Latest news with #RoadkillNights
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Ram's HEMI mechanical bull theft was a hoax, says sheriff
Michael Bouchard, an Oakland County sheriff in Michigan, is calling "BS" on Ram's claim that its mechanical bull thrill ride was stolen outside of Detroit in Pontiac last weekend. In a Tuesday, Aug. 12, news release from Ram, the company said the $34,000 covering for its "Bucking Hemi" thrill ride — a mechanical bull fashioned to look like a Ram HEMI engine — was stolen as they were breaking down the set of Roadkill Nights, an annual drag racing event held in downtown Pontiac, on Saturday, Aug. 9. The mechanical bull has been part of a Ram marketing campaign, as the brand touts a return to NASCAR and the return of the HEMI V8 engines to its vehicles. The Ram brand said it "is actively collaborating with authorities" and encouraged people to contact local law enforcement regarding the theft if they know anything. They even posted missing flyers on social media. Best summer auto shows: How the Woodward Dream Cruise still drives Detroit's car culture forward Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of Ram, said in the news release, "This is bull----." "Well, it may indeed have been BS," wrote the Oakland County Sheriff's Office in response, late Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 13. Bouchard, whose deputies responded to the scene of Roadkill Nights after receiving a larceny report, said Ram's claim that the mechanical bull was stolen is false. Bouchard said his detectives have concluded the "theft never occurred," alleging that the mechanical bull cover was in Ram's possession the entire time. 'The company never actually lost the bull,' Bouchard said in a news release. 'I find this to be very frustrating and a tremendous waste of valuable investigative time." While the hunt for the stolen bull has concluded, the Sheriff's Office is now considering charges. "Now, we're pivoting to see if a crime was committed by the filing of a false police report,' Bouchard said. A representative at Ram did not immediately respond to a Free Press phone call seeking comment. Liam Rappleye covers Stellantis and the UAW. Contact him: LRappleye@
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Ford Offers Attractive 2025 Maverick Lease Deals for August
Ram's V8-themed mechanical bull, the 'Bucking HEMI,' was stolen from Roadkill Nights in Michigan. The brand has filed a police report and is urging fans to help bring it home. The robotaxi service could be on its way to the Big Apple soon. A versatile pickup that punches above its weight The Ford Maverick has quickly become a favorite among buyers who want truck utility without the size—or price—of a full-size pickup. Since its debut for the 2022 model year, the Maverick has carved out its own niche, blending compact dimensions, a smartly designed cabin, and a standard hybrid powertrain that delivers impressive fuel economy. That formula has helped the Maverick stand out in a crowded market, competing not only with other small trucks like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, but also with crossovers and small SUVs. For August, Ford is pairing the Maverick's unique appeal with lease offers that could make it an even more compelling choice for budget-conscious shoppers. August lease offers sweeten the deal This month, shoppers can lease a 2025 Maverick XL for $375 per month for 48 months, with 10,500 annual miles, and a down payment of $3,359 due at signing. Those seeking additional features can opt for the Maverick XLT at $410 per month for the same term and mileage, with a down payment of $3,644 due at signing. Source: Kristen Brown Both offers waive the security deposit, though taxes, title, and license fees are extra. For buyers weighing the Maverick against compact SUVs—or even midsize pickups—these deals stack up well, especially considering the Maverick's combination of utility, fuel efficiency, and city-friendly size. The 2025 model keeps what works Ford hasn't tinkered much with the Maverick's winning formula for 2025. The standard 2.5-liter hybrid setup still delivers 191 combined horsepower and an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined, while the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo-four bumps output to 250 horsepower for those who want extra punch. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional on EcoBoost models. Inside, the Maverick continues to impress with its clever storage solutions, an upright seating position, and available technology, including an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims can be fitted with luxury touches such as heated seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and premium audio. Why the Maverick still makes sense in 2025 With a maximum towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped and a standard 4.5-foot bed that's surprisingly versatile, the Maverick can handle most weekend projects or outdoor adventures. Its compact footprint makes parking and city driving far less stressful than with larger trucks, and Ford's wide dealer network makes maintenance straightforward. 2025 Ford Maverick — Source: Ford Combine all of that with August's lease specials, and the Maverick stands out as a practical, affordable way to get into a brand-new pickup—one that's as at home in an urban driveway as it is at a campsite. Final thoughts The compact pickup market isn't as crowded as the SUV space, but the Maverick continues to prove there's a big audience for small trucks. With its mix of efficiency, capability, and a price that's still approachable, it's a standout in 2025. August's lease deals make now a great time to see if this little truck fits your lifestyle. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Elijah Nicholson-Messmer View Profile
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Ram's 'Bucking HEMI' Mechanical Bull Stolen As The Brand Seeks Public's Help
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Ram is looking for answers — and its missing mascot — after the theft of the 'Bucking HEMI,' a one-of-a-kind mechanical bull designed to showcase the brand's V8 muscle heritage. The custom-built ride was stolen during teardown at the Roadkill Nights street-legal drag racing event in Pontiac, Michigan, on August 9, disappearing around 9:45 p.m. According to the company, the machine isn't just a dressed-up carnival attraction. It was engineered with twin 1-hp motors, a buck-and-spin mechanism capable of 43.8 rpm, and six ride intensity modes. Its design mimics the iconic HEMI V8 — a nod to Ram's performance legacy — and it had just finished entertaining fans at one of the brand's highest-profile public appearances of the summer. Ram has filed a police report and stressed this is no marketing stunt. What is the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Backcountry? Watch More Source: Stellantis A Mascot With Muscle and Meaning The timing couldn't be worse for Ram, which has been making headlines with the revival of its big-displacement gas engines. The brand recently confirmed that the legendary HEMI V8 will return in the 2026 Ram 1500, igniting an ordering frenzy among enthusiasts eager to get their hands on a V8-powered truck again. The Bucking HEMI was part of that celebration — a rolling (and bucking) symbol of Ram's commitment to the kind of performance hardware that built its reputation. Losing it now isn't just a logistical headache; it robs the brand of a tangible, high-impact piece of fan engagement as it works to stoke excitement ahead of new product launches. By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation. CEO's No-Bull Response 'This is bull****,' Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said in a statement that left no room for ambiguity. He's called on the 'Brotherhood of Muscle' — Ram owners, muscle car fans, and the wider enthusiast community — to keep an eye out for the stolen bull and report any sightings. The appeal comes at a time when Ram is fighting to shore up its image following a year in which its vehicle quality rankings slid dramatically. The brand is relying heavily on its returning HEMI lineup to boost loyalty and sales, and the Bucking HEMI's disappearance has turned into an unexpected rallying point for the faithful. Why It Matters The theft is more than just a quirky news item — it's a reminder of how valuable, and vulnerable, high-profile brand assets can be. The Bucking HEMI was designed as a mobile piece of marketing theatre, turning the mechanical power of a HEMI V8 into an experience fans could literally climb onto. Its loss leaves a gap in Ram's experiential playbook just as the company pushes to reconnect with buyers through emotional, performance-oriented storytelling. Whether the bull is recovered or not, the incident has already sparked conversations about event security, the symbolic weight of marketing icons, and how brands can protect the one-off creations that help them stand out in a crowded marketplace. About the Author Max Taylor View Profile
CBS News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
Thief makes off with Ram's $34K "Bucking HEMI" mechanical bull at Roadkill Nights
As Stellantis marked the triumphant return of its Roadkill Nights to the streets of Pontiac, Michigan, a thief allegedly stole Ram's V8 bucking mechanical bull. Ram says the mechanical bull was stolen around 9:45 p.m. on Aug. 9 in the area of South Saginaw and Water streets as it was being disassembled during the popular legal drag racing event's 10th anniversary. The custom-made metal piece, known as the "Bucking HEMI" and shaped like Ram's "symbol of protest," is valued at $34,000, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. "This is bull****. Our Bucking HEMI was taken on Saturday evening," Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said in a statement. "The search is officially on, and we won't stop searching until we get him back." The Bucking HEMI made its public debut earlier this summer at Michigan International Speedway on June 8 during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race to mark Ram's return to NASCAR in 2026. The auto brand says it has filed a report with local law enforcement, and an investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office is underway. "While this is a tremendous loss for the HEMI community, Ram remains undeterred. The brand asks the public to help spread the word and assist in locating Ram's beloved Bucking HEMI," the company said. "Ram is actively collaborating with authorities and welcomes any information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen ride." Anyone with information on the mechanical bull's whereabouts is asked to contact local law enforcement or reach out to Ram.
Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Malaysian Reserve
Debuts of All-new SIXPACK Charger Scat Pack and HEMI®-powered Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak Highlight Decade of MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tenth year of MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge returned street-legal drag racing to Woodward Avenue in downtown Pontiac, Michigan Dodge debuted all-new 550-horsepower SIXPACK-powered 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack and HEMI®-powered 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak at Roadkill Nights press preview on August 8 Fans lined up for Dodge Thrill Rides in new SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack, which opens for orders on August 13 Morgan Evans repeats as Direct Connection Grudge Race champ in her Direct Connection HurriCrate engine-powered 1987 Dodge D150 truck Jimmer Kline earns Big Tire prize, Jeffery Kalo takes Small Tire win, while Peter Bokedon and Antonio D' Angelo earn Quickest Dodge prizes Mopar fan and blues rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd performed one-of-a-kind national anthem Ram brand display, burnouts on Woodward by NHRA drivers and debut of Dodge Badassadors also highlight Roadkill Nights weekend The most watched Roadkill Nights ever, a Livestream replay of all the action is available at and Dodge lit up downtown Pontiac, Michigan, on August 9, with tens of thousands of horsepower fanatics turning out to see new SIXPACK and HEMI®-powered additions to the Dodge brand lineup and to celebrate a milestone 10 years of MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge. The most viewed Roadkill Nights ever, fans can watch a Livestream replay of all the action from Roadkill Nights at and Action began popping the day before MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge with a press preview on August 8. Dodge CEO Matt McAlear led the debut of the all-new 550-horsepower SIXPACK-powered 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack, delivering the most powerful car under $55,000, and announced the Charger R/T model will be available to order before the end of the year with a 420-horsepower SIXPACK starting at an MSRP of $49,995. McAlear also revealed the HEMI-powered 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak, which unlocks more than six million potential customization combinations. Dodge also announced that for the first time, every Dodge Durango — from the well-equipped entry GT model to the 710-horsepower SRT Hellcat — will come standard with a legendary HEMI V-8 engine, starting with orders placed August 13. Also for the first time, fans were able to hop in and take a Dodge Thrill Ride in the new SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack, which opens for orders on August 13. 'MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge is marking a decade for one reason — the fans and Dodge enthusiasts who've supported us since the beginning,' said McAlear. 'Seeing the smiles and pure excitement from our fans after taking thrill rides in the Dodge Charger Scat Packs and Durango SRT Hellcats keeps us pushing to deliver affordable performance and grow this incredible brand.' 'For the past 10 years, MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge has been the ultimate celebration of car culture, and our 10th anniversary was nothing short of legendary,' said Eric Schwab, MotorTrend Group's group SVP, head of revenue, operations and partnerships. 'From the debut of the ICE-powered Dodge Charger and Morgan Evans' repeat win in the Direct Connection Grudge Race to world-class racing on Woodward Avenue, nitro burnouts by Leah Pruett and Matt Hagan, and fan-favorite stunts, this milestone year proved once again why Roadkill Nights is the premier festival for horsepower, performance and community. Our amazing partnership with Dodge helps make it all possible. After 10 years, we're already looking forward to the next decade of pushing the limits together.' The Friday press preview was just the kickoff to one of the biggest weekends in Dodge brand history. On Saturday, Dodge once again transformed legendary Woodward Avenue into a street-legal drag strip, headlined by the adrenaline-pumping Direct Connection Grudge Race. For the fifth consecutive year, online automotive builders put their skills to the test, crafting high-performance race cars powered by Direct Connection — Dodge's official performance parts brand — to compete for ultimate bragging rights. After Mopar fan and famed blues rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd staged a powerful one-of-a-kind performance of the national anthem to kick off the race finals, Morgan Evans took the Direct Connection Grudge Race crown for the second consecutive year in her Direct Connection HurriCrate engine-powered 1987 Dodge D150 truck, outrunning the Hooligan Brothers' 1991 Fox Body Mustang to the finish. 'This is definitely a first, to win my own trophy back,' said Evans, who became the second female racer to claim back-to-back Direct Connection Grudge Race titles, following 2021-2022 champ Alex Taylor. Evans also helped design the unique Grudge Race trophy. 'Let's do it again (next year).' The Woodward strip was busy on Saturday, with more than 125 competitors in classes, including Big Tire (over 275mm width) and Small Tire (275mm width and under), fighting not just each other but extreme heat in their quest for the big prize of $5,000 per class winner. Jimmer Kline claimed the Big Tire prize, while Jeffery Kalo triumphed in the Small Tire class. The quickest Dodge cars in each class also earned $5,000 each, with Peter Bokedon and Antonio D' Angelo taking top honors. Including those viewing online, 70,000 fans turned out and tuned in to watch the 10th edition of MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge. Action included racing legend and Dodge NHRA Top Fuel driver Tony Stewart joining his wife and fellow NHRA star Leah Pruett, Tony Stewart Racing driver and four-time NHRA champion Matt Hagan and NHRA racer Ida Zetterstrom for a fan autograph session, while Pruett and Hagan treated attendees to a rare sight —12,000-horsepower NHRA nitro drag cars performing burnouts on Woodward. Ram brand also joined the fun with fans crowding to see the Ram 1500 NASCAR concept, Raminator Monster Truck and Bucking HEMI Experience. Dodge Badassadors also made their debut at Roadkill Nights, sharing their passion for all things Dodge. By The Numbers: A Decade of MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by DodgeMotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge is an iconic, can't-miss event for horsepower enthusiasts, and the combined stats over 10 years tell the story of the growth and popularity of Roadkill Nights: Nearly 400,000 in-person attendees More than 40,000 Dodge thrill/drift/simulator rides Nearly $50,000 raised for United Way of Southeastern Michigan More than 1,425 Roadkill Nights racers More than 3,350 vehicles showcased in the event car show More than 80 million video views (and counting) MotorTrendMotorTrend has chronicled the auto industry's past, present, and future since 1949, catering to in-market shoppers and enthusiasts through authoritative, entertaining storytelling, world-class photography, and engaging video presentations. In addition to in-depth coverage of the latest in automotive technology, reporting on breaking news, and features on the biggest personalities, MotorTrend reviews hundreds of new cars every year, leveraging objective testing and the team's extensive expertise. Its renowned MotorTrend Car of the Year, SUV of the Year, and Truck of the Year awards are also internationally recognized as among the most prestigious in the industry. Follow MotorTrend on X, Instagram and Facebook. DodgeFor 111 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge, America's performance brand, shifts into high gear with a lineup that delivers unrivaled performance in each of its segments. The new, next-generation Dodge Charger muliti-energy lineup is led by the 670-horsepower Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack – the world's quickest and most powerful muscle car. For 2026, the all-new 550-horsepower Dodge Charger Scat Pack, powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo SIXPACK H.O. engine, expands the Charger lineup, powered by the most powerful Hurricane engine in production. Dodge also keeps its foot on the pedal as a pure performance brand with the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful gas engine SUV ever, and best-in-class standard performance in the compact-utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet. Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit Follow Dodge//SRT and company news and video on:Company blog: website: brand: Connection: and @StellantisNAYouTube:
