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Nissan's Budget Sedan Getting a MakeoverThe Nissan Versa wasn't flashy, fast, or particularly tech-heavy, but it mattered because it was accessible. It held the title of Nissan's most affordable new vehicle and, for a time, the most affordable brand-new car you could buy in the US. After a major facelift in 2022 for the 2023 model year, the sedan carried on largely unchanged, even as rivals gradually abandoned the subcompact segment. That affordability story ended quietly when Nissan axed the manual transmission, but the Versa still remained a price leader deep into the 2025 model year. Now, leaked images circulating on social media are showing that Nissan isn't done with the nameplate just yet. Instead of another light refresh, the next Versa appears to be getting a redesign – at least at the front – even while sticking to the same basic platform as the current car. Josué Adán Granados/Facebook Looks Like a Baby MuranoThe restyled Versa was recently spotted in Mexico without camouflage, where it appeared to be filming a commercial. Photos were first shared in a Facebook group, which also appeared on Instagram, accompanied by a caption suggesting a full reveal is only months away. Design-wise, the changes are concentrated at the front fascia. From the side, the greenhouse, roofline, and overall profile look familiar, confirming heavy carryover underneath. Up front, though, the styling takes a clear detour toward Nissan's current crossover design language. The split LED headlights and glossy black grille immediately recall the new Murano, and in a familiar shade of blue, the resemblance is hard to miss. It comes across as a Murano that's been squashed down closer to the pavement. Out back, everything is still very familiar: black trim links the redesigned taillights and reappears around the bumper-mounted reflectors. A small exhaust outlet tucked under the rear bumper hints at continued use of a small-displacement engine. There's also a reworked trunk lid, with the license plate now mounted lower on the bumper than before. What to ExpectBecause the car was allegedly caught during an ad shoot, we expect an official debut sooner rather than later. Mechanically, the redesigned Versa should retain the familiar 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder and the existing transmission options, at least outside the US. If Nissan were to keep the Versa alive stateside, this new generation would likely arrive as a 2026 model. That remains a big "if," given ongoing profitability concerns and rising costs. Still, Versa is a strong seller in America; in fact, there's been a surge in demand for the model this year. As of Q3 2025, 41,463 units have been sold, representing a 41.5 percent year-over-year increase. Josué Adán Granados/Facebook View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Jeep is giving its smallest SUV more runway in Japan with the limited-run Renegade North Star Edition, a 150-unit special based on the Renegade Altitude e-Hybrid. The North Star pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, sending power to the front wheels only. Priced at about 5.47 million yen ($34,900 USD) including tax, it aims to blend urban-friendly size with a tougher look, a standard panoramic roof and a more premium cabin than the regular Renegade, while also nudging the brand’s electrification plans forward in one of Asia’s most competitive small-crossover markets. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Hybrid-only, limited to 150 unitsThe Renegade North Star Edition uses Jeep’s mild-hybrid setup to provide electric assist at low speeds, smoother stop-start operation and a little extra shove when pulling away from lights, all for better fuel economy in city driving. Output mirrors other markets, at roughly 130 horsepower from the 1.5-liter engine, with the electric motor filling in torque at lower revs. The package is aimed more at light trails and gravel roads than hardcore off-roading, and the price premium over a standard Renegade reflects the extra kit and the fact this is a numbered, short-run model. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Technogreen paint and lifestyle-focused kitVisually, the North Star Edition leans into the lifestyle angle. It wears Jeep’s Technogreen metallic paint with a contrasting black roof and black exterior trim, 17-inch black wheels, full LED lighting and privacy glass. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof is standard, and there is unique North Star badging and hood graphics. Inside, the seats use high-resistance upholstery said to be more durable than the usual Altitude trim, with contrast stitching and specific logos. Standard gear includes a digital instrument cluster, Uconnect infotainment with smartphone integration and a suite of driver-assistance systems. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Why it matters for JeepJapan’s compact-SUV space is crowded with homegrown nameplates, so giving the Renegade a bit of limited-edition buzz helps keep it visible next to small crossovers from Toyota, Suzuki and others. Globally, Jeep still leans on bigger, pricier models to carry the brand image, whether that is shoppers chasing 2026 Jeep Wrangler lease deals or families cross-shopping in tests like the 2025 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee. At the same time, Stellantis is investing in electrification and new Jeep production, even as it faces political and financial friction in the region. In that context, the Renegade North Star Edition is one more small step that keeps Jeep’s hybrid range in the conversation, even in a market far from the U.S. heartland. View the full article

A New Jersey woman is suing Volvo Car USA and a Volvo employee after she says a hands-free power tailgate struck her in the head and left her with a traumatic brain injury. The lawsuit, filed in Superior Court of New Jersey in Ocean County, stems from an October 2023 hiking trip where plaintiff Megan Kohr was standing behind a Volvo SUV with its tailgate open. According to the complaint, a motion sensor under the rear bumper interpreted the movement of a dog walking behind the vehicle as a command to close the tailgate, which then allegedly swung shut and hit Kohr. She claims ongoing vision and balance problems, sensitivity to light and permanent injury, and is seeking damages for medical costs, lost income and long-term pain and suffering. Volvo What the lawsuit says went wrongThe SUV was equipped with a hands-free tailgate that can open or close with a simple kicking motion when the key is nearby. Kohr’s suit argues that the system is too easily triggered by unintended movement, including animals, and that it lacked adequate safeguards to prevent the tailgate from closing on someone standing in the opening. Her legal team also points to Volvo documentation describing “pinch protection” that is supposed to stop or reverse the tailgate if it encounters an obstruction, and says the fact it allegedly kept closing on her head shows a defect in design or performance. The employee named in the suit, a Volvo worker who was driving the company vehicle and owns the dog involved, is accused of negligence for allowing the dog to walk under the rear bumper despite knowing the sensor could activate the tailgate. Volvo, for its part, has moved to dismiss the claims against the company, arguing that the employee was off duty on a private outing, that the complaint fails to spell out a specific legal duty Volvo owed to Kohr, and that the allegations against the automaker are too vague to proceed. Volvo Why it matters for Volvo and smart tailgatesThe case comes as Volvo leans harder into its safety-first image and pushes more advanced SUVs and crossovers into the market, from bread-and-butter models attracting shoppers with current Volvo XC60 lease deals to wagon-like crossovers like the returning Volvo XC70. It also comes at a time when Volvo is recalling vehicles for an oddly specific reason. Beyond this one lawsuit, the dispute highlights a growing tension around convenience tech, that systems like kick-to-open tailgates are marketed as hands-free helpers in busy driveways and parking lots, but when they misread motion or fail to stop on contact, they can quickly become a safety and liability problem. Automakers of all kinds may face more pressure to show not just how these features work in ideal conditions, but how they behave around kids, pets and cluttered real-world environments. View the full article

Luke Bogacki will set his sights on the Top Dragster category, the three-time NHRA World Champion announced on social media Monday. He’ll pilot a Moser Engineering-backed American Race Cars dragster in 2026, with additional partnership from Advanced Product Design and Watts Auto Diesel Service. “To be honest, the term ‘Top Dragster’ might be a little strong, at least in the traditional sense” joked Bogacki. “We’re going to go fast – faster than I’ve ever been before – but we’re really just building a fast bracket car that can compete on the slower end of T/D.” The powerplant for this venture will come from APD: a 648 cubic inch engine featuring the Ohio-based manufacturer’s latest 16.5* cylinder head design, intake manifold, shaft rockers, and fuel system. Bogacki hopes to post E.T.’s in the 6.8-second range. “To be honest, our main focus in ‘26 is going to be the NHRA Division 3 Super Quick Series,” Bogacki explained. “Jessica and I have always been intrigued by the Super Quick stuff, and with the addition of Jr. Dragster classes to the series this season, we’ve got the unique opportunity to race as a family: all four of us competing at the same events. That’s really the motivation behind this project. We’ll run most of the Lucas Oil Division 3 events as well, but we’re really looking at this as more of a test season in Top Dragster, with an eye on pursuing that category with more vigor in ‘27.” With the addition of the new Top Dragster entry, the Bogacki family will campaign a trio of Moser Engineering-backed hot rods in NHRA competition: Jessica will wheel her Super Comp dragster, and Luke will compete in the Super Street category in his signature Vega as well. While Bogacki says he doesn’t intend to make a national title pursuit in 2026, he did mention that the team does plan to attend a full schedule of Division 3 Lucas Oil Events, which could allow him to add to a trophy case that already includes nine division championships across four separate classes and four different divisions. Bogacki’s latest ride is a 2012 American Dragster that belongs to good friend Carl Watts. “Carl’s a longtime friend who has been battling some issues after multiple knee surgeries – he says he can get in and out of his Super Gas car, but the dragster is a struggle. I told him my plans to buy another dragster, and he basically said ‘Don’t buy one – come get mine!’ That was pretty hard to pass up: it’s a great car that’s been well taken care of, and I’m very familiar with the American Race Cars design. I haven’t had a car owner in a long time, but Carl’s so easy going that he just kinda handed me the keys and said ‘have fun.’ “It’s at our shop now, we’re stripping it down. I’m making some updates, putting it on a diet, things like that. It’s a really good car as is, and we’re going to make it even better before the season gets underway.” In addition to Moser Engineering, APD, and Watts Auto Diesel, the new machine will feature quality components from Wiseco, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Accelerated Graphics, Fuel Factory, Mickey Thompson Tires, BTE, Milodon, and numerous manufacturers that the Bogacki Motorsports team has relied on for decades. To keep up with the build, follow Luke Bogacki Motorsports on Facebook. This story was originally published on December 9, 2025. The post Luke Bogacki Sets Sights on Top Dragster first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

NHRA team owner/driver Antron Brown has appointed veteran partnership specialist Kevin Contardo to lead sponsor relations for his AB Motorsports team for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. As Director of Business Operations, Contardo will oversee ABM’s existing partnership programs while pursuing new relationships with both endemic and non-endemic brands. He will also collaborate closely with ABM’s hospitality, merchandising, and machine shop departments as he builds upon the strong foundation Brown has successfully established through his first four years of NHRA team ownership. Contardo brings more than a decade of sponsorship development experience to AB Motorsports. His previous roles include serving as Director of Strategic Partnerships for John Force Racing and JCM Racing. He also held the position of Director of Global Partnerships at Oak View Group, a global sports and live entertainment venue management company, and served as Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Nashville Zoo. His in-depth partnership management experience, paired with his extensive motorsports background, uniquely positions him to support ABM’s continued growth. “I’m ready to hit the ground running with Antron and his AB Motorsports team,” said Contardo, who will work from the team’s Brownsburg, Ind., headquarters. “I’m a lifelong drag racing fan and have had the privilege of working in the NHRA space previously. I was thrilled to get the call from Antron and have the opportunity to rejoin the NHRA circuit with his AB Motorsports team. “I’ve long admired Antron, and it’s been especially impressive to see how far his operation has come in just four short years,” Contardo added. “From the addition and expansion of his FAB Machining business to the Accelerate program, the show car, and the 2024 Top Fuel championship, the team has built something truly remarkable. My goal is to support and enhance what ABM has already created and help streamline processes and operations so Antron can focus his attention on driving the Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster and engaging with ABM partners.” Contardo’s first order of business as Director of Business Operations will be joining Brown at the Performance Racing Industry Show at the Indiana Convention Center later this week. “We brought Kevin on board at the perfect time,” said Brown, a four-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion. “He’s an Indy local and already well established within the drag racing community. This week’s PRI show will be the perfect opportunity for Kevin to get to know some of our current partners and have some one-on-one time with them, as well as make some new connections for our team. We’ve got big things in store for 2026, and the addition of Kevin to our team is just the beginning.” The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season opens with the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 6 – 8. This story was originally published on December 9, 2025. The post Kevin Contardo Named Director of Business Operations at AB Motorsports first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Many people have asked where is Brad McBride’s Volkswagen Fastback. For the past few seasons, the famed VW known as “BLITZKRIEG” has been seen touring the PDRA circuit in Super Street. But the last half of 2025, it seemed to have disappeared. “A lot of fans and competitors would ask why I was not racing the VW, and I would tell them that I am working on something special,” said McBride. At this year’s Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show, McBride will unveil the Fastback as he celebrates a five-year partnership with ICON Pistons, a division of United Engine and Machine. McBride states that Chris and everyone at ICON have been great to work with and that it is exciting to be a part of developing high-quality parts. The partnership has been instrumental in the success of McBride’s program, which has seen world records set along with a VW Heritage Series World Championship. In addition, McBride also won the PDRA World Finals in 2024, which made the famed Volkswagen the first and only to win in a pro category. “It takes a lot to compete against the V8s in the PDRA, but the durability of ICON allows us to push hard,” McBride said. “We see excess of 60psi boost and never have an issue.” McBride has been busy creating the new look and designing new parts and pieces for BLITZKRIEG as the team prepares for PRI. If you want to see it all, ICON Booth 1251 is the place to be at this year’s PRI Show. This story was originally published on December 9, 2025. The post Brad McBride To Unveil Fresh New Look At PRI Show first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Two in OneA listing on Auction123 features a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429, one of the rarest high-performance variants of the first-generation Mustang. But what makes this example even more intriguing is that it comes with an extra “sister” Boss 429 engine – a valuable spare that can be rebuilt or just be sold. Produced only for 1969 and 1970, the Mustang Boss 429 was created to house Ford’s 7.0-liter (429 cu in) big-block V8, a larger and more powerful engine than the one used in the Boss 302. The massive 429 was engineered as a homologation motor to help Ford remain competitive in NASCAR and challenge Chrysler’s 426 Hemi. Auction123 Backed by Proven PedigreeThis was critical during a period when Richard Petty – who would later become a seven-time NASCAR champion – briefly joined Ford in 1969, then returned to Plymouth the following year, where he drove the iconic #43 Petty Blue Superbird. Because of its racing purpose, the Boss 429 power plant received extensive engineering upgrades. It featured a semi-hemispherical combustion chamber to improve airflow and maintain power at higher RPM, along with forged steel connecting rods and a forged steel crankshaft for exceptional durability under sustained high-load conditions. This particular car’s engine is claimed to make 600 horsepower, roughly 225 hp more than the factory rating. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. Other notable equipment includes its Royal Maroon exterior, vinyl high-back bucket seats, an AM radio, power steering, power front disc brakes, and a competition suspension. The sister engine, meanwhile, is fully complete and has been disassembled for inspection. This allows prospective buyers to examine its NASCAR-homologated internal components closely and verify its authenticity. Auction123 A Heavy Hit to the WalletDespite the car’s high-performance nature, the seller says it has been garage-kept, well-maintained, and used as a show car and magazine feature. The pony car has 52,000 miles on the odometer, and the current owner has driven it for fewer than 200 miles. Further validating its authenticity and provenance are a build sheet, Mustang Club of America judging certificates, and a Marti Report. The asking price is a staggering $410,000, but that’s expected for a five-decade-old muscle car limited to a little over 1,350 units. Interestingly, it even surpasses the price of Ford’s modern, race-ready Mustang, the 815-hp Mustang GTD, which launched at around $325,000. Auction123 View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

This blast from Harley-Davidson's past is a small-displacement, dual-sport outlier, and it can be kind of valuable if it's running right. If.View the full article

Piaggio refreshes the Beverly for its 25th birthday with new styling, refined details, and a celebration of its Italian roots.View the full article

Ken Block's last Gymkhana video before he tragically passed away in 2023 was in the Audi S1 e-tron quattro, and despite that car being an EV, Block gave us an unforgettable show on the streets of Las Vegas. Now, xtreme sports athlete Travis Pastrana has taken up the Gymkhana challenge, and he's proved just as impressive as the man who started it. In 2020, he revealed the Airslayer STI, which he called the "wildest WRX STI ever," for his first crack at the Gymkhana series, and in 2022, he took to the streets of Florida in a Subaru GL nicknamed the Family Huckster. This December, the Subaru partnership has continued with a pickup called the Brataroo 9500 Turbo, a custom 1978 BRAT with 670 hp and a redline north of 9,500 rpm (the highest of any Gymkhana car to date), and Pastrana has used every inch of the tachometer in his latest Gymkhana film, Aussie Shred, which went live today and is embedded at the bottom of this article. Australia Changed Its Tune for Pastrana Subaru According to local publication WhichCar, Australian authorities reportedly had no interest in having someone like Block or Pastrana show their skills on public roads, even if those roads were closed, fearing that it would encourage automotive silliness. They've clearly softened their stance since Gymkhana 9's attempt in 2016, allowing the Brataroo to dance through the Outback and on the streets of Sydney. Fun fact: Australians coined the term 'hoon,' which describes dangerous driving and inspired the name of the media house that Block founded, Hoonigan. And this Subie pickup is certainly capable of insane hooning. Related: Subaru Teases a WRX STI Comeback with Both Gas and Electric Power The 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine produces a whopping 680 lb-ft of torque, feeding all four wheels through a six-speed SADEV sequential transmission. The Khyzyl Saleem-designed bodywork, which features some insane active aero, is made of carbon fiber, and the chassis is from Vermont SportCars, with a WRC-grade roll cage included. As you'll see below, Pastrana tests the limits of sanity several times in this film, and it must have been nice to know he would have been fully protected if anything went wrong. Travis Pastrana Has No Fear Subaru As he did in Florida with his last Gymkhana film, Pastrana dipped a wheel over the edge of a body of water, and although we know that no Gymkhana film is shot in one take, nor is any single stunt typically attempted only once, Pastrana's skill behind the wheel is a joy to behold and gives one shivers contemplating the possibility of failure or misjudgement. The scenes in the sandy Outback are less scary, but even there, Pastrana's fearless driving makes for exciting watching. Subaru says this is the ultimate Subaru Brat, and it probably is, but is this the wildest Gymkhana yet? Jumps, drifts, and near-misses reach new heights. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. View the full article

Two Sea-Doo Spark PWCs were tossed out of a plane at altitude with parachutes for one insane stunt with Red Bull, and you have to watch it. View the full article

Ford Wants to Save Your WheelsA wheel imbalance can cause discomfort when driving and, if left unaddressed, can eventually cost a fortune in service and parts replacement. That's presumably why Ford has filed a patent for a wheel imbalance detection system that could help spot this kind of problem. Published on December 4, 2025, and first detected by Ford Authority, the patent describes a system that uses sensors to monitor vehicle wheel speed and body vibrations. The collected data is then compared to various thresholds to determine whether any abnormalities are present. While drivers can often “feel” a wheel imbalance, a system that analyzes those signals can help provide a more precise, data-driven way to identify the issue early. Ford Factors That Lead to ImbalanceNew factory wheels are unlikely to be imbalanced. One common issue is tire wear, which naturally increases as the miles add up. However, driving style plays a significant role as well. Frequent hard acceleration, sudden braking, or aggressive cornering can accelerate uneven tire wear. U Road conditions are another factor. Vehicles that frequently travel over rough terrain – such as off-road SUVs like the Ford Bronco – can be more susceptible to imbalance. In some instances, wheel weights explicitly installed to counterbalance the tire can come loose when the vehicle hits potholes, gravel, or unpaved sections. Drivers typically start to feel an imbalance through excessive vibration, commonly referred to as wheel shimmy. This vibration can be especially prominent at highway speeds, negatively affecting ride comfort for passengers. Over time, it can prematurely shorten tire life, forcing owners to replace a complete set earlier than planned, make extra trips to a shop for rebalancing, and, worse, potentially compromise safety. Getty Driving Toward a More Refined FutureA wheel balance detection system could work alongside the tire pressure monitoring system, a standard feature in most modern cars, to help preserve both tire health and vehicle stability. USPTO However, as with many patents, there is no guarantee that Ford will eventually bring this system to production. Automakers often file patents to protect an idea or prevent competitors from using it. But considering the comfort, safety, and maintenance benefits it offers, such a feature would be a welcome addition for Ford owners. It also joins the Blue Oval’s recent patent filings, including one for a smart head-up display with automatic adjustment functionality. Ford View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Cboys are at it again, comparing a heavily modified mega ATV to the biggest ATV ever made. From Russia, where else? And seeing how they compare in expense, too. View the full article

Pocket-Sized Fiat Crossing the AtlanticFiat is betting that Americans are finally ready for its smallest car yet. The Fiat Topolino, a pint-sized electric city car that's become a common sight in Europe, is officially coming to the US. The announcement slipped out during Art Week Miami, where Fiat unveiled a one-of-one artist collaboration designed by Romero Britto, but the bigger news came straight from the brand's CEO. "The Fiat Topolino, our small, joyful, colorful car that is now everywhere in Europe, has made several appearances in the US over the past year," said Olivier Francois. "So much so that I'm happy to share that we'll be bringing the Fiat Topolino to the US, with more details to come next year." At a time when mainstream cars are only getting bigger, this thing barely takes up more space than a golf cart. But will it be popular among Americans? Fiat What the Topolino Really IsDespite the historic Fiat badging and its "little mouse" name, the Topolino isn't a clean-sheet Fiat product. It's a rebadged version of the Citroën Ami, with near-identical hardware shared with the Opel Rocks as well. All three are urban electric quadricycles designed primarily for short trips, low speeds, and minimal running costs. This also means the concept isn't entirely new to the US. Back in 2021, the Citroën Ami quietly arrived in American cities through Free2Move's car-sharing fleet, operating in places like Washington, DC, and Portland. It didn't wear Fiat branding, but the formula was the same: ultra-compact size, simple construction, and electric power aimed at dense urban environments. Smaller than the US-spec Fiat 500e, Fiat's version leans harder into charm. Compared to the Ami's industrial vibe, the Topolino adds softer styling cues and a lifestyle angle that connects more directly with Fiat's brand image, especially for city dwellers who see cars as accessories rather than status symbols. Fiat But Will It Sell to Americans?Pricing hasn't been confirmed yet, but in Europe, the Topolino sits well below traditional vehicles at around 10,000 euros, or roughly $11,600 with today's exchange rate. Note that these values won't necessarily reflect the US pricing, considering several things, primarily tariffs. As for demand, that's still a mystery at this point. But keep in mind that the rugged version of the Topolino's twin, the Citroën My Ami Buggy – a doorless, beach-ready roundabout – reportedly sold out in minutes when it launched. That kind of response suggests there's a real appetite for tiny, purpose-built EVs when the price and personality line up. Then again, that's Europe. Let's see if the situation's going to be the same in the US, where big rigs are preferred. If anything, it could become a niche product like kei cars, which, coincidentally, is also being mulled over to be brought stateside. Fiat View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Tesla has announced a slew of useful and entertaining upgrades as part of a holiday software update. While some are purely for entertainment purposes, such as the festive Santa Mode, others enhance the navigation and charging experience for Tesla owners. Fortunately, it appears there’s nothing as controversial as Tesla’s latest FSD update, which allows users to text and drive—obviously, this is illegal. Here’s a look at the very legal, very cool new features that’ll soon be accessible in your Tesla, regardless of whether you drive a base Model 3 or Cybertruck. Grok Makes Navigation EasierGrok is now way more integrated into Tesla with the new rollout Tesla’s 2025 Holiday Release adds “Grok with Navigation Commands (Beta),” so you can literally tell Grok to add or edit destinations and let it guide you as a smart driving assistant Set Grok’s personality to… pic.twitter.com/BpTORl7f6n — X Freeze (@XFreeze) December 7, 2025 Grok, the generative artificial intelligence chatbot that’s already integrated with the social network X, is now integrated with Tesla’s navigation system. Here, Grok can add and edit navigation destinations, becoming a personal guide. The Grok navigational assistant can be used entirely via voice, so no fussy inputs on the touchscreen are required to instantly call up a convenient route to your destination. Other useful updates from Tesla include the following: Navigation improvements, such as viewing suggested destinationsDog Mode with Live Activity functionExpanded details for Dashcam clips3D view of Tesla SuperchargersAutomatic use of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lanes, when eligibleSave a charge limit per locationReminder chime when leaving your phone behindFor the navigation system, favorites can now be reordered and you can set a Home or Work pin anywhere on the map. Recent trips and habits will now also bring up a list of suggested destinations. Tesla/X When Dog Mode is active, Live Activity snapshots can be viewed on your iPhone, including live updates about temperature and battery conditions. This is perfect for ensuring your furball remains comfortable at all times. For the Dashcam, clips will now include more information, such as steering wheel angle, self-driving state, and speed. The remaining updates listed above are pretty self-explanatory. These little refinements and additions make commuting and charging easier, and go a long way to explaining why Tesla owners derive such pleasure from their vehicles, as they’re constantly being improved. The Silly Stuff Tesla/X Of course, being a Tesla holiday update, you can also expect plenty of new features to keep you and the kids entertained. Take the Tesla Photobooth, for instance, which allows you to take in-car selfies of you and your crew, while adding fun filters, stickers, and emojis. These selfies can be shared from the Tesla app. Tesla/X Santa Mode adds a festive twist to the displays, with Christmas trees, snow effects, and snowmen. There’s also a new light show called Jingle Rush, complete with its own color effects. The entire list of new or upgraded features have been published by Tesla in an article on X. We live in a time when even the stiff-lipped Germans are having fun with in-car gaming, but these new features are a reminder that Tesla is still the king of surprise-and-delight features. View the full article

Four wheels were always in Valentino Rossi's racing future, but the question of which four wheels he'd choose wasn't always clear.View the full article

If there’s one problem Toyota doesn’t have, it’s selling cars. The immensely popular RAV4 crossover was the world’s top-selling individual model last year, and even as a new generation arrives, the current one is still a hot seller. The Camry, Corolla, and Grand Highlander are other models that continue selling in droves. But one Toyota that has caught our eye this year is the Tacoma Hybrid. It wasn’t all that long ago that hybrid pickups were nowhere to be found, but now brands like Toyota and Ford both have a few on sale. The midsize Tacoma Hybrid has been one of Toyota’s success stories in 2025, with a year-on-year increase in sales of over 400%. Related: 2026 Toyota Tacoma Gets a Little More Expensive—Should You Get a 2025 Model Instead? A Bumper 2025 For The Electrified Taco T First on sale for the 2024 model year, the Tacoma Hybrid is now starting to pick up steam. Over the first three quarters of 2024, Toyota registered just 4,526 sales of the Tacoma Hybrid, but it wasn’t available for the entire calendar year. In 2025, over the same period, Toyota moved 22,773 examples of the Tacoma Hybrid, a jump of 403%. Sales of the entire Tacoma lineup increased by just over 60% over the same period, so the hybrid is growing at a much faster rate than the Tacoma lineup as a whole. T The Tacoma Hybrid has a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motors (known as the i-Force Max), with the combination producing impressive outputs of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. That’s a lot better than the best non-hybrid model can manage (278 hp and 317 lb-ft). Besides the boost in power, the Tacoma Hybrid returns up to 23 mpg combined with four-wheel drive, whereas the non-hybrid Tacoma 4WD gets 21 mpg. It may be pricier, but the Tacoma Hybrid’s power and efficiency are hard to beat. Related: 2025 Toyota Tacoma: 6 reasons to love it, 3 reasons to think twice No Rivals To Speak Of T A factor contributing to the Tacoma Hybrid’s growing popularity is its lack of rivals. None of its major competitors—including the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger—have hybrid options, leaving this niche all to Toyota. Jeep intended to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the Gladiator known as the 4xe, but the automaker scrapped those plans, citing a lack of demand for electrified pickups. As Toyota is showing, that’s not completely true. Ford does have hybrid pickups, but not in the midsize segment. Its Maverick Hybrid is smaller, less powerful, and cheaper, while the F-150 Hybrid is a more expensive full-size model. While Toyota was criticized for its slow EV rollout, it seems the Japanese automaker is having the last laugh. It is ahead of its rivals in the hybrid space, which is what many consumers feel comfortable with right now. Such is the popularity of Toyota hybrids that the company is investing $912 million in local manufacturing to expand the production of electrified models. The Tacoma Hybrid’s growth looks set to continue as long as rivals fail to offer any alternatives. Related: Toyota Could Launch a Plug-In Hybrid Tacoma Soon View the full article

The psychological toll of a bad crash is something every rider needs to work through for themselves, but here's video proof it can be done.View the full article

Tony Henningson joins Arctic Cat as CFO with decades of powersports experience and real rider credibility.View the full article

Do you have a friend that you’d trust to handle the trade of one of your cars? Someone that you know will make a good trade for something fun that you would have chosen for yourself? It takes a whole different level of trust to allow someone to do a trade like that for you. Or, perhaps, someone willing to take the risk for the potential entertainment value that these trades might bring. I sure hope it’s good! If you want to trade one of your own rides for one of these two, send them an email at the addresses below. We can’t wait to see what kind of trades people offer. Video Description: Welcome to Newbern’s Garage! We’re shaking things up this time with a little twist. I’m trading my buddy Mike Cotten’s 1985 Dodge Omni GLH for something—and surprising him. Meanwhile, he’s trading my 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and surprising me. This could turn into something awesome… or a complete disaster. Either way, it’s going to be fun. Got a trade offer? For the Turbo Coupe, email: alltastelikechicken@gmail.com For the GLH, email: newbernsgarage@gmail.com The post What Do You Have To Trade? Would You Let Your Friend Trade Your Car On Your Behalf? Newbern is Trading Cotten’s Car And Cotten is Trading Newberns! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It’s Day One of five where someone is going to take home $25,000 each day at the 2nd Annual FTD Customs End of the Year Extravaganza. Is this the final big money bracket race of the season? It is at Immokalee anyway, and thanks to our friends at MotorMania, we’ve got all the action live for you to check out right here. This is the beginning of the 5 race days, with each one worth real money. I can’t think of a better way to star Christmas than with a win at the End of Year Extravaganza. Can you? Video Description: Immokalee, FL – It’s the end of the year and as the season winds down, there’s no reason to stop racing. Year after year, the big bracket events move south with racing up through and including New Years. One of the few places left to race is in southern Florida at Immokalee Region Raceway. This is the 2nd annual FTD Customs End of the Year Extravaganza. This event features 5 races paying each winner $25K! With a 200 car cap on entries, this race will be fast paced and the competition will be fierce! The post FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: The 2nd Annual FTD Customs End of the Year Extravaganza – $25,000 Tuesday appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Bob Riffle's 1973 Dodge Dart was an iconic race car in the 1970s. The Dart recently was fully restored to its original state. View the full article

Moto News Weekly Wrap December 9, 2025 What’s New: 12 Round AusEnduro Championship confirmed for 2026 2026 Aussie Track and Dirt track calendars confirmed Monster Energy Honda HRC Rally-Raid line-up revealed Three World Champions to kick off SuperEnduro season in Poland Laengenfelder returns with KTM to defend MX2 title in 2026 Jack Miller tops final […] The post Moto News | Dirt Track | Rally | Enduro | 2026 Calendars appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Drag Illustrated is proud to announce the release of its 2025 30 Under 30 Issue, the 10th edition of the magazine’s annual celebration of drag racing’s most promising young drivers, tuners, crew members, content creators, and industry professionals. The digital edition is now live, with the print edition set to debut later this week at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis. This year’s cover spotlights NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rookie Brayden Davis, who has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young racers in the sport. His breakout season, championship pedigree, and immediate impact in a challenging professional category made him a fitting choice to represent the milestone 10th edition of Drag Illustrated’s signature youth-focused initiative. “The 30 Under 30 Issue is one of our biggest and most meaningful projects every year,” said Nate Van Wagnen, editor-in-chief of Drag Illustrated. “What started as a simple effort to highlight the young people making an impact in drag racing has become a defining movement in the industry. Ten editions in, we’ve honored hundreds of racers, engine builders, tuners, media professionals, manufacturers, and series officials who represent the sport’s next generation. This year’s class is one of the most diverse yet, covering every corner of drag racing.” The 2025 list once again reflects the incredible depth of young talent emerging across the sport. Whether competing on the NHRA tour, chasing world records at outlaw events, fabricating world-class equipment, innovating behind the scenes, or building digital audiences that grow the sport, the 2025 honorees represent the passion, creativity, and drive shaping drag racing’s future. Honorees will receive custom 30 Under 30 jackets, along with gift certificates and prizes from numerous program partners. Lincoln Electric will once again award a major prize package – including a TIG welder, welding kit, and welding class – to one honoree selected by random draw. This year’s program sponsors include Elite Motorsports, Lincoln Electric, Moser Engineering, P2 Contracting, PEAK Performance, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Stroud Safety, Strange Engineering, and VP Racing Fuels. “We’re incredibly grateful to the companies and individuals who support the 30 Under 30 program,” said Wes Buck, Drag Illustrated founder and editorial director. “These partners believe deeply in the value of celebrating the next generation. Their support allows us to give these honorees the recognition – and the rockstar treatment – they deserve.” The 2025 30 Under 30 press conference will take place Friday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. ET in the Sagamore Ballroom within the Indiana Convention Center. All honorees and their supporters are invited to attend. Group and individual photos of the 2025 30 Under 30 class will take place on stage immediately following the program. 2025 Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 List Lainey Abney, Lil Gangstas racer Brandon Barker, bracket racer Scott Chitty, bracket racer Brayden Davis, NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Zane Diamond-Odell, Pro Mod and small-tire crew member Austin Flemming, chassis builder and racer Devin Grace, no-prep racer Austin Hayward, timing system specialist Billy Hoskinson, small-tire racer and content creator Melanie Johnson, NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster driver Austin Kardules, promoter and team marketing Jeff Kline, photographer Scotty Kruck, Lil Gangstas driver and tuner Jack Line, engine builder and crew member Jordan Manton, manufacturer Trevor Manton, manufacturer Sydney Marshall, track prep specialist Mikel McQueen, bracket racer Bryce Micke, Pro Mod crew member and manufacturer Brandon Miller, Pro Stock driver and NHRA Top Sportsman world champion Samuel Peterson, track prep specialist and driver Robert Richard, photographer Jack Roberts, no-prep tuner Bobby Savedra III, Pro Mod crew member and aspiring driver Mellie Snedeker, photographer and writer Taylor Strange, Pro Mod crew member and small-tire racer Megan Taylor, photographer and manufacturer rep Johnny Thompson, Pro Mod tuner and driver John Vergotz Jr., PDRA Pro Nitrous tuner and bracket racer Kyle Wade, import racer and content creator Joel Wensley Jr., PDRA Pro Street driver Read the full 30 Under 30 Issue digital edition at digital.dragillustrated.com. This story was originally published on December 8, 2025. The post Drag Illustrated Releases 2025 30 Under 30 Issue Featuring Brayden Davis first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Building custom cars and trucks takes a lot of work, money, and dedication, along with some blood, sweat, and tears. But what does it really take to actually show a full blown show truck all over the country? I know folks who have show cars that travel the country with them, and it is not for the faint of heart. There is a lot of work that goes into it. Check out this episode of Influence and Impact to see what it really takes from Mike Barcia who has been doing this for some time. Like I said, there is way more to it than just building a bad ass ride. Video Description: Auto Revolution’s Influence & Impact traces the automotive history of custom car and truck builders. We are joined by Mike Barcia, one of the judges for the Grand National Truck Show’s top honors. Mike shares what it takes to not only build but to show a high caliber mini truck and his full-size OBS dually dubbed ‘No Compromise.’ Follow Mike Barcia at @ncmikebarcia. Recorded at the Grand National Truck Show. Classic trucks, C-10s, Mini Trucks, Off-road and Late Model Trucks including the World’s Most Beautiful Truck. See more at www.rodshows.com. Get parts for your OBS truck at www.obsclash.com! Belltech Suspension Promo Code Use the Promo Code AUTOREVOLUTION at www.belltech.com to get FREE Shipping! Powerbass USA Promo Code Use the Promo Code AUTOREV at www.powerbassusa.com to get 10% OFF! Get Auto Revolution merch at www.autorevolutiononline.com The post Influence and Impact: What it Takes to Build and Show Award Winning Trucks with Mike Barcia appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article