Legendary cinema figure Robert Redford, renowned actor, director, and activist, has passed away at the age of 89. To pay tribute to him, we revisit a funny and iconic anecdote about the camaraderie and endless prank war he maintained with his lifelong friend, Paul Newman, involving a Porsche that became completely unusable.

The Origin of the Automotive Rivalry

Paul Newman was passionate about serious car racing, an obsession born after a training session at the Bondurant driving school. He talked about it constantly, to the point of annoying his friend Robert Redford, with whom he spent a lot of time, both on set and off.

The First Attack: A Poisoned Birthday Gift

For Newman’s 50th birthday, Redford decided to take action. He acquired the wreck of a crashed Porsche and had it delivered in front of his accomplice’s house, with a large gift bow placed on it. Precise details about the exact model of the vehicle have unfortunately been lost to memory, although some sources mention a car “found in Connecticut.”

Paul Newman’s Masterful Revenge

The most remarkable part of this story is that Newman never said a word. He preferred to respond with actions. Shortly after, Redford recounted receiving a rather surprising delivery at his rented house: a crate of melted metal, so heavy that it broke through the living room floor. The revenge was as silent as it was stinging.

The Transformation into a Sculpture

Not at all intimidated, Redford took up the challenge. He had this block of metal transformed into an especially ugly sculpture and discreetly placed it in Newman’s garden. The beauty of this story lies in its conclusion: neither of the two men ever mentioned this exchange of favors, making this destroyed Porsche the perfect symbol of their playful and unbreakable friendship.

The Cinematic Legacy of Robert Redford

Beyond the anecdote, Robert Redford leaves behind an immense filmography. To (re)discover his work, classics like “Jeremiah Johnson” are essential viewing, perfect for a movie night. His artistic legacy is simply monumental.

A V8 engine in a small pickup, we know the recipe. What’s much more exciting is this Chevy Colorado swapped with a supercharged Atlas I6 engine. Instead of opting for a classic LS, Sky Perry from the YouTube channel Reignited – Cycle and Automotive, chose to install a GM inline 6-cylinder, nicknamed the “GM 2JZ,” equipped with a large turbo. After months of work, the project resulted in a functional and formidably effective race truck.

An Ambitious Project on a Tight Budget

It all started with the purchase of a Colorado for $1,200 with a blown engine. Perry, known for his Hemi swaps, this time found an Atlas 4.2L I6 engine from a Chevy Trailblazer for just $300. This “budget” project ultimately cost him about $7,800, including the pickup.

250 Hours of Work and Customization

This controlled budget is the result of hard, self-reliant work, estimated at 250 hours. Perry machined the intake manifold for the VS Racing turbo himself, handled the engine programming with a MaxxECU, installed an 8.8-inch rear axle, and lowered the suspension by 3 inches. Remarkably, the original AR5 manual transmission was retained, requiring a custom flywheel. All this is paired with a $100 clutch.

Proof on the Dyno: 426 Horsepower

The result is spectacular. On the dynamometer, the Colorado produces an impressive 426 horsepower at the wheels and 413 lb-ft of torque. The most incredible part? These figures are achieved with only 0.7 bar of boost. A machine as powerful as it is loud, as confirmed by its builder.

A Community Around the Atlas I6 Swap

Sky Perry is not alone in this adventure. He was supported by Calvin Nelson (Nivlac57 on YouTube), a specialist in this engine. Nelson is famous for installing a 1,000-horsepower Atlas in a 5th-generation Camaro and pushing a Trailblazer to under 10 seconds in the quarter mile. A passionate community is forming around these Atlas I6 swaps, a trend that is as technical as it is exciting.

Nissan’s Global Design Director, Alfonso Albaisa, confirmed to Automotive News the upcoming closure of the design studios in San Diego, California, and São Paulo, Brazil. Presented as a streamlining effort, this decision appears more like a strategic retreat for the automaker.

A Challenging Financial Context

These closures are part of a broader restructuring plan. Nissan, facing financial difficulties, had already announced plant closures and the elimination of 20,000 jobs. Design teams are directly affected by these budget cuts.

The Rise of the Chinese Studio

According to Automotive News, Nissan’s design office in Shanghai has stood out with significantly higher productivity compared to other sites. Alfonso Albaisa indicates that the Chinese teams produce designs with a 30 to 40 percent reduction in development time.

A New Global Organization

By March 2026, Nissan’s design activities will be refocused on its main sites: the Global Design Center and Creative Box Studio in Japan, Studio Six in Los Angeles, Nissan Design Europe in London, and, of course, Nissan Design China in Shanghai.

The Goal: An Accelerated Development Cycle

This restructuring aligns with CEO Ivan Espinosa’s plan, which aims to reduce the vehicle development cycle from 52 to 37 months, and the next generation’s from 48 to 30 months. The upcoming Infiniti Q50, announced with a twin-turbo engine and a manual transmission, is expected to be the first vehicle designed on this new compressed timeline.

Attractive Products Despite Turbulence

Despite these internal challenges, Nissan continues to launch compelling products. The New Z is stunning, the new Leaf represents a huge improvement, the Frontier remains a highly regarded mid-size pickup, and even the modest Kicks charms with its design. It remains to be seen whether this momentum can be maintained with a reduced workforce.

Cops Kill Dodge Durango Hellcat to Taunt Street Takeover Guys. We’ve all heard road safety slogans. But in response to the surge in street takeovers, the Louisville police decided to take action with a shocking message: the public destruction of a Dodge Durango Hellcat.

A High-Impact, Publicized Operation

Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul L. Humphrey and Mayor Craig Greenberg organized this publicity operation on Wednesday afternoon. They went live on Facebook and invited local media to a press conference to announce the Louisville government’s firm stance on the issue of street racing.

“This is a message for those who want to engage in this dangerous behavior,” said Police Chief Humphrey. “We will not tolerate it in the streets of Louisville.”

The Tragic Fate of a Durango Hellcat

Chief Humphrey admitted he “would have liked to add this car to the fleet if it had been legal.” Unfortunately, it was equipped with stolen parts from several different vehicles. The owner was not prosecuted, as he was reportedly unaware of the vehicle’s dubious origins. This specific Durango Hellcat had been seized at last year’s Street Rod Nationals event and had been in police possession since.

An Intensifying Crackdown

Of the 167 vehicles seized by police for street racing and takeovers since 2023, four have been auctioned off. The proceeds from these sales went directly back to the police department. None have been integrated into the official fleet yet, but this possibility seems to be under consideration for the future.

A Human Tragedy Behind the Crackdown

“When we hear about illegal street races or takeovers in our city, the police intervene and put a stop to them,” exclaimed Mayor Greenberg. He then paid tribute to Myrtle Wacker, a 77-year-old Louisville resident killed by a street racer in October 2024. In that accident, a Ford Mustang traveling at 120 mph struck Mrs. Wacker and her 74-year-old husband, who was seriously injured.

Mayor Greenberg then operated the excavator to seal the fate of the 710-horsepower SUV.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) unveiled the first results of the 2025 safety tests for seven electric vehicles on Wednesday. The findings are mixed, and no model has yet earned the Top Safety Pick distinction.

Mixed results for electric pickups

Among the vehicles being evaluated are the BMW i4, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, Nissan Ariya, Tesla Cybertruck, Tesla Model 3, and Volkswagen ID Buzz. While the Cybertruck and F-150 Lightning share similarities, their safety performances differ.

Ford F-150 Lightning struggles

The F-150 Lightning’s weakness emerged during the new moderate overlap test, designed to assess resistance to “oblique” frontal collisions. Despite good results for the front passengers, the electric pickup only received a “marginal” rating due to issues in the rear.

“Measurements from the rear dummy showed a high risk of chest injuries, as well as head or neck injuries,” the IIHS statement notes. “Additionally, the rear dummy’s lap belt slipped from the ideal position on the pelvis toward the abdomen, increasing the risk of internal injuries.”

Tesla Cybertruck and the headlight puzzle

Conversely, the Tesla Cybertruck performed well in the moderate overlap test, earning a “good” rating. However, this evaluation only applies to vehicles built from April 2025 onward, as Tesla made a specific modification to improve crash test performance.

Despite this performance, the Cybertruck cannot qualify for the Top Safety Pick. Its headlights are the main reason. The pickup received the lowest rating (“poor”) for lighting, similar to the BMW i4. The IIHS cited excessive glare from the low beams as the primary reason for this downgrade.

Strict criteria for Top Safety Pick

To earn the Top Safety Pick distinction, a vehicle must achieve “good” ratings in the small overlap and side crash tests, “acceptable” or “good” ratings for its headlights (available on all trims), and an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the pedestrian avoidance test.

At this stage, only the Nissan Ariya and Chevrolet Blazer EV have completed their full testing cycles. Neither meets the criteria for an award. Testing continues for the other models.

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V cordless brushless impact wrench is a top choice for any mechanic. It combines sufficient power to loosen the most stubborn bolts with a compact design, allowing it to fit into engine compartments and around suspension components. An exceptional offer at The Home Depot currently features this kit, including the tool, two batteries, and a charger, for less than $300, a significant discount from its original price.

An unbeatable offer for automotive enthusiasts

$299: Milwaukee Mid-Torque 1/2″ Impact Wrench Kit with two batteries (-47%)

Complete your equipment

To protect and transport your new tool safely, The Home Depot also offers a dedicated carrying case and a rubber boot specifically designed for this impact wrench model.

“This thing will never lap the Nürburgring in under seven minutes,” murmured a journalist at the unveiling of the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD in Detroit. They were wrong.

This Mustang GTD, born from the desire of CEO Jim Farley and Bill Ford to create a road-going version of the GT3 race car, is a legal track weapon. Equipped with active aerodynamics, a revolutionary suspension, and a supercharged engine, it is ready to win.

A Mustang on Steroids

At 81.7 inches wide, the GTD is six inches wider than a standard Mustang. It features a massive rear wing with a DRS system, raised wings, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires—325/30 at the front and 345/30 at the rear—among the widest in production.

A Special V8 and Brutal Performance

Under the hood lies a supercharged 5.2L V8 producing 815 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed Tremec dual-clutch transmission. The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) is estimated at 2.8 seconds, with a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

Born for the Track

Behind the wheel, the GTD behaves like no other Mustang. The steering is sharp and immediate, braking is handled by massive Brembo carbon-ceramic discs, and the chassis inspires absolute confidence, even at high speeds.

Street Legal, but at What Cost?

On the road, the GTD is extremely loud and impractical. Fuel consumption is rated at 9.4 mpg (approx. 25 L/100km). Its base price is $325,000, but the fully-equipped version with the Performance pack costs significantly more, placing it in direct competition with Porsche 911 GT3 RS and McLaren models.

Verdict

Ford kept its promise: to create a world-class Mustang capable of competing with the best on the track. The GTD is a special, brutal, and effective machine that has silenced the critics. It proves that a hippopotamus can dance.

Magnus Östberg, Mercedes-Benz’s software chief, made a surprising statement: “data shows us that physical buttons are better”. The announcement marks a significant reversal in the German manufacturer’s equipment strategy.

The Return of Tactile Controls

According to confirmed information, Mercedes-Benz will indeed reintroduce physical buttons, knobs, and switches into their vehicle interiors. This decision follows customer feedback and usage data, which demonstrated the superiority of tactile controls for certain essential functions.

The reintroduction will first occur through a new steering wheel design, initially presented on the upcoming electric GLC. This approach was chosen because it represents the fastest way to reintegrate physical controls into the luxury manufacturer’s models.

Other Automotive News

Mercedes-AMG Considers an Electric GT

Mercedes-AMG is currently evaluating the viability of an electric version of its future sports car intended to compete with the Porsche 911.

Major Recall at Stellantis

Stellantis has recalled nearly 165,000 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles due to a risk of detachment of trim elements on the driver and passenger doors.

Rolls-Royce Unveils a Unique Cullinan

Rolls-Royce has presented a unique Cullinan nicknamed Cosmos, inspired by space drama with a hand-painted starry ceiling that required over 160 hours of work.

Tesla Expands Cybertruck Sales

Tesla has begun marketing the Cybertruck in the United Arab Emirates, as the electric pickup with controversial design continues to face commercial challenges in America.

Rivian Begins Construction in Georgia

Rivian has inaugurated the construction site of its new electric vehicle factory in Georgia.

Investigation into Tesla Door Handles

The U.S. federal government is investigating approximately 174,000 Tesla Model Y vehicles whose door handles may not function properly, potentially trapping children inside the vehicle.

Lexus Presents a Special LX

Lexus has unveiled a unique LX nicknamed Glam LX, equipped with accessories inspired by the beauty and fashion world, transforming the vehicle into a complete glamour studio.

Wreckreation, the new driving game set to release on October 28, 2025, promises to combine a vast open world with arcade crash physics and a track-building system completely unbound by reality. Loops, jumps, it’s all there. It’s not quite at the absurdity level of Mario Kart, but it looks like a cross between Burnout and Forza Horizon, all sprinkled with a good dose of Hot Wheels aesthetic.

A Gigantic World to Create and Destroy

Studio THQ Nordic has unveiled a new trailer confirming the release date and platforms (PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S). The official concept is as follows: “Wreckreation is the home of your own MixWorld, a 400-square-kilometer racing realm that you can create, shape… and destroy.”

The game is developed by Three Fields Entertainment, the team behind the beloved Burnout series. Everything they produce is worth a look if you’re a fan of driving games.

Wreckreation screenshots. THQ Nordic

Deep Customization of Cars and Tracks

The cars appear to be unlicensed models but draw inspiration from iconic designs. The depth of customization, both of the vehicles themselves and the environment you drive in, seems to be the real selling point. If you like the idea of building tracks that defy the laws of gravity and then smashing cars to pieces, this game is for you.

The Live Mix Feature: Create in Real Time

A recent press release describes a revolutionary feature, the “Live Mix,” which suggests an influence from Fortnite in real-time building:

“…Wreckreation goes further with its revolutionary Live Mix feature. At any time, players can open the build menu and shape their own racing paradise. Build highways that reach the clouds, design loops, ramps, and jumps, or place billboards, houses, decorations, and even giant dinosaur statues. Creativity has no limits—and everything can be shared. Invite your friends to race, crash, and explore your wonderful personal racing world together.”

Although I generally prefer car games that are a bit more grounded in reality (like Need For Speed or Forza Horizon), I can definitely see myself getting lost in creating absurd tracks and watching the spectacle of destruction.

If you’re waiting for a replacement valve body for the 10-speed Allison transmission in your GM HD truck, a glimmer of hope finally exists. In August, GM announced new replacement parts and a new repair procedure for its HD lineup. The bad news? It might just be a temporary solution.

The Underlying Problem with GM 10-Speed Transmissions

The GM version of the 10-speed transmission, co-developed with Ford, equips a multitude of models. Over the last two years, GM has recalled nearly all of these gearboxes (at least up to 2022) after valve body issues caused the rear axles to lock up on moving vehicles. The initial recall “fix” was only a stopgap measure: it put the truck into a reduced power mode to prevent lockup, leaving the customer with a pickup with limited capabilities.

A New Procedure, But Doubts Remain

In early August, GM finally released a revised 3rd-generation valve body and an updated repair procedure for its gasoline-powered pickups. However, a crucial group was initially left out: owners of heavy-duty (HD) diesel trucks, subject to high torque. A few weeks later, GM extended the procedure to the 2021-2024 Silverado and Sierra 2500/3500 HD.

Insight from an Independent Engineer

Nate Valentin from NextGen Drivetrain, a transmission specialist engineer, explains the root cause of these failures. According to him, the problem, long known, is caused by “clutch double engagement.” Wear on the bore around a specific valve, the “feed limit valve,” allows oil pressure to leak. This leak prevents the valve from opening correctly, forcing pressure to a default solenoid and causing a harsh shift into fifth gear (limp mode) at high speed, which can lock the wheels.

Is GM’s New Kit Sufficient?

Valentin remains highly skeptical of GM’s solution, which includes a separator plate, a spring, and a lower-grade steel valve. His analysis is unequivocal:

• The modified separator plate is no more reliable.
• The heavier spring has “no impact” on the problem.
• Replacing the aluminum valve with a steel valve of the same shape does not fix the eroded bore.

At best, these parts slow down wear on a healthy body, but they do not repair an already defective body. This amounts to pushing the problem past the warranty period, a financial strategy according to Valentin.

A Race Against Time for GM

Despite these doubts, the new procedure is good news for owners who have endured months of waiting for a replacement part. Parts availability is improving. For many, getting their truck back, even with a potentially temporary repair covered by the warranty, is worth the risk. For Nate Valentin, however, this situation only boosts his business of offering reinforced aftermarket solutions.