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We’ve already shared highlight videos from Bradenton, but if you want to watch all the racing action LIVE, then here is the NC Promoder Livestream for you to check out right here! That’s right, check out all the live testing action from Bradenton as folks get ready for the Snowbird Nationals and the entire Drag Illustrated Winter Series. Have a watch, let me know what you like and don’t like, and we’ll keep bringing you the action. The post FREE Winter Series Drag Racing Livestream: Snowbird Nationals Testing LIVE! See Who’s Already In Florida, Who’s Running What, And More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Analog Appeal Revered for its high-revving naturally-aspirated engine and telepathic handling, the Honda S2000 is one of the Japanese marque’s last pure driver’s cars from a bygone era, and widely considered a future classic. The red car you see here is listed on an IAA salvage auction with a staggering 498,452 miles on the odometer, and looks like the perfect ride for an enthusiast with a taste for compact, fun-to-drive, rear-wheel-drive roadsters. The high miles combined with the fact that this car still runs and drives is testament to the fact that when maintained right, these old Hondas can last almost forever. IAA Inc What We Know So FarThis S2000 was manufactured in 2003 and was equipped with an Amsoil dual remote bypass oil filtration system and a prelube pump by the owner to extend its oil change intervals and enhance engine longevity. This was done because the car was driven a lot, covering over 23,000 miles a year on average for the last two decades. The car has been dutifully maintained during this time, with the owner using either Amsoil 0W-30 or Pennzoil Platinum 0W-30 engine oil, and even going as far as to conduct routine lab analyses of the used oil to monitor the motor’s health over time. The CrashThe incident that knocked this S2000 out of action was an extremely slow-speed collision with a large truck. The truck’s bumper was high enough to completely miss the Honda’s bumper, instead making contact with the hood and folding it back as you can see in these images. There is also minor damage to the left fender, radiator, and radiator mount, although all structural components managed to escape unscathed. IAA Inc View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article Final Thoughts This Honda S2000 offers the unique opportunity to own a legendary high-revving convertible sportscar on a budget. These cars are getting increasingly rare these days, and this one could be the perfect resurrection project for an enthusiast who craves the pure driving experience that only a car from this era can provide. IAA Inc View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Taiwan's TwentyTwo Custom shows us why the Kymco KTR 150 is the newest darling of the local custom scene.The Taiwanese custom scene has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years—and one of its most surprising stars has been the lowly Kymco KTR 150. Built for the local market, the KTR is a wi... View the full article

The first of BMW's Neue Klasse vehicles, the iX3 crossover, has been launched, and now the Bavarian automaker has quietly teased another new arrival. In an Instagram video showing an Advent calendar, first noted by BMW Blog, an animation shows renderings of the i5 sedan, the remarkably strong-selling i4 sedan, the iX2 crossover, its iX1 baby brother, and the i7 limo (we know the i5 and i7 are those models and not their combustion-powered counterparts because the caption tells us so), before moving to the box for December 24, behind which the shadowy silhouette above is revealed. So what is BMW planning to show us? An M-Flavored iX3 is the Most Likely Candidate Spy photographers have captured several upcoming models, but we think an M-enhanced iX3 would make the most sense. First of all, if BMW were preparing to reveal its new iX4 or its new iX5, we suspect there'd be a lot more fanfare than a cryptic post on Instagram. Secondly, BMW has only launched the iX3 50 xDrive, and "further fully electric variants will follow, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive model," said the automaker. Another possibility is a more aggressive iX3; of all the prototypes our spies have seen, a sportier iX3 has been the most finished. Whether that's a full-on iX3 M or simply the iX3 M60 remains to be seen, but either way, another iX3 variant seems like a safe bet. Of course, BMW could also be teasing the gas-powered X3, the iX5, or the X5, but again, those vehicles deserve more than a sneaky social media post, and as for the X3 and X5, we doubt those would be teased alongside only EVs anyway. Several New Bimmers Are On The Way SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Whatever happens, all will be revealed on December 24, but next year will be more exciting. Among the models caught by spies are the aforementioned iX4 and iX5, a facelifted 7 Series, the first-ever iX7, a new iX1, and, of course, the new G50 3 Series, which is likely to be hybridized in some form. The next M3, codenamed G84 and only expected to be a mild hybrid, not a plug-in, is also en route, along with an all-electric sibling, though we suspect those particular 3 Series variants may arrive as late as 2027. In the meantime, it's certainly worth keeping an eye on BMW's social media channels to see if more clues to its next reveal are provided. If they are, we'll keep you updated. View the full article

The ProblemWe're pretty sure every Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ owner is well aware of the oil pressure issues in their cars. It's also a cautionary tale to any prospective buyers of these cars, whether new or used. Let's be honest, the Toyobaru twins are destined to do laps around the track. They're great handlers, but as previously reported, the second-generation models struggle to keep consistent oil pressure in high-G situations. High-speed sweeping bends are not the engine's best friend, as proven by Brian Armstrong, the person behind the YouTube channel 900BRZ. R&D TimeArmstrong identified the most likely root cause of the oil pressure problem. A good chunk of the oil starvation stemmed from the oil pump pickup tube, which allowed oil to spill onto the timing cover instead of being redirected to the oil pan. To cure that, the oil pan needed a bit of a redesign. It had to be done in a way that directs oil towards the pan and reduces the risk of it spilling elsewhere. Verus Engineering saw Armstrong's results and fabricated the part to maintain stable pressures. Subaru Problem SolvedVerus Engineering developed a 3D-printed aluminum oil pan that uses baffles. Baffling is the use of panels or vanes installed inside equipment to control the flow of liquids — in this case, oil. Verus worked with Armstrong to build the final product and was put to the test. With the aftermarket oil pan installed, oil pressure and levels remained stable, even during track use. Oil capacity also increased to 7 quarts, ensuring lubrication even at higher corner speeds. The pan is a different shape from the stock unit and custom-fit to slot right in the GR 86's and BRZ's factory exhaust manifolds. That's for those who'd prefer to keep their car emissions compliant. Great news then for track folks with any of the Toyobaru twins. The product is available for order on the Verus Engineering website, and it's yours for $999.95. It's not cheap, but it's sure better than blowing up an engine. Verus Engineering Verus Engineering View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A New Approach to Electric Vehicle Ownership?The automotive industry has spent years trying to crack the code on making electric vehicles more accessible to buyers. While that’s usually meant reducing battery costs or offering government incentives, Malaysian carmaker Perodua has taken a completely different route with its newly launched electric vehicle. The new QV-E carries a price tag of approximately $19,400 without the battery included, making it one of the most affordable electric vehicles… on paper. The catch is that buyers must commit to a nine-year battery subscription at around $67 monthly, which works out to a reasonable $7,236 over the same period. This Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model is a pretty novel way to drive electric vehicle adoption through lower sticker prices. While Chinese manufacturers like Nio have experimented with battery swapping stations and leasing programs, mainstream automakers have avoided separating the battery from the upfront price. The reasons are obvious. Car buyers expect to own what they pay for. Though in this case, the buyer is protected from battery degradation as the car ages, arguably one of the biggest concerns with electric vehicle ownership in the long term. Perodua The Battery Plan That Beats a WarrantyThe company retains ownership of the battery throughout the nine-year period and handles all maintenance related to it. If the battery's state of health drops below 70 percent, Perodua will replace it at no additional cost. This guarantee extends beyond the typical eight-year warranty most electric vehicles carry. The QV-E's 204-horsepower electric motor runs on a 52.5 kWh LFP battery offering a claimed range of 276 miles NEDC or an estimated 203 miles EPA. For buyers financing the vehicle, the battery subscription fee can be bundled into their monthly car payment. Once the car loan is paid off, the remaining battery subscription payments transfer directly to Perodua through their mobile app. Perodua Why Subscriptions Usually BackfireA majority of customers have not taken kindly to subscription services in the automotive industry. BMW faced severe consumer backlash when it introduced a monthly subscription for heated seats. Turns out paying extra to unlock hardware already installed in the vehicle doesn’t go down well. On the other hand, Perodua's battery subscription might actually work. Batteries represent genuine liabilities, as they degrade over time, require eventual replacement. By taking battery ownership away from the customer, Perodua addresses real concerns about resale value and replacement costs. This should make owning a used QV-E more attractive, since buyers won't worry about buying an EV with an aging battery outside warranty coverage. View the full article

Here we go! It’s the unofficial start of the Winter Series at Bradenton and there are a bunch of racers on hand already for testing. We’re going to to be sharing all the highlight videos right here for you to enjoy all week, so check back each day to see what you have missed. Monday’s video is at the bottom and we’ll keep stacking the newest ones on top! If for some reason you haven’t heard of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series at Bradenton Motorsports Park, now is the time to get familiar. Enjoy! The post Snowbird Outlaw Nationals Testing Highlights: The Winter Series Starts NOW! Here’s The Highlights From This Week’s Testing. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A Return to a Familiar IdeaMitsubishi hasn't built a car in the US since the Normal, Illinois plant shut down in 2015. That factory, originally launched as a joint venture with Chrysler in the 1980s, once produced models like the Eclipse and Galant before demand cooled and costs took over. Since then, Mitsubishi has relied entirely on imports from Japan for its American lineup. Now the idea of building vehicles in the US is back on the table, but it needs help. Mitsubishi's footprint in North America has shrunk dramatically, and the market has shifted toward higher-volume players. The company is openly considering partnerships with Nissan – its longtime ally – and Honda, which would mark a new phase of cooperation among Japanese brands in the region. Exploring Collaboration With Honda and NissanIn an interview with Nikkei Asia, Mitsubishi President and CEO Takao Kato laid out the situation with unusual clarity. "It's absolutely difficult to continue on our own," he said, framing the need for collaboration as a matter of survival in North America rather than strategy. Kato confirmed that the company aims to make "concrete progress" by the time Mitsubishi announces its next medium-term plan in spring. He didn't identify possible models or factories, though co-producing SUVs isn't an alien idea for both Mitsubishi and Nissan. Remember the Nissan Rogue PHEV? With no American factory, Mitsubishi is fully exposed to US tariffs. Its North American business posted a loss in the first half of the fiscal year, and its 113,000 US sales in 2024 amounted to just a fraction of Nissan or Honda's volumes. Nissan's Canton and Smyrna plants have room to spare due to softer demand, while Honda's five US factories are running near capacity. Nissan What Could Come NextNothing has been finalized for now, but the outlines are taking shape. Shared SUV production is one option. Joint development of future vehicles – already under discussion between Nissan and Honda – is another lane where Mitsubishi hopes to take part. There's also room for wider cooperation beyond the US, building on existing supply relationships in the Philippines and Oceania. If the three brands can agree on scope and costs, Mitsubishi may once again build vehicles on American soil. This time, though, the company seems intent on not doing it alone. Mitsubishi View the full article

NASCAR's Most Popular Driver will have an updated look for 2026 with some changes made the NAPA Auto Parts paint scheme on his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. The NAPA No. 9 will continue with its blue/white color combination, but the big changes come along the door. After going almost fully blue in 2025, the car will bring back some white along the door while including a blue stripe with ...Keep readingView the full article

Intercooler pumps play a big role in helping a boosted engine make horsepower. Here's a look at why these pumps are so important. View the full article

Buyer Got It For Almost Half Its Original PriceA heavily outfitted 2021 Ford F-250 Shelby Super Baja, one of only 250 produced, sold for $70,500 on Bring a Trailer. One might consider this a great value, given that the last time we wrote about a similar listing, it sold for a whopping $129,999. The winning bid landed on a machine finished in Oxford White with black Shelby stripes and showing 46,000 miles, presenting as a ready-to-use, off-road capable, collector-grade Super Baja with verified maintenance history. According to the listing, the truck bears a clean Florida title and has recently passed a California smog inspection in September 2024. Under the hood, the Super Baja’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 puts out 475 horsepower and a head-turning 1,050 lb-ft of torque, channeling power through a 10-speed automatic transmission, dual-range transfer case, and an electronic locking rear differential. Add in a factory-installed full FOX/BDS suspension setup with a lift, custom control arms, and dual steering stabilizers plus 37-inch Toyo Open Country tires on black 18-inch Shelby wheels, and this isn’t a truck just meant for show: it’s built to roam deserts or climb rocky trails with confidence. Bring A Trailer Factory-Built Off-Roader Meets Shelby Showroom ComfortVisually and functionally, this Super Baja stays faithful to the high-desert, “trophy-truck” ethos embedded by Shelby American. The exterior is outfitted with powder-coated steel bumpers, tow points, a chase rack, a power-operated 50-inch LED light bar, a 40-inch curved bar up front, a spray-in bed liner, tinted glass, a twin-panel sunroof, and AMP Research power-retractable running boards with rock sliders. The two bed-mounted spare tires and comfortable interior finish the package: this isn’t a bare-bones off-roader, but a thoroughly engineered, high-end desert-ready pickup. Inside the cabin, the Super Baja delivers a surprising level of refinement. Black leather seats with red accent stitching bear Shelby embroidery; carbon-fiber trim, billet racing pedals, and branded floor mats emphasize its limited-edition status. Comfort and convenience features include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, dual-zone climate control, a twin-pane glass sunroof, and a top-shelf Bang & Olufsen sound system. On the tech front, the truck is equipped with SYNC 3 infotainment (with navigation), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera system, and a digital gauge cluster with Shelby-branded instrumentation. Bring A Trailer What the Sale Means and Why It MattersWhile $70,500 isn’t negligible, the sale price puts this Super Baja below what many would expect for a rare, well-optioned diesel Super Duty, especially one ready for off-road use. Lower-mileage examples tend to command a premium, yet this unit’s thorough maintenance history, carefully documented upgrades, and clean title make it a viable entry point for someone looking to own a legitimate Shelby-built, off-road-capable 4x4 without paying over six figures. Moreover, the transaction reinforces demand for unique factory-backed builds that combine heavy-duty capability, aftermarket-style modifications, and luxury-level amenities, a combination that few manufacturers offer straight from the factory. For collectors and off-road enthusiasts alike, this sale highlights the appeal of “real-world-ready” rare pickups blending power, capability, and exclusivity. Bring A Trailer View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Chevrolet is updating the Camaro that they race in the NASCAR Cup Series for 2026 and bringing the most drastic changes to the body since the launch of the Next Gen car. While it may appear similar to the outgoing car at first glance, the Camaro ZL1 Cup car sees updates to every available body panel that NASCAR allows and is poised to be faster at short tracks and intermediates along with ...Keep readingView the full article

American Honda Hits a Wall in NovemberAmerican Honda concluded November with a disappointing performance in terms of sales volume. Compared to October, which saw a slight 0.5% month-over-month bump, the results for November show a steep decline: total sales slid to 102,824 units, down 16.8% from the previous month. The slowdown cut across just about everything the company sells, whether hybrid, pure combustion, or the few EVs it currently offers. SUV volume – usually Honda's backbone – lost momentum. Car sales also softened despite strong hybrid mixes from the Civic and Accord. EVs technically hit a new annual record, but even that came with a significant month-over-month dip in November. Kristen Brown Passport Stands Alone, Prelude Debuts Quietly, Civic Hybrid Hangs OnThe one model that shrugged off the November slowdown was the Honda Passport. Its latest update – rolled out earlier this year – seems to be doing its job. With 4,363 units sold, the Passport notched a record November and became the only Honda model to post a month-to-month increase of 50%. The refresh didn't radically transform the SUV, but we believe it's one of Honda's best products in years, and the sales reflect that reception. The Honda Prelude also made its showroom debut in November, landing 30 units. It's too early to label it a hit or a miss, but if dealers continue their markup game, it won't go well for the nameplate. Then there's the Civic Hybrid. While total Civic volume dipped, the hybrid variant actually rose 7.8% month over month, continuing its quiet run as one of Honda's most important vehicles. With 79,084 electrified Civics sold so far this year, there's at least one data point suggesting America is warming up to the idea of a hybrid compact all over again. EV High-Fliers Falling Back to EarthThe rest of the showroom didn't fare as well. Models that surged earlier this year – most notably the GM-based Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX – have fallen into a steep decline. Their previous highs were inflated by the race to beat the expiration of federal EV tax credits, which officially ran out by the end of September. Once those incentives disappeared, so did the inflated demand. In fact, Honda only moved 903 units of the Prologue in November 2025 (compared to 6,823 in November 2024). In the same period, only 22 Acura ZDX units were sold – a stark drop compared to 1,317 units sold in the same month last year. The good news is that American Honda's year-to-date figures show a slight 1.8% growth, which means the surge in the previous months somehow offset the decline the company is experiencing now. Acura View the full article

Bentley turns up the sporty appealBentley has revealed a new Carbon Fiber Styling Specification for the Continental GT, GT Convertible (GTC), and Flying Spur sedan. For a brand more commonly associated with fine wood and sumptuous leather, it may come as a surprise to learn that a quarter of Bentley customers chose the previous carbon fiber pack. Together with an optional Blackline Specification and titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, Bentley once again positions itself as a much more driver-focused brand than rival Rolls-Royce. Related: Listen To How Akrapovic Turns Bentley’s V8 Models Into Angry Brutes Handcrafted Components for a Sportier Look Bentley Continental GT with Bentley Carbon Fiber Styling Specification b View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The new Carbon Fiber Styling Specification expands availability across all Bentley models, including the Bentayga SUV, and includes Mulliner variants, too. It can either be retrofitted via a retailer or added as an option when commissioning a new Bentley model. The hand-finished and mirror-matched carbon fiber components include the following: Front bumper splitterRear diffuserFull-length side sills with metallic electroformed Bentley badgesMirror capsNot only do the new carbon fiber components add a little drama to the appearance of these Bentleys, but they offer the rigidity and weight-saving advantages that are typical of the material. To ensure optimal structural integrity, the carbon weave is laid in multiple layers. Bentley also subjects the parts to laboratory stress cycles to ensure they meet the brand’s high standards, with over 100,000 km (over 62,000 miles) of durability testing. The front splitter is now double the thickness of the previous iteration and the rear diffuser has grown in size. Related: Bentley’s Lavish Mulliner Interiors Will Make Even Rolls-Royce Jealous Bentley Options Ain’t Cheap Bentley Carbon Fiber Styling Specification Bentley View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Even on cheaper sports cars, carbon fiber styling packages tend to be pricey. While Bentley didn’t give a price for its new package, a previous listing of a similar specification from Bentley Atlanta suggests you will spend upwards of $15,000 for this option. According to Motortrend, the average cost of a new Bentley in 2023 hovered at around $300,000, with options making up between a quarter and a third of that amount. This means that many Bentley owners are spending six figures in options alone. But perhaps that’s not surprising when you can spend over $30k simply by selecting a premium Metallic Satin paint color. There are around 46 billion unique color and trim combinations available when customizing a new Bentley, which virtually guarantees that no two models are identical. Bentley owners love the array of options on offer, with 70% of customers choosing at least one Mulliner element when creating their perfect car. View the full article

Century: A Cut Above LexusDuring the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, Toyota not only introduced a bold luxury coupe, but it also launched a new ultra-luxury marque that sits above Lexus. That brand is Century, and it could soon be Japan's answer to Rolls-Royce and Bentley. The Century Coupe looks like a good rival for the likes of the Bentley Continental GT and Rolls-Royce Spectre. Big, bold, and blocky, it has all the potential to ruffle the feathers of British automakers, just as Lexus shocked the Germans back in 1989. There's a good chance the Century Sedan and SUV could soon ditch their Toyota labels. Besides, those don't even wear Toyota badges. Century can effectively hit the ground running once the dealer network is established. Toyota Century Models in a NutshellThe Century Sedan has been around for nearly 50 years. Introduced in 1967 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries. The first generation lasted 30 years until it was redesigned in 1997. It would take another 21 years for the third generation to arrive in 2018. For the longest time, the Century came only in sedan form, but that changed in 2023 with the introduction of the SUV version. While it rides on the same platform as the Toyota Grand Highlander, that's where the similarities end. The interior is as plush as they come, and certainly a cut above the Lexus TX. As for the Coupe, it's currently in development, so it might take some time before we see the road-going version. It probably won't look as bold as the concept, but we have high hopes, nonetheless. Toyota The Future of CenturyToyota confirmed one key detail about the Century brand during the Japan Mobility Show. While we're expecting every concept to be electric these days, Century won't be. It's an interesting move, but one that could prove to be the smart choice given EV sales at the moment. It was previously mentioned that Century will take a multi-pathway approach, so it's not closing its doors on what kind of vehicles it will produce. However, Australian publication CarExpert has a more definitive answer. Ladies and gentlemen, the Century brand will have ICE power. Toyo With that, Century won't be pulling a Jaguar with its planned range of electric luxury vehicles. Takashi Uehara, the head of Toyota's powertrain division, told Australian media that the Coupe "will have an engine," and "We have not actually decided which kind of engine will be installed." CarExpert noted that an electrified V8 is a likely candidate to power the Century Coupe. The Century Sedan has a hybridized V8, and that setup could also be applied to the upcoming GR GT that's set to make its world premiere this week. It sounds promising, given that the Continental GT also has an electrified V8 under its long hood. Either way, it's something to look forward to as Century faces a new chapter. Century View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Diesel DreamsThe mad geniuses at Grind Hard Plumbing Co are reviving a crashed and burned-out Ferrari F355 Spider with the engine swap you didn’t see coming. The team is currently working on dropping the 5.0-litre twin-turbo V10 diesel motor from a VolkswagenTouareg TDI into the lightweight Italian chassis. Grind Hard Plumbing Co As you can imagine, this revival involves extensive fabrication work and modifications to the Ferrari’s chassis, subframe, and body to accommodate the massive TDI engine, but the boys at Grind Hard Plumbing Co recently posted a video indicating that they are up to the task. The Idaho-based custom shop and YouTube creator is known for some of the whackiest builds on the internet, and has a reputation for putting together creative and unorthodox vehicles that some may call insane. From Write Off to Ambitious PrototypeThe ambitious build started with not much more than a fire-damaged shell, but rather than being a setback, the condition of the tub created the opportunity for Grind Hard to think outside the box with this project. With a whole lot of cutting, shaping, custom fabrication, and reinforcing parts of the chassis, they were finally able to clear enough space for the big V10 while preserving structural integrity. The team has so far managed to squeeze the motor into the Ferrari F355's engine bay, and is currently working on creating mounts and cooling pathways, as well as structural reinforcements to handle the added weight and massive torque of the diesel engine. Grind Hard Plumbing Co Not a Build for PuristsPurists may balk at the idea of a diesel-powered Ferrari, and even go as far as to consider it blasphemous, but the intention was never to create a show- or museum-worthy restoration. In fact, the team behind the build has stated that the aim is to create a unique rally-inspired reinterpretation of the Ferrari F355, with chunky all-terrain tyres mounted on 16-inch wheels, long-travel suspension, and enough torque to move a house. The 5.0-liter motor is rated at 310 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. What’s next?The Grind Hard Plumbing Co is hard at work to turn their vision into a reality, trading polished authenticity for rugged capability and visual drama, and will continue to document their progress on their YouTube channel. The diesel-powered F355 project will continue pushing the boundaries of experimental fabrication and what is possible with a little imagination, and we can’t wait to see this beast hit the road. Grind Hard Plumbing Co View the full article

Robotaxis: Tesla’s Long Game Meets Rimac’s Bold PivotFor years, Tesla has been seen as the frontrunner in autonomous mobility. From Autopilot to self-driving cabs, the company is inching toward a future of driverless ride-sharing through gradual improvements in its driver-assist software. Elon Musk’s long-promised robotaxi network remains aspirational, its timeline repeatedly pushed back as the technology proves harder to perfect than expected. While Tesla continues to retrofit autonomy onto existing EVs, the concept of a self-driving Uber alternative still feels like a moving target. Now, Rimac, known for engineering hypercars like the Nevera, wants in on the action with an entirely different approach. In Mate Rimac's Instagram post, he explains their new venture, Verne, and how the brand plans to build a fully autonomous robotaxi from the ground up. Instead of adapting cars for autonomy, Rimac is reimagining the vehicle itself with a design made for passengers, not drivers. His pivot signals a potential leap forward, skipping the halfway phase of human-driven EVs and going straight to purpose-built autonomous mobility. Why Verne’s Robotaxi Could Redefine Autonomous MobilityUnlike retrofitted Teslas or Waymo’s converted minivans, Verne’s two-door robotaxi is being engineered from the ground up with no steering wheel, no pedals, and sliding doors for easy access. The interior feels more like a lounge than a car. It's got wide seats, integrated displays, and a focus on comfort rather than control. Rimac’s design philosophy is simple: if no one’s driving, why design around a driver? Recent images of Verne prototypes show Rimac is already testing real hardware, suggesting the concept is moving beyond renderings to road-ready development. Starting from scratch allows Rimac to avoid compromises that come with modifying existing cars. The result could be safer, more efficient, and more appealing to non-drivers. Rimac argues Verne will make personal mobility more inclusive, ideal for people who can’t or don’t want to drive. It’s a redefinition of convenience and accessibility, not just another tech experiment. If successful, Verne could shift the perception of cars from personal possessions to shared, autonomous tools for urban life. Verne A Shift Beyond OwnershipRimac’s move aligns with what many auto executives are finally admitting, that the age of private car ownership may be peaking. As we pointed out earlier, future consumers are more likely to “subscribe” to transportation than to own it. The combination of electrification, autonomy, and shared mobility is becoming the new foundation of the automotive ecosystem, not just a niche experiment. By designing a robotaxi platform from scratch, Rimac is betting that legacy automakers will struggle to adapt. Tesla may still dominate EV sales, but Rimac’s vision reflects where mobility is truly headed: fewer owners, more riders, and vehicles designed around experience instead of control. It’s a risky play, with regulatory, safety, and public trust hurdles ahead. But one that could mark the beginning of a genuine robotaxi revolution. If the Verne delivers, it could redefine what “driving” means altogether. It's going to be a busy new year for the Croatian brand. View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Joey Hiykel owns the LS stock block record, but he wants more. Hiykel is looking for a three-second pass with his Beater Bomb Mustang.View the full article

Lowering the barAccording to new reports published on December 2 by Reuters and Bloomberg, sources close to the Trump White House told the outlets that the administration is prepared to introduce newly adjusted fuel economy standards as soon as Wednesday, December 3, in an effort to lower what it sees as a barrier to new car affordability. The unnamed sources stated that executives from Detroit's Big Three manufacturers, including the CEO of Stellantis, Antonio Filosa, as well as senior officials from General Motors and Ford, are expected to attend the announcement at a White House event. The exact details of the amended fuel economy requirements were not disseminated; however, in light of the administration's agenda, they are expected to be less restrictive than those finalized under the Biden administration. Photo by Hu Yousong/Xinhua via Getty Images Cutting auto industry red tape has been a day-one agenda item for the Trump administrationThe latest move by President Donald Trump is part of a broader effort to streamline auto industry regulations, which he established during his inauguration speech on January 20. Notably, on January 28—the same day he took his oath of office—DOT Secretary Sean Duffy ordered the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reevaluate Biden-era rules designed to make cars more fuel-efficient. In June 2024, the NHTSA under the Biden Administration set up the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, where automakers were tasked with increasing the fleetwide average fuel economy of passenger cars by 2% per year between model years 2027-2031, and light trucks will need to be improved by 2% per year between model years 2029-2031. Under these rules, the agency aimed for the average car to achieve a fuel economy of about 50.4 miles per gallon by the 2031 model year. David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images In his letter to the agency, he stated that the restrictive measures in place are not only impossible for automakers to meet, but they would also force drivers out of cars they want to drive and can afford. “[The CAFE standards] also put coercive pressure on automakers to phase out of production various models of popular ICE vehicles and reengineer their fleets in a way that reduces dramatically the power and durability of the ICE models they are able to offer, thereby fundamentally distorting the market and destroying consumer choice at the dealership,” he said at the time. Additionally, he argued that such regulations would “also inevitably kill thousands of jobs for America’s autoworkers” and relegate Americans “to driving older and older used vehicles,” which he sees as “an unacceptable outcome that is contrary to [the] NHTSA’s mission of advancing highway traffic safety.” Brandon Bell/Getty Images Already, steps have been taken to mitigate the effects of government-mandated fuel economy standards, such as the CAFE rules. Back in June, Senate Republicans led by Senate Commerce Committee leader Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) included language that eliminated fines for car manufacturers who don’t meet the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards in the tax and spending bill known as the “big, beautiful bill,” which has since been signed into law. In recent years, Detroit-based automakers like GM and Stellantis have faced the heftiest CAFE-related fines. Reuters reported that in 2024, Stellantis paid $190.7 million in fines for failing to meet fuel-economy targets for 2019 and 2020, and nearly $400 million for 2016 through 2019, while General Motors previously paid $128.2 million for 2016 and 2017. Final thoughtsIt is worth noting that although this development is occurring at a time when manufacturers like GM and Toyota are investing in gas-powered car and truck production in the U.S., new car prices are still at an all-time high. According to the latest data from Kelley Blue Book and Cox Automotive, the average transaction price (ATP) of a new car in the United States was $49,766, a slight dip from the all-time high of $50,080 in September. However, it should be noted that Erin Keating, an Executive Analyst at Cox Automotive, stated in October that while new complications, such as tariffs, have introduced new cost pressures, sales of more expensive vehicles are dictating the new environment. “We’ve been expecting to break through the $50,000 barrier,” Keating said. “It was only a matter of time, especially when you consider the best-selling vehicle in America is a pickup truck from Ford that routinely costs north of $65,000. That’s today’s market, and it is ripe for disruption.” View the full article

Ever wonder why and how motorcycle manufacturers are able to wring so much power out of such small packages as compared to cars? Let's find out.View the full article

Following the sharing of a shadowy teaser image in September, heralding the imminent introduction of a new G-Class Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz has now released clear images of a prototype thereof, with the body still wrapped in camouflage. The trio of images was accompanied by a short spiel announcing that development mules for the new open-top G-Class have begun road and track testing in Austria, where traditional Gs are built by Magna Steyr. After this, the prototypes will head to the chilly climes of Sweden for winter testing to ensure that they live up to the rugged reputation of the regular G-Wagen family. "Future details will be available in future," concludes the release. Expect an Astronomical Price, Even Without AMG Influence Mercedes-Benz The prototype in these images does not appear to have a quad-exit exhaust system, nor any other telltale signs of AMG enhancement, but the vehicle will apparently be a "special edition," which means limited volumes and a sky-high price. Under the hood, we expect a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six with 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, delivered to all four wheels. But performance will be second to preening for most buyers, and the G-Class Cabrio will allow them to soak up the attention of carspotters easily, thanks to a retractable soft top. This features a letterbox rear window and has necessitated the relocation of the third brake light to the spare wheel carrier. Related: Mercedes Ready To Make The V8 G-Class Family Bigger Than Ever Other than that, there's not much to differentiate this from any other G-Wagen, though it's possible that, as a special edition, some unique interior trim will be offered, along with Airscarf seats to keep the backs of buyers' necks warm when showing off in cold weather. G-Class Cabrio Has Always Been Special Mercedes-Benz With winter testing still to come, the G-Wagen Cabriolet should only be expected sometime in 2026, though possibly within the first quarter. While we wait, let's look back at some of the standout versions. Mercedes produced a Popemobile based on an open-topped 230 G for Pope John Paul II in 1980, but the first-ever G-Wagens from 1979 were already available without a roof. At the time, the model was also offered as a panel van. Originally, cabrios features a manually folding roof, but that changed in 1997 when an electropneumatic roof arrived. The soft-top (also available as a short-wheelbase model with two doors) was discontinued in 2013, but it was never offered in the U.S., and neither was the Maybach G650 Landaulet version, at least not officially. Brabus has also produced open-top Geländewagens, and so has restomodding outfit EMC, but there's no need to resort to such extremism - the new G-Class Cabriolet will be offered in global markets, including ours. View the full article

The Kia Stinger may be about to make a comeback as an all-electric sedan. The Stinger was foreshadowed by the 2011 GT Concept and the Kia GT4 Stinger Concept before finally entering production in 2017. With a front-engine rear- or all-wheel-drive setup and sharp styling, it drew comparisons to the BMW 3 Series, and all who drove it applauded its keen handling. However, sales weren't strong enough to justify its continued existence, and in April 2023, production came to an end. But new images and videos shared to Kia Worldwide's social media channels suggest that its spirit may live on in a new concept, which could well reach production without a scandalous price tag. Fastback Sedan Styling Is Quickly Becoming Trendy Kia View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Like the B10 Audi A5, the concept appears to have a liftback trunk, though it's tough to tell from the meager views we've been provided. What we can see is that the styling follows Kia's "Opposites United" design language, and the concept has a long wheelbase and four doors. Though the multi-pane glass roof, it appears that the steering wheel is actually a yoke, and as is popular with concepts (and some production cars over the pond), the design forgoes traditional door mirrors in favor of cameras. The lack of shutlines on the hood and DRLs protruding from it effectively confirms an all-electric powertrain. Little more can be gleaned; the captions on the posts only read, "A new future is on the horizon. Our vision takes shape soon." Typically, when an automaker uses the word 'vision,' it's talking about a concept, but don't let that discourage you. The comment that this is part of a "new future" implies that something like this could make production, and we've heard reports of just such a thing not too long ago. Kia's New Concept Could Preview An Affordable But Fast Sedan Kia View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article As recently as September, reports out of South Korea indicated that the long-rumored Kia GT1 project is targeting a 2027 launch as a flagship/halo grand tourer with electric power, underpinned by the Hyundai Motor Group's next-gen "eM" platform. This means more efficiency and more battery capacity than current EVs on the E-GMP architecture (as much as 113.2 kWh, enabling nearly 500 miles of range), but it also means that more than 600 horsepower could be possible from a dual-motor AWD setup. Entry-level trims would reportedly make do with a single motor on the rear axle, and these configurations call to mind those of the Stinger. Other (as-yet unconfirmed) reports suggest that base models would start at around $43,000, while the range-topping variants would creep towards $60,000. Those figures are not intimidating at all. Is this concept a preview of that attractive performance EV? We'll have to keep our eyes peeled, but fingers are crossed. View the full article

Morbidelli jumps into the small-displacement ADV scene with the T352X. But can it stand out in a market that gets more crowded by the day? View the full article

The Reliability Crisis We Should’ve Seen Coming There’s no escaping the fact that modern engines are failing at alarming rates. Toyota, Honda, and General Motors have all issued massive recalls involving hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to catastrophic engine failures. Engines are seizing up, catching fire, and leaving drivers stranded. Even brands with reputations for reliability are putting out engines that should last 200,000 miles, yet are barely making it past warranty periods. It comes down to questionable engineering choices and manufacturing shortcuts. Automakers have spent the past decade or so downsizing engines and adding turbochargers to meet fuel economy and emission standards, while engineering them to make similar power. These smaller engines work harder and run hotter, creating stress levels that leave little room for error. Getty Images View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Tolerance ProblemThe industry-wide shift to thinner oils has made matters worse. Modern engines use thin 0W20 oil instead of the thicker formulations from previous generations. While this improves fuel economy, it provides far less protection against manufacturing defects and, to an extent, stretched service intervals. Microscopic debris or slightly out-of-spec components can cause bearing damage that leads to complete engine failure. General Motors discovered this the hard way with nearly a million vehicles recalled for connecting rod and crankshaft defects in their 6.2-liter V8 engine. James Ochoa View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Toyota's twin-turbo V6 recall tells a similar story. Machining debris left behind during manufacturing found its way into crankshaft bearings, destroying engines in the Tundra and Lexus LX. For a company built on reliability, having over 100,000 engines fail due to metal shavings represents a stunning quality control failure. These engines were supposed to replace Toyota's bulletproof V8s, but instead, they've become modern cautionary tales. The underlying issue is that modern engines have become incredibly complex machines built to impossibly tight tolerances. Turbochargers, direct injection systems, variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation all add potential failure points. When combined with cost-cutting measures in manufacturing and global supply chains, quality control becomes nearly impossible to maintain. Ford's EcoBoost engines suffered valve failures due to supplier defects. Honda had to recall 249,000 vehicles for improperly formed crankshaft pins, and that doesn't begin to cover the entire scope of issues. The Path ForwardSwitching to thicker oils, as GM has done with its recalled vehicles, is merely a band-aid solution that slightly improves protection but doesn't address the root cause. Better manufacturing oversight, stricter supplier quality standards, and most importantly, designing engines that can withstand real-world conditions are the only real solutions. The current wave of recalls should serve as a wake-up call. Automakers need to prioritize durability over marginal efficiency gains and cost savings. The industry's race to downsize has created efficient and less polluting engines on paper, but fragile ones in practice. There has to be a better balance between efficiency and longevity, and one can only hope manufacturers realize that sooner rather than later. View the full article

One of Dodge's executives remarked that, if the brand would make an affordable, fun vehicle, it could conceivably look more like a side-by-side and less like a sports car. View the full article