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In the sprawling landscape of motorcycle manufacturing, few names carry the visceral weight and international reverence of Kawasaki. The company's journey began not with two wheels, but with heavy industries—shipbuilding and aircraft—a heritage that instilled a profound, non-negotiable dedication to... View the full article

The history of the automotive airbag dates back to 1953, but half a century later, automakers' suppliers still haven't quite perfected it. The most infamous issue was the failure of Takata airbags, one that is still far from resolved decades after it first appeared, but other manufacturers continue to have issues with the technology, as evidenced by a new recall for certain Rampickup trucks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the 2019 Ram 1500, the 2019-2020 Ram 2500, and the 2019 Ram 3500 may have faulty curtain air bag systems that may result in sharp metal fragments striking and injuring occupants. Fortunately, no reports of such injuries have yet reached Ram or the NHTSA. A Small Percentage of Ram Pickups Are Affected Ram Fortunately, the issue does not appear to be a widespread one, as just 1,879 vehicles are potentially affected across all three model lines, says the NHTSA recall report. Like other similar airbag faults, the problem can be traced back to the inflators potentially allowing moisture to seep into them, eventually causing corrosion. In this case, the problem can occur during supplier manufacturing, ultimately leading to stress corrosion cracking in the inflators. As of November 21, FCA US is aware of only one customer assistance record pertaining to the problem, and no field reports or warranty claims. No accidents have been reported as a result of this issue either. Related: Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler Owners Upset Over Annoying Pop-Up Ads on Their Cars’ Screens To be safe, dealers will replace one or both curtain airbags as needed, at no charge to the owners, with these featuring a new module built outside the suspect period. Dealers will be notified from today, 4 December, while owners will be informed of the remedy on December 18. For those who don't want to wait to see if their vehicles are affected, VINs are already searchable. Several Ram Issues This Year Ram It's good to know that this potentially dangerous fault has been caught early, and 2025 may not have been as bad for Stellantis as it has been for Ford, but the conglomerate has still had several issues that Ram, in particular, has suffered from. In September, 219,000 vehicles were recalled due to failing reverse cameras. The month before, 1.2 million Ram trucks were probed for a rollaway risk after earlier recall measures proved ineffective, and in October, some 292,000 Ram ProMaster vans were recalled due to a potential fire hazard related to a faulty cooling fan module. View the full article

We All Thought America Would Be NextFor years, the natural assumption was that if Ford ever built an electrified Bronco, the U.S. market, where the Bronco name carries the most weight, would be first in line. After all, the Bronco revival has been one of Ford’s biggest success stories in America, spawning both the rugged, body-on-frame Bronco and the more lifestyle-oriented Bronco Sport. With growing pressure for hybrids and EVs across the SUV segment, it seemed inevitable that the U.S. would get an electrified version of the Bronco next. But that isn’t how things are playing out. Instead, China became the first market to receive an electrified Bronco in both pure EV and range-extended (EREV) forms. Now Europe is getting its own version, a new Bronco plug-in hybrid (PHEV), before the U.S. even catches a glimpse of one. Rather than Ford doubling down on electrified off-roaders in America, it’s pivoting, redirecting resources to markets where electrified SUVs are in higher demand and where Ford’s EV footprint needs a stronger push. Ford Europe’s Bronco PHEV Is More “Escape DNA” Than Off-Road BeastAccording to Automotive News Europe, the European-market Bronco PHEV will be built in Valencia, Spain, on the C2 platform. It's the same architecture underpinning the Ford Kuga, which is basically the European equivalent of the not-so-off-roady Ford Escape. That means the Bronco PHEV isn’t a shrunken-down, electrified version of the U.S. Bronco. It’s more of a ruggedly styled crossover wearing a Bronco-inspired suit. Ford wants to tap into Europe’s booming crossover segment, competing against the Tiguan, Tucson, and Sportage, not the Land Rover Defender or Jeep Wrangler. The upcoming Bronco PHEV is expected to be slightly smaller than the U.S. Bronco. This is Ford leaning into an identity play: using what the Bronco looks like, rather than what the Bronco is, to attract European buyers. It’s the same strategy used with the all-electric Explorer, a vehicle that carries American styling cues despite sharing components with Volkswagen’s MEB platform. Ford An Electrified U.S. Bronco? Still Up in the AirSo where does that leave the American market, the birthplace of the Bronco legacy? Surprisingly far down Ford’s electrification priority list. With reports suggesting Ford may scale back production of the F-150 Lightning due to cooling U.S. EV demand, the company is pivoting toward hybrids and lower-cost electrified solutions. That doesn’t rule out a future electrified Bronco for the U.S., but it does make the timeline murkier. Ford’s global moves show there's room for electrified Broncos, but it just might not be where most people expected. China has its EV and EREV Broncos, Europe will have a Bronco PHEV built on Escape/Kuga bones, and the U.S. remains in a holding pattern. For now, American Bronco enthusiasts can only watch from the sidelines as other markets jump ahead, and that may actually be a good thing. Ford View the full article

Toyota Updates the Mirai for 2026...Sort OfWe live in a world where the top priorities for car buyers and owners revolve around either sustainability or fuel efficiency. As a result, electrified vehicles like hybrids and EVs have flooded the market, though demand for the latter is cooling. There is, however, another type of sustainable energy that's been around for a while but isn't as readily available to everyone: hydrogen. Only a few brands have gone deep into development, but Toyota is one of the few companies that actually sells a mass-produced hydrogen-powered car, and it's been updated for 2026 (well, kinda). Not A Ground-Breaking UpdateThe Mirai is actually somewhat of a halo model for Toyota. Ever since the model was introduced to the market, the brand has touted its benefits and the triumph of creating a mass-market product that harnesses power from hydrogen. Interestingly, the current-generation Mirai has been around since 2020 and will continue in its current form at least until 2026. Toyota has announced that it will receive an update heading into the new year. Take note: it will only get one new feature, which is (drum roll, please) a set of new 19-inch black aluminum wheels. In terms of the engine, the Mirai will retain the same fuel-cell electric powertrain (FCEV) that makes 182 horsepower. With the high-capacity hydrogen tanks, the Mirai has an EPA-estimated range of 402 miles. Toyota calls this engine type a "plug-less" electric vehicle because it uses an electric motor to drive the car smoothly and quietly. Still, that motor is powered by refined hydrogen that you top up at stations, rather than charge. Admittedly, in terms of looks, the Mirai still holds its own in this day and age, largely thanks to its futuristic, sleek design. Relevant to a FewWhile it may be surprising that a set of new rims is all the Mirai gets for 2026, there's actually a good reason for it. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are technically only able to operate properly in the sunny state of California, because it's the only place with hydrogen fuel stations. This is actually a touchy topic for Toyota, but it is what it is. It just means that demand for the car isn't substantial enough. Just to give you an idea, as of September 2025, only 157 units of the Mirai have been sold. So, no, we believe that that level of demand doesn't warrant a full model change or mid-cycle update just yet. As for the price, Toyota's smart to retain its 2025 pricing for the 2026 model year. It still retails for $51,795, excluding the dealer processing and handling fee of $1,195. Toyota View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The 2025 Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks at Bradenton Motorsports Park is officially underway with Thursday qualifying. Due to rain in the Sunday forecast, race officials moved up the event schedule. The plan is now to complete qualifying on Thursday and Friday before going into eliminations Saturday and crowning winners on Saturday night. The historic event serves as the opening race of the second annual Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, a three-race Pro Mod series paying out more than $275,000 to race winners and the series champion. The event also includes Pro 10.5, True 10.5 N/T, Lil Gangstas, Limited Drag Radial, Ultra Street and more. Tune in to the official event livestream on FloRacing here: https://flosports.link/46edcdu Find additional class qualifying results on the Bradenton Motorsports Park Facebook page here. pro mod q1 This story was originally published on December 4, 2025. The post Thursday Qualifying Results – 2025 Snowbird Outlaw Nationals Pro Mod and Pro 10.5 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (Dec. 2, 2025) – John Force Racing will expand to four teams for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and beyond with the signing of 2014 U.S. Nationals Funny Car winner Alexis DeJoria to a multi-year contract with the 24-time world championship organization. DeJoria is the only female currently competing in the NHRA Funny Car category and was the first woman in Funny Car competition to break the three-second barrier when she posted a 3.997-second elapsed time at the 2014 Winternationals in Pomona, Calif. DeJoria has earned six NHRA Funny Car event victories in 16 final-round appearances and has six top 10 finishes. DeJoria’s team will continue to have primary sponsorship from the gold medal award-winning Bandero Premium Tequila. John Force Racing’s 2026 driver lineup will consist of DeJoria, 2012 Funny Car Champion Jack Beckman, Top Fuel driver Josh Hart, who was signed by the organization to a multi-year contract in October, and a driver to be announced to drive the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car. “Being asked to join John Force Racing is a huge honor and an incredible opportunity to build upon my career,” DeJoria said. “Since day one, my goal has been to become the sport’s first female Funny Car world champion, and that is what I have been working towards for many years. I’ve been fortunate to drive for some of the best teams and team owners out here. To be invited to drive for John Force Racing means so much to me and is another step forward in my career. JFR has a Funny Car program that’s unmatched and the results speak for themselves; all you have to do is look at their track record.” DeJoria’s NHRA career began in 2005 in Super Gas and Super Comp, winning one national event in the latter category. She moved to Top Alcohol Funny Car in 2006, ran her own team from 2009-2011, and became only the second woman to earn a national event victory in the category at the 2011 Northwest Nationals in Seattle. Later that same year, she earned her nitro Funny Car license and moved up to the professional category. The six-time Funny Car No. 1 Qualifier earned the first round-win of her nitro Funny Car career when she defeated John Force in the first round of the 2012 Gatornationals. She captured her first Funny Car event victory at the 2014 Arizona Nationals in Phoenix and beat Force again later that year in the final round of the U.S. Nationals for the biggest win of her career. This will be the fourth time John Force Racing has fielded four teams in the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories. The 2008-09 lineup included the Funny Car programs of drivers John Force, Robert Hight, Ashley Force Hood and Mike Neff. John Force, Robert Hight, Courtney Force and Brittany Force made up the foursome from 2013-2018 and, in 2019 and 2022-23, John Force and Hight competed in Funny Car while Brittany Force and Austin Prock competed in Top Fuel. “Alexis is a fierce competitor who has earned her place in the Funny Car ranks and it’s great to have her become the newest member of our team,” said John Force, CEO and 16-time NHRA Funny Car Champion. “I’m obviously pretty familiar with the dynamic between father and daughter competing in NHRA drag racing so I respect and admire what Alexis and her father, John Paul, have built together over the years. John Paul is a global success story who understands the importance of both family and business partnerships, which is exactly what John Force Racing has been built on. Our team just earned our 24th World Championship, but I’m already looking forward to getting started on next season.” Further announcements about the program will be made in the coming weeks. The post Silly Season Is On! John Force Racing Signs Alexis DeJoria To Drive Third Funny Car For 2026 Season appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Sometimes old racing rivalries die on the vine, but sometimes they just get stronger and more entertaining. A little age and wisdom sometimes calms the hot nerves but results in even better on-track action. During the 2025 Goodwood Revival there were some serious rivals who all showed up to race. But did those old rivalries come back to life on track? Watch to find out. Video Description: At the 2025 Goodwood Revival, we had an all-star lineup from across the pond. A rivalry that started in IndyCar over 20 years ago was brought back to life at Goodwood. IndyCar legends Tony Kanaan, Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti and NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson raced against each other in the St. Mary’s Trophy. Will the old rivalries re-emerge in 2025? The post Old rivalries Return at the 2025 St. Mary’s Trophy | Franchitti vs Kanaan vs Dixon vs Johnson At Goodwood Revival appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Class Action Lawsuit Over Transfer Case IssuesBMW is the target of a new class action lawsuit alleging that several of its popular models suffer from drivetrain defects that cause the vehicles to jerk or shudder, particularly during slow turns or light acceleration. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, the complaint accuses BMW of North America and its German parent company of selling cars equipped with faulty xDrive transfer cases that fail to distribute torque between the front and rear wheels properly. The suit claims these issues make vehicles feel unstable and diminish overall driving performance, an ironic problem for a brand that markets itself on precision handling. According to court filings, the alleged defect affects a long list of 2019–2025 model-year BMWs, including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and several 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 Series models, as well as the 640i xDrive Gran Turismo. All share the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which the lawsuit says is prone to torque-transfer issues and internal wear. M Series models are excluded from the complaint. The plaintiffs argue that BMW has been aware of these issues for years, yet failed to alert customers or provide adequate repairs outside of warranty coverage. BMW View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article BMW’s Own Bulletin Cited as EvidenceAsCar Complaints pointed out, central to the lawsuit is a BMW service bulletin issued in May 2020, which acknowledges owner complaints of jerking and shuddering in the driveline of certain XDrive vehicles. The document advised dealers that the issue might stem from transfer case oil that “does not meet BMW specifications.” It also noted that the problem could appear without warning lights or fault messages. In March 2025, BMW reportedly updated the bulletin to include more affected models, a move that plaintiffs say confirms the company knew the problem was widespread. Despite those internal communications, the lawsuit claims BMW continued selling vehicles without warning consumers of potential transfer case failures. Owners say they were left to diagnose the issue themselves or pay out-of-pocket for repairs. The complaint also alleges that because the defect is linked to factory-filled fluid, which BMW advertises as lifetime-filled, customers were led to believe no maintenance was needed. As a result, they argue that vehicles lost value from the moment of purchase due to an undisclosed driveline flaw. Expensive Repairs and Warranty DisputesRepair costs are another flashpoint in the case. A simple transfer case fluid replacement can run from $250 to $1,300, while a full transfer case replacement can cost between $7,000 and $13,000. The lawsuit contends that BMW dealerships often require fluid replacement before authorizing any larger repair, even though the automaker’s maintenance schedule does not list such service as routine. Owners say these unexpected costs add up quickly, especially once warranties expire. The plaintiffs also take issue with BMW’s warranty structure, noting that while the automaker may cover repairs under its New Vehicle Limited Warranty, it does not extend the same protection to vehicles under Certified Pre-Owned or Extended Service Contracts. The suit argues that this leaves many owners paying to fix a defect that BMW allegedly knew about for years. For customers who buy CPO vehicles expecting factory-level reliability, the lack of coverage can be a frustrating surprise. BMW What Happens NextThis lawsuit follows recalls made this year by the brand, particularly related to safety. The lawsuit, filed as a property damage product liability case, seeks compensation for repair costs, diminished vehicle value, and related damages. It also requests a jury trial. BMW has yet to respond publicly. If the allegations hold up, the automaker could face mounting pressure to address the defect through a recall or extended warranty coverage. Until then, BMW owners reporting jerking or shuddering from their XDrive systems may find themselves in a gray area, caught between warranty limitations and repair bills that can stretch into five figures. For a brand long associated with “the ultimate driving machine,” the growing legal fight over its all-wheel-drive technology could prove to be an expensive test of customer loyalty. BMW View the full article

Viking Motorsports will field two full-time teams in the 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts season. The team already runs the No. 99, recently announcing Parker Retzlaff as that car's new driver. But on Thursday, they revealed that they will now enter the No. 96 as well, driven by Anthony Alfredo. “Expanding to a second full-time car is a major moment for our organization," said team owner Don ...Keep readingView the full article

The Roots of an Italian–Japanese IconSure, the original Honda NSX – Acura NSX in America – was shaped internally by Honda's own design and engineering teams, led by Masahito Nakano and Shigeru Uehara. But the deeper origins trace back to a concept car created by none other than Pininfarina. The 1984 HP-X, penned in Italy, laid the groundwork for the mid-engine supercar Honda eventually turned into the NSX. Four decades later, it seems Pininfarina still has hangups about that early sketchwork. The design house announced before that it's working with JAS Motorsport to reimagine the first-generation NSX as a modern supercar. The project finally has a name: Tensei, Japanese for "rebirth." It was previewed quietly to a few customers at Fuji Raceway in November and is now being talked about more publicly. JAS Motorsport A Beautiful Shape, Even Without Full SpecsThere isn't much technical information about the Tensei yet, but the car's form already says enough. It's recognizably an NSX, only lower, wider, and visually sharpened. The surfaces look taut but not overstyled, the stance is planted, and the proportions remain faithful to the 1990s silhouette. It's the kind of aesthetic confidence that tends to come naturally from Italian studios. Pininfarina's carbon-fiber bodywork wraps broader tracks, bigger brakes, and wheels that hint at serious performance upgrades. JAS, a race-winning Honda partner for decades, is handling the mechanical side, and the company promises competition-grade technology rather than a simple restomod makeover. A naturally aspirated V6 and manual gearbox still appear to be the underlying formula, though how far JAS intends to push the revs remains to be seen. JAS Motorsport Not the Only NSX Tribute in the WorksMore details will surface in early 2026, when the Tensei gets a full reveal ahead of its ultra-limited production run in Milan. We'll keep an ear to the ground to catch more information as it arrives. Pininfarin's work won't be the only NSX tribute arriving next year. Another prominent Italian design house, Italdesign, is also working on its own reinterpretation, though its teaser offers almost nothing beyond a rear light signature. The two design firms now find themselves unintentionally competing to re-express one of Japan's most revered sports cars, and that alone should make 2026 interesting for NSX fans. View the full article

It’s time for big cubic inches and big power, and thankfully Pat and Frankie are dragging us along for the build of this cool 427 cubic inch LS street engine that features some pretty cool parts, including the new Pro LS block from Summit Racing. Check out the video below and let us know what you think. Would you put this bad boy into your hot rod project? We’re pretty sure we could have some fun with it. Video Description: Today, we embark on a high-powered LS adventure with Summit Racing’s new robust Pro LS block and Trick Flow induction that flows like Niagara Falls. This will be a 427 cubic inch street machine and we’ll show you how we prep and machine this ground-up build and then start clicking it together. The post Engine Build Tech: Pat and Frankie Are Building a 427 LS Short Block for Big Power – Part 1 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Audi's Q4 e-tron first arrived four years ago, and while Ingolstadt's smallest electric crossover has been a decent proposition, BMW has since launched the iX2 for in 2024 for Europe and other overseas markets, and more recently, the iX3. More importantly, Tesla has significantly updated the Model Y. That means the Q4 e-tron and its Sportback twin need new artillery to stay in the fight for entry-level premium EV supremacy. As a relatively new model, the Q4 is not yet old enough to be replaced by an all-new model, so it's getting a facelift next year, and spy photographers have caught the updated model undergoing testing on the streets of Germany. Although there are some changes to the styling, the biggest updates will come to the cabin, with the Q4 set to adopt a similar interior to the latest A5 and A6 sedans, as well as its combustion-powered Q3 sibling. Subtle Styling Updates for the Q4 e-tron SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article At the front, the headlights of this prototype look very similar to those of the current model in shape, but they adopt new LED daytime running light graphics. Similarly, while the overall shape of the front fascia is unchanged, the lower side intakes on this example are now split in the middle. Some examples of the current model place additional lighting units in this area, but this prototype uses them as air curtains. At the rear, it's a similarly subtle story, with the taillights getting fresh graphics but remaining otherwise unchanged. As for the bumper, the diffuser appears to be a little more aggressive, while the reflectors above it are longer than before. The spoiler on this Sportback model doesn't look any different, but the camouflage may be doing its job and hiding some tiny changes. Finally, since there's some vinyl on the rocker panels, we can expect some updates to the side skirts, though these aren't obvious yet. Tech Improvements Inside SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi all favor a widescreen infotainment and driver cluster display setup in their contemporary cabins, and the Q4 e-tron will go the same way, deleting the air-conditioning vent that sits between the two screens on the current car. Instead, a large curved display will dominate the dash, with the air vents moving below to the middle of the lower dash. We can also look forward to some mild trim and finish updates, and since this is an EV, buyers will expect more range. For the record, the 2026 Q4 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro has an EPA-estimated range of 251 miles, while the Q4 45 e-tron manages up to 288 miles. The 2026 BMW iX, on the other hand, offers 290-364 miles of range, depending on trim, and the new iX3 50 xDrive manages up to 400 miles on the EPA's test cycle, though BMW engineers recently managed much more in the real world. A more direct comparison would be the Volvo EX40 or Tesla Model Y, and those offer up to 293 miles and 357 miles of EPA range, respectively. Expect the 2027 Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron in the middle of 2026. View the full article

We’re big fans of oil testing around here, and often share videos from our favorite oil expert, the Motor Oil Geek himself, Lake Speed Jr. He’s a big fan of oil testing as well, and uses that data to help educate us on oil, lubrication, and long engine life. The guys at Motul also test their oils after being subjected to race conditions, but they are now doing it LIVE and in person at select events! Check it out. Video Description: A few milliliters of oil can reveal everything about an engine’s health. Motul’s 300V lubricants power teams across the WeatherTech Championship and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge—but this year, they brought something new for fans: the Motul Mobile Racing Lab. In this video, we step inside the field lab with Motul’s technical team to see how their 10-minute oil analysis works and why it’s such a powerful tool for both race engineers and everyday fans. From viscosity checks to wear-metal detection, we break down how real-time data helps teams prevent failures—and how anyone at the track can get the same pro-level insight on their own car. Watch the process, see a full report generated on the spot, and learn why oil analysis is becoming essential across the IMSA paddock. The post Motul Oil Engineer Explains Oil Testing | Free Motul Racing Lab Service at Motul Petit Le Mans appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The G-Wagen is looking to the pastThe Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or Geländewagen, commonly referred to colloquially among dedicated fans and the popular media as the "G-Wagen," is one of the brand's most iconic vehicles. For four decades, the G-Class has stood at the pinnacle among luxury SUVs, combining a unique blend of engineering, off-road capability, unmistakable utilitarian boxy styling, and a sense of luxury that only Mercedes can offer. Though it has roots as a military vehicle built at the request of the Shah of Iran, the Mercedes G-Wagen has ultimately become a status symbol for the rich and famous and a common sight in shopping avenues and posh enclaves like Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, New York City's SoHo and Upper East Side, or outside Harrods in London. However, a new update from the brand shows that Mercedes is hard at work on a highly anticipated new version. Mercedes-Benz View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Mercedes shows off the new G-Wagen CabrioletIn an announcement released early on December 2, Mercedes-Benz formally stated that it is expanding the G-Class model family following what it calls "a hugely positive response" to teaser images that it released back in September this year. Mercedes said that its engineers are beginning to subject prototypes of these new vehicles to "rigorous test drives on the road" in Austria, before conducting intense cold-weather testing out in Sweden. In its statement, Mercedes stated that its testing is part of its dedication to shaping the future of the legendary off-roader and ensuring that none of the "G-Class feeling" is lost in its latest creation. "Engineers are gathering comprehensive data to ensure that the open-top driving experience of the G‑Class Cabriolet is promising an unparalleled and unmistakable G‑Class feeling for future drivers," it said. "At a later date, the G‑Class Cabriolet will also make its way to Sweden, where it will be put through demanding winter testing. Facing icy temperatures and snowy landscapes, the newcomer’s robustness, driving dynamics, and reliability will be thoroughly proven." Mercedes-Benz View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The new G-Class Cab is a slight departure from the G-Class Cabs of yoreSince the G-Wagen launched in the 1970s, it has been available in a number of configurations, including hard-top, soft-top, and even three- and five-door variants. Previously, Mercedes has offered the G-Wagen Cabriolet exclusively in its two-door, short-wheelbase configuration in markets outside the United States, which has made it a popular gray import vehicle. Mercedes hasn’t shared any detailed technical details of the new convertible G-Class yet, or whether it'll be powered by an all-electric or ICE powertrain, but the pictures it recently released show that this new interpretation of the G-Class Cabriolet is slightly different from those in the past. Mercedes-Benz View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Although we couldn't see the front of the new drop-top G-Wagen, Mercedes' pictures show that the new G-Class Cabriolet looks very similar to the standard G-Wagen in terms of proportions. Judging by the photos it released, it appears to be based on the four-door version of the boxy SUV and features a fabric roof that stretches out past the entire roof. This new layout is a more ambitious project than its last G-Wagen cabriolet; specifically, Mercedes-Maybach's limited-production G650 Landaulet launched in 2017. True to the character of a landaulet, the ragtop allowed for open-air fun for just the rear-seat passengers, as the driver and front seat passenger lay under a metal roof. Final thoughtsDespite the limited details, the G-Class Cabriolet is hotly anticipated. In an interview with MotorTrend in September, Michael Schiebe, the head of the G-Class and Mercedes-Maybach divisions at Mercedes, stated that the brand was hesitant to relaunch the G-Class cabriolet, despite enthusiastic pleas from fans. “[The G-Class Cabriolet] is still a car that is not really rational,” Schiebe told MT at the time. “Even though for most customers it will be their second or third car, going to a G-Class convertible is like OK, is that really a car that you need? No. But maybe this is what makes it so special, and this is why there will be demand.” Mercedes is set to start selling the new G-Class cabriolet as soon as 2026. Still, it says that it "will share more details in due time" about the new G-Class cabriolet, adding that the special edition SUV "is set to redefine expectations and inspire adventure." View the full article

It’s not often that a mass-market automaker like Hyundai catches the attention of Porsche, but that’s precisely what happened last month. Frank Moser, who leads the 718 and 911 model lines, said that his team learnt a lot from spending time behind the wheel of the brilliant Hyundai Ioniq 5 N EV. One of the Hyundai’s features that stood out was its simulated gearshifts, which add a layer of engagement missing in most EVs. Porsche said it would be exploring the use of something similar in the upcoming electric 718, but now it appears as though the tech—referred to by Porsche as the “virtual transmission”—will find its way into another Porsche EV first: The full-size Taycan. 2027 Taycan First to Debut New Tech Porsche According to The Drive, Porsche’s fake gearshifts will arrive first for the 2027 Taycan, sometime late next year. The publication cited an anonymous source, who claimed that Porsche shared this plan with dealer principals in Atlanta last month. This was done to prepare sales teams for the arrival of the new technology; orders for the 2027 Taycan are expected to open next August. The source also confirmed that the simulated shifts won’t be available for 2026 and older Taycans via a software update, as these models won’t have the required paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel. We must stress that this information comes from an anonymous source, and Porsche itself hasn’t confirmed anything yet, but the automaker didn’t deny the news, either. “Porsche continuously tests and evaluates potential new technologies as part of its research and development process,” a spokesperson told The Drive. “If and when these technologies may or may not be brought to market is decided based on the insights gained from these exploratory tests. The same applies to consideration of a potential virtual transmission in the future.” The term “virtual transmission” was used by Porsche itself, which may be the official name of the technology. Taycan is About to Get Even Better Porsche While it may be strange that the newer Cayenne Electric won’t be the first to receive the virtual transmission, perhaps it simply wasn’t ready in time for that SUV’s launch. In the Taycan, Porsche already has a proven EV that’s widely regarded as one of the most engaging vehicles to drive in its class. From the base 402-horsepower Taycan to the outrageous Turbo GT with 1,019 hp, every version of the electric sedan exhibits responsive handling and manages to mask its mass better than most EVs. The addition of simulated shifts will surely add to the enjoyment of driving the Taycan, further distancing it from more comfort-biased rivals. The transmission is expected to filter down to all other Porsche EVs over time, with the automaker already confirming that simulated shifts and virtual sounds are being explored for the next 718. What it Means Porsche Many manufacturers have now mastered the art of building EVs that are quick, refined, fast to charge, and with a useful range on a full charge. The next phase looks to be engineering EVs that recapture some of the driving joy found in gas-powered models. It would almost be strange for Porsche, one of the benchmark automakers for driver’s cars, not to be at the forefront of this trend. Besides Porsche and Hyundai, BMW is also determined to make its next generation of EVs more fun to drive. The new iX3 is a case in point with its Heart of Joy system, one of the vehicle’s four superbrains that manages multiple parameters to provide drivers with the most precise, engaging driving experience. View the full article

Back in September, Rivian unveiled what’s perhaps its coolest SUV yet—a Miami Edition of its R1S EV. Kitted out in a bright and breezy color scheme inspired by sunny Miami, this special edition of the SUV was originally intended to be a one-off. However, the EV maker received such a positive reception to it that it has committed to producing a limited run of 10 units. Rivian made the announcement during Art Week Miami Beach, where it also announced a stunning new color called Borealis. But first, let’s take a closer look at the Miami Edition R1S and what it’ll cost you. More Expensive Than an Escalade IQL Rivian R1S Miami Edition Rivian View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article If you want the most luxurious electric SUV experience out there, it’s hard to beat the enormous Cadillac Escalade IQL, which starts at $130,405. That’s a lot of money, but Rivian’s R1S Quad Miami Edition is even more expensive, starting at $134,990. That makes it $13,000 more expensive than the standard R1S Quad, but that’s the price to pay for a splash of color and unparalleled exclusivity. R Sitting on custom-painted 22-inch wheels (reminding us of the retro wheels on the Ford Bronco Heritage Edition), it’s impossible to deny that the Miami Edition looks the part. The Glacier White paint is enlivened by pops of aqua and pink. The Ocean Coast and Driftwood interior is just as alluring, and the SUV looks most at home set against the backdrop of some palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean. Being the Quad Motor version of the R1S, awakening from your beach-induced slumber is easy, as this Rivian produces 1,025 horsepower and can get to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. That’s a claimed figure, but the R1T pickup with the same powertrain recently showed it’s perfectly capable of achieving it in the real world. Related: The Rivian R1T Quad Motor Now Hits 60 in 2.6 Seconds and It’s Quicker Than a 911 GT3 RS Top Rivians Go Purple Rivian R1S in Borealis Rivi View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Besides the announcement that the R1S Miami Edition will go into production, Rivian also chose the occasion of Art Week Miami Beach to introduce a striking new color called Borealis. A purple hue one expects to be adorning a Hemi-powered Dodge Challenger rather than an EV, the new color will be available for the brand’s more powerful Tri and Quad configurations. Rivian says the color draws inspiration from the aurora borealis, a natural light show, and that it shifts with the light. It was also inspired by Rivian fans who captured images of their vehicles during a 2024 solar event, beneath a purple-washed sky. To match the new paint, Rivian also introduced new 20-inch Burnished Bronze wheels, but these are only available for Quad-Motor models. With the new Miami Edition and the willingness to explore unorthodox colors, Rivian has hinted that customization and unique special editions could become a larger part of its strategy. This contrasts with rival Tesla, which offers a limited scope for customization across its lineup of EVs. View the full article

Gerry McGovern, the head designer behind Norton Motorcycle's rebrand, was fired from Jaguar after the Type 00 Concept received terrible feedback.View the full article

The Robot That Accidentally Solved a Car ProblemAsk any engineer, and they'll tell you there's no perfect suspension system. Every setup is a compromise depending on usage – too soft and the vehicle wallows; too stiff and it beats up the occupants. Sure, fully active adaptive suspension exists in high-end nameplates, but it still has limitations (read: off-road). Hyundai may not have set out to break this rule, but its latest creation comes surprisingly close. The Mobile Eccentric Droid, or MobED, started life as a 2021 concept and has now evolved into Hyundai Motor Group Robotics LAB's first production-ready mobility robot platform. MobED's purpose isn't automotive at all. It's designed as a versatile industrial and everyday tool, capable of autonomous navigation, handling deliveries, carrying equipment, and supporting research or service applications. It blends precision engineering with modular adaptability, and Hyundai positions it as a platform that can work in almost any environment – indoors, outdoors, smooth floors, rough terrain, or tight industrial lanes. The fact that it looks like a rolling testbed for the next suspension revolution is a bonus Hyundai may have unintentionally created. The Wheel System That Makes Everything PossibleThe secret is in MobED's wheel and Drive-and-Lift modules, each with fully independent power, steering, and posture-control hardware. Every wheel can raise, lower, tilt, or stabilize itself through an eccentric drive mechanism, letting the platform stay level even when the ground isn't. In practice, it acts like a suspension system that never stops adjusting – like a fully active adaptive suspension but on steroids. Even better, MobED can widen its wheelbase for maximum stability or retract as needed for tighter environments. The independence of each wheel means, in theory, this system could be tuned for performance, comfort, or both – something car suspensions rarely manage at the same time. If this technology ever reaches a passenger vehicle, it could redefine on-road smoothness and off-road confidence. As we see it, the biggest hurdles to putting this system into a production vehicle are weight and costs, but those are problems this journalist won't dare solve. Hyundai MobED Hitting the Market Next YearHyundai is already playing with a related idea. A separate development – a four-wheel-steer system capable of sliding a car sideways – shows how independent wheel control can transform parallel parking. It's essentially a real-world crab-walk demonstration, and it's proof that Hyundai is exploring applications beyond robotics. But back to MobED – the platform runs on a 1.47-kWh battery pack, provides more than four hours of operation, and supports manual or autonomous charging. Both the MobED Pro and MobED Basic will be commercially available starting in the first half of 2026. Now all that's left is for Hyundai to bring this "suspension" philosophy to an actual vehicle, like maybe the production derivative of the Crater Concept. We're waiting, Hyundai. Hyundai View the 13 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Russian Porsche Owners Left High and DryImagine walking out to your car, pressing the start button, and getting absolutely nothing. No crank, no lights on the dash, nothing. That’s exactly what happened to hundreds of Porsche owners in Russia last week. The issue is with the Vehicle Tracking System, a satellite-based security system that’s supposed to protect against theft. Instead, it turned these Porsches into driveway ornaments. The issue was first reported at the end of November, with owners reporting identical symptoms of their cars refusing to start or shutting down soon after ignition. Russia's largest dealership group, Rolf, confirmed that the problem stems from a complete loss of satellite connectivity to the VTS. When it loses its connection, it interprets the outage as a potential theft attempt and automatically activates the engine immobilizer. Porsche Club GB What Actually HappenedThe issue affects all models and engine types, meaning any Porsche equipped with the system could potentially disable itself without warning. The malfunction impacts Porsche models dating back to 2013 that have the factory VTS installed. This includes popular models like the Cayenne, Macan, Panamera, Taycan, 911, and the 718 Cayman and Boxster. When the VTS connection drops, the anti-theft protocol kicks in, cutting fuel delivery and locking down the engine completely. Some dealership representatives suggested the outage could have been deliberate, though no evidence has emerged to support that claim. Without active support from Porsche headquarters, the regional servers managing these connections could simply be failing. Others point to potential satellite interference. What's clear is that the simultaneous failure across Russia suggests a systemic problem rather than just isolated incidents. eBay How Owners Are Getting Back on the RoadSome drivers reported success after disconnecting their car batteries for up to 10 hours, while others managed to restore function by disabling or rebooting the VTS module entirely. Rolf dealerships have been instructing technicians to manually reset the alarm units, which often requires partially dismantling the vehicle. Some cars spring back to life immediately, while others remain stubbornly offline despite multiple attempts. https://youtube.com/shorts/vDsIsS43Kms?si=SHkpO0OrtdbTM9hN Porsche halted deliveries and suspended commercial operations in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. That means there's no official customer support channel for Russian owners dealing with this crisis. View the full article

While the action cam maker has put out motorcycle bundles before, this one is all about making the most of your helmet for sick clips.View the full article

For the second year in a row, Subaru came in as the top-ranked marque in the annual Consumer Reports Auto Brand Report Card, the non-profit publication has announced. The Japanese automaker outranked not only Toyota and Honda – competitors normally known for their quality and reliability – but high-line luxury brands like Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and second-ranked BMW. Kristen Brown Related: The Toyota That Refuses to Die — Meet the Industry’s Longevity King Asian brands generally dominated the annual study, while domestic U.S. brands – with a few exceptions -- largely lagged behind the rest of the industry. Surprisingly, many mainstream brands matched, and even exceeded, the performance of top-tier luxury marques. Behind the Numbers The Auto Brand Report Card takes into account a variety of factors, including “CR’s road-test scores, predicted reliability and owner satisfaction from survey data, and safety ratings for all tested models from each automaker,” the non-profit organization explained. Using that metric, Subaru came in tops for the second consecutive year – and the third time in the last half-decade. BMW came in a close second, followed by Porsche, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Lincoln, Hyundai, Acura and, rounding out the top 10, Tesla. The upstart EV manufacturer made one of the biggest year-over-year jumps, CR noted, largely due to improvements in reliability. Related: Tesla Model Y Posts Worst Defect Rate of Any New Car in a Decade Reliability Rankings While CR takes a variety of different factors into consideration when it comes to marking up the annual report card, reliability is clearly something that motorists tend to watch closely. And, here, the results were a bit different. Toyota lived up to its long-standing reputation for delivering industry-leading quality and reliability, though Subaru came in second in this category, followed by Lexus, Honda and BMW – again demonstrating the improvements mainstream brands have made in recent years. Part of the challenge for luxury brands, according to industry analysts, is the fact that they typical come equipped with a wide range of features, including the latest digital technologies. Other studies, such as the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, have routinely found that high-tech features, such as navigation and voice control, are today the source of far more owner complaints than traditional concerns about faulty engines and transmissions, body misfits and wind noise. For those shoppers focused on reliability, “Our surveys continue to show that the slow and steady approach to vehicle redesigns pays dividends for reliability, while more aggressive changes and the introduction of new technologies often lead to setbacks,” said Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing for Consumer Reports. “For reliability-conscious car shoppers, the best bet is to steer clear of newly-introduced or newly-redesigned vehicles in their initial model year, as that’s when they are almost always the most problematic.” Winners and LosersBy virtually all the metrics used by Consumer Reports, Japanese brands tended to come out on top in this year’s report card. They accounted for five of the top 10 brands overall. That said, Mazda and Mitsubishi tarnished the Japanese halo. Mazda, in particular, faced some serious reliability issues with the conventional and plug-in hybrid versions of its flagship CX-70 and CX-90 models. Mazda Only two European brands, BMW and Porsche, cracked the top 10, along with one Korean carmaker, Hyundai. Among domestic American brands, Lexus and Tesla made it into that elite group, while other domestic brands struggled. Overall, Jeep landed dead last among the 31 marques included in this year’s report card, though Land Rover was a close second-to-last. Prices Hit a New RecordWith growing concerns about the economy and inflation, “Affordability continues to be a top concern for Americans, with prices rising on everything from groceries to cars,” says Phil Radford, president and CEO of Consumer Reports. The challenge is making “the best choices with their hard-earned money.” New vehicle prices, at an average of over $50,000, have reached new records and seem likely to continue rising due to the Trump administration’s tariffs on imported autos and auto parts. And that’s encouraging consumers to think more carefully when it comes time to consider buying a new car. Hybrids Stand Out Hyundai Reliability is just one thing motorists need to consider when buying a new vehicle. And though fuel prices have been relatively stable over the past year, costs can quickly add up if you’re clocking the typical 12,000 to 15,000 miles annually. That’s led to a sharp surge in sales of hybrid vehicles over the last several years, 1.6 million sold last year, about 10% of the overall market. Perhaps the biggest surprise in this year’s CR Auto Report Card is the finding that “On average, hybrids have about 15 percent fewer problems than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars,” a summary of the CR study reported. Among conventional hybrids, it added, “only the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid, and Mazda CX-50 Hybrid have below-average predicted reliability scores.” Unfortunately, the news wasn’t nearly so good for other electrified vehicles. The owners surveyed for this year’s report car experienced about 80% more problems with their plug-in hybrids and pure battery-electric vehicles than did owners of ICE models – with EVs and PHVs accounting for seven of the 10 least reliable vehicles. That said, over a dozen EVs from Tesla, Ford, Toyota, Lexus, Subaru and Hyundai ranked average or better in terms of reliability. The Tesla Model Y was the most reliable EV, though the Rivian R1T was rated least reliable. “With so many newly introduced EVs and PHEVs, along with the still relative newness of the technology, these growing pains were inevitable,” Fisher said. “However, we are seeing evidence in our survey that some EVs are improving as they age, and there are some reliable models available.” Tesla Who They SurveyedThe Auto Brand Report Card was based on surveys submitted by about 380,000 owners of vehicles from the 2000 through 2025 model years, CR said, with a handful of 2026 models included. The organization noted its “reliability predictions are based on overall reliability for the past three model years, provided the vehicle has not undergone a redesign. One or two years of data will be used if the model was redesigned in 2025 or 2024.” View the full article

The Recall That Refuses to EndIt’s been over twelve years since the first recalls in 2013, but the Takata airbag crisis remains unresolved. BMW issued another Takata airbag recall recently for faulty airbags in 2000-2001 X5s, with anywhere between 15-25 million vehicles across manufacturers, all with potentially lethal airbags still on the road. With Takata being the dominant airbag supplier in the early 2000s, over 100 million vehicles were affected. What makes these deaths particularly tragic is their preventability. Many victims died in minor collisions that should have been survivable, killed not by the impact but by the very safety device designed to protect them. What Makes Takata Airbags DeadlyTakata used ammonium nitrate as a propellant in their airbag inflators, and this chemical degrades over time, especially in heat and humidity. When the airbag deploys during a crash, this propellant can explode with excessive force, rupturing its canister and sending sharp fragments flying. Drivers and passengers have suffered lacerations, blindness, and fatal injuries from shrapnel. The scale of the Takata recall dwarfs anything the automotive industry has ever faced. Coordinating repairs for tens of millions of vehicles proved nearly impossible. Manufacturing replacement parts became a critical bottleneck after Takata itself filed for bankruptcy in 2017, right in the middle of the crisis. Automakers scrambled to find alternative suppliers while owners waited months or even years for replacement inflators. AOL On Why This Recall Took Over a DecadeFinding affected vehicles added another layer of complexity. Cars change hands constantly, and recall notices sent to old addresses never reach new owners. Privacy laws limit how manufacturers can track down vehicle owners, and millions of cars have been exported to other countries where the recalls cannot be enforced. Even when owners received notices, many ignored them, not understanding the urgency. Perhaps most damaging to public trust was what became known as the double recall scandal. In March 2019, Honda issued a recall for 1.1 million vehicles that had already received replacement driver airbag inflators as part of a previous recall, because those replacement parts were also defective. Getty Images Still Dangerous, Still UnfinishedThe danger has not passed. Vehicles from 2001 to 2005 face the highest risk because their inflators have had the longest time to degrade. Some vehicles carry "Do Not Drive" warnings, indicating the rupture probability exceeds 50 percent in a crash. What should every driver do right now? Check your vehicle identification number immediately using the NHTSA recall website or your manufacturer's recall checker. If you have an open Takata recall, contact your dealer today to schedule a free repair. For anyone buying a used car from the 2000s or 2010s, demand proof that any Takata recall has been completed before you purchase. Check your VIN today because this recall crisis is far from over. View the full article

Sylvain Guintoli will run the London Marathon in his racing leathers to raise money for PASIC, after losing his child to cancer.View the full article

If you haven’t seen the WRC documentary series More Than Machine, and you are a rally racing fan, you are going to want to check out the entire first season at the link below. With behind the scenes, racing action, and more, this series gives you a look you can’t otherwise get from WRC coverage. We love this series, and are thrilled that the new season has started. We’ve got Season 2, Episode 1, below for you to enjoy, and more coming! If you missed Season 1 of the series, and would like to catch up, there is a complete Season 1 Replay at the link below. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF SEASON 1 OF More Than Machine The post World Rally Championship Video Series: More Than Machine, Season 2 Starts Right Here! Episode 1 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Subaru's Electrification JourneySubaru doesn't have the operational scale of Toyota or Honda, which likely explains why it's taking baby steps towards electrification. The company's electrification journey began in 2013 with the Crosstrek hybrid, followed by the Forester e-Boxer in 2019. With a bit of help from Toyota, Subaru launched its first EV with the Solterra in 2023. It's currently complemented by the new Crosstrek hybrid and the Forester hybrid. But soon, there might be a third model joining the range. Cole Attisha The Outback Could be NextNearly all of Subaru's competitors have a hybrid model for every class, whether in the U.S. or abroad. However, Subaru is limited to only two models, and perhaps it's about time they expanded their electrified lineup. Now, it seems that it could happen soon. Australia's Drive reports that the newly redesigned Outback could quickly get a hybrid option. Subaru Outback product manager Toshihiro Ohya told the publication during the Japan Mobility Show, "Hybrid... we are considering some power unit, but we have not decided the next power unit." That was in response to Australia's looming emissions rules that penalize automakers with higher-than-average emissions. Think CAFE standards, but Down Under, and yes, they're pretty strict down there too. What Could Power It?The likeliest candidate we can think of could be found in the Crosstrek and Forester hybrid. It's a 2.5-liter engine paired to two motors and a 1.1kWh battery that's good for 194 horsepower, with the electric motor putting out 199 lb-ft of torque. It's not exactly a ball of fire, but Subaru's current hybrid setup delivers more punch than the base engine in the current Outback, which we found a bit lethargic. For reference, the non-turbocharged models make 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. It also does 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. Sprinkling in some electrified bits should help it consistently stay above 30 mpg, even with some traffic. That said, the Outback is a larger vehicle so that it might need a little more grunt. Could there be a turbo-hybrid in development? It's hard to tell at the moment, but Subaru does have the hardware to get the Outback hybrid started. Subaru View the full article