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BMW's M Badge stands for 'Motorsport.'If you reel in the years, BMW’s M-series cars, including the M2, M3, M4, M5, and other miscellaneous M-badged cars in its lineup, can trace back their roots to the M1, a special supercar built all the way back in 1978. During its production run, just 456 road-going M1s were ever built, as they were sold to customers to meet homologation rules. At the time, BMW had motorsport dreams, and the mid-engined M1 was initially developed to be its vehicle to compete against rival Porsche in the Group 4 and Group 5 categories of sports car racing. To achieve this, the Bavarians got Giorgetto Giugiaro to design the body and Lamborghini to develop its chassis; however, by 1978, its plans to actually race were thwarted when Lamborghini pulled out of the project due to its own financial difficulties, and the FIA dramatically changed Group 5 homologation rules. When these changes threatened to derail BMW's racing plans, BMW Motorsport chief Jochen Neerpasch devised a new idea that became one of motorsport’s most memorable spectacles: the BMW M1 Procar series, a special single-make championship series. Billed as a support series during European grand prix weekends, this championship featured Formula 1 stars competing directly against drivers from the World Sportscar Championship, European Touring Car Championship, and other international series in identical race-prepared M1s. From 1979 to 1980, the Procar series showcased BMW’s new supercar on a grand stage, while BMW worked out the M1's homologation requirements. At the same time, F1’s biggest names, including legends like Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet, Alan Jones, and Clay Regazzoni, entertained audiences with intense wheel-to-wheel action before the actual race on Sunday. Bingo Auction View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article Mint condition and never racedHeaded for Bingo's BH AUCTION 1.10 at City Circuit Tokyo Bay on January 9 and 10, 2026, is none other than a mint-condition, genuine 1979 BMW M1 Procar; one of the exact kind of cars that racing legends like Mario Andretti, Alain Prost, Niki Lauda, and Tiff Needell drove during the prolific series. All M1 Procars, including the one shown here, were built to identical standards; however, they share little in comparison to the standard road-going M1. For starters, the Procars received extensive aerodynamic tweaks, including a prominent front bumper spoiler, wide fender flares, and a huge, adjustable rear wing. In addition, the Procars went on a crash diet, reducing their weight to just 2,250 lb, and also received extensive suspension and brake modifications. Under the rear clamshell rests a modified version of the M1's 3.5-liter M88 inline-6 cylinder engine, known as the M88/1, which featured forged pistons, sharper camshafts, and larger valves. In this form, it made 464 horsepower from the stock engine's 288 horsepower, and drove the procars from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and to a top speed of nearly 193 mph. Bingo Auction View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article The inaugural season of the Procar Championship took place in 1979, featuring events from May to September. During this period, the Formula One championship made eight consecutive stops in Europe, including Zolder, the Monaco street circuit, Silverstone, and Monza. However, in 1980, the schedule was revised to include its own standalone events alongside the support events for Formula One races. Three-time F1 Drivers’ Champion Niki Lauda won the inaugural championship, while Brazilian racing legend Nelson Piquet took home the 1980 trophy. Although this vehicle features the same M-stripes livery as the cars driven by Formula One stars on the streets of Monaco and legendary racetracks like Silverstone and Monza, the auctioneers state that this particular vehicle was left unscathed and in immaculate condition because it served as a race support vehicle and was never used in actual competition. Bingo states that this car comes with official DMSB and FIA documentation, confirming its official status and verifying that the engine has been successfully started. Final thoughtsAccording to Bingo, the BMW M1 Procar is lot number 21 and will be auctioned off during BH AUCTION 1.10 at City Circuit Tokyo Bay in Japan, marking its first auction event of 2026. The auction will be conducted in Japanese Yen, and the M1 is estimated to fetch between ¥180,000,000 and ¥220,000,000 (~$1.15M and ~$1.4M). Although it is expected to fetch seven figures, this and the Lauda BMW M1, set to cross the block at Mecum's Kissimmee auction, are prime opportunities to own vehicles that are part of a larger story that cemented a brand beloved by enthusiasts. I can imagine a determined collector or museum would snag both to display side by side. View the full article

Ram started off the year with the exciting news that the 2500 Power Wagon pickup will get the option of the beastly 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output turbodiesel engine in the second half of 2026. With this change, the heavy-duty pickup gains a towering 1,075 lb-ft of torque and a maximum towing rating of nearly 20,000 pounds. There’s much to like if you need a beefy pickup that can take on just about any task, but the Cummins-equipped Power Wagon does come with one downside. The exceedingly large diesel mill required the removal of one of the Power Wagon’s defining features, its front-mounted winch, and now Ram’s CEO has explained why. Related: Ram Power Wagon Finally Gets Cummins Diesel with 1,075 lb-ft of Mountain-Moving Torque Winch Only Available With Hemi V8 The current Ram 2500 Power Wagon with the Hemi V8 engine can be optioned with the front-electric Warn winch for $2,500, or as part of one of two packages. But this option will be missing when the Cummins-equipped Power Wagon arrives. “The thing that was always the impediment to it was the winch,” said Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, as per The Drive. The CEO was speaking to members of the media in December about the diesel Power Wagon. “Some people say, you know, the winch is going to block air flow from [the] charge air cooler. Some people say the winch is going to add too much weight in conjunction with the diesel engine,” Kuniskis said. After the Ram team looked at all the options, Kuniskis decided to get rid of the winch. “All the other capability’s there,” he said of the decision. The big pickup already has to accommodate a disconnecting front sway bar. This, combined with the diesel’s sheer size and increased cooling needs, led to the winch being binned. F Customers who consider the recovery tool essential will need to stick with the Hemi V8-powered Power Wagon. Alternatively, Ford’s F-250 is available with the mighty high-output Power Stroke turbodiesel (with 1,200 lb-ft) and the option of a 12,000-pound Ford Performance Parts winch by Warn. Related: New to Towing? Buy One of These Pickup Trucks! Power Wagon Still An Epic Pickup 2027 Ram 2500 Power Wagon Turbodiesel Stellantis View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The absence of the winch aside, the Ram Power Wagon with the Cummins diesel is still an impressive pickup. The 1,075 lb-ft is the best standard torque output in the segment, and it’s also got 430 horsepower. We’ve already mentioned the towing capacity, but the payload is also noteworthy at almost 3,000 lbs. From side-by-sides to bed storage systems and campers, this pickup can haul all your favorite toys. Fifth-wheel/gooseneck preparation and an automatic-leveling rear air suspension are available optionally for the first time, too. Ground clearance is as high as 13.2 inches and approach/departure angles are 26.1/26 degrees, respectively. Thanks to a 31-gallon gas tank, Ram estimates a range of up to 600 miles, so frequent stops aren’t necessary. It’s expensive, though, as expected. The base price is $88,470 including destination, but excluding some of the tempting options we’ve mentioned here. View the full article

GRS and Rough Crafts channel the safari Porsche 911 SC mindset into a rugged, purpose-built BMW R 12 nineT.View the full article

If you'll be in or near the Portland area at the end of January 2026, you may want to pencil this in on your calendar. Or type it, we're not picky.View the full article

Buick’s Historic Nameplate at a CrossroadsThe Buick Regal has been a fixture in the lineup since 1973, serving as the brand’s go-to midsize model in just about every shape – sedan, liftback, and even wagon, depending on the market. In North America, though, the Regal slipped away after 2020, another victim of the shift away from sedans. But in China, the Regal never left. It’s still a regular sight in Buick showrooms, even as the brand leans harder into electrification and tech. That’s why the latest reports from China stand out – they hint that the Regal badge could soon land on something completely different: an SUV. Buick View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Reports From China Point to a New Regal SUVAccording to a report from Autohome, newly released official teaser images reveal what’s being described as a Buick Regal SUV, with an expected launch timeframe pointing to 2026. The rear design is highlighted by an ornate full-width taillight that looks like recent Buick concept cars, with an illuminated “BUICK” script across the tailgate. Earlier spy shots from China show boomerang-shaped daytime running lights with split headlights, semi-hidden door handles along the sides, and air vents built into the lower bumper. There’s also a roof-mounted lidar sensor, which points to some serious driver-assist tech on board. Under the hood, the setup is expected to pair a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with an electric motor in a range-extender layout. Buick Why the Regal Name Isn’t a Sure Thing YetDespite the buzz, there’s reason to stay cautious because none of the teaser images actually reference the Regal name. Instead, the slogans roughly translate to phrases like “Entering a new realm in the new year” and “Buick Ultimate SUV: Embark on a New Journey to Excellence.” Visually, the SUV in the teasers looks a lot like the Buick Electra SUV Concept that debuted in April 2025, right alongside the Xiao Yao platform and the Electra sub-brand. The proportions, lighting, and overall vibe are nearly identical, so this could be the production version of that concept. Whether Buick actually puts the Regal badge on this SUV is still up in the air. If it happens, it’ll be the first time the nameplate jumps from midsize car to SUV. Buick View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Ram just revealed its all-new TRX pickup truck with a supercharged 777-horsepower V8. But its $103,000 price tag means you could get a more capable UTV and a truck to tow it and still have money left over.View the full article

A Quiet Update With Lasting EffectsToyota has rolled out a Limited-Service Campaign that covers over a million hybrid AWD vehicles sold in the US in recent years. It might look like a minor update at first glance, but for hybrid owners, this is one you’ll want to pay attention to. The problem comes down to the rear traction motor system in Toyota’s AWD hybrids. The high-voltage floor underwire connector that powers the rear motor can end up exposed to mud, water, or road salt as the miles add up. In places with harsh winters or lots of rain, that exposure can eventually cause corrosion. In the worst cases, Toyota says you might notice things like AM radio noise or, more seriously, a no-start situation. Instead of waiting for problems to pile up, Toyota is getting ahead of it by sealing the connector with a new wire harness protector. Yes, this is not another Toyota recall, but the goal is simple: keep moisture out and help the part last longer. Drew Phillips Which Models Are AffectedThe service campaign 25TD01 covers several of Toyota’s best-selling hybrids equipped with all-wheel drivetrains. These include the RAV4 Hybrid AWD, RAV4 Prime, Highlander Hybrid AWD, Venza Hybrid, and Crown. In total, Toyota estimates around 1.08 million vehicles fall under the campaign. Model Model Years Production Period No. of Vehicles Potentially Affected RAV4 Hybrid AWD 2019–2024 Mid-Aug 2018 – Mid-Feb 2024 659,210 RAV4 Prime 2021–2024 Late Nov 2019 – Early Mar 2024 86,650 Highlander Hybrid AWD 2020–2024 Late Jun 2019 – Early May 2024 166,600 Venza Hybrid 2021–2024 Early Mar 2020 – Mid-Feb 2024 151,790 Crown 2023–2024 Late May 2022 – Early Mar 2024 27,020 Production dates run from mid-2018 to early 2024, so even newer vehicles may still need this update. Toyota started mailing out notifications last October, but you can also check with your dealer to see if your hybrid is included. The fix is pretty straightforward. Depending on your model, the inspection and sealing usually take one to two hours. If they find corrosion, extra repairs might be needed, but those are covered, too. Why This Matters More Than It SoundsHere’s why this update matters more than it seems: it’s directly linked to Toyota’s hybrid component coverage. If you get the service done, you keep the extended protection for certain hybrid cables – up to 10 years with unlimited mileage. If you skip it, your coverage could drop back to the standard 8 years or 100,000 miles after September 2028. So this isn’t just about stopping corrosion right now. It’s about making sure you keep that extra coverage for years to come, especially if you plan to hold onto your hybrid long term. The work is free at any authorized dealer, and Toyota suggests getting it done sooner rather than later. It’s a quick visit that could save you from bigger headaches (and bills) later on. Toyota View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

2026 Dakar Rally Stage Two – Yanbu to Alula Daniel Sanders has already moved into the 2026 Dakar Rally lead, with the stage two win in AlUla taking his tally to 10 career stage victories in total, hitting that double digit record, as only the 22nd rider to do so. Stage two of the Dakar […] The post Daniel Sanders claims stage two win and Dakar lead appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

It doesn't even matter if you're a BMW fan or not, because a move like this is bad news if you're any kind of do-it-yourself person.View the full article

Finnegan’s Caddy is one of the more talked about projects from the Finnegan’s Garage channel, and is also one of the projects he’s most looking forward to. The plan is for this thing to run 8’s and be able to haul him and three buddies in it for a drag and drive event. I think it’s a great project, and it’s going to be a real head turner. I can’t wait to go for a ride. But as you know, this project has run into all kinds of delays and snags over the years so sometimes it is little things that make a huge impact. To be getting some big stuff done in this one has got to have Mikey feeling like a million bucks. With more cage, custom seats, and more, this project is moving along! Video Description: MY new muscle car sweepstakes is a 1985 Buick Regal T-Type, a super clean turbocharged G-Body car that I know you’ll love. We are also giving away awesome B&P Manufacturing Liberator aluminum hand trucks and autographed FSM swag packs. You can get info on how to enter the contest for free and support the channel here: https://www.fsmgarage.com You wanna learn how to bend tubing and weld it into a roll cage or custom mounts for new seats? I’ll teach ya all about that stuff in this episode of Finnegan’s Garage. Using a hydraulic bender and my trusty Miller Welders Dynasty 400 I made big fabrication progress on my next drag and drive project, my 1961 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. Want more info on the LaJoie seat I’m using? Go here: https://www.thejoieofseating.com Want more info on the Centurial tubing profile gauges I used? Go here: https://www.centurialinc.com Want more info on the Miller Dynasty 400 TIG machine I use? Go here: https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment… Want more info on the Fein Versamag vise? Go here: https://fein.com/en_us/tools/fein-ver… The post Finnegan’s Body-Dropped 1961 Caddy Coupe DeVille Got Custom Seats and More Rollcage Bars! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

This could be yours! Mortske sells most of the cars and trucks he finds and features on the channel, which is good news for you because you get to see, and hear, what he thinks about these rides as he’s working on them. This 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T is a pretty cool looking muscle car, that’s for sure. It’s a real deal R/T, and although it doesn’t have the original 440 and 727 combo, it does have A 440/727 combo. This car is faded as can be, but it’s there and straighter than you might think. Check it out! Video Description: While looking at some other parts I stumbled across a 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T and asked if it was for sale. Sure enough the previous owner had passed and his son was ready to part with it so a deal was struck up. Now that we’ve got it back to the shop lets see what we’ve got and attempt to get it driving for the first time in 30 plus years! If you’d like to own this car in the as shown condition it is available for $10,000. As always, thanks for watching! The post Is This The Best Junkyard Find Ever? Mortske Says He’s Never Found One Better! Let’s See If This Thing Will Run. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Dakar Rally 2026 is on! The worlds longest, toughest, and most infamous off-road race has started and we couldn’t be more excited! Famous racers and teams, well known for their prowess in the sand and on Dakar in general, have already been struggling which is just more proof of how gnarly this race really is. There are a lot of new cars and new teams mixed in with proven cars and older teams, but it’s the little things that matter at Dakar. If you don’t take care of your equipment, and keep your teams and people healthy, then you’ll never finish and if you don’t finish you can’t win. This race goes all over Saudi Arabia and will subject drivers and riders to all kinds of sand terrain and more. But the sand is what swallows teams. It’s the most fierce of the challenges. Will 2026 prove to be even tougher than last year? Would you run at Dakar if given the chance? Let us know in the comments section below. The post Dakar Rally 2026 Coverage: Prologue And Stage 1 Racing Action From The World’s Biggest And Baddest Off-Road Rally appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship was a great one, with lots of door to door racing action all over the country. The racing was hot and heavy, but Mercedes was once again able to take the season championship. They are aiming for a 3rd in a row in 2026, but nobody else on the grid is going to cut them any slack as they all fight for the win. The 2026 season starts at Daytona in less than two weeks! In the video below they review the 2025 season and talk about what is in store for the 2026 season as well. Video Description: Ahead of the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, Leigh Diffey, Brian Till, and Calvin Fish look back at a thrilling 2025 season before diving into who can take down Mercedes-AMG as it aims for a third consecutive IMSA championship title, which teams are primed to reset, relevant team and driver changes, and much more. #NBCSports #IMSA #MotorsportsOnNBC The post IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 2026 Preview Special Video: Road Racing Greatness Going Down! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

In 2025, with more information available to us than ever in history, it has become harder and harder to differentiate good information from bad. The truth is that most of it is our own fault because for some reason, in 2025, we have decided that believing experts is so 2019 and instead we’ll trust some random dude on Facebook. Lake Speed Jr, the Motor Oil Geek, is no random dude on Facebook. He’s developed some of the top performing oils in our industry, is more knowledgeable on what is going on inside internal combustion engines than most people will ever know. Plus he’s a hell of a nice guy, who wants to share his knowledge with the world. So pay attention folks, as he helps you figure out what to believe and what not to believe. CLICK HERE FOR MORE MOTOR OIL GEEK VIDEOS Video Description: Another AI generated video claiming 5W-30 motor oil provides 40% better wear protection than 0W-20 has gone viral recently, but the video failed to show the evidence to support this claim. Let’s fact check three important claims from this video to see if this is content you can trust. Who is the @themotoroilgeek ? I’m a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Certified Lubrication Specialist and Oil Monitoring Analyst (I’ve maintained both of those for over a decade). I also worked for Joe Gibbs Racing for 12 years as their lubricant specialist. During that time, we worked with Wix Filters (one of our sponsors) to test and develop filters for our race engines. We also worked with Lubrizol and Chevron-Phillips Chemical to test and develop oils for our race cars. Following that, I was the head of R&D for Driven Racing Oil. During that time, I formulated and tested over 50 products. We also worked with Cummins, Comp Cams, Oak Ridge National Labs and General Motors on various R&D products. Those efforts are recorded in peer reviewed white papers published by SAE International and ACS Sustainable Chemistry journals. I also own and operate SPEEDiagnostix, which provides used oil analysis. #oilchange #motoroil #engine #syntheticoil #oilanalysis #0W20 #5w30 The post More Ai Lies? The FACTS about 0W-20 vs 5W-30 With Actual Evidence! Social Media Claims Are Worthless! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Can these turned up street trucks make it down the track without pitching their drivetrains on the ground? I’m always curious as to how capable these turned up modern trucks really are when it comes to putting in work. I mean I know that some of them pull trailers, but pulling a sled on the truck and tractor pull track is a whole different thing and can be really hard on transmissions, axles, differentials, and steering parts. Let’s see how they fair! The post Truck Pulling 2025! Wild Unlimited Street Diesel Trucks! Randolph, OH DMF-Cancer Benefit Pull. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

ASBK 2026 DesmoSport Ducati Three riders will race in the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) for Desmosport Ducati in 2026, with Olly Simpson and Anthony West joining Kiwi Luca Durning at the traditional season-opener alongside the WorldSBK championship at Phillip Island on February 20-22. DesmoSport Ducati Team Owner – Ben Henry “We’ve had Senna Agius back […] The post Anthony West joins DesmoSport Ducati for 2026 ASBK assault appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

MotoGP Crash Data The FIM has released its Final Falls Report for the 2025 MotoGP World Championship, providing a comprehensive breakdown of crashes across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 by session, circuit and rider. Across all three classes, 965 falls were recorded during the 2025 season, a reduction compared to several recent peak years and broadly […] The post 2025 MotoGP crash data by rider, class, circuit and turn… appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Tesla opened its long-hyped diner in Los Angeles in July 2025. It was meant to showcase a new vision for EV charging. Rather than a basic restaurant attached to a Supercharger station, it was pitched as a retro-futuristic destination blending Americana, EV culture, and Elon Musk’s flair for spectacle – finally, you'd look forward to charging your Model Y. Six months later, that promise feels largely unfulfilled. The crowds have disappeared, the novelty has worn off, and what was framed as a bold lifestyle experiment now looks like a dystopian concept. From Viral Attraction to Quiet Pit Stop X @Tesla At launch, the Tesla Diner thrived on spectacle. Long queues wrapped around the block, and social media buzzed with photos from fans and curious first-timers. It was sold as an experience first and a restaurant second, packed with Tesla branding. For a brief moment, it worked. But by early 2026, the tone had changed. Recent visitors online describe a mostly empty parking lot and more staff than customers. Several novelty menu items have quietly vanished, and the project lost another layer of credibility when celebrity chef Eric Greenspan exited late November of 2025. What remains is a clean, well-maintained space that serves unbelievably overpriced products – much like an actual Tesla showroom. The timing of the diner's downfall is unfortunate. Tesla is navigating a turbulent period, with BYD overtaking it as the world’s top EV seller and U.S. sales falling to a four-year low in November. Reviews Tell a Very Different Story Now X @Tesla The Tesla Diner’s seemingly healthy 3.9-star Google rating, based on 994 reviews, hides a shift in sentiment. Early feedback leaned heavily positive, driven by hype and novelty. More recent reviews tell a different story. Common complaints include slow service, high prices, limited parking for non-Tesla owners, and a lack of anything that genuinely feels futuristic. One particularly blunt Google review by user muhammad khan from 2026 summed up the shift in sentiment, describing the visit as a “huge disappointment” with slow service, outrageous pricing, and described the robots as "Wall-E from Wish.com." A Branding Exercise That Forgot the Basics X @Tesla The Tesla Diner was always more about branding than food. That alone is not a problem. The issue is execution. Once the buzz faded, the diner needed to stand on its own, and it struggles to do so. It is not affordable enough to compete with classic diners, not constantly innovative enough to justify its promises, and not welcoming enough for visitors outside the Tesla ecosystem. That challenge is amplified by Musk’s increasingly polarizing public image. He was once a near-universal tech darling, but became unpopular among broad segments of the public – that sentiment inevitably spilled over into Tesla-branded spaces. Combined with lawsuits tied to fatal Model X crashes and regulatory pushback, including bans on retractable door handles in China, the diner’s struggles feel less isolated. Musk once envisioned Tesla diners spreading to major cities worldwide. Judging by his silence surrounding the Los Angeles location, that dream has gone to bed. The Tesla Diner had serious potential, but even the most powerful brand in tech cannot rely on hype forever. View the full article

Trends and tradition are two major themes of what we do around here at Bike EXIF. We’re always watching out for the next hottest thing making waves, but at the same time, the motorcycling hobby has an intense reverence for its past. It’s all about bowing your head to where we’ve been, while imaginin... View the full article

Tesla, Chevrolet, Ford, and Hyundai dominate the EV conversation in the US, yet they all rely on lithium-ion battery technology that's more than three decades old. The industry knows its limits, which is why the race to crack solid-state batteries has become so intense, with Toyota aiming to launch the world’s first solid-state EVs by 2027. China, however, is moving on a different timeline and with a different strategy. The real story is not simply about building a better battery, but about who gets to set the rules. By introducing the world’s first national standard for solid-state EV batteries, China is positioning itself to define how this next-generation technology is classified, validated, and ultimately commercialized. Redefining the Groundwork for Solid-State Batteries Toyota At the center of this shift is a draft national standard titled Solid-State Battery for Electric Vehicle – Part 1: Terms and Classification, released by China’s National Automotive Standardization Technical Committee and opened for public comment. The document establishes clear definitions for battery types based on how ions move inside the cell, separating them into liquid, hybrid solid-liquid, and fully solid-state designs. In the process, it removes the loosely used “semi-solid-state” label that has muddied the waters. The standard also raises the technical bar. To qualify as solid-state, a battery must not exceed a 0.5 percent weight loss rate under vacuum drying conditions, a stricter threshold than earlier industry guidelines. The intent is clear: distinguish genuinely solid designs from transitional chemistries that still rely on liquid electrolytes. This matters as solid-state claims expand beyond commuter cars, considering Rimac is developing a solid-state battery for a future Bugatti. Why The Rules Matter More Than The Products BYD Solid-state batteries are often framed as the solution to EV concerns that led to a significant decrease in EV sentiment in 2025. While the technology promises improvements in energy density, safety, and longevity, commercialization has lagged partly due to the absence of shared definitions and standards. China’s approach addresses that gap directly. According to STCN, this document is only the first of four planned standards, with performance, safety, and lifespan requirements already in development alongside a dedicated specification for solid electrolytes. Together, they are designed to move solid-state batteries from laboratory projects to scalable industrial products with fewer gray areas across the supply chain. What This Means for the Global EV Race Mercedes-Benz China’s timing is no accident. The country is on track to become the world’s largest car seller, while BYD has already overtaken Tesla as the top global EV brand. Battery leaders like CATL and BYD, which together supply more than half of the world’s EV batteries, are targeting limited solid-state production around 2027, with broader deployment expected later in the decade. For the rest of the world, this means that solid-state batteries are about to flood showrooms. As automakers worldwide race toward next-generation batteries, China will define what “solid-state” actually means to shape the market long before the first mass-produced cells arrive. View the full article

The Subaru Legacy: Why it’s ImportantIf there’s one model that brought Subaru to the modern age, it’s the original Legacy. Launched in 1989, it’s officially been retired for the 2026 model year, so we thought it would be a good time to revisit it. The car was designed to take on the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in sales, and the Mitsubishi Galant in motorsports. It was Gunma's first true midsize sedan, and was worlds away from the brand’s previous efforts. The first-generation Subaru Legacy is memorable for a number of reasons. Of course, the most important is its significance to the company, but its exploits in rallying would mark the beginning of the brand's longtime association with that specific motorsport discipline. Subaru The Touring BruceOf course, the Legacy is known for all those things in its home market of Japan. But another thing that made it memorable there was a series of ad campaigns that have likely been ingrained in JDM car culture. We are, of course, talking about the Bruce Willis era. Willis appeared in the Japanese-market Legacy's promotional materials from 1991 to 1993 from print ads, brochures, and TV commercials. Call it odd, but it reflected Subaru's mood at the time with its bolder and more daring direction, at least for the Japanese market. Perhaps as a thank you to the actor's services for the company, Subaru introduced the Legacy Touring Bruce in 1993. Admittedly, there's not much info about it, although it might have been a run-out special for the first-generation model's final model year. That year also coincides with Fuji Heavy Industries' 40th anniversary. Mind you, this wouldn't be the last time Subaru and Willis would work together. The two reunited again in 2005 when the Legacy celebrated three million cumulative sales since its introduction in 1989. Sadly, no Touring Bruce edition was made for the fourth-generation model. Subaru The Legacy of the First LegacyOf course, having a celebrity endorser wasn't the only reason why the first-generation Legacy became successful. Beyond the advancements and the motorsports entries, it helped that it was a genuinely good car despite the stiff competition at the time. Remember, the midsize sedan market was one of the hotly contested segments at the time. Oh, how times have changed. The Legacy's end of production in 2025 and subsequent discontinuation in 2026 mark the end of an era for Subaru. While it never really challenged the Accord and Camry in terms of volume, the Legacy was still a success in its own right. It's the car that changed the course of the brand, and, let's be honest, gave it more financial security. It can be said that its early success inspired the company to push for models like the Impreza, Outback, and Forester, further boosting its sales and product portfolio. Without the Legacy, Subaru might look like a totally different automaker today. Subaru Subaru View the 14 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Chevrolet vehicles are no strangers to Bring a Trailer. Most of the time, they show up as a Camaro, Corvette, or the occasional classic pickup or SUV. That’s why seeing a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD on the auction block feels slightly out of place. On a site known for sports cars, nostalgia pieces, and weekend toys, this flatbed stands out as a near-new, no-nonsense work truck being auctioned alongside multi-million-dollar collectibles. With just 6,000 miles on the clock, it’s essentially a normal Chevrolet Silverado built to take just about anything, anywhere. Ready-to-Haul Setup Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer This Silverado 4500HD Crew Cab is based on a dually chassis-cab platform and comes fitted with a Hillsboro Industries hybrid steel and aluminum flatbed. The setup includes diamond-plate surfaces, tie-down rails, a headache rack, aluminum side boxes, and a receiver hitch. There’s also an RDS aluminum fuel transfer tank with a Fill-Rite 12-volt pump and nozzle, turning it into a genuinely self-sufficient work rig. Power comes from GM’s 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8, rated at 350 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Allison six-speed automatic transmission. A dual-range transfer case, locking rear differential, and factory exhaust brake round out the drivetrain. In proper configuration, the Silverado 4500HD is rated to tow up to 37,000 pounds – more than triple that of a Ford F-150 Lariat Powerboost. A Familiar Silverado Cabin, by Design Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer Despite being a 2024 model, the Silverado 4500HD shares much of its interior design with the decade-old Silverado. While that may raise eyebrows for some, buyers shopping in this segment often prefer proven, simpler tech that’s easier to live with and easier to fix. This example still offers plenty of comfort, with black Katzkin leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, red seat belts, air conditioning, and some tech like cruise control and an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity. A Rare Kind of Listing on Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer At the time of writing, bidding sits at $54,500. While the original window sticker isn’t included, the 2024 Silverado 4500HD carried a starting MSRP of $59,535 before factoring in the flatbed, fuel system, and other upgrades. Given its low mileage and fully-built setup, this is a rare case of a heavy-duty truck that's practical, fairly priced, and ready to work the moment the auction ends. View the full article

The Tonale You Can Buy TodayThe Alfa Romeo Tonale just got a solid update for 2026. The styling is sharper, the cabin feels more polished, and the lineup is easier to understand. It comes across as more self-assured than before, and true to Alfa form, it brings more personality than most compact premium SUVs. There’s still a limit, though. For 2026, the Tonale only comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, matched to a nine-speed automatic and standard Q4 all-wheel drive. It’s a good setup and definitely an improvement over earlier versions, but if you were hoping for something that matches the Quadrifoglio experience from the Giulia or Stelvio, you’re out of luck. That gap may finally be addressed with the next-generation Tonale. According to reports out of Italy, the compact Alfa SUV is lining up for a much more ambitious role in the brand’s portfolio, one that includes a full-fat Quadrifoglio variant with significantly more power than anything the Tonale has offered so far. Stellantis Rumors From ItalyAccording to Club Alfa, the next-generation Tonale is already taking shape behind the scenes. The new model is expected to ride on Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform, which would allow it to grow noticeably in size. Overall length could reach around 181 inches, putting it closer to today’s Stelvio in footprint and presence. The big news is the rumored Quadrifoglio version. Club Alfa says Alfa Romeo could use a Stellantis plug-in hybrid system based on a 1.6-liter turbo engine. In other cars, this setup already makes about 360 hp, and with some upgrades to both the engine and electric motor, total output could go past 400 hp. That would be a jump of more than 100 hp over the current Tonale and would finally give Alfa a compact SUV with the kind of straight-line speed the badge deserves. Early estimates put 0-62 mph at about 5 seconds, with top speed limited to around 155 mph. Stellantis Treat This With a Pinch of Salt For NowTiming-wise, the next-generation Tonale should debut near the end of 2027, with production at Alfa Romeo’s Melfi plant likely starting late that year or early 2028. The name isn’t set in stone either. It could still be called Tonale, but some reports say it might get a new name and run alongside the current model for a while. Expect the styling to move toward a sleeker, more athletic look that matches Alfa Romeo’s updated lineup. We should get a clearer picture by the middle of this year, when Alfa is set to share more about its future plans. For now, this is all still rumor. As tempting as a 400-hp Tonale Quadrifoglio sounds, nothing is official yet, so take it with a healthy dose of salt. Still, if you’re planning to shop for a premium small SUV in a few years, Alfa Romeo is one to keep an eye on. Stellantis View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

What NHTSA Data ShowsThe numbers are in for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2025 recall list. While the data highlights which automakers recalled the most vehicles last year, it doesn’t always tell the full story. In many cases, safety campaigns stem from supplier-related issues rather than defects unique to a specific model or brand. Even so, recall data can still serve as a useful reference for consumers seeking to avoid vehicles that may be subject to frequent corrective actions. Tenth on the list is Volkswagen, which recalled 663,663 vehicles. Two of its largest safety campaigns involved a loose engine cover that could melt on the Atlas, as well as a distorted rearview camera issue that violated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111. Next is Tesla, with a total recall population of 745,075 units. Despite landing on the list, the EV maker showed improvement compared to 2024, when it recalled more than five million vehicles. Its biggest safety campaign last year affected over 370,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, though the fix was delivered over the air (OTA), sparing owners a visit to the dealer. Volkswagen View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Middle of the RankingsEighth place goes to Nissan, which recalled 874,265 vehicles. The most serious issue involved more than 440,000 Rogue and Altima models, along with Infiniti QX50 and QX55 vehicles, that were at risk of engine failure due to manufacturing defects. Kia followed in seventh, recalling 982,346 vehicles; its largest single 2025 campaign included about 250,000 K5 sedans (2021–2024) for a fuel tank fire risk. Just shy of the one-million mark is General Motors, with 998,260 recalled vehicles. One of its most notable defects involved the L87 V8 engine, which was also linked to multiple lawsuits. According to recall documents, affected models – including the Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; Cadillac Escalade; and GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL – may have been built with defective connecting rod and/or crankshaft components. The first automaker to exceed one million recalled vehicles is Hyundai, with 1,078,212 units. Roughly half came from 2020–2025 Palisade SUVs equipped with seat belt buckles that may fail to latch. Honda followed with 1,560,813 recalled vehicles. One major contributor was an accessory-related issue involving 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels sold for the 2016–2021 Civic that could detach from the vehicle. General Motors View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Heavy Hitters of the ListAmong the top three, Stellantis ranked third after recalling 2,776,952 vehicles. The 4xe plug-in hybrid system was flagged several times, including a safety campaign affecting Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe models over a potential high-voltage battery fire risk. Second place belongs to Toyota, which recalled 3,223,256 vehicles. Notably, the Japanese marque issued just 15 safety campaigns – far fewer than many rivals – meaning each recall covered a larger population. Its biggest campaign affected more than one million vehicles due to a rearview camera defect. Manufacturer Total Potentially Affected Ford Motor Company 12,930,696 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing 3,223,256 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) 2,776,952 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) 1,560,813 Hyundai Motor America 1,078,212 General Motors, LLC 998,260 Kia America, Inc. 982,346 Nissan North America, Inc. 874,265 Tesla, Inc. 745,075 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. 663,663 Topping the list is Ford, which breached the 10-million mark with 12,930,696 recalled vehicles. The Blue Oval and its Lincoln luxury brand also issued a record 153 safety campaigns – the most it has ever released in a single year. CEO Jim Farley has explained that the company added more inspectors and engineers to identify quality issues earlier, even if that leads to more recalls, to protect customers from potentially larger problems down the road. This underscores that a high recall count doesn’t automatically mean an automaker is unreliable. Recall data reflects how issues are identified, reported, and addressed – not just how often they occur. For long-term dependability, consumers may be better served by reliability studies from organizations such as Consumer Reports, which evaluate real-world ownership experiences over time. Jeep View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Korean Brands Performing Well in AmericaHyundai and Kia tend to appear on recall lists, and 2025 was no different, with both brands making the top 10 for recalls that year. But that’s only part of the picture. While those headlines grab attention, they run alongside a bigger story: both brands have been quietly racking up steady, sometimes record-breaking sales. In the months leading up to the end of 2025, Hyundai and Kia were already posting strong month-over-month numbers, quietly stacking records as the year went on. With the full-year figures now confirmed, the outcome feels more like validation than surprise. Kristen Brown Hyundai’s Best Year Keeps Getting BetterHyundai closed out 2025 with its fifth consecutive year of record retail sales and its third straight year of record total sales in the US market. The brand reported total annual sales of 901,686 vehicles, an eight-percent increase over 2024, while retail sales reached 772,712 units, also an all-time high. Much of that growth came from Hyundai’s wide SUV lineup. The Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade each set their own sales records, showing just how well these models fit what buyers want right now. Electrified vehicles also played a bigger role, making up about 30 percent of Hyundai’s retail sales. Hybrids, in particular, saw double-digit growth as more buyers looked for better fuel economy without jumping straight to a full EV. December capped things off with Hyundai’s best-ever sales for that month, a sign that demand stayed strong right up to the end of the year. Looking at the full picture, 2025 didn’t just keep Hyundai’s winning streak alive – it put the brand in an even stronger spot as it heads into 2026. Hyundai View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Kia Hits Another All-Time HighKia’s 2025 results follow a similar pattern, but the headline is even simpler: the brand just had its best sales year ever in the US, moving 852,155 vehicles and breaking past the 800,000 mark for the first time. That’s a seven percent jump over 2024, and it’s the third year in a row Kia has set a new annual sales record. SUVs continued to be the core of Kia’s lineup. The Sportage had the best sales year of any Kia model to date, and both the Telluride and Carnival set new records of their own. Electrified models also gained ground, posting double-digit growth compared to last year. Retail sales climbed for the eighth straight year, giving Kia its highest-ever US market share. At this point, consistency is doing much of the talking. Kia has built a momentum across multiple segments, and 2025 made that increasingly clear. Kia View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article