No, Ford's 'Fox Platform' Wasn't Named After The Audi Fox, Stop It
Ford’s Fox platform and Audi’s Fox‑named 80 both emerged in 1973, but the shared name is almost certainly coincidental. Ford first used the "Fox" moniker in a February budget pitch, while Audi’s compact 80 entered the U.S. market as the Audi Fox in May. Both vehicles were launched as automakers scrambled to address the oil crisis and streamline product lines. The Fox platform later powered the iconic Mustang, and the Audi 80 earned Car of the Year honors, cementing each brand’s turnaround.
A Bone-Stock Mk4 Toyota Supra Kinda Sucks To Drive, Actually
The fourth‑generation Toyota Supra, celebrated for its twin‑turbo 2JZ engine, disappoints in stock form, delivering a soft, sluggish driving experience. Intended as a four‑seat grand touring cruiser rather than a track weapon, its 320 hp output and 5.4‑second 0‑60 time are...
What Made Ford's Toploader Transmission So Durable?
Ford introduced the four‑speed Toploader transmission in 1964, featuring a rugged cast‑iron case accessed only from the top. The top‑loading architecture allowed shift rails to be supported by the case sides, eliminating side‑load stress and boosting durability. It powered iconic...
What Is A Tri-Five Chevy And Which Models Fit The Bill?
The "Tri‑Five" label refers to Chevrolet’s 1955‑1957 model years, encompassing the 150, 210 and Bel Air trims plus niche sub‑models like the Nomad, Handyman and Delray. Over 4.5 million units were built, with the rare Nomad wagon limited to 22,375 examples, making...
The AMC Eagle Turbo-Diesel Was The Performance Version, And One Still Exists
The 1980 AMC Eagle Turbo‑Diesel was a niche, performance‑oriented version of the Eagle, equipped with a 3.6‑liter VM Motori turbo‑diesel delivering 150 hp and 219 lb‑ft of torque. Only seven were built, and a single example now resides at the Rambler Ranch in...
The Saga Of This Cheap Bentley Flying Spur Shows Off Just How Tough Volkswagen's W12 Can Be
YouTuber Sreten bought a 2004 Bentley Flying Spur for $12,500, a fraction of its $275,000 original price, despite 160,000 miles and severe wear. The car’s VW‑engineered W12 survived chronic overheating, a missing thermostat, and a clogged radiator, but required new...
The Pros & Cons Of Harley-Davidson's Milwaukee-Eight Engine
Harley‑Davidson replaced its long‑running Twin Cam V‑twin with the Milwaukee‑Eight in 2017 to meet stricter emissions and rider demand for more power. The new engine uses a single‑cam, four‑valve layout, counter‑balancer and advanced cooling, delivering 11 % more torque and smoother...
The Splinter Is An Honest-To-Goodness Drivable Sports Car Made Of Wood
Joe Harmon’s Splinter is a one‑off sports car built largely from composite wood, featuring a mid‑engine Chevrolet V8 and a six‑speed manual. Weighing about 2,600 lb, it produces roughly 690 hp while its chassis, interior, control arms and even wheels are wooden....
Neglecting Your Spark Plugs Does More Damage Than You Think
Neglecting spark plug replacement leads to persistent engine misfires, which can quickly degrade ignition coils, catalytic converters, pistons, and valves. The article explains how worn electrodes increase spark gaps, forcing coils to generate higher voltage and heat, while unburned fuel...
Need Raw Performance? These 9 Cars Have The Most Horsepower You Can Buy In 2026
The 2026 roundup spotlights nine production cars under $150,000 that deliver the highest factory horsepower, ranging from the 1,020‑hp Tesla Model S Plaid to the 590‑hp Porsche‑inspired Taycan 4S Black Edition. The list blends pure‑electric, hybrid, and conventional V8 powertrains, proving...
How Long, In General, Does An Oil Filter Last?
Oil filters are a consumable component typically swapped with every oil change, but their service life varies by construction. Synthetic filters use engineered media and can reliably last 10,000 miles or more, while standard cellulose filters degrade faster and are...
You'd Better Be Passing People If You're In These States' Left Lanes
Across the United States, most states enforce a “keep right except to pass” rule that reserves the left‑most lane for overtaking, merging, or exiting. States such as Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts and New Jersey apply stricter statutes, while California’s version hinges...
What Is A Limited-Slip Differential And How Does It Work?
A limited‑slip differential (LSD) directs torque toward the wheel with the most grip, preventing the loss of traction that plagues open differentials in low‑traction scenarios. The article outlines how LSDs balance torque while still allowing wheels to rotate at different...
Drivers Want F1 Race Starts To Be Safer, Ferrari Says No
A near‑miss start crash at the Australian Grand Prix sparked a warning from the Grand Prix Drivers Association that another large incident is likely if start‑line procedures remain unchanged. The warning coincides with new 2026 regulations that extend the start...
15 Useful Car Gadgets You Can Buy From Amazon In 2026
Amazon’s 2026 car gadget roundup highlights affordable accessories that fill gaps left by factory‑installed tech. Items range from a $190 Jackery portable power station and a $55 AstroAI cordless tire inflator to premium solutions like a $500 SeaSucker suction‑cup roof...
Tesla's 'Fleet' Of Unsupervised Robotaxis In Texas Appears To Have Been Cut From 8 Cars To Only 4
Tesla’s unsupervised robotaxi fleet in Austin has shrunk from eight vehicles to roughly four, according to the Robotaxi Tracker. The reduction follows a series of safety incidents, including repeated failures to stop at active railroad crossings and a crash rate...
This Is Not A Drill: Alpine Is Crash-Testing The Next-Generation A110 For The U.S. Market
Alpine’s iconic A110 is currently undergoing U.S. crash‑test certification, signaling a possible market entry. CEO Philippe Krief has not confirmed whether the launch will feature the electric second‑generation model, a traditional gasoline version, or both. The original plan to introduce large...
Mercedes Wants To Buy 24% Of Alpine's F1 Team, But Alpine Confident That It Will Change Nothing
Mercedes is negotiating to acquire a 24% stake in the Alpine F1 team, currently owned by venture‑capital firm Otro Capital, which includes celebrity investors such as Ryan Reynolds and Rory McIlroy. Alpine’s de‑facto boss Flavio Briatore assures that Mercedes will...
The Pros And Cons Of Switching To E85 Flex Fuel
E85 flex‑fuel blends up to 85% ethanol and can be used in certified flex‑fuel vehicles or retrofitted cars. It typically sells cheaper than regular gasoline, offers higher octane for increased power, and is domestically produced, reducing reliance on imported oil....
Teen Discovers 1.5 Million Unidentified Space Objects Based On NASA Data
Matteo Paz, a high‑school student at Caltech’s Planet Finder Academy, built an AI system to scan NASA’s NEOWISE infrared archive. The algorithm, dubbed VARnet, processed over 200 billion detections and uncovered roughly 1.5 million previously unidentified celestial objects, ranging from binary stars...
Tesla Cybertruck With Autopilot Engaged Tries To Drive Off An Overpass In Freaky Video
A Houston driver sued Tesla after her Cybertruck, operating with Autopilot engaged, missed a curve on an overpass and collided with a concrete barrier, sustaining severe neck, back and shoulder injuries. The lawsuit seeks more than $1 million, accusing Tesla of...
The Rearview Mirror Wasn't Just Invented For Safety
The rear‑view mirror debuted in 1911 when Ray Harroun installed a glass pane on his Marmon Wasp to eliminate a riding mechanic and shave weight, winning the first Indianapolis 500. Although conceived for speed, the device proved useful for situational awareness, prompting...
Give The Lexus CT200h The Respect It Deserves
The Lexus CT200h, a hybrid luxury hatchback, struggled in the U.S. market due to its premium price, modest performance, and hatchback body style, which conflicted with American luxury preferences. Despite these challenges, the model delivers 42 mpg combined fuel economy, a...
2027 Mercedes-Benz VLE Finally Brings The Luxury Van To America With 31-Inch Rear Screen, Remote-Control Seats
Mercedes‑Benz is finally bringing its all‑electric VLE luxury van to the United States, replacing the older V‑Class with a scalable 800‑volt architecture. The VLE offers a 31.3‑inch 8K rear screen, remote‑controlled massage seats, and modular Roll & Go seating that can accommodate...
ICE Is 'Hiding' Millions Of Dollars In New Trucks And SUVs As Agents Refuse To Drive Them
In late 2025, ICE deputy director Madison Sheahan ordered roughly 2,500 pickup trucks and SUVs emblazoned with the agency’s “Defend The Homeland” slogan, costing millions of taxpayer dollars. The vehicles, many bearing the presidential seal, have largely sat idle as...
Back From The Supposed Dead: Electric Porsche Cayman And Boxster Are Apparently Still Coming
Porsche’s electric 718 Cayman and Boxster remain in development, contrary to earlier reports that they had been cancelled. Porsche Australia CEO Daniel Schmollinger said he has driven a prototype on a track and described it as “amazing,” confirming the program...
2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack R/T 4-Door Aims For Broad Appeal, And Kind Of Succeeds
Dodge’s 2026 Charger Sixpack R/T 4‑door re‑enters the market as the brand’s most affordable performance sedan, powered by a 420‑hp Hurricane 3.0‑liter twin‑turbo inline‑six. It delivers 0‑60 mph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 127 mph, while offering...
What Rules Would You Introduce To Fix Flying?
The article invites readers to imagine themselves as FAA leaders and propose new rules to alleviate the chronic frustrations of air travel, from airport chaos to onboard etiquette. It highlights the current pain points—long security lines, confusing boarding processes, and...
Ford Patented A Smart Car Door That 'Brakes' Before It Hits Anything
Ford has filed a patent for a smart car‑door system that can brake the door before it contacts an obstacle. The concept combines accelerometers, proximity sensors and a compact mechanical brake made of levers, springs and pads to halt door...
Using Wipers Without Headlights In Bad Weather Is Illegal In These US States
A recent investigation reveals that 23 U.S. states require drivers to keep headlights on whenever windshield wipers are in use during rain, sleet or snow. The article lists those states and notes that many other states have broader visibility rules,...
Lawsuit Seeks To Strike Down Florida License Plate Frame Ban After Man's Arrest For Having One On Rental Car
Florida’s new license‑plate statute, effective October 2025, criminalizes any alteration that impairs legibility, upgrading violations to a second‑degree misdemeanor. The law led to the arrest of Demarquize Dawson after a rental‑car frame partially covered the state’s "S" on his plate. Ticket Toro...
Scared Of Rising Gas Prices? This EV Lease Deal Is The Cheapest In The Country
Hyundai is offering a 24‑month lease on the Ioniq 6 at $189 per month, with a $3,999 due at signing, bringing the effective monthly cost to about $355 after taxes. The lease includes a generous 12,000‑mile annual allowance and an optional...
Do Harley-Davidsons Need Back Pressure?
The article debunks the long‑standing belief that Harley‑Davidson engines need back pressure for power. It explains that back pressure actually creates pumping losses, reducing both output and fuel efficiency. Baffles in aftermarket exhausts appear to help because they curb exhaust...
Why Does The US Navy Sink Its Unwanted Ships On Purpose?
The U.S. Navy routinely conducts SINKEX exercises, deliberately sinking decommissioned vessels to provide realistic live‑fire training, showcase weapon capabilities, and create artificial reefs. While sinking can be cheaper than traditional scrapping—costs ranging from $200 k to $5 million—environmental cleanup, especially PCB removal,...
These Are The 2026 Pickup Trucks That Can Tow The Most
Pickup trucks in 2026 are delivering record‑breaking towing capacities across midsize, full‑size and heavy‑duty segments. The top models now tow between 13,500 lb and a staggering 40,000 lb, with diesel powertrains leading the heavy‑duty class and hybrids providing competitive efficiency. Manufacturers such...
What Are The Practical Limits Of Turbo Boost Pressure?
Turbo boost pressure increases engine power by compressing intake air, but practical limits are set by the strength of internal components. Stock vehicles typically run 6–8 psi, while purpose‑built race engines can handle 30–55 psi, and specialized diesel builds exceed 180 psi. Exceeding...
What Causes An Engine To Seize And Can It Be Fixed?
A seized engine typically results from inadequate lubrication, overheating, rust, or foreign debris that immobilizes moving parts. Oil level drops or degraded oil accelerate friction, while cooling system failures and prolonged storage promote rust buildup. Repairability hinges on damage severity:...
When Should You Choose Regular Vs. Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel
The article explains the distinction between regular high‑sulfur diesel (HSD) and ultra‑low sulfur diesel (ULSD), highlighting ULSD's 15 ppm sulfur limit versus HSD’s up to 5,000 ppm. It notes that EPA regulations since 2006 mandate ULSD for on‑road vehicles, especially those built...
Can A Used Saab Be Reliable? Yes, But It Will Take Some Work
Saab’s brand is defunct, but used models remain popular among enthusiasts. Reliability depends largely on maintenance records and parts availability, with the second‑generation (1998‑2003) and third‑generation 9‑3s considered the most dependable. Many Saab vehicles share GM platforms, making components for...
When Does Following A Car Become Tailgating?
Tailgating—following a vehicle too closely—accounts for roughly 29% of U.S. crashes, prompting most states to treat it as a moving violation. Florida criminalizes unreasonable following distances, while Washington imposes steep fines, especially when vulnerable road users are involved. The four‑second...
Here's How Much A 2021 Genesis G70 Has Depreciated In 5 Years
The 2021 Genesis G70, launched at a base price of about $37,000, has depreciated roughly 44‑45% after five years, leaving a typical residual value of $20,000‑$22,000 for the four‑cylinder model and $24,000‑$28,000 for the V6 version. This depreciation rate is...
This Honda CR-V Shower Attachment Might Be The Weirdest Vehicle Option Ever
The first‑generation Honda CR‑V, launched in the U.S. in 1997, stood out among compact SUVs with an optional electric shower that could be powered from a 12‑volt trunk outlet. The vehicle also featured roof racks, a foldable table, and a...
Now's Your Chance To Buy A Turbine-Powered Mustang Drag Racer Named 'Krispy Kritter'
A 1967 Ford Mustang shell has been transformed into a turbine‑powered drag racer called “Krispy Kritter.” Builder Ted Trischle installed a Westinghouse J34 jet engine—originally used in a U.S. Navy F2H Banshee—into the chassis, adding custom rearwork, brake drums and drag chutes....
5 Popular Car Brands That Build Cars In Canada
The piece surveys Canada’s five biggest auto manufacturers—Ford, General Motors, Honda, Stellantis and Toyota—and the models they currently assemble on Canadian soil. Ford redirected its Oakville plant to Super Duty trucks, committing $3 billion, while GM’s Oshawa facility now only builds...
Some Call It The Worst-Looking Chevy Corvette Ever Made, Others Just See An Old C4
The 1995 Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 pace‑car replica is a rare C4‑based special edition, painted in a bold purple‑white scheme that divides enthusiasts. Only 527 units were built, each featuring official Indy 500 decals and the same 5.7‑liter LT1 V8 as...
The World's First 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Was Plagued With Problems
The ZF 9HP nine‑speed automatic, launched in early 2013, promised unprecedented fuel‑efficiency and smooth performance by packing nine gears into a compact housing. Within months, owners reported delayed shifts, harsh gear changes, and mechanical failures such as faulty wiring harnesses...
12 Popular Cars That Weren't Meant To Be Full Models, At First
The article examines twelve cars that began as trim levels or sub‑models before graduating to full‑blown model lines, including the Toyota Supra, Pontiac GTO, and Subaru Outback. It traces each vehicle’s origins, highlighting how marketing decisions, pop‑culture influence, and motorsport...
'Not Dead': Subaru Exec Says There's Lots Going On Behind The Scenes At The Performance Brand
Subaru’s performance division, STI, is confirmed alive as Australian GM Scott Lawrence told Drive the brand isn’t dead and hinted at a new model in development. Recent concept unveilings, including the electric Performance‑E and the more production‑ready Performance‑B, have sparked...
You Desperately Need This Salvaged Lotus Elise That's Been Rebodied With Forward-Sliding Attack Doors
Rezvani Motors is auctioning one of only three Beast Alpha prototypes built on a salvaged Lotus Elise chassis, featuring its signature forward‑sliding SideWinder doors. The car packs a Honda‑sourced 2.4‑liter turbo delivering roughly 500 hp through a five‑speed manual, while the...
If You're Going To Smash License Plate Scanners, Maybe Cover Your Own Plate First
Waterford Township, Michigan, has deployed Flock license‑plate readers that many residents consider illegal and invasive. A 24‑year‑old from nearby Clarkston was charged with felonies after he destroyed three of these scanners in a single night. The cameras captured his vehicle...