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Filling a NeedWhen it comes to rethinking the game, the new-generation Dodge Charger comes to mind. It's a pioneer in offering a legendary muscle car nameplate as either an all-electric Daytona model or the recently introduced combustion-powered turbocharged SIXPACK. The market has come around to the new Charger, but there was still an issue that needed to be addressed: aftermarket support and parts are few and far between, which means if you want to dress up your new Charger, your choices are nonexistent. That is, until now, thanks to the folks at AeroFlow Dynamics. Make The Charger FlowAeroFlow Dynamics is a California-based company that specializes in OEM-style aerodynamic kits, meaning the parts they design fit the car perfectly. They have just introduced a kit specifically for the 2024 model-year and later Dodge Charger, and in this case, it's offered as a full exterior package. There is a front lip, side skirt extensions, and a rear duckbill spoiler, which contribute to a more aggressive stance for the Charger without taking things too far. The front lip isn't just about looks; it also helps the airflow under the car, which aids stability, especially at higher speeds. Not a lot of people pay much attention to the side skirts as much as the front or rear aero trim pieces, but the reality is they play a key role in both the looks and the flow. This kit features side skirts that blend well into the body of the Charger, lowering the look a little while also improving aerodynamic flow across the relatively long, flat sides. Finally, at the rear, AeroFlow Dynamics offers a duckbill spoiler. This specific part is actually the most noticeable visual change. It sits nicely on top of the trunk lid, helping tie the whole package together and (of course) improving stability and airflow, too. Made with PurposeWe've already stated that this kit isn't just for looks, but was made with quality in mind. AeroFlownDynamics used an advanced Poly Hybrid material and finished exclusively in Gloss Black; each component is built to last with the strength and flexibility needed for real-world driving. Installation is straightforward with OEM mounting points, included hardware, and self-tapping screws where needed for added reinforcement. As for the price, the front lip and side skirts should cost owners $399.99 apiece, while the duckbill spoiler is priced at $299.99. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp USA is among a long list of companies seeking the same relief as Costco in the US Court of International Trade.View the full article

The average transaction price of new cars in America has been hovering around the $50,000 mark for a few months now, with lower-priced vehicles (under $30,000) accounting for a measly 7.5% of total sales in November. High-priced models continue to thrive, and when looking at the average prices per brand last month, Cadillac jumps out more than any other. The average transaction price for a Caddy is now a lot higher than for BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. In fact, such is Cadillac’s resurgence in the luxury sector, that only two brands had higher average transaction prices last month. Related: 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ: The Stunning Electric Return of the Ultimate Luxury SUV Average Cadillac Prices Now At $87,739 Cadillac Escalade IQL Cadillac View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Despite Cadillac having multiple models that start at under $50,000, the average transaction price of its models reached a whopping $87,739 in November, a 29% year-over-year increase. In the process, Cadillac has surpassed all other luxury brands analyzed, other than Land Rover ($105,767 average transaction price) and Porsche ($122,674). Exotic brands like McLaren, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley were not included, but these all operate on another level entirely. Compared to a year ago, buyers spent less on BMWs, Mercs, Audis, and Acuras last month, so Cadillac’s big jump contrasts with these fellow luxury brands. Here’s a look at the average transaction prices of some other luxury brands in November, based on data from Cox Automotive: Acura: $49,083Audi: $64,902BMW: $72,616Lexus: $61,901Mercedes-Benz: $75,000Although Cadillac does now have a $400,000 EV in the form of the Celestiq, that’s an ultra-low-volume model so can’t bring up the brand’s average alone. Related: 2026 Cadillac Celestiq Now Costs More Than Rolls-Royce Spectre Cadillac’s Top Models Are Thriving Cadillac In its most recent quarterly sales report (Q3 2025), Cadillac posted its best sales for that quarter in over a decade. The ever-popular Escalade full-size SUV saw sales increase by 29%, while the brand’s EV range is performing well. That group includes the Lyriq, Optiq, and Vistiq. Cadillac sold over 7,300 Lyriqs alone in Q3, and this is a vehicle that starts at around $60,000, so it’s easy to see how the brand’s average transaction price has gone up. The Escalade IQ moved over 2,200 units in Q3, and the cheapest derivative costs $127,405. For months now, Cadillac has led the way in the luxury EV segment, a trend that shows no sign of slowing down. Earlier this year, Cadillac said conquest rates for its EVs were very high, sitting at 79% for the Lyriq and 76% for the Optiq. A large percentage of Cadillac EV buyers are new to the brand and coming from marques like Audi, Mercedes, and Lexus. Clearly, consumers are loving the performance, refinement, and authentic luxury feel of Cadillac’s EV lineup. Related: Cadillac's Best-Selling EV is Now More Expensive, But With Good Reason Final ThoughtsCadillac’s strategy is clearly paying off. Between its brilliant EV lineup and the presence of an aspirational flagship in the Celestiq, the brand is showing that American luxury has found its mojo again, after years of being considered inferior to European brands. The trusty Escalade is still holding its own in the full-size SUV segment, too, despite more intense competition from the likes of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. View the full article

he UK-exclusive Transalp SP shows how strong the demand for retro adventure bikes has become.View the full article

Two fuses in the ABS pump and control unit may inadvertently have been switched, which could increase the risk of a crash.View the full article

A Post-Holiday Reality CheckAfter navigating a difficult year that included setbacks such as the end of key federal EV tax incentives, Tesla is preparing to introduce significant lease price increases across parts of its lineup following Christmas Day. According to CarsDirect, the changes will apply to the 2026 model-year Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck, with the Model 3 seeing the largest increase at 67%. That means the Model 3 Premium trim will soon be offered at $499 per month with a $3,000 down payment, a significant jump from the current $299 monthly rate with $1,500 down. The report also estimates that the vehicle’s effective cost—which factors in additional expenses beyond the base monthly payment—will climb sharply from $368 to $616. A Closer Look at the DealThe mid-range Model 3 Premium trim is currently available in both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. However, the increase appears to apply to the RWD version, as its existing lease offer aligns with the $299 deal cited in the report. Compared to the entry-level Model 3 Standard, the Premium package adds range, with the RWD version rated at an EPA-estimated 363 miles. The AWD version is rated at 335 miles. However, it doesn’t match the outright performance of the range-topping Performance trim, as the Premium RWD completes the zero-to-60 mph sprint in a more modest 4.9 seconds (vs 2.9 seconds in the Model 3 Performance). The Model 3's crossover counterpart, the Model Y, is also slated for a sizable lease adjustment. The Premium RWD version will reportedly see its lease price rise by 39%, increasing from $449 with $0 down to $549 per month with a $3,000 down payment. Its effective cost is expected to climb from $481 to $667. While the Model Y shares many mechanical components with the Model 3 Premium, its larger footprint and added weight result in a slightly lower EPA-estimated range of 357 miles. Acceleration is also slower, with a zero-to-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. Even Tesla’s Toughest Gets PricierRounding out the list is the Cybertruck, Tesla’s all-electric pickup aimed at buyers seeking utility and zero emissions in one package. The report states that the base trim’s 36-month lease with $5,000 down will rise from $729 to $849 per month, representing a 14% increase. This variant features an all-wheel-drive setup, allowing for a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, along with an EPA-estimated driving range of 325 miles. The new lease pricing will take effect on December 26. Shoppers looking to take advantage of the current lease deals must submit a buyer’s credit application by that date, with vehicle delivery required by December 31 to qualify. Tesla View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Polaris' 2026 Slingshot range gets a new addition to the family in the form of the Grand Touring model, while the rest of the lineup gets some tasty updates.View the full article

From the Ferrari’s Shadow to a New Supercar EraThe Ferrari F40 and 288 GTO are legendary for several reasons, so much so that they're the object of tributes and modern takes like the SC40, Lewis Hamilton’s (apparently) canceled supercar project, and the resurrected 288 GTO by Automobili Torino. Both nameplates are built with almost zero compromise – not to mention manual transmissions that offer a raw mechanical connection with the car. But here’s something most people miss: both the F40 and 288 GTO actually used turbochargers from Japan’s IHI. Fast forward to today, and IHI is back in the spotlight, but this time under the hood of a different Italian supercar. Lamborghini’s new Temerario, the plug-in hybrid that replaces the V10, also relies on IHI turbochargers. Lamborghini Engineering a Turbo for Five DigitsBut beyond the fun trivia you’ve just learned, Lamborghini actually set out to do something almost no turbocharged road car has tried: hit a 10,000 rpm redline. That was the challenge for IHI, and that meant going back to the kind of engineering puzzles it last saw in the days of old-school supercars, only now with the added twist of hybrid tech. IHI spent about five years building one tough enough to handle the heat, vibration, and crazy speeds the Temerario needs, Nikkei Asia reports. Most turbo engines can’t rev as high as naturally aspirated ones because exhaust temperatures and bearing loads can get out of hand quickly. So IHI took its RHZ-series turbo and reworked it from the inside out. The heavy machinery company thinned the compressor blades and trimmed the bearing housing to reduce internal resistance, letting the turbo spin faster as the engine revs climb. The bearing housing uses a special aluminum-copper-magnesium-silicon alloy, a material with roots in aerospace research. To make sure things are perfect, the firm went through over 100 prototypes, tweaking things by as little as a millimeter to get the vibration and response just right. The end result is a turbo that can handle 10,000 rpm all day and still be ready for mass production – exactly what Lamborghini needed. Lamborghini Reaching Customers in Early 2026All of this tech comes together in a brand-new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, teamed up with three electric motors. The engine alone puts out about 789 horsepower, and the whole system pushes close to 907. That 10,000 rpm redline is real, and it’s paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch. Lamborghini says it’ll do 0-60 in about 2.7 seconds and top out past 210 mph, which is expectedly wild in the era of hybrid Lambos. First deliveries of the Temerario are set for early 2026. Most owners probably won’t think twice about who built the turbo when they hit that 10,000 rpm redline. But under all the carbon fiber and hybrid systems, there’s a direct link to the F40 and 288 GTO – a reminder that even today’s cutting-edge supercars still owe something to the legends that came before. Lamborghini View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

KTM’s upcoming 1390 Super Duke RR is the clearest sign yet that the brand is on the road to recovery after Bajaj stepped in to save it.View the full article

Group C race cars are some of the coolest road racing machines, so when I saw this video pop up of the Sauber Mercedes C11 that Michael Schumacher used to drive, I had to watch. When I then saw that there was also onboard video from Spa in the rain, I knew I had to check that one out too. You’ll dig this in car footage that’s for sure, so check out both videos below. Video Description: Racing the Ex Michael Schumacher Sauber-Mercedes C11 against other Group-C Legends. Full WET Lap: • Onboard: Mercedes C11 on WET Spa – HQ V8 s… Engine: 5.0L twin turbo V8 Driven by: Kriton Lendoudis The post Very Cool Onboard Video: The Mercedes C11 Did Not Disappoint! Check Out These Racing Highlights on Spa – HQ V8 sound appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Derek is back at it, this time picking up a Cadillac Allante, a rare and cool Cadillac from the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. They were cool cars that were more important to Cadillac than most people probably realize, as they were the predecessor to the Cadillac XLR that was based on a Corvette platform and ultimately would lead to the Cadillac V program becoming what it is. So can Derek get this Allante up and running dependably enough to make it 1,000 miles back home? These things weren’t known for the most reliable and awesome engines, so I hope he got himself a good one. Video Description: This 1990 Cadillac Alante has been parked for a decade or more. The bodies for these cars were made in Italy by Pininfarina and shipped to the USA for final assembly. I’ve never worked on one, or even seen one in person. This will no doubt be a battle! The post ABANDONED RARE Cadillac Allante Parked FOR YEARS! Will It RUN AND DRIVE 1,000 Miles Home? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has acquired Maple Grove Raceway, securing the future of one of drag racing’s most historic venues. Founded in the early 1960s, Maple Grove Raceway is widely regarded as one of the fastest tracks in the country. Under the leadership of the Koretsky family, the facility was revitalized in recent years through modern improvements while preserving its long-standing family-focused culture. The Koretsky family will remain actively involved during the transition and moving forward. “This is a track with deep roots and an even stronger future,” said IHRA Owner Darryl Cuttell. “Maple Grove represents what racing should be, competitive, welcoming, and centered around racers and families.” The Koretsky family called the move a natural next step. “Maple Grove has always been more than a racetrack, it’s home,” the family spokesman said. “The IHRA shares our values of affordable, fun, and family-centered racing. This new chapter honors Maple Grove’s legacy while positioning it for the future.” According to the announcement, the Koretsky family will work closely with the IHRA through 2026 and beyond. At the time of this report, the Keystone Nationals remains on the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule for September 17-20, 2026 at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, PA. The post IHRA Acquires Maple Grove Raceway appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Royal Enfield Reveals Twin-Engine VITA and Carolina Reaper Customs in Japan Royal Enfield has unveiled two one-off custom motorcycles at the 33rd Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show in Japan, using the global stage to showcase the breadth of its Custom World programme. The twin-engine VITA, developed by Japan’s Custom Works Zon, pairs two 648 cc […] The post A couple of tasty Royal Enfield customs break cover in Japan appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Your Triumph triple doesn’t have to sound like a LAMS bike! So you went and bought a Triumph 660 triple. Smart move. Whether you opted for the naked Trident 660 or the more adventure-focused Tiger Sport 660, the Brits built a genuinely premium middleweight platform that doesn’t feel like a compromise. But here’s the thing. […] The post Yoshimura AT2 Full System for Triumph Trident and Tiger Sport 660 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Recall Round-Up KTM 390 Recall Recall number – REC-006500 Campaign number – 41_2598833 Original published date – 10 December 2025 Supplier details – KTM Australia Pty Ltd Contact name – KTM Australia Customer Service Contact phone – 1800 644 771 Contact email – customerservice-au@ktm.com Contact website – https://www.ktm.com/en-au.html KTM 390 DUKE, ENDURO R, SMC R, […] The post Recall Round-Up: KTM 390s, Husqvarna 401s appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Dale Earnhardt Jr. hypothesized on Tuesday what would happen to the NASCAR Cup Series if the lawsuit brought by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports reached a settlement and by Thursday the frameworks of the ‘what if’ were made a reality. Speaking with his sister and business partner Kelley Earnhardt-Miller on their podcast, Earnhardt said permanent charters would effectively make the Cup ...Keep readingView the full article

Pumping the Brakes on EVsThe European Commission is reportedly preparing to scrap the 2035 ban on new combustion-engine car sales – a more concrete move than the previous declaration from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. It's being shaped by pressure from automakers, particularly as U.S. import tariffs and intensifying competition from China have made selling EVs more challenging. Speaking at a press conference in Germany, Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s Party (EPP) — the largest political group in the European Parliament — said, “Next Tuesday the European Commission will be putting forward a clear proposal to abolish the ban on combustion engines.” That said, the announcement will be made on December 16. Mercedes-AMG Munich and Stuttgart SmileAccording to Reuters, the proposal would be a major win for Germany, home to automakers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. These brands continue to rely heavily on high-performance internal-combustion models like the BMW M4, which typically produce higher emissions than most mass-market vehicles. If the proposal is approved, enthusiasts may also have reason to celebrate, as many beloved performance models – like the Hemi V8-powered Dodge Challenger – have been discontinued in recent years due to electrification targets. However, a reversal could prove costly for brands that fully aligned their strategies with the 2035 ban. Volvo, for example, once offered a wide range of powertrains, but committed to producing mostly electrified cars by 2030. If a key market changes course, companies like Volvo may be forced to rethink their long-term product plans yet again, potentially resulting in substantial financial consequences. Meanwhile, Chinese EV makers are becoming increasingly competitive, offering advanced technology at relatively lower price points. BYD, in particular, has gained global momentum and even challenges Tesla in overall EV sales, with models like the Atto 3 gaining traction in Europe. Tesla Climate Goals Stay on the TableThe proposal, however, would not abandon emissions goals altogether. Weber emphasized that the plan includes a target to cut vehicle emissions by 90% from 2035 onward – short of a full ban but still a significant reduction. He also ruled out the possibility of pushing for a total ban by 2040. A future that is not exclusively EV-focused could reopen the door to alternative powertrains, echoing Toyota’s multi-pathway approach. Toyota has been cautious with EV adoption (the company only offers one EV model in the U.S. called the bZ), while investing heavily in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has argued that EVs have yet to meet industry expectations, has also pointed to synthetic fuels, an area Porsche has actively explored. Here in the U.S., there is no nationwide ban on combustion-engine vehicles, though states like California aim to mandate zero-emission new-car sales by 2035. BMW View the full article

Check out our third gallery of photos below, and remember we’ve got a link to anything you might have missed already too! Check them all out and if you click on a photo it will expand and you can swipe through them all! (Words and Photos by Chad Reynolds) We’ve got photos from the 2025 PRI Show in Indy right here! Man this place is full of epic stuff that I’d really love to see under the tree, or under the hood in 2024. The PRI Show is where everyone that’s anyone seemed to be on hand checking out parts, making sponsors happy, signing autographs, partying at the local bars and just having too much fun all around. It’s our favorite trade show of the year and we are having a great time. There are tons of things to see and even more importantly, awesome people to talk to. Check out our continuing coverage below, we’ve got more galleries coming this week as well! We are in Indianapolis for the 2025 PRI Show and man there is lots of cool stuff here as usual. Thursday we got to the show, judged the featured products, saw some awesome stuff we’d never seen before, and then wandered around shooting some photos. Then we attempted a more stuctured approach to our coverage and went aisle by aisle in search of all things cool. Check back tomorrow for even more coverage as we’ve got all kinds of cool stuff we know you will dig. The Performance Racing Industry show is one that any racer would love to attend. Unlike the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where every kind of automotive aftermarket part is on display, the PRI Show features only racing-related parts. If the parts aren’t related to the motorsports world, you won’t find them here. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTOS WE’VE ALREADY POSTED! The post Our PRI Show Photos Continue: We’ve Shared A Bunch Of Photos From The PRI Show, And Here Are Even More Cool Cars And Parts! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Chevrolet vs Ford, a rivalry that is as old as these two companies. Of course Mopar is in that fight as well, but in this video it is all about the big two going head to head in a Stay Tuned small block shootout. This is no high dollar big power build shootout, but rather low budget hot rod engines where bang for your buck is the goal. So do you think this latest small block Ford build can compete with the 327 Chevy they built? Let’s see in the video below. Video Description: This week on Stay Tuned, Tony Angelo and the Stay Tuned dudes set out to see if they could build a nasty little small block Ford engine for Declan’s new ’68 Mustang project. Question is, will it compete dollar for dollar with the killer little 327 they build a few years ago? Can you make affordable horsepower as easily with a Ford as you can with a Chevy? Stay Tuned to find out! The post Ford Vs Chevy Small Block Shootout! This Budget Power Small Block Test Proves You Can Do It With Both, But Which One Is Best? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Land Rover Defender prices have climbed so far that even pre-Defender models are getting treated like blue-chip collectibles. Case in point is this 1989 Land Rover 90 V8 County Station Wagon being offered in the U.K. for £49,950 (around $66,500). Sold new by Dutton Forshaw in Aylesbury and now with just two owners and 85,854 miles, it is being marketed as a “superbly original” truck that has spent more than a decade tucked away in a heated garage as part of a classic collection. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Original V8 County, Lightly UsedAlthough it predates the Defender badge, this is the template everyone thinks of: short-wheelbase 90, Ermine White paint, alpine windows, grey County cloth and a carb-fed 3.5-liter Rover V8 under the hood. Power goes through a manual gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive, with the ad emphasizing that the truck still looks and feels like a lightly used working Land Rover rather than a freshly restored showpiece. Documentation includes the current V5, MOT through September 2026, original owner’s manuals and a stack of service invoices. For buyers who spend time scrolling older listings like this 1986 Land Rover Defender 110 for sale, the appeal is obvious: it is rare to find a V8 County that has not been beaten up, modified or worked to death. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Preserved Rather Than ModifiedUnlike many classic 90s that have been rebuilt into overland rigs, this one is presented largely as Land Rover intended, right down to its period-correct trim. PistonHeads notes it has covered only a couple of thousand miles since 2013, and photos show straight panels, clean seams and an interior that lines up with the claimed history. That makes it a different proposition from heavily updated restomods or newer factory-built specials, and closer in spirit to stock later examples such as this 2000 Land Rover Defender 90 listing. The question is less whether it looks the part, and more whether a buyer is willing to use it once they have paid collector money for it. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Pricey In A World Of Defender AlternativesAt nearly £50,000, this 90 V8 County sits above well-used V8s and below re-engineered or “Works V8” builds, in a market where almost anything shaped like an old Defender seems to find a home. It also has to live alongside a whole wave of reinterpretations and imitators. For buyers who want the real thing, the premium here buys originality, paperwork and a truck that appears to have survived three and a half decades without being turned into a farm hack or a trail toy. Whether that makes sense as a purchase depends on how much value you put on stepping into an old Land Rover that still feels close to the way it left the showroom in 1989. View the full article

The Japanese custom scene has always marched to the beat of its own drum—and nowhere is this more evident than at the annual Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show. Colloquially known as the Mooneyes Show, and hosted in the Pacifico Yokohama convention hall on the first weekend in December, the HRCS is a one-... View the full article

While long term projects can be fun and rewarding, there is also nothing like a short rehab on a project that makes big progress and has big rewards. Not everyone can afford the time, money, or space that a long term project requires. So when you can spend a couple of days to a couple of weeks doing a rebuild that makes a huge difference for your project, it can be seriously rewarding, AND inspiring. And inspiration makes us want to do more with our projects and I totally approve of that. So watch the video below to see just what Mortske had to do to this cool squarebody C10 to make a big difference in just one week. Video Description: Let’s drag this 1975 Chevrolet C10 longbed into the shop and see if we can bring it back to life after being abandoned for 9 years and make it a helluva lot cooler along the way by shortening the bed and lowering the suspension! If you’d like to own this truck in the as shown condition it is available for $5,000 CASH! As always, thanks for watching! The post One Week Squarebody Rehab: How To Transform A Squarebody C10 Into A Shortbed ON THE CHEAP In Just One Week! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A Single-Owner Collection Heading to ParisCar collections are as varied as the stories behind them. Some focus on a single era, others chase motorsport legends, while a select few quietly assemble the most significant badges a brand has ever worn. With so much history tucked away in garages around the world, it’s hard to pinpoint which ones really are special. A Mercedes-Benz collection in Europe, however, stands out for its exotic selection of cars – and it’s about to cross the auction block next year. RM Sotheby’s has announced that a single-owner Mercedes-Benz collection will headline its 2026 Paris auction, set for January 28 at the Salles du Carrousel inside the Louvre Palace. The owner’s identity is still under wraps, though a bit of a backgrounder was shared: a Europe-based Mercedes enthusiast who zeroed in on milestone Mercedes models, not just numbers. RM Sotheby's View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Inside the Silver Star CollectionKnown as the Silver Star Collection, the six-car lineup reads like a greatest-hits album from Stuttgart. It’s led by two Mercedes-Benz 300 SLs that bookend the model’s production run: a 1954 Gullwing from the first year of production, one of just 167 cars built, and a 1962 Roadster from the final stretch, one of the final 182 cars made. Backing them up are two modern-day gullwing successors: a 2013 SLS AMG Coupe and its matching SLS AMG Roadster, both barely broken in and spec’d to match. Completing the lineup is a 2010 SLR McLaren Roadster – not the rarest, but it's one of just 520 ever made – and a 1969 280 SL Pagoda, restored to exacting factory standards. Taken together, these cars chart Mercedes-Benz’s journey from post-war motorsport innovation to the era of modern supercar performance. RM Sotheby's View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Expected to Fetch MillionsUsing current exchange rates, the estimated hammer price for each vehicle gives you an idea of how valuable the Silver Star Collection is. The 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is estimated to be the most expensive of the pack, with a value ranging from $1.46 million to $2.05 million. The 1962 300 SL Roadster, meanwhile, is expected to fetch between $1.40 million and $1.76 million. The modern halo cars weren’t as expensive as the historic ones. The 2013 SLS AMG Coupe is estimated to go for $281,000 to $339,000, while the SLS AMG Roadster will be close behind at $246,000 to $304,000. The 2010 SLR McLaren Roadster is expected to reach a hammer price between $439,000 and $556,000. The most approachable of the bunch is the restored 1969 280 SL Pagoda, valued between $140,000 and $164,000. As mentioned, all six cars will cross the block on January 28, 2026. RM Sotheby's View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Past Problems Point to Oil SolutionsGeneral Motors has faced substantial engine reliability challenges with its current V8 lineup, leading to multiple recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles. The primary culprit behind these failures has been identified as inadequate lubrication in critical engine components. When thin oil struggles to maintain proper film strength under high temperatures and loads, metal-to-metal contact occurs, resulting in premature wear and catastrophic engine damage. GM's response to these warranty claims has been straightforward. Service bulletins now recommend switching to higher viscosity lubricants in affected engines, effectively solving many of the problems that plagued earlier production runs. This practical fix has proven so effective that engineers developing the next generation V8 family are reportedly planning to specify thicker oils from the factory rather than waiting for issues to emerge. The Gen 6 pushrod-driven small block V8s will debut with the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. I Do Cars/YouTube Community Speaks Through Polling DataGM Authority recently surveyed its readership about what oil weight should be used in upcoming V8 engines. The results were unambiguous and decisive. Readers want GM to prioritize engine longevity by specifying heavier-weight oils from day one. The overwhelming response suggests that enthusiasts have strong opinions about the proper solution for the L87 V8 reliability woes. This community sentiment reflects a broader frustration with modern engineering priorities that seem to sacrifice durability for efficiency improvements. The poll essentially became a dipstick survey on whether GM should continue chasing every last fraction of fuel economy, or build engines that can actually survive their warranty periods without expensive repairs. Regulatory Changes Enable Better EngineeringUltra-thin engine oils became industry standard primarily because they reduce internal friction, delivering small but measurable fuel economy gains. However, these efficiency benefits come at a steep cost when engines operating under real-world conditions experience accelerated wear. The molecular structure of low viscosity lubricants simply cannot provide adequate protection in high stress situations. Recent relaxation of CAFE standards may finally allow manufacturers to abandon this compromise. Engineers can now select oil weights based on what actually protects engines rather than what looks best in EPA testing cycles. This regulatory shift could mark the beginning of a new era where reliability trumps regulatory optimization. View the full article

Six Cylinders Are Cool AgainWith emissions regulations beginning to ease in certain markets, some automakers are reversing course and returning to larger-displacement engines. Mercedes-Benz, for example, is reportedly preparing to drop the much-criticized inline-four hybrid setup used in the C63 in favor of a more traditional inline-six. Maserati now appears to be following a similar path, having discontinued its turbocharged four-cylinder engine in favor of a V6 for the 2026 Grecale. The V6 in question is Maserati’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno engine, a powertrain originally developed to power the MC20, as well as the new MCPura, in its battle against rivals such as the Ferrari 296 GTB and McLaren Artura. The engine in the Grecale Modena, however, has been detuned to produce 385 horsepower, which is 137 less than the more potent version found in the range-topping Grecale Trofeo. Maserati The Strategy ShiftNevertheless, the new V6 still represents a clear step up from the outgoing 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four mild-hybrid engine, which, depending on trim, delivered either 296 or 325 horsepower. Meanwhile, the Grecale Trofeo carries over unchanged for the 2026 model year. Positioned against rivals such as the BMW X3 and the Porsche Macan, the Maserati Grecale features an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) across the entire lineup. With this configuration, the Grecale Modena accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, while the Trofeo completes the same sprint 1.4 seconds quicker. While Maserati and Mercedes-Benz experimented with downsized, greener four-cylinder powertrains, not all automakers embraced the trend. BMW, for instance, largely resisted the shift by retaining its inline-six engines in performance-focused M models such as the M3 and M4. Maserati Refocused on PerformanceOn the electrified side of the lineup, the all-electric Maserati Grecale Folgore reportedly gains an additional 30 miles of range thanks to a new all-wheel-drive disconnect feature, bringing its estimated total to 275 miles. The Folgore uses a dual-motor setup to generate 542 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to sprint from zero to 60 mph in around 4.0 seconds, roughly matching the Genesis GV60 Performance. In the U.S., the Grecale Modena equipped with the detuned V6 starts at approximately $84,500, making it notably more affordable than the outgoing four-cylinder hybrid variants. The higher-performance Grecale Trofeo begins at $117,500, while the all-electric Grecale Folgore sits slightly higher at roughly $119,900. Maserati View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article