mod@tech

Bentley’s history is filled with racing, but the Bentley Bentayga X Concept takes the British automaker to a new kind of track: the FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria.

FAT International started off as a logistics company that transported fashion in Europe and sponsored motorsports to promote its express delivery service. It was quick on a racecourse, too: FAT claimed an overall victory at the 1994 24 Hours of Le Mans with a Dauer 962 LM. These days, FAT International “produces clothing and connects people at offline experiences like the FAT Ice Race and FAT Mankei while its mission is to change motorsports forever starting at the grass roots: with the FAT Karting League.” FAT’s Ice Race is a celebration of exotic cars and their cultural significance as well as a multi-class race. Most recently, FAT started a multi-year collaboration with Bentley, which led to the debut of the Bentayga X Concept.

Based on a Bentayga Speed, the X can blast across the ice thanks to its 641-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 – and blast out its sound through an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system. Permanent four-wheel drive and an air suspension with a 48-volt active anti-roll setup makes sure that that supercar output is controlled and delivered precisely.

Of course, racing in such an extreme environment calls for some upgrades, so Bentley widened the track by 4.7 inches (120 millimeters) to increase the X’s stability and pushed the wheel arches out 1.6 inches to accommodate the change and the new Brixton forged one-piece 22-inch wheels and off-road tires. To keep the X from turning into a snow plow, Bentley raised its ride height by approximately 2.2 inches (55 millimeters), giving it nearly 12.2 inches (310 millimeters) of ground clearance and a wading depth of more than 21.6 inches (550 millimeters – perhaps if the track’s ice starts to melt underneath?).

A roof rack hauls gear (if you look closely, you’ll see a Bambino-size Go Kart used in the FAT Karting League) and serves as the platform for a quartet of auxiliary lights.

Given how wildly different the X Concept looks from regular Bentaygas, it’s logical to assume that it’s just a one-off for its deal with FAT, but it might lead to something more. And that doesn’t mean wishful thinking that Bentley may make a production version of the X or something like it. Bentley came out and said, “This unique Bentayga X Concept has been developed to stimulate and gain feedback for an enhanced off-road capable Bentayga.” Is there more than a snowball’s chance in Hell of that happening? We’ll have to wait to see.

I think many of us have purchased a car we regret buying for one reason or another. Maybe it turned out to be horribly unreliable or you bought it before a major life change that rendered it incompatible with your finances and/or lifestyle. Or perhaps you bought it primarily for attention, not your own satisfaction.

Many people take this concept to the extreme by getting into debt up to their eyeballs by—in the words of David Mamet—signing “on the line which is dotted.” Rolling around in a new Mercedes shows the world that you’ve “made it.” Believe me—I understand the impulse, but only your family and friends care about your success. Everybody else is too busy trying to “make it” themselves to notice your flashy new wheels.

And I’ll venture to guess that an expensive luxury car is most enjoyable when you can truly afford it. Tom Ripley’s approach to life in the 1999 film “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” that it’s “better to be a fake somebody than a real nobody,” is not a motto to live by.

A lot of guys buy certain vehicles to impress the opposite sex. I’m not saying that that tactic never works because, in the past, when I was out testing high-end press cars, I occasionally noticed women were more interested in me than they probably would’ve been if I had rolled up in a beater Toyota Corolla. But overall, whenever someone has made it clear that (s)he’s impressed by what I’m driving or comes out of the woodwork to start a conversation about it (such as the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500), that person has been a dude—or three.

The truth is that no matter what you drive, people will notice it. And it’s normal to want them to like what they see (who wants to catch a disgusted sneer?), but you have to be honest with yourself: do you want to buy that sports car or off-road truck to get a reaction out of fellow drivers and people walking by, or because it gets an emotional reaction out of you? Your opinion is the only one that really matters. Yeah, someone at a red light may give you a slow nod of approval or shout out, “Cool car,” but the vast majority of people you’ll pass won’t even notice your ride or you in it. Even if someone out on the road thinks your car is the most awesome one (s)he’s ever seen and is convinced that you’re this generation’s Steve McQueen, you’ll never know anyway. Why pay for a minuscule possibility of impressing total strangers who don’t even know you exist? They’re not paying for the car—you are.

Money is too hard to come by and life is too short to buy something you don’t really need and—much worse—don’t even truly want. Get something for you, a vehicle that you enjoy driving . . . even if nobody is around to notice.

Modifying a car can be tricky because it might not come out right, but this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, aka “Bodacious,” that our correspondent Tyson Hugie spotted was done well. Previously owned by retired NFL player Patrick Peterson, it’s finished in a stealthy gray with black stripes on its cowl-induction hood, a black rear spoiler, and black custom wheels.

The cabin is furnished with black leather seats from TMI, Dakota Digital gauges, a Billet Specialties steering wheel, and air conditioning. This F-body may look low-key, but its engine definitely isn’t. Under the hood is an LS7 7.0-liter V8, which is paired with a TREMEC T-56 6-speed manual gearbox. Other upgrades include a Fast LSXR intake manifold, Cahill Customs cold-air intake, and Holley Terminator X Max ECU. We think this is a great example of a Camaro restomod – and so did the person who paid $93,500 for it at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction.

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The E31 BMW 8 Series was BMW’s first foray into the full luxury grand-touring car world in the modern era. The original 8 Series project began in July 1981 and was expensive, costing more than 1.5 billion deutsche marks. The project was completed in 1986, but the launch of the 8 Series was delayed due to the still-strong sales of the 6 Series coupe, which the 8 Series – offering more performance, more technology, and a substantially higher price – was created to replace.

Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is one of these BMW super coupes, a 1996 BMW 850ci with 109,000 original miles, listed by a dealer in Denver, Colorado. (While that mileage may sound high, many of these cars have been driven past 200,000 miles and are still going strong.) The auction ends Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. (MST).

The 8 Series was finally introduced to the public at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the car was well received. Timing can be everything, though. The BMW 8 Series went on sale during the recession of the 1990s, when the appetite for high-end European cars was anything but at its peak. As a result, BMW sold a mere 6,920 units in the American market. 

The seller describes this 850ci as being powered by its original M73B54 5.4-liter V12 mated to a five-speed Getrag ZF 5HP30 Steptronic automatic transmission. The car is finished in the great color combination of Oxford Green over a tan leather interior. It is offered by the selling dealer with an AutoCheck report and a clear title.

The exterior of this 850ci looks to be in overall good shape, with some small scratches visible. The AutoCheck report indicates the car had an incident resulting in what they call “severe structural damage” in December 2025, but I honestly don’t see evidence of that in the photos. That being said, I would want to have the car inspected by a BMW shop.

The interior looks nice. There is some minor wear on the seats, but otherwise everything appears to be in good overall condition. The seller notes that there is some cracking on the center console bezel.

Under the hood is the awesome BMW M73B54 5.4-liter SOHC V12, which produces 326 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque. When it debuted, the model was said to be capable of a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 156 mph. The engine compartment looks to be nice and clean, and the seller states that the car was serviced last year.

As mentioned earlier, I would advise getting a few more details about this car from the seller because of some of its history. This can easily be asked about in the comments section of the listing, and I am sure that the seller would respond. If it checks out, then I would throw a few bids on this car, because a V12-powered BMW GT car is something very special. Has any of this piqued your interest? If so, don’t delay – the auction for this 1996 BMW 850ci ends Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. (MST). 

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

During a trip to buy fireworks at True Value Hardware, I stumbled upon a 1957 Ford Fairlane plastic model as part of Revell’s Snap-Together series. As I had been told that this was the first car my parents bought upon arriving in America, I snapped it up (pun intended). Our Pick of the Day is a similar car, though nary a plastic piece is to be found. This 1957 Ford Fairlane Town Victoria is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Osceola, Pennsylvania.

At the time, I had never seen a 1957 Ford in the metal, so I felt I needed to buy this model. I knew nothing about what engines were available (it wasn’t on my radar at age 8) or what models were in Ford’s lineup, but I just knew that it was something that should be on my shelf.

Though 1955-57 Chevys appeared to be a bit more common on the street at the time, truth be told, the 1957 Ford was the sales winner for the calendar year. Nineteen fifty-seven was an interesting model year for Ford because it introduced two bodies—both six inches lower than before—within its full-size portfolio. The lower-end Custom and Custom 300 were on a 116-inch wheelbase, while the Fairlane and Fairlane 500 were on a longer 118-inch wheelbase. Though subtle, the styling was slightly different between the two—mainly from behind—with the fins on the junior models being a bit less prominent.

Engine choices were mostly similar to before, but two high-performance versions of the Y-block made an appearance. The 312 V8 with dual quads (known as “E-code”) put out 270 horsepower, while a supercharged version (“F-code”) of the four-barrel (itself rated at 245 horses) was rated at 300 horses. The only transmissions available for both were a three-speed manual (with or without overdrive) or a three-speed Ford-O-matic automatic. Other engines included a 212-horse 292 V8, 190-horse 272, or 144-horse 223ci Mileage Maker six.

Fairlane 500 styling featured a longitudinal dip from the fins, then shot forward to end near the headlights. Regular Fairlane trim featured the same initial launch from the fins, then angled back to the top of the rear bumper. This led to attractive two-toning opportunities that made the exterior of the Fairlane model distinct from the Fairlane 500.

Ford made a fuss that its Fairlane “series of fine cars offers revolutionary new ‘hardtop’ styling in the conventional two-door and four-door sedans” in addition to Ford’s pillarless Victoria styles. “Sunburst” wheel covers were standard on all Fairlane models.

Ford’s gamble lasted one more model year, upon which the 1959 Ford reverted to simply using one 118-inch wheelbase for all four models. This 31,615-mile 1957 Ford Fairlane Town Victoria was the second-ranking four-door hardtop in Ford’s portfolio. “This car runs like a top and drives like a dream,” says the seller. “When people see this car they always seem to look twice and comment on what a beautiful car it is.” This Colonial White over Silver Mocha four-door hardtop is powered by a 292 V8 with a two-barrel carburetor and an automatic transmission. “It has dual exhausts which have a nice sound,” adds the seller. “There’s no rust.”

In a world where wealthy collectors are ready to shell out over $1 million for a vehicle, this 1957 Ford is quite refreshing—it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. In fact, if you were smart, you’d pay the asking price because the fact that this car is now going viral means it will not last long at $20,000.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

In what feels like another story on the death of the station wagon, Hyundai is reportedly going to be phasing out the Santa Cruz pickup. As reported by Automotive News, Hyundai plans to replace it “with a larger model engineered to have wider appeal.”

The Santa Cruz was a new take on the Subaru Brat or, for you fans of American iron, the Ford Ranchero and Chevrolet El Camino. Today, we have the Ford Maverick, which doesn’t elicit any romantic notions because it doesn’t look like a car with a bed in the back—business up front, party out back, if you will. And it’s that Blue Oval pickup that has ruined the Santa Cruz’s chances of survival, it seems, as Car and Driver says the Korean was outsold by the American by more than six to one in 2025. The periodical adds that the Santa Cruz has about five months of inventory, which means production for 2026 will be scaled back for the time being.

Of course, the unibody Santa Cruz is based on the Tucson crossover, which has not had any sales issues. But this announcement hurts a bit because there is something to appreciate in the variety of vehicles that are available in the marketplace. Perhaps a market without a car-based truck that still looks like a car appears to be a quaint notion, but fans of Detroit iron tend to think like that.

Car and Driver says that Hyundai’s future plans should include a body-on-frame fighter in the mid-size segment (read: Colorado, Ranger, and Tacoma), which is new territory for Hyundai. Expecting more of a Ridgeline competitor too? We have a few years to see what Hyundai whips up, so for now, let’s bow our heads and pay our respects

It’s not yet time for the newest generation of Mercedes’s flagship sedan, but we’re more than halfway there. According to the automaker, more than 50 percent of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (approximately 2,700 parts) is “newly developed, updated and refined.”

As if the S-Class wasn’t distinctive enough already, the thoroughly refreshed model has a 20 percent larger grille and can be spec’ed with an illuminated three-pointed star hood ornament—a first for the brand. The driver can see other vehicles better thanks to micro-LEDs and a new chip that enable the new Digital Light twin-star headlamps to provide 40 percent more illumination. Not only do the Ultra Range high beams pierce through up to 1,968 feet of darkness, but they also swivel to light up curves ahead. At the rear, the redesigned taillights incorporate three chrome-framed stars.

Two new Manufaktur paint options are available: Black Sparkling, which features real glass flakes, and Verde Silver Magno, a matte version of the blue/green color. The new Manufaktur Made to Measure program allows S-Class buyers to choose from more than 150 paint colors and over 400 interior colors, and customize the illuminated door sills, interior stitching, the colors for the wheels, and more.

Inside, the cabin has been updated with a new dashboard, door trim, and center console. Nearly the whole width of the dash is filled with screens: a 12.3-inch driver display and the standard MBUX Superscreen, consisting of a 14.4-inch central display and a 12.3-inch display for the front passenger, both of which are under one seamless panel. The Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) runs on redesigned architecture and powers the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system. The combination of AI from Microsoft and Google helps the new MBUX Virtual Assistant develop a “more intuitive, more personal” dynamic with the driver and passengers.

Fixed rear seats are standard equipment, but those can be replaced with increasingly luxurious setups. The next level up is the Exclusive Package, which treats those in the back to “power adjustable rear seats with backrests adjustable up to 37 degrees, rear seat memory functions, luxury headrests with additional cushioning, PRE-SAFE® positioning function and a folding center armrest with double cupholder.” Above that is the Pinnacle Package with rapid heating and ventilation, heated armrests, Digital Vent Control (as part of the four-zone climate control system), rear airbags, two additional USB-C ports, wireless charging, and MBUX remote controls added to the folding rear center armrest. The top-of-the-line configuration is the new Pinnacle Plus Package, which includes “rear seat massage functions, an executive rear seat with an adjustable backrest angle up to 43.5 degrees, rear seat neck and shoulder heating, a leg and footrest for the right rear seat, seat belt presenters, beltbag and adaptive rear cabin lighting.” For those who need to use the revamped S-Class as a mobile office, Mercedes offers the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System equipped with larger 13.1-inch displays that have integrated HD cameras—perfect for video conferences while on the go.

The 2027 S-Class lineup has two mild-hybrid gas models and one plug-in hybrid variant. The entry-level S 500 4Matic is powered by a more potent 3.0-liter twin-turbo I6 that generates 442 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque (short bursts of up to 472 lb-ft in Overtorque mode). A revised injection system, optimized intake and exhaust ports, redesigned intake camshaft, flat-plane crankshaft with a new firing order, and turbo improvements help the S 580 4Matic’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 pump out 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. Mercedes combines the I6 with a more potent electric motor to give the S 580 e 4Matic output figures of 576 and 553, respectively. All S-Classes get 4.5 degrees of rear-wheel steering as standard, but a 10-degree system is available to make the big-bodied Benzes maneuver more like a C-Class.

How much will the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class cost those who want a better version of what many consider to be the best sedan in the world? We’ll all find out closer to when it arrives in showrooms in the second half of this year.

The 1968 Chevelle was referred to in marketing materials as “The concentrated Chevrolet,” with one ad saying, “Just add gas.” Well, in a Chevelle that’s been upgraded to a 454ci V8, you can plan on adding a lot of gas. But it’s worth it. Featured on AutoHunter is a 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Yenko Tribute that is undoubtedly quite thirsty. It is listed by a dealer in Lynnwood, Washington, and the auction will end on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).

The hardtop’s body is finished in a handsome Tuxedo Black (a change from its original Tripoli Turquoise), and exterior features include chrome brightwork, Yenko accent striping, Yenko fender badges, a driver-side mirror, and 15-inch Rally wheels shod in newer Kelly Charger white-letter tires. The seller has provided a walk-around video below that shows just how mirror-like the paint job is (not to mention how nice the car sounds at idle).

The Yenko surname has become synonymous with high performance. Don Yenko, an American race car driver and Chevrolet dealer, became known for creating modified muscle cars in the 1960s. He was a four-time SCCA National Driving Champion, and he used Chevrolet’s COPO (Central Office Production Order) system to configure high-powered versions of the 1969 Camaro and Chevelle, and 1970 Nova Deuce. Yenko was an admired innovator, and his influence as a “super tuner” is still strong today—even 39 years after his passing. Frequently, muscle car enthusiasts build Yenko “tribute” cars like today’s classy (yet performance-oriented) second-generation Chevelle.

The cockpit is done in all-black with vinyl-upholstered bucket seats, a center console, power steering, and an Eclipse AM/FM/CD audio system. And under the hood is a built 454ci big-block V8 mated to a Turbo Hydra-matic three-speed automatic transmission. The listing outlines some of the performance upgrades, including a four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock intake manifold, Yenko aluminum valve covers, and a high-capacity oil pan. The engine has reportedly been balanced and blueprinted.

Chevrolet said of the Chevelle, “It’s got big Chevrolet features, but it’s got a personality all its own. It comes spirited, sporty, luxurious, or all of these rolled into one. Seven models on two wheelbases, with many variations.” The best part was the closing line: “We didn’t mean to make our competition seem dull again this year. It just turned out that way.”

This Yenko tribute is anything but dull. Don Yenko himself would probably be proud of how it looks and performs.

The auction for this 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Yenko Tribute ends Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The 1949 models showcased the first new designs for Ford since World War II had ended. Some of the design elements even included aircraft-inspired trim, like a distinctive front grille with a central “spinner.” Our Pick of the Day is a car that rolled off the showroom floor over 75 years ago and is still on the road: It’s a 1949 Ford 2-Door Convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Burlington, Ontario. (Click here to view the listing.)

“A true American classic from the post-war era,” the listing says. “I’ve owned the car for over 20 years, and it has always been garage kept and properly maintained.”

According to historical information from Ford, the 1949 models were of particular significance. The company produced 1,118,762 vehicles that year – a strong recovery from the challenging times of the war. The article reads, “The car was unveiled to the public at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City on June 10, 1948. The 1949 Ford won the Fashion Academy award for overall styling. It was advertised as Car of the Year, and its innovative body styling drew in buyers in great numbers.”

Leveraging that “Car of the Year” publicity, Ford included similar language in its magazine articles from the time. Many of them said, “There’s a new Ford in your future,” and talked about the car’s “sofa-wide” seats, optimal visibility, 19 cubic feet of luggage space, “mid-ship” ride, coil-sprung suspension, and available engine choices.

This drop-top is well-presented; some of the features on its streamlined exterior include chrome bumpers, body side moldings, an antenna, a split windshield, rear wheel skirts, a black retractable top, a dual exhaust system, and wide-whitewall tires. The cabin has two bench seats upholstered in saddle-colored vinyl, with matching trim used for the door panels and carpeting.

Up front is a flathead V8 mated to a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission. The listing doesn’t mention the car’s engine’s displacement, so we’ll encourage interested buyers to verify that important detail with the seller, but it is possibly a 239ci flathead that was used in cars of the era and produced around 95 horsepower.

“Smooth, drives great, and gets attention everywhere it goes,” the listing says. “Perfect for cruising, shows, or collectors who appreciate originality and clean presentation.”

Find out what made this Ford “Car of the Year.” Better yet, make it your new car of 2026. The asking price is $25,000 USD or best offer.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

I would say that I hope you’re out and about, enjoying the weekend, but clearly, you’re here right now. Thank you for stopping by for the latest installment of Car Connections. First time reading it? Here’s how it goes: I have the Random Word Generator toss out three words, then I use my car nerdiness to link each of them to automobiles in some way. Let’s get to it! This week’s words are wheat, strict, and salad.

Wheat: As in bread. Sandwich. Club sandwich. Golf clubs.

Which sports car has a trunk big enough to fit golf clubs inside? The C8 Chevrolet Corvette!

Strict: Hmmm . . . many people try to lose weight with a strict diet. Certain automakers keep their vehicles light with carbon fiber, using it for parts such as the chassis, body panels, and even the wheels. A company that’s particularly famous for this is the Swedish hypercar manufacturer Koenigsegg. Its CC850, a celebration of 20 years of vehicle production and the 50th birthday of company founder Christian von Koenigsegg, has a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 and a carbon fiber monocoque with an aluminum honeycomb core. That combination gives the CC850 a power-to-weight ratio of 1:1—that’s 1,385 horsepower that propels 1,385 kilograms of Scandinavian exotica.

Salad: Salad needs salad dressing. Hidden Valley’s Original Ranch is a popular option (and to some, a beloved pizza condiment). Ranch, huh? Well, cowboys and cowgirls, there’s only one answer here: Ford’s rugged yet luxurious King Ranch trim level, named after the King Ranch, an 825,000-plus-acre “major agribusiness with interests in cattle ranching, farming (citrus, cotton, grain, sugar cane, and turfgrass), luxury retail goods, and recreational hunting” founded in South Texas back in 1853.

A variety of Ford trucks and SUVs are available in King Ranch form, including the 2026 F-150, which comes with a two-tone finish with Marsh Gray lower-body trim, badging with the King Ranch’s “Running W” brand, wood interior accents, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front captain’s chairs, unique center console, and more.

How would you associate these words with cars? Tell us in the Comments section below. And be sure to share your ideas for random words to use in a future installment of Car Connections. Want to add a Chevrolet, Koenigsegg, or Ford to your garage? Find them in ClassicCars.com and AutoHunter.com.