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Drag Illustrated announced today that Pro Line Racing Engines will continue as a major partner of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, extending one of the most influential technical and competitive relationships in modern Pro Mod racing. The partnership once again includes the popular $5,000 Off The Trailer Bonus, awarded to the provisional No. 1 qualifier during the opening round of Pro Mod qualifying at the World Series of Pro Mod. Pro Line Racing Engines has become a global force in high-performance drag racing, providing championship-winning engine programs, parts, and turnkey solutions to teams worldwide. Their partnership with the Winter Series reflects a mutual commitment to supporting racers on the biggest doorslammer stage of the winter season. “As a whole, we believe in supporting the places our customers race, but the energy, enthusiasm, and excitement around the DI Winter Series and the World Series of Pro Mod is off the charts,” said Eric Dillard, Co-Owner of Pro Line Racing Engines. “There’s no doubt these events are shaking up the drag racing community, and our whole team is excited to be part of it.” The Off The Trailer Bonus emerged from a conversation between Dillard, Drag Illustrated Founder Wes Buck, and Bradenton Motorsports Park Owner Vic Alvarez, who sought to add an extra layer of intensity to the opening round of WSOPM qualifying. The result was a $5,000 bounty that immediately became one of the most thrilling storylines of the event. “Eric and the whole team at Pro Line are long-time friends of Drag Illustrated,” said Buck. “Having their support – and bringing back the Off The Trailer Bonus – just adds fuel to the fire. This group of competitors needs little motivation, but they always respond when there’s something big on the line. I expect to see a lot of racers swinging for the fences early on Thursday.” Pro Line Racing Engines’ enduring commitment to supporting racers has made them a cornerstone of the doorslammer community. Their dedication to innovation, service, and reliability makes them an ideal partner for a championship series that places a premium on excellence at every level. The Drag Illustrated Winter Series opens December 4-7, 2025, at Bradenton Motorsports Park. This story was originally published on December 2, 2025. The post Pro Line Racing Engines Continues Major Partnership with Drag Illustrated Winter Series; $5,000 Off The Trailer Bonus Returns first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Drag Illustrated today announced that Strange Engineering, one of the most respected and enduring brands in the drag racing industry, will continue its major sponsorship of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service for the 2025-26 season. The partnership extends a relationship that spans decades of innovation, racer support, and championship-winning performance. Known for its world-class driveline and suspension components, Strange Engineering has long been a trusted ally of the Pro Mod community. Their continued support of the Winter Series deepens their investment in a three-race championship that has become the epicenter of elite doorslammer competition. “Strange Engineering has been a cornerstone of the drag racing industry for decades, and we’re thrilled to have them continue as a major partner of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series,” said Drag Illustrated Founder and Winter Series promoter Wes Buck. “Their unwavering support of racers, coupled with their commitment to innovation, perfectly aligns with the spirit of this series. This partnership means a lot to us, and to the racers who depend on Strange components round after round.” Strange Engineering’s involvement includes returning as the presenting sponsor of the Racer Welcome Parties at the U.S. Street Nationals and the World Series of Pro Mod – a pair of gatherings that have become beloved traditions for teams, crew members, and industry partners. These events offer a relaxed atmosphere for racers to reconnect before the intensity of qualifying begins, and they have quickly evolved into signature moments of the Winter Series experience. “As a big thank you to everyone, Strange Engineering is extending our sponsorship of the Racer Welcome Dinners at both the U.S. Street Nationals and the World Series of Pro Mod,” said J.C. Casio, Director of Business Development at Strange Engineering. “The upcoming DI Winter Series will be very exciting, and continuing our involvement was an easy decision. We use these events to learn, evolve, and develop new products based on real feedback from customers. We’re proud to support the racers who push the limits of our components every weekend.” The Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service includes the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, U.S. Street Nationals, and the World Series of Pro Mod – three of the most competitive and culturally significant events in modern doorslammer drag racing. Strange Engineering’s ongoing partnership once again reinforces the importance of supporting the racers who make these events possible. This story was originally published on December 2, 2025. The post Strange Engineering Continues Major Sponsorship with Drag Illustrated Winter Series Presented by J&A Service first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Chevrolet LUV trucks are awesome little pickups, and they seem to be more popular now than ever, which is saying something. My kid has one, and there are a jillion of them out there at the track, especially in small tire racing where they are a hit. They weigh nothing, are easy to work on, will fit most engines although they can be tight up front, and they are loved by nearly everyone. So if you are a fan, watch this latest video with Magneto to see what he can tell us about one of these little beasts. Video Description: Steve examines a 1977 Chevy L’UV, GM’S captive import to battle compact pickups from Toyota, Datsun and Mazda. The post Junkyard Crawl With Steve Magnante: A LUV-LY PICKUP TRUCK – Steve Walks Us Through What Chevrolet’s Isuzu Built Mini Was All About appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The appeal of old cars typically lies in their design alone, because living with, sourcing parts for, and maintaining a classic is an experience that can be uncomfortable, difficult, and expensive. This solution fixes at least two of those problems, and compared to the original, arguably even all three; Signature Autosports has created a replica of the 1954-1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing using a 2014 SLK 55 AMG. The restomod is dubbed the 355 SL, and it channels the beauty of the iconic 300SL without the drawbacks that make classic car ownership cumbersome, bringing with it a whole lot more power and comfort. This one is for sale, too, but it costs more than seven times as much as a mint SLK 55, which sells for around $40,000. Original SLK 55 AMG Drivetrain Means Big V8 Power Signature Autosports View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Produced before Mercedes embraced turbocharging, the original SLK 55 AMG drivetrain beneath this restomod features a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 developing 421 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear axle through an AMG Speedshift Plus seven-speed automatic. The 355 SL retains all the original drive modes, but Signature Autosports didn't leave all the underpinnings alone, opting to fit its creation with a set of height-, rebound-, and compression-adjustable coilovers from KW Suspensions. To maintain the old school look, a set of custom 18-inch three-piece wheels was crafted to fit 300SL hub caps, while Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber provides contemporary security. Meticulous black paint completes the look and hides any differences in proportion better than silver would. Decade-Old Interior Looks Futuristic In This Setting Signature Autosports View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The restomod also retains the SLK 55's interior elements, with heated power seats (minus the head restraints), air conditioning, a modern sound system, and Bluetooth, while the trunk has been lined in Alcantara. While the swathe of buttons on the center of the dash may look ancient anywhere else, a relic of a bygone era when too many buttons were complained about just as much as too few are bemoaned today, they look positively futuristic in this application. And with those roof-mounted gullwing doors, this feels like the middle point between the 300SL and the SLS AMG. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean it's cheap. This restomod (with a not inconsiderable 69,500 miles on the clock) is priced at $299,950. An SLS AMG can be had for as little as $120,000, though a 300SL Gullwing can cost as much as $6 million. Still, at least the trunk of this interesting restomod is lined with Alcantara, the California title is clean, and some 300SL replicas cost far more. Signature Autosports View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Drag Illustrated announced today that FuelTech has expanded its long-standing relationship with the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, coming onboard as a major sponsor for the 2025-26 season. The partnership strengthens one of the most meaningful alliances in modern doorslammer drag racing and underscores FuelTech’s commitment to supporting Pro Mod teams and the global doorslammer community. Few brands are as deeply ingrained in modern high-horsepower racing as FuelTech, whose engine management systems, data suites, and at-track support have become mainstays for racers across Pro Mod, no-prep, radial, and beyond. Their hands-on approach, racer-first mentality, and passion-driven innovation make them a natural fit for the Winter Series, which attracts the most competitive and diverse group of door-car teams in the world. “We’re genuinely excited to expand our relationship with FuelTech,” said Drag Illustrated Founder and Editorial Director Wes Buck. “I’ve always loved their hands-on approach and their passion-driven nature. They share our vision for Pro Mod and doorslammer drag racing in general, and they’re dedicated to helping us grow and showcase this segment of the sport. This partnership just makes sense, and we’re proud to stand alongside Anderson, Luis, and the entire FuelTech team.” FuelTech’s involvement continues a years-long relationship with Drag Illustrated and builds on the company’s growing footprint in Pro Mod racing worldwide. From championship programs to grassroots teams, FuelTech has become synonymous with innovation, trackside support, and real-world results. “We believe doorslammer racing is in a golden era, and the Drag Illustrated Winter Series is the perfect stage to showcase what FuelTech can do,” said Luis de Leon, Chief Operating Officer at FuelTech. “These events bring together so much talent and so many different combinations. To be part of that atmosphere – and help racers extract every ounce of performance – is something we’re extremely excited about. Wes and his team have created a platform where the best in the world test themselves, and we’re thrilled to be right in the middle of it.” The Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service kicks off December 5-7, 2025, at Bradenton Motorsports Park before continuing in January and February. With FuelTech stepping up as a major sponsor, the 2025-26 season is poised to deliver the most competitive and technologically advanced Winter Series yet. This story was originally published on December 2, 2025. The post FuelTech Steps Up as Major Sponsor of Drag Illustrated Winter Series Presented by J&A Service first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Following a full season spent chasing records, championships, and big-money wins across the sport’s most competitive series, Pro Modified stars from the U.S., Canada, and beyond are once again heading to Bradenton Motorsports Park this week for the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks. Set for Dec. 4-7, the $50,000-to-win showdown officially kicks off the 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, a three-race, eighth-mile Pro Mod championship paying out over $300,000 in total purses and bonuses. On top of the headlining Pro Mod action, the Snowbirds will include racing in Pro 10.5, Lil Gangstas, True 10.5, Limited Drag Radial and other popular categories, plus the always-packed Night of Fire featuring a fleet of jet-powered exhibition machines. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Bradenton Motorsports Park for the second annual Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service,” said Victor Alvarez, track owner and promoter, Bradenton Motorsports Park. “For many years, the Snowbirds has served as the final stop on many racers’ schedules for the season, but now it’s the start of the Winter Series ‘season.’ We’re expecting another record-setting field of Pro Mod drivers chasing that $50,000 Snowbirds win, but the whole class lineup is stacked with fan-favorite classes. Round that out with our jet show for Saturday’s Night of Fire and you have a can’t-miss weekend at BMP.” Following the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, the DI Winter Series presented by J&A Service will include the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission on Jan. 22-25, 2026; and the World Series of Pro Mod Feb. 25-28, 2026. Each race will feature more than 75 invited drivers attempting to qualify for the 32-car fields. The driver who earns the most points across all three races will be crowned the DI Winter Series champion, and if one Pro Mod driver sweeps the series, they’ll win the inaugural Elite Motorsports Million – an unprecedented $1,000,000 prize for winning all three events. “We’re going to make history again this season – again,” said Wes Buck, Drag Illustrated founder and Winter Series promotor. “Drag racing has never seen a show quite like this. It’s not just cars going up and down the racetrack. We’ve separated ourselves by building stars and characters. The fans have responded. The energy they bring to these events makes all the difference. They come from all over the world to see these racers go to war.” Invitations to participate in the Winter Series were extended to an all-star list of drivers from across drag racing’s numerous Pro Modified classes and series. The entry list for the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals and the rest of the Winter Series includes 2025 Snowbirds winner Kye Kelley, reigning Winter Series champion and 2025 U.S. Street Nationals winner Ken Quartuccio, and 2025 World Series of Pro Mod winner Steve King. Jimmy Taylor, who recently set new doorslammer world records, is looking to keep his momentum going, while Mark Micke will attempt to add a Winter Series victory to his scorecard that includes qualifying No. 1 at all three 2024/2025 Winter Series races. If a driver repeats that feat this winter, they’ll walk away with a brand-new Pro Mod rolling chassis from Jerry Bickel Race Cars. The Pro Mod roster also includes drivers who typically compete in other classes. Six-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders is returning for her second Winter Series, while teammate Aaron Stanfield will make his Pro Mod debut. Past Pro Stock world champion Bo Butner is also making his return to Pro Mod driving for NHRA Top Fuel championship crew chief Brian Corradi. “These are the baddest guys and gals walking the earth – the best of the best – from all corners of drag racing,” Buck said. “We bring them together and we rumble. The best drivers in the world, the baddest cars on the planet, all in one place at one time. It’s time to see who’s who.” The Snowbird Outlaw Nationals lineup also features $10,000-to-win Pro 10.5, $40,000-to-win True 10.5 N/T, $20,000-to-win Lil Gangstas, $7,500-to-win Limited Drag Radial, and $7,500-to-win Ultra Street, as well as 6.50 Index, 7.50 Index, and Super Pro, which each pay $2,500 to win. 4.60 Bike with a $4,600 winner’s prize rounds out the list. As a special feature during Saturday qualifying, the Jet Jam Night of Fire will heat up the evening with jet trucks, jet Funny Cars, and jet dragsters. Racers will test at Bradenton all week leading up to Friday qualifying at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Two more qualifying sessions are set for Saturday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., with Night of Fire jet shows scheduled for 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Eliminations will begin Sunday at 9 a.m. General admission tickets are available for $35 per day on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, while tickets for Saturday’s Night of Fire are $40. 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. For a detailed schedule, tickets, and other event info, visit www.RaceBMP.com. This story was originally published on December 2, 2025. The post Drag Illustrated Winter Series Returns to Bradenton For Snowbird Outlaw Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Without any warning, Jaguar design boss Gerry McGovern has reportedly been abruptly fired in a shakeup said to have been instigated by the new CEO of parent company Tata Motors, PB Balaji. According to Autocar sources, McGovern was "escorted out of the office." McGovern was with JLR for 21 years, with his most recent work being overseeing the design of the polarizing and controversial Type 00 concept. As we've discussed before, this completely new approach to Jaguar styling (and marketing) has its pros and cons, and with no information about McGovern's apparent departure yet being available - "No comment" was the response given to Autocar when JLR was approached for more insight - it's unclear whether he was let go because of the controversy surrounding that concept, because Balaji wanted fresh blood, or because of some other reason. However, McGovern is said to have been a highly influential member of the JLR board, and it's plausible that the new CEO wants more control. What Happens To Jaguar's Six-Figure EV Now? SH Proshots/Autoblog Whether McGovern was unceremoniously discharged because of the reactions to the Type 00 concept or not, it seems unlikely that anything will change. We've seen prototypes in an advanced stage of development on the road already, and to discard the car (or redesign it) would likely be too expensive to even consider. Then again, Jag's EV has reportedly been delayed, and that delay may allow JLR enough time to change tack. As a reminder, Jaguar's thus confirmed plans involve charging no less than six figures for its new cars and selling nothing but all-electric vehicles as it aims to become a rival to the likes of Bentley while getting ahead of future legislative measures, particularly in Europe, where combustion engines are expected to be outlawed a decade from now. With those bans still under much debate and derision, it's unclear whether an EV-only lineup is even feasible. McGovern Was Responsible For Several Smash-Hit Designs Overfinch View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Gerard Gabriel McGovern OBE was the lead designer of the remarkable MG F sports car and the vehicle that was Europe's best-selling compact crossover for seven years, the Land Rover Freelander, a car which has since become a Heritage vehicle for the brand. He was also in charge of the team behind the third-gen Range Rover, and after a spell at Ford, his first design was the LRX concept, which made production as the chic Land Rover Evoque. Other highlights include the 2010 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, and the Discovery 4, as well as the successors to the aforementioned Range Rovers. He oversaw the redesign of the Land Rover Freelander as it became the Discovery Sport and, perhaps most importantly to Range Rover's success, the New Defender in 2020. The latest Range Rover and its Sport sibling were also his work. It will be interesting to see how Land Rover and Range Rover designs evolve without his guidance, and there's no doubt that his designs have been a big part of why JLR is still popular. Hopefully, he'll be able to show his skill someplace else. John Beltz Snyder/Autoblog View the full article

FloRacing and Drag Illustrated announced today that two of the most recognizable voices in modern drag racing – Brian Lohnes, the voice of NHRA on FOX, and Kayla Morton, No Prep Kings star and longtime fan favorite – will join the broadcast talent roster for the 2025-26 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, further elevating the live streaming experience for one of the most anticipated championship series in doorslammer racing. FloRacing, the official live streaming partner of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series, will once again deliver wall-to-wall coverage of the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks, the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission, and the World Series of Pro Mod. With more than 1,200 live events annually across drag racing, dirt, pavement, and grassroots motorsports – and 24/7 streaming through FloSports apps for Roku, Apple TV, mobile, and web – FloRacing has become a go-to destination for hardcore race fans. The addition of Lohnes and Morton brings new depth and personality to a broadcast team already anchored by Al Tucci, Steve Logan, Drag Illustrated’s Mike Carpenter and FloRacing lead Courtney Enders, with guest appearances planned from industry insiders and veteran drivers throughout the winter. Morton, who has competed at the highest levels of no-prep and grudge racing, says she’s excited to bring her energy and perspective to the Winter Series coverage. “I’m super stoked to be working with Flo for the Winter Series,” Morton said. “I hope to bring a vibe to the stream and get to know all these elite drivers along the way. I’m interested in meeting everyone involved in the Pro Mod world and making some new friends, too. I haven’t been to a boards-on race in quite some time, but it sure makes it interesting to watch them light up and know who the baddest one is with zero question. The Winter Series is the biggest happening in Pro Mod, and to be even a small part of it by interviewing and getting to know the drivers is pretty dang cool. I want to shed some light on my friends racing this series and bring a ton of energy to FloRacing.” Lohnes, widely respected as one of drag racing’s premier storytellers, believes the Winter Series has become a defining force in the sport. “The DI Winter Series energizes an industry,” Lohnes said. “True drag racers, fans, and enthusiasts have now arrived in an era where ‘no off season’ is an absolute reality. Better than that, it’s three titanic races to keep the whole sport on the chip. Take a race track that has undergone a transformation through 2025, racers who have been competing at the highest levels all year, and fans who are going to climb the fences to get in, and you have the recipe for history-defining events all winter long in Bradenton. The DI Winter Series is a happening unlike any other.” Lohnes added that the Elite Motorsports Million – a $1,000,000 bonus for any Pro Mod driver who can sweep all three races – adds a new level of drama and performance pressure. “The formula to win the Elite Million Dollar bonus is simple,” Lohnes said. “Be perfect every run, every launch, and every between-round service. Just that easy. Pulling it off would be doorslammer drag racing’s greatest achievement.” He also noted that the intensity and concentration of talent at Bradenton Motorsports Park harkens back to one of the sport’s most revered eras. “The gathering of Pro Mod giants at BMP for the DI Winter Series reminds me of another era that people think has passed,” Lohnes said. “They’re dead wrong. Missing its second coming isn’t just a mistake – it’s moronic.” Drag Illustrated Founder & Editorial Director Wes Buck believes the expanded FloRacing talent team strengthens the viewing experience for fans and provides even greater visibility for the racers who make the Winter Series special. “Every year the Winter Series gets bigger, deeper, and more competitive,” Buck said. “To have FloRacing invest in an all-star broadcast lineup – bringing in Brian Lohnes, adding the energy of Kayla Morton, and pairing them with Tucci, Logan, Courtney Enders and others – takes this series to a whole new level. This is the stage Pro Mod deserves, and we’re thrilled to have a broadcast team that can match the intensity happening on the racetrack.” The Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service begins December 5-7, 2025, with the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals at Bradenton Motorsports Park, followed by the U.S. Street Nationals in January and the World Series of Pro Mod in February. Each event will stream live on FloRacing. Tickets and VIP packages for all three events are available now at https://bit.ly/3LvZ4DR. This story was originally published on December 2, 2025. The post Brian Lohnes, Kayla Morton Join FloRacing’s All-Star Talent Lineup for Drag Illustrated Winter Series Presented by J&A Service first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Ad Personam Takes Another Swing at the Huracán SuccessorLamborghini isn't shy about promoting both its outgoing models and its newest hybrid supercars, but the brand's Ad Personam department is where things get more interesting. The studio is known for building Lamborghinis that only a handful of people ever see in person, and the program has already taken a crack at the Temerario, with the first one leaning toward show car energy. However, the one-off division's latest attempt at the Huracan successor aims for something more restrained, and the result sits in a tasteful place. With plenty of space to work on, Ad Personam has a bigger canvas to play with than the old Huracán ever did. Matte, Bronze, and Carefully LayeredThe centerpiece here is the Blu Okeanos Matte finish. It's a flat blue that tones down the car's sharp surfaces without making them disappear. Lamborghini pairs it with forged Velador wheels in matte bronze, wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza rubber. The Alleggerita package adds more bronze elements, subtly decorating body panels and giving the car a slightly warmer look. Inside, the color play continues with Blu Delphinus Corsa-Tex and leather. Terra Kapnos stitching and piping break up the surfaces without tipping into excess. The carbon fiber trim, red accents, and Italian flag motif on the steering wheel add small flashes that don't overpower the cabin. This example is right-hand drive, and the orange Raging Bull emblem embroidered on the headrests adds another layer of contrast. It isn't loud, but it's far from plain. Lamborghini/Instagram Same Hybrid V8 Muscle, All About the StyleThere are no surprises under the engine cover. The Temerario continues with its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 907 horsepower and revving to 10,000 rpm. It still hits 62 mph in 2.7 seconds, tops out at 213 mph, and can glide for about 6-7 miles in EV mode as a front-drive machine. Performance stays untouched, which is fine, because this build is all about the aesthetic work. With prices starting near $400,000 – before any Ad Personam indulgence – this latest creation shows how much presence the Temerario gains when the personalization studio dials back the flash and focuses on coherence. Lamborghini/Instagram View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Maintaining Classics is a Tough HobbyWhen it comes to the ownership of special and iconic models from brands, upkeep is a major consideration. Owners of said vehicles tend to want to keep their cars as close to original as possible, especially the classics. It's hard enough to maintain old cars, but finding the required parts is even harder. Porsche is making things a little easier for those looking to keep their classic interiors original by reissuing some of its iconic, nostalgic seat patterns – perfect for those restoring or repairing their classic Porsches. Nostalgia Has Long Been Porsche's GameThe Porsche Classic Fabric collection builds on the idea of nostalgia through restoration. The automaker issued style-defining textiles, such as Pepita and legendary patterns such as pasha, tartan, or pinstripes. Porsche is keen to offer these fabrics to owners who may have had to go to outside brands to retrofit similar, but not original, patterns and fabrics. Yes, Porsche is a brand that likes to look back and be nostalgic, and it's now helping its customers who follow the same trope. "It was particularly important to us in this project that we maintain our quality promise with the fabrics. Unfortunately, there are many imitations on the market that are either not at all suitable as seat fabric or lose their appearance after a short time. That's why we want to offer our customers a tested original alternative again," says Ulrike Lutz, Director Classic at Porsche. Porsche's latest reissue comes on the back of recent restomods by the brand, like the reimagination of the 996-generation 911, as well as a slew of special-edition models that seem to hark back to the past, with the most recent highlight being the Spirit 70 911 limited edition. Iconic Trio: Pepita, Pasha, and TartanThe headline patterns making a comeback for the fabrics are Pepita, Pasha, and Tartan. Pepita was offered in 1963 in the 356, then eventually the 911 F Model. The name of the pattern comes from the stage name of the 19th-century Spanish dancer Josefa Durán y Ortega, which was "Pepita de Oliva." It was made famous by Christian Dior. Pasha takes inspiration from motorsport, borrowing the most iconic chequered flag pattern. First presented to the public in the 928 in 1977, and also offered in the 911, 924, and 944 until the mid-1980s. The name "Pasha" was intended to evoke images of Ottoman sultans reclining on comfortable silk and velvet cushions. Tartan symbolises tradition and craftsmanship; it came out in 1974 with three exclusive prints for the 911 Turbo, then eventually offered starting in 1976 for the 911 model. Tartans are characterised by their checkered pattern, created during the weaving process with different coloured threads. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Specific Fabrics for Specific GenerationsPorsche painstakingly researched and tested these reissued fabrics before offering them again for purchase. Newly issued fabrics undergo a series of tests, such as fire resistance, light and colour fastness, and abrasion resistance. This makes them ideal for a wide range of applications in vehicle interiors, including seat covers and side panels. The brand was also eager to include the iconic fabrics that have spanned its storied history, from the 356 to the 911. Here is an overview of the fabrics available for specific generations: View the full article

ID.4 Sales Gain Ground as VW Holds PricingVolkswagen’s Q3 2025 results show a noticeable uptick for the ID.4, which jumped 176 percent year-over-year with 12,470 units sold. It was one of the few bright spots in VW’s US lineup, which saw overall sales fall 6 percent for the quarter. Beneath the surface, timing likely played a role. The expiration of federal EV tax credits earlier in the year pushed many buyers to finalize EV purchases sooner than planned, and the ID.4 was one of the models that benefited from that rush. With that momentum in mind, Volkswagen appears to be keeping its 2026 strategy simple: hold pricing steady for most trims and avoid resetting the model’s value pitch - even with updates added for the new model year. Most of the lineup carries over unchanged in both range and pricing, which should help keep the ID.4 on shopping lists. But there is one important change for buyers watching their budgets. The Base Model Quietly Goes AwayThe most affordable ID.4 – the Limited trim – has been dropped after just one model year. The Limited was the cheapest way into the ID.4 badge, priced at $39,995 for 2025. It also offered the shortest range at 206 miles, and it usually came with weaker incentives than the higher trims. With the Limited now discontinued, the Pro trim becomes the new base model for 2026. That pushes the effective starting price to $45,095 before destination, or $46,570 with fees included. While Volkswagen didn’t technically raise the sticker price, removing the lower-cost configuration increases the minimum spend required to get into an ID.4 by $5,100. It keeps pricing consistent on paper, but changes the perception of value for entry-level shoppers. The ID.4 Faces a Cheaper Set of RivalsThe bigger story is how the ID.4 now sits relative to its competitors. The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E starts at $37,795. The Tesla Model Y Standard lands at $39,990. Hyundai cuts even deeper: the 2026 Ioniq 5 begins at $35,000 for the standard-range model and $37,500 for the 318-mile version. The ID.4 Pro still offers a respectable 291-mile range, unchanged from 2025, but the segment has moved quickly. Without the tax credits that once helped soften its effective pricing, the ID.4 is going to be a tough sell, especially for those in the market for a base model EV without comparing features and range. Incentives will remain crucial for Volkswagen, especially as competitors widen the gap on both pricing and perceived value. View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The street is dark, your neighbors’ houses are out, and your kids are still watching Netflix like nothing happened. The difference is sitting in your driveway. Vehicle-to-home charging turns a Kia EV9 or Hyundai Ioniq 9 into a giant backup battery for your house, not just a way to skip gas stations. Following up on our earlier piece on Vehicle to Grid (V2G) implementation status, we now see considerable movement from at least two major brands on bringing this mainstream to residences. Extra energy from your car goes straight to power you home, and it will surprise you just how much you car can power your home! Kia already sells full vehicle-to-home charging for the EV9 in the U.S. using the Quasar 2 bidirectional charger and a Power Recovery Unit from Wallbox. That setup can send up to about 12 kW back into your home and, on paper, cover as much as three days of power for a typical U.S. house that uses around 25 kWh a day, as long as the EV’s big pack starts full and you do not waste energy. Now, if V2H sounds abstract, the schematic below lays out the basic structure — grid, box, car, house: Figure 1: How V2H Works. This schematic shows how power can flow from the grid to your car and then from your car back into your house. It’s basically a simple map: wall box and switchgear in the middle, car on one side, home on the other, plus a small bar showing how much battery you save for driving. And Hyundai is now rolling the same built-in V2H idea into the Ioniq 9 and tying it into a global “V2X” (x meaning anything that needs powering) plan that mixes vehicle-to-home in the U.S. with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services in places like Jeju Island and the Netherlands. Kia EV9: Family Hauler Meets Backup PowerThe Kia EV9 is already a serious family rig: three rows, a calm ride, and an available 99.8-kWh battery with an EPA-estimated range of up to 304 miles on the Light Long Range RWD trim. On the road, it feels like the electric answer to all those turbocharged crossovers you see everywhere, only quieter, smoother, and easier on “fuel economy” because you are drinking electrons, not premium. Add Kia’s official V2H setup and the EV9 becomes part of your house. The Quasar 2 and its Power Recovery Unit isolate your home from the grid when it goes down and let the EV9’s battery run the panel. Wallbox and Kia both talk about “up to three days” of backup, which lines up with that 99.8-kWh pack and typical home use, as long as you keep some state of charge in reserve to drive. The chart below shows it better than words: one day of a normal house on the left, a big EV battery on the right. I was really skeptical when I first heard about a car powering a house. But it does, Easily. Figure 2: House vs EV Battery. This chart compares one day of energy use in a typical U.S. home with the size of a Kia EV9/Hyundai Ioniq 9 battery. The left bar stacks up what your fridge, lights, TV and AC use in a day; the right bar shows that your EV battery holds enough juice to run that same house for several days, while still keeping a chunk in reserve so you can drive. So, now when you cross-shop the EV9, you are not only comparing handling and ride comfort. You are also deciding whether you want a gas generator on the side of the house, a wall-mounted battery, or a three-row SUV that does both school runs and storm duty. Hyundai Ioniq 9 Joins the Backup Power GameThe Hyundai Ioniq 9 is the sister ship: a big three-row electric SUV with a battery around 110 kWh, dual-motor versions with more than 400 horsepower, and up to roughly 335 miles of range depending on trim and market. It rides on the same E-GMP platform, so you get that same easy, quiet highway gait and tidy low-speed handling you expect from a modern EV. Hyundai has already named the Ioniq 9 as one of the first cars in its global V2X rollout, right alongside the EV9. That means the same basic deal for you: buy one big family EV, install the right bidirectional charger, and your driveway turns into a battery farm. Instead of a generator roaring away on gas, your house quietly sips power from the Ioniq 9 until the grid comes back. The Bottom Line: You're Buying Energy Storage on WheelsIf you are shopping a Kia EV9 or Hyundai Ioniq 9, you are not just picking between badges and seat fabrics anymore. You are deciding where your next big battery lives. Go with a traditional setup and you get a three-row SUV plus a separate wall pack or generator. Go with vehicle-to-home charging and your three-row EV is the wall pack, with 100-plus kWh of storage that drives the kids all week and keeps the lights on when the grid checks out. So, when you spec that next family hauler, ask one more question: when the power drops, do you want to be the house in the dark, or the one still making popcorn? View the full article

Kia had another bumper sales month in November, with the Korean marque selling 72,002 vehicles in the United States. This is a 3% year-over-year increase and the brand’s best November ever. Kia also says the November result ensures it will achieve its third consecutive all-time annual sales record. This positive news comes even though Kia’s EV sales continued to decline, an industry-wide trend after the federal tax credit was cut at the end of September. Multiple gas-powered models contributed to Kia’s success last month, though—and not all of them were SUVs, either. From SUVs to Minivans: Kia on a High 2026 Sportage Kia View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Sales of the Carnival (+46%), Sportage (+13%), and Seltos (+23%) all showed impressive year-to-date through November increases. The Carnival minivan hit 7,362 sales last month as minivans experience a resurgence this year. With 15,795 units sold, the Sportage was once again Kia’s best-selling model in November, while the Seltos hit 6,286 units. The Telluride three-row crossover sold 10,054 units last month, an impressive tally considering that an all-new Telluride has been revealed already. Kia sold 9,321 examples of the K4/Forte and 6,430 K5s, so its sedans had a great November too. Lagging behind by a significant margin were Kia EVs, with the EV9 on 908 units and the EV6 on 603, both way down on November sales a year ago (2,155 and 1,887 units, respectively). “As consumer demand shifts, Kia’s diverse product lineup and growing hybrid portfolio has us on the verge of our third consecutive annual sales record,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America.” Related: Kia Teases A Much More Elegant Seltos Ahead Of Next Week's Reveal Demand For Next Telluride Already Strong Kia With Kia guaranteed to end the year strong, this momentum is expected to continue into early next year when the all-new Telluride arrives. “Interest in the all-new Telluride is expanding beyond our current customer base, and we expect this positive momentum to carry into next year,” said Watson. This indicates that customers from other brands have expressed interest in the 2027 Telluride, which boasts a more aggressive design, a new standard four-cylinder turbo engine, and the option of an efficient hybrid. Already the third best-selling Kia model in 2025, the Telluride may surpass the K4 next year, which would place it behind only the Sportage in terms of sales success in this market. Like Kia, Hyundai’s sales have soared in the United States this year, with Kia steadily gaining on Hyundai. Once Hyundai releases November results, we’ll be able to see just how close the 2025 sales race is between the two companies. View the full article

John Force Racing has now expanded to a four car team again. Alexis DeJoria will pilot a fourth JFR car in 2026.View the full article

John Force Racing will expand to four teams for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and beyond with the signing of 2014 U.S. Nationals Funny Car winner Alexis DeJoria to a multi-year contract with the 24-time world championship organization. DeJoria is the only female currently competing in the NHRA Funny Car category and was the first woman in Funny Car competition to break the three-second barrier when she posted a 3.997-second elapsed time at the 2014 Winternationals in Pomona, Calif. DeJoria has earned six NHRA Funny Car event victories in 16 final-round appearances and has six top 10 finishes. DeJoria’s team will continue to have primary sponsorship from the gold medal award-winning Bandero Premium Tequila. John Force Racing’s 2026 driver lineup will consist of DeJoria, 2012 Funny Car Champion Jack Beckman, Top Fuel driver Josh Hart, who was signed by the organization to a multi-year contract in October, and a driver to be announced to drive the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car. “Being asked to join John Force Racing is a huge honor and an incredible opportunity to build upon my career,” DeJoria said. “Since day one, my goal has been to become the sport’s first female Funny Car world champion, and that is what I have been working towards for many years. I’ve been fortunate to drive for some of the best teams and team owners out here. To be invited to drive for John Force Racing means so much to me and is another step forward in my career. JFR has a Funny Car program that’s unmatched and the results speak for themselves; all you have to do is look at their track record.” DeJoria’s NHRA career began in 2005 in Super Gas and Super Comp, winning one national event in the latter category. She moved to Top Alcohol Funny Car in 2006, ran her own team from 2009-2011, and became only the second woman to earn a national event victory in the category at the 2011 Northwest Nationals in Seattle. Later that same year, she earned her nitro Funny Car license and moved up to the professional category. The six-time Funny Car No. 1 Qualifier earned the first round-win of her nitro Funny Car career when she defeated John Force in the first round of the 2012 Gatornationals. She captured her first Funny Car event victory at the 2014 Arizona Nationals in Phoenix and beat Force again later that year in the final round of the U.S. Nationals for the biggest win of her career. This will be the fourth time John Force Racing has fielded four teams in the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories. The 2008-09 lineup included the Funny Car programs of drivers John Force, Robert Hight, Ashley Force Hood and Mike Neff. John Force, Robert Hight, Courtney Force and Brittany Force made up the foursome from 2013-2018 and, in 2019 and 2022-23, John Force and Hight competed in Funny Car while Brittany Force and Austin Prock competed in Top Fuel. “Alexis is a fierce competitor who has earned her place in the Funny Car ranks and it’s great to have her become the newest member of our team,” said John Force, CEO and 16-time NHRA Funny Car Champion. “I’m obviously pretty familiar with the dynamic between father and daughter competing in NHRA drag racing so I respect and admire what Alexis and her father, John Paul, have built together over the years. John Paul is a global success story who understands the importance of both family and business partnerships, which is exactly what John Force Racing has been built on. Our team just earned our 24th World Championship, but I’m already looking forward to getting started on next season.” Further announcements about the program will be made in the coming weeks. This story was originally published on December 2, 2025. The post Alexis DeJoria Joins John Force Racing For 2026 NHRA Season first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

You might recognize the name Michael Burry if you watched The Big ShortIf you follow Wall Street and/or have watched the 2015 Academy Award-winning film The Big Short, the name Michael Burry may ring a bell. If you have never watched the film, it basically depicts the onset of the 2008 financial crisis and how it was triggered by a housing market bubble in the United States from four different investor perspectives. Without spoiling the entire premise of the film, Burry, played by Christian Bale, was one of the first to recognize the impending crisis and arranged with major banks to short, or bet against the market, which put him in the black once the bubble burst and the recession began. Up until earlier this year, Burry managed his hedge fund, Scion Asset Management. However, he has since shuttered and returned money to investors, allowing him to discuss his views on his Substack, in which he disclosed a significant flaw with the AI industry, specifically affecting Nvidia and Tesla. Win McNamee/Getty Images Burry: AI companies like Nvidia and Tesla have a serious problemIn a new post on his “Cassandra Unchained” Substack page titled "Foundations: The Tragic Algebra of Stock-Based Compensation", Burry wrote a plea supporting advanced algebra to explain in-depth how AI leaders like Nvidia and Tesla have used stock-based compensation to obscure the real costs of operating their companies; something he finds problematic for its shareholders and to the health of the companies long-term. Although much of the post focuses squarely on the semiconductor giant Nvidia and its stratospheric growth in recent times, the former hedge fund manager also revealed that he currently holds a short position on Tesla stock. In his post, he argued that most run-of-the-mill investors typically overlook stock-based compensation—the pay packages that CEOs like Elon Musk receive—when calculating earnings, as it appears as a non-cash expense for the company. Jim Spellman/WireImage Namely, tech and EV CEOs like Musk and, more recently, Rivian's RJ Scaringe, have tied themselves to performance-based pay packages, which allow them to purchase company stock at a fixed price when specific goals are met. For Scaringe, specifically, his $4.6 billion (valued) pay package will compensate him in the form of opportunities to buy up to 36.5 million shares of Rivian stock at $15.22 per share when the company hits eleven specific stock price goals over the next decade, as well as new operating income and cash flow targets over the next seven years. However, Burry argues that this form of compensation is a mistake because it permanently dilutes the existing shareholders' stake in the company. With the help of one of his associates, Burry developed a formula that calculates the impact of stock option dilution on companies. He singled out Tesla as a prime offender, as it does not offer buybacks to offset it. "Tesla dilutes its shareholders at about 3.6% per year, with no buybacks," Burry said. For reference, Burry compares that figure to Amazon, which he disclosed as diluting at roughly 1.3%, and Palantir, which has a higher rate of 4.6%. With this digit being as high as this, Burry argues that while Tesla reports added value in its earnings reports, this added value is transferred directly to employees and management through newly created shares, which severely limits the gains that Tesla stockholders can see. Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images Burry: The "Elon Cult" and pay package are part of the problem.Notably, Burry's analysis comes on the heels of Tesla’s recent $1 trillion pay package for its CEO, Elon Musk. On November 6, over 75% of Tesla shareholders approved a record $1 trillion pay package for CEO Elon Musk. The full amount of Musk's pay package is contingent upon Tesla achieving a combination of operational and valuation milestones over 10 years, including the delivery of 20 million Tesla vehicles, 10 million subscriptions to the Full Self-Driving autonomous driving assistance system, 1 million humanoid robots, and 1 million robotaxis in operation. However, Burry sees this as not a reward for company performance, but as a guarantee that even more share and value dilution will affect its current shareholders. “With recent news of Elon Musk’s $1 trillion dollar pay package, dilution is certain to continue. Tesla’s market capitalization is ridiculously overvalued today and has been for a good long time.” In addition, Burry also hit on the shifting narrative around Tesla, as Musk has previously pinned the makers of the Model Y and Cybertruck as "an AI and Robotics company" during recent earnings calls. He characterizes this as a way of keeping Musk's "cult" invested in the company. “As an aside, the Elon cult was all-in on electric cars until competition showed up, then all-in on autonomous driving until competition showed up, and now is all-in on robots – until competition shows up," he noted. Final thoughtsAs much as I have tremendous respect for Michael Burry, his story and his current insights, it should be deeply stressed that many voices on Wall Street do not share his opinion. According to MarketBeat data, which tracked 44 Wall Street analysts who have issued ratings for Tesla in the last 12 months, 34, or more than three-quarters of the analysts, have given TSLA stock a "Buy" or "Hold" rating. In addition, prominent figures like CNBC personality Jim Cramer stated that the company's pivot to autonomous and robotics has been a net positive for Tesla. "But when Tesla fell from the $400s to the $200s at the beginning of this year, an amazing thing happened," he said. "The stock, not the company, the stock, was always the same company, morphed into a chit in the great game of self-driving and robots. CEO Elon Musk simply changed the narrative, and the Street bought it. That perception has allowed the stock to regain almost all those lost points, even though it’s pretty much the same company it was before the decline in electric vehicle profits." View the full article

Four-Seater V12 Ferrari, Classic Spec, For Sale in MiamiIf you’re someone in the tax bracket of affording a six-figure Ferrari, then this Purosangue should be of interest. Although Maranello has been busy churning out as many of these as they can, these V12s are still in high demand. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Ferrari is fairly picky with who it sells its cars to. Maybe you couldn't secure an allocation, which is pretty common in Ferrari land, so getting access to a lightly-used, mint-condition Purosangue, although not uncommon, is still rare, shall we say. Limited Spec Automotive The spec is classic Ferrari—Rosso Corsa on the outside with a Nero interior piped in red and yellow. It does feature the Scuderia shields on the front three-quarters, although not the obscenely expensive painted items. But honestly, that’s pretty sensible of the original owner. Other details on the outside include the massive forged wheels in stealth spec, 22-inchers up front and 23s at the rear. Hiding behind the wheels are the Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, which the owner decided would look better with the calipers in red. Bold, but maybe not to our taste. Limited Spec Automotive What is tasteful, though, is the inside. It’s clear there’s a stealthy theme going on, but things are nicely broken up with yellow piping all around and the prancing horse embroidered in the same color. Moving down from the headrests reveals what appears to be the comfort seats, draped in high-quality leather with the aforementioned red accents thrown in for added flair. The central driving zone is all carbon, as is the tradition among most Ferrari owners. It features the obligatory shift-up lights, but continues to house the woefully dreaded touch-based controls, which, thankfully, Ferrari is moving away from. Limited Spec Automotive has this 2023 Ferrari Purosangue with just 1,000 miles on the odometer for sale. The quoted price is a hair under $580,000, which is a lot, but it’s an in-demand 715-horsepower four-seater V12 Ferrari. If you fancy a Purosangue and you have the means to do so, head to Limited Spec for more info. View the full article

(Almost) Everyone's Favorite Modern 3 SeriesWhich BMW 3 Series is the best 3 Series? You'll probably hear the second-generation E30 or the fourth-generation E46 as the top answers. It's totally understandable, though, as those two are often regarded as peak models. The E46 3 Series is a proper classic now. It was introduced on November 11, 1997, and reached showrooms in most parts of the world in 1998. Stylistically, it looked like an evolution of the successful E36, but work on the E46 started in the early-'90s — not long after the E36 went on sale. B Design BackgroundThe names you'll often see credited with the design of the E46 are Erik Goplen, Chris Bangle, and Wolfgang Reitzle. Goplen had been a BMW designer since the late '80s, while Bangle was appointed as the brand's design chief in 1992. As for Reitzle, he was the chief of product development. It's worth noting that the E46 was penned in California. It came from the Designworks studio (via BMW Blog), and some proposals came about in 1992. Goplen's name comes up again, along with sketches by Marek Djordjevic. Radical RedesignIf you think BMW designs are polarizing now, the company already had pretty wild ideas over 30 years ago. Given the relatively simple lines of the E36 3 Series, the swoopy and rakish look of these cars had all the potential to alienate BMW loyalists in the '90s. Goplen's proposal featured a split headlight design, a low roofline, and a high beltline. Djordjevic's design had a more cab-forward look, with a more slippery profile. As we all know, the final product looked a lot more toned down. That said, we can see elements of the production E46 in Goplen's sketches from 1993. The bumpers were taking shape, as well as the hood, fenders, and front doors. Later on, Bangle would add further input, as well as Reitzle. A Timeless DesignIt's amazing how far the E46 3 Series has gone from its sketches in 1992 to its rollout in late 1997. It was Bangle and Reitzle who massaged the sedan's design into its final shape, while Goplen would get more credit for the Touring (wagon), coupe, and convertible. No matter the body style, the E46 is still a handsome car. Yes, it's very much a late-'90s/early-'00s design, but its clean and elegant lines make it a looker in most eyes. It looked great in '98, and has been ageing gracefully since. Given the love for this model, we're bound to still see them around being cared for or restored by their owners. BMW Designworks View the 13 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

AB Motorsports crew chief Brian Corradi and team owner/driver Antron Brown will be busy this off-season, splitting their time between the ABM headquarters in Brownsburg, Ind., and Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Fla., where they will participate in the three-race Drag Illustrated Winter Series thanks to a new partnership with Robots Done Right. Brown and Corradi were first introduced to the Winter Series three years ago by Pro Mod racer Manny Buginga, and according to Corradi, have been hooked ever since. Their enthusiasm ultimately led the Matco Tools Top Fuel crew chief to purchase a Pro Mod car, which he will field during the 2025 – 2026 Winter Series with support from Robots Done Right, a leading buyer and seller of previously-owned industrial robots and robotic equipment. The Robots Done Right Pro Modified Camaro will make its debut with multi-time NHRA champion Bo Butner behind the wheel when the series gets underway with this weekend’s Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks, Dec. 5 – 7. “A huge thank you to Robots Done Right for taking an interest in our Pro Mod team and helping us get our drag racing fix during what can sometimes feel like a very long off-season,” said Corradi. “Antron and I have really fallen in love with Pro Mod and radial cars these past few years, and it’s been a lot of fun to race in a different capacity when we’re not running in the Mission Foods Series. Having the support of Robots Done Right will be key in taking our program to the next level.” Robots Done Right helps its customers enhance their manufacturing processes through automation. With products ranging from single robotic arms, to arc welding packages, and complete turnkey cells, the Warren, Ohio-based company can help streamline many factory applications. In addition to backing Brown and Corradi’s Winter Series endeavors, the company will also receive branding on the AB Motorsports Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster when the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins in March. “We’ve always loved drag racing and have been wanting to become involved with a team for some time now,” said John McGill, who co-founded Robots Done Right with his son, Matt. “My family and I owned an Xfinity team for eight years, so being involved in motorsports in an official capacity is nothing new to us. We were introduced to Brian Corradi through a mutual friend, Mike DiDomenico, who also drives a Pro Mod. Matt and I have really enjoyed getting to know Brian, especially since we share that Ohio connection. Through Brian, we met Antron and his world-class AB Motorsports operation. We believe in everything Antron stands for – it’s clear why he’s a fan-favorite and has been so successful in this industry. It quickly became apparent that we wanted to formally align ourselves with Antron and Brian, and through this new partnership, we’re able to support grassroots racers while also gaining major exposure through Antron’s Top Fuel team. We’re looking forward to a great 2026 season with both teams.” This story was originally published on December 2, 2025. The post Brown, Corradi Partner With Robots Done Right For DI Winter Series, 2026 Top Fuel Campaign first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Sedans have become scarce, particularly from American automakers, and at Ford, they're completely extinct. In order to make the Bronco and Maverick happen, the Fusion and Focus had to be sacrificed and their manufacturing plants retooled, said Ford CEO Jim Farley, in an interview with Forrest's Auto Reviews that was recently posted to YouTube (although it was filmed at Monterey Car Week in August). In addition, he said that Ford lost money selling the Mondeo (Fusion) in America because of its European roots, and the only way for the Blue Oval to stay out of the red is to build cars in America. Thus, for a sedan to be offered to the American market, a whole new platform is required, and Farley has some ideas. And since profitability is key, those ideas involve an all-electric platform. Sedan Shape Makes Sense For Skunkworks EV Project Christopher Stevens/Ford When asked if he thinks sedans have a place in Ford's future, Farley said he believes there is still a "huge market" for sedans, before referencing Ford's skunkworks affordable EV project, saying that "the sedan silhouette turns out to be very clean aerodynamically." He then turned to the camera and asked the YouTuber's audience, "Should Ford do a rear-wheel-drive, high-performance, affordable sedan, with a really cool closure system in the back so you can carry a lot of stuff, as an all-electric [vehicle] with incredible performance? That's the way I'm thinking about a sedan." Related: Ford Still Makes a Sedan, But There's No Chance of It Coming to the US This is far from confirmation that such a vehicle is on its way, but automakers and their representatives need to see interest and study the market before greenlighting new projects, and Farley's question shows that Ford has put a considerable amount of thought into the idea. In addition, the above sketch was shown during the reveal of the S650 Mustang coupe, and Ford trademarked the term Mach 4 not long ago. Couple these facts with Farley's suggestion that a new electric sedan could have "a really cool closure system" - which sounds a lot like the tailgate of the B10 Audi A5 sedan, where the rear window opens with the trunk lid - and it seems that Farley is fueling rumors of a Mustang sedan coming to market someday in the not-too-distant future. Farley Dreams Of An Off-Road SupercarWhen asked what his personal "dream" Ford product would be, Farley again talked about an off-road supercar that would have a "partial electric" powertrain and could be described as a "Raptor R without the truck," summarizing it as a World Rally Championship car for four people. Basically, a four-seater version of the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato with Ford flavor. That sounds exciting. Another interesting (albeit unrelated) tidbit is that the Liquid Carbon version of the Mustang GTD is so difficult to produce that it takes "three or four cars worth" of carbon fiber to produce. Why? Because making the weave match throughout is tricky; when the carbon fiber goes into the oven, the strands can move ever so slightly, and that can make one body panel fail to line up with another. All of these comments from Mr. Farley show that Ford is an enthusiast-driven company, and as enthusiasts ourselves, we'd love to see an affordable performance sedan and an off-road supercar happen. Fingers crossed. View the full article

Richard Gadson’s dream has always been to race motorcycles. That dream was realized on a whole new level last year when he joined the storied Vance & Hines team for his rookie season in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. A solid rookie year paved the way for something even more special in 2025: a breakout season and, ultimately, a world championship in the Pro Stock Motorcycle ranks. Gadson’s journey has always been inspirational, but this year turned into a magical ride for the standout performer. In a year full of firsts – from his first victory to his first No. 1 qualifier to his first time in the points lead – Gadson experienced a number of surreal moments. But clutch performances in the Countdown to the Championship, including wins in Charlotte and Dallas, helped take the 2025 campaign to a place he may have realized wasn’t possible. He held off teammate Gaige Herrera, who was seeking his third straight world title, and claimed a championship of his own, an accomplishment that still hasn’t sunk in. “It was a big emotional roller coaster and the journey of it all,” Gadson said. “Last year was a really hard season to get through and this year, still trying to find that groove. Once we found it around Charlotte 1 and then Bristol, you kind of started to feel like you belonged, feeling like you can run at the top of the class. “There’s a lot of tough competitors. My teammate, Gage, you know, I want to take a minute to give him his flowers. You know, I got a lot of respect for him. Gaige has been a dominant figure and I didn’t know who would stop that. He pushes you and I’ve worked my butt off to get here. It’s a pretty crazy thought to be the world champion.” Gadson had several near-misses in his rookie year in 2024, but the turning point came in Bristol this season when he rolled to his first career victory in the category. The elation was evident and it helped take Gadson to an entirely new level. He won again in Sonoma, claiming his first No. 1 qualifier in the process, and took over the points lead in the Countdown to the Championship with his victory at the fall four-wide race in Charlotte. It’s a lead he never relinquished as he and Herrera dueled down the stretch. Gadson advanced to the semifinals in St. Louis and Dallas proved to be the difference. He qualified No. 1 and won the race, building enough of a lead to hold off Herrera, who won in Las Vegas. Gadson finished the season with four wins, six trips to the final round and two No. 1 qualifiers, as the rider and bike reached new levels this season. Gadson credited crew chief Eddie Krawiec for helping him become a better rider and that proved pivotal down the stretch in 2025. “We’re still trying to figure out how to be better. That never stops,” Gadson said. “Eddie and I had a similar mindset this year, and that was to prove a point. Gaige and Andrew have changed our class, and they’ve raised the bar. “Eddie and I both had to dig deep and figure out in what ways we can be better individually, and then how we mix that together and make us better on results. I think we really came a long way this year. I think the performance of the bike and my performance has improved all year, and just racing with that extra chip on your shoulder was that extra motivation we needed.” The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series kicks off its 75th anniversary season in 2026 on March 5-8 with the NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway. This story was originally published on December 2, 2025. The post Richard Gadson’s Long Journey Pays Off With NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle World Championship first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

For the past two seasons, In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip has been a location Pro Stock’s Dallas Glenn will never forget. The 2024 race saw Glenn come up a mere .002-seconds short to his KB Titan Racing teammate and six-time world champ Greg Anderson, but 2025 proved to be the culmination of his redemption story, clinching his first world championship in Pomona after yet another hard-fought battle with Anderson throughout the year. This time, Glenn and his RAD Torque Systems Camaro made certain the championship was headed home to him. He was dominant all season and especially when it counted, earning eight overall wins, with four coming in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs as he kept Anderson at bay and put the finishing touches on a magnificent season. “It’s definitely special, especially after getting so close last year,” said Glenn. “It feels good. I get to race all next season with the number one on my car. I get to take it from Greg and take it off his car and put it on mine. We get to swap numbers. “But looking back on last year to where we are now, I just try to get a little better every season, and I feel like I’ve definitely had the car to back me up this year when I wasn’t the best. I’m going to try to remember everything that I did this season and try to apply it next year to try to be a little bit better next year, and hopefully we can have another year like we did this year.” The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Pro Stock season was dominated by Glenn and Anderson. Collectively, the KB Titan duo won 14 of the 17 Pro Stock events on the season, as they also faced each other eight times in the final round, including the first five races of the year. That made it known immediately that it would be Glenn and Anderson running away with the championship, but Glenn was just a hair better when it counted down the stretch. Glenn kicked off the year with his first NHRA Gatornationals win, knocking off Anderson. It was Anderson who won between the two in Phoenix and again at the NHRA Winternationals. Glenn answered with back-to-back four-wide race wins in Las Vegas and Charlotte. Glenn and Anderson continued to trade wins throughout the year, with only three other drivers winning in 2025. Glenn secured the regular season Pro Stock championship at the famed Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals and carried his points lead into the playoffs, where he really came alive. Glenn made a quick statement with wins in Reading and Charlotte – sweeping all three four-wide races – before falling to Anderson in St. Louis. He rebounded with back-to-back wins in Dallas and Las Vegas. The Vegas race was a shining moment, as Glenn avenged last year’s first-round loss in impressive fashion, rolling to the victory en route to clinching the championship in Pomona. It highlighted spectacular performances across the country for Glenn, who broke the track record in Seattle, advanced to a staggering 13 final rounds en route to an impressive 50-9 record in eliminations in 2025. “Greg and I are both one and two in points, two years in a row,” Glenn said. “It’s definitely a big exclamation point for KB Titan Racing. We have a lot of new things happening next year, a lot of excitement for next year already. We’ll go back to the shop, we’ll be back at it working hard and looking forward to 2026.” Glenn and the rest of the stars of the NHRA will return to racing action next season at the NHRA Gatornationals as NHRA celebrates its 75th anniversary in a year-long celebration. This story was originally published on December 2, 2025. The post Redemption Means First NHRA Pro Stock World Championship For Dallas Glenn first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

After another dominant season in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Funny Car star Austin Prock claimed his second consecutive world championship at the conclusion of the 2025 season, somehow figuring out a way to stop 2024’s impressive championship season. Prock and his team won nine events throughout the season, including two events during the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, up from the eight he won last season. After a record-breaking year in 2024, one that included 15 No. 1 qualifiers, Prock and his team somehow found another level, winning more races in only his sophomore year in the class. In two years in the Funny Car class, Prock has powered to 17 victories and 22 No. 1 qualifiers, putting together an epic stretch that ranks highly in most impressive Funny Car runs. “What my family and this team have done in the last two years is something you can’t write up,” said Prock. The team is led by Prock’s father, Jimmy, a long-time nitro tuner in the NHRA ranks, along with his brother Thomas. “Last year, a lot of people told me it’s not going to come as easily next year. The season that you had in 2024 it’s not doable again. And we come in there and we struggled a little bit at the beginning of the season, and then ended up getting one more win throughout the NHRA schedule. I think that says a lot about this race team, says a lot about me as a driver and I’m looking forward to 2026 already.” Prock’s 2025 campaign started at the NHRA Gatornationals at famed Gainesville Raceway with a first-round loss. He suffered another first-round elimination in Pomona but swept the April four-wide races in Las Vegas and Charlotte. The biggest bit of adversity came in June when he suffered back-to-back first-round losses in Epping and Bristol. In true championship fashion, he shrugged those off and answered emphatically with back-to-back wins in Richmond and Norwalk. He collected more wins in Sonoma and Brainerd before heading to the prestigious Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Indy brought a massive payday for Prock when he secured the PlayNHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout win, NHRA regular season championship and the race win on Monday, giving him a weekend worth a whopping $330,000. Entering the Countdown to the Championship as the points leader, Prock quickly nabbed wins in Charlotte and Dallas before finishing runner-up to Matt Hagan in Las Vegas. Hagan made a worthy charge late in the season, but Prock’s incredible body of work was hard to ignore and proved to be the difference in the Countdown en route to a second world championship. Prock joined Ron Capps as the only Funny Car drivers since 2002 to win back-to-back world titles, entering elite territory with no signs of slowing down. “It’s awesome to win one world championship. It’s one thing to win one and it’s another thing to win two, but to win them back-to-back puts you in a select group,” Prock said. “I think there are only seven of us who have ever done it. To add my name to that list, I wish my entire team could be added to that list because I get all the praise and the glory from the media, from the fans and the TV aspect of it, but it’s not just me. “I couldn’t accomplish what we’ve done without the people behind me for the past two years. I’m really proud to drive their race car.” Prock and the rest of the stars of the NHRA will return to racing action next season at the NHRA Gatornationals on March 5-8 at legendary Gainesville Raceway as NHRA celebrates its 75th anniversary in a year-long celebration. This story was originally published on December 2, 2025. The post Another Dominant Run Keys Second Straight NHRA Funny Car World Title For Austin Prock first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

NHRA headliners Alexis DeJoria, Cruz Pedregon, Tony Stewart, and Ida Zetterström will help kick off the festivities at the recently revived ‘Rev n Roll’ fundraiser benefiting Riley Children’s Foundation on Dec. 10 from 6 – 9 p.m. The beloved event returns to Western Bowl (6441 W Washington St, Indianapolis) after a six-year hiatus and will once again serve as the unofficial kick off to the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show’s week of activities. The event offers race fans the opportunity to bowl and mingle alongside their favorite drivers while supporting an important community cause. With backing from the Brownsburg-based JCM Racing team, Indianapolis residents and longtime Riley supporters Mike Lewis and Hali Warnick are spearheading the event’s return. Lewis and Warnick aim to raise funds for the nationally ranked children’s hospital foundation through lane sales as well as a silent auction, which will go live on Dec. 1. DeJoria, Pedregon, Stewart, and Zetterström are the first to confirm their participation, with additional drivers expected to be announced. The drivers will throw out the ceremonial “first roll” alongside Riley Kids and their families to officially kick off the evening. “We’re all for supporting anything Riley-related,” said Pedregon, owner of Cruz Pedregon Racing. “So many in our community have personal connections to Riley, and with many NHRA teams based here in Indy, it’s a cause that’s near and dear to us drag racers. We host an Open House at our facility each year ahead of the U.S. Nationals to benefit Riley and always get a huge turnout of drivers, as well as incredible support from the teams. When I heard the Rev n Roll event was coming back, I felt it was important to get involved. I hope to see the place packed with race fans.” Adding to the excitement, thanks to ProThings, the first 200 event registrants will receive a complimentary commemorative bowling shirt designed by renowned motorsports livery artist Dave Marek. Lanes are available for $200 for a group of four, and individual bowlers may register at $50 per person. Registration is now open. All fees benefit Riley Children’s Foundation. Visit give.rileykids.org/revnrollforriley to reserve your lane. This story was originally published on December 2, 2025. The post Star-Studded Driver Lineup Confirmed For Rev n Roll Charity Bowling Event Benefiting Riley Children’s Foundation first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The second annual Laris Motorsports Insurance Mini Million presented by Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels returned to Gainesville Raceway for a multi-day schedule of big-money bracket racing, drawing competitors from across the country to race for major payouts. The event followed the traditional Florida five-day style format, featuring a major race each day along with specialty awards, raffles, and bonuses. Racing kicked off Wednesday with the VP Racing Fuels Warm Up $20K event. Jeff Gatlin was the last remaining No Box racer, laying down a .019 package over Steve Roehers in the final round. With the No Box win, Gatlin moved into the main event. The semifinal round included John Brown, Michael Carpenter, Spencer Massey, and a bye run. The Wednesday final paired Carpenter and Massey, but Carpenter went -.007 red on the tree, giving Massey of Dallas, Texas, the first win of the event. “We’re all out here to have fun and try to turn win lights on and I love it,” Massey said in a post-race interview. “The Million, the Folks, they put on spectacular events and that’s why I drove all the way from Texas to be here in Gainesville, Florida.” On Thursday, Gage Burch of Palmetto, Florida, secured the No Box win, earning a $1,000 bonus and moving into the main event. Burch continued his momentum, advancing to the Abruzzi Racing Transmissions and Converters $40K final round, where he defeated Anson Brown with a .013 light, ran dead on his dial, to secure the victory. Burch swept both the No Box and Box races on Thursday, earning valuable points in the Mark Williams points chase. “It was just an unreal day. It seemed like even when I messed up, the win light still came on so I’m just thankful to be here,” Burch said. On Friday, Burch continued his dominant weekend by claiming his second No Box win and more points before joining the main event. The semifinal round of the Competitive Suspension $40K race featured James Brown, Jayden Lawler, Will Holloman, and a bye run. North Carolina teammates Lawler and Holloman both advanced to the final round and agreed to split the purse rather than race each other, concluding the second $40K event. “We were down to our last gallon of gas, so we made a decision to just stop right now,” Holloman joked in a post-race interview. “It feels great, especially when we can both make a final. It’s definitely a good feeling,” Lawler added. On day four, John Duane picked up the No Box win and joined the main event. The Brodix Cylinder Heads $40K was eventually narrowed to four racers: Scotty Gibson, Jason Lynch, Brendan George, and a bye run. The final round featured Lynch and George, where George from Gainesville, Florida, put together a two-thousandths total package to secure the win and the $40K payout at his home track. George was .001 and dead on 1 his 6.13 dial against Lynch’s .011 and dead on 5.62. “I just wanted to take a minute to thank the Folk and Connolly family,” George said. “They run a great event. I wasn’t going to run many events this winter, but this was the one I wanted to pick, and they just always have a great event.” Sunday wrapped up five days of competition. Lucas Walker of Mayfield, Kentucky, claimed the VP Racing Fuels No Box title and a $1,000 bonus before entering the main event. The final four included Cory Gulitti, Kevin Brannon, Nick Folk, and a bye run. Folk and Brannon advanced to the final, where Folk laid down seven total with a .003 light dead on 4 on his 5.11 dial, to earn the final $40K check of the event. The win also secured Folk second place in the Mark Williams Enterprises points chase, behind Gage Burch, who won the points chase, earning himself a custom-painted EZ-GO golf cart, courtesy of Over Kill Motorsports. In addition to the tight racing and big payouts, the event featured numerous prizes, awards, and special recognitions. Larry Langley of Naples, Florida, won the Folk Race Cars dragster raffle. Multiple $100 Summit Racing Equipment gift cards were awarded for “Trip Zip” accomplishments, along with $500 Drag Race Solutions gift cards for “Ultimate Package,” $500 Stainless Works cards for “Best Losing Package,” and $500 Ultimate Drag Parts cards for “Buy Back Bad Luck.” Amy Farrow was honored with the Moser Engineering “Girls Just Wanna Race” award. Anthony Dagostino earned the “Perfect Light” award and a Tony Morris Carburetors Twin Blade Carburetor. Saturday night featured a Racer Appreciation Dinner with an open bar, and racers enjoyed complimentary coffee and doughnuts in the staging lanes each morning. Adam Bitzanis earned the Digital Delay “Longest Distance Award” after traveling from Montreal, Canada, while Austin Logan won a $50,000 Laris Motorsports Insurance policy giveaway. Once again, Folk Promotions delivered a highly successful Mini Million at Gainesville Raceway, continuing their racer-focused approach and strengthening their reputation as one of the premier big-money bracket racing promoters in the country. For more information on future events, visit www.themilliononline.com or follow their page on social media. This story was originally published on December 2, 2025. The post Folk Promotions Shines Again With Mini Million at Gainesville Raceway first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article