reporter

Keeping Up With The TimesThe Smart (or smart) car brand, throughout its relatively long history, has been able to capture part of the automotive culture by offering iconic small vehicles, from the Smart Fortwo to the Smart Forfour, and many others. However, the marque, now under the stewardship of China's Geely Group, has already reinvented itself in the electric era, with a current lineup that's in tune with the times. An expansion of that lineup is underway, diversifying the lineup into other size segments, such as crossovers and SUVs. Smart currently offers the crossover Smart #1, a mid-size SUV Smart #3, and the flagship SUV Smart #5. And now, a sedan has joined the Smart lineup – though it looks eerily similar to another Chinese vehicle that's been populating headlines this year. China's MIIT Smart SedanAs reported by Autohome, a new Smart car has been cataloged by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The model in question is the Smart #6 – the automaker's first true sedan. According to reports, the Smart #6 is based on the Zeekr 007 – a luxury sedan from the brand that's also part of the Geely Group. However, the design language screams Xiaomi SU7 without the McLaren-style front fascia that the SU7 is known for. Of note, the SU7 is quite popular, garnering 50,000 orders in less than half an hour in 2023. It's currently Xiaomi's best-selling model. In the #6, the front and rear feature a continuous light bar, decorated by Smart's emblem. The filing stated that it will come with a choice of 19- or 20-inch rims, most likely depending on the trim level. The #6 will be positioned as a midsize sedan, featuring a 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain that produces 160 horsepower. Other notable features include a LiDAR sensor mounted on the roofline (typical among Chinese-market vehicles) and an automatic rear spoiler that only shows up at higher speeds, tucking away to keep the #6 sleek-looking at lower speeds. China's MIIT Back to BasicsWith a lineup becoming more robust and going into the important segments of the automotive market, Smart is also going back to basics and playing to its strengths. A couple of months ago, we reported that the automaker is set to debut an all-electric #2 model sometime in 2026, which harkens back to the iconic Fortwo layout. If done right, the new #2 could do very well for the automaker, as demand for small city EVs rises. The #6 will cater to a newer set of buyers who are enamored with sedans, as evidenced by the rising popularity of the body type in China. Smart View the full article

Tesla has introduced a more affordable Model 3 variant in Europe in a push to regain momentum in a region where its once-dominant position has faded. The new entry-level model arrives as Tesla faces some of its toughest competition yet, with buyers shifting toward cheaper Chinese EVs or skipping full electrification for hybrids. The Euro Model 3 Standard Tesla Tesla Tesla The new Model 3 Standard, now listed at around €37,000 in major markets like Germany, France, and Italy, is Tesla’s most aggressive attempt this year at reclaiming European market share. Range remains above 300 miles, but several cost-saving cuts help unlock the lower price. Tesla removed the rear touchscreen, heated rear seats, premium sound system, higher-end materials, and alloy wheels. As a result, the Model 3 sits closer to other budget-friendly rivals. Whether this will be enough to make up for the sharp decline in Tesla registrations across Europe this year remains to be seen. It's odd seeing the brand that once pushed the industry into electrification is now relying on stripped-back models to keep up. The decline isn’t limited to Europe either. In the US, Tesla’s market share has collapsed from 80% to 38%. Tesla Leans Into Cheaper Variants Globally Tesla The cheaper European Model 3 isn't the first of its kind. Earlier this year, the US received two different bare-boned Tesla models, namely the Model 3 and Model Y Standard, and now both regions have these lower-priced Tesla models on sale. Rather than releasing a new high-volume entry model, Tesla appears to be broadening its lineup through affordability, using price as its main lever to maintain demand. Maintaining a value-centric approach is crucial for Tesla to keep its head above water, especially since global EV appetite is starting to cool down and more shoppers opt for hybrids. Competition Tightens as Tesla Fights to Stay Relevant Tesla While Tesla and Lucid battle at the premium end of the US market, the picture in Europe is much more crowded. Models such as the Volvo EX30 and Volkswagen ID.3 offer strong value and have narrowed the gap significantly. The biggest challenge, however, comes from China. BYD continues to give Tesla a run for its money, and its Atto 3 shows why. Even though it offers less range and slower performance than the Model 3 Standard, it undercuts it and delivers a more complete package for everyday buyers. Tesla still commands strong brand recognition, but in Europe, the company that once led the EV revolution is now working harder than ever to stay in the fight. On top of that, one of Wall Street's most revered experts, Michael Burry, predicts a bleak future for Tesla for a completely different reason. View the full article

An Often Overlooked FeatureFord is exploring the next evolution of in-car displays with a newly published patent for an adaptive head-up display (HUD). A system designed to adjust itself for each driver intelligently. Unlike today’s HUDs, which project information in a fixed location on the windshield, Ford’s concept aims to adapt in real time based on the driver’s seating position, ensuring the readout always lands perfectly within their line of sight. This move signals Ford’s push toward smarter, more personalized cabin tech. As vehicles lean more heavily on digital interfaces, ensuring apparent, accessible information becomes not just a convenience upgrade but a safety imperative. And while the patent reveals where Ford’s research is heading, the brand stresses that patent filings do not necessarily reflect production intent. James Riswick How the Technology WorksAccording to the patent filed with the USPTO, discovered byFord Authority, the adaptive HUD would use sensors to determine the driver’s precise position and adjust the projection angle, size, or location accordingly. Whether the driver is tall, short, reclined, or sitting upright, the HUD recalibrates to maintain optimal visibility. It goes beyond today’s manually adjustable systems, offering automated and continuous optimization. The system also aims to avoid issues such as glare, distortion, and misalignment by continuously fine-tuning the projected graphics. This ensures that crucial information like speed, navigation prompts, and safety alerts stay crisp and easily readable. In a statement addressing the patent filing, Ford told the publication that “Submitting patent applications is a normal part of any strong business as the process protects new ideas and helps us build a robust portfolio of intellectual property. The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans. No matter what the patent application outlines, we will always put the customer first in the decision-making behind the development and marketing of new products and services.” Kristen Brown Not Noticing the Feature is the PointIf it reaches production, Ford’s adaptive HUD could give the brand a meaningful advantage in the increasingly competitive smart cabin technologies. The innovation feels invisible by design, a system that seamlessly adjusts so drivers don’t have to. More importantly, it aligns with the industry's shift toward personalized, sensor-driven vehicle interiors. While Ford remains cautious about interpreting patents as product roadmaps, the filing points to the future of HUDs shaping themselves around drivers. Bring A Trailer View the full article

Getting Down and DirtyFormula 1 driver Liam Lawson made an unusual detour recently when he jumped behind the wheel of a Honda Civic Type R Rally XP. As the name implies, this Civic Type R isn’t built for circuits but for rally stages, a world far from Lawson’s usual playground. Even so, he seemed to adapt instantly. Developed by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and based on the FL5-generation Type R, the Rally XP is designed specifically for the American Rally Association (ARA) 2WD class. And yes, even though AWD is the gold standard in modern rallying (just look at WRC), Honda stuck with the Civic Type R’s trademark front-wheel-drive layout. A Civic Type R for the DirtThe core powertrain also remains familiar, featuring a 315-hp turbocharged inline-four VTEC engine paired with a six-speed manual. What transforms it into a rally machine are the supporting components meant to survive rough terrain, including camber/caster plates for adjustable alignment, custom exhaust, uprated brakes, rally-tuned suspension, and 15-inch gravel wheels. HRC also fitted a beefier intercooler, crucial in rally where cars run at high RPM to keep the turbo spooled and stage times as low as possible. That demand for speed is something Lawson understands well from F1 qualifying, though he usually works with downforce-heavy, open-wheel cars on smooth tarmac. Still, he handled the Rally XP impressively, carving through corners and taking jumps without drama, at least from what we saw. Honda Racing US on YouTube Honda ConnectionLawson’s rally cameo comes through his place in the Honda family via Racing Bulls, which currently uses Honda power units. That partnership ends next year when the team switches to Ford under the new engine regulations, but Lawson will remain with the squad, this time paired with incoming rookie Arvid Lindblad. As for the Civic Type R Rally XP itself, HRC says the car will be street-legal, but it’s still being evaluated for future programs. Pricing and production plans haven’t been announced, though its extensive upgrades mean it will certainly cost more than the stock Civic Type R, which starts at around $45,000 in the U.S. View the full article

Toyota’s Princeton Plant, Going Strong Since 1996TMMI, short for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, has been churning out some of the most popular models carrying the Japanese nameplate since 1996. The first vehicle to roll out of the facility was the 1998 Toyota Tundra, with the 2001 Sequoia and 2003 Sienna following suit shortly after. As recently as 2023, the factory saw its production expand to the Toyota Grand Highlander and the TX luxury SUV, its midsize Lexus equivalent. The conglomerate has poured in nearly $8 billion since its inception, advancing and retooling the place to accommodate the production of some of its later models. At the moment, this massive manufacturing facility located in Princeton, Indiana, is the only place outside of Japan that builds the Lexus TX. Our deep dive comes courtesy of Car Confection’s latest YouTube upload, where it starts off by showing how massive the actual campus is. In total, TMMI spans nearly 4.5 million sq ft, comprising everything from on-site markets, cafes, fitness centers, and even ATMs—It's basically a small town, as the presenters put it. Moving forward, we are introduced to the stamping shop, a 300,00 sq ft area dedicated to fabricating the required sheet metals for all the various Toyota and Lexus models. Complete with ultrasound detectors to check for metal quality and weld integrity, the place is a proper churner—producing over 86,000 parts each day! Efficiency Is the Name of the GameThen comes the weld shop where the underpinnings are pieced together with help from 2,000 highly sophisticated robots that specialise in arc and resistance welding. The many skilled workers in the department—500, to be specific—check for imperfections and readiness, running their hands along the panels and employing their dexterity and craftsmanship to ensure quality isn’t compromised. It’s worth pointing out that Lexus models have additional checkpoints along the way. After welding, painting, and inspection, the vehicle shells are sent to assembly, where everything from dashboards, seats, wiring, and trim is installed by technicians with help from Toyota’s hand-guided parts delivery systems. If the worker feels something isn’t right, the individual can pull a quality cord to stop the production line and address the concern. It’s so streamlined that a new vehicle rolls off the assembly line every single minute! Final inspection is carried out by driving them up to 80 mph and tested for leaks via a water bath, simulating what is felt during an actual downpour. 92 percent of those pass without defects, and the vehicles are then prepared for shipping. Overall, it’s an incredibly efficient and well-thought-out facility with almost no room for production and quality-related mishaps. View the full article

The Secret Behind Porsche's Timeless HypercarThe Porsche 918 Spyder may be more than a decade old, but its performance remains remarkably fresh thanks to its future-proof hybrid powertrain. Through FRAME’s behind-the-scenes feature, we now get a look inside the birthplace of the hypercar that earned its place in the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity refers to the three groundbreaking hypercars of the early 2010s: the Porsche 918 Spyder, Ferrari LaFerrari, and McLaren P1. All three used hybrid technology, but the LaFerrari stood apart as the only one without plug-in capability. The 918 Spyder was hand-built within Plant 2 at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen facility, the same site that has produced the iconic 911 for about six decades. 100 Hours of Pure CraftsmanshipPorsche said that 100 skilled employees from 14 different countries were selected from the 911 production line to assemble the 918 Spyder. Every one of the 918 examples the automaker produced reportedly took around 100 hours of hands-on assembly, supported by contributions from more than 250 suppliers. One of them was Magna Steyr, the Austrian manufacturer known for building vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which supplied the 12-volt lightweight battery. The 918’s ultra-light carbon-fiber monocoque helped deliver its impressive power-to-weight ratio. The chassis was engineered specifically to house its hybrid system, pairing a 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 with two electric motors for a combined 887 horsepower. Workers used pneumatic torque wrenches to secure the aluminum engine’s bolts and relied on feeler gauges to ensure perfect alignment with the design specs. FRAME on YouTube Engineering Excellence, Inside and OutTraditional tools still played a major role. Vacuum holders positioned the windshield, while mechanical scissor lifts raised the car so technicians could install underbody components. Inside, extensive use of carbon fiber kept the weight low. Production of the 918 Spyder concluded in 2015, with every example featuring removable roof panels. Porsche has yet to release a true successor, although the Mission X concept unveiled in 2023 offers an early glimpse at what the brand’s next halo hypercar might become. Drew Phillips View the full article

Although an all-new Toyota Corolla may not be too far off, the existing model remains a staple of the budget sedan category. It delivers the efficiency, reliability, and value for money expected in this segment, even if it’s not the most exciting vehicle in the class. For the 2026 model year, the Corolla received a small price increase to go with some new features, but the starting price is still low, as are the lease deals. Just in time for the holidays, Toyota is now running Corolla lease offers on the most affordable non-hybrid and hybrid trims, so here’s a look at them. Related: Grab This 2026 Toyota Camry Lease Deal This December Before It's Gone This Month’s Toyota Corolla Lease Deals Toyota For December, the Toyota Corolla’s lease price starts at $219 per month over 39 months, with $2,999 due at signing. This deal applies to the base LE in non-hybrid guise. It includes 10,000 miles annually, with an extra cost of $0.15 per mile if you exceed this limit. The lease does not include tax, title, licensing, and registration costs, and expires on January 5, 2026. Toyota Corolla leasing deals don’t expand to other trims, although you can also lease the LE in hybrid form. This model costs $249 per month, with all other terms remaining the same as for the gas-powered LE. These deals are specific to California, but you can check Toyota’s special offers with your unique zip code to find deals in your area, which may differ from these ones. If you want to buy a new Corolla, the LE starts at $22,725 and the Hybrid LE costs $24,575. The priciest model is the Hybrid XLE at $28,940. Related: Toyota Corolla Concept Completely Reimagines the Humble Sedan Powertrain and Features Toyota Both Corolla variants prioritize efficiency over outright performance. The non-hybrid model has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. Power goes to the front wheels exclusively, and the sedan can achieve 32/41/35 mpg city/highway/combined in LE guise. The hybrid switches to a smaller 1.8L four-pot with an electric motor, a combination that only musters 138 hp. This powertrain also uses a CVT, but unlike the non-hybrid model, the hybrid can be had with FWD or AWD. Efficiency is stellar, reaching 53/46/50 mpg with FWD or 51/44/48 mpg with AWD. Although the LE looks rather bland with its 16-inch steel wheels (with covers) and black grille, it does come with the following standard features: LED headlights and taillightsSeven-inch digital gauge clusterFabric upholsteryAutomatic climate controlEight-inch touchscreenSix-speaker sound systemRadar-based cruise controlLane departure alertPre-collision systemOther Corolla trims offer niceties like heated seats, SofTex upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a larger digital gauge cluster. Final ThoughtsThe Toyota Corolla isn’t a legend for nothing. After all these years, it’s still a benchmark for unpretentious, value-focused motoring. The current model has been on sale for a while, too, so you can expect it to be very reliable. The lease cost for the Toyota Corolla is also less than its chief rival, the Honda Civic, this month. Honda requires $239/month over a slightly shorter 36 months, with $3,599 due initially. Despite the Toyota’s lease being three months longer, the total cost is still less. View the full article

A Much-Needed Product From NissanThe last Nissan Xterra rolled off the production line in 2015. Since then, the company has been left without a midsize truck-based SUV to rival the Toyota 4Runner. In the end, two generations were made spanning 15 model years. Curiously, there was an overlap between the second-generation Xterra and third-generation Pathfinder. Both rode on the same platform and even shared the same 4.0-liter V6, but the Pathfinder was about nine inches longer than the Xterra. The Pathfinder later took a different, er, path and transformed into a crossover. There seems to be a growing interest in truck-based 4WDs this decade. There's the redesigned 4Runner and (sort of) downsized Land Cruiser, as well as the revived Ford Bronco. There's also the Jeep Wrangler, which has been continuously updated and upgraded over the years. Thankfully, Nissan has confirmed that the Xterra is coming back in 2028. The thing is, it never actually went away, at least in other parts of the world. Cole Attisha Using Adobe Photoshop, Gemini 3 Pro, and Midjourney 7.0 The Xterra's AliasThe Xterra's formula is pretty simple. Take a midsize pickup, put a wagon-like body on it, and call it an SUV. Nissan has been building such a model since 2018, and it's called the Terra. Yes, as in Xterra without the X. It's based on Nissan's global Navara midsize pickup, which, in turn, uses a modified version of the F-Alpha chassis dubbed the D23. It was introduced in 2018 with Southeast Asia being the primary market. Then, in late 2020, the facelifted model debuted in the Middle East as the X-Terra. Emphasis on the dash there. Great news? Well, not quite. In a way, you'll be glad it isn't being sold stateside. At the same time, you might say it's a missed opportunity. The Major FlawThe X-Terra is sold in the Middle East, although the model is still called Terra in countries where it's sold. As one would expect from a midsize truck-based SUV for Southeast Asia, it has a diesel engine. Nothing wrong with that, but the Gulf-spec models ditch that for a gas engine. Again, no big deal as gas prices aren't really a concern over there. The big problem here is that Nissan gave the X-Terra an engine that's short of two cylinders. It's a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder mill that's good for 165 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Oh, and that's the only choice you get in the region. The trouble here is that competitors like the Toyota Fortuner (no relation to the 4Runner) and Mitsubishi Montero Sport offer a V6, or a turbocharged four-cylinder like the Ford Everest. It's not like a V6 won't fit under the hood either. The D23 platform can accommodate a bulky six-cylinder turbodiesel, so it's possible that the simpler, naturally-aspirated 3.8-liter from the Frontier could be a good candidate. But despite the lack of a V6, the X-Terra is, surprisingly, a hit over there. Still, we can't help but wonder if it'll sell even better with a pair of extra cylinders. The Rest of It is Good, ThoughNow, we're speaking from experience and from the perspective of the diesel Terra model sold in Southeast Asia. To drive, it's generally agreeable, with a smooth, pliant ride that's perhaps a little on the soft side. It's no canyon carver (obviously), but it's a pretty great long-distance cruiser. Cargo space is commendable, and the 4WD models come standard with center and rear differential lock. It is, frankly, a hugely underrated model in its class. Cons? It does lack several advanced driver assists, and its diesel, while strong enough for the primary market (190hp, 331 lb-ft), is gruff and clattery. That platform itself isn't all that new, although it's still fresher than the one used in the American Frontier by a good decade. Overall, the Terra/X-Terra needs a little bit more polish to be fit for US consumption. Slap in a V6 in there, and it'll be perfect for those who want a simple midsize SUV in America. If anything, it serves as a decent benchmark for Nissan to start working with for the 2028 revival. Nissan Nissan View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Thank You, Ferdinand PiëchInline-five engines have been around since the '30s, but it was only in the '70s that they started to really work. That's all thanks to the 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240D 3.0 (known as the 300D in the US), the world's first mass-produced straight-five-powered passenger car and the first diesel with five cylinders. We know what you're thinking: aren't we talking about Audis here? Well, yes, but the five-cylinder's acceptance in the market was thanks heavily to Ferdinand Piëch. During his time away from Porsche, Piëch ran an engineering firm that developed what would eventually become the 300D's diesel lump now known as the OM617. After that, he joined Audi, revisited the concept, and applied it to gas power. Without Piëch, it's unlikely that five-pot engines would've reached some level of popularity. Mercedes-Benz Audi's First Five-BangerThe world's first mass-produced gas-fed five-cylinder engine was fitted to the second-generation Audi 100 (C2). It rolled out in 1976 in Europe, and one of the powertrain choices was a 2.1-liter unit that made 134 hp in fuel-injected form. A carbureted version was introduced later on, as well as a turbocharged unit for the upmarket 200 that put out 168 hp. Audi also had a five-cylinder diesel available for the 100. Of course, it's not one anyone would call quick, as it only made 69 hp. The basic block would later get 1.9-, 2.0-, and 2.2-liter versions through the '70s and into the '80s. It could be seen under the hoods of the Audi 80 and Coupe, as well as the Volkswagen Passat and Santana. Audi Fire Up the QuattroIn 1980, Audi introduced the Quattro, featuring the same turbocharged 2.1-liter mill as the 200. The difference was that it made more power, bumping it up to 197 hp. North America got its hands on it in 1982 for the 1983 model year, but power was reduced to 160 hp due to emissions regulations. Boo. Of course, we can't mention the Quattro without its rallying career. It practically reshaped the sport and made two-wheel drive obsolete. The motorsport versions were easily making about 300 hp, and at the height of Group B rallying, they made over 500 hp. If that wasn't enough, the Sport Quattro racers that went up Pikes Peak were somewhere in the region of 600 hp...from 2.1 liters. Let's not forget Audi's exploits in IMSA, too. The 200 Quattro Trans Am stirred the pot during its time in America, as did the later 90 Quattro IMSA GTO, which ran for just one season. Dominant would be a good word to describe those race cars. Audi S, RS, and HiatusBack to road cars, Audi continued to fit the five-cylinder in its pedestrian models throughout the '80s and mid-'90s. Offered in both gas and diesel guises, these were often seen in the 90, 100, and 200, but this was also the time Audi started a new experiment. The early '90s saw the S2 and Porsche-engineered RS2 Avant. Then there was the S4, which was essentially the precursor of the S6. All of them used a 2.2-liter turbo with varying states of tune ranging from 220 hp to 311 hp. However, the five-cylinder Audis would be largely gone by the mid-'90s. They were replaced by V6 engines, and we wouldn't see another straight-five Audi until 2010. Audi The ComebackIt would take nearly 15 years before Audi stuck a five-banger under one of the hoods of its cars. That came in the form of a 2.5-liter block and made its way to the 2009 TT-RS. Not content with that, Audi then shoved that same engine under the hood of the A3 to form the RS3. And to fit in the whole fast crossover market, the RS Q3 was made, also fitted with that straight-five. The revived turbo-five made 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. It then rose to 362 hp and 343 lb-ft in the RS3, and 394 hp and 354 lb-ft in the second-gen TT-RS. Today, the RS3 makes 401 hp and 369 lb-ft, still from the 2.5 TFSI engine. Audi is the only major automaker that's currently building five-cylinder engines. However, the more stringent incoming emissions regulations aren't making it easier for Audi to keep it going. Because of that, the company announced that they are canning the 2.5 TFSI engine in two years. Still, at least Audi can say they're among the first to build five-pot engines, and that they owned that space for the longest. Audi View the 24 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A home run for KiaThe 2020 Kia Telluride officially launched in early 2019, sharing its platform with the Hyundai Palisade. It was Kia’s largest vehicle ever, seating up to eight passengers. Since its debut, the Telluride has been a massive success for the automaker, earning numerous accolades, including the 2020 World Car of the Year, 2020 MotorTrend SUV of the Year, multiple Car and Driver 10Best awards, and the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year for 2020. More than 115,000 units were sold in 2024 alone. So, when Kia rolls out an all-new design, it’s a big deal for the automaker. How big? I went in person to witness firsthand the changes, and it was enlightening. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What’s new externallyThe 2027 Telluride’s exterior is completely redesigned from the ground up, and there’s a touch of Range Rover influence blended with the essence of the original Telluride. That’s not a bad thing. Many journalists at Kia’s presentation in Irvine, California, were impressed by the SUV’s evolved yet familiar look. Like the original 2020 model, the new Telluride maintains a rugged, off-road presence, but now with a more refined edge. The 2027 model is 2.3 inches longer overall, and visually it appears even more substantial. A nearly three-inch stretch in wheelbase and a one-inch increase in height help accentuate its elongated stance. Smooth body panels, a lengthened hood, and softened surfacing give it a more premium, sculpted feel, invoking comparisons to the modern Range Rover SE. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article New paint colors such as Black Jade, Green, and Terrain Brown, available in both glossy and matte finishes, join a broader palette of ten shades. The one particularly unique (and somewhat controversial) design element appears around the wheel arches: a small notch at the upper edge of each opening. Some critics see it as odd or unfinished, while others appreciate its distinctiveness. Regardless, it’s a bold choice that ensures you’ll instantly recognize the new Telluride from the side profile alone. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Interior changesWith its larger footprint, the 2027 Telluride offers improved interior packaging and easier access to the second and third rows. The added height provides slightly more headroom - up to half an inch in models with sunroofs, enhancing comfort without compromising the SUV’s bold proportions. At the core of the interior design philosophy - its Color, Materials, and Finish (CMF) story, is a single concept: "Grandioso." That's Kia-speak for "defined by magnificent yet restrained elegance." The cabin draws inspiration from the world of luxury interiors with rich hues and tactile materials. Colorways like Deep Navy with Tuscan Umber exude confidence, while an all-new Blackberry (a deep purple tone) paired with Sand Beige creates a striking yet harmonious atmosphere. For the X models, the interior palette becomes more grounded with all-black, deep khaki, or saddle brown tones designed to feel durable and refined. Texture plays an equally important role; seating surfaces feature embossed lines, diagonal flourishes, and V-shaped motifs that add depth and visual interest. In the rear, the passenger console transforms into a functional table, while mesh headrests in the first and second rows blend modern aesthetics with everyday comfort. Even the cargo area has evolved: a reconfigurable luggage floor with an integrated folding table, ruler markings, and removable partition makes it more adaptable for family or outdoor adventures - blending form and function in clever ways. Final thoughtsKeep in mind, this was a design unveiling, not a technical debut. Kia hasn’t yet shared details on the drivetrain, performance, or pricing. That information will come later, and I look forward to testing it when the opportunity arises. The 2027 Kia Telluride goes on sale in 2026, with an official launch date to be announced. View the full article

Hyundai and Kia have been on a roll this year, with both Korean automakers breaking several model-specific and/or monthly sales records in the United States. Now that November sales are in, we have a clearer idea of where each brand is at and how the year will finish. With 822,756 models sold through November, Hyundai leads Kia, which sold 777,152 vehicles over the same period. These are increases of 8% and 7% respectively, so the two brands have grown at a similar pace in 2025. It’s when we break down sales by model that clear differences emerge. Related: The Dominance of Hyundai and Kia in Korea is Overwhelming, and This is What I Saw Sedans Close, But Hyundai Leads in EVs 2025 Kia K4 Kristen Brown View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Kia is marginally behind in sedan sales, with a total of 193,561 sedans sold, split between the K4/Forte (126,919) and K5 (66,642). Hyundai, meanwhile, has sold 201,081 sedans, split between the Elantra (136,824), Sonata (54,238), and Ioniq 6 (10,019). Hyundai doesn’t sell a smaller sedan to compete with the K4, which is where most of Kia’s sedan sales stem from. Despite this, Hyundai still sold more sedans. In terms of EV sales, it’s nowhere close—Hyundai is far ahead, as reflected in the table below: Kia EV Model 2025 Sales Hyundai EV Model 2025 Sales EV6 12,188 Ioniq 5 44,760 EV9 14,032 Ioniq 9 4,809 Niro EV Unknown Ioniq 6 10,019 The Ioniq 5 is comparable to the EV6, but has sold almost four times as many units in 2025 so far. Kia doesn’t have an electric sedan like the Ioniq 6 and Hyundai lacks a small electric crossover like the Niro EV. However, Niro EV sales are reported in combination with the gas/hybrid models, so we don’t know how many units Kia has sold. Overall, though, Hyundai sold far more EVs than Kia. Related: Hyundai and Kia Beat Toyota and Honda in Toughest Safety Tests Yet SUV Sales: Kia Sells More Subcompacts, But Hyundai Leads Overall 2025 Kia Seltos View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Both automakers’ lineups are dominated by crossovers. Here’s a look at how their sales compared. We have excluded the electric crossovers, as these were mentioned under the EV section. Kia Crossover Model 2025 Sales Hyundai Crossover Model 2025 Sales Soul 47,679 Venue 27,943 Niro 28,037 (including Niro EV) Kona 68,030 Seltos 51,973 Tucson 212,037 Sportage 165,954 Santa Fe 127,964 Sorento 87,433 Palisade 112,237 Telluride 111,123 In total, Kia sold 492,199 crossovers so far this year, while Hyundai managed 548,211. Despite Kia having one extra crossover, Hyundai still leads. The Palisade and Telluride three-row crossovers are neck-and-neck, and the only area where Kia leads is in subcompact crossovers. That could change soon, as the Kia Soul has been discontinued. Both companies have a few brand-specific models. Hyundai also sold 23,889 Santa Cruz pickups and five hydrogen-powered Nexos; Kia doesn’t sell equivalents of these. Finally, Kia sold 65,172 Carnival minivans (and achieved record sales in November), for which Hyundai has no equivalent. Final ThoughtsKia and Hyundai are ticking a lot of boxes right now, and it shows in their 2025 sales so far. Their models are strikingly styled, feature high-tech interiors, and offer multiple hybrids and family-friendly options. Both brands have seen increases in electrified models this year. But, for now at least, Hyundai is still America’s favorite Korean brand. It easily sells more EVs, sedans, and crossovers than Kia, and has increased its lead over Kia since the middle of the year. Kia leads in sales of subcompact crossovers and the Carnival minivan has been popular, too, but that’s not enough to overcome Hyundai. View the full article

When Recalls Get WeirdVehicle recalls are more or less typical, like faulty airbags, fire risks, or software bugs that slipped past development. Then there are the oddballs. Over the years, manufacturers have recalled cars because spiders built webs in fuel lines, labels used the wrong font size, or floor mats interfered with pedals. Lists of the strangest recalls read less like technical documents and more like icebreakers at car meets. Genesis now finds itself brushing up against that latter territory. Beyond spiders or rodents, the luxury marque has acknowledged that the G90 may apply the brakes to something that isn’t really there. What makes this unintended braking especially strange is that the car isn’t misreading traffic or lane markings. Instead, the issue comes down to how the vehicle’s own paint interacts with its advanced driver-assistance hardware. Driver-Assist System Meets PaintAccording to the recall document published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the campaign affects certain 2023–2026 Genesis G90 sedans equipped with Highway Driving Assist. When moving slowly or changing lanes using the assist feature, the system can falsely detect an object entering the lane and briefly apply the brakes. According to the recall filing, this happens primarily on vehicles finished in Savile Silver. That particular paint contains aluminum, which can reflect radar signals emitted by the front corner sensors. Those reflections pass through the bumper structure and get interpreted as nearby vehicles. Genesis notes that the behavior only shows up under specific conditions, typically below about 12 mph, and only when the assistance systems are active. Thankfully, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fires tied to the issue so far. The remedy isn’t a software patch or recalibration. Genesis plans to replace the front bumper beam with a sealed version designed to block radar transmission through the structure. James Lipman What Owners Should DoIn this case, the “culprit” isn’t poor calibration or lazy coding, but physics doing what physics does. Combine reflective paint, sensitive radar hardware, and the wrong angle, and the system starts imagining traffic. The supplier behind the radar hardware isn’t being singled out as faulty; it’s more a case of an unexpected interaction. Genesis is advising owners to avoid using Highway Driving Assist until the fix is installed. Notifications are scheduled, and, as always, the repair will be done at no cost. Genesis View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Ever since the automotive industry shifted focus to more fuel-efficient and earth-friendlier cars, demand for performance cars has slowed. Not as many people are willing to spend as much on speed-focused ICE models, which has led some brands to slim down their performance lineups. Subaru is one of those brands that made the painful (and somewhat unpopular) decision not to develop or launch an all-new WRX STI. However, indications seem to suggest the brand is not giving up just yet, but is taking its time. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog WRX STI Comeback? Hopefully SoonDuring the recently concluded Japan Mobility Show (JMS), Subaru shocked and delighted showgoers by showcasing not just one, but two STI concepts. This was a clear indication of the brand's intent to continue the STI spirit. Australian publication Drive was able to gain more insight into Subaru's current and future mindset by speaking with Subaru Corporation Product General Manager Masaaki Kobayashi. Kobayashi-san pointed out that they aren't yet firm on locking into a single powertrain for future STI models. Going further, he also said this sentiment is echoed by the fact that Subaru chose to showcase 2 distinct STI concepts at the show, one an ICE-powered vehicle and one an Electric Vehicle. With EVs still gaining traction, Kobayashi-san noted that some still prefer ICE performance models and are keen to capitalize on both types of demand. Interestingly, there aren't any automakers that offer a single performance model with both powertrains. Usually, EVs and ICEs are completely different models, sharing only a few parts. As a whole, they are different. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog The STI Spirit Is Still Alive and WellSubaru's STI showcase paid off, as both cars were a hit with the media and fans of the storied brand. While STI still isn't building new vehicles from the ground up, the tuning division is still working hard to make current Subarus faster and more fun. Most recently, the special limited edition BRZ STI Sport Type RA was debuted in Japan as a motorsport-bred variant for the road. Subaru View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Also, Rivian's newly debuted e-bike brand, just released a helmet that doubles as a headlight and a brake light. Could the tech transfer to motorcycles?View the full article

Nissan's Chinese Arm in an Aggressive StrideAfter releasing two high-tech sedans meant to be sold worldwide, the N6 and N7, Nissan's Chinese arm, a joint venture with Dongfeng, officially announced its first high-riding model. Meet the NX8 – a midsize SUV that's so high-tech, it makes the Nissan Pathfinder – yes, even the recently updated version – look ancient by comparison. The NX8 is part of Nissan's new N-series, representing the legacy brand's aggressive strategy in China's tightly contested new-energy vehicle market. While Nissan still plays it safe in the US (hello, Rogue Plug-In Hybrid), the NX8 leans hard into fast charging, advanced software, and China-specific EV expectations. Dongfeng Nissan Design, Size, and High-End TechDesign-wise, the NX8 fits squarely into China's modern premium EV lookbook. The SUV adopts an evolved version of Nissan's V-motion styling language. Up front, a 7.9-foot full-width "star ring" light bar anchors the fascia alongside a flat illuminated Nissan badge and matrix-style headlights. Flush door handles and tightly integrated side panels help keep the profile clean, while the rear wears a full-width OLED taillight panel – the same tech found in Audis – made up of more than 2,000 individual lighting elements with customizable patterns. In terms of size, the NX8 sits in the midsize SUV segment, though it's slightly shorter than America's Pathfinder. It measures 191.7 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, and 66.1 inches tall, riding on a 114.8-inch wheelbase. Interior details haven't been fully disclosed yet, but the tech direction is clear. The NX8 supports highway and urban navigation assistance, full-scenario intelligent parking, and LiDAR-backed driver-support systems, which means it has advanced, hands-on semi-autonomous driving rather than basic driver aids. Dongfeng Nissan Will It Ever Reach America?The NX8 offers both fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain options. The EV version uses a single motor producing either 288 or 335 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid differs from the one in the Outlander-based Rogue PHEV, acting more like an extended-range EV with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine rated at 146 hp and a 262-hp electric motor. The driving ranges for both types haven't been released yet. Curb weight ranges from 4,840 to 4,950 lbs, depending on configuration, with a gross vehicle weight of about 5,865 lbs. Both variants ride on an 800-volt electrical architecture and support CATL's 5C ultra-fast charging. Energy comes from Nissan's next-generation lithium-iron phosphate Yundun battery, engineered to operate from -22°F to 140°F. Top speed is rated at 112 mph. Like the N6 and N7 sedans, the NX8 could eventually be exported, although Nissan has yet to officially announce, particularly the timing or pricing. Then again, we're not counting on this model to ever reach America, but it's a clear reminder of the possibilities out there. Dongfeng Nissan View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Racing deep into the night in Pensacola, Florida, 13-year-old Keelan Harvick became the youngest winner in the history of the Snowflake 125. He won the prestigious Pro Lade Model race in his first-ever attempt as well. The event didn't go green until around 1:30am local time, with Luke Baldwin starting the race from pole position. Keelan, the son of 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin ...Keep readingView the full article

Won’t See the Light of DayEarlier this year, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton didn’t just bring his talents to Scuderia Ferrari; he also reportedly explored reviving the F40 with a V12 engine and a manual transmission. As promising as that sounded to enthusiasts, new reports suggest it may no longer be the case. According to Everyeye.it, long-time F1 journalist Giorgio Terruzzi told a podcast that the so-called F44 project – a nod to Hamilton’s racing number – had been cancelled. Terruzzi added that the 40-year-old Englishman was bothered by the situation, though he cautioned that this was unconfirmed speculation. Ferrari A True V12 Manual Revival—Now Off the TableBefore the 2025 season started, Hamilton notably visited Maranello and posed with the F40, the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8 supercar widely regarded as one of the most iconic Ferraris ever built. It was Ferrari’s final flagship before the brand returned to a V12 layout with the F50, followed by the Enzo and LaFerrari. As a side note, today’s halo model is the F40-inspired F80, which uses a twin-turbo hybrid V6 derived from the Le Mans–winning 499P hypercar. The F44 project would’ve brought a V12 back to a flagship Ferrari, or at least drawn inspiration from it. This type of engine is often considered the soul of the brand, with legendary models like the 250 GTO built around it. Likewise, a traditional shift stick would’ve been a welcome return after Ferrari phased out manuals in the early 2010s, with the 599 GTB widely regarded as the final V12 model to offer one. Ferrari Tough YearGiven that Hamilton has been enduring a nightmare season, releasing a promising special-spec car may not be ideal timing. This year, Hamilton has suffered several Q1 exits and entered the season finale in Abu Dhabi with 152 points – 78 fewer than his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. In the meantime, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Ferrari commission Hamilton a special-edition version of an existing model, similar to the Daytona SP3s Leclerc and Carlos Sainz (the driver Hamilton replaced) have taken delivery of. Hamilton is signed to a multi-year contract with the Maranello squad, which includes the 2026 season when F1 will introduce a new engine regulation package aimed at greater sustainability. RM Sotheby's View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Ram is launching a new safety recall affecting over 72,000 2025 and 2026 model year vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, certain vehicles were fitted with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster that can intermittently go blank, taking key safety indicators down with it. This recall comes only days after another recall for airbags that could send metal fragments into the cabin. The Issue and Its Importance Stellantis The NHTSA's Safety Recall Report explains that the digital cluster in some 2025–2026 Ram trucks can lose its display at startup or while driving. On the surface, a faulty infotainment system sounds like nothing more than an inconvenience, but when the screen goes blank, critical information disappears with it. Drivers lose the brake warning light and the gear position indicator, both of which are required under federal safety regulations. The problem traces back to software loaded onto 12-inch panels supplied by Marelli North America. These units were used from early October 2023 until Ram phased in updated components in 2025. Ram Models Affected Ram Ram Stellantis The recall includes 72,509 trucks in total, covering several of Ram’s most important light-duty and heavy-duty models. The list includes 2025–2026 Ram 1500 pickups (43,427 units), Ram 2500 pickups (19,670 units), Ram 3500 pickups (8,967 units), and smaller numbers of the Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis models. The small handful built in the same timeframe but excluded from the recall either used a different screen supplier, lacked the 12-inch panel entirely, or were assembled outside the suspect production period. Some trucks may illuminate a malfunction indicator light before the display cuts out, but in most cases, owners will encounter a blank screen with no clear warning. What Owners Should Do Stellantis Owners can already look up their VIN to see if their truck is included. Dealers were notified on December 4, and owner letters are scheduled to go out on January 8. Once repairs begin, technicians will either reprogram the instrument cluster or replace it entirely, depending on the vehicle. As always, the work will be performed at no charge. Ram owners have it tough nowadays. Two recalls in one week, adding to the overall decline in the brand’s quality. View the full article

After weeks of waiting, the rebuilt front shocks finally arrived from the shop. The original ones had worn out and lost their firmness, making rides rough and unstable. With the new parts ready, the goal was to restore the bike’s handling and bring it back to a steady, reliable feel. The rebuild marked a big step toward getting the project back on the road. Once the forks and wheel were installed, the bike could finally be lowered to the ground for the […] The post Rebuilt Forks and the Moment of Truth for KZ750 Café Racer appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

There is something really satisfying about showing up to a race and running career bests right off the trailer. Hell, running a career best anytime during an event is greatness. But when you show up with a new car AND you run career bests, that’s pretty special indeed. Check out the behind the scenes action from Kye Kelley and his team at Bradenton’s Snowbird Outlaw Nationals to see just how quick and fast he really went! Video Description: It’s Snowbirds Time Again! Testing and the First day of Qualifying went Great! Thanks for watching! Be sure to Subscribe to the Channel and leave a like and comment on the video, it helps us grow! Find me on social media also! The post Kye Kelley Runs His Quickest & Fastest Pass EVER on Both Big AND Small Slick Tires At Bradenton’s Snowbird Outlaw Nationals appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

One day after qualifying No. 1 in the quickest 32-car field in Pro Modified history, Jason Harris continued his dominant performance by winning the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks Saturday night at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The four-time PDRA world champion drove his Harts Charger-boosted “Party Time” Harold Denton tribute ’69 Camaro to a 3.561-second pass at 211.06 mph in the $50,000 final round to defeat Brazil’s Sidnei Frigo, who ran a 3.570 at 211.33. By winning the first of three races in the 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, Harris is now the only driver eligible to win the inaugural Elite Motorsports Million, a $1,000,000 bonus for winning all three races: the Snowbirds, the U.S. Street Nationals in January 2026, and the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod in February 2026. As the Snowbirds No. 1 qualifier, he’s also the only competitor contending for the Jerry Bickel Race Cars Clean Sweep Challenge. If he qualifies No. 1 at the next two races, he’ll win a brand-new Pro Mod rolling chassis from JBRC. “This is my pinnacle,” Harris said in his top-end interview with FloRacing’s Courtney Enders. “I’ve been coming down here for years. I won it years ago in a nitrous car, but this right here is the baddest racers on the planet, and I just qualified No. 1 and won the race, so I can get the million and the Jerry Bickel car, but I’m telling you, I’ve gotta thank everybody. Harold Denton, thank you, Lord. He’s been riding with me all day. It was God’s will that this car was gonna make it. I can’t thank everybody enough.” Along with Harris, winners at the Snowbirds included Bill Lutz in Pro 10.5, Larry Larson in True 10.5 N/T, Tommy Hoskinson in Lil Gangstas, Brian Weddle in Limited Drag Radial, Joel Greathouse in Ultra Street, Hunter Patton in Super Pro, Malcolm Ricks in 6.50 Index, Peyton Shook in 7.50 Index, and Jeff Jones in 4.60 Bikes. PRO MOD Jason Harris rolled into the 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service on a mission to win one of the big-money Pro Mod races after multiple late-round finishes at the World Series of Pro Mod. He entered the series with a special new look paying tribute to the late Pro Stock racer Harold Denton inspired by his “Party Time” cars, as well as a new Harts Charger combination between the frame rails in his Brandon Stroud-tuned ’69 Camaro. The Party Time Racing team worked through some challenges in pre-race testing before jumping to the top of the qualifying order in Thursday’s second qualifying session. Harris’ 3.560 at 211.20 held up as the top performance through two more sessions on Friday, giving him the $5,000 Jerry Bickel Race Cars No. 1 Qualifier Bonus. The No. 1 qualifier position would typically come with the benefit of facing the No. 32 qualifier in the first round of eliminations, but the Winter Series races use random chip draws to determine pairings on race day. Harris’ bad luck in the chip draws continued when he paired up with Mark Micke, who qualified No. 1 at all three Winter Series events last winter. Harris came prepared for Micke, running the second-quickest pass of the opening round, a 3.579 at 210.64, to get past Micke, who lifted to a 4.345 at 121.29. Harris then drew Jimmy Taylor, who set new doorslammer world records for eighth-mile and quarter-mile elapsed times before the Snowbirds. Like Micke, Taylor had to lift to a 4.365 at 149.02, while Harris rolled on with a 3.607 at 209.79. Harris set low E.T. of the next two rounds, using a 3.584 at 210.28 to defeat Randy Weatherford’s 3.598 at 210.11 and a 3.576 at 210.44 to eliminate Kevin Rivenbark and his 3.658 at 205.47 in the semifinals. Harris met up with Brazilian drag racing veteran Sidnei Frigo in the $50,000 final round. The North Carolina native left the line first and led the whole way, winning with a 3.561 at 211.06 to Frigo’s 3.570 at 211.33. “Truthfully, it was tighter than I thought it was,” Harris said. “I knew he was there and I wasn’t sure if I took the win or not because the car wheelstood a little bit and I was trying to pay attention, but I got on the radio and nobody said anything to me. When I turned the corner, I saw Courtney [Enders] walking to me, so I guess I knew I won. It was just a relief. “We’ve worked really hard this weekend,” Harris continued. “We had a bad test session the first couple of days, but it just fell together and my team is so great. We’ve been doing this a long time. We know how to win. The people that stand behind me – Harts, Pro Line, TKM, Carbon Watch Company, Southern Diamond Company, LAT Oils, Hoosier Race Tires – they know if I get my act together and my team’s here, we can win every race we go to.” The Snowbirds victory is the latest headline-grabbing accomplishment for Harris, whose drag racing career began at North Carolina’s small-town dragstrips. He had a dominant season to win the first-ever PDRA Pro Nitrous world championship in 2014. He won another Pro Nitrous title in 2018 before moving to Pro Boost, where he won back-to-back world championships in 2023 and 2024. His next target is winning the Winter Series championship. “To me it’s like winning the World Series if you were a baseball player or winning the Super Bowl in football,” Harris said. “This is the biggest stage we’ve got for our sport, and this felt like the World Series of Pro Mod. To qualify No. 1 amongst this group of guys is just phenomenal, but to win against this group of guys, it’s unbelievable. I didn’t have easy pickings. I had Micke, Jimmy Taylor, Randy, Rivenbark, and Frigo in the finals. These guys work really hard and they’ve got the best equipment there is. It’s just absolutely amazing that somebody like me can do this.” It was a meaningful win for Harris in more ways than one, as he got to pay tribute to a family friend, mentor, and drag racing pioneer. “I’m just so happy and thankful that we got the win and I could do it for Harold Denton in tribute and put the ‘Party Time’ car back in the winner’s circle,” Harris said. Frigo, driver of the screw-blown Artivinco Racing ’23 Camaro, qualified No. 23 with a 3.607 at 210.08. With tuning by the Killin’ Time Racing brain trust led by Jeff Pierce and Stevie “Fast” Jackson, Frigo then started a consistent charge through eliminations. He ran a 3.620 at 209.46 to get past Isaias Rojas’ 3.630 at 208.20 in the opening round before facing three of the heaviest hitters in the Winter Series. His 3.627 at 209.20 beat 2025 World Series of Pro Mod champion Steve King’s 5.106 at 95.77, then he stepped up to a 3.607 at 210.08 to knock down defending event champion Kye Kelley and his 3.608 at 208.14 in a side-by-side quarterfinal match. To complete the trifecta and earn a spot in the final, Frigo threw down a 3.594 at 210.54 in the semis to beat the 3.601 at 207.69 of Ken Quartuccio, who won the 2025 U.S. Street Nationals and the 2024/2025 Winter Series championship. PRO 10.5 After competing at the World Series of Pro Mod for the past two seasons, Pro 10.5 joined the full three-race Winter Series lineup. Ohio-based doorslammer veteran Bill Lutz entered the series with something to prove, and he did just that with a decisive win over Super Bowl champion Fletcher Cox in the $10,000 final round. “We’ve had a car to win here multiple years and either the driver messes up or something happened to the car,” said Lutz, who thanked his team led by son Kenny and tuner Patrick Miller. “The car was just phenomenal from the day we unloaded it, and I told them after the first run, I was like, ‘This is our weekend. We’re going to win this damn thing,’ and here we are.” After qualifying No. 3 in his screw-blown “Big Boost” ’67 Camaro, Lutz set low E.T. of the opening round with a 3.935 at 192.66 to defeat Jerry Morgano and his 3.966 at 195.79. He coasted to the finish line on a quarterfinal bye run, then posted a 3.969 at 183.24 over Nick Agostino’s 4.077 at 176.42 in the semis. In the final round, Cox left the starting line first in his nitrous-assisted “Training Day” ’69 Camaro, but Lutz powered to a 3.886 at 193.88 to get around Cox’s 3.951 at 182.11. “To race somebody of his caliber, obviously an elite athlete, and I don’t care what anybody says, that all transfers over into this type of deal,” Lutz said. “He’s felt pressure, he knows pressure, and I have too. I’ve raced in every type of racing you can do and I feel we can excel at anything, so I never let pressure get to me, but to beat a guy that is quite possibly one of the best NFL linemen ever, it means more than just outrunning a typical guy.” TRUE 10.5 N/T Chassis builder Larry Larson has made his mark in multiple corners of the sport, from drag-and-drive to No Prep Kings. His latest venture into 28×10.5 slick-tire no-time racing, which included a $75,000 win at the King of the South race at Shadyside Dragway in May, continued Saturday night with the $40,000 True 10.5 N/T win at the Snowbirds. He raced past Ryan Martin, Ryan Hendrickson, and Memphis Raines before getting a semifinal bye run when Cole Pesz couldn’t make the call. Larson then defeated Russell Stone in the final round. “It was just a good day,” Larson said. “There’s some fast, fast cars out here. People would be astonished how fast you can go on that little bitty tire, but it’s a cool class. I think it’s going to be the up-and-coming thing. It’s cool. I think we proved that the King of the South wasn’t a fluke.” LIL GANGSTAS A pair of young guns with strong backgrounds in their own respective niches within the sport met up in the $20,000 Lil Gangstas final round. In Lil Gangstas, no times are shown, but drivers can’t run quicker than 5.30 seconds in the eighth mile. The drivers who handled that challenge the best on Saturday night were Ohio’s Tommy Hoskinson and Florida’s Gage Burch. Hoskinson in his Gen 2 Garage Ford Falcon and Burch in the Motion Raceworks “El Toro” Mustang raced down the track side-by-side until the win light popped up in Hoskinson’s lane. “You don’t want to go out first round, but we made an awesome pass first round, took out a really tough competitor, and then it was just a domino effect,” Hoskinson said. “I didn’t lose on the tree a single time this weekend. The car did exactly what I told it to do all weekend. We were jiving. I expected my win light to come on every pass. I didn’t think anybody could beat me, and the confidence was just through the roof. We felt like underdogs a little bit, but we’ve won some races locally at home, some 5.30 races, all year. We went a lot of rounds and I felt like this was a big stage, I felt like I deserved to be here, and I felt like we did a really good job of proving it.” LIMITED DRAG RADIAL After setting a class E.T. record and winning in PDRA Pro Street on 33×10.5 slicks, Brian Weddle made the switch to Limited Drag Radial this season and quickly found the winner’s circle at the Snowbirds. Weddle’s screw-blown “La Flama” ’67 Camaro was locked into the 3.90s throughout race day, sending him into the final round with lane choice. There, he left first against past LDR season champion Shane Stack and fired off a 3.932 at 186.87 to get a decisive $7,500 win over Stack, who lifted to a 4.960 at 101.28 in his turbocharged “Thrillbilly” ’86 Monte Carlo. ULTRA STREET Ultra Street finalists Joel Greathouse and Brian Keep seemed evenly paired after their semifinal victories, but Greathouse pulled ahead in the $7,500 final round. Driving Davey Hull’s turbocharged ’90 Mustang, Greathouse left the line just ahead of Keep before running a 4.460 at 153.72 to defeat Keep’s 4.565 at 154.65 in his ProCharged ’98 Camaro. The 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service will continue Jan. 22-25, 2026, with the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission at Bradenton Motorsports Park. This story was originally published on December 7, 2025. The post Jason Harris Sweeps Snowbird Outlaw Nationals With $50,000 Pro Mod Victory first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

FIM WSX 2025 Round Four – Stockholm, Sweden SX1 Race One – Sprint Joey Savatgy smoked the field in both Qualifying and Superpole, and then carried that speed over into the opening Sprint of the night in Stockholm, where the Quad Lock Honda rider overhauled early race leader Jason Anderson before stretching away to a […] The post Blow by blow race recap from penultimate FIM WSX round in Sweden appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Don Nelson has confirmed that rising nitro standout Eily Stafford will take over the controls of his California Hustler Nitro Funny Car for the 2026 NHRA Heritage Series season. “The team we have assembled now is setting the tone for a standout season in the NHRA Heritage Series. We are already running 5.60 elapsed times and look to be solidly in the 5.50s as we focus on winning in 2026. I think Eily has exactly the right attitude and determination to help us get there—this should be an exciting year,” said owner Nelson. Stafford’s path to this moment began early. On her 16th birthday, the San Diego native enrolled in Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School. Since then, she has logged laps in 7.0 Pro dragsters, injected altereds, and competition coupes. Her breakthrough came in 2023, when she captured her first major title at the Good Vibrations March Meet, winning the Nitro Pro Comp crown in Mark Borjon’s Top Fuel dragster. “I’m very honored to be named the driver for the California Hustler team. I cannot thank Don enough for this opportunity,” Stafford said. “I’m looking forward to working with Don, Dale, and the entire team next season. Getting a full-time nitro ride has been a dream of mine since I was 12 years old—the goal I’ve been working toward for the last 22 years of my racing career. I’m beyond excited for this opportunity.” Nelson debuted his first nitro Funny Car in 2006, and the team—powered in recent seasons by crew chief Dale Murray—made notable strides in 2025. For 2026, the California Hustler will retain its familiar 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am body. Pending final licensing, Stafford will make her official debut in the car at the upcoming Good Vibrations March Meet, March 5–8, 2026. The post Don Nelson Racing Secures New Driver for the California Hustler Nitro Funny Car appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

2026 Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship Dunlop has thrown down the gauntlet for next year’s 2026 Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, with the new Dunlop Sportmax Award offering almost $10,000 AUD (¥1,000,000) in prize money for ASB1000 competitors who set a new lap record at designated circuits during the season. In addition, an […] The post $10,000 award for each new ARRC lap record set in 2026 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship Talya Relph confirmed for 2026 Tayla Relph has secured a WCR berth for 2026 with Full Throttle Racing, marking her third full season in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, after finishing 2025 in ninth overall. The Victorian-based rider delivered her career best Superpole result of P5, a […] The post Tayla Relph confirmed on 2026 WCR grid appeared first on MCNews. View the full article