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2026 Ducati Monster enters production Ducati has begun production of the fifth-generation Monster at its Borgo Panigale factory, ahead of the model’s April 2026 Australian release. The new Monster has been completely redesigned, featuring a lighter chassis, revised ergonomics and an updated V-twin engine with variable timing and extended 45,000 km valve-clearance intervals. Ducati says […] The post Next-Gen Ducati Monster enters production ahead of April arrival appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

MotoGP 2024–2025 Assessing Honda’s Step Forward Honda’s 2025 MotoGP season marked a noticeable improvement over its difficult 2024 campaign, with clear gains in competitiveness across a number of areas. The manufacturer increased its Constructors Championship tally to 285 points, an improvement of 210 points over the previous year, and recorded one win and multiple podium […] The post HRC MotoGP Technical Manager Mikihiko Kawase on progress and concessions appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

2026 Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup Calendar The Asia Talent Cup has been rebranded as the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup, and the 2026 calendar and entry list have dropped, confirming another talent-packed season with riders from six nations set to battle it out across rounds staged in Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Qatar. Pre-season testing kicks […] The post Strong Aussie presence on 2026 Moto4 Asia Cup grid appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

"I am once again amazed at the effort going on to burn this house down over everyone's head but I’m a fire marshal and I'll be here in December if need be." That was a warning, expressed on June 25 by Judge Kenneth D. Bell, to both parties involved in the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v NASCAR antitrust lawsuit over what could happen if a settlement is not reached in advance of a ...Keep readingView the full article

The ingenious lock sleeve from Turbosmart eliminates welding v-bands to turbos. It uses threaded collars to seal 150 psi without welding.View the full article

Mercedes-Benz has opened its first public High-Power Charging site at a Starbucks in Red Bluff, California, marking the debut of its nationwide plan to pair ultra-fast EV chargers with major retail partners. The location sits directly on the I-5 corridor, one of the busiest long-distance routes on the West Coast, and features 400 kW DC fast chargers capable of adding up to 300 miles in around 10 minutes, depending on the vehicle. The chargers support both NACSand CCS, keeping the site open to all EVs, not just Mercedes models. The move comes as the brand prepares for a wave of new EVs, including the upcoming next-gen Mercedes-CLA EV. Building more high-speed charging hubs is a key piece of that rollout. Mercedes A New Charging Model Built Around ConvenienceMercedes and Starbucks first announced their collaboration last year, aiming to equip more than 100 Starbucks stores with high-power charging. The Red Bluff location is the first full public site under the program. The hub uses 400 kW hardware, among the fastest publicly available in the U.S., and was built in partnership with MN8 Energy. Drivers can charge while grabbing food or coffee, a model designed for real-world usability rather than standalone charging lots. The chargers are equipped with both major plug standards, meaning Tesla, Mercedes, and all CCS-equipped EVs can use the site. The cross-brand approach mirrors the broader industry shift toward openness and compatibility as more EVs enter the market. Mercedes-AMG Part of Mercedes’ Broader Performance and EV PushThe new charging site arrives as Mercedes restructures its performance and EV portfolio. Models like the upcoming electric AMG GLC, depend on reliable ultra-fast public charging to support long-distance use. At the same time, Mercedes is phasing out or revising some models that struggled to align with evolving emissions rules and customer demand, including potentially shortening the run of the controversial four-cylinder AMG C63. The new charging infrastructure shows the brand’s commitment to supporting its next generation of EVs with a charging network that matches the performance its future models aim to deliver. Mercedes Why It MattersA luxury charging network only works if it’s convenient, fast, and widely accessible, and Mercedes appears ready to check all three boxes. Opening hubs at Starbucks locations gives drivers something useful to do while charging, removes the pressure of finding remote charging stations, and boosts nationwide EV access in a familiar setting. If Mercedes follows through on installing chargers at more than 100 locations, this partnership could become one of the most practical charging expansions in the U.S., especially along long-haul corridors where 350–400 kW hardware is still rare. View the full article

Dodge’s all-electric Charger Daytona has been a hot topic among muscle car diehards for quite some time, but today we’re skipping the sound vs. silence debate. Instead, we’re focusing on what it’s actually like to service this new electric muscle car, why the process differs so dramatically from a traditional ICE model, and why it’s absolutely NOT a DIY job. High-voltage safety, controlled shutdowns, and strict diagnostic sequences mean even “simple” repairs take time. Certified Mopar technician Jordan Rose from Virginia Beach offers a rare look into this world while servicing a Charger Daytona. Why the Charger Daytona Needs Special AttentionWith a gas-powered car, a technician can roll it into a bay, lift it, disconnect the 12V battery, and start wrenching. The Daytona? Not so much. Even when “off,” its high-voltage battery can store several hundred volts – enough to cause lethal injury. That’s why technicians suit up in full electrical PPE, establish a high-voltage quarantine zone before touching anything orange-cabled, and have another tech on standby with a shepherd's hook in case the hands-on tech gets electrocuted. They also roll the car slowly, staying under 2 mph, because EV motors can generate electricity if spun too quickly. On the plus side, EV repairs often cost less than ICE repairs in the long run due to fewer moving parts, and most routine items like oil, spark plugs, and filters don’t exist. That said, safety steps add time to each service. The Power-Down and Testing Procedure YouTube @ Jordan Rose YouTube @ Jordan Rose Before any repair or inspection, the Daytona must be powered down properly. Technicians first verify the system is live by checking the test points. They should see above 200 volts, and in Jordan’s case, the meter shows well over 400 volts. Only then can the system be safely opened. Once the high-voltage loop is disconnected, techs confirm voltage has dropped to near zero. Then comes the Loss of Isolation test, which checks whether any electricity is leaking into the vehicle’s metal chassis – Jordan’s car read a satisfactory 3.1 megaohms. Only after all this can repairs – if needed – begin. If you were wondering, on a gasoline car, this step would be called “disconnect the battery.” Why Service Takes Longer — And Why It's Worth It YouTube @ Jordan Rose After repairs, the system is reconnected, and the Daytona is turned back on, techs have to clear a tedious list of fault codes generated during shutdown. Once all safeguards confirm the car is safe, only then is the service considered complete. There’s still much the industry is learning about long-term battery lifespan and how to service everything properly. If you're wondering whether you can perform an EV service at home, the answer is clear: Not if you value your life. There's a lot of expertise and caution involved in servicing electric cars like these, and it should only be done by professionals, for your car and your own safety. View the full article

MAVERICK R UPPER SHOCK MOUNT GUSSET ASSEMBLY FROM UTV RACE SHOP In race conditions, every Maverick R chassis eventually distorts the front upper shock-mount holes and bends the factory brackets. Hard hits, whoops, and constant load cycles oval the bolt holes and destroy the factory mount over time. With help from Shift Performance Labs and UTV Race Shop you can now reinforce your Maverick R’s front shock mount with this weld-on 4130 chromoly gusset kit. Designed to prevent and stop factory bolt holes from distorting or elongating over time, this upgrade locks everything in place and protects your chassis for the long haul. Price: $215 Call (512) 961-1833 and order yours before it’s too late. Key Benefits: Weld-on kit for maximum strength Prevents wallered-out bolt holes and long-term chassis damage 4130 chromoly construction Billet Bolt retainers eliminate bolt movement Reduces flex and increases front-end stability Visit: www.utvraceshop.com The post MAVERICK R SHOCK MOUNT GUSSET FROM UTV RACE SHOP appeared first on UTV Action Magazine. View the full article

In-Car Video StreamingWe now live in a world where automotive features and creature comforts are abundant. One of the most recent in-car tech that's becoming a fad these days is video streaming. Yes, some cars can now stream your favorite shows and movies. While it might seem like an unnecessary "gimmick," the streaming feature is actually a plus for family haulers since entertaining young ones during any road trip is a challenge in itself. Recognizing this, Audi has just announced that it's joining the streaming party – a follow-up to its in-dash gaming feature introduced earlier this year. GM Audi adds Disney+According to its press release, Audi vehicles will now be able to integrate the Disney+ streaming service. The automaker also highlights the following: "From Star Wars and Marvel to timeless Disney classics – stream your favorite movies on the central MMI display while parked, or on the optional MMI passenger display during the drive. Access the app via the Audi Application Store in the new models across many series, offered in over 40 markets worldwide." The announcement also comes on the heels of Audi's partnership with Disney for the latest installment of the Tron series. In Tron: Ares, the Audi Q8 e-tron and a fictional “Audi quattro Rallye” feature, combining real-world driving excitement with a digital future. Audi Safety FirstOne big reason brands can now offer in-car streaming services is that modern cars have a multitude of screens for both front- and rear-seat passengers. It's also common sense to think that streaming could be an unwanted distraction for the driver. In Audi's case, they've the feature that can be used on the central screen when parked, and can also be streamed through the rear passenger screens while on the move; in any case, a central streaming option can be distracting, so drivers should really be careful when operating the feature while driving. Safety should always be the priority. First AdoptersAudi isn't the first to integrate streaming into its cars; the idea dates back to around 2019, when Tesla debuted Tesla Theater, which allowed owners to stream platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu. Meanwhile, GM was one of the first to partner with Disney, taking the Tesla idea further by focusing on family content, recognizing its importance next to the other big streaming platforms. However, GM's streaming system works only for the front passenger and the rear integrated screens, recognizing the dangers of distracted driving. GM View the full article

Our friends over at The Korean Car Blog managed to spot the updated Genesis G80 Magma, now wearing the upcoming G80 facelift and packing a completely reworked interior centered around a massive 27-inch curved OLED display. The prototype appears to merge Genesis’s new luxury-sedan design language with the high-performance Magma program, giving the clearest look yet at how the brand plans to expand its enthusiast lineup beyond models like the GV60 Magma. The sighting also reinforces Genesis’s broader effort to push into segments few expected, much like the recent surprise appearance of the long-roof G90 Wingback. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Facelifted Exterior With Magma-Specific Performance CuesThe G80 Magma prototype wears the facelifted 2025 G80 front end, including a cleaner crest grille, slimmed lighting signatures, and reshaped lower intakes. Wider fenders, a lowered stance, chunkier side skirts, and aggressive aero elements underline that this isn’t a standard G80 wearing body-colored makeup, this is clearly a Magma test mule integrating the brand’s new styling direction. Large wheels, bigger brakes, and a deeper front bumper strongly suggest the car still uses the high-output V6 expected of G80 Magma models. Earlier reports indicated a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 tuned to roughly 500 horsepower, though Genesis hasn’t confirmed any powertrain details. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Fully Redesigned Cabin With 27-Inch Panoramic OLEDThe biggest surprise appears inside the cabin, a single 27-inch curved OLED panoramic display running across the dashboard, replacing the familiar dual-screen layout of current Genesis models. The screen integrates both the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, signaling a major interior technology shift for the facelifted G80 lineup. The center console also adopts a new climate-control layout using touch-based HVAC controls. Upholstery and trim appear upgraded as well, aligning the cabin more closely with luxury rivals, a move that could give the Magma variant stronger footing against competitors in the premium midsize segment. Genesis Why This MattersGenesis is rapidly expanding its performance footprint, and the G80 Magma is shaping up to be its most ambitious attempt yet. Combining a facelifted design, a next-generation OLED interior, and Magma-grade performance hardware suggests Genesis wants to position the G80 Magma as a serious alternative to established European sport sedans. If the final production version delivers the expected 500-hp output along with the exclusivity hinted by early reports, the G80 Magma could become one of the most desirable sedans in the segment, a luxury-performance model paired with cabin tech and the sharpest design cues Genesis has offered to date. View the full article

Shaping Trends For the FutureWhere is car design heading? Answering that question is well above our pay grade, but the young designers of today will be the ones responsible for the cars of tomorrow. Hey, legendary stylists such as Giorgetto Giugiaro and Marcello Gandini were juniors once. Over in Japan, Daihatsu, Toyota's small-car specialist and maker of the great Copen, and the HAL College of Technology and Design had students drum up ideas for the future of the kei car, and some pretty crazy concepts emerged. HAL College The Big IdeaDaihatsu gave the theme "Daihatsu cars that will revitalize regional areas in 10 years' time." It's a pretty broad topic, but the automaker and the school let the students' imaginations run wild. Many proposals were given, and judges chose three that stood out. The winning designs are called the E-Nova, the :Do, and the Promenade. What's interesting here is that all three look worlds away from each other. E-NovaThe E-Nova looks much like a reimagined Daihatsu Midget for the 2030s, but it's far more clever than that. Its rear pod detaches to form what's called community mode. It appears to be aimed right at the rural small business owners, exactly the kind of market where small kei trucks thrive. :DoIs it a car or a pickup? Well, it's a bit of both. The mini-adventure vehicle features beds at the front and rear, maximizing its versatility and flexibility. It can also be configured in a variety of ways for either work or play. PromenadeUnlike the first two concepts mentioned, the Promenade is a sporty little roadster. But unlike the Daihatsu K-Open revealed at the Japan Mobility Show, corner carving isn't its main priority. Instead, the topless car offers a 360-degree view of the scenery. It's more of a cruiser than a sports car, and something for its occupants to soak in more of rural Japan. Granted, these concepts won't be reaching production any time soon, but we could expect some of these designs to trickle down in one way or another. At the same time, the winning students could find it easier to find work once they've gotten their diplomas. View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Fresh off a breakout season in the Mid-West Drag Racing Series, where he finished second in Pro Mod championship points, Jacob McNeal has officially accepted his invitation to compete in the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service. The rising young standout has firmly arrived on the national Pro Mod radar and now looks to build on the momentum of his career-best year when he makes his Winter Series debut this December at Bradenton Motorsports Park. McNeal has become one of the most talked-about new faces in the doorslammer world, showcasing both raw talent and impressive versatility throughout the 2025 season. In recent weeks, he added another headline to his growing résumé by strapping into a Nitro Funny Car for the first time at the IHRA season finale in North Carolina – a move that has only amplified his buzz and expanded his fanbase. Now, with the Winter Series approaching, McNeal is ready to test himself against the deepest, most competitive Pro Mod roster on the planet. “This really means a lot to me personally,” McNeal said in response to receiving his Winter Series invitation. “I’m thankful for the opportunity, and I’m going to give all these big-name Pro Mod guys a headache being there – that’s the plan. I’m coming to run hard, make a statement, and prove that I belong in this group.” With more than 80 Pro Mod teams expected for the 2025-2026 Winter Series and some of the biggest names in the sport preparing for battle, McNeal enters the season as one of the most intriguing emerging competitors in the field. His MWDRS success, combined with his rapid progression and willingness to step outside his comfort zone, sets the stage for a potentially disruptive winter performance along the Florida Gulf Coast. “First and foremost, Jacob is a great guy who I’ve gotten to know over the last few years, and is a great fit for this growing fraternity of bad asses we’re bringing together every winter. He’s the kind of guy we want to have involved with what we’re building, and he’s proven this season that he’s a helluva race car driver. So, it’s a perfect situation for us and we’re thrilled to be able to put him on the stage he deserves to be on.” The Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service features the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, U.S. Street Nationals, and the World Series of Pro Mod – three races that routinely produce the quickest, tightest, and most pressure-packed Pro Mod fields in the world. McNeal’s addition to the lineup adds yet another compelling storyline to a winter that already promises heavy hitters, major incentives, and historic levels of competition. Tickets and VIP packages for all three events are available now at https://bit.ly/3LvZ4DR. This story was originally published on November 26, 2025. The post Mid-West Pro Mod Standout Jacob McNeal Looking to Shake Things Up at the Drag Illustrated Winter Series Presented by J&A Service first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Land Rover's Return to DakarAny form of motorsport is tough, but when it comes to the ultimate test of man and machine, none come close to the Dakar Rally. It used to run from Paris to Dakar, but over the years, geopolitical issues and other factors have forced the rally to scale back a bit. In its current form, the Dakar Rally spans around 4,970 miles across lifeless, barren, and basically roadless deserts, with 3,107 miles of timed stages, and over 80 hours of competitive driving across a two-week period. Dakar's legend is such that multiple manufacturers still seek out an overall win as a testament to their core strengths and durability. The 2026 installment of the race will see the return of off-roading experts Land Rover to the famed rally with the Defender Dakar D7X-R. Yes, returning, as the British automaker has been absent since the 1990s. Land Rover Based on the V8-Powered Defender OCTAWith new rules to be enforced in 2026, the Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R adopts the same robust D7x body architecture, transmission, and driveline layout as the Defender OCTA – the most capable production Defender ever made. Powering the Defender Dakar will also be the OCTA's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, which is one of the parts the FIA says cannot be modified and must run on sustainable fuel. One of the few changes to the engine is the coding, to properly operate in the most extreme conditions. Powertrain cooling gets beefed up as a prerequisite for any type of racing, let alone one as intense as the Dakar. The D7X-R gets a reworked front fascia that prioritizes better airflow, and the radiator is now a single large unit type supported by four fans. Finally, a particle filter has been added to prevent sand from entering the air intakes. There are also other notable modifications made to the Defender Dakar to make it rally-ready. A 550-liter fuel tank has been added, and to meet the demands of the desert, the Defender Dakar features a 35‑inch tyre package, complemented by a 60-mm track width increase and a raised ride height to improve ground clearance. In terms of the suspension (a crucial element for rallying), the Defender Dakar D7X-R uses the same kinematic principle as the Defender OCTA, with a performance damper system that includes single-coil-over front and parallel twin rear dampers, developed in collaboration with Bilstein. Land Rover Flight Mode Because...DakarAll the upgrades are pretty much par for the course when it comes to competing in Dakar, but Land Rover added something interesting: Flight Mode. According to Land Rover, "Flight Mode automatically adjusts torque delivery from the engine to the wheels whenever the D7X‑R is airborne to ensure a smooth landing and protect the driveline." So, yes, take it as it is – Flight Mode is a feature designed to help deal with the numerous (and inevitable) jumps along the way. Related: How the Defender Became Land Rover’s Best-Selling Model There will be three pairs of drivers and co-drivers piloting the Land Rover Defender D7X-R for the 2026 Dakar. They are Dakar‑legend Stéphane Peterhansel and Mika Metge; Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal; and Sara Price with Sean Berriman. Land Rover View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

In early May, former DI contributor Craig Cook sat down four of the original Street Outlaws cast members for a roundtable interview at Mo-Kan Dragway’s inaugural 405 Shootout. Cook spoke with James “Doc” Love, Joe “Dominator” Woods, Sean “Farmtruck” Whitley, Jeff “AZN” Bonnett to discuss the early days of the show, how it evolved over time, and what the future holds after 15 seasons of the original show and numerous spinoffs. At the time, many of the drivers were at a crossroads: with no television deal in place and fewer contracts being offered, they had to decide how to proceed moving forward. Since then, Speed Promotions Racing, which took over the No Prep Kings framework, canceled the final races of its 2025 season, effectively ending the Street Outlaws era. This excerpt of the roundtable, which appeared in DI #196, the State of Drag Issue, in September/October 2025, features Sean “Farmtruck” Whitley. Looking back on when the original 405 show first started, did you ever believe it would blow up and become as popular as it did? Oh no, we definitely thought they were cops. We thought it was a sting operation. And whenever they sent the guys out to film the sizzle reel, I thought, “They’re going to film us racing each other for how long? Eight weeks?” I thought they’d never air a single episode. The first season was eight episodes, and I really thought we weren’t going to make it out of our first season. For it to go 12 years, and we’re still recognizable, that blows me away. Everyone recognizes the truck. That’s just an old crappy truck that we built in my garage. We worked on it on weekends and started racing it, brought it out of town and it was a great sleeper, it worked. But yeah, I’m still blown away that we can go to a track and have a line. You all have done this for quite a while now. Looking back on the show, what’s either a favorite memory or accomplishment that each of you had over the course of Street Outlaws? Talking about memories and favorite moments…my favorite moment is when we built the Dung Beetle, and AZN got behind the wheel. He had to row gears, and he showed them all how it was done. It was the only stick-shift car out there and he did pretty damn good, outrun a bunch of supercars with it. Even though we’re not related, he’s 20 years younger than me and it was like watching my boy. We built the car, we raced the car, and that’s one of my fondest memories. As things progressed, it wasn’t just the 405 show anymore. With nearly 20 spin-off shows, you were basically filming year-round. With a cast made up primarily of regular, blue-collar workers, how did you balance your regular jobs and filming full-time? Well, first of all, you mentioned spin-off shows. I think we, or Street Outlaws, set a record for the most spin-off shows in any reality TV show series. We’re proud of that. One of the most popular spin-off shows was No Prep Kings. How did you all balance the idea of being street racers that are now competing at the track, but also giving fans of the show the opportunity to come out and experience what you’re doing? Well, a little bit of the history of the show and how it evolved. Every human wants a nicer home and a nicer car. Same thing with racers – they want to go faster. We had run out of real street racers on Street Outlaws to race and the producers started finding us races, and that’s when you saw Pro Mods show up. All the other guys said, “Hey, we’re in front of the world here. We got to step up our game. If we’re going to be racing Pro Mods on the street, we got to do this.” They did what they had to do to compete. AZN and I, we knew we couldn’t compete. We just wanted to keep it simple. So we still have the same old Farmtruck. We put a bigger and better motor in it, but it’s still streetable, and it’s still what we wanted the show to be. Our last season, we were driving street cars, we were cruising, we were getting back to our roots. Everybody was having fun, no one was arguing. We were racing in other towns, other states. That was the best the show had been in a long, long time. With the evolution you talked about – the never-ending desire to continue going faster combined with big-money teams jumping in – do you believe it eventually went too far from what made it popular to begin with? Well, it’s gone too far for us, but not for them. They did it, and I’m glad they stepped up and built these awesome cars to compete. People evolved and they got better at what they do. AZN and I, we’re still stuck in the past. Looking ahead, with Speed Promotions Racing taking over what was formerly No Prep Kings, and no television show currently in place, what are your plans moving forward? Will you continue with SPR, or focus more on match races and paid appearances? No, we want to do what we want to do. We want to build cool stuff. We just got done with our “Funny Farm,” which is like a double truck, with two front ends. And we want to have a lot of fun creating stuff like that. We want to come to these tracks, do some grudge racing. We don’t do much street stuff anymore. A lot of these small towns will block off the roads and let us race. We love that stuff. We’ve been invited to go out and race with the other guys [SPR], but we didn’t hear from them in a long time and so we booked the whole year, and we really don’t have it in our schedule to go this year. We love doing stuff like this at small tracks like Mo-Kan. There’s lots of friendly people, a lot of hardcore Street Outlaws fans that come out to see us. The post DI Interview: Sean ‘Farmtruck’ Whitley on The Heart of ‘Street Outlaws’ & Getting Back to His Roots first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

American Jeep Compass in a LimboJeep’s entry-level SUV occupies a simple role in the lineup, but its future in the US has been stuck in limbo. While Europe rolled out its all-new, Italy-made Compass this year, American buyers remain tied to the long-running generation that has been on sale for nearly a decade. The delay wasn’t because Jeep lacked a replacement. Stellantis needed to finalize where the new model would be built, and tariff considerations pushed the decision further down the timeline than expected. There is some progress. Stellantis has now settled on Belvidere Assembly as the production base for the next-generation Compass, returning a major plant to service after its 2023 shutdown. The catch is timing. Belvidere won’t begin building the new Compass until December 2027. That places the US launch in the 2028 model year, roughly three years after the redesigned version was introduced. View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article Phased Production TimelineAccording to Mopar Insiders, the production schedule follows the updated Capacity Assessment system that Stellantis now uses for major launches. Belvidere is set to begin its first early “X0” pilot builds in December 2026, focusing on tooling verification and basic assembly. The more refined “X1” pilots arrive in April 2027 to test early parts and validate the manufacturing flow. Full production doesn’t begin until December 2027. Phase Timing Purpose X0 Pilot December 2026 Supplier tooling kickoff, early component checks X1 Pilot April 2027 Early-build quality and fitment validation Start of Production December 2027 Full manufacturing launch for the US market This phased rollout means the US-spec Compass continues unchanged in showrooms through 2026 and 2027, filling the space while Belvidere ramps up. Exercise Patience While Waiting For the New OneWhen the new Compass finally arrives, it is expected to take a different path from earlier assumptions. Instead of launching as a hybrid-first product, the model will start with a gasoline engine and mechanical AWD. Hybrid and electric variants are planned for later in the cycle, giving Jeep a more flexible and accessible entry point for North America. Until then, the current model keeps carrying the segment for Jeep. For 2026, the US-spec Compass continues with its known package, though the base Compass Sport trim has been dropped. This means the new starting price is $32,985, including destination, or about $4,090 higher than before. Stellantis View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Fiat’s quirky but unsuccessful 500X crossover was killed off in late 2023, having last been on sale in the United States for the 2023 model year. Believe it or not, sales of the 500X have continued to trickle in this year (31 were sold in the third quarter), as the last few units to be built have been incredibly difficult for dealers to sell. The problem is so bad that some dealers are selling 2023 Fiat 500X models with over $14,000 slashed off the original price. Is this a great opportunity to get a charming “new” crossover for roughly the same price as a budget sedan, or should you give this Fiat a skip? Related: 2024 Fiat 500e First Drive Review: Reborn EV packs style, plays music out its bumper Multiple Savings of Over $10,000 2023 Fiat 500X Sport S View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article A dealership called Criswell Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is currently offering some of the most significant savings on a 2023 Fiat 500X. As spotted by Carscoops, the biggest price cut applies to a 2023 Fiat 500X Sport AWD, which is the more highly specified of the two trims. The dealer is offering a staggering $14,116 off this model, dropping the price to just $22,999. Other savings for 2023 models range between $12,786 to $13,866, with the cheapest models being two Pop trims that are available for $20,999. The Pop models originally cost $28,965, according to the manufacturer, excluding the destination cost of $1,595. These deals all expire on November 30, but we wouldn’t be even slightly surprised to see the same 500Xs still sitting on the lot next month. A Georgia dealer is selling a 2023 Fiat 500X Pop AWD with a $12,395 discount. Add trade-in assistance of $1,250 to that, and this one is available for as little as $19,400. This deal had an expiration date of July 30, but since it's still listed, it looks like nobody has bought the Fiat. In the low-$20,000 range, you can buy a brand-new crossover like the cheerful Nissan Kicks or Chevrolet Trax. They aren’t as powerful as the Fiat nor as uniquely styled, but they look good and will be easier to sell a few years down the line, especially factoring in the Fiat’s poor resale values. Related: No, Fiat is not doing well Great to Look at, But Not to Drive S Although it was officially discontinued a few years ago, the Fiat 500X still looks better than several newer rivals. Available features like the Al-Fresco soft top are perfect for warmer climates, and the top trim enjoys equipment like a power driver’s seat, front/rear parking assistance, and dual-zone climate control. Both the Pop and Sport trims have a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It’ll saunter to 60 mph in just under nine seconds, but while the ride is comfortable enough, the 500X is not nearly as much to drive as a Mazda CX-30. It’s not known exactly how many 2023 500X units are still sitting on dealer lots, but the existing discounts point to more of them than Fiat would like to admit. They could be a great deal if you’re after a unique crossover, but there are newer subcompact crossovers that are more sensible buys. View the full article

Cars and TariffsThere are heaps of cars that we wish were sold here, but regulations prevent that from happening for the most part. However, tariffs have made it harder for automakers to bring in products they believe will sell well in the US. Of course, it's not the first time tariffs have blocked cars from coming to the country. The Chicken Tax is a prime example of how it's still a deciding factor in the light truck market. But today, there are more tariffs being imposed on cars made outside the country, throwing some automakers' plans into disarray. You Can Forget About the TasmanThe Tasman has been in the headlines a lot in recent weeks. While it's not really flying off showrooms in Australia, the US could be its saving grace. Unfortunately, the chances of it coming to America are becoming slimmer and slimmer. Speaking to Car and Driver, Kia America vice president of marketing Russell Wager explains that the Tasman will be slapped with a heap of taxes even before it lands on American soil. As it's a light truck built in South Korea, not only will a 25 percent chicken tax be imposed on it, but the tariffs add another 25 percent. Of course, the workaround is to build the Tasman in the US, but that's a whole heap of hurdles Kia has to jump to make it happen. The executive said that automakers can't absorb the additional tariffs to keep prices competitive. He added that raising the prices does help, but he's observed that companies that have done so have experienced a sales drop. It's a tough balancing act, and it's becoming harder to make a decision without a resolution in place. Kia View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article Kia's Indefinitely Delayed EVKia is one of the many companies that have had to rethink what models they will bring in due to said tariffs. There's the electric pickup, although that might be more of the market not being too receptive towards battery-powered trucks. But one model that's indefinitely on hold is the EV4. It was introduced earlier this year, and it's now on sale in its home market of South Korea. There were plans to bring it to the US, but Kia told Autoblog earlier this month that its launch is on "temporary hold." The main source of contention is that the EV4 is its country of final assembly. Kia View the full article

A wildly modified 2007 BMW 328xi Sports Wagon, now powered by a Maserati 4.7-liter V8 and a Nissan CD009 six-speed manual, has landed on Cars & Bids with a current bid of $9,000. Finished in Sparkling Graphite Metallic and sitting on 19-inch Volk TE37SL wheels, the long-roof BMW has been transformed into a one-off European-Japanese-Italian mash-up that blends a Ferrari-related engine family with E9X M3 hardware and custom fabrication throughout. The chassis shows 143,800 miles, though the swap and supporting components were installed only a few months ago. For BMW fans used to seeing more conventional builds on the market, like the new lease deals for the BMW X3 or clean M models such as the 2011 BMW M3 Convertible, this 328xi wagon heads in the opposite direction, leaning fully into enthusiast-engineered chaos. The Maserati V8 Swap and Full Drivetrain ConversionUnder the hood sits the Maserati F136 4.7-liter V8, factory-rated at 433 horsepower and shared with models like the Quattroporte and GranTurismo. It has roughly 85,000 miles on it and breathes through a Maserati 4200 intake manifold wearing a Ferrari badge, a K&N filter, custom stainless fuel lines, and a full E9X M3 catless exhaust system with headers. Fuel and spark are controlled by an ECUMaster standalone ECU. The original xDrive and factory transmission are long gone. In their place is a Nissan CD009 six-speed manual using a Speed Gems adapter, a custom clutch rated to 600 hp, a stainless clutch line, a 7/8-inch master cylinder, and a custom driveshaft. A manual steering-rack conversion completes the drivetrain overhaul, turning the wagon into a rear-drive, high-revving V8 sleeper. This kind of high-effort swap sits closer in spirit to limited-run track specials, like the 2016 BMW M4 GTS, than any stock 3 Series wagon ever built. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Exterior, Interior, and Chassis DetailsThe wagon wears an aggressive mix of M3 and aftermarket parts, including an E9X M3 front bumper, fenders, side skirts, mirrors, core support, a carbon crash bar, and an M-Sport rear bumper. A Seibon carbon-fiber hood (also wearing a Ferrari badge), aftermarket LED headlights, smoked reflectors, red taillight overlays, and a custom rear diffuser sharpen the look further. Inside, the factory wagon has been replaced almost entirely with performance components: Recaro Sportster seats on powered bases, an E9X M3 steering wheel, a Serial Nine CD999 shifter, Alcantara trim pieces, a carbon-fiber weighted shift knob, an F8X-style head unit, and custom A/C routing with a hidden on/off switch. Chassis upgrades include E9X M3 front brake calipers and rotors, H&R lowering springs, a manual steering-rack kit, and of course the lightweight Volk wheels. Known flaws include scratches on the passenger doors, a ding on the rear quarter, some interior wear, and active 4x4/ABS/brake warning lights, the seller says the FRM and CAS modules need coding. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Why It MattersEngine-swapped BMW wagons are already rare, but a Maserati F136 V8 paired with a CD009 manual gearbox and full M3 running gear pushes this one into truly unusual territory. For enthusiasts seeking a wagon with character, noise, and the sort of “why not?” engineering spirit normally found in grassroots motorsport, this 328xi offers massive uniqueness per dollar. With fresh major work completed just months ago and an extensive parts list, it’s positioned as a high-effort, high-personality build that could appeal to anyone wanting a sleeper wagon with supercar-source material under the hood. View the full article

The English workshop Auto Fabrica delivers another show-stopper. This time, it's the Honda CB750 that goes under the knife.The Muharremi brothers over at Auto Fabrica have been busy. Last week, we unveiled their first-ever custom BMW K100—now we've got a look at the Honda CB750 Nighthawk that they b... View the full article

Ford built the original Boss 429 as a limited-production Mustang in 1969 and 1970, aiming squarely at the heavyweight end of the muscle car world. More than half a century later, Florida-based Revology has revived the Boss 429 name, but this time a bit differently. IN tradtional Mustang restomod style, the original design stays intact, even its iconic five-spoke wheels, but everything beneath the skin has been rebuilt with modern engineering – and the result comes with a price to match. Boss 429 Soul, Modernized Revology Cars Revology Cars Revology Cars Even up close, the restomod looks indistinguishable from the original Boss 429. But beneath that Lava Orange paint sit newly stamped steel panels assembled with contemporary welding and curing techniques. The iconic look remains intact, but the structure is entirely new and considerably more rigid, and Revology didn’t stop there. Updated subframes, a reworked chassis, and a completely modern suspension setup transform the way the car drives, turning what was once a rowdy '60s muscle car into something much more precise. Modern Supercharged Power in a Classic Ford Mustang Revology Cars Revology Cars Revology Cars The 1969 Boss 429 earned its legend through its enormous 7.0-liter V8, a homologation motor built for NASCAR. Revology’s version honors its power-hungry spirit, but has a new standard to live up to. The saying "there's no replacement for displacement" has become outdated thanks to forced induction. Under its hood sits a supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote V8 – borrowed from the current Mustang GT – that delivers 710 hp and can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. A Price Tag That Reflects Its Craftsmanship Revology Cars Revology Cars Revology Cars The new body, upgraded hardware, bespoke engineering, and hands-on labor push it firmly into premium territory. And that's not even to mention the overhauled interior, drowning in premium leather and wood. Whether it justifies its $395,000 price is up for debate, especially when the 815-hp Mustang GTD and other modified Boss 429s cost less. But restomods like this aren’t made for mass appeal, nor do they have to make sense from a value perspective. They exist for the few buyers who want the soul of a classic Ford Mustang wrapped in the capability of a modern performance car – Revology's Mustang Boss 429 restomod does exactly that. View the full article

Slow Charging NightmareOne of the biggest pain points customers have when buying into the EV lifestyle is the battery charging time. With EV adoption still somewhat limited, automakers have been working to address this by offering more EVs that can charge quickly. One brand, though, seems to have dropped the ball in this regard – VinFast has been slapped with a class action lawsuit relating to charging times of the VF 8 EV. Ronan Glon VinFast VF 8 24-hour Charging IssueA report by Car Complaints states that some VinFast VF 8 owners are experiencing catastrophically slow charging times, with some reaching 24 hours to fully charge. The issue apparently affects the VF 8 AWD variants, and not the Eco ones. The two named plaintiffs are Gil Abrahem Swigi and Joseph Mizrahi, who brought up the suit after both leased a 2024 VinFast VF 8 Plus AWD EV. Both vehicles were leased under the brand's claim that the VF 8 AWD charges at "industry standard speeds," but the owners now say the charging speed is unsatisfactory. An excerpt from the lawsuit highlights: "All persons or entities in the United States who, within four (4) years prior to the filing of this complaint, purchased or leased a VinFast VF 8 Plus AWD vehicle that failed to charge at the advertised wattage rate (typically 6.6kW or more), resulting in materially longer charging times than represented by VinFast." The VinFast VF 8 AWD comes with an 87.7 kWh battery pack. The automaker claims that the VF 8 should support Level 2 or higher charging speeds, which are around 6.6 kW or higher. In the suit, it says the plaintiffs' affected units are only capable of charging at 2 kW, which means it takes a full 24 hours to fully charge. VinFast also claims the VF 8 charges at 32 amps, but due to supposed software defects, the SUVs shut down, which stops charging. The amps issue has become so bad that the plaintiffs "must manually lower the amps to 19 or below to prevent the charging process from stopping. But this means the charging speed is reduced by nearly 40%." It has come to a point where the vehicle shuts down without warning, causing the plaintiffs to either wake up in the middle of the night to restart charging or wake up to an unusable car. No Solution in SightVinFast, which has yet to introduce a new set of EVs this year, is apparently trying to resolve the issue affecting the VF 8 EVs, but both plaintiffs still claim that charging times are too slow, even after multiple repairs. This has forced them to buy expensive charging equipment to improve charging speed. The latest court action states that the judge halted the class action suit after VinFast claimed that both plaintiffs had signed valid arbitration agreements when they leased their VF 8 EVs. Ronan Glon View the full article

Ah, the holiday season. The air is crisp, the roads are often dusted with an unforgiving layer of salt (or, in my case, snow), and for those of us who live and breathe two wheels, it’s a time to retreat to the garage, fire up the shop heater, and dream of next season’s rides and projects.But Christm... View the full article

The latest 46Works build transforms BMW’s R12 nineT with signature craftsmanship and select components. View the full article