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Nissan may not be thought of as a leader in the area of driver-assistance technologies, but the Japanese brand has made steady progress with its ProPilot system through the years. Back in 2018, the semi-autonomous system in the Rogue was a finalist for one of our top technologies of the year. Then, in 2019, the more advanced ProPilot 2.0 system arrived. But Nissan has more ambitious plans on the horizon. It has just signed an agreement with autonomous driving technology company, Wayve, to bring AI-driven driver assistance to Nissan models across the globe—including right here in the United States. It makes Nissan the first automaker to commit to deploying Wayve AI systems at scale across multiple vehicle segments. Semi-Autonomous Driving in Multiple Scenarios Nissan ProPilot system with Wayve AI tech N View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article While many Level 2 systems are limited to hands-free driving on highways, the Wayve AI Driver software will enable driving assistance in more complex urban environments, too. ProPilot 2.0 can already handle multi-lane support and hands-off driving, but these capabilities are no longer cutting edge. Unlike Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system, which utilizes cameras primarily, Nissan will use LiDAR sensors in combination with Wayve’s AI tech. Cameras and other sensors will work in tandem with LiDAR to create a system that can easily adapt to new vehicle segments or cities. Nissan is already testing the technology in a series of Ariya prototypes, with plans to release the first model with the advanced ProPilot system in 2027 in Japan. Other markets are expected to follow thereafter. “By combining Nissan’s advanced autonomous driving expertise with Wayve’s state-of-the-art AI technology, we are setting a new benchmark for driver assistance,” said Ivan Espinosa, President and CEO of Nissan. “The widespread adoption of our next-generation ProPILOT integrated with Wayve AI will deliver safer, more intuitive and more comfortable driving experiences to customers worldwide, while accelerating the transition toward an intelligent mobility future.” Related: Nissan’s New ProPilot Assist Could Finally Beat Tesla’s Autopilot Nothing Can Match Tesla’s FSD Right Now Tesla Although Tesla’s FSD still has its safety concerns, no other automaker has an equivalent Level 2 system. FSD has the ability to manage all driving duties from one destination to the next, even finding and pulling into parking bays. After a recent series of updates, FSD is reported to be smoother than before, with a driving style that feels more natural. However, it’s still a Level 2 system that requires the driver to remain attentive at all times, ready to take over if necessary. Level 3 systems, which don’t require constant driver attentiveness, are limited to select Mercedes-Benz models in the United States. Despite being a Level 2 system, Elon Musk recently stated that drivers can text while FSD is in charge, a controversial statement, to say the least. Automakers like Nissan are taking a slower, more cautious approach to enhancing their self-driving systems. New features are added less frequently than with Tesla, and most rely on an array of sensors, not only cameras. View the full article

In 2026, it will be a milestone 250 years since the United States Declaration of Independence. Chevrolet is one of the first automakers to celebrate this occasion with the launch of the Stars & Steel Collection, comprising five Chevy models. The Corvette, Silverado EV, Silverado Light Duty, Silverado Heavy Duty, and Colorado will each get the Stars & Steel treatment, with various design elements that draw inspiration from the American flag. The collection will also spawn a one-off Corvette ZR1X that will be auctioned off for charity. Limited Run of 250 Corvettes Chevrolet Unlike the Stars & Steel pickups, only the Corvette will be limited to 250 units. The nostalgic look will be offered on all Corvettes, from the base Stingray to the record-breaking ZR1X, but limited to the 3LT and 3LZ trims. These models will be identifiable by full-length stripes in either Satin Silver or Satin Black, inspired by the American flag. There will also be special “250” flag graphics on the doors and spoiler ends. The two color options are Arctic White paint with a Santorini Blue interior or Black with an Adrenaline Red interior. Various red accents and wheel finishes will be available, including carbon-fiber wheels. Chevrolet Corvette Stars & Steel View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article The one-of-one ZR1X with the Stars & Steel design will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Winter Auction on January 24, 2026. 100% of the hammer price will go to the Tunnel to Towers nonprofit organization that honors fallen first responders and provides support and assistance to injured veterans and their families. That price is likely to be substantial, given what exclusive Corvettes cost these days. “The Stars & Steel Collection celebrates a key milestone for the country that not only served as the birthplace of our brand but has also been its home for nearly 115 years,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet. “Each vehicle in this collection is proudly assembled in the United States and honors the rich legacy of our nation.” Related: The 10 Most American-Made Cars in 2025 Proudly American Pickups Chevrolet Silverado Stars & Steel Chevrolet View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article All four pickups mentioned will receive American-inspired design flourishes, with subtle differences from one to the next. However, not all truck variants are included, but the following models will receive the Stars & Steel look: Silverado Light Duty: RST Crew Cab Short Box 4WDSilverado Heavy Duty: LTZ Crew Cab Trail Boss 4WDColorado Trail Boss Crew Cab 4WDSilverado EV RST Crew CabAll four trucks get the Satin Silver or Satin Black stripes inspired by the American flag, along with “250” graphics. Common to all are gloss-black wheels, ranging in size from 20 inches (Colorado) to 24 inches (Silverado EV). They’re also finished in either Summit White or black, with black interiors. C All four pickups are highly specified with what are usually optional packages and equipment, so we can expect their base MSRPs to be significantly higher than the standard models’. Chevy will also offer a Stars & Steel Appearance Package across its entire truck lineup, which will be a less comprehensive styling pack that’s in line with the flag-inspired theme. Production of the Stars & Steel models will begin in early spring 2026, with pricing announced closer to this date. We expect other brands to follow with similar campaigns, especially the likes of Jeep, another brand known for its patriotic special editions. View the full article

Yamaha has announced an A2-compliant version of the T7 World Raid in Europe, while the rest of us drool over this hardcore ADV machine.View the full article

Harley’s making yet another power move in the sub-500 cc space, and the X440T channels its inner XR with a sportier stance.View the full article

As the EU pivots toward renewable fuels instead of an outright prohibition, enthusiasts and industries alike gain a clearer—if still complicated—path forward.View the full article

According to Kawasaki, Corleo is a form of "offroad personal mobility," not a "robot horse," but we say tomato, tomahto.View the full article

Discount Season Is HereKia has once again increased its discounts on electric vehicles, making them some of the most affordable EVs on the market. CarsDirect reported that the 2025 EV6 and Niro are now available with up to $11,000 off MSRP under Kia's year-end Sticker Sales Event, though the offer applies only to select dealer-tagged units. The massive discount is made possible through an extra $1,000 retail bonus cash on top of the $10,000 incentive offered on every Kia EV after the federal tax credit ended. With the increased discount, buyers can bring home a base Niro Wind for about $30,000, putting it in the same price range as the Nissan Leaf and the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt EV – two of the most attainable EVs in America. Kia EV6 Buyers Win BigThe Kia EV6, meanwhile, is now available for around $33,000 for its entry-level Light trim. This version comes with a 63-kWh battery delivering an EPA-rated range of 237 miles. It also features a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle, producing 167 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The report also highlighted an additional $500 lease bonus for both the EV6 and Niro, with the former’s performance-oriented GT trim offering up to $17,000 in lease cash. That trim – although no longer shown in Kia’s configurator – is equipped with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup making up to 641 horsepower (with pre-2025 models producing 576 horsepower), enough for a zero-to-60 mph sprint of about 3.2 seconds. For shoppers looking for a bigger EV, the Sticker Sales Event also increased discounts for the EV9, an all-electric, three-row model comparable to the Hyundai Ioniq 9. The offers are smaller – $500 off for a purchase or $250 on a lease deal – but still enough to bring its starting cost down to around $44,000. Kia Not All Sunshine in Kia’s EV PushPerhaps these discounts are being offered because of the discontinuation of the federal tax credit, which has made it more challenging for automakers like Ford to sell their EV models. In fact, Kia’s EV sales in the U.S. dipped last month, despite the brand setting a November sales record of over 72,000 units overall. The company sold only 603 EV6 units and 908 EV9 units, both significantly lower than the 1,887 and 2,155 units sold in the same month last year. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

David Brinkley is bringing the Patriot back to the drag strip in 2026. The car will now use a Cynergy Composites as its new form.View the full article

In a timeline where the parties involved in the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v NASCAR trial couldn’t agree on anything to the point they have ended up in court, it is no surprise that they could look at the same financial records and end up with two different interpretations. That is the key takeaway from much of Wednesday, which is officially Day 8, of the trial that will determine ...Keep readingView the full article

Buying a car in person can be daunting for the uninitiated.For most car buyers, strolling into a car dealership can be the most nerve-wracking experience that they’ll ever feel, as it can feel like walking into enemy territory. No matter how prepared buyers are, they still have that nagging feeling in the back of their minds. These are the buyers who know what they want, have done their research and are ready to make a move on a brand-spanking new sedan, crossover, or truck. Yet, despite it all, the feeling that they’re about to get played still lingers. Unfortunately, many buyers enter showrooms wondering whether they’ll end up paying thousands more than they should or whether the salesperson will pressure them into buying a car immediately, before they have time to think. For decades, the car dealership experience has been synonymous with stress. It’s become such a cultural touchstone that we’ve all heard the horror stories: the finance manager who suddenly “finds” extra fees, the salesperson who won’t take no for an answer, the insultingly low trade-in offer. These aren’t hypotheticals; they’re real experiences that have shaped how Americans feel about buying cars in person. And now, new data confirms what many of us have suspected all along: the biggest problem with in-person car buying isn’t the cars themselves, it’s how you’re expected to buy them. Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images YouGov: Buyers actually want a price that is the price, no ifs, ands, or buts.According to a recent survey conducted by well-known pollsters YouGov, Americans who’ve visited an auto dealership in the past three years want clear-cut transparency when it comes to how much they’ll spend on a car. When asked what would make them more likely to buy a car in person at a showroom rather than online, 56% of those polled said that transparent pricing was their top motivator. Additionally, 41% of respondents said that they want online pricing to be honored in-store; essentially, this means that if a car is listed on a dealership website for $32,000, buyers should be able to get it for $32,000, plain and simple. Apart from the actual buying process, 34% of respondents surveyed stated that they value the atmosphere and hospitality experience at the dealership, meaning they expect dealerships to have a salesperson greet them when they walk in, a designated, comfortable area to sit, and offer complimentary refreshments. Other motivators that YouGov recognized included additional benefits, such as a 48-hour return window (22%), the option of a home or extended test drive (18%), and convenient maintenance services like pick-up and drop-off (17%). Getty Images YouGov: Less than ⅓ of people actually bought a car during their last dealer visit.Despite the stats on buyers’ motivation, the survey found that most people aren’t even visiting dealerships to buy cars. According to YouGov, just 45% of recent visitors went for servicing or repairs, making it the most common reason for visiting the dealer. Test drives came in second at 36%, while browsing models came in third at 33%. Just 29% actually placed an order or bought a vehicle during their most recent visit. However, in terms of their actual visits, recent visitors have generally found them favorable. Over 72% of those surveyed described their most recent visit as positive, which includes 34% who said that it was ‘very positive’ and 38% who said that it was ‘somewhat positive’. Among recent visitors who said the in-store experience is very important to them, the consensus on a positive visit is simply having no pressure to make a purchase. Over 54% of those surveyed cited this as crucial, while 47% found transparent pricing and financing important, and 46% valued knowledgeable and helpful staff. On the flip side, when these same buyers were asked what ruins the experience, 52% said that a one-way or aggressive sales approach hurts their visits. Right behind that, 40% said that prices or fees not being clearly explained made their in-store experiences negative, as well as unnecessary add-ons being pushed too hard. Related: Ford Is Redesigning Dealers to Make Car Buying Feel Easier Final ThoughtsDespite platforms like Carvana and established names like Hertz continuing to grow by offering transparent, pressure-free alternatives, traditional dealerships, 84% of recent dealership visitors surveyed by YouGov say the in-store experience is at least somewhat important to them. Customers are not abandoning physical retail; they still want to touch, see, and test-drive cars. They want knowledgeable staff who can answer questions about the vehicles and make a potentially life-changing decision without the salespeople breathing down their necks for an immediate sale. As a bona fide car enthusiast, I believe that seeing cars up close is an essential part of the car-buying process. Cars are a significant purchase for many Americans, which justifies the need for a "touch-and-feel" retail experience. However, this experience should be as seamless as possible, and the sooner customers recognize their power, the sooner the dealership experience can be reformed. View the full article

Johnny Morris, the founder, majority owner, and and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, has published a fiery letter addressed to NASCAR and the France family, focusing on the insults leadership shared amongst themselves while talking about longtime team owner Richard Childress. In text messages produced through discovery as part of the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v NASCAR antitrust lawsuit, the ...Keep readingView the full article

Daniel Sanders FIM Awards 2025 Daniel Sanders capped a defining year in his rally career by receiving the 2025 FIM RallyGP World Championship medal during the FIM Awards in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Australian rider was recognised for a season in which he delivered consistent speed, accurate navigation and race management, placing him at the forefront […] The post Daniel Sanders looks towards Dakar defence after standout 2025 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Lionel Racing has revealed the ten best-selling diecasts from the 2025 NASCAR season, counting them down throughout the day on Thursday. In 2024, Dale Earnhardt Jr. reminded everyone just how popular he is when his Budweiser-backed Late Model car beat all other diecasts from the year. In 2023, Kevin Harvick's return to the No. 29 for the All-Star Race with a recreation of his 2001 scheme on ...Keep readingView the full article

Crower Cams announces Louis Floquet is taking over the family business. The move guarantees its production strictly in the USA.View the full article

Irving Vincent to Daytona project Beau Beaton Interview The legendary Irving Vincent is heading to Daytona. The men behind the machine, Ken and Barry Horner, are entering Beau Beaton in the 2026 Super Hooligans category. Beaton has ridden almost every version of the Irving Vincent since 2009, and now he’ll put the latest two-valve, air-cooled […] The post Beau Beaton on the Irving Vincent to Daytona mission – Interview appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Motorcycle Manager The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) is the peak body for the automotive industry in Australia. FCAI represents to governments the interests of importers of cars, light commercial vehicles, motorcycles and off-highway vehicles. It aims to provide certainty for the industry, promote innovation, foster competitiveness, and ensure […] The post Situation Vacant – FCAI Motorcycle Manager appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

As we move through December and barrel toward a frigid Winter, there are some things you need to consider when you’re traveling and camping by vehicle at this time of year. While you’re probably going to want to avoid high-country trips because of the prospect of high-elevation snow, there’s still a ton of great overland travel to do. It is, after all, “Desert Season,” so let’s get after it and catch up on how to overland during winter. I probably don’t need to tell you that staying dry and warm is the name of the game when it comes to overlanding during winter. As someone who overlands and camps year-round, I’ve come to rely on a handful of techniques (and gear) to ensure that I remain comfortable during my winter explorations. By no means should my recommendations be taken as the final word on the subject of winter overlanding, though. Rather take my lessons and preferences as recommendations and jumping-off points for your own experiences. Let’s break down some of the best ways I’ve found to stay warm while overlanding during winter. Warm Clothing Dressing for hanging around a campsite is a bit different from dressing for skiing or another aerobic activity. That’s because when you’re at camp, you’re mostly sedentary — that is after you’ve unpacked your rig and gathered and chopped your firewood. The key is LAYERS. Overdoing it with layers is never a bad thing. If you get too hot, it’s easy to peel a layer off. You’ll be far happier losing a layer because you’re too warm than wishing you had one or two more warm pieces of clothing. I start with a baselayer like merino wool pants from Smartwool and long sleeve shirt from Icebreaker, add in some wool socks from Darn Tough. Next up is your mid-weight layer. I use a heavier half-zip or hooded merino wool top and all-weather pants like the KUHL Klash Durable Water Repellant Pants. I’ll add a down jacket or waterproof and windproof shell if the weather is scheduled to take a turn. Don’t forget your wool beanie and waterproof gloves too. BUY NOW Darn Tough BUY NOW Campfire This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Having a fire is your best bet to not just “making it through” a winter overland trip but to actually enjoying your time outdoors in the winter. And there is a lot to enjoy about a crackling fire to warm your bones at camp. Despite the challenges it poses, winter overlanding is amazing because of the solitude. There are a fraction of the number of overlanders out during the winter months than there are during summer. That means you’ll have the best trails and campsites mostly to yourself. Also, cold, wet weather means there are no restrictions on fire. So you can make a roaring fire every night at camp without much worry of starting a wildfire. That said, if there’s not an established fire ring at your campsite and the ground is too frozen to dig in, you may want to bring a packable, portable fire pit like this one from Snow Peak. Buy Now Don’t want to worry about bringing or finding your own firewood? Propane fire pits are a fantastic way to get the ambiance and warmth of a campfire without the need to burn wood. Just hook your fire pit up to any propane tank and enjoy hours of heat and the orange glow of a campfire that is easily packable – check out this TemboTusk Fire Pit for instance. BUY NOW Heaters Bringing your fire pit into your tent isn’t advisable, so you may want to find a way to create more heat inside your tent or off-road trailer than your body heat trapped inside a zero-degree sleeping bag. In that case, you’ll want to look at a gas-powered heater. READ MORE: The Art of Letting Things Happen with the 2024 Ultimate Overland Build Please understand that unsafe use of a gas-powered heater can be dangerous or downright deadly as there is a greater risk of fire and/or carbon monoxide poisoning. Heaters can make winter camping great, but if you’re not diligent, they can be a nightmare in the making. So, please use abundant caution if you decide to use an in-tent, gas-powered heater. I’ve had pretty good luck with the Mr. Heater Buddy as well as the Mr. Heater Little Buddy Heater. BUY NOW BUY NOW I’ve used the larger propane-powered Buddy around camp (specifically at my feet while I’m cooking dinner) and in my rooftop tent before bed. I wouldn’t leave the Buddy Heater going in my rooftop tent because I worry about burning my sleeping bag or blankets. The Buddy is powerful enough to heat the tent before I crawl into bed. On particularly cold nights, I’ve used the Mr. Heater Little Buddy overnight in my rooftop tent. Because it’s much smaller, it puts off a lot less heat than the larger Buddy heater. The only issue with the Little Buddy is that it only lasts six hours. So, you might need to change out the propane bottle in the wee hours of the morning to stay warm. Hearty Meals Let’s say you get to camp late and in the dark, which isn’t difficult in the winter because the sun goes down at 4:30 p.m., and you need a hot, hearty meal to sustain you through the night. I recommend a high-calorie freeze-dried meal, like those from PEAK REFUEL. Buy now Designed for backpackers, these meals pack 40 grams of protein per pouch and only require a bit of boiling water to prepare. If you chow down on the Three Bean Chili Mac, you may be providing your own heat in your sleeping bag – if you know what I mean. Keep Moving If clothing, heaters, and food don’t warm you up, I recommend you keep moving to stay warm. It’s the oldest method for ensuring your core temperature stays up and your extremities stay flush, too. Cut firewood. Haul gear around. Walk the dog. Whatever you can come up with, generating your own heat is a great way to stay toasty. If all else fails, get inside your truck and fire it up. But don’t make the mistake of wearing all your warm gear inside your warm truck. Your body will acclimate to the gear, and then when you get back out of your truck in your gear, you’ll be extra cold. Strip off your layers if you’re going to warm up in your truck. You’ll thank me later. View the full article

It’s time to start figuring out plans for Hot Rod Power Tour 2026 folks! They just dropped all the info on the when, where, and how of Hot Rod’s biggest event of the year. We’ve got all the info below, plus links to the details and registration. From HotRod.com Celebrate 100 years of Route 66 with HOT ROD as the world’s largest rolling automotive festival drives the most famous American roadway. Serving as the first of two major HOT ROD events honoring the historic highway’s centennial, the Power Tour runs June 8–12, 2026, starting in Illinois and ending in Oklahoma, following one of the most nostalgic and culturally important stretches of pavement in American history. The 32nd annual HOT ROD Power Tour launches at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois, near the easternmost point of the historic highway. HOT ROD POWER TOUR 2026 SCHEDULE Kickoff/Day 1: June 8—Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, IL Day 2: June 9—Village of Rantoul, Rantoul, IL Day 3: June 10—World Wide Technology Raceway, St. Louis, MO Day 4: June 11—Missouri State University, Springfield, MO Day 5: June 12—Tulsa Raceway Park, Tulsa, OK Get Your Tickets! Several levels of tickets are available—Platinum, Gold, Long Hauler, and Daily. The Long Haul category is reserved for those who wish to attend every day, and it comes with several perks, like a car pass and two admission tickets for every venue, a Long Haul plaque, and other goodies. Also available in limited quantities are the Platinum and Gold packages that feature special parking locations, lunches, exclusive goodie bags, and other VIP perks. HOT ROD Power Tour also offers single- and multi-day passes for enthusiasts who can’t make the full five-day road trip. Please sign up for the HOT ROD Events newsletter to get the latest information or visit the HOT ROD website for the newest details. CLICK HERE TO READ THE WHOLE ANNOUNCEMENT, INCLUDING DETAILS ON EACH STOP! The post 2026 HOT ROD Power Tour Announcements! Here Are The Official Dates, Locations, and Registration Details! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

General Motors is planning a roughly month-long shutdown of its Flint Assembly plant in Michigan, temporarily halting production of the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD. The pause stretches the usual holiday break into a five-week idle window so GM can complete maintenance and project work tied to future truck updates, rather than responding to a sudden drop in demand or a fresh parts shortage. Holiday Shutdown Will Stretch Into Late JanuaryFlint Assembly will go dark from late December through late January, turning the normal Christmas shutdown into an extended break. During that time, no Silverado HDs or Sierra HDs will roll out of the plant, including popular trims such as off-road-focused Silverados and upscale GMC models. GM is framing the move as a planned downtime window to complete tooling, upgrades and other projects that are harder to tackle while the line is running at full speed. "Flint Assembly will take extended holiday downtime to complete planned maintenance and project work," General Motors told GM Authority. Flint is a key node in GM’s truck network, and the timing suggests the company is using a quieter part of the sales year to prepare for the next round of heavy-duty updates. Recent drives of high-spec trims, such as the 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali Ultimate, underline why GM wants its flagship work and tow rigs feeling as fresh as possible even as new competitors arrive. Flint Is Ground Zero For GM’s Heavy-Duty TrucksFlint Assembly is the only plant that builds the GMC Sierra HD and the sole source for dually versions of the Silverado HD, so the pause will temporarily shut off that supply. Some single-rear-wheel Silverado HD configurations are also built at GM’s Oshawa plant in Canada, which is expected to keep running and should help cushion the impact for Chevy dealers. That mix means any tightness is most likely to show up in certain Sierra HD trims and Silverado HD dually models, especially in regions where heavy-duty tow ratings and diesel power are in high demand. For fans who follow Chevy’s broader lineup, it is a reminder that GM has to juggle multiple audiences at once, from heavy-duty truck buyers to enthusiasts eyeing classics like a clean 1996 Chevy Impala SS when new inventory gets thin. Chevrolet What It Means For Buyers And GM’s Future PlansFor most shoppers, the short-term effect should be modest. Dealers typically carry some reserve inventory, and Oshawa-built Silverado HDs will keep flowing, so the pause is unlikely to empty lots overnight. The bigger story is what the downtime enables: GM is investing heavily to update its truck factories while also pushing deeper into EVs, with cheaper battery chemistries on the way in models like the next Chevy Bolt. In that context, a planned month-long shutdown at Flint looks more like a reset button. GM is trying to keep its profitable heavy-duty pickups competitive and available while it retools for the next generation and invests in battery platforms that will define the rest of its lineup. View the full article

It's been a big 24 hours across the auto industry. From the return of what may be the world's most niche engine layout, to a $198,000 Honda Civic Type R riff, to a huge price cut on Polestar 3s, things aren't the way they were yesterday. Here, we'll round up the biggest news stories of the last 24 hours on AutoBlog and divvy them up into bite-sized chunks that get right to the heart of the story, allowing you to go deeper if you want. You've probably never heard of this engine, or the mad Italians making it A square or U engine layout is an extremely rare engine architecture that generally features four cylinders arranged in a square block with two parallel crankshafts — one for each pair of cylinders — that are geared together and rotate in opposite directions. Now, it's coming back thanks to MV Agusta. Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta has revived the dual-crank U engine architecture for use in its high-end boutique motorcycles. It's a five-cylinder, with three pistons on the forward crank and two on the rear. It'll be offered in a range of displacements, making up to 240 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque. To hear more about the unique configuration and its applications, check out the full story here: Read More: MV Agusta Brings Back an Engine Design Missing for Decades We sort out which Honda CR-V trim is best Cole Attisha The Honda CR-V was the automaker’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. during 2024 and has maintained this title through the first three quarters of 2025. There are also quite a few trims to choose from: LX ($30,920), EX ($33,150), Sport Hybrid ($35,630), EX-L ($35,400), TrailSport Hybrid ($38,800), Sport-L Hybrid ($38,725), and Sport Touring Hybrid ($42,250). But which is best? We think the Sport Hybrid is the smartest buy, offering increased power and efficiency, and an exterior that better balances form and function through features like black roof rails and dual chrome exhaust. It’s also the least-expensive CR-V hybrid, which nets you some benefits you can read more about here: Read More: The 2026 Honda CR-V Has Many Trims, but Only One Is the Smart Buy A Chinese Type R with a six-figure price tag? Lynk & Co Lynk & Co’s 03+ TCR follows the same basic philosophy as the Civic Type R TCR – take a production performance sedan and evolve it into a fully compliant touring car. The catch? A six-figure price tag. At $198,000, the streetcar-turned-racer isn't cheap. Despite that, the Lynk & Co 03+ TCR sold out its first production batch almost immediately after orders opened in China. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing around 345 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Xtrac six-speed sequential. Get all the specs here: Read More: China’s $198,000 Honda Civic Type R TCR Rival Just Sold Out Instantly Polestar slashes prices to stay competitive Polestar The mid-sized Polestar 3 usually starts at $67,500. That's before the brand’s Clean Vehicle Incentive. It offers qualifying buyers up to $18,000 off any 2025 Polestar 3 when financing through Polestar at a 2.99% APR. After the cuts, MSRP falls to a solid $55,400. However, it is a limited pricing adjustment. The brand's $18,000 discount is available until January 2, 2026, and is clearly aimed at clearing the remaining 2025 stock. That matters because the 2026 Polestar 3 brings major upgrades, including an 800-volt electrical system for faster charging, a revised battery pack for increased range, and significant power bumps across the range. To read more about how this makes the 2025 Polestar 3 stack up against competitors, check out the full story below: Read More: Polestar 3 Gets a Massive $18,000 Price Cut Making It Cheaper Than Most New Cars View the full article

Citroën ELO Crashes the Party of Sports Cars and Super SUVsIn a market obsessed with fast sports cars, towering off-roaders, and ultra-luxe status symbols, Citroën has rolled out something that feels like it crash-landed from another planet. The ELO concept is tiny, bright orange, and shaped like a friendly appliance, yet it seats up to six people in a footprint of just 13.4 feet. Instead of chasing performance numbers or hyper-expensive tech, ELO focuses on playful usefulness. It channels classic Citroën eccentricity with an electric platform that frees up a shockingly airy interior. The result is a vehicle that comes with soft edges and a welcoming personality. Stellantis A Living Room Cosplaying as a MinivanInside, the driver sits in the middle, echoing exotic supercars like the McLaren F1, but here the seat rotates 360 degrees so the cabin can become a lounge, a meeting nook, or a workspace when parked. A traditional dashboard is nowhere to be found. Information is instead projected across the windshield on a transparent strip, reducing clutter and giving the cabin a clean, open feel. Seating is wildly flexible for something so small. Three identical second-row seats fold or detach entirely to become outdoor chairs, and two extra seats pop out from underneath to complete a six-seat layout without compromising cargo space. Opposing doors with no center pillar create a wide opening that makes the van feel like a small room rather than a cramped people carrier. Stellantis It Knows What it is, Even If You Don'tThe ELO centers on three concepts: rest, play, and work. For rest, it carries two inflatable mattresses, turning the rear cabin into a mini bedroom or cinema with a projector and pull-down screen. A roof opening lets occupants look up at the sky, adding a sense of escape usually reserved for camping trips. For play, the car supports outdoor use with removable seats, an onboard compressor for inflating adventure gear, and a vehicle-to-load capability for powering accessories like a grill or speaker. When it is time to work, the center seat pairs with a hidden tablet mount to create a small but surprisingly functional mobile office. The Citroën ELO is unlikely to become a production model exactly as shown, but that is not the point. It challenges the industry’s obsession with size, aggression, and performance by offering something small, friendly, and smartly flexible. It will debut at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9. Stellantis View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

GM Faces Unified Legal BattleGeneral Motors faces mounting legal pressure over its 6.2-liter V8 L87 engine troubles. The issue was first brought to federal regulators' attention by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after receiving over 1,000 consumer complaints about the engine failure. The NHTSA began investigating the issue, which led to GM announcing a recall of almost 600,000 trucks and SUVs in April 2025 due to the failures of the engine's crankshaft, bearings, and connecting rods. This recall affects certain model year 2019 through 2024 trucks and SUVs, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500; the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, and GMC Yukon; and the Cadillac Escalade. While the defect itself is the central issue in the lawsuits, the main argument made by the plaintiffs of this consolidated lawsuit is that the repairs offered by GM (a change in engine oil spec) are insufficient to correct the defects in the engines. The class action lawsuit is set to proceed in Michigan. Chevrolet View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Federal Judge Consolidates GM Engine LawsuitsDue to the nature of large-scale auto defects, numerous other lawsuits were filed shortly after the first filed by Powell early this year. By August 2025, the Federal Judge had consolidated ten or more of these lawsuits under the name of the Powell lawsuit, resulting in the creation of a single lawsuit. Since then, another lawsuit has been added to the list of complaints against GM. By consolidating the lawsuits, the plaintiffs will be able to present evidence in a single proceeding rather than having to present evidence multiple times in different courts. The Court will examine the extent to which GM remedied the engine defects and whether the plaintiffs should receive compensation above and beyond the repairs being provided by GM under the recall. I Do Cars/YouTube What This Means for GM and Vehicle OwnersThis litigation is a serious threat to General Motors and will potentially result in increased warranty costs, damage to GM's brand image, and/or financial liability for GM. On the other hand, for the owners of the affected trucks and SUVs, this litigation may ultimately result in some form of monetary compensation if the Court rules in their favor. Additionally, the ruling may establish precedent for how manufacturers respond to similar recalls in the future. There are still hundreds of thousands of GM trucks and SUVs on the road whose owners believe that the engines in those vehicles are fundamentally flawed regardless of the recall efforts. The outcome of the litigation will help to determine if these beliefs are valid and what additional measures, if any, GM will need to take beyond the current recall program to resolve the issues. View the full article

I love a good auction! Honestly, I wish I had attended this one here too, but I was out of town at a race at the time. The good news is that this way I didn’t have to talk myself out of buying things since I’m on a self imposed no car buying program at the moment. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t a lot of folks buying up lots of cool stuff. This auction was from a junkyard with lots of 1930’s to 1980’s cars and trucks and that means lots of projects and parts vehicles, which we totally love. The last auction we were at like this one had a jillion people attending and was a fun one to be at. We’re pretty sure we know some folks on site who made out on some new project cars. Take a look at the video and let us know what you would have brought home! The post Oklahoma Junkyard Auction Action: Classic Cars & Trucks SOLD! 1930s to 1980s for Projects and Parts! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The all-new 2027 Kia Telluride will go on sale in the first quarter of 2026. It will introduce new engines (including a hybrid) and an assertive look for Kia’s wildly successful three-row crossover. But if you can’t wait until then, the 2025 Telluride is still on sale, and it hardly feels outdated. Plus, the current model has a smooth V6, something the new one lacks. For December, there are some tempting Kia Telluride lease offers to consider, so here’s a detailed look at the numbers. Related: 2025 Kia Telluride Vs. 2027 Kia Telluride: Side-by-Side Gallery This Month’s Kia Telluride Lease Deals Kia There are four lease deals on the Kia Telluride this month. All apply to the S trim, which is one notch above the base LX. The cheapest Kia Telluride lease price is $359 per month over 24 months, with $3,939 down. This is for a front-wheel-drive variant, and the price excludes tax, title, licensing, and registration costs. The deal includes 10,000 miles annually, but you’ll be liable for an additional cost of $0.20 per mile if you drive more than this. You can spend up to $409 per month leasing the same trim, but that depends on the lease term and whether all-wheel drive is equipped. Here’s a summary of all four Kia Telluride leasing deals for December. Model Telluride S FWD Telluride S FWD Telluride S AWD Telluride S AWD Cost per month $359 $379 $389 $409 Lease term (months) 24 36 24 36 Due at signing $3,939 $3,823 $3,939 $3,823 These lease deals all expire on January 2, 2026, but if you wait until then, Kia may have ceased production of the 2025 model and stock could be low. Note that these are also California-specific deals, so check Kia’s special offers page with your zip code for deals that may be specific to your area. If you’d prefer to buy a 2025 Kia Telluride, it’ll cost you $36,390 for the base LX, with the S featured here being the only other trim that starts at below $40,000—it costs $39,390. The range goes all the way up to the SX Prestige X-Pro, which will set you back $53,685. Related: Here's Our First In-Person Look at the Radically New 2027 Kia Telluride Powertrain and Features Kia As mentioned, the current Kia Telluride has a V6, something the upcoming model does not. While not particularly efficient, many drivers will prefer a larger V6 in a vehicle of this size. In the case of the Telluride, it’s a 3.8-liter mill producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic and FWD are standard, with AWD optional. It’s an unfussed powertrain that gets the job done relatively quietly, but it will do no better than 22 mpg combined. The S trim featured as part of this month’s lease deals gets a few noteworthy changes over the base LX. Instead of 18-inch alloys, it has 20-inch items, and there are also roof rails and twin exhaust tips. Inside, the S has second-row captain’s chairs instead of the LX’s bench, which improves comfort but reduces the overall seating capacity to seven. Other standard features for the S include SynTex imitation leather upholstery, wireless device charging, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface. For under $40k, it’s a solid offering in this segment. Related: 6 Future SUVs Worth Waiting For Final Thoughts K Sometimes, an older, proven vehicle is a sensible purchase. The 2025 Kia Telluride is still highly regarded, and there’ll be no concerns about reliability for a model that has been on sale for a good few years now. It’s a proper three-row crossover that can accommodate even adults in the third row, which is why it’s worth the extra cost for many over Kia’s cheaper Sorento. Current lease deals for the Telluride are significantly cheaper than the ones for the Honda’s Pilot, another three-row crossover with a naturally-aspirated V6. It’s yet another reason to consider the solid Telluride. View the full article

Few motorcycles capture the sheer recklessness of late-1970s performance culture quite like the Kawasaki Z1-R Turbo. Born at a moment when horsepower wars were escalating faster than brakes, handling and emissions laws could keep up, the Z1-R TC arrived through a uniquely American workaround. Concei... View the full article