diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 628385f..eb31a5d 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -2,3 +2,4 @@
 .DS_Store
 *.blend1
 screenshot.png
+shot_*.png
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 10b5e79..c6c0e7f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -8,37 +8,49 @@ Burnout 3-style arcade racer, Aussie shitboxes, Woolies carparks. Godot 4.6 + Bl
 /Applications/Godot.app/Contents/MacOS/Godot --path .
 ```
 
-Controls: WASD/arrows drive, Shift drift, Space boost (earn it by drifting), R reset, Esc menu.
+Controls: WASD/arrows drive, Shift drift, Space boost, R reset (or retry after Crash Mode), Esc menu.
 
-## Add a car
+## Modes
 
-Make a folder `cars/<id>/` containing `stats.tres`:
+- **Cruise** — free roam with traffic.
+- **Crash Mode** — 60 seconds, rack up damage dollars ramming traffic and parked cars.
+- **Race** — 3 laps vs 3 rubber-banded rivals on the level's `RacePath`.
+
+The boost loop is Burnout 3's: earn boost by drifting, near-missing traffic, and smashing
+things. Wrecking a rival near you = TAKEDOWN — refills the meter and grows it (up to 4x).
+Hard crashes shed body panels and trigger Impact Time slow-mo.
+
+## Cars
+
+A car is a folder: `cars/<id>/stats.tres` + optional `car.glb`. Models are built
+procedurally — specs live in [tools/build_cars.py](tools/build_cars.py), one dict per car
+(silhouette profile, dimensions, paint). Rebuild all GLBs with:
 
 ```
-[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="CarStats" load_steps=2 format=3]
-
-[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://src/car_stats.gd" id="1"]
-
-[resource]
-script = ExtResource("1")
-display_name = "Datto 120Y"
-model_path = "res://cars/datto_120y/car.glb"
-engine_power = 12.0
-mass = 900.0
-grip = 6.5
+/Applications/Blender.app/Contents/MacOS/Blender -b -P tools/build_cars.py
 ```
 
-Model is optional — no `car.glb` means you drive the placeholder box. Export the GLB from
-Blender with the car facing **-Y** (Blender forward), roughly 1.8 x 1.4 x 4.2 m, origin at the
-centre, wheels-bottom around z = -0.5.
+Model convention (any GLB works, hand-modelled or generated):
+
+- Nose faces **+Y** in Blender (imports as Godot -Z forward).
+- Node origin 0.75 m above ground level (the controller's ride height).
+- Objects named `det_*` are detachable — the game rips them off on impact
+  (doors, mirrors, bumpers, bonnet, boot).
+- Current fleet: Datto 120Y, Gemmy TX, Kingswood HQ, VL Terbo, XF Fungoon, Excel Hilton.
+  Piss-take names on purpose: real model names and badges are trademarks.
+
+To improve a silhouette: supply a side-on photo + front three-quarter photo, tweak the
+profile points in the spec, rebuild, screenshot. Kerb weight and power figures go in
+stats.tres if you want realism; otherwise vibes.
 
 ## Add a level
 
 Make a folder `levels/<id>/` containing `level.glb` (or `level.tscn`). Blender convention:
 
-- Objects that should be solid: suffix the object name with `-col` (Godot generates collision on import).
-- Add an Empty named `Spawn` where the car starts (its -Y/forward axis = drive direction).
-- Export scene as glTF Binary to `levels/<id>/level.glb`. Done — it appears in the menu.
+- Solid objects: suffix the name with `-col` (Godot generates collision on import).
+- An Empty named `Spawn` where the car starts.
+- A curve/path named `RacePath` (loop) enables Race mode and traffic.
+- Export glTF Binary to `levels/<id>/level.glb`. It appears in the menu.
 
 ## Tests
 
@@ -47,8 +59,14 @@ Make a folder `levels/<id>/` containing `level.glb` (or `level.tscn`). Blender c
 /Applications/Godot.app/Contents/MacOS/Godot --headless --path . --script tests/smoke.gd
 ```
 
+Visual check (opens a window, saves a PNG):
+
+```
+/Applications/Godot.app/Contents/MacOS/Godot --path . --script tests/screenshot.gd -- car=datto_120y mode=crash frames=280 out=shot.png
+```
+
 ## Design doc
 
-`docs/BurnoutInfinityShitbox.pdf` — research report on the original game. The build order the
-report implies: 1) handling + boost loop (done, tune forever), 2) crash/damage + takedowns,
-3) traffic, 4) Crash Mode in the carpark, 5) race modes + AI.
+`docs/BurnoutInfinityShitbox.pdf` — research report on the original game. Still to come:
+crash deformation (control-hull vertex displacement, equations in the PDF), oncoming-lane
+boost, Road Rage mode, sound, real level GLBs from Blender.
diff --git a/cars/datto_120y/car.glb b/cars/datto_120y/car.glb
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fdc0e20
Binary files /dev/null and b/cars/datto_120y/car.glb differ
diff --git a/cars/datto_120y/car.glb.import b/cars/datto_120y/car.glb.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..02a2488
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cars/datto_120y/car.glb.import
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="scene"
+importer_version=1
+type="PackedScene"
+uid="uid://ce7ggjcjxdext"
+path="res://.godot/imported/car.glb-e378097fb9e4310b2b03d3bb742810f8.scn"
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://cars/datto_120y/car.glb"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/car.glb-e378097fb9e4310b2b03d3bb742810f8.scn"]
+
+[params]
+
+nodes/root_type=""
+nodes/root_name=""
+nodes/root_script=null
+nodes/apply_root_scale=true
+nodes/root_scale=1.0
+nodes/import_as_skeleton_bones=false
+nodes/use_name_suffixes=true
+nodes/use_node_type_suffixes=true
+meshes/ensure_tangents=true
+meshes/generate_lods=true
+meshes/create_shadow_meshes=true
+meshes/light_baking=1
+meshes/lightmap_texel_size=0.2
+meshes/force_disable_compression=false
+skins/use_named_skins=true
+animation/import=true
+animation/fps=30
+animation/trimming=false
+animation/remove_immutable_tracks=true
+animation/import_rest_as_RESET=false
+import_script/path=""
+materials/extract=0
+materials/extract_format=0
+materials/extract_path=""
+_subresources={}
+gltf/naming_version=2
+gltf/embedded_image_handling=1
diff --git a/cars/datto_120y/stats.tres b/cars/datto_120y/stats.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ba81a7d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cars/datto_120y/stats.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="CarStats" load_steps=2 format=3]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://src/car_stats.gd" id="1"]
+
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1")
+display_name = "Datto 120Y"
+model_path = "res://cars/datto_120y/car.glb"
+engine_power = 11.0
+mass = 850.0
+grip = 6.5
+length = 3.92
+width = 1.50
diff --git a/cars/excel_x3/car.glb b/cars/excel_x3/car.glb
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8a66afc
Binary files /dev/null and b/cars/excel_x3/car.glb differ
diff --git a/cars/excel_x3/car.glb.import b/cars/excel_x3/car.glb.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..327e707
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cars/excel_x3/car.glb.import
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="scene"
+importer_version=1
+type="PackedScene"
+uid="uid://g3b1wxkn6fwk"
+path="res://.godot/imported/car.glb-a57f742564ace5ed237ebc4564dfb8c3.scn"
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://cars/excel_x3/car.glb"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/car.glb-a57f742564ace5ed237ebc4564dfb8c3.scn"]
+
+[params]
+
+nodes/root_type=""
+nodes/root_name=""
+nodes/root_script=null
+nodes/apply_root_scale=true
+nodes/root_scale=1.0
+nodes/import_as_skeleton_bones=false
+nodes/use_name_suffixes=true
+nodes/use_node_type_suffixes=true
+meshes/ensure_tangents=true
+meshes/generate_lods=true
+meshes/create_shadow_meshes=true
+meshes/light_baking=1
+meshes/lightmap_texel_size=0.2
+meshes/force_disable_compression=false
+skins/use_named_skins=true
+animation/import=true
+animation/fps=30
+animation/trimming=false
+animation/remove_immutable_tracks=true
+animation/import_rest_as_RESET=false
+import_script/path=""
+materials/extract=0
+materials/extract_format=0
+materials/extract_path=""
+_subresources={}
+gltf/naming_version=2
+gltf/embedded_image_handling=1
diff --git a/cars/excel_x3/stats.tres b/cars/excel_x3/stats.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6832e61
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cars/excel_x3/stats.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="CarStats" load_steps=2 format=3]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://src/car_stats.gd" id="1"]
+
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1")
+display_name = "Excel Hilton"
+model_path = "res://cars/excel_x3/car.glb"
+engine_power = 12.0
+mass = 980.0
+grip = 6.8
+length = 4.10
+width = 1.62
diff --git a/cars/gemmy_tx/car.glb b/cars/gemmy_tx/car.glb
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..073ad19
Binary files /dev/null and b/cars/gemmy_tx/car.glb differ
diff --git a/cars/gemmy_tx/car.glb.import b/cars/gemmy_tx/car.glb.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..08711fe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cars/gemmy_tx/car.glb.import
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="scene"
+importer_version=1
+type="PackedScene"
+uid="uid://dqken2gji8e23"
+path="res://.godot/imported/car.glb-5e5ac440118a817d281119d908a29b56.scn"
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://cars/gemmy_tx/car.glb"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/car.glb-5e5ac440118a817d281119d908a29b56.scn"]
+
+[params]
+
+nodes/root_type=""
+nodes/root_name=""
+nodes/root_script=null
+nodes/apply_root_scale=true
+nodes/root_scale=1.0
+nodes/import_as_skeleton_bones=false
+nodes/use_name_suffixes=true
+nodes/use_node_type_suffixes=true
+meshes/ensure_tangents=true
+meshes/generate_lods=true
+meshes/create_shadow_meshes=true
+meshes/light_baking=1
+meshes/lightmap_texel_size=0.2
+meshes/force_disable_compression=false
+skins/use_named_skins=true
+animation/import=true
+animation/fps=30
+animation/trimming=false
+animation/remove_immutable_tracks=true
+animation/import_rest_as_RESET=false
+import_script/path=""
+materials/extract=0
+materials/extract_format=0
+materials/extract_path=""
+_subresources={}
+gltf/naming_version=2
+gltf/embedded_image_handling=1
diff --git a/cars/gemmy_tx/stats.tres b/cars/gemmy_tx/stats.tres
index b13925e..1294461 100644
--- a/cars/gemmy_tx/stats.tres
+++ b/cars/gemmy_tx/stats.tres
@@ -5,7 +5,9 @@
 [resource]
 script = ExtResource("1")
 display_name = "Gemmy TX"
-model_path = ""
-engine_power = 14.0
+model_path = "res://cars/gemmy_tx/car.glb"
+engine_power = 13.0
 mass = 950.0
 grip = 7.0
+length = 4.13
+width = 1.57
diff --git a/cars/kingswood_hq/car.glb b/cars/kingswood_hq/car.glb
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0099516
Binary files /dev/null and b/cars/kingswood_hq/car.glb differ
diff --git a/cars/kingswood_hq/car.glb.import b/cars/kingswood_hq/car.glb.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..67bf016
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cars/kingswood_hq/car.glb.import
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="scene"
+importer_version=1
+type="PackedScene"
+uid="uid://cipr4m5ik2j0q"
+path="res://.godot/imported/car.glb-6977f92ee10a58fcde53200be4b3a9fb.scn"
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://cars/kingswood_hq/car.glb"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/car.glb-6977f92ee10a58fcde53200be4b3a9fb.scn"]
+
+[params]
+
+nodes/root_type=""
+nodes/root_name=""
+nodes/root_script=null
+nodes/apply_root_scale=true
+nodes/root_scale=1.0
+nodes/import_as_skeleton_bones=false
+nodes/use_name_suffixes=true
+nodes/use_node_type_suffixes=true
+meshes/ensure_tangents=true
+meshes/generate_lods=true
+meshes/create_shadow_meshes=true
+meshes/light_baking=1
+meshes/lightmap_texel_size=0.2
+meshes/force_disable_compression=false
+skins/use_named_skins=true
+animation/import=true
+animation/fps=30
+animation/trimming=false
+animation/remove_immutable_tracks=true
+animation/import_rest_as_RESET=false
+import_script/path=""
+materials/extract=0
+materials/extract_format=0
+materials/extract_path=""
+_subresources={}
+gltf/naming_version=2
+gltf/embedded_image_handling=1
diff --git a/cars/kingswood_hq/stats.tres b/cars/kingswood_hq/stats.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ccf3e75
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cars/kingswood_hq/stats.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="CarStats" load_steps=2 format=3]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://src/car_stats.gd" id="1"]
+
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1")
+display_name = "Kingswood HQ"
+model_path = "res://cars/kingswood_hq/car.glb"
+engine_power = 15.0
+mass = 1400.0
+grip = 5.5
+length = 4.81
+width = 1.88
diff --git a/cars/vl_terbo/car.glb b/cars/vl_terbo/car.glb
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e1dd0fe
Binary files /dev/null and b/cars/vl_terbo/car.glb differ
diff --git a/cars/vl_terbo/car.glb.import b/cars/vl_terbo/car.glb.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ec58ed1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cars/vl_terbo/car.glb.import
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="scene"
+importer_version=1
+type="PackedScene"
+uid="uid://bbi1igmm0lvko"
+path="res://.godot/imported/car.glb-d562177d050e8bc9348a99036622f776.scn"
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://cars/vl_terbo/car.glb"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/car.glb-d562177d050e8bc9348a99036622f776.scn"]
+
+[params]
+
+nodes/root_type=""
+nodes/root_name=""
+nodes/root_script=null
+nodes/apply_root_scale=true
+nodes/root_scale=1.0
+nodes/import_as_skeleton_bones=false
+nodes/use_name_suffixes=true
+nodes/use_node_type_suffixes=true
+meshes/ensure_tangents=true
+meshes/generate_lods=true
+meshes/create_shadow_meshes=true
+meshes/light_baking=1
+meshes/lightmap_texel_size=0.2
+meshes/force_disable_compression=false
+skins/use_named_skins=true
+animation/import=true
+animation/fps=30
+animation/trimming=false
+animation/remove_immutable_tracks=true
+animation/import_rest_as_RESET=false
+import_script/path=""
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+materials/extract_format=0
+materials/extract_path=""
+_subresources={}
+gltf/naming_version=2
+gltf/embedded_image_handling=1
diff --git a/cars/vl_terbo/stats.tres b/cars/vl_terbo/stats.tres
index d0fb006..edc4476 100644
--- a/cars/vl_terbo/stats.tres
+++ b/cars/vl_terbo/stats.tres
@@ -5,7 +5,9 @@
 [resource]
 script = ExtResource("1")
 display_name = "VL Terbo"
-model_path = ""
-engine_power = 18.0
-mass = 1300.0
+model_path = "res://cars/vl_terbo/car.glb"
+engine_power = 19.0
+mass = 1250.0
 grip = 5.0
+length = 4.72
+width = 1.72
diff --git a/cars/xf_falcon/car.glb b/cars/xf_falcon/car.glb
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f2d854d
Binary files /dev/null and b/cars/xf_falcon/car.glb differ
diff --git a/cars/xf_falcon/car.glb.import b/cars/xf_falcon/car.glb.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..03bd420
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cars/xf_falcon/car.glb.import
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="scene"
+importer_version=1
+type="PackedScene"
+uid="uid://c1eahenja3f15"
+path="res://.godot/imported/car.glb-43049e0c6f8686c1178cc0743ec34159.scn"
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://cars/xf_falcon/car.glb"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/car.glb-43049e0c6f8686c1178cc0743ec34159.scn"]
+
+[params]
+
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+nodes/root_name=""
+nodes/root_script=null
+nodes/apply_root_scale=true
+nodes/root_scale=1.0
+nodes/import_as_skeleton_bones=false
+nodes/use_name_suffixes=true
+nodes/use_node_type_suffixes=true
+meshes/ensure_tangents=true
+meshes/generate_lods=true
+meshes/create_shadow_meshes=true
+meshes/light_baking=1
+meshes/lightmap_texel_size=0.2
+meshes/force_disable_compression=false
+skins/use_named_skins=true
+animation/import=true
+animation/fps=30
+animation/trimming=false
+animation/remove_immutable_tracks=true
+animation/import_rest_as_RESET=false
+import_script/path=""
+materials/extract=0
+materials/extract_format=0
+materials/extract_path=""
+_subresources={}
+gltf/naming_version=2
+gltf/embedded_image_handling=1
diff --git a/cars/xf_falcon/stats.tres b/cars/xf_falcon/stats.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d161284
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cars/xf_falcon/stats.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="CarStats" load_steps=2 format=3]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://src/car_stats.gd" id="1"]
+
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1")
+display_name = "XF Fungoon"
+model_path = "res://cars/xf_falcon/car.glb"
+engine_power = 15.0
+mass = 1350.0
+grip = 5.5
+length = 4.91
+width = 1.86
diff --git a/levels/woolies_carpark/carpark.gd b/levels/woolies_carpark/carpark.gd
index f436a91..e194575 100644
--- a/levels/woolies_carpark/carpark.gd
+++ b/levels/woolies_carpark/carpark.gd
@@ -17,6 +17,21 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 			_box(pos, Vector3(1.9, 1.4, 4.4), Color.from_hsv(rng.randf(), 0.5, rng.randf_range(0.4, 0.9)), true)
 	for i in 6:  # light poles
 		_box(Vector3(-30.0 + i * 12.0, 3.0, 8.0), Vector3(0.4, 6.0, 0.4), Color(0.3, 0.3, 0.3))
+	_race_path()
+
+func _race_path() -> void:
+	# perimeter loop road around the parking rows -- race line + traffic route
+	var path := Path3D.new()
+	path.name = "RacePath"
+	var c := Curve3D.new()
+	var pts := [Vector3(45, 0, 55), Vector3(45, 0, -55), Vector3(-45, 0, -55), Vector3(-45, 0, 55)]
+	for i in pts.size() + 1:
+		var p: Vector3 = pts[i % pts.size()]
+		var to_prev: Vector3 = (pts[(i - 1 + pts.size()) % pts.size()] - p).normalized() * 12.0
+		var to_next: Vector3 = (pts[(i + 1) % pts.size()] - p).normalized() * 12.0
+		c.add_point(p, to_prev, to_next)
+	path.curve = c
+	add_child(path)
 
 func _box(pos: Vector3, size: Vector3, color: Color, dynamic := false) -> void:
 	var body: PhysicsBody3D = RigidBody3D.new() if dynamic else StaticBody3D.new()
diff --git a/screenshot.png.import b/screenshot.png.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1865695
--- /dev/null
+++ b/screenshot.png.import
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="texture"
+type="CompressedTexture2D"
+uid="uid://dti2g41yp6bom"
+path="res://.godot/imported/screenshot.png-024a21af5d37bf0f0dd0e2bccdd149d0.ctex"
+metadata={
+"vram_texture": false
+}
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://screenshot.png"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/screenshot.png-024a21af5d37bf0f0dd0e2bccdd149d0.ctex"]
+
+[params]
+
+compress/mode=0
+compress/high_quality=false
+compress/lossy_quality=0.7
+compress/uastc_level=0
+compress/rdo_quality_loss=0.0
+compress/hdr_compression=1
+compress/normal_map=0
+compress/channel_pack=0
+mipmaps/generate=false
+mipmaps/limit=-1
+roughness/mode=0
+roughness/src_normal=""
+process/channel_remap/red=0
+process/channel_remap/green=1
+process/channel_remap/blue=2
+process/channel_remap/alpha=3
+process/fix_alpha_border=true
+process/premult_alpha=false
+process/normal_map_invert_y=false
+process/hdr_as_srgb=false
+process/hdr_clamp_exposure=false
+process/size_limit=0
+detect_3d/compress_to=1
diff --git a/src/car.gd b/src/car.gd
index 1ecd26b..d3ed3d5 100644
--- a/src/car.gd
+++ b/src/car.gd
@@ -1,9 +1,16 @@
 class_name Car
 extends RigidBody3D
 ## Arcade raycast car: 4 suspension rays, body-level tyre model.
+## Player (is_player) reads keys; AI sets the *_in fields (see rival.gd).
+## Crashes are detected as velocity jolts -- big jolt sheds det_* panels off the
+## model, bigger jolt = full wreck (game.gd adds slow-mo for the player).
 ## ponytail: body-level grip/drive forces -- go per-wheel only if the feel demands it.
 
+signal crashed(dv: float)
+signal wreck_started
+
 @export var stats: CarStats
+@export var is_player := true
 
 const REST := 0.55            # suspension rest length, m
 const STEER_ANGLE := 0.6
@@ -13,13 +20,28 @@ const BOOST_MULT := 1.8
 const BOOST_DRAIN := 0.35     # meter/sec while boosting
 const DRIFT_EARN := 0.3       # meter/sec while sliding
 const DRAG := 0.012           # quadratic drag -> top speed = sqrt(power/DRAG)
+const BOOST_CAP := 4.0        # takedowns grow the meter up to 4x (Burnout 3 rule)
+const PART_DV := 4.0          # velocity jolt (m/s in one tick) that sheds a panel
+const WRECK_DV := 9.0         # jolt that wrecks you
+
+var throttle_in := 0.0
+var steer_in := 0.0
+var drift_in := false
+var boost_in := false
+var power_scale := 1.0        # rubber-band hook, set by game.gd
 
 var steer := 0.0
-var boost := 0.0              # 0..1
+var boost := 0.0
+var boost_max := 1.0
 var boosting := false
 var slip := 0.0               # sideways m/s
+var wrecked := false
 var spawn_xform: Transform3D
 
+var _prev_lv := Vector3.ZERO
+var _impact_cd := 0.0
+var _parts: Array[Node] = []
+
 @onready var wheels: Array[Node] = [$FL, $FR, $RL, $RR]
 
 func _ready() -> void:
@@ -28,20 +50,41 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	center_of_mass = Vector3(0, -0.3, 0)
 	angular_damp = 3.0
 	spawn_xform = global_transform
+	var cs: CollisionShape3D = $Shape
+	cs.shape = cs.shape.duplicate()
+	(cs.shape as BoxShape3D).size = Vector3(stats.width, 1.0, stats.length)
+	for w: Node3D in wheels:
+		w.position.x = signf(w.position.x) * (stats.width / 2.0 - 0.15)
+		w.position.z = signf(w.position.z) * (stats.length / 2.0 - 0.55)
 	if stats.model_path != "" and ResourceLoader.exists(stats.model_path):
 		$Body.visible = false
-		add_child((load(stats.model_path) as PackedScene).instantiate())
+		var model: Node3D = (load(stats.model_path) as PackedScene).instantiate()
+		add_child(model)
+		_parts = model.find_children("det_*", "Node3D", true, false)
+	else:
+		var bm := BoxMesh.new()
+		bm.size = Vector3(stats.width, 1.0, stats.length)
+		$Body.mesh = bm
 
 func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
-	if Input.is_action_just_pressed("reset"):
-		global_transform = spawn_xform
-		linear_velocity = Vector3.ZERO
-		angular_velocity = Vector3.ZERO
+	if is_player:
+		throttle_in = Input.get_axis("brake", "throttle")
+		steer_in = Input.get_axis("steer_right", "steer_left")
+		drift_in = Input.is_action_pressed("drift")
+		boost_in = Input.is_action_pressed("boost")
+		if Input.is_action_just_pressed("reset"):
+			global_transform = spawn_xform
+			linear_velocity = Vector3.ZERO
+			angular_velocity = Vector3.ZERO
+			_prev_lv = Vector3.ZERO
+	if wrecked:
+		throttle_in = 0.0
+		steer_in = 0.0
+		drift_in = false
+		boost_in = false
 
-	var throttle := Input.get_axis("brake", "throttle")
-	steer = lerpf(steer, Input.get_axis("steer_right", "steer_left") * STEER_ANGLE, STEER_SPEED * delta)
-	var drifting := Input.is_action_pressed("drift")
-	boosting = Input.is_action_pressed("boost") and boost > 0.0
+	steer = lerpf(steer, steer_in * STEER_ANGLE, STEER_SPEED * delta)
+	boosting = boost_in and boost > 0.0 and not wrecked
 
 	var space := get_world_3d().direct_space_state
 	var grounded := 0
@@ -61,18 +104,71 @@ func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
 	if grounded >= 2:
 		var fwd := -global_basis.z
 		var speed := fwd.dot(linear_velocity)
-		var power := stats.engine_power * (BOOST_MULT if boosting else 1.0)
-		apply_central_force(fwd * throttle * power * mass)
+		var power := stats.engine_power * power_scale * (BOOST_MULT if boosting else 1.0)
+		apply_central_force(fwd * throttle_in * power * mass)
 		apply_torque(global_basis.y * steer * clampf(speed / 12.0, -1.0, 1.0) * mass * 14.0)
 		slip = global_basis.x.dot(linear_velocity)
-		var grip := stats.grip * (DRIFT_GRIP_MULT if drifting else 1.0)
+		var grip := stats.grip * (DRIFT_GRIP_MULT if drift_in else 1.0)
 		apply_central_force(-global_basis.x * slip * grip * mass)
 		apply_central_force(-linear_velocity * linear_velocity.length() * mass * DRAG)
 		if absf(slip) > 4.0 and speed > 8.0:
-			boost = minf(boost + DRIFT_EARN * delta, 1.0)
+			boost = minf(boost + DRIFT_EARN * delta, boost_max)
 
 	if boosting:
 		boost = maxf(boost - BOOST_DRAIN * delta, 0.0)
 
+	var jolt := linear_velocity - _prev_lv
+	_prev_lv = linear_velocity
+	_impact_cd = maxf(_impact_cd - delta, 0.0)
+	if jolt.length() > PART_DV and _impact_cd == 0.0:
+		_impact_cd = 0.4  # one collision = one crash event, not one per tick
+		_impact(jolt)
+
+func earn_boost(amount: float) -> void:
+	boost = minf(boost + amount, boost_max)
+
+func _impact(jolt: Vector3) -> void:
+	var dv := jolt.length()
+	crashed.emit(dv)
+	var side := (global_basis.inverse() * -jolt).normalized()
+	for i in 1 + int(dv > 8.0) + int(dv > 12.0):
+		_shed_panel(side)
+	if dv > WRECK_DV and not wrecked:
+		wrecked = true
+		wreck_started.emit()
+		get_tree().create_timer(2.2, true, false, true).timeout.connect(_recover)
+
+func _recover() -> void:
+	wrecked = false
+	if is_player:
+		boost = boost_max  # Burnout rule: recovery refills the meter
+
+func _shed_panel(side: Vector3) -> void:
+	if _parts.is_empty():
+		return
+	var best: Node3D = _parts[0]
+	var best_d := -INF
+	for p: Node3D in _parts:
+		var d := to_local(p.global_position).normalized().dot(side)
+		if d > best_d:
+			best_d = d
+			best = p
+	_parts.erase(best)
+	var rb := RigidBody3D.new()
+	rb.mass = 8.0
+	var cs := CollisionShape3D.new()
+	var box := BoxShape3D.new()
+	var aabb := (best as MeshInstance3D).get_aabb() if best is MeshInstance3D else AABB(Vector3.ONE * -0.15, Vector3.ONE * 0.3)
+	box.size = aabb.size.clamp(Vector3.ONE * 0.06, Vector3.ONE * 3.0)
+	cs.shape = box
+	cs.position = aabb.get_center()
+	rb.add_child(cs)
+	get_parent().add_child(rb)
+	rb.global_transform = best.global_transform
+	best.reparent(rb)
+	rb.linear_velocity = linear_velocity
+	rb.angular_velocity = Vector3(randf_range(-8, 8), randf_range(-8, 8), randf_range(-8, 8))
+	get_tree().create_timer(8.0).timeout.connect(rb.queue_free)
+
 func speed_kmh() -> float:
 	return linear_velocity.length() * 3.6
diff --git a/src/car_stats.gd b/src/car_stats.gd
index 6ddce8b..79c1438 100644
--- a/src/car_stats.gd
+++ b/src/car_stats.gd
@@ -8,3 +8,5 @@ extends Resource
 @export var engine_power := 14.0  # forward accel, m/s^2-ish
 @export var mass := 1100.0
 @export var grip := 6.0           # lateral grip; lower = slidier
+@export var length := 4.2         # collision footprint, m
+@export var width := 1.8
diff --git a/src/game.gd b/src/game.gd
index 86d0b3f..33b6679 100644
--- a/src/game.gd
+++ b/src/game.gd
@@ -1,19 +1,45 @@
 class_name Game
 extends Node3D
-## Loads the chosen level, spawns the chosen car at the level's "Spawn" node,
-## runs chase cam + HUD. Everything built in code -- game.tscn is just this script.
+## Loads the chosen level, spawns cars, runs the chosen mode:
+##   cruise -- free roam with traffic
+##   crash  -- 60s damage-dollar rampage (Crash Mode v0)
+##   race   -- 3 laps vs rivals on the level's RacePath, rubber-banded
+## Takedowns refill the boost meter and grow it (up to 4x, per Burnout 3).
 
 static var car_path := ""
 static var level_path := ""
+static var mode := "cruise"
+
+const LAPS := 3
+const CRASH_TIME := 60.0
+const RIVAL_COUNT := 3
+const TRAFFIC_COUNT := {"cruise": 6, "crash": 10, "race": 4}
 
 var car: Car
 var cam: Camera3D
+var race_path: Path3D
+var rivals: Array[Rival] = []
+var traffic: Array[TrafficCar] = []
+var score := 0.0
+var time_left := CRASH_TIME
+var over := false
+var laps := {}       # racer -> lap count
+var prev_off := {}   # racer -> last path offset
+var near_cd := {}    # traffic -> near-miss cooldown
+
 var speed_label: Label
 var boost_bar: ProgressBar
+var info_label: Label
+var msg_label: Label
+var msg_timer: SceneTreeTimer
 
 func _ready() -> void:
 	var level: Node = (load(level_path) as PackedScene).instantiate()
 	add_child(level)
+	for p in level.find_children("*", "Path3D", true, false):
+		race_path = p
+		if String(p.name).begins_with("Race"):
+			break
 
 	car = (load("res://src/car.tscn") as PackedScene).instantiate()
 	car.stats = load(car_path)
@@ -22,6 +48,38 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	if spawn is Node3D:
 		car.global_transform = spawn.global_transform
 	car.global_position += Vector3.UP * 0.6
+	car.crashed.connect(_player_crash)
+	car.wreck_started.connect(_player_wreck)
+
+	if mode == "race" and race_path:
+		_grid(car, 0.0)
+		laps[car] = 0
+		prev_off[car] = 0.0
+		var pool := Registry.cars().values()
+		for i in RIVAL_COUNT:
+			var r: Rival = (load("res://src/rival.tscn") as PackedScene).instantiate()
+			r.stats = load(pool[randi() % pool.size()])
+			r.path = race_path
+			add_child(r)
+			var off := race_path.curve.get_baked_length() - 8.0 * (i + 1)
+			_grid(r, off)
+			r.progress = off
+			laps[r] = 0
+			prev_off[r] = off
+			r.wreck_started.connect(_rival_wrecked.bind(r))
+			rivals.append(r)
+	car.spawn_xform = car.global_transform
+
+	if race_path:
+		var n: int = TRAFFIC_COUNT.get(mode, 4)
+		for i in n:
+			var t := TrafficCar.new()
+			t.path = race_path
+			t.offset = race_path.curve.get_baked_length() * (i + 0.5) / n
+			t.speed = randf_range(9.0, 14.0)
+			add_child(t)
+			t.smashed.connect(_traffic_smashed)
+			traffic.append(t)
 
 	cam = Camera3D.new()
 	cam.fov = 72.0
@@ -48,17 +106,137 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	hud.add_child(speed_label)
 	boost_bar = ProgressBar.new()
 	boost_bar.position = Vector2(24, 72)
-	boost_bar.size = Vector2(220, 18)
+	boost_bar.size = Vector2(160, 18)
 	boost_bar.show_percentage = false
 	hud.add_child(boost_bar)
+	info_label = Label.new()
+	info_label.anchor_left = 1.0
+	info_label.anchor_right = 1.0
+	info_label.offset_left = -420.0
+	info_label.offset_top = 24.0
+	info_label.horizontal_alignment = HORIZONTAL_ALIGNMENT_RIGHT
+	info_label.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 30)
+	hud.add_child(info_label)
+	msg_label = Label.new()
+	msg_label.anchor_left = 0.5
+	msg_label.anchor_right = 0.5
+	msg_label.anchor_top = 0.25
+	msg_label.grow_horizontal = Control.GROW_DIRECTION_BOTH
+	msg_label.horizontal_alignment = HORIZONTAL_ALIGNMENT_CENTER
+	msg_label.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 48)
+	hud.add_child(msg_label)
+
+func _exit_tree() -> void:
+	Engine.time_scale = 1.0
+
+func _grid(c: Car, off: float) -> void:
+	var L := race_path.curve.get_baked_length()
+	var pos := race_path.to_global(race_path.curve.sample_baked(fposmod(off, L))) + Vector3.UP * 0.8
+	var ahead := race_path.to_global(race_path.curve.sample_baked(fposmod(off + 4.0, L))) + Vector3.UP * 0.8
+	c.look_at_from_position(pos, ahead, Vector3.UP)
+
+func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
+	# near misses: close pass on live traffic at speed
+	for t in traffic:
+		near_cd[t] = maxf(near_cd.get(t, 0.0) - delta, 0.0)
+		if t.live and near_cd[t] == 0.0 and car.linear_velocity.length() > 15.0 \
+				and car.global_position.distance_to(t.global_position) < 4.5:
+			near_cd[t] = 4.0
+			car.earn_boost(0.12)
+			_msg("NEAR MISS", 32)
+	if mode == "race" and race_path and not over:
+		_race_tick()
+
+func _race_tick() -> void:
+	var L := race_path.curve.get_baked_length()
+	prev_off[car] = _lap_step(car, _nearest_off(car.global_position, prev_off[car], L), L)
+	for r in rivals:
+		prev_off[r] = _lap_step(r, r.progress, L)
+	var my_total: float = laps[car] * L + prev_off[car]
+	var pos := 1
+	for r in rivals:
+		var rt: float = laps[r] * L + prev_off[r]
+		if rt > my_total:
+			pos += 1
+		r.power_scale = clampf(1.0 + (my_total - rt) / 300.0, 0.8, 1.35)
+	info_label.text = "P%d/%d   LAP %d/%d" % [pos, rivals.size() + 1, mini(laps[car] + 1, LAPS), LAPS]
+	if laps[car] >= LAPS:
+		over = true
+		_msg("FINISHED P%d\nEsc for menu" % pos, 48, true)
+
+func _lap_step(c: Car, off: float, L: float) -> float:
+	if prev_off[c] > 0.8 * L and off < 0.2 * L:
+		laps[c] += 1
+	elif off > 0.8 * L and prev_off[c] < 0.2 * L:
+		laps[c] -= 1
+	return off
+
+func _nearest_off(pos: Vector3, seed_off: float, L: float) -> float:
+	var best := seed_off
+	var best_d := INF
+	for i in 25:
+		var o := fposmod(seed_off - 4.0 + i, L)
+		var d := race_path.to_global(race_path.curve.sample_baked(o)).distance_squared_to(pos)
+		if d < best_d:
+			best_d = d
+			best = o
+	return best
+
+func _player_crash(dv: float) -> void:
+	if mode == "crash" and not over:
+		score += minf(dv, 30.0) * 120.0
+	if dv > 6.0:
+		_msg("SMASH", 40)
+
+func _player_wreck() -> void:
+	Engine.time_scale = 0.35  # Impact Time
+	get_tree().create_timer(1.0, true, false, true).timeout.connect(
+		func() -> void: Engine.time_scale = 1.0)
+	_msg("WRECKED", 48)
+
+func _rival_wrecked(r: Rival) -> void:
+	if car.wrecked or car.global_position.distance_to(r.global_position) > 8.0:
+		return
+	car.boost_max = minf(car.boost_max + 0.5, Car.BOOST_CAP)
+	car.boost = car.boost_max
+	_msg("TAKEDOWN!", 56)
+
+func _traffic_smashed(impulse: float) -> void:
+	if mode == "crash" and not over:
+		score += impulse * 400.0
+		_msg("$%d" % int(impulse * 400.0), 40)
+	car.earn_boost(0.2)
+
+func _msg(text: String, size: int, sticky := false) -> void:
+	msg_label.text = text
+	msg_label.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", size)
+	if sticky:
+		msg_timer = null
+		return
+	var t := get_tree().create_timer(1.2, true, false, true)
+	msg_timer = t
+	t.timeout.connect(func() -> void:
+		if msg_timer == t:
+			msg_label.text = "")
 
 func _process(delta: float) -> void:
 	if Input.is_action_just_pressed("ui_cancel"):
 		get_tree().change_scene_to_file("res://src/main.tscn")
 		return
+	if mode == "crash" and not over:
+		time_left -= delta
+		info_label.text = "$%d   %d s" % [int(score), ceili(time_left)]
+		if time_left <= 0.0:
+			over = true
+			_msg("DAMAGE: $%d\nR to retry, Esc for menu" % int(score), 48, true)
+	if over and mode == "crash" and Input.is_action_just_pressed("reset"):
+		get_tree().reload_current_scene()
+		return
 	var target := car.global_position + car.global_basis * Vector3(0, 2.4, 6.0)
 	cam.global_position = cam.global_position.lerp(target, 1.0 - exp(-5.0 * delta))
 	cam.look_at(car.global_position + Vector3.UP * 1.2)
 	cam.fov = lerpf(cam.fov, 84.0 if car.boosting else 72.0, 6.0 * delta)
 	speed_label.text = "%d km/h" % roundf(car.speed_kmh())
+	boost_bar.size.x = 160.0 * car.boost_max
+	boost_bar.max_value = 100.0 * car.boost_max
 	boost_bar.value = car.boost * 100.0
diff --git a/src/main.gd b/src/main.gd
index f631fce..62306bb 100644
--- a/src/main.gd
+++ b/src/main.gd
@@ -1,8 +1,11 @@
 extends Control
-## Menu: pick a car and a level from whatever folders exist, hit RACE.
+## Menu: pick a car, a level and a mode from whatever exists, hit RACE.
+
+const MODES := [["cruise", "Cruise"], ["crash", "Crash Mode"], ["race", "Race"]]
 
 @onready var car_list: ItemList = $VBox/HBox/Cars
 @onready var level_list: ItemList = $VBox/HBox/Levels
+@onready var mode_list: ItemList = $VBox/HBox/Modes
 
 var car_paths: Array = []
 var level_paths: Array = []
@@ -17,10 +20,13 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	for id in levels:
 		level_list.add_item(String(id).capitalize())
 		level_paths.append(levels[id])
+	for m in MODES:
+		mode_list.add_item(m[1])
 	if not car_paths.is_empty():
 		car_list.select(0)
 	if not level_paths.is_empty():
 		level_list.select(0)
+	mode_list.select(0)
 	$VBox/Start.pressed.connect(_start)
 
 func _start() -> void:
@@ -28,4 +34,5 @@ func _start() -> void:
 		return
 	Game.car_path = car_paths[car_list.get_selected_items()[0]]
 	Game.level_path = level_paths[level_list.get_selected_items()[0]]
+	Game.mode = MODES[mode_list.get_selected_items()[0]][0]
 	get_tree().change_scene_to_file("res://src/game.tscn")
diff --git a/src/main.tscn b/src/main.tscn
index 2fb7ba2..7032f47 100644
--- a/src/main.tscn
+++ b/src/main.tscn
@@ -31,6 +31,9 @@ size_flags_horizontal = 3
 [node name="Levels" type="ItemList" parent="VBox/HBox"]
 size_flags_horizontal = 3
 
+[node name="Modes" type="ItemList" parent="VBox/HBox"]
+size_flags_horizontal = 3
+
 [node name="Start" type="Button" parent="VBox"]
 text = "RACE"
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 32
diff --git a/src/rival.gd b/src/rival.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f66e4f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/rival.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+class_name Rival
+extends Car
+## AI opponent: chases a lookahead point on the race path. Rubber-banding comes
+## from game.gd setting power_scale. ponytail: no hostility index yet -- add when
+## Road Rage mode lands.
+
+var path: Path3D
+var progress := 0.0
+
+var _stuck := 0.0
+
+func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
+	if path:
+		_drive(delta)
+	super(delta)
+
+func _drive(delta: float) -> void:
+	var curve := path.curve
+	var L := curve.get_baked_length()
+	progress = _nearest(curve, L)
+	var look := 6.0 + linear_velocity.length() * 0.6
+	var target := path.to_global(curve.sample_baked(fmod(progress + look, L)))
+	var local := to_local(target)
+	var angle := atan2(-local.x, -local.z)
+	steer_in = clampf(angle * 1.6, -1.0, 1.0)
+	throttle_in = 0.35 if absf(angle) > 1.2 else 1.0
+	drift_in = absf(angle) > 0.7 and linear_velocity.length() > 14.0
+	boost_in = boost > 0.4 and absf(angle) < 0.15
+
+	# wedged against something: put it back on the path
+	if linear_velocity.length() < 1.5 and not wrecked:
+		_stuck += delta
+		if _stuck > 3.0:
+			_stuck = 0.0
+			var pos := path.to_global(curve.sample_baked(progress)) + Vector3.UP * 0.8
+			var ahead := path.to_global(curve.sample_baked(fmod(progress + 4.0, L))) + Vector3.UP * 0.8
+			look_at_from_position(pos, ahead, Vector3.UP)
+			linear_velocity = Vector3.ZERO
+			angular_velocity = Vector3.ZERO
+	else:
+		_stuck = 0.0
+
+func _nearest(curve: Curve3D, L: float) -> float:
+	var best := progress
+	var best_d := INF
+	for i in 25:
+		var o := fposmod(progress - 4.0 + i, L)
+		var d := path.to_global(curve.sample_baked(o)).distance_squared_to(global_position)
+		if d < best_d:
+			best_d = d
+			best = o
+	return best
diff --git a/src/rival.gd.uid b/src/rival.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d93ebe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/rival.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://b8s7pvlla46kh
diff --git a/src/rival.tscn b/src/rival.tscn
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ea9b668
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/rival.tscn
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+[gd_scene load_steps=3 format=3]
+
+[ext_resource type="PackedScene" path="res://src/car.tscn" id="1"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://src/rival.gd" id="2"]
+
+[node name="Rival" instance=ExtResource("1")]
+script = ExtResource("2")
+is_player = false
diff --git a/src/traffic.gd b/src/traffic.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4a32352
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/traffic.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+class_name TrafficCar
+extends RigidBody3D
+## Civilian traffic: frozen-kinematic body gliding along a Path3D loop; goes fully
+## dynamic (and flies) when whacked hard enough.
+## ponytail: no lane logic, no avoidance -- canon Burnout traffic is dumb.
+
+signal smashed(impulse: float)
+
+var path: Path3D
+var offset := 0.0
+var speed := 11.0
+var live := true
+
+static var _model_pool: Array[String] = []
+static var _pool_built := false
+
+static func pick_model() -> String:
+	if not _pool_built:
+		_pool_built = true
+		for p in Registry.cars().values():
+			var s: CarStats = load(p)
+			if s.model_path != "" and ResourceLoader.exists(s.model_path):
+				_model_pool.append(s.model_path)
+	return _model_pool.pick_random() if not _model_pool.is_empty() else ""
+
+func _init() -> void:
+	mass = 900.0
+	freeze = true
+	freeze_mode = RigidBody3D.FREEZE_MODE_KINEMATIC
+	contact_monitor = true
+	max_contacts_reported = 8
+	var cs := CollisionShape3D.new()
+	var box := BoxShape3D.new()
+	box.size = Vector3(1.7, 1.2, 4.0)
+	cs.shape = box
+	add_child(cs)
+	var mp := pick_model()
+	if mp != "":
+		add_child((load(mp) as PackedScene).instantiate())
+	else:
+		var mi := MeshInstance3D.new()
+		var bm := BoxMesh.new()
+		bm.size = box.size
+		var mat := StandardMaterial3D.new()
+		mat.albedo_color = Color.from_hsv(randf(), 0.4, 0.8)
+		bm.material = mat
+		mi.mesh = bm
+		add_child(mi)
+	body_entered.connect(_hit)
+
+func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
+	if not live or path == null:
+		return
+	var L := path.curve.get_baked_length()
+	offset = fmod(offset + speed * delta, L)
+	var pos := path.to_global(path.curve.sample_baked(offset)) + Vector3.UP * 0.75
+	var ahead := path.to_global(path.curve.sample_baked(fmod(offset + 2.0, L))) + Vector3.UP * 0.75
+	look_at_from_position(pos, ahead, Vector3.UP)
+
+func _hit(body: Node) -> void:
+	if not live or not body is RigidBody3D:
+		return
+	if body is TrafficCar and (body as TrafficCar).live:
+		return  # live traffic rear-ending live traffic is not a crash, it's commuting
+	# limit_length: penetration ejections report silly velocities, cap the punt
+	var rel := ((body as RigidBody3D).linear_velocity - linear_velocity).limit_length(30.0)
+	if rel.length() < 3.0:
+		return
+	live = false
+	freeze = false
+	linear_velocity = rel * 0.7 + Vector3.UP * 2.5
+	angular_velocity = Vector3(randf_range(-3, 3), randf_range(-3, 3), randf_range(-3, 3))
+	smashed.emit(rel.length())
diff --git a/src/traffic.gd.uid b/src/traffic.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f0c0551
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/traffic.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://cch61cwxv7g81
diff --git a/tests/screenshot.gd b/tests/screenshot.gd
index e655027..6649fad 100644
--- a/tests/screenshot.gd
+++ b/tests/screenshot.gd
@@ -1,19 +1,27 @@
 extends SceneTree
 ## Boot straight into the game and save a viewport screenshot (needs a window, not --headless):
-##   /Applications/Godot.app/Contents/MacOS/Godot --path . --script tests/screenshot.gd
-## Writes screenshot.png to the project dir. Used to eyeball the build without a human.
+##   Godot --path . --script tests/screenshot.gd -- car=datto_120y mode=cruise out=shot.png frames=90 throttle=1
+## Defaults: first car, cruise, screenshot.png, 90 physics frames, throttle held.
 
 func _initialize() -> void:
 	_run()
 
 func _run() -> void:
-	Game.car_path = Registry.cars().values()[0]
+	var opts := {}
+	for a in OS.get_cmdline_user_args():
+		var kv := a.split("=")
+		if kv.size() == 2:
+			opts[kv[0]] = kv[1]
+	var cars := Registry.cars()
+	Game.car_path = cars.get(opts.get("car", ""), cars.values()[0])
 	Game.level_path = Registry.levels().values()[0]
+	Game.mode = opts.get("mode", "cruise")
 	root.add_child((load("res://src/game.tscn") as PackedScene).instantiate())
 	await process_frame
-	Input.action_press("throttle")
-	for i in 90:
+	if opts.get("throttle", "1") == "1":
+		Input.action_press("throttle")
+	for i in int(opts.get("frames", "90")):
 		await physics_frame
-	root.get_texture().get_image().save_png("res://screenshot.png")
+	root.get_texture().get_image().save_png("res://" + opts.get("out", "screenshot.png"))
 	print("screenshot saved")
 	quit(0)
diff --git a/tests/screenshot.gd.uid b/tests/screenshot.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..94044a2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/screenshot.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://ci411yia72g6m
diff --git a/tests/smoke.gd b/tests/smoke.gd
index 3dcb1ae..2a6c333 100644
--- a/tests/smoke.gd
+++ b/tests/smoke.gd
@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
 extends SceneTree
 ## Headless smoke test:
 ##   /Applications/Godot.app/Contents/MacOS/Godot --headless --path . --script tests/smoke.gd
-## Registry finds content, game boots, car drives forward under throttle.
+## Registry finds content; each mode boots and simulates; the car drives; traffic
+## gets smashed when driven through.
 
 func _initialize() -> void:
 	_run()
@@ -14,16 +15,62 @@ func _run() -> void:
 	for p in cars.values():
 		var s: CarStats = load(p)
 		assert(s != null and s.engine_power > 0.0, "bad stats: %s" % p)
+		if s.model_path != "":
+			assert(load(s.model_path) is PackedScene, "bad model: %s" % s.model_path)
 	Game.car_path = cars.values()[0]
 	Game.level_path = levels.values()[0]
-	var game: Game = (load("res://src/game.tscn") as PackedScene).instantiate()
-	root.add_child(game)
-	await process_frame  # _ready doesn't run until the main loop starts
+
+	# cruise: throttle 3s, car must move
+	var game: Game = await _boot("cruise")
+	if game.car.stats.model_path != "":
+		assert(game.car._parts.size() >= 8, "model has no detachable det_* parts")
 	var start: Vector3 = game.car.global_position
 	Input.action_press("throttle")
 	for i in 180:
 		await physics_frame
 	var dist := start.distance_to(game.car.global_position)
 	assert(dist > 5.0, "car didn't move (%.1f m)" % dist)
-	print("smoke ok: %d cars, %d levels, drove %.1f m, %.0f km/h" % [cars.size(), levels.size(), dist, game.car.speed_kmh()])
+	Input.action_release("throttle")
+	game.free()
+
+	# crash mode: traffic spawned, ram the nearest one, score must rise
+	game = await _boot("crash")
+	assert(game.traffic.size() == Game.TRAFFIC_COUNT["crash"], "traffic missing")
+	var victim: TrafficCar = game.traffic[0]
+	await physics_frame  # traffic takes position on its first physics tick
+	game.car.global_position = victim.global_position - victim.global_basis.z * 15.0
+	game.car.look_at(victim.global_position)
+	Input.action_press("throttle")
+	for i in 240:
+		await physics_frame
+		if not victim.live:
+			break
+	Input.action_release("throttle")
+	assert(not victim.live, "rammed traffic never went dynamic")
+	assert(game.score > 0.0, "crash mode scored nothing")
+	var crash_score := game.score
+	game.free()
+
+	# race: rivals spawn and make progress along the path
+	game = await _boot("race")
+	assert(game.rivals.size() == Game.RIVAL_COUNT, "rivals missing")
+	var p0: float = game.rivals[0].progress
+	for i in 240:
+		await physics_frame
+	var moved := false
+	for r in game.rivals:
+		if absf(r.progress - p0) > 3.0 or r.linear_velocity.length() > 3.0:
+			moved = true
+	assert(moved, "no rival is driving")
+	game.free()
+
+	print("smoke ok: %d cars, %d levels | cruise %.1f m | crash $%d | race AI driving" %
+		[cars.size(), levels.size(), dist, int(crash_score)])
 	quit(0)
+
+func _boot(mode: String) -> Game:
+	Game.mode = mode
+	var game: Game = (load("res://src/game.tscn") as PackedScene).instantiate()
+	root.add_child(game)
+	await process_frame  # _ready is deferred until the main loop runs
+	return game
diff --git a/tools/build_cars.py b/tools/build_cars.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2f1d525
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/build_cars.py
@@ -0,0 +1,217 @@
+"""Procedural Aussie shitbox factory.
+
+Run:  /Applications/Blender.app/Contents/MacOS/Blender -b -P tools/build_cars.py
+
+Each car: side-silhouette profile extruded across the width (body + greenhouse),
+cylinder wheels, and separate det_* panel objects (doors, mirrors, bumpers,
+bonnet, boot) that the game rips off on impact. Exports cars/<id>/car.glb.
+
+Convention: +Y is the nose in Blender (imports facing -Z, Godot-forward).
+Ground is z=0 while building; the body root is dropped -0.75 at the end to
+match the car controller's ride height.
+
+ponytail: silhouettes are hand-tuned point lists, not reference-traced. Feed me
+side-on photos per car when a shape needs to get closer.
+"""
+import os
+import math
+import bpy
+import bmesh
+from mathutils import Matrix
+
+OUT = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)), "..", "cars")
+
+GLASS = (0.12, 0.16, 0.20, 1)
+TYRE = (0.08, 0.08, 0.08, 1)
+CHROME = (0.75, 0.76, 0.78, 1)
+DARK = (0.15, 0.15, 0.15, 1)
+LIGHT_F = (0.95, 0.92, 0.75, 1)
+LIGHT_R = (0.7, 0.1, 0.08, 1)
+
+# L, W, heights: nose/belt/tail, lengths: bonnet/boot, roof height + rear roof end,
+# axle overhangs, wheel radius, paint, chrome bumpers, hatch rear
+CARS = {
+    "datto_120y": dict(L=3.92, W=1.50, nose=0.62, belt=0.78, tail=0.72,
+                       bonnet=1.00, boot=0.85, roof=1.32, roof_rear=0.75,
+                       ohang_f=0.72, ohang_r=0.80, wheel=0.27,
+                       paint=(0.78, 0.62, 0.16, 1), chrome_bumpers=True, hatch=False),
+    "gemmy_tx": dict(L=4.13, W=1.57, nose=0.60, belt=0.76, tail=0.70,
+                     bonnet=1.15, boot=0.95, roof=1.28, roof_rear=0.80,
+                     ohang_f=0.80, ohang_r=0.85, wheel=0.28,
+                     paint=(0.72, 0.30, 0.10, 1), chrome_bumpers=True, hatch=False),
+    "kingswood_hq": dict(L=4.81, W=1.88, nose=0.68, belt=0.85, tail=0.78,
+                         bonnet=1.50, boot=1.30, roof=1.36, roof_rear=1.05,
+                         ohang_f=0.90, ohang_r=1.05, wheel=0.31,
+                         paint=(0.66, 0.74, 0.55, 1), chrome_bumpers=True, hatch=False),
+    "vl_terbo": dict(L=4.72, W=1.72, nose=0.56, belt=0.80, tail=0.82,
+                     bonnet=1.30, boot=1.05, roof=1.33, roof_rear=0.90,
+                     ohang_f=0.85, ohang_r=0.95, wheel=0.30,
+                     paint=(0.92, 0.92, 0.90, 1), chrome_bumpers=False, hatch=False),
+    "xf_falcon": dict(L=4.91, W=1.86, nose=0.66, belt=0.84, tail=0.80,
+                      bonnet=1.45, boot=1.25, roof=1.37, roof_rear=1.00,
+                      ohang_f=0.90, ohang_r=1.00, wheel=0.30,
+                      paint=(0.45, 0.55, 0.68, 1), chrome_bumpers=True, hatch=False),
+    "excel_x3": dict(L=4.10, W=1.62, nose=0.58, belt=0.80, tail=0.96,
+                     bonnet=0.95, boot=0.30, roof=1.36, roof_rear=0.95,
+                     ohang_f=0.78, ohang_r=0.70, wheel=0.27,
+                     paint=(0.10, 0.55, 0.52, 1), chrome_bumpers=False, hatch=True),
+}
+
+
+def wipe():
+    for obj in list(bpy.data.objects):
+        bpy.data.objects.remove(obj, do_unlink=True)
+    for coll in (bpy.data.meshes, bpy.data.materials):
+        for block in list(coll):
+            if block.users == 0:
+                coll.remove(block)
+
+
+def material(name, rgba, metallic=0.0, rough=0.7):
+    mat = bpy.data.materials.new(name)
+    mat.use_nodes = True
+    bsdf = next(n for n in mat.node_tree.nodes if n.type == "BSDF_PRINCIPLED")
+    bsdf.inputs["Base Color"].default_value = rgba
+    bsdf.inputs["Metallic"].default_value = metallic
+    bsdf.inputs["Roughness"].default_value = rough
+    return mat
+
+
+def add_obj(name, mesh, mat):
+    obj = bpy.data.objects.new(name, mesh)
+    obj.data.materials.append(mat)
+    bpy.context.collection.objects.link(obj)
+    return obj
+
+
+def extrude_profile(name, profile, half_w, mat):
+    """Closed (y,z) polygon extruded from -half_w to +half_w along x."""
+    n = len(profile)
+    verts = [(-half_w, y, z) for y, z in profile] + [(half_w, y, z) for y, z in profile]
+    faces = [list(range(n)), [2 * n - 1 - i for i in range(n)]]
+    for i in range(n):
+        j = (i + 1) % n
+        faces.append([i, j, n + j, n + i])
+    mesh = bpy.data.meshes.new(name)
+    mesh.from_pydata(verts, [], faces)
+    bm = bmesh.new()
+    bm.from_mesh(mesh)
+    bmesh.ops.recalc_face_normals(bm, faces=bm.faces)
+    bm.to_mesh(mesh)
+    bm.free()
+    mesh.update()
+    return add_obj(name, mesh, mat)
+
+
+def box(name, center, size, mat, rot_x=0.0):
+    mesh = bpy.data.meshes.new(name)
+    bm = bmesh.new()
+    bmesh.ops.create_cube(bm, size=1.0)
+    bmesh.ops.scale(bm, vec=size, verts=bm.verts)
+    if rot_x:
+        bmesh.ops.rotate(bm, cent=(0, 0, 0), matrix=Matrix.Rotation(rot_x, 3, "X"), verts=bm.verts)
+    bmesh.ops.translate(bm, vec=center, verts=bm.verts)
+    bm.to_mesh(mesh)
+    bm.free()
+    return add_obj(name, mesh, mat)
+
+
+def wheel(name, x, y, r, mat):
+    mesh = bpy.data.meshes.new(name)
+    bm = bmesh.new()
+    bmesh.ops.create_cone(bm, cap_ends=True, segments=14, radius1=r, radius2=r, depth=0.24)
+    bmesh.ops.rotate(bm, cent=(0, 0, 0), matrix=Matrix.Rotation(math.pi / 2, 3, "Y"), verts=bm.verts)
+    bmesh.ops.translate(bm, vec=(x, y, r), verts=bm.verts)
+    bm.to_mesh(mesh)
+    bm.free()
+    return add_obj(name, mesh, mat)
+
+
+def build(car_id, s):
+    wipe()
+    paint = material("paint", s["paint"], rough=0.45)
+    paint_dk = material("paint_dark", tuple(c * 0.8 for c in s["paint"][:3]) + (1,), rough=0.5)
+    glass = material("glass", GLASS, rough=0.2)
+    tyre = material("tyre", TYRE, rough=0.9)
+    chrome = material("chrome", CHROME, metallic=1.0, rough=0.25)
+    dark = material("dark", DARK, rough=0.8)
+    bumper_mat = chrome if s["chrome_bumpers"] else paint_dk
+
+    L, W = s["L"], s["W"]
+    f, r, hw = L / 2, -L / 2, W / 2
+    bottom = 0.22
+    ws_base = f - s["bonnet"]          # windscreen base y
+    boot_y = r + s["boot"]             # rear window base y
+    nose2 = s["nose"] + 0.02
+
+    body_profile = [
+        (f, bottom + 0.15), (f, s["nose"]), (f - 0.3, nose2), (ws_base, s["belt"]),
+        (boot_y, s["belt"]), (r + 0.05, s["tail"]), (r, s["tail"] - 0.05),
+        (r, bottom + 0.15), (r + 0.2, bottom), (f - 0.2, bottom),
+    ]
+    body = extrude_profile("body", body_profile, hw, paint)
+
+    rr_y = r + 0.12 if s["hatch"] else boot_y
+    rr_z = s["tail"] - 0.03 if s["hatch"] else s["belt"]
+    gh_profile = [
+        (ws_base, s["belt"] - 0.02),
+        (ws_base - 0.55, s["roof"]),
+        (boot_y + s["roof_rear"], s["roof"]),
+        (rr_y, rr_z),
+    ]
+    parts = [extrude_profile("glass", gh_profile, hw * 0.84, glass)]
+
+    for side, sx in (("l", -1), ("r", 1)):
+        door_z = (bottom + 0.3 + s["belt"]) / 2
+        door_h = s["belt"] - bottom - 0.32
+        span = (ws_base - 0.05) - (boot_y + 0.05)
+        half = span / 2
+        parts.append(box("det_door_f%s" % side, (sx * hw, ws_base - 0.05 - half / 2, door_z),
+                         (0.06, half - 0.06, door_h), paint_dk))
+        parts.append(box("det_door_r%s" % side, (sx * hw, boot_y + 0.05 + half / 2, door_z),
+                         (0.06, half - 0.06, door_h), paint_dk))
+        parts.append(box("det_mirror_%s" % side, (sx * (hw + 0.09), ws_base + 0.05, s["belt"] + 0.10),
+                         (0.14, 0.09, 0.12), dark))
+    parts.append(box("det_bumper_f", (0, f + 0.05, bottom + 0.16), (W + 0.06, 0.15, 0.16), bumper_mat))
+    parts.append(box("det_bumper_r", (0, r - 0.05, bottom + 0.16), (W + 0.06, 0.15, 0.16), bumper_mat))
+
+    # bonnet plate follows the bonnet slope
+    by1, bz1, by2, bz2 = f - 0.35, nose2, ws_base + 0.03, s["belt"]
+    ang = math.atan2(bz2 - bz1, by2 - by1)
+    parts.append(box("det_bonnet", ((0, (by1 + by2) / 2, (bz1 + bz2) / 2 + 0.02)),
+                     (W * 0.7, math.hypot(by2 - by1, bz2 - bz1) - 0.1, 0.04), paint_dk, rot_x=-ang))
+    if not s["hatch"]:
+        ty1, tz1, ty2, tz2 = boot_y - 0.03, s["belt"], r + 0.1, s["tail"]
+        ang = math.atan2(tz2 - tz1, ty2 - ty1)
+        parts.append(box("det_boot", ((0, (ty1 + ty2) / 2, (tz1 + tz2) / 2 + 0.02)),
+                         (W * 0.7, math.hypot(ty2 - ty1, tz2 - tz1) - 0.1, 0.04), paint_dk, rot_x=-ang))
+
+    trim = [
+        box("trim_grille", (0, f + 0.01, s["nose"] - 0.14), (W * 0.5, 0.05, 0.12), dark),
+        box("trim_light_fl", (-W * 0.33, f + 0.02, s["nose"] - 0.13), (0.24, 0.05, 0.13), material("lf", LIGHT_F)),
+        box("trim_light_fr", (W * 0.33, f + 0.02, s["nose"] - 0.13), (0.24, 0.05, 0.13), material("lf2", LIGHT_F)),
+        box("trim_light_rl", (-W * 0.32, r - 0.02, s["tail"] - 0.14), (0.26, 0.05, 0.12), material("lr", LIGHT_R)),
+        box("trim_light_rr", (W * 0.32, r - 0.02, s["tail"] - 0.14), (0.26, 0.05, 0.12), material("lr2", LIGHT_R)),
+    ]
+
+    ax_f, ax_r = f - s["ohang_f"], r + s["ohang_r"]
+    wx = hw - 0.10
+    wheels = [wheel("wheel_fl", -wx, ax_f, s["wheel"], tyre), wheel("wheel_fr", wx, ax_f, s["wheel"], tyre),
+              wheel("wheel_rl", -wx, ax_r, s["wheel"], tyre), wheel("wheel_rr", wx, ax_r, s["wheel"], tyre)]
+
+    for obj in parts + trim + wheels:
+        obj.parent = body
+    body.location.z = -0.75  # node origin sits at the controller's ride height
+
+    out_dir = os.path.join(OUT, car_id)
+    os.makedirs(out_dir, exist_ok=True)
+    path = os.path.join(out_dir, "car.glb")
+    for obj in bpy.data.objects:
+        obj.select_set(True)
+    bpy.ops.export_scene.gltf(filepath=path, export_format="GLB", use_selection=True)
+    print("built", car_id, "->", path)
+
+
+for car_id, spec in CARS.items():
+    build(car_id, spec)
+print("done: %d cars" % len(CARS))