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Subcompact Sedans: Officially Extinct in AmericaThere was a time when there were loads of options for subcompact sedans in America. Some notable examples include the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Mirage, and the main topic of this story, the Nissan Versa. The Versa would be the last of its kind after the discontinuation of the Mirage in 2024. Now, it's the Versa's turn to bow out. The Drive reports that America's last subcompact sedan will be no more in 2026. "In line with Nissan’s product strategy, the Nissan Versa ended production in December 2025 for the U.S. market. Nissan remains committed to offering affordable and stylish vehicles in the sedan segment with models like Sentra and Altima, while also offering strong value in the compact SUV segment with the Kicks," Nissan Senior Product Communications Manager Josh Clifton told the publication. An Odd LegacyGranted, the Versa won't go down in history as one of the greatest cars, let alone the greatest Nissans, ever made. Still, the discontinuation of the small sedan means there will be no more sub-$20,000 brand-new cars in America once remaining stocks dry up. So, not only is the Versa the last subcompact sedan in America, but it's also the last car anyone can buy for under 20 large. It may not seem like it, but this is a significant moment, and its cancellation is guaranteed to bring up average new car prices in the country. It's unlikely we'll ever see a brand-new car stateside costing that little. For reference, the Versa carried a base price of $17,390 for the S trim with a manual transmission. If you can't be bothered with a clutch, the S CVT was still under $20,000 at $19,190. Some Parts of the World Will Still Get itThat said, subcompact sedans remain a significant market outside the US. Latin America is one, and the same goes for Southeast Asia and the Middle East. If there's a need to prove that, a heavily facelifted version of the Versa was spied in Mexico just a few weeks back. In other parts of the world, the Versa is also known as the Sunny and the Almera. It's called the Sunny in the Middle East, while the Almera name is used in Southeast Asia. The Latin American Versa will likely retain the 1.6-liter engine in its facelifted guise, and the same goes for the Middle Eastern Sunny. Meanwhile, the Southeast Asian Almera uses a 1.0-liter turbo to skirt tax regulations. Josué Adán Granados/Facebook Josué Adán Granados/Facebook View the 11 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has a bit of a public relations headache on its hands. FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly requested that a fleet of new armored SUVs be ordered for his use, but instead of sticking with the American staple that is the Chevrolet Suburban, Patel reportedly requested BMW X5 Protection SUVs be ordered. These armored luxury SUVs are produced at the German automaker's Spartanburg Plant in South Carolina, and according to MS Now (formerly MSNBC), they were selected to be "less conspicuous." We'll get to that in a moment, but it's not the only reason that was given to explain the unexpected decision. FBI Says BMWs Are Cheaper Than Chevys BMW The outlet spoke to FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson, who confirmed that the BMWs were ordered by the bureau for the director's use and said that these were more cost-effective than other armored vehicles that were considered. "Government agencies, including the FBI, routinely evaluate, replace and update vehicle fleets based on usage, security needs or budgetary decisions," said Williamson. "The specific decisions [...] were evaluated partly as a way to save taxpayers millions by picking cheaper selections or making cost structures more efficient." Related: President Trump Unveils Plan To Dramatically Loosen U.S. Fuel Economy Rules The government-spec Chevrolet Suburban Shield from GM Defense can cost from $600,000 to as much as $3.6 million, according to GM Inside News Forum, while the cost of an equivalent BMW is unknown. However, the X5 Protection VR6 costs between $200,000 and $300,000. According to an insider who spoke with the publication, a new Suburban would have cost $480,000, and this was more than double what each BMW in the fleet cost. If that's accurate, it seems that Director Patel will be riding around in a VR6-rated X5. BMW Stealthier Than Chevy? Chevrolet As for the suggestion that the BMWs are less conspicuous, one might argue that it's well-known that government agencies use vehicles like the Chevrolet Suburban for transporting officials, and it's less common knowledge that the government has a contract with BMW for X5 SUVs that the State Department uses to protect diplomats and other officials in high-risk environments worldwide. Therefore, perhaps the implication is that Patel using X5s is a way of sneaking under the radar, though that's less likely given how much publicity the purchase is attracting. Either way, there's no doubt that you're more likely to encounter a Chevy in most of America than a Bimmer. America first saw the Suburban in 1935's Carryall Suburban (later bearing a GMC badge), which was developed with encouragement from the U.S. Army, and now, in its 12th generation, it's the longest-lasting moniker in American history. View the full article

Chris Evans is back as, maybe, Captain America in the first Avengers: Doomsday trailer. But he's trading in his iconic Harley for a Triumph. View the full article

The fastest that Christmas has ever moved196 miles per hour. Apparently, it's about as fast as Christmas trees get. It's unlikely the Grinch was able to hit that on his way down Mount Crumpit, but Texas-based Hennessey continues to up the game (not that anyone else is even competing). The new record took a 5-and-a-half-foot Christmas tree strapped to the roof of a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to a whopping 196 MPH at Chase Field in Beeville, Texas. Why, you may ask? Well, when you have the fastest Corvette around, and it's December, can you think of a better way to celebrate the holidays? Hennessey took this pine past 190 mph Hennessey Performance View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The record was set regardless of the weight added by the more than 200 lights (and accompanying ribbon). It marks Hennessey's seventh Christmas Tree Run, and the third piloted by pro driver Spencer Geswein. The record surpassed the previous 192 mph run, set in 2022, with a Hennessey Venom 1000 Ford Mustang. This year's run used the above ZR1, but it's clear the brand has more room to run. During testing on the runway, the Hennessey team also tested the fully optioned C8 ZR1 ZTK track pack car without the tree, managing 206 mph before running out of room. Ideally, next year, Hennessey will be able to break 200 with a tree on top. It's probably a significant aerodynamic obstacle to overcome, but one that can likely be outdone with a little more power. Surely Hennessey, of all tuners, can manage that. Below you can find a record of the Christmas Tree Run arms race, showing each car's top speed with the tree intact. It's not much of a leaderboard without competitors, so here's hoping some other brands get involved. You can also check out the full run, captured on video, below. Watch Hennessey's record-breaking Christmas Tree RunHennessey Christmas Tree Speed Runs, 2017-2025 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody 174 mph 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (HPE1000) 181 mph 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang 182 mph 2021 Audi RS6 Avant (Hennessey tuned 800 hp) 183 mph 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S 175 mph 2022 Venom 1000 Mustang 192 mph 2025 Chevrolet C8 Corvette ZR1 196 mph View the full article

Moto News Weekly Wrap December 23, 2025 What’s New: Jett Lawrence is out for three months minimum Stark gets the nod to race Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Erzbergrodeo hits 30 in 2026 Anderson and Suzuki celebrate SX1 title Kawasaki JPM 360 Developments Team for AusProMX & AuSX Roczen, Anderson, Nichols and confirmed for Suzuki SX efforts […] The post Moto News | Hard Enduro | SX | MX | Calendar updates appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Tesla takes an unusual approach in its quest to "solve autonomy," as CEO Elon Musk says, relying more heavily on camera systems than lidar and radar sensors to help guide semi-autonomous driving in its vehicles. Indeed, Tesla began removing ultrasonic sensors in 2022. It's something that many have been critical of, but the electric vehicle manufacturer is determined to make its deceptively named Full Self Driving (Supervised) system work with as little reliance on anything but cameras as possible, as evidenced by a new patent filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, first spotted by Not a Tesla App. The patent describes a way of shielding FSD camera lenses from glare, something that can be a hindrance to human drivers and robotaxis alike, and often causes FSD to disengage. The Problem and Tesla's Patent-Pending Solution USPTO View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The patent draws attention to the fact that traditional glare shields (the plastic housings around cameras) are usually just regular pieces of textured plastic, and even though these have a matte black finish, they are still flat surfaces that reflect a significant amount of light towards the camera lens, washing out the sensor. Thus, these shields fail to adequately lower the Total Hemispherical Reflectance (THR) needed for a camera to work in all conditions, and that's a major problem for autonomous driving. Tesla's solution is to produce the glare shields with a three-dimensional array of ultra-minuscule cones - not unlike the acoustic foam used to dampen sound in a recording studio. Related: Elon Musk Says Tesla FSD Now Lets Drivers Text and Drive, But It's Still Illegal These microscopic cones would have heights ranging from 0.65 millimeters to 2 mm and sharp tips, trapping incident light instead of allowing it to bounce off. To further improve the design of camera housings, the patent proposes an ultra-black coating, like Vantablack or other carbon-nanotube-based paints, creating a void from which light cannot escape. This aims to drastically reduce the THR, thereby allowing the camera to see as clearly as possible. An Active Anti-Glare System Tesla While the basic idea seems likely to be effective, Tesla wants to take things a step further with an electromechanical adjuster for the shield, using stepper motors and actuators to tilt it in real-time depending on where the sun or other sources of glare - like other traffic in the nighttime - are emanating from. Finally, Tesla's patent addresses how it might produce the glare shields, which would be difficult on such a microscopic level: sintered steel, which appears solid but allows air to pass through, would be used to produce the proposed sharp-tipped cones rather than plastic, which might easily be deformed or otherwise damaged. Combine this idea with a recent Tesla patent for in-car Starlink, and it seems that the automaker's future EVs may be more capable than ever thought possible - despite not using lidar or radar. View the full article

It's a sad day for those who love station wagons, and our dream of a Volvo super wagon certainly won't come true - at least not anytime soon. Volvo has announced that the V60 Cross Country, its only remaining longroof, will be ending production in April 2026, and that means that anyone interested in buying a new Volvo wagon only has a few weeks left to do so. The Swedish automaker says that orders will be accepted "until late January 2026," with examples expected to be available as part of dealer inventories "for a few months after that." So why has Volvo, a brand famous for its wagons, abandoned the segment? We can probably all guess the answer to that one... Another Wagon Goes Away Because of SUVs Volvo Volvo's press release notes that over its 70 years of selling cars in the United States, it's "always adapted to the needs of [its] customers and the U.S. market," noting that "sometimes these adaptations can be bittersweet," and the decision was taken because Volvo's customers in the U.S. "overwhelmingly" prefer SUVs. Of course, it hasn't always been that way. In August 1955, four years before introducing the three-point safety belt to the world, a PV444 became the first Volvo imported to the United States when it landed at the port in Long Beach, California. In 1991, Volvo gave us the side impact protection system, and many other safety innovations followed over the coming year, but it was only in 2002 that Volvo's first SUV pitched up with the XC90. Nowadays, Volvo might not be able to exist without products like the large XC90, the midsize XC60, the compact XC40, and their all-electric EX counterparts. What We'll Miss When the V60 Cross Country Departs Volvo As standard, the V60 Cross Country comes with all-wheel drive, fed by Volvo's B5 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This produces 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, delivering 26 mpg on the EPA's combined cycle. It can get to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, it can tow 2,000 lbs, and it's got 50.5 cubic feet of volume with the rear seats in place (60.5 cubes with them folded). But it's not just the practicality of the Volvo's last wagon in America that we'll miss - it's the style and versatility, too. As a Cross Country variant, it has 8.3 inches of ground clearance, meaning it's able to handle some light off-roading, which, let's be honest, most SUV owners never engage in. It's an understated and impeccably elegant car, but so far this year, Volvo has sold 10 times more XC60s than V60s, so the wagon must go. If you're interested in securing one before it disappears for good, prices start at $53,495 (plus $1,195 for destination), or $619/month on a lease. Volvo View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Coming to Dealerships SoonNissan has announced that the facelifted 2026 Pathfinder will start at $37,500 in the U.S., excluding the $1,495 destination fee. This represents a $1,100 increase over the 2025 model year, an adjustment that’s fairly typical for a mid-cycle refresh. Despite the uptick, the Pathfinder’s base price remains competitive within the crowded midsize crossover segment. Key rivals include the Hyundai Santa Fe, which starts at $34,800, and the Kia Telluride, which starts at $36,390. Meanwhile, Ford’s long-running entry in the segment, the Ford Explorer, now opens at $38,465. According to Nissan, the refreshed Pathfinder is scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships in early 2026. Nissan Updated Equipment and FeaturesFor the money, the 2026 Pathfinder brings several standard features, including a 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. A newly designed Qi2 wireless smartphone charger is available, which Nissan describes as segment-first. The system uses a raised magnetic ring to hold compatible smartphones securely in place, reducing the risk of misalignment that can slow charging speeds or interrupt the connection altogether. Higher trims – including Rock Creek, SL, and Platinum – benefit from upgrades to the automaker's HD Intelligent Around View Monitor. These versions add Front Wide View, which provides a 180-degree view of the area ahead and to the sides of the vehicle, a feature that should appeal to buyers of the more adventure-focused Pathfinder Rock Creek. These trims also receive Invisible Hood View, a camera-based system designed to enhance forward visibility by effectively showing what’s beneath the front of the vehicle. In addition, the Pathfinder Rock Creek comes equipped with an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, LED fog lights, and a tubular roof rack, among other upgrades. Under the hood, Nissan has taken a different approach from its luxury sibling. While the Infiniti QX60 has moved to a downsized 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, the facelifted Pathfinder retains its 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6, which produces 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the Rock Creek package brings a slightly more aggressive tune, bumping output to 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Nissan Pricing and DealsFor reference, below is the complete MSRP breakdown of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder lineup in the U.S.: Model MSRP Pathfinder S 2WD $37,500 Pathfinder SV 2WD $39,900 Pathfinder SL 2WD $42,500 Pathfinder Platinum 2WD $49,400 Pathfinder S 4WD $39,500 Pathfinder SV 4WD $41,900 Pathfinder SL 4WD $44,500 Pathfinder Platinum 4WD $51,400 Pathfinder Rock Creek 4WD $45,000 In the meantime, buyers who prefer the outgoing 2025 Pathfinder may find added value in current incentives. The Japanese marque is offering several lease deals this month, including a reduced down payment of $4,018 for the SV 2WD trim. Nissan View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Say hello to the 412 Superfast, a nearly $2 million 1987 Ferrari 412 with the 6.5-liter V12 from a 30-year-younger 812 Superfast. You're probably wondering why anyone would offer a restomod based on one of the ugliest, least-loved Ferraris ever made, and why they would spend a whopping $1.8 million in the process. The answer is simple: because the person who commissioned it loves the car and others of the era. It's as simple as that - each of us probably has a car we like that our friends don't, and no amount of arguing can change our minds. But like any project, the initial goal wasn't to spend this much money, and things just snowballed as the builders, Otsuka Maxwell Design, dug deeper and suggested crazier ideas. A video on the Hagerty YouTube channel (embedded at the bottom of this article) shows all the details from the viewpoint of photography extraordinaire Larry Chen. Almost Everything Gets Upgraded Hagerty/Larry Chen The build retains its original frame rails and glass, though the front and rear windshields were replaced with new items, and the trim and door handles have been polished. But pretty much everything else has been modified. The bumpers have been slightly tucked, the fenders boast integrated metal flares, and the rear spoiler is custom-made from metal. At the front, the original pop-up headlights were deemed too obtuse and replaced with shallower custom units inspired by the Mondial and F40, and at the back, the car that donated its engine also provided its taillights. Interestingly, the wing mirrors are from a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, because the builders wanted wedge-shaped body-mounted mirrors with electronic adjustment but without any radar gubbins. OMD View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Everything is rounded off with a custom two-tone "Superfast Gold" and black finish, with custom 18-inch Brixton Forged wheels hiding carbon-ceramic brakes from a Ferrari F430 (with the brake booster from a Ferrari FF). A larger 412 Superfast badge in the 812 font identifies the one-of-one build, which took more than 5,000 hours to create and boasts more than 500 custom parts. Manic Mechanical Upgrades Hagerty/Larry Chen View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The F140GA engine (now with custom valve covers inspired by F1 cars from the 1980s and 1990s) delivers over 700 wheel horsepower, making more than 500 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, thanks to a standalone Motec C1212 ECU, port injection, individual throttle bodies, a carbon fiber plenum, and a blend of E85 and 91 octane. But the 812 Superfast didn't come with a manual, so OMD took the transaxle from an automatic Ferrari 599 (which is an automated manual, like that in the E46 BMW M3 CSL - and manual 599 GTBs are ultra-rare) and turned it into one. In-house-designed CNC A-arms support the build, and the steering rack is again custom, while a Bosch Motorsports ABS setup helps keep braking under control. Other highlights include a larger radiator, a custom air-conditioning system, and, interestingly, a windshield wiper motor from Toyota, because it provides variable wiper speeds. An Interior That Spares No Expense OMD View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The cabin is lathered in Alcantara, including the steering wheel (which comes from a 512 TR but was also shared with a 348), and that's par for the course in a restomod, but the seat centers and door cards are trimmed in Mongolian Cashmere that costs $1,000 per yard, and the door handles and gear knob are made of Bastogne walnut from a tree cut down in the same year as this car was made. This alone cost $3,800. The seats are electronically adjustable Sabelt items with carbon backs and the carpet is the same stuff as in a Rolls-Royce. Infotainment is taken care of with an Excelon setup with CarPlay, and there are custom buttons that put the car into its wet setting, turn the traction control off, and enable launch control. With all of this in mind, the $1.8 million build cost suddenly makes sense. But we don't blame you if you still think it's ugly. View the full article

What Rising EV Inventory Means for BuyersWhile the electric vehicle market faced significant headwinds this year, the slowdown could ultimately work in favor of consumers. A report from iSeeCars highlights which EV models are piling up on dealer lots across the U.S., creating potential bargain opportunities as dealers look to clear excess inventory. Looking specifically at the 2024 model year category, the Genesis GV60 tops the list of EVs with the highest share of leftover inventory, with 21.8% of units still unsold. In other words, roughly two out of every ten GV60s sitting on dealer lots are still 2024 models. The GV60 was among the early wave of premium EVs that helped expand the segment at the beginning of this decade, alongside its platform mates, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. However, despite its early entry advantage, the report suggests Genesis has faced challenges gaining consistent traction for the GV60 stateside. Genesis A Shift in Market DynamicsNext on the list is the Dodge Charger Daytona EV, a model the automaker placed considerable confidence in—enough to end production of the previous gas-powered Charger and Challenger generation. According to the report, the 2024 Charger EV now accounts for 20.9% of dealer inventory, followed by the Chevrolet Silverado EV at 11.9% and the GMCHummer EV (SUV) at 5.5%. Moving to the 2025 model year, the BMW i4 – the Bavarian automaker’s best-selling EV in the U.S. – leads the list with a striking 89.2% inventory share. This suggests that dealers are still heavily weighted toward 2025 i4 stock, despite broader market pressure following the discontinuation of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit last September. The Porsche Macan EV ranks second at 67.8%, ahead of the Volkswagen ID.4 at 59.1%, the Cadillac Escalade IQ at 47.8%, and the Genesis Electrified GV70 at 37.2%. Rounding out the top ten are the Genesis GV60 at 35.3%, Honda Prologue at 34.1%, Mercedes-Benz EQE at 30.9%, Cadillac Lyriq at 30.6%, and GMC Hummer EV at 30.2%. BMW Negotiation Season Is OpenOf course, actual transaction prices for these EVs will still vary depending on dealer location, incentives, and regional demand. That said, consumers may find more room to negotiate, as dealers are often motivated to move aging inventory to free up space, protect margins, and stay competitive in an ever-changing market. Looking ahead to 2026, the landscape may shift again. Several automakers – including Volvo and Mercedes-Benz – have begun scaling back earlier commitments to go fully electric by the end of the decade, instead signaling a more flexible, multi-powertrain approach similar to Toyota. But thanks to reports like this from iSeeCars, prospective EV buyers can gain valuable insight, helping them make more informed decisions and potentially secure favorable deals. Cadillac View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

On Thursday of last week, 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion and RFK Racing co-owner Brad Keselowski suffered a broken leg while on a skiing trip with his family. Keselowski underwent successful surgery and after a few days in the hospital, he has been released. He promised to "work relentlessly" in order to be ready to compete at the highest level of stock car racing in 2026. "Rolling out of ...Keep readingView the full article

Dr. Patrick Staropoli, who works as a retina surgeon, is continuing his journey into the stock car racing world. In 2026, he will replace Nick Sanchez as the full-time driver of the No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet. Staropoli made his O'Reilly Auto Parts (formerly Xfinity) Series debut earlier this year, running four races with Sam Hunt Racing. He finished as high as 16th at ...Keep readingView the full article

Mercedes Reaches $120 Million Multistate SettlementMercedes-Benz has reached a $120 million multi-state settlement to resolve lingering civil claims tied to emissions software used in its diesel vehicles, marking a key step toward closing the final chapter of its U.S. “Dieselgate”-era troubles. The settlement addresses environmental and consumer protection complaints involving Model Year 2009–2016 BlueTEC diesel cars and vans, vehicles once hailed by the automaker as “the world’s cleanest and most advanced diesel.” The claim later drew scrutiny from regulators, sparking a years-long legal and reputational battle across several states and territories. The agreement, announced this week, still requires final court approval but already includes the participation of numerous state attorneys general, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Beyond the financial payout, Mercedes has agreed to continue upgrading affected vehicles with approved emissions software, a process expected to cost “tens of millions of dollars” more, according to a company spokesperson. According to the automaker's official press release, it emphasized that these additional measures will not dent its earnings, noting that it had already set aside sufficient funds to cover the total costs. Cleaning Up the Last of DieselgateThe latest settlement follows a series of agreements Mercedes has struck over recent years to put its diesel-related liabilities behind it. In 2020, the company settled with federal regulators and California authorities and reached a nationwide class-action settlement with private owners. A subsequent 2022 settlement with the Arizona Attorney General further reduced its outstanding legal exposure. By 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice closed its criminal probe without filing charges, leaving primarily state-level civil claims, now covered by this multi-state agreement, as the final pieces of its U.S. diesel litigation puzzle. Mercedes reports that it has already upgraded more than 85 percent of affected BlueTEC vehicles since the launch of Approved Emission Modifications in 2021. The new settlement includes incentives to encourage the remaining vehicle owners to complete the retrofit, a move designed to enhance both environmental outcomes and compliance rates. While Mercedes continues to deny any wrongdoing, it described the deal as a “pragmatic solution” that allows the company to move forward without the distraction and cost of continued legal battles. For regulators, it also represents a victory in securing additional emissions reductions and consumer assurances after years of negotiations. What This Might Mean for Mercedes’ Engine StrategyThe timing of the settlement aligns with Mercedes-Benz’s evolving stance on its powertrain strategy amid a rapidly shifting automotive landscape. Even as the brand positions itself as a leader in electrification, pledging to go all-electric where market conditions allow, it has been equally clear that combustion engines remain part of its long-term play. The brand has reaffirmed that internal combustion engines, including gasoline units, will remain in production due to uneven global EV adoption rates and continued consumer demand for traditional powertrains. That message extends up the performance ladder. Mercedes-AMG has confirmed it is developing a next-generation V8 engine and intends to retain combustion technology in its performance lineup for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, executives have acknowledged that the legendary V12 engine will remain available in select models well into the 2030s. View the full article

Kyle Larson is ready to go back to Daytona for the Rolex 24 Hours. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion has three starts in IMSA’s season-opening crown jewel event, but none since 2016. He took overall victory with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2015, co-driving with Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, and Jamie McMurray. On a recently-released episode of Dinner with Racers, a podcast co-hosted by ...Keep readingView the full article

A long-running lawsuit over allegedly defective air conditioning systems in GM full-size pickups and SUVs is now in its eighth year, and it still hasn’t been certified as a class action. The multidistrict case, In re: General Motors Air Conditioning Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation (No. 18-md-02818), is pending in federal court in Michigan and centers on claims that a shared A/C design in 2014–2017 trucks and SUVs was defective from day one. Chevrolet What Owners Say Is Wrong With GM’s Truck A/CThe current complaint focuses on certain 2014–2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups, plus 2015–2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade models. Owners say the air conditioning systems use a faulty “combi-cooler” that integrates the A/C condenser and transmission oil cooler into a single unit. According to the suit, big temperature swings can cause thermal stress and cracks in a part attached to the condenser, letting refrigerant leak out until the A/C blows only warm air. Earlier filings also pointed to weak discharge lines and condensers that could rupture or separate, again dumping refrigerant. Plaintiffs argue GM knew about the problem as early as 2013, kept using the design, and then left owners with repair bills that could run into the low thousands when parts were back-ordered. They also frame the failure as a safety issue, saying fogged windows and high cabin temperatures can create risky driving conditions, especially in hot-weather states where many of these trucks live. Eight Years In, Class Certification Still Isn’t A Done DealDespite that, the case has narrowed rather than expanded over time. Plaintiffs are now seeking class certification only for buyers in five states: California, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee and Washington. GM is pushing back hard, arguing the claims are too individualized, state laws differ too much to be tried together, and many owners never had an A/C failure or received free repairs when they did. The company is leaning on recent appellate rulings to argue that a five-state class still isn’t manageable. It’s a familiar pattern for GM defect litigation. The company is already facing consolidated claims over a separate V8 engine issue. In both situations, buyers say they were sold vehicles with hidden weaknesses that only surfaced years later. Why It Matters For GM And Its Truck BuyersThis A/C case is not about a niche model. It targets core full-size pickups and SUVs that helped define GM’s truck business last decade and that still shape perceptions of the brand today. At the same time, GM is plowing big money into the next wave of gas-powered products, and also trying to keep buyers engaged with new tech features. Against that backdrop, an eight-year fight over basic hardware like air conditioning cuts against the message of seamless, modern ownership. If the court eventually certifies a class and the plaintiffs win, GM could be on the hook for widespread reimbursement of repair costs and potential diminished-value claims. If it doesn’t, owners who paid out of pocket may be left with individual claims that are harder to pursue. View the full article

Pacific Northwest local Eric Minsker upgrades his Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition with an Aurora rally kit, a host of top-shelf components, and a razor-sharp livery.Adventure motorcyclists are low-key among the most prolific custom motorcycle builders around. But theirs is a philosophy of function a... View the full article

A cool font is more than just simple textUnless you are a savant obsessed with graphic design or the way text on paper looks, the way a particular font meets the eyes may have never crossed your mind before. But here’s the thing: choosing the right font matters more than you think. A signature typeface can be absolutely crucial to establishing a brand’s image and mood. For example, Supreme, the New York City-based skateboard clothing brand, has practically built an empire partly on the back of a simple word printed in Helvetica’s clean, bold lettering. The word "Supreme" in this font, emblazoned on its signature box logo, has made its T-shirts, hoodies, and unusual "accessories" a defining part of streetwear culture for a generation of hypebeasts. The right font doesn’t just convey words; it communicates a particular brand’s entire vibe and identity. It's the reason why you haven't seen Coca-Cola change its iconic logo for years. However, Volvo, the Swedish automaker that practically wrote the book on automotive safety, has taken this typography phenomenon to a whole new level. It has developed its own custom typeface called Volvo Centum, and it isn’t just about a cool-looking design; it’s engineered to keep you safer on the road. Enter Volvo CentumIn collaboration with London-based type design studio Dalton Maag (the same guys who designed fonts for the BBC, Korean Air, and Netflix), Volvo has created a new font that will make its debut in the upcoming EX60 model in early 2026. This special font is designed to appear on the many screens inside Volvo cars, including on instrument clusters, infotainment systems, and navigation displays. What makes this particular font very special, in comparison to other well-known fonts like Comic Sans, Calibri, or Times New Roman, is that its designers have meticulously crafted every single character to be instantly readable at a glance, whether you’re driving in the daytime or going through dimly lit roads at night. Volvo In an interview with design publication Dezeen, Volvo Cars UX creative director Matthew Hall said that safety has been the "guiding principle" behind Volvo for "almost 100 years," adding that Centum is another component in this vision. "Volvo Centum was designed with safety in mind – by making complexity simple, being easy to absorb at a glance, reducing visual clutter and supporting a more intuitive driving experience," Hall said. "Every detail in our interface is an opportunity to create clarity and confidence, and a more intuitive driving experience, so that our customers feel safe and can trust the car." The core concept behind the typeface is extreme legibility, where text can be absorbed in a fraction of a second. Hall explained that legibility was “non-negotiable” when it came to designing the font, as it was intended to read quickly by drivers in all conditions, even at a glance. He noted that every character in Volvo Centum was “carefully crafted for quick comprehension to be instantly readable at a glance for quick comprehension, whether in bright daylight or low-light driving conditions," adding that the font adds "clarity and reduces cognitive load so drivers can grasp the most important information and focus their attention on the road." Volvo Font design is a science, according to Volvo and Dalton Maag.Dalton Maag and Volvo didn’t just design the letters to look visually stunning; they dove deep into the actual science of how our brains process visual information. Hall explained that type design is a “discipline that applies the principles of cognitive psychology and visual perception to broader design systems applied to digital or physical surfaces,” adding that these principles are amplified in a driving scenario. As a result, the team focused on character disambiguation; making sure that similar letters are clearly distinct from each other, and emphasized design features like open counters (the enclosed spaces inside letters like ‘o’ and ‘a’), and other typographic details that aid the brain in scanning and decoding individual letters. The design team also considered how the typeface would influence thinking time and the perception of messages at a glance. Their ultimate goal was to increase the number of words recognized per glance, in turn improving readability and reducing the time drivers spend looking at screens and away from traffic. Beyond pure functionality, Volvo Centum also draws inspiration from the brand’s design heritage. The typeface evokes classic Volvo models, including the beloved 1990s Volvo 850, with references to vertical tail lamps and the diagonal line of its iconic three-point safety belt. "What's been a pleasant surprise is how the same qualities that make the Volvo 850 timeless, one of my personal favourites, translate so naturally into typography," he said. "Volvo Centum's boxy curves, clean horizontal terminals, and confident straight segments create a system that is both expressive and purposeful, allowing the typeface to communicate with clarity and character." Final thoughtsFor a company approaching its 100th anniversary in 2027 (hence the name “Centum”), safety isn’t just marketing, it’s baked into Volvo’s DNA. This is the automaker that invented the three-point seatbelt in 1959 and then gave the patent away for free, allowing every car manufacturer to use it. That single decision has saved over a million lives, and Volvo has continued innovating in safety ever since. Is a custom font going to revolutionize driving? Probably not on its own. However, this move indicates that Volvo is still obsessed with keeping people safe, even in ways that seem unnoticeable or out-of-pocket. In a world where cars are quite literally smartphones on wheels, with massive touchscreens replacing physical buttons, anything that helps drivers process information faster and keep their eyes on the road is worth recognizing. View the full article

A father-and-son drag-and-drive story was born from a life-changing health scare. Its built on friendship and much more.View the full article

GM’s L87 V8 Woes ContinueThis year has been rough for General Motors, which has been dealing with an investigation, a recall, and multiple lawsuits tied to its 6.2-liter L87 small-block V8. The safety campaign affects nearly 600,000 L87-powered trucks and SUVs from the 2021–2024 model years, making this reported blown L87 engine on a relatively new 2026 GMC Yukon shared on Reddit especially hard to ignore. According to the original poster, the GMC Yukon was delivered on October 30, 2025, following a three-month wait from the time the order was placed. Despite having accumulated just 1,500 miles, the SUV reportedly lost acceleration and oil pressure while exiting a highway. The OP said the dealer determined that a complete engine replacement was required, though no further technical details were provided. Given the vehicle’s extremely low mileage, the replacement will likely be covered under warranty. However, the incident raises questions about whether similar failures could occur outside the recalled population. Recall DescriptionThe recall filed in April 2025 stated that affected trucks and SUVs – including the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, as well as the GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL – may have been built with defective connecting rods and/or crankshaft engine components. These defects can lead to internal engine damage and, in worst-case scenarios, complete engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash, especially if the vehicle suddenly loses propulsion while in motion. To address the issue, GM instructed dealers to repair or replace the affected engines if necessary. Engines that pass inspection receive oil-related remedies, including switching from 0W-20 oil to a thicker 0W-40 formulation, along with installing a new oil filter and fill cap. However, many owners were dissatisfied with the fix, prompting the filing of multiple lawsuits that have since been consolidated into a single major case. The plaintiffs argue that the automaker's remedies are insufficient to resolve the problem. GMC Not the Fresh Start the Owner ExpectedNow facing a failure similar to those formally investigated on 2021–2024 L87-powered vehicles, the owner of the 2026 GMC Yukon wrote in the comment section that they were “really hoping 2026 would be a better year for engines, but I suppose not.” The OP also admitted regretting trading in their previous Toyota vehicle, though they did not specify the model. As the L87 situation continues to unfold, the OP appears stuck with a nearly new Yukon in the off-road-focused AT4 trim, which starts at $76,600. The model is also offered with two alternative powertrains: a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six and a 5.3-liter V8. A 10-speed automatic transmission comes standard across the entire lineup. GMC View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Among the Few With This SpecMecum Auctions has listed for sale a 1966 Plymouth Satellite, notably equipped with Chrysler’s 426 Hemi V8, widely regarded as one of the most iconic American performance engines ever built. This particular example – one of only 817 produced with the Hemi engine – has undergone a comprehensive restoration and shows just 84 miles on the odometer. The 426 Hemi first appeared in 1964 as a race-only engine and immediately made headlines after Plymouth achieved a 1-2-3 finish at the Daytona 500, with NASCAR legend Richard Petty taking the checkered flag. The V8’s overwhelming performance proved so disruptive that NASCAR effectively banned the engine the following season, and rival Ford would later develop the Boss 429 to stay competitive. Mecum Auctions Serious Muscle Under the HoodThe road-legal version of the engine, known as the Street Hemi, did not arrive until two years later. Introduced for homologation purposes, it was offered in limited numbers across several Chrysler products, including the Dodge Charger and, of course, the Plymouth Satellite. To make the engine suitable for public roads, Chrysler detuned the 426 for improved durability and drivability, though it still delivered a healthy 425 horsepower. This example retains the classic dual four-barrel carburetor setup and hemispherical cylinder heads, a configuration that allowed for superior airflow and high-RPM breathing. Supporting the powertrain is a suite of heavy-duty suspension and chassis components, paired with an A727 Torqueflite automatic transmission, making it one of 314 Satellite examples equipped with that gearbox. The listing states that the Satellite was refinished and painted red at Richard Petty Studios, a detail that subtly ties the car back to its racing roots. Externally, the car features 1966-specific Satellite trim details, along with five-spoke road wheels wrapped in redline tires. Inside, the black interior has been restored with a sporty, period-correct treatment, highlighted by front bucket seats and a floor-mounted shifter. Mecum Auctions Headed for Six FiguresDespite the odometer reading of fewer than 100 miles, this 1966 Satellite is unlikely to qualify as a true time capsule. Instead, the mileage almost certainly reflects limited use following its nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration. Estimated to sell for $150,000 to $160,000, the Hemi-powered Satellite is scheduled to cross the block at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction next month. The event is also set to feature several other high-profile lots, including a BMW M1 previously owned by three-time Formula 1 World Champion Niki Lauda. Mecum Auctions View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Where Cadillac Learned to Go FastThe Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany has long served as a proving ground for high-performance vehicles, and Cadillac was no exception. General Motors recently revisited the early development work that led to the Cadillac CTS-V, the brand’s first purpose-built V-Series performance car. Ken Morris, now GM’s senior vice president of product programs, recalled taking an early CTS prototype to the Nürburgring in the late 1990s with a clear objective: to engineer a car designed for the racetrack yet refined enough for everyday road use. Cadillac looked for a response to European rivals with established high-performance divisions, notably BMW and its celebrated M brand. According to Morris, the development team logged roughly 600 laps around the Green Hell during the prototype phase. For perspective, a modern Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, producing 1,064 horsepower, lapped the 12.9-mile track in a record-setting 6:50.763. By comparison, the production CTS was powered by a 3.2-liter V6 making 220 horsepower, which illustrates just how demanding those 600 development laps must have been. General Motors Fine-Tuning Beyond the ThrottleAcceleration, however, was only one aspect of the development; the team also worked on braking performance and steering precision. Building on data gathered from the CTS prototype during testing, the CTS-V received stiffer suspension components, larger brakes, high-performance tires mounted on 18-inch wheels, and a strengthened rear differential. The team also developed the advanced four-mode stability-control system, which would later evolve into Performance Traction Management (PTM)—a technology now found in modern Cadillac V-Series models such as the CT5-V Blackwing. “When you dial in a car on the Nürburgring, it makes the car feel so much better on the highway,” Morris said. “If you have to make an evasive maneuver, it can help make the car feel more planted.” Cadillac launched the CTS on GM’s then-new Sigma platform in 2003, before introducing the performance-focused CTS-V a year later. The model was equipped with a 5.7-liter LS6 V8, but in 2006, the engine was replaced with a 6.0-liter LS2 V8 sourced from the newly released C6 Corvette. “It was a great time because there was zero doubt about what the mission was, zero ambiguity about what we were trying to do, and it was really fun,” Morris said. “Fast forward to today, what V-Series models can achieve boggles my mind. It’s just gotten better and better as time goes on.” General Motors The Next Chapter for Cadillac PerformanceToday, the future of V-Series sedans remains uncertain. Cadillac has confirmed that the next-generation CT5 will retain an internal-combustion engine, reversing earlier plans to transition the model to an all-electric format. At the same time, the V-Series badge continues to expand into performance-oriented EVs, including the Optiq-V and Lyriq-V, placing the brand in a growing segment that includes models such as the Tesla Model Y Performance. Beyond its road-going lineup, Cadillac is preparing to enter Formula 1 as the series' 11th team beginning in the 2026 season, underscoring the brand’s performance ambitions. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Trade-Offs As turbochargers and other advanced engine technologies become more common, newer vehicles generally deliver measurable gains over their predecessors in efficiency, emissions, and performance. However, YouTuber speedkar99 argues that this added complexity can come at the expense of long-term reliability, a claim he supports through a teardown of Honda’s R18 engine. The R18 is a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated inline-four used in the 8th- and 9th-generation Honda Civic. It is also notable as the final non-turbo Civic engine before the 10th-generation model, which debuted in North America in 2015, introduced turbocharging to the mainstream lineup. The engine featured in the teardown came from a 2012 Civic and had accumulated roughly 210,000 kilometers (130,489 miles), with its primary issue traced to a head gasket leak. Inside the Honda R18According to speedkar99, the R18’s appeal lies in its simplicity. The engine uses a plastic valve cover and intake manifold, and relies on port fuel injection rather than the direct-injection systems common in newer engines. With port injection, fuel is sprayed into the intake port, allowing gasoline to wash over the intake valves and help prevent carbon buildup. By contrast, direct injection sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber, which can improve power and efficiency but is also associated with carbon buildup over time. The R18 also features an economy-focused i-VTEC system. Unlike performance-oriented Honda engines, this setup does not rely on aggressive valve-lift changes. Instead, it prioritizes efficiency and smooth operation, lowering the risk of wear-related damage. Upon removing the cylinder head, speedkar99 found burn marks on the head gasket between cylinders two and three, confirming a part failure. The breach allowed coolant to mix with combustion gases, which reduced the engine’s ability to regulate temperature, as low coolant levels directly compromise cooling performance. However, he attributed the failure to prolonged overheating that went unaddressed by the driver, rather than to an inherent design flaw. The remaining engine components, such as the oil pan, crankshaft, and connecting rods, were in good condition. For an engine with roughly 130,000 miles, however, minor wear such as carbon buildup on the piston crowns is largely unavoidable. speedkar99 on YouTube Long Live The NAIn his conclusion, speedkar99 argued that the R18’s lack of turbocharging, straightforward design, and use of port injection are key contributors to its durability. As a counterpoint, some modern turbocharged engines have faced early reliability concerns, including the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 used in the third-generation Toyota Tundra, which has been linked to reports of premature engine failures. In Honda's lineup, the current 11th-generation Civic continues the turbocharged approach, while hybrid variants (which use a dual-electric-motor setup) add further complexity, increasing the number of components that could fail over time. speedkar99 on YouTube View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

An enclosed, HVAC-equipped six-passenger UTV appears out of the dark and instantly raises questions.View the full article

A new car purchase is never a decision to be taken lightly, and with the average new car price in 2025 exceeding $50,000 for the first time ever, finding a bargain may feel almost impossible. But new research from Hagerty indicates that the Mazda MX-5 Miata is an incredibly high-value purchase because, adjusted for inflation, it's cheaper in 2025 than it ever has been. Working off data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the report says that a current-generation ND Miata has been cheaper than ever in its history since 2022. That's truly amazing given the amount of technology that has found its way into the sports car since its introduction in 1989. Breaking Down the Data That Shows the Miata is Cheaper Hagerty Hagerty's research reveals that a 1990 Miata (NA generation) carried a base MSRP of $13,800 when it was launched in 1989 and eventually had an asking price of $19,125 by 1997. Adjusted for inflation to 2025, both it and its NB successor peaked at over $39,000, while last year's ND Miata, which was initially launched with a $25,735 MSRP, was priced at a little more than $30,000. Look at the Mazda USA website today, and the Miata starts at $29,830, or almost $10,000 less than the first two generations. For the record, the NB Miata's highest starting price reached $22,098, while the third-generation NC started at $20,435 and peaked at $25,595. The latter's adjusted-for-inflation peak MSRP was calculated at between $32,000 and $36,000, depending on model year. Related: A Decade Of Driving Joy: How Mazda Perfected The ND Miata What Makes the ND MX-5 Miata So CompellingLike its predecessors, the current Mazda MX-5 Miata is powered by a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. The latest Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter 16-valve mill under the hood develops a peppy 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm - considerably more than the early NA Miata's 1.6-liter mill, which made 115 hp, or later variants, which had a 1.8-liter making 128 hp. And while the first-gen MX-5 weighed around 2,200 lbs, the current fourth-gen variant can weigh roughly 20 lbs less, depending on year and spec. What's more, you can get access to things like cupholders, electric windows, an infotainment system you can connect your phone to, and safety equipment like blind-spot monitoring. And while a 1990 Miata delivers an EPA estimate of between 25-30 mpg, a 2025 model has a rating of 26/34 city/highway (and even 1 mpg more on the highway if you choose an automatic). Is there any other car in the world that is as compelling? We're not sure, and the fact that it's a rear-wheel-drive sports car is just a bonus. It's just a pity owners don't drive them very often. Rocketeer View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Watch Carson Brown try to beat the Pastranaland lap record set on a 500cc 2-stroke Suzuki, aka the RMZilla, aboard a Stark Varg.View the full article