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Kaden Honeycutt will have some big shoes to fill in 2026 as he takes over the wheel of the No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota, which Corey Heim drove to a historic title this past year. In 2025, Heim won 4x as many races as his closest competition, secured nearly twice as many top fives, led 3x as many laps led, and ended the year with an average finish more than four places better than any other ...Keep readingView the full article

Thanks to the magic of over-the-air updates, Mercedes-Benz is rolling out an array of exciting new features to over 700,000 vehicles across the globe. This is the MBUX 3.3 software update, and the focus is on enhancing the in-car experience for Mercedes customers. Crucially, the update doesn’t apply to the entire Mercedes lineup, but several core models equipped with the third generation of MBUX will be included. If you’re into in-vehicle entertainment options and enhanced productivity, this update is for you. Brilliant Visuals and Immersive Sound Mercedes-Benz Software-Update MBUX 3.3 Mercedes-Benz View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Mercedes-Benz utilizes some of the largest display interfaces in the industry, such as the enormous 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen in the new electric GLC. Consequently, the brand has regularly updated its in-car entertainment options to make the most of these dazzling displays. With the new update, new titles from RIDEVU by Sony Pictures can be enjoyed in the IMAX Enhanced format, including DTS:X immersive audio. If you’re too busy to go to the movie theater, you can now enjoy blockbuster movies from the comfort of your E-Class. Mercedes is also adding Dolby Atmos audio across apps like Audible, TIDAL, and Amazon Music, with the spatial sound bringing your favorite content to life. Amazon Music and Audible can now be accessed directly from the infotainment system, and customers with MBUX 3.3 can get a free trial to both Amazon Music Unlimited and Audible in select countries, including the United States. For gamers, Gamepack adds a new selection of retro mini-games to enjoy from your car. Related: 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Ready To Shine With More Tech Than Ever More Convenience Via MBUX Calendar and Voice Assistant Mercedes-Benz Software-Update MBUX 3.3 Mercedes-Benz View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Not every Mercedes driver will be interested in playing video games, but most will be interested in ways to make their lives more convenient. To that end, the new MBUX Calendar takes the place of the In-Car Calendar app. Using one login, MBUX Notes, Calendar, and eventually Meetings can all be linked. Mercedes introduced Microsoft Teams compatibility a while ago, making in-car meetings easier, and now Teams calls can be initiated directly from the app. The MBUX Voice Assistant has also received some attention, with more vehicle settings adjustable via voice alone, although Mercedes hasn’t detailed what settings these are. The relevant models with the third-generation MBUX system are the C-Class, E-Class, CLE, and GLC. We expect other models to gradually receive the latest MBUX system over time. MBUX Remains a Cutting Edge System Mercedes-Benz In our review of the best infotainment systems in the industry last year, MBUX received an honorable mention from us. If you consider yourself a tech geek, MBUX will delight you with its snazzy graphics and mass of features. We also praised Merc’s voice assistant as being one of the best, assuming you enjoy talking to your car. But there remains a rather steep learning curve if you’re the type who upgrades their car rarely and are coming from a significantly older model. And, in our review of the latest GLC 63, we struggled with that SUV’s capacitive touch controls. If you’re willing to lean into the tech, though, it’s incredible what MBUX can do. View the full article

Subaru and Japan Car of the YearJapan Car of the Year (JCOTY) has been around since 1980. The first winner was the Mazda Familia, which more seasoned individuals might know better as the Mazda GLC. Since then, Toyota and Honda have taken loads of wins with 15 and 14, respectively. From time to time, though, Subaru sneaks in to surprise the judges. Throughout JCOTY's history, Subaru has won it three times. They first got it in 2003 with the fourth-generation Legacy, which makes us even sadder to see it go this year. It took a while for it to get the second one, the fifth-generation Impreza, in 2016. After that, the second-generation Levorg, also known as the WRX Wagon, gave Subaru its third title in 2020. But now, Subaru can add another trophy to its cabinet as the Forester Hybrid, known there as the Forester e-Boxer, has won it for the hardworking folks in Gunma. S Surprised?As more and more car awards gravitate towards EVs, it's rather refreshing to see something that still has an engine to win. Then again, JCOTY rarely gives out overall spoils to battery-powered vehicles, only awarding EVs twice throughout its history. But back to the Forester, judges praised the compact crossover for its performance, practicality, efficiency, and safety. It's pretty good value over in Japan, too, with e-Boxer prices ranging from ¥4,202,000 to ¥4,598,000 ($27,000 to $30,000). Translated from Japanese, here is what the awards body said. "The Subaru Forester was highly praised as an SUV that combines driving performance, practicality, comfort, off-road capability, and safety, which Subaru has always placed a high priority on. With the adoption of the long-awaited Strong Hybrid (S:HEV), the unique horizontally opposed engine has evolved into a "SUBARU-esque environmental engine" that combines fuel efficiency with driving pleasure. Furthermore, the car also received high praise for its advanced safety features, including EyeSight X and other advanced driver assistance technologies, as well as airbags that help reduce injuries to pedestrians and cyclists alike." S The Cars it BeatRight behind the Forester e-Boxer was the much-anticipated Honda Prelude that's already been selling like hotcakes in Japan. In third place came the Toyota Crown Estate, better known in North America as the Crown Signia. Fourth went to the drastically redesigned Nissan Leaf, while the Volkswagen ID.Buzz rounded up the top five. As for the rest of the finalists, the Hyundai Inster took home sixth, and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came in seventh. In eighth was the Peugeot 3008, while the Suzuki e-Vitara and Daihatsu Move were ranked ninth and tenth, respectively. Subaru Subaru View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Hybrid Idea Nissan Has Been Refining for YearsNissan's e-Power system isn't new. It debuted in 2016 with the Note in Japan, and since then, the brand has rolled it out to dozens of markets. The question has always been when North America would get it. Now, it's finally happening. If you're wondering why Nissan isn't following the same playbook as Honda's e:HEV hybrids – the sort you'll find in the Accord, CR-V, and Civic – Nissan's reasoning is straightforward. Honda uses a two-motor system that operates mostly as a series hybrid but can mechanically link the engine to the wheels at cruising speeds. It's a neat solution for long US highway stretches. Nissan, however, thinks there's a better way. Nissan Nissan Isn't Doing Honda's Version of HybridNissan Americas SVP Ponz Pandikuthira laid out the core differences between Honda's electrified setup and theirs in a media briefing, The Drive reports. In most hybrids, the engine can step in to help drive the wheels directly. With e-Power, the engine exists only to make electricity. It's a pure series setup – no plug, no engine-to-wheel connection, no transmission in the traditional sense. "The weakness of a series hybrid is when you're on a highway at 75 mph—then an electric motor is not at its most efficient, but an internal combustion engine is," Pandikuthira said. Honda gets around that by letting the engine clutch into the drivetrain at speed. Nissan isn't doing that because "the moment you talk about an engine that's connected to the drivetrain, there's a lot of vibrations that come in with adding a transmission… It's this complexity of cost that's going into the system," Pandikuthira added. Instead, Nissan relies on careful calibration to keep the battery and generator working in sync. The brand waited until its third-generation e-Power – lighter, more compact, more efficient – to commit to bringing the technology stateside. Nissan When is Nissan e-Power Coming to America?Nissan says e-Power will reach the US by the end of fiscal 2026, so that's within the first three months of 2027, with the next-generation Rogue being the launch model. That Rogue will debut first as a hybrid-only model, with a conventional gas version to follow later. That's a long wait, so Nissan introduced the Rogue Plug-In Hybrid as some sort of a "bridge product" before the e-Power arrives. Yes, we all know that the "new" plug-in Rogue is just a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in disguise (and failing to do so), but it exists purely because shoppers looking for a Rogue hybrid weren't finding one, and Nissan didn't want to keep losing those sales. Once the new Rogue e-Power lands, the stopgap we all love to hate can quietly fade into the background. Nissan View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Carson Brown and Kirian Mirabet take Honda Gold Wings off-roading and round a motocross track.View the full article

Following a surprise teaser earlier this week, Kia has revealed its new sedan concept, dubbed the Vision Meta Turismo, as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations. And because of its proportions, correlations to the departed Stinger GT are already forming. Whether this will be a rear- or all-wheel-drive car like that sedan remains to be seen, as Kia hasn't revealed everything about the concept just yet. However, the short front end and the fact that this design is meant to preview Kia's future direction indicate that an electric powertrain will sit beneath the attractive body, within which elements that call to mind BMW and Koenigsegg exist. Geometric Shapes Evolve The Kia Design Language Kia The glass roof features geometric panels, as does the body, which pushes Kia's already-futuristic "Opposites United" design language further forward. The overall proportions seem to walk the line between sedan and SUV, thanks to a relatively tall set of doors and large wheels. Kia has not indicated whether the concept previews a future production vehicle, but it's possible that this could foreshadow an EV7 or EV8 to slot in between today's EV6 crossover and EV9 SUV. That said, and as we noted in our coverage of the teaser, recent rumors have indicated that Kia is working on a GT1 project for 2027. Related: Genesis Might Actually Build the G90 Wingback Wagon and Give It a Brand-New V8 This is said to be a halo grand tourer with more than 600 horsepower from the Hyundai Motor Group's next-generation "eM" platform. Close to 500 miles of range could be possible thanks to a 113.2 kWh battery, and unofficial reports out of South Korea indicate that the entry-level version of this purported flagship model would cost as little as $43,000, while range-topping variants could sneak in below $60,000. But until Kia gives us something official to go on, let's get back to what we know about this concept. Forward-Thinking Cabin Shows A Focus On Tech Kia View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The color coordination of the four-seat cabin puts the focus on the driver, hinting that this concept previews something that enthusiasts will enjoy. Above the oddly-shaped steering "wheel"(block?) is a small screen with three modes: Speedster, Dreamer, and Gamer. This placement calls to mind the Koenigsegg Jesko, though it's unclear if the display is attached to the wheel as it is in the Swedish hypercar. To the right of the driver sits a joystick-like shift lever with a pistol grip, but we can't quite tell if there are paddles behind the wheel for simulated shifting like in the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. What we can see is an augmented reality head-up display with visuals inserted into the area of the windshield just above the dashboard, which is not unlike the system that BMW previewed with the Vision Neue Klasse concept and brought into production as part of Operating System X, its latest iDrive iteration, in the all-new iX3. We'll have to wait for more info out of Seoul to see how far Kia intends to take these concepts, but for now, the Vision Meta Turismo shows that the Koreans are not content just to set sales records; they want a piece of the premium segment, too. Kia View the full article

Schuberth, the German motorcycle safety giant is rolling out fresh tech, quieter shells, and a next-gen approach to rider comfort for 2026.View the full article

Yadea sells a variety of e-bikes, standing e-scooters, and straddle-type e-scooters in many countries around the world. But it's also A BOP.View the full article

Mortske is back at it, this time with a 1969 Mustang that has been sitting for 32 years. 32! So will it run and drive and live again? Will it be a cool car or just another failed project? I think this one could be pretty cool, and hope that someone else ends up driving it cross country and loving it like it should be. If you like Mustangs, will it run stories, and budget transformations then this is the video for you. Enjoy. Video Description: Join along as we recover a 1969 Mustang that was abandoned in a barn for over 30 years and attempt to get it running and driving and make some other improvements along the way. If you’d like to own this Mustang it can be yours for $6,500! As always, thanks for watching! The post Abandoned For 32 Years! Will This 1969 Mustang Run! What Will It Look Like After A Budget Transformation? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It used to be possible to get a large luxury SUV with a manual transmission, but those days are long gone. One of the last such models was the Porsche Cayenne, an SUV that has typically been more engaging than its peers. But after the 2014 model year, the second-generation Cayenne resorted to a full lineup of automatics only, a good couple of years after BMW dropped the manual gearbox from its X5. When a neat manual Cayenne comes up for sale, it usually gets a fair amount of attention, and that’s precisely the case with this 2014 Porsche Cayenne on Cars & Bids. Its restrained design and manual shifter are a reminder of simpler times—and a stark contrast to the new Cayenne Electric. Related: The Porsche Cayenne GTS Manual Transmission is the SUV We Want to Come Back Desirable Spec Sweetens The Deal 2014 Porsche Cayenne Cars & Bids View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article This 2014 Cayenne is finished in Jet Green Metallic, a particularly attractive color when paired with the Umber and Cream interior. No accidents or mileage discrepancies are noted in the Carfax report, and it’s been registered to the same owner since new. Under the hood is a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque—it’s currently sitting on 82,000 miles. In this case, it’s paired to the six-speed manual gearbox, but an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic was available optionally. By today’s standards, this Cayenne V6 manual’s performance is merely average, with the 0-60 run taking 7.1 seconds. But the tactile pleasure of rowing your own gears in something so large and luxurious is now a novelty. Cars & Bids This unmodified Cayenne features some desirable options, including a heated windshield, heated front seats, the Driver Memory Package, an electric sunroof, running boards, and an Exterior Package with glossy black trim. The listing does note a few chips and scratches, some wear on the seats, and some corrosion on the underbody and exhaust components, but it appears to be in great overall shape, given its age. Related: Every Car With A Manual Transmission In 2026 How Much Should You Pay? 2014 Porsche Cayenne Cars & Bids View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article According to the documentation provided in the ad, this Cayenne V6 manual had an MSRP of $66,970 when purchased by the owner in August 2013. Kelley Blue Book shows the fair purchase price for the base 2014 Cayenne today is a lowly $10,933. However, the high bid for this example is already sitting at $36,000, with the auction only set to end on December 8. On Bring A Trailer, a 2011 Cayenne manual sold for just under $30k earlier this week, and another one sold for $42k on Cars & Bids in October. A few of the more powerful Cayenne GTS manuals also pop up every now and again, with these generally commanding higher prices. Besides the cool factor of the manual and this Jet Green example’s desirable spec, it’s also a second-gen Cayenne, which looks like a beauty queen alongside the first-gen model. At under $40k, it’s a lot of SUV for the money, provided you’re willing to live with the expectedly high maintenance costs. View the full article

When you have an idea like putting a 1,400 horsepower Coyote into a 1972 C10 and going drag racing, you need a friend like Bigun.View the full article

The QJ Motor SRK 1051 RR combines MV Agusta tech, modern electronics, and aggressive styling in a Chinese built package. View the full article

Subaru's Long-Roofed EVBefore you ask, yes, the Trailseeker is a Toyota bZ Woodland with a different badge. Think of this then as a stretched Solterra, or an EV Outback of sorts. It was first shown at the 2025 New York International Auto Show back in April, and Subaru said sales will start later this year. Now, that time has come as the company has finally announced its pricing, released all the trims, and mentioned more details. With that, the Trailseeker beats its twin in pricing announcement, but let's be honest, more people will flock to Toyota showrooms. Subaru Trims and PricingThere are three trims to choose from for the 2026 Trailseeker. It starts with the Premium, followed by the Limited, and topped off by the Premium. It follows Subaru's trim level hierarchy to keep things simple and familiar for its customers. As for pricing, the Premium starts at a hair under 40 grand at $39,995. Move up to the Limited, and that one carries a base price of $43,995 thanks to the addition of more equipment. As for the Touring, the top-spec model goes for $46,555 with all the bells and whistles attached to it. There are several options available for the Trailseeker, although that list becomes thinner the higher you go up the range. S Features and HighlightsAll Trailseekers come standard with a 14-inch Subaru Multimedia System with wireless phone connectivity, dual wireless charging pads, heated front seats, a power tailgate, EyeSight driver assist tech, and X-Mode Dual-Mode all-wheel drive, to name a few. The Trailseeker Limited then adds a Harman/Kardon audio system, a 360-degree camera, heated seats at the front and rear, plus a heated steering wheel, hands-free tailgate, and 20-inch alloys instead of 18s fitted to the Premium. As for the Touring, that one gets all the features found in the Limited, plus a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, and gloss black hood accents. Other things worth mentioning? There's 32.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the back seats, so that should make the Trailseeker a practical proposition. The roof rails are functional, by the way, and they can hold up to 700 lbs worth of static load. And for those brave enough to tow with an EV, Subaru claims a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs. S Powertrain DetailsRegardless of trim chosen, all Trailseekers use a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. As it's all-wheel drive, that battery provides energy to two electric motors. Subaru says its latest EV crossover has fast-charging capability of up to 150 kW, allowing it to charge from 0 to 80% in 28 minutes. The estimated range is 280 miles per full charge. With two motors, the Trailseeker packs 375 hp. That said, torque figures have yet to be released, but we reckon it's got a good slug of it from a standstill. 0 to 60 mph is claimed at 4.4 seconds, fast enough for Subaru to say it's the quickest model the company has ever offered in the US. The Trailseeker won't be the only Subaru EV coming to showrooms in Spring 2026. The company will soon roll out the Uncharted around the same time. S Subaru View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Will Ramos, lead singer of the deathcore metal band Lorna Shore, loves his Honda Motocompacto EV scooter. And one fan caught him going through a drivethrough on it.View the full article

Trump Returns to America Enamored by Small Japanese CarsIt looks like Europe isn't the only continent going crazy over Japanese cute-utes. President Donald J. Trump returned from a trip to Japan, charmed by the ultra-compact “kei” cars that fill the narrow urban streets of Tokyo and other Japanese cities. Speaking at the White House on December 3, 2025, Trump told reporters: “They’re very small, they’re really cute… How would that do in this country?” He said he had authorized U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy to “immediately approve” production of kei-style cars for the U.S. market, signaling a dramatic shift in direction. The announcement arrives alongside a rollback of fuel-efficiency standards introduced under the previous administration. Trump and his team appear to be trying to open the door to a segment of the market that, until now, has been largely absent in America: very small, efficient, and affordable vehicles that contrast sharply with the country’s dominance of SUVs and pickups. https://www.youtube.com/live/2Ey5TwGj7Cc?si=rgyZI3hI2towR5X6 What are Kei Cars?“Kei cars”, not to be confused with Chrysler's K Cars of the 80s, is a term derived from the Japanese word for “light”, referring to a special class of ultra-compact vehicles regulated under Japan’s strict size, engine, and performance limits. Typically, kei cars measure under 3.4 meters in length, have engines no larger than 660 cc, and conform to tight restrictions on weight and power. Because of their small footprint and efficient engines, they benefit from lower taxes and are ideal for congested city driving. Over the years, Japanese automakers have produced a wide variety of kei-class vehicles, from tiny hatchbacks to micro-vans, kei trucks, and even electric kei cars. Some of the most relevant models today include compact electric offerings such as Nissan Sakura or Mitsubishi eK X EV, both aimed at the budget and urban commuter segment. There’s also growing attention to newer kei-style electric models from non-Japanese automakers, like the BYD Racco, which represents the first dedicated electric kei car from a non-Japanese maker, a sign that the concept of micro EVs may spread beyond Japan. Nissan Easier Said Than Done, ThoughBringing kei cars to the U.S. would require a complete overhaul of regulatory, manufacturing, and marketing plans already in motion. This will force agencies and automakers to pivot quickly. There’s also the challenge of converting Japan’s right-hand-drive platforms to left-hand drive, adding engineering costs that clash with the kei segment’s budget-minded nature. Beyond regulations, kei cars face a culture clash with a market dominated by full-size trucks and SUVs, not city runabouts. And because Americans often buy one or two vehicles to handle everything from the daily commute to hauling to the occasional road trip, a tiny kei car may struggle to justify its place in households outside enthusiast circles. Suzuki Which Kei Car or Truck Would You Like to See Stateside?Despite all of these hurdles, if this policy push succeeds, we'd be most excited about seeing a modern, practical kei car. Something like the Nissan Sakura or Mitsubishi eK X EV made available in the U.S. Their compact size, low running costs, and urban-friendly dimensions could fill a niche that American carmakers have largely abandoned. In dense cities, they could offer an affordable, efficient, and no-frills mobility solution. Considering the hype that surrounded the Slate upon introduction, there truly is a market here for something like a kei car. On the other hand, a kei-style truck or van, similar to those already used in Japan, might also find a niche among small businesses or urban mobility services. Their light footprint and efficiency could make them useful for last-mile delivery, city services, or even as commuter workhorses in congested metro areas. Ultimately, whether the U.S. market embraces kei cars will depend not just on regulation but on consumer appetite, and if history is any guide, we shouldn’t expect them to dominate, but they could become a small, interesting alternative. Slate Auto View the full article

300-year flooding has been ravaging some parts of Thailand and Southeast Asia, but not everyone has been thrilled about the PWC rescuers coming in from out of town.View the full article

General Motors may not be building a bike engine, but this two-stroke concept has real potential for motorcycle engineering.View the full article

Ken and Barry Horner on the Irving Vincent to Daytona project Few stories in motorcycle racing blend romance, engineering purity and sheer bloody-minded perseverance quite like the Irving Vincent. Hand-built in Melbourne by Ken and Barry Horner, the bike has conquered everything from Phillip Island to Goodwood to Daytona. And in 2026, it’s heading back […] The post Deep dive into the Irving Vincent – History – Engineering – Daytona… appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Four-time PDRA world champion Jason Harris rocketed to the top of the Pro Mod qualifying order Thursday night at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks. Competing in the first race of the three-race 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service at Bradenton Motorsports Park, Harris recorded a 3.560-second pass at 211.20 mph in his Harts Charger-boosted “Party Time” ’69 Camaro to lead what is already a record-setting 32-car field with two qualifying sessions still on the Friday schedule. Thursday was originally scheduled to be a testing day leading up to Friday qualifying, but rain in the Sunday forecast led race officials to accelerate the event timeline. Pro Mod, Pro 10.5, Limited Drag Radial, and Ultra Street completed two qualifying sessions and True 10.5 N/T and Lil Gangstas ran two shakedown sessions. Harris, who owns a pair of world championships in both PDRA Pro Nitrous and Pro Boost, rolled into Bradenton with a brand-new Harold Denton “Party Time” tribute livery on his ’69 Camaro. The car also sported some changes in the mechanical department, and though it took some time to get those changes dialed in, it all worked out when Harris threw down the 3.56 at 211.20 mph in the second session. “We struggled in testing and got all our gremlins out of the way,” Harris said. “We went down the track on the first run, no big deal, and I kind of expected a .57-.58, but I think we made a good enough adjustment to where it picked up that extra hundredth. We’re still messing with this Harts Charger right now, and we’re trying to learn the fuel, but we’re getting there. It’s a badass run. What can I say? My team, Pro Line, TKM – all these guys stand behind me. It was a team effort. We’ve worked really hard in the last couple of days, and it all came together tonight.” Over two qualifying sessions, 79 Pro Mod drivers attempted to qualify for the 32-car field. Defending event champion Kye Kelley qualified No. 2 in his screw-blown Larry Jeffers Race Cars ’25 Camaro known as “Uncle Larry” with a 3.575 at 209.62. Eric Gustafson in the ProCharged Coast Packing Co. ’69 Camaro is third with his 3.576 at 210.01 from the first qualifying session, which netted him the $5,000 Pro Line Racing “Off The Trailer” Bonus for making the quickest pass of the opening session. Randy Weatherford posted a 3.581 at 210.93 in his new Harts Charger-boosted WS Construction ’69 Camaro to sit No. 4. Ken Quartuccio, the reigning DI Winter Series champion, rounds out the top five with a 3.583 at 209.95 in his screw-blown Tidwell Nesloney Racing ’69 Camaro. Jason Lee sits on the bump spot with a 3.629 at 207.56. The list of drivers on the outside looking in is just as impressive, with past NHRA Pro Mod world champion Kris Thorne, 2017 World Series of Pro Mod champion Mike Bowman, three-time Winter Series No. 1 qualifier Mark Micke, six-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders, two-time PDRA Pro Boost world champion Todd Tutterow, and 2023 Snowbirds winner Lyle Barnett among the drivers not yet qualified. Harris knows the target is on his back, and he knows who’s aiming at it. Plus, on top of bragging rights, the final No. 1 qualifier will walk away with a $5,000 bonus from Jerry Bickel Race Cars. If the Snowbirds No. 1 qualifier tops the charts at the other two Winter Series events, the U.S. Street Nationals and the World Series of Pro Mod, JBRC will build them a Pro Mod rolling chassis valued at more than $200,000. “I think a 3.56 is a stout run, but there’s a lot of badass people here and anybody’s capable,” Harris said. “Everybody here has the best equipment there is. I’m hoping it will stand up, but we’ll just see how everything plays out.” The JBRC Clean Sweep Challenge isn’t the only sweep on Harris’s mind. He’s also hoping to be in the conversation for the first-ever Elite Motorsports Million, which will award an unprecedented $1,000,000 prize if one Pro Mod driver wins all three Winter Series events. As a past Snowbirds winner and two-time semifinalist at the World Series of Pro Mod, Harris believes he has a chance. “I’ve been close. I’ve been real close,” Harris said. “I’ve won this race years and years ago with a nitrous car. It’d be nice to do it again and try to go after that million. I’ve won a bunch of races in a row before. But each round win feels like a winner’s circle to me against the heavy hitters that we’ve got here.” In Pro 10.5, which is also competing at all three Winter Series races, John Carinci went to the provisional No. 1 spot with a 3.879 at 209.69 in his twin-turbocharged ’04 Corvette tuned by 2018 WSOPM champion Carl Stevens Jr. Jerry Morgano qualified second with a 3.900 at 203.03 in his small-block, turbocharged “Copperhead” ’02 Mustang Cobra. Super Bowl champion Fletcher Cox drove his nitrous-fed “Training Day” ’69 Camaro to a 3.920 at 194.49 to sit third. Bradenton’s own Brett LaSala wheeled his turbocharged “Snot Rocket” ’13 Mustang to a 3.900 at 196.85 to take the provisional No. 1 spot in Limited Drag Radial. Terry Wilson is the provisional No. 1 qualifier in Ultra Street with a 4.425 at 157.80 in his ’95 Mustang. Friday’s third qualifying session will kick off with Pro Mod starting at 9:30 a.m. followed by Pro 10.5, True 10.5 N/T, Lil Gangstas, Ultra Street, and Limited Drag Radial. The index classes will then get a time trial before Pro 10.5 returns to kick off the fourth qualifying session. Pro Mod final qualifying will round out the night at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are available for $35 on Friday and $40 for Saturday’s Night of Fire. Active military and children ages 12 and under get in free. VIP packages are also available. Fans can watch the race through the official event livestream on www.FloRacing.com. This story was originally published on December 4, 2025. The post Jason Harris Leads The Way in Thursday Pro Mod Qualifying at Snowbird Outlaw Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

It’s becoming clear through four days of the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v NASCAR antitrust trial that the now defunct SRX series will play a role in determining in the outcome of the case in the eyes of the jury. In questioning NASCAR executives (president) Steve O’Donnell and (EVP-strategy) Scott Prime over the past two days, 23XI and FRM attorney Jeffrey Kessler has started to ...Keep readingView the full article

Toyota's New Performance TrinityToday lands as one of those odd days in automotive history where a brand casually drops three halo performance machines at once, reshaping its entire sporting identity in a single reveal. Toyota unveiled the Lexus LFA Concept, the GR GT, and the GR GT3 as a unified statement of intent – each positioned as a modern successor to the 2000GT/LFA lineage. We've already tackled the LFA Concept and the GR GT in separate pieces, so this one zooms in on the supercar that regular customers can actually take racing under FIA rules. That car is the Toyota GR GT3 – Toyota's new, fully fledged GT3-class race car, developed for professional and gentleman drivers alike, previewed in 2022 at the Tokyo Auto Salon. While it shares a conceptual and mechanical foundation with the road-legal GR GT, the GT3 version strips the formula back down to pure motorsport purpose. Where the GR GT blends road usability with track-first engineering and the LFA Concept imagines an all-electric sporting future, the GR GT3 is built for one job: lining up on FIA-certified grids around the world and giving private teams a genuine shot at winning. The GR GT3 stands apart as the rawest interpretation of Toyota's performance vision. Unlike the GR GT and LFA Concept, its focus isn't balancing beauty, road manners, or next-gen mobility – it's built to meet regulations, maximize grip and stability, and handle the brutal realities of endurance racing. Powertrain Derived From the GR GT, Still Under DevelopmentAt the core of the GR GT3 is the same newly developed 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the GR GT. Official output figures aren't finalized, as the engine and associated systems are still being dialed in ahead of the planned 2027 debut. But based on the preliminary targets for the road car – over 641 hp and 627 lb-ft combined with its hybrid system, mated to a new eight-speed automatic transaxle – it's clear that the underlying V8 platform is starting from a place of serious potential. Item Specification Configuration 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 Displacement 3,998 cc Target Output (Road-Car Baseline) 641 hp or greater (system, GR GT) Target Torque (Road-Car Baseline) 627 lb-ft or greater (system, GR GT) GT3 Output Not finalized; no hybrid system; will vary with FIA GT3 BoP For the GT3 version, the hybrid assistance disappears. What remains is a compact, dry-sump V8 engineered for a low mounting position, reduced height, and efficient weight distribution. Toyota said that actual GT3-spec power levels may differ depending on Balance of Performance (BoP) requirements and durability testing. The engine is designed not just for peak output, but for the kind of thermal consistency and serviceability that teams will rely on through long-distance racing. Body: All-Aluminum, Aero-First, and Motorsport-FocusedLike the GR GT, the GR GT3 is built around Toyota's first all-aluminum space-frame body. This architecture aims to deliver the rigidity demanded in high-speed racing while keeping weight manageable and service operations straightforward. Large aluminum castings, structural extrusions, and selective use of carbon fiber panels create a platform tailored for both stiffness and reparability – two things that matter when your season might include eight-hour and 24-hour events. The car's exterior follows an aero-first philosophy. Instead of styling being the starting point, designers shaped the GT3's bodywork around cooling requirements, balance targets, and rulesets. Despite the shared bones, the GR GT3 has a lower overall height, wider stance, and a more aggressive ground-effect profile. If the GR GT hints at road-going theater, the GT3 strips away the romance and leaves behind the functional aggression expected in the category. Arriving in Customers' Hands in 2027Underneath, the GR GT3 carries over the low-mount double-wishbone suspension layout, tuned for predictable load transfer and easy setup changes. As with other automakers, Toyota is also preparing a dedicated customer support ecosystem – parts supply, data assistance, and engineering consultation – so teams aren't left figuring things out alone. The GT3 market is competitive and often dominated by European marques, but Toyota seems intent on offering not just a car, but a program. As with the road car, development will continue through simulator work, track testing, and the "hone, drive to failure, and repair" cycle Toyota embraces for its GR vehicles. As mentioned, the final car will arrive in 2027, but its presence today signals Toyota's clearest commitment yet to customer motorsport. Toyota View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

One of the most anticipated reveals of the year has finally happened, and it doesn't disappoint. Toyota has unveiled the GR GT, built around three key criteria of a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and strong aerodynamic performance. And it's got plenty of power, too. A dry-sumped twin-turbo V8 with a Porsche 911 Turbo S-beating 641 hp and 627 lb-ft feeds an eight-speed transaxle on the rear axle, ahead of which sits an electric motor to fill torque and minimize lag. Top speed is rated at more than 199 mph, and here's the real kicker: everything you read below is only preliminary. While the dimensions and fundamental components won't change, Toyota says the GR GT's horsepower, torque, top speed, and weight figures could improve before the production car arrives sometime "around 2027." An All-New Powertrain for the GR GTThe twin-turbo V8 under that long hood is a hot-vee engine (Toyota's first such design), with the turbochargers nestled between the two cylinder banks, and it sends power to the rear wheels and a mechanical limited-slip differential through a carbon fiber torque tube. Between the engine and wheels lies that new eight-speed automatic transaxle, and it uses a wet-start clutch instead of a torque converter. Ahead of this transmission is an electric motor, so this is a hybrid, but it's there only for performance. That said, Toyota has developed the car to meet more stringent emissions regulations. Length 189.8 inches Width 78.7 inches Height 47 inches Wheelbase 107.3 inches Weight 3,858 lbs or less Peek through the 20-inch wheels, wrapped in bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber (265/35 at the front, 325/30 at the rear), and you'll find Brembo carbon-ceramic discs that promise immense and repeatable stopping power. Should one wish to turn the tires into smoke, a multi-stage stability control system will allow novices and pros to exploit the deft handling of the sports car, which comes, in part, courtesy of double wishbone suspension at either end of the chassis with forged aluminum arms. Styling, Interior, and Chassis Sculpted by PerformanceWe'll let you make your own judgments about the styling from the images, but before you make up your mind, know this. Unlike many sports cars, which start from a sketch and then evolve based on engineering requirements, the packaging of the car was decided on in consultation with aerodynamicists and World Endurance Championship engineers first, with the team deciding on an ideal layout for the all-new, all-aluminum frame and the CFRP-and-aluminum body long before stylists could have their say. Simulators were also used early in development to validate decision-making. Lexus LFA service technicians know how troublesome such an obsession with packaging and performance can be, but Toyota says serviceability was an important criterion in the GR GT's creation, too. Related: Toyota's “GR MR2” Trademark Reignites Hopes for a Mid-Engine Revival A similarly performance-focused approach was taken in the cabin, which promises exceptional outward visibility. Toyota says it obsessed over gauge width and height, as well as the positioning of displays like the upshift and gear selection indicators. Moreover, the occupants sit low, having a "roughly identical" center of gravity to the car itself. It seems the GR GT and its racing counterpart will be exceptional driving machines and fine halos for the brand, as the 2000GT once was. And because Toyota crafted components and the car in the virtual world first, this won't be a car that is nearly finished and then redeveloped all over again, like the LFA famously was. That should mean a relatively palatable asking price, and although it's much too soon to speculate on the MSRP, Toyota's philosophy of building motorsports-bred road cars seems in this instance to have the Porsche 911 firmly in its sights, both on the GT3 circuit and the road. Toyota View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Toyota's Flagship of PerformanceAnyone who still thinks Toyota is a plain vanilla brand, sacrificing performance and styling for mileage and reliability, might be in for a shock after checking out the three new models that made their debut in Tokyo on Friday morning. The Japanese giant had signaled it had some serious performance news coming in a series of recent teaser news releases. And, as many suspected, one of those three new products is a “concept” version of what’s certain to become the long-awaited replacement for the old Lexus LFA supercar. But there were plenty of surprises to come, starting with the fact that the LFA Concept goes all-electric. The other two models – the street-legal GR GT and track-focused GT GT3 spec – stick with internal combustion power and will be marketed wearing the badge of Toyota’s motorsports arm, Gazoo Racing. Toyota Lexus Gets a New SupercarLexus fans have been waiting a long time for a replacement for the vaunted LFA – the last of that generation supercar rolling off the line in December 2012. We’ve seen a number of concepts and prototypes since then, with one most recently put on display at this year’s Japan Mobility Show. Expectations clearly heated up when, late last month, Toyota sent out its latest teaser, this one signaling the imminent arrival of what it called the “GR GT.” Well, that’s also created plenty of confusion as it turns out the GT is one of three new high-performance models now taking a bow. Officially, the Lexus LFA is just another “concept,” but all indications are that this time the automaker is serious about finally giving the luxury brand the halo sports car it needs and, say fans, that it deserves. All three models “share aspirations,” but the Lexus is based on a drivetrain that is meant, says the automaker, to “demonstrate the potential of BEV sports cars.” It is, of course, by no means the only luxury brand sharing that goal, with battery-powered models also coming from brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini. Battery drive systems do have significant performance advantages, starting with their instant-on torque and mind-boggling horsepower numbers. Lucid and Tesla have both delivered products making over 1,000 horsepower, enough to launch from 0-60 in barely 2 seconds. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait to hear more from Lexus officials. For the moment, they're declining to provide hard specs. Lexus By the Numbers There are, of course, downsides to going all-electric, especially when it comes to a sports car. Weight is one challenge, though by mounting a battery pack underneath the load floor, manufacturers have learned they can compensate by lowering the center of gravity below what even the sleekest ICE-powered sports cars can manage. Range is another challenge, and another detail Toyota isn’t ready to talk about. Vehicle dimensions would largely determine how many kilowatt-hours could be packed onboard. Sports cars typically don’t provide much space. The Lexus LFA Concept has a total length of 184.6 inches, with a width of 80.3 inches and a height of 47.0 inches. The wheelbase, at 107.3 inches, actually means the sports car could squeeze in a reasonably sized pack. Significantly, Toyota has repeatedly promised to be one of – if not the first – automaker to go into production with next-generation solid-state batteries which would be smaller, lighter and much more energy-dense than today’s lithium-ion cells.. And it has been suggested several times that these would go into a low-volume performance vehicle. A production LFA certainly seems to fit that bill. Lexus “Sculptural Beauty”The LFA Concept shares the same basic all-aluminum body frame as the GR GT and GT3-spec. But using an all-electric drivetrain gives more flexibility than designers had with those gas-powered models. It features a long, flowing nose that picks up on what Toyota described as the “sculptural beauty” of the original LFA. Inside, the carmaker suggests, the cabin “has been crafted with simplicity, with refined functional components concentrated around the driver’s seat, awakening a sense of elation once inside. The steering wheel was discerningly and suitably designed for use in a sports car, while steering operation that eliminates the need for regripping with a different hand, together with a switch layout that makes blind touch operation possible, enables intuitive vehicle control. Overall, a minimalist worldview that weaves together the appeal of mechanical design and a simple interior space creates a uniquely immersive environment.” Lexus GR GTThat “driver-first” approach carries over to the two new performance models developed directly by the Gazoo Racing team. “The two models are the result of veterans of development of the Lexus LFA transferring skills and techniques to younger members, the active adoption of new, Toyota-first technologies for enhanced vehicle performance, and the taking on of numerous unprecedented challenges,” the automaker explained. Not surprisingly, the company that now produces more hybrids than any other manufacturer is electrifying the Toyota GR GT, pairing a single-motor hybrid system with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8. The combined package is rated at 641 hp “or greater,” a phrase used for the 627 lb-ft torque rating, as well. Muscle isn’t everything, however, and the Gazoo team also targeted a low center of gravity, mass reduction, a rigid body and chassis, and wind-cheating aerodynamics. Along with the all-aluminum platform, the GR GT uses plenty of carbon fiber reinforced plastics and other lightweight materials. Lexus GT3-SpecAs for the Toyota GR GT3, it’s designed to meet the specifications of the Federation Internationale d’Automobile (FIA) GT3. That’s the governing body overseeing the top category of customer motorsports. And the track model “aims to be a car that is chosen by people who want to win yet be easy to drive for anyone.” The track model uses a non-hybridized version of the new V8; Toyota has not yet released power and performance specs. Along with the lightened body, it features a newly developed low-mounted double-wishbone system with forged aluminum arms at both the front and rear. The sports car rides on unique versions of Michelin’s Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Brembo carbon disc brakes are standard. The GT3, meanwhile, borrows the Vehicle Stability Control system developed by Gazoo Racing for its Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race vehicles. That “allows multi-stage adjustment of driving force and braking control, enabling driver selection of the vehicle control difficulty level based on driving skill and encountered weather conditions to help facilitate an enjoyable and secure driving experience. While Toyota has clear production plans for both GT models, it cautioned that both are “still under development,” with no release dates yet available. Toyota View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

During the second Pro Mod qualifying session at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks at Bradenton Motorsports Park, drivers Jeff Rudolf and Jim Halsey were involved in a top-end crash that saw both drivers impact the retaining walls in the shutdown area. Rudolf and Halsey exited their cars under their own power and were examined on site by EMS staff. Rudolf was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. This story was originally published on December 4, 2025. The post Jeff Rudolf, Jim Halsey Walk Away From Top-End Crash at Snowbird Outlaw Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

2025 FIM Awards global broadcast The fifteenth annual FIM Awards Ceremony will take place on Saturday, 6 December in Lausanne, Switzerland. It will be broadcast around the world through the most extensive media rollout in the event’s history. This year marks the first time the ceremony has been staged in the FIM’s home country. The […] The post 2025 FIM Awards Ceremony live on Kayo this Sunday morning appeared first on MCNews. View the full article