Dodge Charger (Gen 8)

First previewed by the Dodge Charger SRT Concept in 2022, the all-new eighth-generation Dodge Charger breaks ground with throwback looks and performance unheard for the Charger.

2024 Dodge Charger

2024 Dodge Charger

With a starting price of under sixty grand plus additional costs, the all-new eighth-generation Dodge Charger is no doubt the most controversial Charger ever made because of the powertrain that contrasts its muscle car looks.

The eighth-generation Dodge Charger is a two-door coupe that replaces the Challenger, which has been the gold standard for Dodge for a long time. The four-door sedan will be released in 2025.

Observing the design, the eighth-generation Charger mimics the looks of the second-generation model, which was made famous by The Dukes of Hazzard and The Fast and The Furious, and it's the first to don Dodge's new Fratzonic logo. Up front, it sports a patent-pending R-wing aero pass-through, which helps minimize drag and maximize performance at top speeds. On the back, it sports a patent-pending Fratzonic chambered exhaust.

2024 Dodge Charger interior

The all-new Charger has a minimalist interior that's driver-focused. It comes with optional Attitude Adjustment Lighting, performance-inspired front seats, a Digital Cluster Display, and a 12.3-inch Center Display with Uconnect 5. You can show off your driving skills by recording your track day or even recording your driving experience and sharing it with the world.

To give a dirty finger to the face of the Ford Mustang, the all-new Charger comes standard with all-wheel-drive, meaning this muscle car is capable of going through tarmac, gravel, and snow, boldly going where no muscle car has gone before.

At launch, the all-new Charger is offered for the first time with an electric drivetrain ranging from the 496HP R/T model to the 670HP Scat Pack. With the Powershot active, the Scat Pack blows from 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds and a 1/4 mile in 11.5 seconds. With such a strong punch, the handling is the antithesis of the muscle car thanks to its mechanical limited-slip differential, multi-link front suspension, integral link rear suspension, and dual-valve adaptive damping system.

Come 2025, the Dodge Charger will get a gas-powered option. It will feature Stellantis' new 3.0-liter Hurricane straight-six turbo engine. The SIXPACK H.O. variant will have up to 550 horsepower, which is more than the EcoBoost-powered Ford Mustang.

Although a slow start because it's no longer the Dodge Charger the world knows, the eighth-generation Dodge Charger is the biggest upset in its class even though it no longer has a V8 engine due to Stellantis' scorched earth policy. With its first-ever electric variant, a Supra-beating petrol variant, 4WD as standard, and lots of toys to play with, this has the potential to star in the final Fast and Furious movie. Do you think Vin Diesel will approve the all-new Charger?

Photo: Dodge

Cadillac Optiq and Escalade IQ

The first-ever Optiq joins the list of Cadillac's electric vehicles and with prices starting at $52,895 plus additional costs, it's the junior of the Cadillac EV range. So, what's it all about the Cadillac Optiq?

2025 Cadillac Optiq

2025 Cadillac Optiq

One clear reminder about the Cadillac Optiq is that because this is the baby brother of the Lyriq, the sizing is identical to the XT4, and because the XT4 is set to be euthanized soon, the Optiq is glad to take its place.

2025 Cadillac Optiq interior

With the futuristic styling that draws inspiration from its big brother, the Lyriq, the Optiq's interior is business-class stuff thanks to its 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display with Google built-in compatibility and over-the-air software updates, extensive use of recycled materials in the making of patterned accent fabric, 126-color dual-zone ambient lighting, and 19-speaker AKG Studio Audio System with Dolby ATMOS. It even boasts the segment-best second-row legroom of 37.8 inches and rear cargo volume of up to 57 cubic feet as well, making this crossover worthy of your time.

Running on General Motors' Ultium platform, the Optiq's dual-motor setup produces 300hp of power and 354lb-ft of torque through all four wheels. It even comes with regenerative braking that stores energy while braking. At one full charge, the Optiq lasts for 302 miles and has a towing capacity of 1500 lbs.

Despite being an electric crossover, the Optiq handles rather well thanks to its near-perfect weight distribution and low center of gravity. It even boasts a wide array of advanced safety features including the controversial Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology.

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ

Those who demand the ultimate expression of luxury should go for the ultra-expensive and ultra-luxurious $127,700 Cadillac Escalade IQ, the Cadillac of all Cadillac EVs.

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ interior

Despite borrowing the name from Cadillac's king-sized SUV, it eschews the squarish looks of its petrol-powered counterpart in favor of a more unibody setting but no matter. Because the Escalade is a popular choice for major celebrities from Los Angeles to New York, the Escalade IQ promises to buck such a trend because despite donning familiar styling cues from the Cadillac EV lineup, the interior is where the real party begins.

On the driver's side, the dashboard is heavily surrounded by its curved pillar-to-pillar 55-inch total diagonal LED display with Google built-in compatibility, giving the driver the futuristic experience behind the wheel while taking control of almost everything. There's even a separate touchscreen on the armrest for the climate controls as well.

Although being a seven-seater SUV, it's the executive second-row seats that serve as the sweet spot for the Escalade IQ. Coupled with the rear-seat entertainment system, extra legroom, upgraded sound system, tech-charging options, and others, VIPs will be thrilled while relaxing in the middle of typical West Coast traffic. It even has up to 131.97 cubic feet of maximum cargo space behind the first row and eTrunk.

Running on the Ultium platform, the dual-motor setting produces 750HP of power output with Velocity Max set and that's more than you get from the Escalade-V. Sprinting from a 0-60mph time in less than five seconds, the Escalade IQ can last up to 460 miles of driving range, the longest range of any EV SUV. It even packs a wide array of safety features ranging from night vision, adaptive cruise control, automatic lane change, and standard Super Cruise hands-free driving aid complimentary with 3-year OnStar Super Cruise plan.

If you're looking for an affordable Cadillac EV, the Optiq is a great choice. But if you're a CEO who cares more about your employees than you do about yourself, then the Escalade IQ is the car for you. Whichever you choose, you'll be getting a great Cadillac EV that's perfect for your lifestyle.

Photo: General Motors

Acura ZDX (Gen 2)

After nearly a decade, the Acura ZDX made a comeback and this time, it's Acura's first-ever EV sold, although they didn't make it by themselves, they've sought help from General Motors in the making of this EV crossover.

2025 Acura ZDX

Starting at $64,500 plus additional costs, the all-new Acura ZDX is morphed from the Accord-based coupe crossover into an all-electric crossover with bits and bobs from the Chevrolet Blazer EV thanks to a cooperation between Honda and General Motors, which sadly became a write-off after its launch.

2025 Acura ZDX

Beginning with the design, the all-new ZDX is surprisingly a concept-turned-reality, taking its cues from the Precision EV Concept of 2022. As a result, it features a dramatic evolution of Acura's Diamond Pentagon Grille, Chicane DRL signature, and Jewel Eye LED headlights.

2025 Acura ZDX interior

Inside, the ZDX features high-grade authentic materials with brushed aluminum accents and Milano leather trim as well as 26-color ambient lighting, bespoke seating, a digital rearview mirror, Bang & Olufsen sound system, an Acura-first Google built-in HD display sat-nav touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, and others. Such features will bring envy to the competition as well as spacing identical to its Chevrolet Blazer EV counterpart.

2025 Acura ZDX

In its RWD A-Spec variant, it produces 358HP of power and has a driving range of 313 miles, but when you hit the range-topping Type S with Dual Motor AWD, it has 499HP of power, 544lb-ft of torque, a 278-mile driving range, and 3,500lb of towing capacity. Sticking to the Type S, it packs an adaptive air suspension handy for various driving situations such as tarmac, gravel, or snow, as well as Brembo front brake calipers for a dramatic braking feel. Not bad for an Acura running on GM's Ultium platform.

As for safety, the ZDX features a wide range of safety features under the AcuraWatch umbrella but for the ZDX Type S, the exclusive AcuraWatch 360+ adds Hands Free Cruise and Automatic Parking Assist. Clever but obvious behind the wheel. What a gimmick.

It's a shock for being the first-ever Acura electric vehicle because of the fact that General Motors contributed behind the scenes, meaning it's not a real Acura EV but rather a Chevrolet Blazer EV underneath. Amid a write-off joint effort, the all-new ZDX tries hard to impress its drivers with its sporty credentials not heard for an EV crossover, and in typical Acura fashion, it's a real upset to the competition because of the features the competition didn't dare to have. Kudos for such a write-off cooperation between Honda and General Motors in the making of the ZDX revival.

Photo: Acura

Chevrolet Equinox IV /GMC Terrain III

The Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain are two of the best-selling SUVs from General Motors. They have evolved for their latest generations, promising to pick up where the previous models left off. These models will face stiff competition from Asian automakers, but GM is confident that they can keep their customers interested.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

2025 GMC Terrain

The all-new fourth-generation Chevrolet Equinox starts at $28,600, while the all-new third-generation GMC Terrain begins at $30,000, excluding additional costs. With these new versions, these midsize crossovers demonstrate to their dominant Asian competitors that they are still in the market.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox interior

2025 GMC Terrain interior

The all-new Equinox looks more like an oversized mash-up between the Trailblazer and the Trax crossover, while the Terrain looks pretty much the same as the previous model. However, the new side profile proves that it's an all-new model. Either way, they can be spec with a two-tone roof for the first time for these models.

It's the same story goes for the interior as well as they don familiar dashboards from the current-generation family tree with the Equinox donning an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touch-screen while the Terrain features a 15-inch diagonal premium infotainment system. In terms of space, they both have up to 63.5 cubic feet of max cargo volume and a hidden rear cargo floor storage to keep the good things hidden. They both come with the available hands-free Autosense Power Liftgate as well.

Both the Equinox and the Terrain are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged engine with up to 175hp of power and with the available AWD, 203lb-ft of torque with 1,500lbs max trailering and mated to an 8-speed AT. Fuel economy is around 26MPG city and 28 MPG highway, and those are for the FF variants with CVT.

While the Equinox Activ and Terrain Elevation have shown slight improvements in dynamics and drivability compared to their predecessors, both models offer all-wheel drive (AWD) with Hill Descent Control for challenging conditions. As for safety, they're both packed with over 15 standard safety and driver assistance technologies, including an optional rear camera mirror for the first time for these models.

In the past, the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain have been slowly losing market share to their Asian competitors. However, the narrative has been reversed with the introduction of these new models. The Equinox and Terrain are now poised to regain the upper hand in the midsize crossover segment. Wish them luck, if they can.

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave (Third Generation)

GM's full-size crossover triplets, the Chevrolet Traverse, the GMC Acadia, and the Buick Enclave, are now in their third generation. These vehicles have a reputation for luxury, space, performance, and technology. If you're in the market for a full-size crossover, these vehicles are definitely worth checking out.

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

2025 GMC Acadia

2025 Buick Enclave

The all-new Chevrolet Traverse starts at $40,600, while the GMC Acadia starts at $42,900. The Buick Enclave, the most luxurious of the three, starts at $45,000. All prices include taxes and fees. Whichever of the three you'll go for, it's all in the neighborhood when it comes to style, luxury, performance, and technology.

To differentiate the trio, the Traverse features a macho styling compared to its predecessor while the Acadia looks more like an enlarged Terrain and the Enclave looks good with Buick's new signature design first applied in the Encore GX facelift and Envista.

2025 Chevrolet Traverse interior

2025 GMC Acadia interior

2025 Buick Enclave interior

The interior boasts similar stories as well. While the Traverse features a 17.7-inch diagonal color touch screen and an 11-inch diagonal Driver Information System, the Acadia features a 15-inch diagonal touchscreen, and the Enclave, the most luxurious of the three, features the Ultrawide 30-inch diagonal screen. As for seating, the Traverse and the Acadia can carry up to eight while the Enclave can only carry seven. Boot space? The Traverse is slightly the most spacious of the three with up to 98 cubic feet of cargo volume, slightly more than the Acadia and the Enclave.

The Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave are powered by a new 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. These vehicles produce 328hp and 326lb-ft of torque, which is more than the Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee. Front-wheel-drive variants get 27 MPG on the highway, while AWD variants get 24 MPG. The maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

Although they're good to drive, only the Traverse and the Acadia come with offroad-oriented variants in the form of the Traverse Z71 and the Acadia AT4 with its Twin-Clutch 4WD, Terrain Mode, and suspension dampers, making them capable of playing dirty, come tarmac, gravel, or snow.

Of course, these triplets got the safety topic covered with a range of intelligent driver assists such as Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking, Safety Alert Seat, Rear Pedestrian Alert, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Side Bicyclist Alert.

These triplets, the all-new Traverse, Acadia, and Enclave, have redefined the full-size crossover segment in various ways. Although they differ in terms of style and comfort, they share a reputation for luxury, space, performance, and technology. Welcome to the neighborhood.

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Silverado EV / GMC Sierra EV Denali

The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are General Motors' greatest workers in the full-size pickup segment. These two pickups went to the electrification route in response to Ford's megahit F-150 Lightning.

2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV

2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali

The first-ever Chevrolet Silverado EV starts at $73,100 while the GMC Sierra EV Denali starts at $89,900 plus additional costs. Although they're twice the price tag compared to the Ford F-150 Lightning, these electrified pickup trucks are rewriting the rules of business one mile at a time, whether if these trucks are for business or for pleasure.

2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV interior

2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali interior

Although mechanically the same just like its ICE-powered counterparts, the Silverado and the Sierra look different inside and out. The Silverado EV's exterior design looks similar to today's Colorado while the Sierra EV Denali borrows styling cues from the first-generation Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon. 

Either way, they're both armed with the available Multi-Flex Midgate with pass-through and available Multi-Flex Tailgate. The former can fit items up to 10 feet, 10-inches in length, while the latter features six different configurations depending on various situations, all in the name of the Working Well Huddle. The frunk of the Silverado EV carries up to 10.7 cubic feet of goodies while the Sierra EV Denali carries up to 11 cu.ft. They both come with the optional power up/down hood as well.

The interior holds similar stories as well with the Silverado EV featuring optional features such as the 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment screen, 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center, and the 14-inch diagonal HUD, while the Sierra EV Denali is the most premium of the two with signature Denali luxury, 16..8-inch large diagonal center touchscreen, panoramic glass roof, and Bose Sound System.

Being the first GM truck running on the revolutionary Ultium electric platform, the Silverado EV produces 754HP of power while the GMC Sierra EV Denali produces 760HP with Wide Open Watts active. Such power output gives these trucks up to 10k lbs of towing capacity and a range of 440 miles.

Although capable of getting on and off the roads, both the Silverado and Sierra EVs are packed with 4-Wheel Steer, Dual Motor 4WD system, four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, and the similar Crabwalk feature from the Hummer EV range, giving them the ability to drive diagonally. They both come with PowerBass offboard power with up to 10.2kW of offboard power, which sounds essential for plugging in your appliances while on a camping trip.

As for safety, both of these trucks are loaded with a suite of safety and driver assistance features such as Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Super Cruise driver assistance technology, and others.

The Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV are impressive electric pickup trucks. They may cost twice as much as the Ford F-150 Lightning, but with such capabilities, luxury, and performance, these trucks are sure to rewrite the rules of business. Cowboy Charlie should consider one of these.

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Equinox EV

Following in the footsteps of the Chevrolet Blazer EV, the first-ever Chevrolet Equinox EV serves as the entry-level in Chevrolet's fleet of EV crossover SUVs with prices starting at $41,900 plus additional costs.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV

The first thing you need to know about the Equinox EV is that this crossover has nothing in common with the current-generation ICE-powered Equinox. They have no relation with each other just so you know. Anyway, no relation aside, the Equinox EV is one of the most affordable EV crossovers in America and this is less than the Tesla Model Y. Good stuff.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV interior

The exterior design of the Equinox EV features clean lines, while the interior focuses on advanced technology. It includes an 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Screen, multicolor ambient interior lighting, and a best-in-class 17.7-inch diagonal display screen that operates on the Google and Ultifi software platforms. 

In terms of space, this five-seater vehicle offers up to 57.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space and comes with a dual-height cargo floor for added versatility.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV

Running on GM's Ultium Platform, front-wheel-drive variants can get up to 319 miles of driving range and thanks to its Regen on Demand and One Pedal Driving, drivers can keep going further on their weekend road trips. With the eAWD variant, the Equinox EV produces 288hp of power and can sprint from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and up to 1,500 lbs of towing capacity. Although mild to drive, it's still quite impressive for a well-rounder EV CUV.

For added safety, the Equinox EV is packed with automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam. Customers can also go for other extras such as Reverse Automatic Braking, HD Surround Vision, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, and the controversial GM Super Cruise for hands-free driving.

Like it or not, the Chevrolet Equinox EV is the bargain EV crossover of 2024, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable and feature-packed EV SUV.

Photo: General Motors

My FH5 Log: Quartet JUNK

Christmas celebrations in Forza Horizon 5 are officially ruined because of the arrival of The Four Horsemen of the Scrap-o-calypse. 

Four older-generation luxury cars have invaded Horizon Mexico to darken our Yuletide celebrations. Who are this update's nightmares during the Christmas celebration?

Week 1 of the Horizon Holidays Mix-up saw the first horseman of the scrap-o-calypse: the third-generation Bentley Flying Spur. The last W12-powered Flying Spur.

Week 2 saw the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Wagon. This German junk is powered by a supercharged 5.4L V8 engine producing 469HP of power and 516ft-lb of torque. This is more than your auntie's basic W211 E-Class saloon.

Week 3 shocked Bimmer fanatics in Forza with the wrong M5. It's the previous-generation F90 M5 CS. This limited-edition M5 is based on the facelifted F90 M5 and is the first to have four seats. The tuned 4.4L V8 Twin Turbo engine produces 627HP of power and 553ft-lb of torque, sprinting form 0-60-mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 190mph, making it the fastest-accelerating M saloon ever made.

Lastly, the final week of the Horizon Holidays Mix-up brought us another "clunker" wagon; the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon. Even in its estate setting, it carries the same features from the CTS-V sedan and coupe such as control arm front suspension, Multi-Link rear suspension, Brembo brakes, dual-mode Magnetic Ride Control, Bose 5.1 surround sound system, standard navigation system, and a choice of two transmission types; a 6-speed 6L90 automatic or a 6-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual. It even packs a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine from the C6 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, producing 556hp power and 550ft-lb of torque.

It's time to unleash the ghosts of Christmas past around Horizon Mexico. These four horsemen of the scrapyard are going to give us a taste of what they're made of.

Welcome to the dark side of the Horizon Holidays.

It's typical Forza. They've shunned the evolution of automobiles and shocked the younger generation of car enthusiasts by dumping older-generation cars into games like Forza Horizon 5. As the year 2025 approaches with nothing from the Forza producers, I guess this is what they called the death kneel.

That's right. The Forza franchise is officially DEAD in 2025 because none of the games featured every single 2025 Model Year vehicle. This means that the new Forza Motorsport game and Forza Horizon 5 are the last Forza games they'll ever make as the Forza franchise is set to permanently close its doors in 2025.

I just remembered: the Horizon Extremes update next week will have just one prize car, and it's a rotten piece of junk from the depths of the inferno: the DeBerti Chevrolet C10 Slayer. Still, this is the beginning of the end—the end of not just Forza Horizon 5 but THE END OF THE FORZA FRANCHISE.

Good luck enjoying the final days of the Forza franchise. It was a fun racing franchise while it lasted...

My FM Log: Bowties Are Cool

Update 14 in Forza Motorsport (Xbox Series X|S) showcased two heavy-hitting bowties for grabs; a #77 Beretta Trans Am and the Hennessey Exorcist. Now that I got my hands on these two, let's have a word with them.

Let's begin with the #77 Beretta Trans Am that I won from the American Thunder Tour until the December 25, 2024 deadline.

The #77 Beretta Trans Am was a race car used in the SCCA Trans Am Championship during the 1988 racing season. It was one of the notable entries of that period, driven by Scott Pruett for the Roush Racing team.

Built on a modified Beretta production car chassis, it was powered by a 4.5L V6 engine producing 515HP of power, crucial for the high-speed nature of Trans Am racing. It even featured custom body modifications for improved aerodynamics, including a large rear wing and other race-specific adjustments to improve downforce and handling.

While the #77 Beretta didn't dominate the series, it was a significant entry, with Scott Pruett consistently competing at a high level. The car's performance that year was notable for its reliability and speed, making it a strong contender in many races.

Now, let's get to know about the Hennessey Exorcist, a heavily-tuned Camaro that I won from this update's Open Class Tour until the December 11, 2024 deadline.

Using the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 as its foundation, Hennessey has transformed the ZL1 into a thousand-horsepower sleeper car known as the Demon Slayer.

At first glance, it appears to be a standard ZL1, with most interior and exterior features, including the steering and braking systems, remaining unchanged. However, Hennessey has significantly increased the ZL1's power by enhancing its supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, allowing it to produce an impressive 1,000 horsepower and 883lb-ft of torque. This makes it more powerful than the Challenger Demon and noticeably louder.

Now that I got to know more about these two bowties, let's take a quick drive around Lime Rock Park to prove their worth. Roll the tapes...

As some guy said, "bowties are cool." Do you agree? What do you think of the #77 Beretta Trans Am and the Hennessey Exorcist?

Enjoy your new rides!

My FM Log: Black Label

The prize car for clearing the Mustang Tour in Forza Motorsport (Xbox Series X|S) before the November 27, 2024 deadline is another of the professionally-tuned sixth-generation Mustangs featured in the world of Forza; the Saleen S302 Black Label.

Based on the facelifted sixth-generation Ford Mustang, the Saleen S302 Black Label is the top-tier variant that enhances the capabilities of the standard Mustang.

For this model, Saleen has equipped the base Mustang's 5.0L V8 engine with a 2.6L screw-type supercharger and an intercooler system, featuring a 103mm throttle body that generates 12 psi of boost. It also includes 47 lb fuel injectors, a cold air induction system, a retuned ECU, and a Saleen-tuned exhaust system. By Saleen's standards, the Black Label boasts an impressive 340 horsepower increase over the standard V8-powered Mustang, all while maintaining Ford's full warranty.

To see how capable this near-800HP 'Stang by Saleen is, I return to Laguna Seca for a one-lap drive. Let's roll the tape.

My personal best in Seca in this car is 1m45.020s. Not quick as such but it proved its worth as one of the most formidable tuned 6th-gen Mustangs on the road and track.

Enjoy your new ride.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship

As the world grapples with the aftermath of Donald Trump's return to the White House after his electoral comeback victory, the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season concludes in Phoenix, Arizona. The top contenders—Logano, Reddick, Blaney, and Byron—are set to compete for the championship title. The question remains: who will be crowned the champion?

As the green flag waved, the final race of the season is underway. As Stage 1 belongs to Joey Logano, the second stage saw the unexpected; the Pace Car crashed into the barrels at the beginning of the pit road, triggering a red flag on Lap 64. As the race resumed, Stage 2 went to Ryan Blaney. As the final stage of the season kicked in, Lap 250 saw Zane Smith wrecked. Lap 259 resumption, it didn't take long before Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney clashed for the title.

Image: NASCAR

After an intense final matchup between the two Penske drivers, Joey Logano has emerged as the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. 

Congratulations to Logano on his recent title! 

This concludes the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series. We look forward to seeing you in Daytona next year!

My FM Log: Big Boss

The Ford Mustang Boss 302 is undoubtedly one of the most successful muscle car racers in history, and this #15 Trans Am competitor is proof. Having won this car in Forza Motorsport's Update 13 Open Class Tour, the first of the game's Year 2 roadmap, it's time to get to know this motorsport legend.

The Mustang Boss 302 was built to directly respond to the Trans-Am racing. It was built to compete against Chevrolet's Camaro Z/28 and its racing program for the Boss 302 was spearheaded by Bud Moore Engineering and Carroll Shelby.

Driven by Parnelli Jones and George Follmer, the Boss 302 Mustang showcased successive results in the 1970 Trans-Am series. Such performance secured Ford the Manufacturers Championship, and Jones, its driver, was coronated the 1970 Trans-Am champion.

With a quick introduction done, it's time to take this #15 Mustang Boss 302 Trans Am racer on a quick lap across Laguna Seca, the track where two Boss 302s crossed the checkered flag and got away without facing disqualification due to not having SCCA emblems on it. 

It's a true story because instead of facing disqualification along with its Javelin and Barracuda competitors, the chief steward gave them a warning saying they would fine them if these cars didn't have the required banners while heading to Dallas for their next race.

Long story short but you get the point. Anyway, let's roll the tape.

I did it in 1m49.930s. Not as quick as what the drivers did but it's worth reliving the moment.

Enjoy your new ride!

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Xfinity 500

Martinsville Speedway is the penultimate battleground of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series with the Xfinity 500. With Logano and Reddick claiming their spot for the Championship 4, which of the final two will be bound for Phoenix?

As the green flag waved, the penultimate showdown of the season begins. Stage 1 saw Christopher Bell spinning on Lap 77 on turn 2 and got Corey LaJoie in that mess. 

As Chase Elliott wins Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Daniel Suarez wrecks in turn 2 from 14th after contact from Daniel Hemric who was hit from behind by Austin Cindric on Lap 145 followed by a Lap 158 spin by Harrison Burton after being nudged by Carson Hocevar, Denny Hamlin's bad restart on Lap 165, Martin Truex Jr spinning on Lap 184, and a Lap 196 mess triggered by Carson Hocevar.

With Brad Keselowski winning Stage 2, the final stage saw a Lap 398 disaster for Hocevar followed by Kyle Busch's loose tire on Lap 407.

Screengrab from NASCAR

After a chaotic fight in Martinsville, Ryan Blaney wins the Xfinity 500 of the NASCAR Cup Series! He and William Byron complete the Championship 4!

Logano, Reddick, Blaney, and Byron. The final four contenders are now Phoenix-bound. The question is, who will be crowned the champion?

Don't miss the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship this November 10, 2024.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Straight Talk Wireless 400

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs continue with the Straight Talk Wireless 400. With Joey Logano earning the right to be in the Championship 4 last week, who's next?

As the green flag waved, the fight for the Championship 4 continued. The first stage saw an opening disaster when Justin Haley spun in Turn 1, triggering a multi-car mess with Harrison Burton getting some damage from the wall. It was followed by Kyle Larson getting into the wall on Lap 47 after a flat right rear tire went down. As Tyler Reddick wins Stage 1, Denny Hamlin wins Stage 2. In the final stage, Ty Gibbs sent Justin Haley spinning on Lap 187, followed by Kyle Larson on Lap 255.

Screengrab from NASCAR

Tyler Reddick wins the Straight Talk Wireless 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series, earning the right to be in the Championship 4!

The next race is at Martinsville for the Xfinity 500 this November 3, 2024. Who will make it to Phoenix for the finale? Watch for it!

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - South Point 400

As Texas witnessed a Formula 1 race that rocked the world, Las Vegas witnessed a NASCAR race as the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs continued with the South Point 400. The last spurt to Phoenix begins.

As the green flag waved, the first of three fights for the Championship 4 has begun. Stage 1 saw Daniel Hemric collide with Austin Dillon on Lap 64. As Tyler Reddick won Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Martin Truex Jr. and Chase Elliott make contact, triggering a multi-car mess that sent Tyler Reddick flipping. As Christopher Bell won Stage 2, the final stage saw Ty Gibbs spinning on Lap 194.

Screengrab from NASCAR

After madness in Sin City, Joey Logano wins the South Point 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series! He earned the right to be in the Championship 4.

The next race is at Homestead-Miami for the Straight Talk Wireless 400 this October 27th, 2024.