Ford's 7.3-liter "Godzilla" V8 arrived about five years ago as the company's largest modern pushrod engine, aimed at heavy-duty trucks and available as a performance crate motor. Built around a cast-iron block and a simple overhead-valve layout, it promised old-school durability with modern efficiency. Ford even offers the higher-output "Megazilla" for builders wanting more than the standard 430 horsepower.

Yet reports of spark plug and lifter failures have trailed the engine for early owners. While regarded as a relatively reliable engine by some, some comments from owner forums cited the problems above, including rough idling.

One engine, which came from a 2023 Ford E-350 box truck used by a rental fleet and showed fewer than 70,000 miles, had to die to showcase the problems happening inside.

The engine teardown came from our favorite engine CSI, YouTube's I Do Cars. Before the first wrench turned, there were clues of trouble: one cylinder head had no gasket, and the head bolts were barely tight, evidence of earlier unsanctioned repairs.

Turning the crank produced a gritty feel, and removing the heads revealed heavy corrosion and vertical scoring in several cylinders. One lifter had shed a needle bearing, chewing a deep groove into the camshaft.

Although the bearings elsewhere appeared serviceable and the crankshaft remained usable, debris from the damaged cam had scarred the piston skirts and cylinder walls. The block would need machining and oversized pistons to be rebuilt, despite the relatively low mileage.

The findings point to a pattern. Modern pushrod engines across several brands now rely on low-viscosity oil and lower idle speeds to meet efficiency standards. These conditions reduce lubrication when an engine idles for long periods. The result can be lifter and cam wear well before the rest of the hardware shows age. For Godzilla owners and builders, tighter maintenance is the best defense: frequent oil changes with the correct specification, avoiding extended idling, and promptly addressing any valvetrain noise.

For those eyeing the engine as a swap candidate or for a crate build, factoring in the possibility of an upgraded oil pump or a higher-pressure tune could help extend the life of the Ford Godzilla V8. As shown here, even a straightforward pushrod V8 can hide costly weaknesses when design priorities shift toward emissions and efficiency over proven durability.

Ford Pro

The  US’ Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)  raised the bar for 2025 and tied its Top Safety Pick awards to rear-seat safety. The updated 'moderate overlap front test' now puts a second dummy behind the driver and requires Acceptable for TSP and Good for TSP+ in that scenario. That one change trimmed the winners list and flipped a few fan favorites into new caution flags.

Buick Enclave (TSP+, built after Jan 2025), Nissan Armada (TSP+), Audi Q7 (TSP+) and Infiniti QX80 (TSP+) climbed the board. Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia grabbed Top Safety Pick (both with built-after-Jan 2025 qualifiers). Kia K4 reached TSP+ after a rear-belt change on cars built after Jan 2025. All appear on the 2025 IIHS awards roster.

Hyundai Palisade still rates Poor in the updated moderate-overlap test even after the 2025 rear-seat change (built after Aug 2024), with belt fit problems called out in the write-up. Ford F-150 (crew cab) also fails the updated test, with rear-seat injury measures = Poor and rear-seat kinematics = Poor. Both dropped off the awards list.

Figure 1 — IIHS Award Shift 2024→2025 (delta view). Navy bars = gains; burgundy = losses. Tiers: None=0, TSP=1, TSP+=2. Right column shows “2024 → 2025” change in status.

Figure 2 — Rear-seat injury metrics (updated moderate-overlap front). Lower is better. QX80, Q7, and Armada post the lowest chest indices with belts staying in position. Traverse, Enclave, Acadia, and K4 sit mid-pack with some lap-belt slide. Palisade and F-150 crew cab record high loads and Poor rear-seat kinematics (shoulder belt ride-up; lap belt onto abdomen). ID.4: no updated moderate-overlap rear-seat metric posted.

The tougher test splits the field fast. Big SUVs like QX80, Q7, and Armada score well in the back seat, while Palisade and F-150 crew cab show belt geometry issues: shoulder belt ride-up and lap belts shifting onto the abdomen. Those details come straight from the model pages for the updated test. Volkswagen ID.4 (2025) doesn’t have an IIHS updated moderate-overlap rear-seat metric yet, so it stays N/A in Figure 2 and off the 2025 awards list.

Start with Top Safety Pick+ models, then open each IIHS model page to confirm the rear-seat results and any build-date cutoffs—the 2025 winners page links to every vehicle. Also check AEB performance: a new NHTSA rule makes automatic emergency braking, including day/night pedestrian AEB, standard by September 2029, with thresholds to avoid contact with a lead vehicle up to 62 mph, automatic braking up to 90 mph, and pedestrian braking up to 45 mph. Choosing a model with strong AEB today sets you up well for the rule change and adds real everyday safety.

The big safety risers are Buick Enclave, Nissan Armada, Audi Q7, and Infiniti QX80. Solid additions include Traverse, Acadia, and K4 (check the build date). The painful drops are Palisade and the F-150 crew cab. ID.4 is pending.

Honda has launched its groundbreaking Resource Circularity Center near its Marysville and East Liberty Auto Plants in Ohio, marking a shift toward sustainable automotive manufacturing. This facility addresses the need for green consciousness at every step of the manufacturing process by transforming end-of-life vehicle parts, retired equipment, and office electronics into valuable resources. 

The center focuses on recycling indirect goods, including old tools, torque wrenches, industrial robots, office chairs, and aluminum wheels. This approach represents Honda's commitment to reducing environmental impact while maximizing efficiency across its production ecosystem.

Honda

The facility operates on Honda's circular value model philosophy. “The Honda Resource Circularity Center reimagines the current linear model of buying, producing and disposing into a circular value model that recaptures value and reduces waste at every turn", said Matt Daniel, American Honda Motor Co. procurement sustainability director.

Honda's recycling strategy extends beyond traditional automotive waste management. The company plans to explore opportunities such as donating non-technical goods to nonprofits or repurposing scrap leather from car seats into luggage tags. This demonstrates how recycled materials can be transformed into interior components and accessories. The recycling process focuses on recovering valuable materials from end-of-life vehicles and repurposing them into new automotive applications.

Honda

This initiative places Honda alongside other forward-thinking manufacturers embracing sustainable practices. Audi announced a similar end-of-life recycling program through a partnership with TSR Resource, turning steel scrap from vehicles into high-quality post-consumer secondary material. Audi is already implementing recycled materials in Q4 e-tron windshields and Q6 e-tron roof sections, proving that recycled automotive components can meet premium quality standards.

Honda's Resource Circularity Center represents more than environmental responsibility. It's a strategic transformation that reduces costs while supporting the need for improved sustainability from automotive manufacturers. 

The Mazda CX-5 began production as a 2013 model and is one of Mazda's most successful crossover SUVs. In fact, it's one of the automaker's best-selling vehicles - ever. As of July 2025, cumulative global sales of the Mazda CX-5 have exceeded 4.5 million units. In the United States alone, more than 1.6 million CX-5s have been sold since the model's debut in 2012. The timing of its success was huge for Mazda; at that time, the partnership with Ford had withered away. Ford's departure from the Mazda partnership (which lasted about 40 years) left the small automaker wounded. The CX-5 basically saved the brand.

Mazda

One of the reasons the CX-5 was such a hit for Mazda was based on its outstanding mix of driving performance, styling, and excellent packaging. It was the benchmark against which other crossovers in its class were measured. Even by today's metric, very few crossovers can match or beat the CX-5's excellent handling characteristics. Unfortunately for Mazda, there were plenty of parts of the CX-5 that needed improvement. Initially, that's what many thought the CX-50 would address as its replacement, but (so far) that has yet to happen.

To be honest, many journalists are surprised that not only did Mazda keep and update the CX-5, they did a lot more than add a few upgrades. This means that, for the time being, the Mazda CX-5 will soldier on - despite the existence of the (similarly sized and equipped) Mazda CX-50.

Mazda

Fully redesigned for 2026, the CX-5 is about 5 inches longer and a bit (.05") wider. Even the wheelbase stretched by 4.5 inches. That means the rear passenger room is improved, and the cargo hold is nearly two inches longer. This is huge, as the previous generation truly needed more rear passenger and cargo space. Seats, fabrics and panels all look premium, perhaps even a step up from the previous CX-5.

Mazda promises larger hatch and door openings, with a lot more space. They lowered the loading height of the rear cargo area as well. The exterior design, one of the significant controversies, is more aligned with the CX-70 and CX-90's shape, ditching its older Kodo design for the newest Kodo ("Soul of Motion") design ethic. However, something has happened with the front end. The headlight design looks rushed or like an afterthought. This is an unusual turn for a company like Mazda.

Kodo (心鼓動) actually means "heartbeat" in Japanese. To Mazda, it represents both the motion and the "soul" embedded in the vehicle by its creators. In the past, flowing lines and curvaceous accents presented by Mazda made their cars unique and special. The exterior of the new CX-5 may or may not have retained that design language. Time and consumer feedback will determine that.

Infotainment gets overhauled with an available 15.6-inch touchscreen, and there are seven ambient interior lighting color choices. A standard 12.9-inch screen will be available in lower trims. Mazda says the console-mounted knob used to control the Mazda Connect infotainment system has been eliminated. The Google-based infotainment software completely replaces it. Not only that, Mazda is getting rid of a majority of the control buttons on the dashboard for screen-based buttons.

For now, the powertrain seems to remain the same. The standard 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine carries over to the new 2026 CX-5 for launch. It's bolted to Mazda's ubiquitous six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). We don't know for sure if a front-wheel drive (FWD) model will be available. We do know that Mazda will be softening the suspension a tad, but will include an automatic dampener system to assist with performance.

Mazda says a hybrid will debut in the 2027 model CX-5. They also say the CX-5’s hybrid setup will be developed in-house by Mazda. No word if Mazda will continue the popular 2.5-liter turbo (which currently makes 256 hp) with this newest model. I suspect the hybrid will be fairly powerful, and it might mitigate the desire for turbocharged horsepower. Fuel mileage is another unknown.

Mazda

As I said, there's a lot more going on than just a beauty tweak here and there. There's little doubt that Mazda is aiming to silence critics of the previous-generation Mazda CX-5 with this 2026 model. It is larger, has more space, luxury and utility; but at what cost? We know for sure there will be a price increase, and there are some who feel the larger size and softer suspension might diminish its performance. It might weigh more, which could also impact performance. Still, there's more to the 2026 Mazda CX-5, and we can't wait to find out.

Related: 2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT vs 2025 Honda CR-V TrailSport: Off-Road Pretenders or Contenders?

Here's a mashup we weren't expecting. Italdesign-Giugiaro—the Italian styling house responsible for everything from the Lotus Esprit and Maserati Bora to the original Volkswagen Golf and Hyundai Pony—is planning a tribute to the Honda NSX (or Acura NSX to Americans) the Japanese supercar that kept the marquee European names honest back in the 1990s.

Italdesign

Italdesign announced the project with a Facebook post, but without much actual information. It showed an image of the Honda and NSX logos alongside its own with the caption "A tribute to an iconic car. More to come." The NSX logo is the one from the first-generation car, so we do at least know this is a full-on retro tribute.

In addition to setting styling trends with its own production and concept cars, Italdesign also knows how to rework existing designs. In 2018, the firm created the Nissan GT-R50 to celebrate the GT-R's 50th anniversary, which eventually went into limited production. And after Ford launched the retro-styled fifth-generation Mustang in 2005, Italdesign quickly came up with its own take in the form of the Giugiaro Mustang.

However, fans of the NSX might find Italdesign doing a modern tribute to the 1990s supercar odd. That's because the original NSX drew styling inspiration from the 1984 Honda HP-X concept, which was designed by rival Italian firm Pininfarina. HP-X stands for Honda Pininfarina eXperimental, and it set the template for the NSX with a wedge shape and mid-mounted V6 engine (actually based on an F2 racing engine).

Honda

A styling tribute is one thing, but will there be a third-generation NSX production car? Rumors have swirled since the second-generation NSX left showrooms in 2022. In 2024, Honda global executive vice president Shinji Aoyama said the automaker would launch an "NSX-type of vehicle" with an electric powertrain, which would be a logical progression from the gasoline first generation and hybrid second generation. Honda's planned shift toward more hybrids now makes another hybrid NSX more likely, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

New cars with manual transmissions are scarce, but the Porsche 911 still has a few stick shift options left in its sprawling lineup. In the current 992.2 generation, the 911 GT3 and the 911 Carrera T are both available with a six-speed manual, and in a recent interview with Evo, 911 line lead Michael Rösler said the automaker is considering other manual variants.

Rösler told the magazine that Porsche is "thinking about all the possibilities to get the customers a manual," specifically discusses special editions, something he believed Porsche has missed out on recently. The brand's ability to mix and match parts to make special editions like the Sport Classic has helped keep the 911's appeal high, after all.

Porsche

The sprawling 911 lineup, with new variants launched at a regular cadence between redesigns, keeps customers paying attention to the brand. And the fact that Porsche is comfortable offering so many 911 variants at once means there should be room for some stick-shift specials. But the recently-adopted hybrid system, which integrates an electric motor with the PDK dual-clutch transmission, has precluded the manual in certain variants.

The hybrid system launched on the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, which previously had a high manual take rate. Rösler said that "about 50%" of American Carrera GTS buyers opted for a clutch pedal before the hybrid switchover. A hybrid 911 Turbo is also coming for the 2026 model year, so another manual version of that may not happen.

However, there are still plenty of other options for a manual outside the more powerful GTS and Turbo lines. Porsche could repackage the mechanical components of the GT3 into something akin to the instant-classic 911 R. And Road & Track notes that what appear to be GT3 convertible prototypes have been spotted testing, hinting at a new 911 Speedster.

Porsche

The discontinuation of the 718 Cayman coupe and 718 Boxster convertible (to make way for electric replacements) means the 911 is now the last regular-production Porsche with a clutch pedal. As cool as it would be to own a manual Cayenne or Macan, automatic transmissions or more than capable of delivering a Porsche-worthy driving experience in those four-door models, and potential sales likely wouldn't justify the option. Porsche's continued electrification push also makes another gasoline sports car unlikely.

According to CARFAX data, fall accounts for the most crashes in 39 out of 50 U.S. states, outpacing even winter. Shorter days mean more driving in the dark, and the risk of wildlife collisions spikes as deer migration season begins. Add in slick roads covered in wet leaves, and suddenly the most picturesque season of the year becomes the most perilous for drivers.

These risks don’t fall equally across demographics. Younger drivers, particularly Gen Z drivers who continue to text and drive despite the risks, are disproportionately vulnerable in low-visibility and high-hazard conditions. Distraction plus seasonal hazards make for a dangerous mix.

While most states see fall as their danger season, there are exceptions. Connecticut, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, New Hampshire, and Vermont report winter as their deadliest season, largely due to extreme snow and ice. Some southern states, like Florida, rank spring higher due to heavy rainfall and tourism-driven traffic.

But in regions with tree-lined roads and rural highways, fall’s hazards dominate. Speed also plays a part: CARFAX data backs what researchers have long argued, that speed variance, not just speeding itself, drives crash risk. When cautious drivers crawl on leaf-covered back roads while others push to make up time, collision risk spikes.

Many drivers prepare diligently for winter, buying snow tires, carrying emergency kits, but ignore fall. Experts point out that braking distances more than double on wet leaves, and drivers are often caught off guard by sudden fog or early frost. Darkness adds to the challenge: National Safety Council data shows crash risk is nearly doubled at night, which now covers more of the daily commute.

The vehicle you drive also matters. Advanced driver-assistance systems can mitigate some of these risks, which is why buyers flock toward the safest cars of 2025, as ranked by IIHS. But even in a five-star safety-rated SUV, ignoring the season’s hazards remains a recipe for disaster.

Experts recommend treating fall like a transition season that demands new habits. That means checking tire tread and pressure regularly, using headlights at dusk even if it feels early, and keeping wipers and brake systems in peak condition. It also means defensive driving, leaving extra room on slick roads, watching for deer at dawn and dusk, and staying hyper-aware when traffic mixes cautious and aggressive drivers.

The bigger takeaway is that Americans tend to fear winter roads, but CARFAX’s data proves that autumn is the more consistent danger nationwide. The lesson for drivers is that, fall requires as much preparation, awareness, and respect as the coldest months of the year.

The Porsche 356C represents the peak of Stuttgart's sports car genesis, marking the final evolution before the 911. What makes the 'C' model special is its four-wheel disc brake system, a first for the 356 line that delivered dramatically improved stopping power and heat dissipation. It helped transform the 356C from a delicate vintage experience into a genuinely usable classic.

This particular 1964 Porsche 356C Coupe is currently available on Cars & Bids, presenting an opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a well-maintained example on a relatively modest budget. With under 50,000 miles showing and a Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche confirming its provenance, this restored classic represents the perfect blend of originality and attainability, with current bidding sitting at $22,000 and three days left of the auction.

Cars & Bids

This 356C showcases the careful attention that defines truly exceptional classics. Following a partial restoration, the vehicle presents in predominantly original condition while benefiting from professional refinishing. This car shows signs of age in its trim and exterior rubbers, a sign of a car that’s been well-taken care of. The matching-numbers example retains its factory-correct 1.6-liter flat-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Over $7,500 has recently been spent on the car to make it as mechanically perfect as possible. 

The coupe's service history reflects good ownership, with documentation supporting its quality. The selling dealer acquired the car in 2023, further adding only 500 miles to its odometer in the period. Speaking of, the speedometer cable was replaced in 2025, so the true mileage may be higher. The seller notes that the only aftermarket additions to this otherwise highly original car are headlight grilles and a new set of 15-inch steel wheels. The original wheels are included in the sale. 

Cars & Bids

When new in 1964, the 356C carried a base price of approximately $4,200, significant money at the time that reflected its premium positioning. In today’s market, quality examples command over $75,000-100,000, depending on originality and mileage. The 356 market has gained serious momentum in the last decade or so as enthusiasts recognized these cars' historical significance and driving excellence.

The 356C's appreciation trajectory appears far from over. As the final 356 generation, these cars benefit from both rarity and refinement, without the high price tags associated with early 356 A models. With the growing recognition of air-cooled classics' investment potential, well-documented, low-mileage examples like this Cars & Bids offering represent a great opportunity. For both driving enjoyment and portfolio diversification, that is.

Scroll through any EV lot and the silhouettes start to blur. Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal, Polestar 2 — they’re all sleek fastbacks with smooth faces, flush handles, and long wheelbases. That’s not imitation; that’s physics. Electric range lives and dies on drag coefficient, and the fastest way to hit 300 miles without a massive battery is to stretch the roofline, keep the nose clean, and tuck the tail.

Chart 1: The 8 Areas of EV Design Convergence — Shared design forces: Tesla, BYD, and Polestar converge on the same solutions for aero, packaging, and efficiency.

As Chart 1 shows, the big decisions are practically locked in. Skateboard battery packs fix the stance: long wheelbases, short overhangs, and raised hip-points because the pack under the floor naturally lifts the cabin. Safety regs on pedestrian impact push hood and bumper heights into the same narrow window. Underneath, sealed floors and diffusers smooth airflow. On the surface, every brand is chasing range with pop-out handles, aero wheels, and full-width LED lightbars.

This isn’t design mimicry. It’s the shared outcome of aerodynamics, battery packaging, and global regulations. Put simply, if you want an EV that goes far, the car almost has to look this way.

But walk a little closer and those “same” cars stop looking alike. Designers still have levers to pull, and they matter because they shape the way you experience the car every day.

Chart 2: The 5 Levers for EV Design Differentiation — Brand identity: where Tesla, BYD, and Polestar still stand apart in look, feel, and philosophy.

As Chart 2 makes clear, this is where the brands speak their own language. Tesla goes monastic: ultra-minimal sheetmetal, a featureless front, and a single central screen running the show. BYD dials up the drama: more muscular surfaces, animated lights, playful colors, and that rotating screen trick buyers love in China. Polestar leans into Scandinavian restraint: crisp shoulders, squared graphics, “Thor’s hammer” lighting, and cabins with warmer fabrics and a balanced mix of buttons and screens.

None of these choices add or subtract many miles of range, but they shape how the car feels to live with. Tesla’s cabin can feel futuristic or sterile, depending on your taste. BYD feels expressive, almost extroverted. Polestar feels architectural, with a dash of Volvo’s calm durability. That’s brand character, and it’s the stuff you buy with your heart as much as your head.

EV design convergence is real. Physics, safety, and cost push brands into the same silhouette. But brand differentiation is real, too. The surfacing, lighting, interior philosophy, and material choices create distinct personalities that still matter when you’re choosing between them.

So yes, Tesla, BYD, and Polestar all look similar from a hundred feet away. But up close, they’re telling very different stories. The charts show both truths at once: sameness in structure, difference in character. And that’s what keeps the EV market interesting.

Hyundai Motor has announced a major recall affecting 568,850 Palisade SUVs manufactured between 2020 and 2025 due to defective seat belt buckles that may fail to latch securely. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified the safety defect, which affects seat belts in the driver, passenger, and second-row window seats.

Kristen Brown

The faulty buckles pose a serious safety hazard during accidents or crashes, as seat belts may not properly secure occupants even when they appear fastened. This defect compromises the primary safety restraint system designed to protect passengers in collisions.

Immediate Action Required: Until repairs are completed, Palisade owners should firmly insert seat belts into buckles and pull the belt to verify secure latching before driving.

Hyundai will provide free inspections and replace defective seat belt buckle assemblies at no cost to owners. Notification letters will be mailed to affected owners beginning November 10, 2025.

• Visit your local Hyundai dealership
• Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website
• Contact Hyundai Customer Service directly

Why Hyundai is Recalling Over 500K Cars2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited

Hyundai

In addition to the Palisade recall, Hyundai is recalling 31,042 Ioniq 6 electric sedans manufactured from 2023 to 2025 due to charging port door defects. Faulty retaining hooks can cause charging port doors to detach while driving, creating road hazards and accident risks.

Dealers will apply adhesive to secure the charging port door assemblies at no charge. Owner notifications for this recall also begin November 10, 2025.

These recalls add to Hyundai's recent string of safety-related vehicle defects, highlighting ongoing quality control challenges for the Korean automaker. The combined recalls affect nearly 600,000 vehicles in the United States, underscoring the scope of these safety concerns.