reporter

When Freiburger and Finnegan weren’t able to be at the WireCare booth during the PRI Show where they were supposed to rewire the Rotsun, Finnegan stepped in and said “Hold my beer.” Video Description: Welcome to Newbern’s Garage. In this episode I haul the Famous Roadkill Rotsun from Georgia to Indy for PRI 2025. As it shined bright among all the other cars in the building, the fun began when it was time to leave. The snow came down and tempers flared. It was quite an experience. The post Finnegan and Newbern Drove The Rotsun Out Of The PRI Show! Will The Rotsun Be Allowed To Return To PRI Now? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

After dominating the 2025 MotoGP season, and securing his 9th championship, Ducati is celebrating Marc Marquez's win with a special, limited-edition replica based on the Panigale V4S sportbike.View the full article

RideApart's Editor-in-Chief Jonathon Klein has been riding a Stark Varg EX for over six months now. Living with it, he has some thoughts you'd probably like to hear. View the full article

This horizontally opposed, 250cc engine delivers an impressive 62 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque.View the full article

At the Ironwood ISOC Amsoil Championship Snocross race, Arctic Cat returned to the podium's top spot after the company nearly went under. View the full article

Buell's new Super Cruiser motorcycle has been waiting for EPA and CARB approval for a while now. Finally, it has it, and will start getting into waiting customer hands. View the full article

We were just looking through all of our old emails and articles and realized we hadn't done a featured routes article in quite some time. And just because it may be cold, dark, and snowy in your locale, there's plenty of places to explore during the winter months! . In Search of Solitude? Overlanding and outdoor recreation in general has absolutely exploded since Covid hit 5 years ago. And those once hidden gems seem to have been discovered by the weekend warriors. But, if you know where to...View the full article

Add MOLLE Storage To Your Factory Or Aftermarket Roof Rack Tacoma or 4Runner? Truck or SUV? This is a question many potential Toyota owners have asked themselves when faced with... The post Bison Gear External MOLLE Panel For 5th Gen 4Runner – Install & Review appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

You might not need it againGeneral Motors made a bold move that might prompt you to reconsider whether you actually need Apple CarPlay. Starting today, the automaker is rolling out native Apple Music integration to select 2025 and newer Chevrolet and Cadillac models, bypassing your iPhone entirely and plugging the streaming service directly into your vehicle’s infotainment system. Unlike CarPlay, this isn’t Apple Music mirrored from your phone; it runs directly on GM’s software platform that powers its infotainment. For drivers tired of fumbling with cables or dealing with wireless connection hiccups, this could be a game-changer. This new integration means that drivers of select GM vehicles will gain access to all the features of the streaming service, including ad-free access to over 100 million songs, curated playlists, exclusive content, live global radio, and personalized recommendations, without needing to connect their iPhone. General Motors Apple Music will come with OnStar BasicsAccording to GM, it is making audio streaming capabilities a standard feature through OnStar Basics, a suite of core OnStar features that includes Automatic Crash Response, remote commands, Google Maps, Google Assistant, and navigation, for all 2025 and newer vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. In essence, this means that you can stream using Apple Music at no additional cost for eight years after purchasing your vehicle. “We are bringing the Apple Music app to GM vehicles in a way that takes full advantage of our industry-leading audio capabilities,” Tim Twerdahl, GM’s vice president of global product management, said in a statement. “It’s the latest example of how we’re expanding entertainment choices built directly into our vehicles.” General Motors Cadillac owners get the premium experienceHowever, drivers in Cadillacs will reap the most significant benefits from the GM-Apple Music integration. The native Apple Music integration also unlocks access to the service’s full library of Spatial Audio tracks with Dolby Atmos, transforming the cabin into what GM describes as a “studio-grade acoustic space.” According to them, Cadillac models like the 2026 VISTIQ, for example, which packs a commanding 23-speaker AKG audio system with strategically positioned Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers, would be transformed “into an immersive, three-dimensional sound environment designed around the vehicle’s acoustics.” GM states that with Apple Music’s spatial audio capabilities, the cabin of the VISTIQ would turn into a “soundstage where instruments occupy distinct physical spaces and vocals float precisely where the artist intended.” Select Chevy and Cadillac vehicles will get it, with Buick and GMC to followThe rollout starts with select Chevrolet and Cadillac models, with Buick and GMC vehicles coming soon. On the Cadillac side, you’re looking at the 2025 and 2026 CT5, the 2025 ESCALADE IQ, and the 2026 VISTIQ (which gets the premium Spatial Audio treatment). Chevy drivers aren’t left out either—the 2025 and 2026 Blazer EV, Equinox EV, and Silverado EV are included, along with the 2026 Corvette, Suburban, and Tahoe. Even the upcoming 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is on the list. Honda’s tech integration continues to improve, and in the 2026 Civic Sport Touring Hybrid, it finally feels cohesive. The dash-mounted 9-inch touchscreen isn't big or fancy, but its no-nonsense functionality doesn't detract from driving focus. Reponses click with satisfaction, and the accompanying physical controls are easy to use while driving. The system runs a straightforward interface that avoids the clutter of overly animated menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are wireless phone charging, a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a fully digital 10.2-inch gauge cluster. If you’re already an Apple Music subscriber, just sign in with your existing account when connected via OnStar, and you’re streaming. New to the service? Sign up with just a tap on your dashboard. The app appears automatically in eligible vehicles after the latest software update, so there’s nothing to download or install manually. In addition, Apple Music connects through GM’s continuous delivery model, which means that owners will receive new features and updates over the air long after driving off the lot. This development follows a clarification the automaker provided a few months ago regarding the phase-out of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, which it announced will occur in its electric vehicle lineup. Following an interview between The Verge and its CEO, Mary Barra, GM has quickly clarified to MacRumours that CarPlay and Android Auto will remain in all gas-powered vehicles "for the foreseeable future." It plans to roll out a new centralized computing system, featuring a new conversational AI assistant, starting with the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ. In a statement at the time, GM emphasized that this AI feature will help drivers do everyday tasks, as “it will be fine-tuned with your vehicle’s intelligence and your personal preferences, all connected by OnStar.” Final thoughtsIn the end, GM is not the only manufacturer that is leaning on the CarPlay/Android Auto alternative that is full-on infotainment integration, where automakers have them "built-in" into the car, instead of relying on drivers to mirror their smartphones onto their screens. Notably, EV brands such as Tesla and Rivian, as well as luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz, have had this kind of integration for a while and also include integration for services like Tidal and Spotify. Personally, I find this type of experience to be much less cumbersome than dealing with smartphone mirroring, such as CarPlay or Android Auto, as it doesn't require any wires or a Bluetooth connection to function. From what I have experienced, using Spotify in a Rivian feels like tuning into SiriusXM in any other car. It would be interesting to see whether GM will follow up on this partnership with integration for other services, such as Audible, Spotify, or even Tidal, as the latter two feature lossless audio capabilities that should sound incredible in the back of a Cadillac. View the full article

Lambretta Monotubo Ferdinando Innocenti commissioned aeronautical engineer Corradino D’Ascanio to design a cheap and clean two-wheeled vehicle to provide post-war transport for the domestic Italian market. Carradino devised a stamped steel spar-framed machine that possibly took inspiration from the Cushman scooters used by American troops during the war. Integrated leg shields, an open centre section […] The post “Like racing a demented ball bearing” – Lambretta Monotubo appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Marc Alexander appointed CEO of Savic Motorcycles Savic Motorcycles has announced the appointment of Marc Alexander as Chief Executive Officer, with founder Dennis Savic remaining involved in the business as a member of the Board of Directors. The Melbourne-based electric motorcycle manufacturer confirmed the leadership change following the completion of a $2 million strategic funding […] The post Marc Alexander appointed CEO of Savic Motorcycles as company secures $2m funding appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Ixon Arma Jacket Summer riding should feel like freedom, not a furnace. That’s why the Ixon Arma Jacket is your ultimate warm-weather companion – blending cutting-edge protection with breezy comfort and sleek roadster style. Designed for riders who refuse to compromise, the Arma is ultra-lightweight and built from four-way stretch mesh, delivering unbeatable ventilation on […] The post Stay cool and protected with the Ixon Arma Jacket appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Move comes as Wagener stretches the German automaker’s design languageAfter nearly three decades shaping the look and identity of Mercedes-Benz, Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener is stepping aside, closing a chapter that helped redefine one of the world’s most storied automakers. Wagener will step down from the role on Jan. 31, 2026, a move the company described in a press release as being made at his own request and by mutual agreement. "Over many years, he has made a decisive contribution ensuring that our innovative products are synonymous with unique aesthetics worldwide," said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, in a press statement. "His creativity and his sense for the future of automotive design have sustainably enriched Mercedes-Benz." The executive, 56, joined Mercedes in 1997 and has overseen the company’s global design operations since 2008 at the age of 39, becoming the youngest design chief in the industry. His tenure saw him undertake a sweeping transformation of the brand’s visual identity, which he named Sensual Purity. Wagener will be succeeded by Bastian Baudy, who currently leads design for Mercedes’ high-performance AMG division, according to the company. Wagener’s tenureWagener, who spent 28 years at the company and rose to become its design chief, was more than a stylist. He was a strategic force at a moment when design became a competitive weapon, influencing everything from brand perception to pricing power. His departure raises a familiar question in corporate succession: what happens when a company loses not just an executive, but a point of view? When Wagener took over Mercedes-Benz design, they were grappling with reconciling the company’s storied engineering heritage and contemporary design expectations. His predecessor, Peter Pfeiffer, had favored a traditional, technically-driven aesthetic, which led to questions about the brand’s resonance with younger, design-conscious buyers. Wagener’s finest design is widely seen as the AMG GT, which he himself describes as his most enduring work. His expressive Mercedes-Benz concept cars, culminating in the Vision Iconic, preview a design language that will be used on forthcoming 2026 and 2027 models. Whether that aesthetic direction remains intact, or is reworked, will be an early test for Mr. Baudy and a closely watched signal of how much strategic continuity the company is willing to risk. Design overreach?Wagener’s departure follows roughly five years of sustained criticism over the design and market reception of the Mercedes-Benz EQ lineup, a period during which the company struggled to translate its electrification strategy into broad consumer appeal. More recently, concerns have intensified among analysts and dealers over the brand’s pivot toward fashion-forward, high-gloss luxury aesthetics, most notably embodied in the Mercedes-Benz CLA Concept and the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680, a shift some investors view as diluting Mercedes-Benz’s core design identity at a time of heightened competitive pressure and uneven demand. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz Style became a platform for expanding the brand into helicopters, luxury yachts, furniture, and high-end residential projects in Dubai, Miami, and other markets. While the initiative reinforced the company’s ambition to position Mercedes-Benz as a luxury lifestyle brand, it led to questions over whether these design efforts distracted from core automotive priorities. Wagener also oversaw a sweeping, centralized redesign of customer-facing touchpoints, from trade show presentations and corporate identity to showrooms and brand centers, consolidating creative control. Final thoughtsMercedes-Benz has experienced a wave of management turnover over the past six months, as several senior members of its Board of Management retired. The company is also part of a broader industry trend in which automakers reassess ambitious design strategies that some stakeholders insist have tested brand boundaries. Mr. Wagener’s departure places him alongside figures such as Gerry McGovern, who left JaguarLand Rover earlier this year amid reported concerns that design experimentation had outpaced consumer acceptance, although JLR has cited unrelated sexual harassment allegations as the official reason. Jaguar via Top Gear The reshuffling is not limited to Europe’s luxury brands. In the United States, Todd Willing assumed the role of Ford Motor Company’s design chief in August 2024, while Bryan Nesbitt took over as head of GM Global Design on July 1, 2025, following the retirement of Michael Simcoe after a 42-year stint. Collectively, these moves underscore a strategic recalibration across the industry, as companies weigh the tension among innovation, brand identity, and the risk of overreach in an increasingly unforgiving market. View the full article

FTI has a new 10R80 torque converter for Coyote applications. This weld together torque converter is made for big horsepower. View the full article

Lucid has launched its first factory-backed used-car program, and the pricing on its own site says as much about EV depreciation as it does about warranties and inspections. The scheme, called Lucid Recharged, wraps certified pre-owned treatment around the Air sedan (and eventually the Gravity SUV), but the real story is how sharply nearly new cars are being discounted compared with their original sticker prices. For a brand recently named the best luxury EV brand for 2025, the numbers are blunt. How Lucid Recharged WorksLucid Recharged is structured like a modern luxury CPO program. Eligible cars must be single-owner examples with fewer than 62,000 miles. They go through a 160-plus-point inspection that covers cosmetic condition, suspension and brakes, high-voltage hardware, charging equipment, and software. Any issues are addressed with Lucid-approved parts before the car is listed. Each Recharged car keeps whatever is left of the original 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle warranty and gains an additional 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty on top, along with roadside assistance for the full covered period. Lucid also includes a clean-title check, a history report, and the inspection summary to show what was fixed or replaced. On some cars, buyers can even add DreamDrive Pro driver-assistance hardware and features as part of the process, which lets a used Air pick up tech that may have been optional when it was new. The Big Drops in Year OneThe headline is in the pricing, as Lucid’s Recharged inventory shows nearly new Airs listed at tens of thousands of dollars below their original MSRP. A 2023 Air Pure with around 20,000 miles can appear in the mid-$40,000 range, against a new Air Pure that starts just under $71,000. A 2024 Air Touring with similar mileage may sit in the high $50,000s versus a current new price close to $80,000. In both cases, roughly 30 percent of the value disappears in about one or two years, and higher trims that started north of six figures can fall even harder. That matches what shoppers already see in the broader used market, where two- or three-year-old Lucid Airs sometimes trade for around half of their original MSRP. It also sits against a backdrop where expensive repairs can be part of the ownership discussion. Lucid Motors Turning the Depreciation Into a PitchLucid Recharged tries to turn those realities into an argument for being the second owner instead of the first. From a buyer’s point of view, you get a heavily discounted Air that has already taken its biggest depreciation hit, plus extra factory-backed warranty coverage and a documented inspection. That makes the car easier to justify next to more established luxury options, and next to large electric SUVs that target similar customers. For Lucid, the program does double duty. It creates a controlled channel for pre-owned cars that might otherwise filter through auction lanes and independent dealers at fire-sale prices, and it generates additional revenue from vehicles the company has already built. At the same time, it is an implicit acknowledgment that early adopters who paid full MSRP have absorbed very heavy losses in a short period. View the full article

Buying one of Cadillac’s $400,000 Celestiq ultra-luxury EVs is no easy task. Firstly, there’s the not-so-small matter of being able to afford one. From there, you’ll need to submit a special purchase inquiry so you may be confirmed as an eligible customer. After that, there’s the long wait for the handcrafted car, which is built at a glacial rate of only two units per day. But one of the first known Celestiqs has become available for public sale via a California dealership. Loaded with options, this bespoke model could be the quickest way to get your hands on this opulent EV. Related: 2026 Cadillac Celestiq Now Costs More Than Rolls-Royce Spectre Low Miles, Sky-High Price 2025 Cadillac Celestiq Cadillac of Beverly Hills View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article This 2025 Cadillac Celestiq has covered just three miles, so it’s essentially brand new. This one is listed for a jaw-dropping $418,575 by Cadillac of Beverly Hills, making it one of the most expensive cars in the world. This one has the following optional equipment: $15,900 Abalone White Tricoat paint$8,000 matte finish$8,910 bespoke interior$4,000 Uranus recycled paper wood ornamental finish$1,525 Cadillac Crest headstone ornament 2025 Cadillac Celestiq Cadillac of Beverly Hills View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The white paint does nothing to mask the massive size of the Celestiq, which stretches 217.2 inches in length. It’s 81.9 inches wide (not including the mirrors) but sits at a relatively low height of 57.2 inches. This one is so new that its floor mats still have their plastic covers, and it's likely that the owner purchased this Celestiq before its 2026 price hike. Originally, the car started at around $340,000. With $38,335 in options, this one's value when new would have been around $378,335, so the seller stands to make a significant profit if it sells at the current listed price. Related: Americans Are Now Paying More for Cadillacs Than BMWs and Mercedes A True Rolls-Royce Rival Cadillac Besides the exquisite craftsmanship in every Celestiq, a car that costs more than a Rolls-Royce Spectre has to do more than pamper occupants. It does just that, with the dual electric motors producing 655 horsepower and 646 lb-ft of torque combined. All-wheel-drive grip helps to send this shockingly heavy EV to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds. It’s got a substantial 111-kWh battery, too, so it can cover 303 miles on a full charge. The technology is Cadillac’s best. This exclusive Caddy gets an active air suspension, magnetic ride control, and active roll control to keep the body stable and occupants as comfortable as possible. It’s got a segment-first four-zone smart glass roof, five HD interactive displays, and an industry-first ClimateSense Individual four-zone microclimate system. Joel Stocksdale As with a Bentley or Rolls-Royce, the customization potential of the Celestiq is nearly infinite, with a personal Cadillac design concierge taking you through the meticulous process of creating your bespoke sedan. This 2025 model for sale represents the quickest opportunity to drive off in the ultimate expression of American luxury—for those who can afford it, of course. View the full article

Vortech returns to the twin-screw market with a modernized Lysholm-based supercharger designed for OEM-level fitment and 1,000 HP support.View the full article

Reviving The Spirit of NismoNissan is looking to reignite excitement around its Nismo performance division through a series of expansion initiatives. These include widening the market availability of Nismo-branded vehicles, investing further in heritage restoration programs, and increasing its involvement in motorsports. The timing appears deliberate. Nissan’s longtime flagship, the GT-R Nismo, had reached the end of its lifecycle and was discontinued earlier this year, leaving the Z as the brand’s primary performance-oriented sports car. This comes as rival Toyota prepares to launch a new twin-turbo V8 hybrid halo car called the GR GT. At the same time, German competitors BMW and Mercedes-Benz continue to roll out compelling performance models through their M and AMG divisions, respectively. Nissan Expansion Across Several AreasTo remain competitive, Nissan aims to increase annual Nismo vehicle shipments from 100,000 units to 150,000 units by 2028, with overseas sales rising from approximately 40% to 60%. While Japan offers Nismo versions of models such as the Note and Aura, the U.S. lineup is currently limited to the Armada and Z Nismo. Nissan also plans to capitalize on the growing car restoration market. According to the company, this segment – currently valued at around 500 billion yen (approximately $3.2 billion) – could expand to as much as 1.2 trillion yen ($7.7 billion) by 2032. As part of this effort, Nissan will expand its heritage restoration activities for the Skyline GT-R R32, R33, and R34 – arguably three of the most iconic models in its portfolio. On the motorsports front, Nissan intends to further elevate the Nismo brand by exploring new forms of racing. The automaker already competes in racing series such as Super GT, Super Taikyu, and Formula E. This mirrors Toyota’s Gazoo Racing strategy, which enters series such as the FIA World Endurance Championship and the World Rally Championship, and will become the title sponsor of the Haas Formula 1 team from the 2026 season. Nissan also plans to introduce new prototype race vehicles starting in fiscal year 2026, using motorsports as a development platform to gather data and apply what it learns to its road cars. Nissan A Bigger Bet on PerformanceCommenting on the planned expansion, Yutaka Sanada, President and CEO of Nissan Motorsports & Customization Co., Ltd. (NMC), said: “Nismo continues to elevate the excitement and innovation of Nissan vehicles. Moving forward, we aim to infuse our passion and driven excitement into Nissan’s other product lines.” In addition, Japan’s Kuruma reported that engineers who worked on the development of the GT-R and Fairlady Z will undergo additional training at Nismo. While the initiative has yet to fully materialize, it is an encouraging sign for enthusiasts to see Nissan allocate more resources to its performance division, particularly as the company works through financial challenges in recent years. Nissan View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Mercedes-Benz is rethinking how it bolts its cars together, and the change starts in places you would not normally notice. As part of a new circularity program, the company is redesigning components so they can be taken apart and repaired instead of being glued into a single throwaway unit. Headlights, interior panels and plastic trim are all being reworked to use screws, reversible fasteners and mono-material parts, with the goal of improving long-term quality while cutting embedded CO2. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Headlights That Can be Opened, Not BinnedModern LED headlights are some of the most expensive parts on a car, in part because they are built as sealed assemblies. The lens, housing, trim and electronics are bonded together with permanent adhesives, which is good for watertightness but bad for repairability. If a stone cracks the lens, owners often end up paying for a complete unit rather than a simple cover. Under the new approach, Mercedes is designing future lamps to be screwed together instead of glued. The lens and housing are held by mechanical fasteners, and internal modules are laid out so technicians can remove the front cover, swap a damaged lens or failed control unit and then reseal the headlight. On the sustainability side, the company is pushing for each major piece to be a single type of plastic, which makes sorting and recycling far easier when the car is finally scrapped. The brand says that could almost double the share of recycled material in a headlamp and cut the component’s CO2 footprint by around half, without changing its basic function. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Interior Panels and Plastics Built for a Second LifeThe “screws not glue” idea extends into the cabin. Interior door panels that were previously welded or bonded into a single lump are being redesigned with reversible plastic rivets and clips so that fabric, foam and backing boards can be separated again. New “mono-sandwich” PET parts use recycled plastic in a layered structure that is lighter than conventional trim but can still be recycled as PET at the end of its life. Other components, such as washer tanks and underbody panels, are shifting toward higher recycled content and simpler material mixes. There is also experimentation with unusual feedstocks. Mercedes is already trialing plastics derived from old tires and airbag housings for parts like synthetic leather surfaces, engine mounts and brackets. The idea is that the same cars that benefit from better repairability today can eventually feed the raw materials for later generations, instead of being shredded into mixed waste that is hard to reuse. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Quality, Tech and the Long GameFor owners, the immediate upside is about making expensive parts less disposable. A headlight that can be opened and serviced should last longer and cost less to keep on the road, which matters more as cars load up with sensors, LED modules and complex light signatures. It fits with the way Mercedes is trying to frame its next wave of products as both more high-tech and more durable, from entry models like the new CLA to top-end sedans. The company is increasingly relying on software and updates to make existing cars last longer. In the physical world, they’re also focusing on mechanical changes like screw-together headlights and reversible trim. These efforts aim to keep cars in tip-top shape for longer and cut down on the amount of hardware that needs to be discarded when just one part goes kaput. View the full article

Blackbird Performance is taking on Gen 3 HEMI valvetrain problems. Blackbird's new Solid camshaft valvetrain is designed to make big power. View the full article

If you listen to music, chances are you may have come across a certain DJ Khaled. Although now known for his rather extravagant lifestyle, flaunting cars, cash, and excess, the media personality wasn’t exactly born into extraordinary wealth. As he often points out, the man had humble beginnings, and his most recent Instagram upload reaffirmed things after being reminded of his hustle days while celebrating his 50th birthday. In the video, Lenny Santiago, a veteran of the music business and a close friend, can be seen gifting DJ Khaled a model car at first and later the life-sized version itself. The car? A red 1991 BMW M3. As it turns out, the E30 homologation special was a birthday gift from Lenny S. and famed hip-hop artist, Jay-Z. The car holds a special place in his heart, as he points to some of the photos shared by Lenny, reminding him of his struggles during the early days of his career. In the words of Mr Khaled himself, “In the ‘90s I had an M3, hustlin.’… I bought an M3, and this M3, I put a system in it. I was like, 15, 16, and I put a system in it, and the whole car caught on fire.” Perhaps not the ending we had in mind, but things turned out for the best, shall we say. A red E30 M3 is part of the Khaled family again, sharing space with some of the finest the automotive world has to offer. Oh, and it’s running the vanity plate “WTB-M3.” DJ Khaled/Instagram Recalling the hustle and grind, DJ Khaled quickly switched to the motivational speaker in him, saying, “Listen, the vision was so clear. We used to do parties, rent out halls and we used to charge $5 at the door, and the flyers were graffiti. … I was selling Pelle Pelles out the back of the trunk, mixtapes, I used to sell alligator shoes out the back of this trunk.“ One thing we’re certain is that this car won't be as ill-fated as his previous E30 M3. This particular BMW means a lot to the artist-turned-entrepreneur, and having it gifted on his 50th birthday after achieving all that he has makes the whole exercise feel pure and heartwarming. View the full article

You’re all packed and ready to explore the BC coast, just you and your truck. Getting into the trails, you're stoked on life out in the wilderness. And then you hear it — the snap of a CV, the pop of a tire, the indescribable rattling of your engine as the truck just stops. Now, without the appropriate tools to repair your truck, you would be left completely stranded. I have had my fair share of break-downs and broken parts. Thankfully I've always been prepared with the right tools to get home on my own, and with experience, I've been able to put together a tool kit that hasn't let me down yet. What tools should you always take with you when off-roading with your Toyota? Let’s take a look! Tool Kit First, you need somewhere to store everything. I've personally used the Blue Ridge Overland tool bag, which has room for all my tools and then some. It also fits nicely behind the rear seat of the Tacoma. It is expensive, but I've definitely enjoyed having it. Recently, we've also developed our own Overland Outfitters Toyota Off Road Complete Tool Kit, which can be purchased with all of the tools you need or without the tools if you're already fully stocked. Breaker Bar A lot of people will go out on the trail, and only realize that they don’t have the right equipment to get their wheels on and off after they get a flat tire. After swapping to new wheels or tires, a breaker bar with the right size socket for the lug nut key is essential to get your wheels off. Typically the stock lug nuts and tools won't work on your new wheels, so you want to make sure you always have the right sizes for your lug nuts and sockets before you head out — you don’t want to get caught on the side of the road with the wrong ones. Sockets If you ever snap a CV axle, you’ll want to carry a 35mm socket for your axle nut. It's a bit hard, if not impossible to get at with just a big crescent wrench, so definitely pick one of them up. Generally, you’ll also want to keep both deep and shallow sockets in your tool kit. Toyota trucks use metric sizes, not standard, so you don't have to double up with a standard set as well if you want to keep it light. I also keep an extra spark plug socket just in case. Not common, but if you ever get a bit too zesty and hydrolock your truck, a sparkplug socket might come in handy. Metric Wrenches When it comes to Toyota trucks, you only need to carry metric wrenches with you. I like to carry a variety of sizes with me just in case, but the majority of bolts on a Toyota will be 10,12,14,17,19,21mm. One of the most important wrenches to keep with you is a 10mm flare nut wrench. If you ever blow a brake line, you’ll need one of these or else you'll likely round that nut off. These are just a few of the most important tools I keep in my kit when off-roading, but you can find a comprehensive list below. Full List of Tools Tool kit Work gloves Breaker bar 35 mil socket Pry bar, small and big Paper towels Brake clean Ratchets — normal 3/8ths, stubby 3/8ths and 1/4 inch with extensions Sockets in metric sizing Extra spark plug socket Sledgehammer Punches Vice grips/pliers Channel locks Screwdrivers — flat head, Phillips head, torx + a multi-bit Round file for your chainsaw Crescent wrench Metric wrenches — from a tiny 8 mil to a 24 mil Flare nut wrench in 10 mil Wire brush Pipe wrench Allen keys Lock tight Knife blades Exacto knife A bag of various bolts (in case a bolt breaks) Bailing wire Penetrating lube Electrical components, like butt connectors and wire Think I missed something? Are there any tools more important than the ones I mentioned? Hit me up in the comments! View the full article

States Challenge Suspension of Biden-Era EV ProgramsA total of 16 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of unlawfully withholding billions of dollars approved by Congress for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, targets the Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration for freezing two major grant programs created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. At the center of the dispute are roughly $2.5 billion from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) program and about $350 million from the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator. State attorneys general argue that USDOT has refused to approve new funding obligations, effectively “impounding” money already authorized by Congress. California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the move unconstitutional, saying it violates the separation of powers by overriding bipartisan spending decisions. Getty Images California Leads a Multi-State Legal PushCalifornia, Washington, and Colorado lead the lawsuit, joined by attorneys general from Arizona, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. California alone stands to lose nearly $180 million earmarked for charger construction, repair, and freight corridor electrification, according to state officials. Bonta said the suspension threatens dozens of state and local projects already in motion, including efforts to fix broken chargers and expand fast-charging access along major freight routes. “This is just another reckless attempt that will stall the fight against air pollution and climate change, slow innovation, thwart green job creation, and leave communities without access to clean, affordable transportation,” he said. According to the report from Reuters, the USDOT did not immediately respond to comment. Matt Cardy/Getty Images Part of a Broader Trump EV RollbackThe legal fight is the latest flashpoint in President Donald Trump’s broader rollback of EV-friendly policies enacted under former President Joe Biden. Since returning to the office, Trump has moved to end the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, proposed weakening fuel economy and tailpipe emissions standards, and signed measures blocking California’s plan to phase out gasoline-only vehicle sales by 2035. In February, the administration also suspended the separate $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, prompting an earlier lawsuit from many of the same states. A federal judge later ordered the release of much of that funding, setting a precedent the states hope will apply again. Trump has repeatedly criticized federal EV investments, claiming that charging programs have wasted billions for minimal results. Industry Impact and What’s at StakeThe lawsuit comes as EV adoption in the U.S. shows signs of slowing, with consumers citing charging availability and higher prices as key concerns. According to Kelley Blue Book, new EVs still transact at a significant premium compared with the broader market, making reliable public charging even more critical for mainstream buyers. Automakers such as Ford and Honda have recently scaled back aggressive EV expansion plans in favor of hybrids and more efficient gasoline models. State officials argue that freezing charging funds only worsens those challenges, creating a self-fulfilling slowdown in EV demand. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state is prepared to fight, calling the lawsuit essential to protecting both climate goals and economic growth. For now, the case adds another chapter to an escalating legal battle over the future of U.S. transportation policy and who ultimately controls the nation’s shift toward electrification. Kia View the full article

AFCO has the perfect struts for 1979-2004 Mustang owners. These struts are great for any drag racing application. View the full article

Not Your Usual Kind of RecallJeep is no stranger to recalls this year in the US, but this one seems the most odd. Chrysler (China) Automotive Sales Co., Ltd. has filed a recall covering a small batch of imported Jeep Cherokees sold in China between 2012 and 2015, citing non-compliance with updated lighting regulations. The recall affects 3,565 vehicles built between October 29, 2012, and January 29, 2015, all imported to China before the GAC Fiat Chrysler production partnership. It’s an unusual recall not tied to mechanical failure or electronics, but to something as basic and bureaucratic as where a reversing light sits off the ground. Jeep Recall Details and FixAccording to the filing, reported by Chinese publication Autohome, the issue stems from vehicles fitted with a lifting suspension kit that raises the reversing lights above the height allowed under current Chinese national standards. That positioning technically violates lighting regulations and, more importantly, poses a safety risk by reducing visibility for other road users when reversing. Rather than lowering the suspension or relocating the lights, Chrysler China’s solution is as unconventional as this recall. The original reversing lights will be disabled free of charge, while the right rear fog light will be replaced with a unit that incorporates reversing light functionality. The body control module will then be reprogrammed to support the change. Seems simple enough, but we can't ignore the fact that the recall is actually targeting over-a-decade-old models over a violation of a more advanced regulation. If the position wasn't up to par with the country's regulations back then, why were they sold in the first place? It's a weird retroactive recall, to say the least. Jeep Which Cherokee Is Being Recalled?The recalled vehicles are early Jeep Cherokee KL models imported before local production began in China. Globally, the KL-generation Cherokee marked a turning point for Jeep when it debuted in the mid-2010s, replacing the boxy Liberty with a crossover-style SUV riding on a unibody platform. Independent suspension, available all-wheel-drive systems, and a relatively refined cabin positioned the Cherokee closer to mainstream crossovers than hardcore off-roaders. That balance worked reasonably well in North America, but in China, where buyers increasingly favored local brands with fresher tech and sharper pricing, the Cherokee never became a volume hit. Of note, Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, officially exited local Jeep production in China this year after years of weak sales and mounting losses. While the recall itself is routine regulatory housekeeping, it arrives just as Jeep’s long and ultimately unprofitable China experiment draws to a close. Jeep View the full article