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The Race to Put a Solid-State Battery on the RoadAutomotive patents don’t always focus on a new product that is about to hit showrooms. More often, they give us a peek at the real issues carmakers face in the background – especially for upcoming breakthroughs. Solid-state batteries are a perfect example of that right now. In a nutshell, solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte in today’s lithium-ion batteries with a solid material. On paper, that means more energy, quicker charging, better safety, and longer lifespan. That’s why they’re often hyped as the next big thing for EVs. We’ve already seen some bold claims – like Donut Lab’s supposed five-minute recharge battery. Honda and Toyota were some of the first legacy automakers, among others, to say they were all-in on solid-state batteries. Fast forward a few years, and you still won’t find a production-ready pack in any of their cars. Two new separate patents help explain what’s holding things up – and yes, both companies are working on these problems that will decide if solid-state batteries actually work in the real world. Donut Lab Honda’s Problem: Keeping the Battery From Destroying ItselfHonda is zeroing in on durability. Its latest patent, filed in the US Patent and Trademark Office in September 2025 (patent no. 20260024768, if you want to check) and published in January 2026, delves into how solid-state batteries hold up as they age. The main headache with solid-state batteries is internal stress. Every time the battery charges or discharges, the materials inside expand and contract. Liquid electrolytes can handle that movement, but solid materials can’t. That leads to cracks, layers pulling apart, and increased resistance, all of which slowly erode performance. So, how does Honda plan to solve this? The Japanese automaker is looking at the battery’s structure, especially how the negative electrode connects with the solid electrolyte. Rather than inventing a new chemistry, Honda is tweaking the way the layers are built so they can handle stress and avoid long-term damage. The aim isn’t to break records for charging speed or energy capacity, but to ensure the battery can withstand daily use without coming apart inside. In short, Honda is tackling the longevity problem first. It’s prioritizing cycle life and reliability for now. Honda Toyota’s Problem: Making Solid-State Batteries at ScaleOn the other hand, Toyota’s patent addresses a different roadblock. Filed in July 2025 (patent no. 20260024805) and published on the same day as Honda’s, it’s all about making sure solid-state batteries can be built consistently, not just in the lab but in the factory. Toyota’s concerns are moisture, contamination, and variation in resistance during production. Apparently, solid-state batteries are extremely sensitive to even small amounts of surface moisture, which can ruin performance before they even reach customers. In a lab, that’s manageable. On a mass-production line, it’s a nightmare. Toyota’s patent outlines methods for controlling variables during lamination and pressing. It’s not a moonshot. It’s more like a set of instructions for the factory floor, all about improving yield and ensuring every battery comes out the same. That lines up with the automaker's usual approach. Instead of rushing to be first, it’s making sure solid-state batteries can be built reliably, at scale, and at a price that works for everyday cars. Like any patent, these filings don’t guarantee the tech will ever make it to production. But together, they show why solid-state batteries are still a work in progress. Honda is working on making them last. Toyota is working on making them buildable. Until both sides crack their problems, solid-state batteries will stay more of a promise than a real product. YouTube @WeberAuto View the full article

A Surprise SurgeLPG- and CNG-powered cars aren't particularly popular in America, but they do thrive in other markets such as Turkey, Russia, and South Korea. That's thanks in part to benefits and tax breaks, but also lower emissions and the cost to fill up. With that in mind, there has been a sudden surge in Europe. Per Automotive News Europe, sales of LPG and CNG cars have risen, with nearly 350,000 sold across Europe last year. It's a substantial 9.8 percent increase over 2024's figures, and more automakers and governments are taking notice. Europe isn't just welcoming these cars; they're embracing them. Granted, LPG and CNG-powered vehicles have always been offered there, but it seems now more than ever. The Top-SellersOf the nearly 350,000 LPG cars sold in the region, it's Renault and its Romanian subsidiary Dacia that led sales in 2025. Combined, those brands accounted for a whopping 89 percent of market share last year. If we do the math, that's about 225,000 units from a single company. In a very distant second place is Italian company DR Automobiles, which mainly sells Chery models rebadged for select European countries. Its 'Thermohybrid' models captured 6.2 percent of the LPG/CNG market. In third was the Hyundai Motor Group, with both Kia and Hyundai taking up 3.8 percent. As for the best-selling LPG/CNG car in Europe? It's none other than the Dacia Sandero. In fact, half of Dacia's LPG and CNG sales were of the Sandero. Good news, indeed. Italy Leads the LPG MarketOf all the European nations that purchased LPG and CNG cars, Italy bought the most, as it accounted for 41 percent of sales on the continent. It helps that DR Automobiles is present there, and Dacia is a popular brand as well. Oddly enough, Fiat pulled out of that market, but perhaps it's time for them to reconsider that move. Spain, France, and Romania are other countries that have been purchasing more of these alternative-powered cars. Again, incentives play a crucial role here, but so does price per fill-up. LPG is about half the price of regular fuel over there, which means big savings in the long run. Tightening emissions regs and ultra-low emissions zones also play a factor, and vehicles factory-fitted with LPG and CNG conversions do not have to pay fees when entering such areas. It's highly unlikely that this means of propulsion will reach the same popularity in the U.S. That said, there is still a market for it, primarily for trucks and fleets. Given that, it's unlikely that LPG and CNG will disappear in a few years. DR Automobiles View the full article

The American SleeperThere’s something about sleeper builds that never goes out of style. They skip the flashy looks and keep things low-key, but the real story is under the hood. You’ll often find an engine and chassis setup that can put much louder, showier cars to shame. That element of surprise is what makes sleepers so satisfying, and it always delivers when you least expect it. We've seen a Fox-body Mustang doubling its power without changing its looks before. Now, here's another Ford that got an update under the hood – a rusty old F100. But we did say this is a sleeper, right? Let's dive right in. Ford F100 Shelby ModFat Fender Garage is the group behind this unassuming build. Based in Arizona, the company used a 1968 Ford F100 as a platform and hid under all the aged and dated body is a performance-ready monster. Powering this sleeper truck is not just any normal V8; it is none other than the 5.2-liter Predator motor from a Shelby GT500. It seems the goal was also to extract more power from the engine, which led to adding a forged steel crank and rods, forged aluminum pistons, an Eaton TVS supercharger, and a custom stainless steel exhaust. All this has translated to a total power output of 700 hp and 625 ft-lb of torque. Handling all of this power is a 10-speed automatic transmission, and keeping the driving dynamics in check is the level 2 Fat Fender Chassis upgrade. This is coupled with an independent coilover front suspension, 4-link rear suspension, and front and rear sway bars. Aesthetically, the F100 Shelby looks almost untouched. That's because Fat Fender, along with the truck's owner, decided to retain the weathered look, which meant preserving some of the patina that has developed over time. The only telltale signs that this isn't just any truck are the super-lowered stance and the big black alloy rims. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Humble Beginnings Inside this modified F100 are most of the major upgrades, including new leather seats in black and red, a Fat Fender Garage gear lever, Spark-designed steering wheel, new digital gauges, USB charging ports, a push-to-start button, and an air conditioning system. Lastly, one very cool touch is the addition of a drift handbrake, which alludes to the owner's intention for the truck. This particular Ford F100 sleeper build traces to the customer finding the base truck in a field somewhere. Interestingly, if you watch the walk-around and test-drive video, you can see the excitement a humble (and sort of simple) build like this brings not just to the owner but also to the builders and the community. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A group of snowmobilers chased and deliberately killed ran over, and killed, coyoteys recently. Now, the Ministry of Community Safety is trying to find them. View the full article

Vida’s VXZ concept hints at a premium electric naked bike that could push Indian EV motorcycles into a more global, performance-focused era. View the full article

Before Batteries, There Was a V8While Volvo is now more closely associated with eco-oriented products, the Swedish automaker once offered a V8 in models such as the XC90 and S80 during the 2000s. The 4.4-liter B8444S may not be as bulletproof as alternatives like General Motors’ LS V8, but it still offers plenty of character – especially considering it was developed in collaboration with Yamaha, and its architecture even underpinned a 5.0-liter version used in Australia’s V8 Supercars. The all-aluminum Volvo V8 – which produced 311 horsepower in road-going applications – has long been regarded as a rare engine. As such, a teardown by Eric from I Do Cars on YouTube helps bring this unusual powerplant back into the spotlight, offering a detailed look at an example inside his shop. The engine arrived in poor condition, and with little background information available, the teardown became especially compelling as Eric sought to determine what went wrong. Inside a Rare FindAfter removing the upper plenum, the internal components appeared “dirty,” suggesting the V8 was a high-mileage engine. Some oil varnish was also visible throughout the valvetrain, though no immediately catastrophic issues were present that could clearly explain why the engine had ended up in such poor condition. Further inspection of the cylinder block revealed rust on top of several piston crowns, along with visible coolant residue around the cylinders. Because of the presence of rust, Eric tested whether each piston could reach top dead center. Since all of them did, bent connecting rods – typically associated with hydrolocking – were ruled out. Hydrolock occurs when water enters a cylinder while the engine is running; because water is incompressible, it can cause severe damage and failure even to the most reliable power units. I Do Cars on YouTube Following the Trail of WaterThat said, water intrusion into the engine likely occurred after it had already been removed from the vehicle. The engine may have been exposed to rain, moisture, or temperature fluctuations due to improper storage. In other words, the engine’s poor condition was unlikely to have stemmed from a mechanical failure in service or an inherent design flaw. Following the discontinuation of the B8444S in 2010, Volvo continued to downsize its internal combustion engines – a move that aligned well with the brand’s long-term electrification strategy. Today, the core of Volvo’s combustion lineup is the 2.0-liter inline-four Drive-E engine, which is used across much of the model range with at least a mild hybrid system. At the same time, the automaker has expanded its all-electric portfolio, with U.S. buyers now offered models such as the EX30, EX40, and EX90. I Do Cars on YouTube View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

If you love your Yamaha T7, but you want to give its looks that certain something, the Holy Moly Baja fairing kit looks super sweet.View the full article

More Engine Choices for the Land CruiserIt's no secret that America is missing out on the 300 Series Land Cruiser. The only way to get it stateside is to visit your nearest Lexus dealer and choose the LX. Well, not enough people bought the 200 Series in the U.S, hence the decision to repurpose the smaller Prado version stateside instead. The realLand Cruiser is stacked with several engine options. There's the familiar 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, a 3.5-liter twin-turbo diesel, and more recently, a six-cylinder hybrid. Now, reports from Japan suggest there will be a fourth powertrain option down the line. Toyota Electrified, And Then SomeToyota practically started the whole hybrid game rolling when it introduced the Prius in 1997. So it's no surprise that, nearly 30 years later, just about every Toyota product is available with an electrified option. Inevitably, it came to the Land Cruiser, and the first hybrid version came out in mid-2025 before reaching Europe just recently. Perhaps not content with that, Japanese publication Creative Trend has claimed that a plug-in hybrid model for the large SUV is coming soon. There's no specific timeline yet, but there is a possibility it's true. Toyota already has the hardware to make that happen. It already has the 3.5-liter V6 PHEV in the TX550+ that already makes 404 hp, which should be enough to shift the Land Cruiser's portly weight around. That same setup is used in the Century SUV with slightly more horsepower. But should the 300 Series get that arrangement, hopefully with ponies above 500 hp, we highly doubt it'll use an e-CVT given that Land Cruisers have a reputation to uphold. Toyota Will the Lexus LX Get it Too?It should make sense, right? Besides, the Land Cruiser and LX are mechanically identical, anyway. Well, there's no word about it, even in the rumor mill, but we wouldn't be surprised if the same hardware was applied to Lexus' flagship SUV. Of course, it's not as simple as slapping in the plug-in hybrid bits and calling it a day. For both the LX and the Land Cruiser, we must ask whether there is actual demand for plug-in hybrid versions of the two models. It's an interesting thought, yes, but won't necessarily translate into sales. Also, there will be packaging challenges in building a plug-in hybrid ladder frame vehicle, and it could result in less cargo space and the deletion of third-row seats. Lexus View the full article

After years of sticking with an inline four, Yamaha’s new V4-powered YZR-M1 points at a serious shift in its MotoGP future.View the full article

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X has been breaking records everywhere since its launch, setting new benchmarks for American sports cars. Last year, it managed a spectacular time of 06:49.275 around the Nürburgring, beating the Ford Mustang GTD’s time to become the fastest American production car around the famous circuit. Then, to start 2026, it set 0-60 and quarter-mile times to crush cars costing ten times as much or more. With all this in mind, it’s no surprise that a one-of-one ZR1X that went up for auction this past weekend fetched an incredible $2.6 million. Built in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the entire hammer price will also go to a charitable cause. Z06’s Auction Record Still Stands Chevrolet Despite the handsome sum of $2.6 million for this unique ZR1X, it still fell around $1 million short of the winning bid for a Corvette C8. Back in 2022, a Z06 variant sold for $3.6 million. Still, this weekend’s ZR1X—also the first production ZR1X—auction result far exceeds the stock model’s base price of $218,100. The Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction was held on January 24, 2026, and the hammer price will go towards the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This organization provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children. Its mission aligns perfectly with this Stars & Steel-inspired Corvette ZR1X. Chevrolet “To honor those who serve, Chevrolet created a 1-of-1 edition of America’s quickest production car, the Corvette ZR1X,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet. “We’re proud to know the winning bid will go directly to supporting first responders and veterans in need across the United States through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.” The winning bid went to Rick Hendrick, chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group and owner of Hendrick Motorsports. A ZR1X Like No Other C This particular ZR1X features a hand-painted Dark Satin Steel finish complemented by blue details, including the brake calipers and Carbon Aero rear wing. The paintwork was completed by experts at the General Motors Design Fabrication shop. Inside, it has a Santorini Blue interior. Being the ZR1X, this one-of-one C8 has a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 and an electric drive unit, combining for 1,250 horsepower. According to recent tests, the ZR1X managed a 0-60 time of 1.68 seconds and a ridiculous quarter-mile of 8.675 seconds. It’s a level of performance that destroys everything else in its price category—and almost everything above it. Take the Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale, for instance: It costs around $840,000 and is also a hybrid, but the 0-62 mph time is “only” 2.3 seconds. Related: One-Off Corvette ZR1X Leads Chevy’s Celebration of America’s Birthday Carrying The American Sports Car Flag Chevrolet With this $2.6-million sale, the first production ZR1X underlines the current Corvette's status as the greatest modern American sports car. From the base C8 launched in 2019 to today’s ZR1X, the eighth-generation Corvette’s breadth of capabilities has not gone unnoticed by general enthusiasts and well-heeled collectors alike. The fact that the C8 has accomplished all it has despite the brave change to a rear mid-engine layout is all the more impressive. Besides pushing the performance envelope, Chevy is constantly working to elevate the overall buying experience for Corvette customers, too. This one-of-one ZR1X marks the return of the Build Your Own engine program, last seen in 2019. With this, customers buying a new Z06, ZR1, or ZR1X can optionally work alongside the master builders to assemble and sign the V8 in their Corvette of choice. Related: Chevy’s One Off ZR1X Signals a New Era of Bespoke Corvettes View the full article

E-bikes are a great way to get cars off the road for short trips. Saddling them with bureaucracy is a great way to make sure that doesn’t happen.View the full article

Why are elite motorcycle racers paid less than the danger riders face on the track? We look into the realities of one of the most dangerous motorsports around.View the full article

Kevin Tetz is back at it with more paint and body tech! He’s been painting cars and trucks for decades, showing millions how to do it on tv for decades, and actually educating folks on paint and body through his Paintucation website and lessons for decades as well! He’s great to be around and absolutely free with his sharing of information which we love. In the video below, you’ll find him sharing more tips and tricks and techniques that are going to help you get the best front end fit possible on your split bumper Camaro. But this applies to more than Camaros! Check out the video below, and let us know what you think in the comments. Video Description: We Finally Nailed the Perfect Nose Fit on Our FAKE 2nd Gen RS Split Bumper Camaro! In this update, we take our 1970-73 style RS split front bumper (the classic chrome-split Rally Sport look) to the next level on our Garbage Camaro project. Factory gaps and alignment issues? Gone. We improved the fit dramatically and made subtle modifications for a cleaner, more aggressive appearance using proven professional products: ‪@polyvance‬ Epoxy FLEX FILLER 2 for precise shaping and rock-solid repairs https://a.co/d/0PJQW69 ‪@polyvance‬ All Seasons “BlackJack” Waterborne Primer Surfacer https://a.co/d/idOCY8H The result? Better-than-factory fitment, seamless transitions, and a show-ready front end that looks OEM-plus. No more annoying gaps or uneven lines—this bumper now sits exactly how it should! If you’re building a split bumper Camaro, doing an RS conversion (70-73 style on a later 2nd Gen), or tackling plastic/urethane bumper work, this technique delivers pro results without crazy bodywork costs. Here’s a link to PaintucationU.com for indepth training! https://paintucationu.com/ ‪ @AmericanPowertrain‬ drivetrain induction and ECU, lsxceleration LS engine components installed by John Bouchard Performance, This car is going to WIN!!!! This is the last post this year…. We’ll give you a recap round up next weekend and show you what we’ve spent on this beast! Happy New Year!!! @eastwoodco‬ #1970Camaro, #RSCamaro, #EnduraBumper, #UrethaneRestoration, #Polyvance, #ClassicCamaro, #MuscleCarRestoration, #CamaroRestoration, #ChevyCamaro, #VintageMuscleCar Follow me: www.Paintucation.com The post Paintucation: How To Make A Split Bumper RS Nose Fit Perfectly With Kevin Tetz And Some Auto Metal Direct Parts! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The Compact Gap in Ram’s LineupWith Ford and Hyundai currently the only brands competing in the compact pickup segment, speculation has grown over whether Ram might bring the Rampage to the U.S., especially given the model’s strong performance in Brazil. MoparInsider posed the question directly to Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, though his response was likely discouraging for those hoping to see the pickup offered stateside. While Kuniskis acknowledged that he would like to see the Rampage added to the U.S. lineup, he emphasized that interest alone does not guarantee it will happen. He pointed to internal market dynamics as a key factor, citing what he described as the “deprioritization” of the Ford Ranger due to the Maverick’s existence. “That shows you within that space there is a bit of cross-shopping between the two where the prices overlap,” he said. Stellantis Two Trucks, One Buyer PoolFor context, the Maverick is Ford’s compact unibody pickup, while the Ranger is a midsize, body-on-frame truck. The Maverick sold 155,051 units in the U.S. last year, compared to 70,960 units sold of the Ranger. Ram currently has no direct competitors to the two aforementioned Ford models, though it is reportedly developing an entry for the midsize segment, likely sharing underpinnings with the Wrangler. Kuniskis said the brand wants to prioritize the South America-bound Dakota first and gauge the market’s response. “So you would not want to call the ball on that until you knew exactly where you were going to position your Dakota and where that was going to fit,” he said. “Once we answer that question, then we can decide on Rampage.” Stellantis Never Say NeverOne thing about product lineups is that they can change as long as there's demand. So despite Kuniskis’ cautious stance on the Rampage, the door is not entirely closed on a future U.S. debut. After all, even Toyota—which already sells the Tundra and Tacoma—is reportedly evaluating the possibility of entering the compact pickup segment. In the meantime, Ram competes with the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado through the 1500, which is confirmed to be receiving a TRX variant once again, this time developed to produce 777 horsepower. The automaker also sold more than 430,000 units in the U.S. last year, making it Stellantis’ second-largest brand by volume. Stellantis View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Derek is back at it, and if you thought that his last couple of will it run videos didn’t pose enough of a challenge, then how does a Chevelle that has been sitting for 40 years sound? If he doesn’t get it running, then it is going to be the sound of silence, but hopefully he can make something happen with this one. Is it worth saving? Is every muscle car worth saving? Video Description: After sitting forgotten in the trees for 40 years, this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle is finally getting a second chance. In this video, we head deep into the brush to see if this long-parked muscle car still has a heartbeat left in it. From uncovering decades of neglect to checking if the engine will turn, we take it step by step. Will it fire? Will it move under its own power? Or has time finally claimed it? There’s something special about bringing an old car back where it was left to rest, surrounded by trees, rust, and history. This isn’t a restoration—this is about seeing if it can run, drive, and live again after four decades of silence. Grab a seat and come along for the first attempt at waking up this forgotten Chevelle. The post ABANDONED 1970 CHEVELLE! Will The WORLDS WORST One RUN AND DRIVE After 40 Years? Derek At Vice Grip Garage Thinks So! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Larry Chen is a hard working guy, but he’s also incredibly fortunate. He’s built a career that has gotten him access to places, people, and car culture that many dream of. Lucky for us, Larry is all about sharing his experiences while also giving us a look into the people and places he’s visiting. This is his 2025 year in review video, where he’s showing all the people, places, and cars he got to see in 2025. Check it out. The post Car Culture is Global And Here’s Proof: Here’s A Taste Of Everything Larry Chen Captured in 2025 From His Global Adventures appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Shannon Campbell is no stranger to King of the Hammers obviously, and I can tell you from first hand experience that he’s a legend out there. From pioneering A-Arm front axle cars to running the race solo, he’s done a lot that others wouldn’t even think of doing. I’ve been fortunate enough to cover King of the Hammers several times and have seen so much craziness, and a lot of it thanks to Shannon Campbell. He’s made some insane manuevers, courageous repairs, and incredible performances over the years here and is definitely one to watch. In the video below you’ll see some of the Shannon Campbell history at King of the Hammers, as well as some shop prep as they get ready for 2026. Check it out below. Video Description: Shannon starts the video by spending the first 31:30 talking through his King of the Hammers history, including his first A-arm car and how his journey at Hammers has evolved over the years. It’s a great look back at where it all began and how far things have come. From there, it’s all about the little things that still need to happen before we head to the lakebed. We’re getting ready to celebrate Kylie’s birthday , Shannon makes another run for race fuel (and of course grabs a few snacks along the way), and we wrap up some final odds and ends as Hammers gets closer and closer. This also marks our final video filmed in the shop before KOH — the next video you see, we’ll officially be on the lakebed. Once we’re there, we’ll be sharing daily videos throughout King of the Hammers, doing our best to keep you in the loop and make you feel like you’re right there with us. Thanks for following along — the real adventure is about to begin. The post King of the Hammers History: From Shannon Campbell’s First A-Arm Car to Today, Plus Final Shop Prep Before KOH appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Stacey David has been doing his Gearz TV show for decades and during that time he’s built some really fun cars and trucks, has participated in awesome events, and influenced hot rodders of all ages. He’s a hell of a guy to talk to, always has a smile on his face, and has been lucky enough to interview some amazing hot rodding American icons. It turns out that all these years of shows never shared ALL the video interviews he’s done because they didn’t all fit into an episode of the show. And that means he’s got a bunch of them in the can that are ready to share now. If you are a fan of Smokey and the Bandit then you know the Snowman, and his sidekick Fred the Basset Hound, who entertained us to no end in the entire movie series. Well Stacey interviewed him and it was great. That interview is below. Check it out. Video Description: In the early days of Gearz, Stacey interviewed the legendary Jerry Reed! This was sadly his last interview. He passed a few months after recording it. The full interview has never been seen before, until now. The post Lost Gearz Interviews! Stacey David’s Awesome Interview With Jerry Reed, Country Star, Movie Star, And Snowman! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

If you like endurance road racing, then the Rolex 24 at Daytona is fun as hell to watch. Second only to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Daytona’s 24 Hour Race is America’s greatest endurance race without question. Because it is the season opener for IMSA racing, it sets the stage for the year and it does it in a big way. To start the season off with a 24 hour race, the longest of the season by far, means teams have to be on their game and ready to rock right out of the gate. If they have made major changes since last year, this race can make them look like heroes or zeroes in the blink of an eye. Watch the extended highlights from the race below, and let us know what car you would most like to drive in an endurance race like this. Would you do it if given the chance? What would you want to drive? Let us know in the comments below. The post IMSA Racing Highlights: The 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona Highlight Videos! 24 Hours Condensed Into Less Than An Hour! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Solid-state batteries, finally out of the labFor more than a decade, solid-state batteries have been hyped as the next great leap for electric vehicles—safer, faster-charging, and more energy-dense than today’s lithium-ion cells. The problem has always been timing. Automakers and battery startups alike have promised breakthroughs “later this decade,” only to quietly push timelines back. Now Donut Lab, a Finnish startup best known for its futuristic in-wheel electric motors, claims the future has arrived. The company says it has built the world’s first production-ready, all-solid-state battery—and that it’s already manufacturing cells and modules at a gigawatt-hour scale. If those claims pan out, this could mark a genuine inflection point for EVs, from motorcycles and passenger cars to heavy trucks and industrial equipment. What makes Donut’s battery differentAt the heart of Donut Lab’s announcement is a fully solid-state design, meaning the battery uses no liquid electrolyte at all. That single change, according to the company, unlocks a cascade of benefits. Donut says its cells reach an energy density of about 400 watt-hours per kilogram. That’s a substantial jump over the roughly 250–300 Wh/kg seen in today’s best lithium-ion batteries, allowing for longer range without adding weight—or lighter packs with the same range. Charging performance is even more eye-catching. Donut claims its battery can fully recharge in as little as five minutes and sustain that performance for up to 100,000 charge cycles. By comparison, most modern EV batteries are rated for a few thousand cycles at best, often with recommended charging limits of 80% to preserve longevity. Temperature sensitivity, another Achilles’ heel of lithium-ion packs, is also reportedly minimized. Donut Lab says its solid-state cells retain more than 99% of capacity in temperatures ranging from -22°F to 212°F, potentially reducing cold-weather range loss and the need for complex thermal systems. Safety, cost, and supply chain claimsSolid-state batteries are often touted as safer, and Donut leans heavily into that argument. The company says its cells will not ignite if damaged, addressing one of the most persistent concerns around EV fires. It also claims the battery avoids rare or geopolitically sensitive materials, though it hasn’t disclosed a full list of what goes into the cells. According to Donut, the batteries are “made from materials that are found everywhere,” avoiding certain political issues while also lowering costs compared to lithium-ion packs. Those claims—especially around cost—will be closely scrutinized, as manufacturing complexity has historically been a major barrier for solid-state technology. Final thoughtsUnlike many battery announcements, Donut Lab points to a production vehicle as proof. Verge Motorcycles plans to deliver the first EV powered by Donut’s solid-state battery when its updated TS Pro reaches customers in the first quarter of this year. The standard bike matches the previous lithium-ion model’s 217-mile city range, but a larger battery option—fitting in the same physical space—pushes that figure to as much as 370 miles. Charging time drops to under 10 minutes, though Verge says it intentionally slows charging so riders have time for a break. The battery will make its public debut at CES 2026 in Las Vegas this week. Whether this is a true breakthrough or another ambitious promise, the coming months should offer the clearest test yet of solid-state batteries in the real world. View the full article

Less than a year after racing to a runner-up finish at the $150,000 2025 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, Stevie “Fast” Jackson took his screw-blown Motion Raceworks “Shadow 3.0” ’68 Camaro to the $75,000 winner’s circle Sunday night at the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission. Jackson won with a 3.566-second pass at 210.80 mph after opponent Derek Menholt went red by .006 seconds on a 3.57-second pass at 211.36. By winning the second of three races in the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, Jackson moved up to second in the Winter Series points standings. U.S. Street Nationals Winter Series victories also went to Jerry Morgano in Pro 10.5, Cole Pesz in True 10.5, and Joseph Mallais in the Strange Engineering Lil Gangstas Championship Series presented by Melling Performance. In the FuelTech Radial Outlaws Racing Series classes, Grantley Schloss (Pro 275), Tommy Youmans (Limited Drag Radial), Billy Lackey (X275), and Joel Greathouse (Ultra Street) were victorious. Ronald Procopio (4.60 Bikes), Brian Shook (6.50 Index), Jason Renninger (7.50 Index) won in the index classes, and Cailyn Fargo won in Jr. Dragster. PRO MOD After years of trying and many close calls during the history of the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod and now the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, fan-favorite Stevie “Fast” Jackson finally broke through on Sunday evening, taking home $75,000 and the title of Pro Mod Champion at the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission. Piloting his Killin Time Racing “Shadow 3.0” ’68 Camaro, Jackson defeated Derek Menholt in his Harts Charger-equipped 2019 Corvette in the final round, cutting a .011 reaction time en route to a 3.566-second pass at 210.80 mph. Menholt gave up the race at the starting line, going -.006 red before running a 3.570 at 211.36. The relief was evident on Jackson’s face as he celebrated in the winner’s circle, doused in champagne while standing atop his car with showers of pyro as a backdrop. But it was the individuals he celebrated with that Jackson was quick to give credit to for his performance. “Ever since Wes had a dream of doing the World Series of Pro Mod in Denver in 2017, and we hauled that thing out there, I saw what he was building and I really wanted to win one of these races,” Jackson said. “It’s a surreal feeling to have the team I have around me. Everybody’s ‘Stevie, Stevie, Stevie.’ This doesn’t mean anything about Stevie. Stevie can only do what he does because I’ve got people like Jeff Pierce tuning the car, people like Bob Reinhardt building the engines, people like Alicia Davis who runs the company when I’m gone. All the crew guys that brought this together. KTR is a big operation with a lot of moving parts. I don’t get to race a lot, but when I do get to bring my car out and have fun with it, it’s awesome to know that they have done everything they can to give me the piece to go do it.” Jackson qualified sixth in the quickest field in Pro Mod history, with all 32 cars running in the 3.50s. Jackson ran a 3.564 at 211.53 mph, the quickest screw-blown car in the field. With the unique chip draw format, Jackson didn’t benefit from a high qualifying position. He drew 2024 No Prep Kings champion Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington in the first round. Ellington suffered tire shake in “Blue,” his Keith Haney Racing twin-turbo ’69 Camaro, and had to let off early. Jackson cruised to a 3.562 at 211.69 mph. In round two, Jackson used a 3.583 at 210.11 to defeat Pro Mod newcomer and second-generation racer Brylon Holder in his screw-blown Camaro. Holder threw away a quicker 3.581 pass by going -.010 red. In a difficult quarterfinal round, Jackson managed to get by 2023 WSOPM champion Spencer Hyde in a pedalfest. Jackson cut a .009 light and muscled his way down the track to a 3.771; Hyde, meanwhile, suffered severe tire shake, causing his chutes to deploy early. The victory earned Jackson a date with the quickest car of the entire weekend in the semifinals – the “Lard Machine” ’69 Camaro driven by 2020 NMCA Xtreme Pro Mod champion Eric Gustafson. Jackson once again got the reaction time advantage, .026 to .080, and used it to earn a holeshot win, with his 3.602 staying ahead of Gustafson’s quicker 3.591. Despite this being Jackson’s first event win in the Winter Series, he and his team are no strangers to success. This is the third consecutive race in the Winter Series featuring a car from the KTR camp. Jackson fell to Steve King in the 2025 WSOPM finals, while teammate Sidnei Frigo made it to the finals last month at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks against Jason Harris. “It really shows that we have the right people in the right places,” said Jackson. “KTR has a culture of letting dynamic, really talented people thrive in their environment. These races are hard to win and they’re hard to go rounds. They’re hard to qualify. We’ve never not qualified for one. If you got a KTR-powered car in a final for three races in a row, it shows that everything we’re doing off the track is correct. You don’t win these things at the racetrack. You win them at the shop. Nobody in this industry works harder at the shop than we do. “Everybody says they have a good culture, but there’s not a company in motorsports that has a culture like us,” Jackson continued. “We’re a family. We take care of each other, we love each other, we pick each other up when we’re down. It took me a long time in business to realize that I used to think Stevie Fast can tune it, drive it, and do it all – and I can, but not at the level of people that are working together with a common goal of winning.” Menholt qualified just two spots below Jackson in the No. 8 spot with a 3.568 at 211.66 mph. He knocked out Melanie Salemi in the first round, setting up a titanic matchup in round 2 against Snowbirds winner Jason Harris in his “Party Time” ’69 Camaro. Harris was the lone driver eligible for the Elite Motorsports Million, an unprecedented million-dollar prize to any driver that could win all three Winter Series races. Harris had Menholt by two-hundredths on the tree, but suffered mechanical failure partway through the run, ending his bid for a seven-figure payday. Menholt went on to defeat John Doc and Peter Norton en route to the finals. With the win, Jackson moved into second place in the DIWS points championship, behind only Harris. With points-and-a-half available at the WSOPM, everything is still on the table for the two-time NHRA Pro Mod champion. “The unique nature of this race is that you have the most condensed field of talented human beings on the planet running these types of cars, so it’s so hard just to qualify,” admitted Jackson. “If you miss a run, if you don’t make a good run in the good session, you’re not in. When you talk about winning one of these championships and saying you bested 80 of the baddest door cars on the planet…I would call it an impossible task, but we’re built for chasing after impossible tasks. That’s the dream we all had as a kid when we decided we wanted to drag race cars. Can we do it? Yes, we have a team that can absolutely do it. Can 20 other people do it? Absolutely.” Despite one of the most impressive résumés not only in Pro Mod, but all of drag racing, Jackson is nowhere near satisfied. With the never-ending conversations regarding parity between combinations, improving his skills as a driver, trying new parts and pieces on the car, and even bringing out a completely different car he’s never driven, Jackson is adamant that nothing is off the table moving forward. “We’re going to keep pushing the boundaries of engine development,” Jackson said. “I’m going to continue to try to drive better. I want to be an elite driver. We just got to keep working on all the pieces. We missed winning World Series of Pro Mod last year by a thousandth. You don’t ever learn anything in life from winning. You learn by failing, dusting yourself off, and going to work. “The guys at the engine shop are already working on the development engine that we’ll run at World Series of Pro Mod,” added Jackson. “I’ll be in a different car for World Series of Pro Mod than I’ve ever driven before. So there’s some pieces in the puzzle that we’re moving around. One thing that’s awesome is you got a lot of people running this series that really love the sport – and I am really, really excited about World Series of Pro Mod. The best thing about it is it’s only four weeks away, so we get to carry this momentum and not have to think about it for six months. 2026 is our year. 2024 was building, 2025 was learning, and in 2026, we’re on the gas and it is our year.” PRO 10.5 For the first time since 2019, longtime Outlaw 10.5 proponent Jerry Morgano parked his twin-turbocharged “Copperhead” ’02 Mustang Cobra in the winner’s circle. He qualified No. 2 in the Pro 10.5 field, and due to the random chip draw format, ended up facing No. 1 qualifier Carson Baker in the first round. Morgano beat Baker on a holeshot and drew the bye run in the next round, sending him to the semis to face Tim Partin. He got another holeshot win over Partin to meet Nick Agostino and his turbocharged “Cannoli Express” ’69 Camaro in the final round. The pair of small-block-powered machines spooled up and Morgano was out of the gate first yet again. This time, he paired the holeshot with a 3.905 at 195.65 to beat Agostino’s 3.934 at 200.00 for the $10,000 win. “It’s a huge deal. I love Outlaw 10.5, obviously,” Morgano said. “I’ve been running in the class for 25-30 years now. The guys I race with – Nick Agostino, Tim Essick, Ron Green – just the OGs of the class, they’re all great friends of mine. We have such a blast when we race together. Drag Illustrated inviting us here a couple of years ago was a huge honor, and just being able to continue that this season, bringing us into the three Winter Series races, is awesome. I hope to continue it. I know there’s a lot of cars coming to the World Series that were getting repaired and updated over the winter. I think we’ve got some good things for the class going into the future.” TRUE 10.5 Following a successful campaign at the Snowbirds, True 10.5 was added to the U.S. Street Nationals lineup, but with a twist – traditionally a no-time class, True 10.5 would turn the clocks on for the second Winter Series race. Bill Lutz, who won the Snowbirds in Pro 10.5, switched to True 10.5 and recorded the quickest pass on 28×10.5s in competition, but a centerline DQ in the third round stopped what looked like another trip to the winner’s circle. Instead, young gun Cole Pesz pulled off one of the biggest comeback stories with his $40,000 win. Pesz, the son of Pro Modified veteran Brandon Pesz, suffered a major crash in testing that threatened to end his weekend. His team went to work, though, and got the screw-blown and nitrous-assisted Gobert Racing ’18 Corvette repaired and ready for eliminations. Pesz won on a slight holeshot over Scott Taylor in the opening round, got a decisive second-round win over Ryan Hendrickson, and trailered 2024 Snowbirds Pro Mod winner Kye Kelley in the third round. Pesz threw down a 3.969 at 204.70 to stop multi-time No Prep Kings champion Ryan Martin in the semifinals. Final-round opponent Brandon Sandlian went red by .087 seconds, throwing away his 4.132 at 191.62, while Pesz charged to a 3.980 at 204.76. “I have the greatest team in the world behind me and Gobert Racing,” said Pesz. “I knew there was going to be trials and tribulations. I didn’t think this was going to happen, but I’ve been in a lot worse positions in my life than crashing a race car. I knew we had a really good car. I genuinely believe we have one of the fastest cars out here. Our whole team came together and we just looked at each other and said, ‘We got this.’ Honestly, I’m just super blessed. This is how we’re starting off 2026 and I can’t wait for what’s to come for the rest of this year.” LIL GANGSTAS One of the rising star classes in drag racing, Lil Gangstas, continued its Winter Series run at the U.S. Street Nationals with another diverse, stacked field that included anyone from Snowbirds winner Tommy Hoskinson to NHRA sportsman standout Randi Lyn Butner. A pair of northern natives met up in the $20,000 final round following a long day in the Florida sunshine, with Joseph Mallais in his ’88 Mustang getting the win over Chris Scarlata in his ’70 Nova. “This is crazy to be with the 64 best cars,” said Mallais, who thanked partners All-In-One Auto, FuelTech USA, True North Turbo, and Priority Collision. “It’s a tough class. You get no time slips. You don’t know what you’re running. You’ve just got to run it to the line and see who comes out on top. I went three rounds at the Snowbirds, so I’m up there [in the points]. It’s going to be a really good chase for the finish.” PRO 275 Brisbane, Australia’s Grantley Schloss continued his winning ways in Pro 275, winning the U.S. Street Nationals for the second straight year in his ProCharged ’67 Nova. The reigning Radial Outlaws Pro 275 champion qualified third and took out Paul Major, Ernie Damper, and Nick Lacerenza before pairing up with Texan Rick Bailey in the final round. Schloss reacted quicker and led the whole way, winning with a 3.748 at 200.68 to Bailey’s 3.780 at 198.64. “To win one’s always a stretch, but to go back-to-back, it’s crazy. It’s a great, great feeling,” said Schloss, who thanked ProCharger, Pro Line Racing, LAT Oils, Ryan Rakestraw at RK Racecraft, Homier Fabrications, Spot On Performance, and his supporters in Australia. “Qualifying was very tight, and everyone we were up against, we couldn’t take lightly. The track was definitely the equalizer out there for us today. The radials raced in the heat of the day. Everyone slowed it down and most people got down, and it was all very, very close racing. I’m just glad to be here.” LIMITED DRAG RADIAL Car owner and driver Tommy Youmans rolled into Bradenton with multiple cars in his Tommy Youmans Racing camp, but it was Youmans himself and his turbocharged, Pontiac-powered ’70 GTO that parked in the winner’s circle Sunday night. After qualifying No. 8 in Limited Drag Radial, Youmans started out in the 3.90s and ended up in the mid-3.80s by the final round. He defeated Scott Husted, Brandon Carter, Jamie Stanton, and Snowbirds winner Brian Weddle to meet Justin Martin in the final round. There, Youmans left first and never looked back, running a 3.860 at 196.30. Martin coasted to an 11.817 at 41.03. “It’s incredibly special to be here,” said Youmans, who credited tuner Lee White and Kauffman Racing Equipment for the billet Pontiac block in his GTO. “We had such mechanical problems with the other cars, and then ol’ ‘Judy’ over there, she just performed flawless all day long. The crew worked on her. We broke a couple of valve springs during the day. They got her fixed up every time and it’s just incredible to be able to win in the Drag Illustrated Winter Series and just to be able to win, period. The LDR class is just so competitive. There’s so many different combos. The field is so level and it’s just a blessing. My guys work hard all the time and it’s just incredible to be able to get this win here.” X275 A long few weeks of preparation for the Radial Outlaws season opener paid off for Maryland-based X275 racer Billy Lackey, who knocked out class veteran Ron Rhodes in the final round. After qualifying No. 4 in his turbocharged ’02 Mustang, Lackey set low E.T. of all four rounds of eliminations with his round wins over Derek Cooper, Trevor Fuqua, and No. 1 qualifier and reigning series champion DJ McCain. Lackey saved the best for last, unleashing a 4.125 at 176.93 to get past Rhodes in the final. Rhodes, whose son, Ronny, also reached the final round in Ultra Street, slowed to a 5.578 at 101.64. “It still hasn’t hit me yet,” Lackey said. “We’ve been here since Monday and the car has just been freaking awesome. I couldn’t ask for more. We had this thing apart. We tested two weeks in Orlando and hurt the oil pump, and luckily it didn’t hurt the motor. We put it back together and I’ve got Dave Hanlon and James Smith – they make this whole thing. I pay for it, I let go of the button, but they’re the ones that should be getting interviewed, not me, because James Smith with JSC Race Cars and Dave Hanlon with Deebo Tuning, they’ve got this thing on a rail. I’m just the lucky one that gets to drive it.” ULTRA STREET At the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals at Bradenton in early December, Joel Greathouse stepped behind the wheel of Davey Hull’s turbocharged ’93 Mustang while Hull healed from spinal tumor surgery. Greathouse ended up earning the Ultra Street win there, and the arrangement continued this weekend at the U.S. Street Nationals. Once again, Greathouse wheeled the Hull family’s machine to the winner’s circle. He defeated Russell Justus, Dave Fiscus, and Jessie Coulter en route to the final round, where he used a holeshot advantage and a 4.484 at 154.37 to finish ahead of Ronny Rhodes and his quicker 4.458 at 157.59. “It’s very special because the reason I was here in December was to help out [Hull] that truly drove the car,” said Greathouse, who thanked Justin McChesney and the team. “We had some luck and got the win, then I get in his car again because he’s in X275 and we freaking win again. I don’t know what to say. I’m just so wound up I can’t even think right now.” The 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service will wrap up with a grand finale Feb. 26-28 at the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod at Bradenton Motorsports Park. This story was originally published on January 26, 2026. The post Stevie ‘Fast’ Jackson Wheels ‘Shadow 3.0’ to $75,000 U.S. Street Nationals Pro Mod Victory first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

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Road Ethos is the new automotive lifestyle website in town, and it features some of your favorite Autoblog writers, like yours truly, Kyle Edward, and Marco della Cava, among others. Curious what makes it different from the competition? We are a dedicated collective of writers, editors, and photographers committed to bringing you high-quality automotive journalism. Whether it’s the thrill of driving dynamics or the emotional pull of great design, everyone at Road Ethos brings a distinct voice to the conversation. We are here to decode the industry and take you along for the ride. Let's just get it out of the way right away: Road Ethos is not a competitor to Autoblog. It is still a part of The Arena Group, after all. We focus more on long-form, feature-length articles surrounding the automotive hobby. A few examples of the articles we have ready so far include my feature on the designer edition cars of the 1970s, Kyle's analysis of the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC, and Joseph's comparison of his old 2016 Toyota RAV4 and his new 2022 Chevy Blazer. We're constantly working on new content, so you can look forward to something fresh delivered straight to your news feed on a daily basis. The best way to keep up with what we're doing is to bookmark our homepage, of course, but also follow us on social media! If you have a burning topic or idea that you just wish somebody would write about already, feel free to drop us a line, and we'll do our best to make that dream a reality. We hope you'll join us in celebrating the details that make the automotive hobby so incredible, and we look forward to sharing our stories with all of you! View the full article

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