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.

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“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.

During an investor presentation in New York, Hyundai officially announced its strategy to aggressively target the lucrative American pickup truck market. José Muñoz, the group’s CEO, confirmed the development of a new body-on-frame model expected to arrive before 2030.

A Multi-Vector Strategy to Conquer the US Market

“Pickup trucks represent an opportunity we are ready to seize,” stated José Muñoz. “The midsize truck segment is one of the largest and most profitable in the industry. Since the launch of the Santa Cruz in 2021, we have gained valuable experience and a presence in this segment.”

Hyundai’s plan doesn’t stop at just a pickup. The Korean manufacturer also plans to develop an SUV variant on the same body-on-frame technical platform, a robust architecture preferred for off-road and utility vehicles.

A Dedicated Platform to Compete with American Giants

This year seems to rule out the possibility of a partnership with General Motors for this specific project. While an agreement was signed last year to explore joint developments, this new pickup intended for the American market will likely be developed in-house on a platform 100% owned by Hyundai.

This positioning will allow Hyundai to offer a vehicle capable of directly competing with segment benchmarks like the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler, or Ford Bronco.

Beyond the Santa Cruz: The Ambition for a “True” Pickup

Until now, Hyundai’s pickup offering was limited to the Santa Cruz. Although it is a competent vehicle, it shared its technical base with a unibody crossover, limiting its off-road and utility capabilities.

The new body-on-frame chassis therefore represents a quantum leap for the brand. It opens the door to an entire family of robust vehicles, which could eventually include larger pickups and premium off-road SUVs, potentially even under the Genesis brand.

The arrival of this new Hyundai body-on-frame pickup is scheduled for before 2030, marking a bold new step in the manufacturer’s expansion on American soil.

Pickup trucks are unavoidable in America, and not just on our roads. Country music, the most distinctly American genre, is as worn by muddy tires as your local Walmart parking lot. The music has become so saturated with mentions of four-by-fours and tailgates that you can’t listen to a country station or playlist without hearing them.

This infatuation is evident. Just look at the discography of modern hitmaker Hardy, which includes number-one hits like “Truck,” “Truck Bed,” and “4×4.” There were many before them, like Lee Brice with “I Drive Your Truck,” Tim McGraw and his provocative “Truck Yeah,” and one of my favorites, Rhett Akins’ “That Ain’t My Truck.”

I had to understand the history of country music and pickup trucks, two cultural and commercial giants that have forged a relationship as profitable as it is personal for the people who love them. To do this, I contacted three experts who know the songs like the back of their calloused hands.

Pickup Trucks: A Valid Form of Identity

We begin with the not-so-simple concept of music and identity. Country music is, in many ways, America’s genre. But what that means precisely is harder to pin down. Which America does country music belong to?

As Dr. Jocelyn Neal explains, mentions of pickups in country pop seriously increased during a movement about thirty years ago with the widespread “Southernization” of American culture. “This shift in country songwriting in the early ’90s is the moment when driving a pickup becomes a very shorthand way for a songwriter to evoke the entire meaning of who the song’s protagonist is – a celebration of Southern masculinity and independence,” says Neal.

“Within this broader sense of the genre, the pickup represents a particular identity,” she continues. This identity is a deep respect for working-class life linked to a rural past, a kind of agrarian past.

A People on the Move

Rather than belonging to one American ethnicity, one could argue that country music is the soundtrack for all Americans who have ever been on the move. It’s easy to see how pickup trucks fit into this.

Professor Aaron Fox points to a crucial demographic shift: “I always start by showing a chart from the U.S. census from 1920 to 1930. In the 1920 census, the U.S. was over 50% rural… By around 1930, that had reversed. It’s exactly in that 10-year period – somewhere in the middle – that hillbilly music coalesces into a genre.”

Before pickups, these sentiments were tied to other images of displacement: trains and semi-trucks. Locomotives represented the mobilization of a people who had struggled against scarcity. Semi-trucks represented self-made success.

Neal explains that for decades, this is what musicians were talking about when they mentioned the word “truck.” It’s only natural that this imagery evolved as personal transportation became more accessible to people in rural areas.

The Hillbilly Highway and Other Proven Tropes

Country music is absolutely loaded with tropes. If you ask Bill Malone, who has devoted the vast majority of his 91 years on earth to studying this art, most of them boil down to two central themes: “home” and “rambling.”

“Home is a metaphor or an important image for people who have lost their home or who have left it – who have moved away from mom and dad,” explains Malone. “And the other image, the flip side of the coin, is rambling – the desire to get away from that existence, to hit the road and experience new things.”

He speaks of the “rambling impulse” fueled by great migrations, like the massive movement to California caused by the Dust Bowl. This shared experience provided endless material for songwriting.

The cowboy is another key trope that laid the groundwork for country’s contemporary obsession with pickups. “The cowboy was there from the beginning of country music… He is romantic. He is the embodiment of the individualist dream,” explains Malone. The trucker was quickly co-opted as a modern cowboy-style trope. He was self-made, self-reliant, and self-motivated.

To Put It Simply, It’s Not So Simple

As you can see, there are decades of context to consider when looking at country music. The music is a reflection of it.

As Neal explains, there’s an entire concept in ethnomusicology concerning insider and outsider interpretations. “The same phrase can carry very different meanings for people operating within a shared cultural understanding and space compared to outsiders.”

Country artists aren’t oblivious to this. They have long joked about the perceived simplicity of the songs they sing. The most famous example is perhaps David Alan Coe’s 1975 hit “You Never Even Called Me By My Name,” which humorously lists essential country tropes, including pickup trucks.

That is, in short, how country music became so enamored with pickup trucks. And no matter what you think of contemporary country hits, there’s simply more to it than meets the eye.

A truck driver tragically died while unloading the famous BMW M1 Art Car painted by Andy Warhol in 1979. The accident occurred Wednesday on the National Mall in Washington D.C., where the vehicle was to be displayed at the Hagerty Foundation’s pop-up car show “Cars at the Capitol.” Related events scheduled for the rest of the week have been canceled.

The Circumstances of the Accident

According to television reports, the BMW M1 was being unloaded via a rear ramp from an enclosed transport truck belonging to the company Reliable Carriers. This company is known as one of the best in the field of vehicle transport, which makes an incident of such severity particularly surprising. Some unconfirmed reports suggest a material failure as a possible cause, but no definitive information has been provided at this stage. The Washington Post reported that emergency services responded to a “man trapped under a vehicle,” finding him “in critical condition. Despite doctors’ resuscitation efforts, he was declared dead.”

An Ongoing Investigation and an Immediate Reaction

Following the police investigation, the BMW M1 was repackaged and removed in the evening. Authorities are currently treating this event as a workplace accident. The Hagerty Foundation immediately reacted by issuing a statement: “On Wednesday afternoon, a tragic accident occurred in Washington D.C. in which a truck driver died while unloading a car. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the individual’s family. Out of respect for the deceased, we will not make any further comments at this time and have canceled the scheduled events from September 18 to 23.”

The Historical Heritage of the BMW M1 Art Car

Andy Warhol’s BMW M1 Art Car is a world-renowned piece for its striking appearance and sporting legacy. The artist painted it in less than half an hour, and it notably raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its value today is astronomical, and its historical significance is considerable. It is likely that this iconic vehicle will not be displayed to the public again for some time following this terrible tragedy.