tail of the Dragon is a driver’s dream come trueAt the intersection of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest sits the Tail of the Dragon, a road dubbed “America’s most thrilling destination for motorcycle riders and sports car enthusiasts.” The road intersects the state lines for North Carolina and Tennessee, too, and the experience of driving the Tail of the Dragon between the two states is stark. Road conditions on the North Carolina side are more - let’s say “rugged” - than they are on the Tennessee side, which felt freshly paved and cared for. Approaching the road from the North Carolina side presents opportunities to eat, fuel up, or visit the restroom - but know you’re starting the drive with some of the tightest turns on the 12-mile stretch, so be on your game. The Tennessee entrance is far more scenic, with incredible views of the surrounding hills and Calderwood Lake. Choosing which direction to enter the Tail of the Dragon from can frame your entire visit, too. Entering from the Tennessee side eases you into the twists and turns; you’re almost tricked into driving Tail of the Dragon. All told, The Tail of the Dragon has over 300 turns in less than 11 miles. Coming into the Tail of the Dragon through Tennessee is thrilling, but a touch less aggressive upfront than North Carolina’s entrance, which I honestly prefer. North Carolina’s entrance has you scaling uphill almost immediately, with hairpin turns straight away. After you’re offered a chance at a pit stop before entering the drive, you’re dropped right into the thick of it all. The Tail of the Dragon doesn’t ask for your consent - you’re thrust into it. If the road itself is to be likened to an actual dragon’s tail, North Carolina is its end: whippy, sharp, and not to be taken lightly. As twisty as the road is, it still begs you to drive it at speed and encourages agility. I drove the Tail of the Dragon in several MINIs, all of which handled the road with aplomb. You can speed through less-windy sections (there aren’t many straights), and curves are well designed for those who like to slap the brakes to dip the nose into a turn so they can rocket out of it on the other side. Though we can’t know as much, it’s as if those who initially planned and built the road knew driving enthusiasts would one day seek it out. Tail of the Dragon is not a track, though. It’s a mountainous road with elevation changes and turns that present the ultimate punishment if you don’t respect them. It’s also a public road, and on the wrong day, you may be driving the Dragon in traffic. If that ends up being you, enjoy the views. When you are lucky enough to have an open road (like I was), keep your eyes forward. Either way, you’ll have a massive smile on your face. Final thoughtsEleven miles go by quickly when you’re driving fast. The Tail of the Dragon is a bit like a rollercoaster - and like a rollercoaster, you’ll want to go back for more once the ride is over. It’s a thrilling jaunt that’s worth going out of your way to drive. Because I entered through the North Carolina side, the scenery on the Tennessee side was a bit like the rollercoaster slowing to a stop. There were plenty of places to pull over and catch your breath, but I used those pullouts to turn around and head back for more. Sorry, Tennessee, but I know what a lake looks like; I had a dragon to slay. View the full article