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Camplux Nano 3 Portable Tankless Overlanding Water Heater Review When you spend enough time off-grid, you quickly realize that hot water isn’t just a luxury , it’s a serious quality-of-life upgrade. Whether it’s rinsing trail dust off your hands, washing dishes after a long day, or taking a hot shower before crawling into your rooftop tent, reliable hot water can completely change the camping and overlanding experience. That’s why I was genuinely excited when Camplux sent me their newest portable tankless hot water heater, the Camplux Nano 3 Pro, to test and review. I’ve been a fan of Camplux products for nearly two years now, using their previous models both on the trail and in camp. These weren’t casual backyard tests , they were real-world overlanding scenarios where gear either works or it doesn’t. So when Camplux asked me to put the Nano 3 through its paces, I was eager to see if this was truly a meaningful upgrade. After using it, I can confidently say: this is the best portable hot water heater Camplux has released to date. Why Hot Water Matters When Overlanding Overlanding is about independence and self-reliance. The longer you’re off-grid, the more important systems like water, power, and food prep become. A portable tankless water heater isn’t just about comfort , it directly impacts hygiene, efficiency, and morale. Having consistent access to hot water makes dishwashing easier, helps with food safety, and allows you to clean up properly after dusty trails or muddy recoveries. When you’re days away from a shower, that matters more than people realize. The Camplux Nano 3 Pro is clearly designed with this exact lifestyle in mind. A More Self-Contained, Trail-Friendly Design One of the first things you’ll notice about the Nano 3 is how compact and self-contained it is compared to earlier Camplux models. Everything feels more integrated, which makes a huge difference when packing and organizing gear inside an overlanding rig. It weighs just 13.7 pounds, has durable carry handles, and features a removable gas line that makes storage much easier. This design works especially well for vehicle-based camping where space is always at a premium. Built-In Rechargeable Battery: A Massive Upgrade This might be my favorite improvement on the Nano 3. Previous Camplux models relied on two DD batteries, and more than once I found myself on the trail with dead batteries and no hot water. If you didn’t pack spares, you were out of luck. The Nano 3 completely eliminates that problem by using a built-in 4,000 mAh rechargeable battery. The unit consistently stores power internally, removing the need for disposable batteries altogether. On a full charge, you get up to about an hour and a half of runtime, and the system supports charging while it’s in use. From an overlanding perspective, this is a game-changer. Fewer consumables, fewer failure points, and one less thing to worry about in the field. Integrated Water Pump for Easier Setup Another thoughtful improvement is the integrated 12V water pump. Instead of having a separate external pump like earlier models, the Nano 3 includes the pump directly on the blue input water draw line. In real-world use, this means faster setup, fewer loose components, and easier packing when it’s time to break camp. Anything that simplifies setup and teardown is a win, especially when you’re tired, it’s getting dark, or the weather turns. Digital Temperature Display You’ll Actually Use The Nano 3 features a digital display that shows both the incoming source water temperature and the outgoing hot water temperature in real time. This is more useful than it sounds. When you’re pulling water from a cold creek, lake, or mountain spring, being able to see exact temperatures helps you dial things in quickly and avoid overheating. It also adds an extra layer of confidence when using the unit for showers or washing up kids and pets at camp. Power and Performance on the Trail Despite its compact size, the Camplux Nano 3 Pro delivers impressive performance. With 20,500 BTUs of heating power, it provides instant hot water with up to a 45°F (25°C) temperature rise. In testing, hot water was consistent and reliable for everything from dishwashing to full camp showers. It never felt underpowered, even when source water temperatures were low. Flexible Charging for Off-Grid Use The Nano 3 was clearly designed for off-grid life. It supports multiple charging methods, including portable power stations, standard 110V outlets, 12V vehicle cigarette lighters, and compatible battery sources. Even better, the unit allows charging while operating, which is perfect for longer trips where power management matters. Built-In Safety Features Any propane-powered gear needs to be safe, especially in remote environments. The Nano 3 includes multiple built-in protections that work automatically in the background. If the water temperature exceeds 122°F, the unit shuts off and displays an E6 error code until temperatures return to safe levels. It also shuts down if excessive tilt is detected or if there’s no water flow for more than two minutes. These features provide peace of mind whether you’re solo camping or traveling with family. Eco-Friendly Efficiency Camplux has also focused on efficiency and environmental responsibility with the Nano 3. By optimizing propane usage, the system provides hot water on demand without unnecessary waste. Compared to traditional heating methods, this portable propane water heater helps reduce water consumption, energy use, and CO₂ emissions. With every hot shower, you’re using fewer resources while still enjoying modern comfort in the wild. Final Verdict: Is the Camplux Nano 3 Worth It? After using the Camplux Nano 3 Pro in real overlanding and camping scenarios, it’s clear this is a significant upgrade from previous models. The built-in rechargeable battery solves a major pain point, the integrated pump simplifies setup, and the digital temperature display adds real-world usability. If you’re looking for a reliable, portable tankless hot water heater for camping, overlanding, or off-grid travel, the Nano 3 is absolutely worth considering. It’s compact, efficient, easy to use, and designed with real outdoor adventure in mind. Hot water on the trail just got a whole lot easier. The post Overlanding Water Heater appeared first on Road Rash Off Road | Overlanding, Off-Road Gear Reviews & Jeep Adventures. View the full article

When Miguel Galluzzi stripped a Ducati 888 of its fairings and sketched a fuel tank that looked like a muscular hunchback, he wasn't just designing a bike—he was inventing a category. Launched in 1993, the Ducati Monster (or Il Mostro) adhered to a simple, yet brutal philosophy: "All you need is a s... View the full article

Jaws, Be DroppedThere are epic car collections all over the world, some of which remain private to this day. It's not often that an owner of one of these would happily open their doors for the world to see. Which is why Edition One Off's latest video is most definitely one for the books. In a secret location somewhere in Wolfsburg, a Bugatti enthusiast welcomed the channel into their private collection, and the cars inside are nothing short of amazing. Aside from the hypercars, there are also one-offs, prototypes, and even a test mule inside the luxurious car cave. Even if you're not a fan of cars like these, you have to at least be astonished by the cars present. La Voiture NoireEver wondered who bought the one-off La Voiture Noire shown during the 2019 Geneva Motor Show? Well, we don't know the name, but at least we know it's part of this epic collection. Technically, though, it's the car's second home as the original buyer sold it to, er, whoever owns it now. Ah, yes, the world of secret billionaires. The La Voiture Noire is a tribute to Jean Bugatti's personal Type 57SC Atlantic that was lost in transit during World War 2. The black on brown combination draws inspiration from Bugatti's own car, and the strip that runs across the top of the car is a nod to the original Atlantic. It's heaps more powerful than the car from the '30s, though, as this one makes 1,479 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque from its quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine. Of course, Bugatti has since continued its tradition of one-off vehicles through its Programme Solitaire. The most recent one was launched just hours ago. It's called the F.K.P. Hommage, and it's literally a tribute to the man who got the whole Veyron project going, Ferdinand Karl Piëch. Edition One Off/YouTube Not Just HypercarsThis is probably the largest number of Chirons, EB110s, and Veyrons you'll see grouped together, but that's just one part of the entire collection. Also, there were several examples of pre-war Bugattis on display as well. There's a mix of early models present in the background, and we're genuinely curious if there's a Type 57 lurking around in there, too. But the crown jewel of the pre-war collection has to be the Type 41 Royale. More surprising are the prototypes that are part of the collection. Normally, these cars are destroyed after their job is done, but this is Bugatti we're talking about here. Also on display were early prototypes of both the Veyron and Chiron. Whatever kind of pull this collector has goes far beyond just knowing a few people within the company's circle. Edition One Off/YouTube What's a Diablo Doing in There?In the sea of Bugattis present, a yellow late-model Lamborghini Diablo VT stands out. Now, that car wasn't misplaced there, and it's an important part of the brand's history. What you're looking at is the actual test mule for the Veyron, before its real body got all the goodies that made it a record-smasher. The Diablo donor car (not often we get to say that) was the test bed for the W16 engine that would later power the Veyron. Also fitted to it were some aerodynamic enhancements that were later applied to the hypercar. It's the kind of car that makes us want to ask the owner, 'How the heck did you get that?' but with a few more expletives thrown in. Edition One Off/YouTube View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Early BrabusNowadays, we all know Brabus as one of the go-to tuning firms outside Mercedes-Benz. We've all seen its numerous creations over the years, of very high-performance, yet visually striking, takes on Mercs. Back in the 1990s, though, Brabus was still carving out a name for itself in the industry, content to experiment and fiddle under the radar. One of its builds of the time has just reached the auction block – and it's as rare as they come. Pistonheads View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article W124 Wagon BrabusIn the early '90s, Brabus unleashed a tune for the rather humble W124 300TE wagon. It featured many very interesting upgrades and custom parts that weren't all for show, but were also performance-oriented in true Brabus style. Simply put, when AMG builds aren't enough, Brabus fills the gap. Let's start with the performance, the 300TE comes equipped with a 3.0-liter 24-valve straight-six (M104) engine, but the Brabus team felt it could be more; it was stroked out to 3.6 liters, and power was bumped from 220 hp to 280 hp. The transmission is a standard 4-speed automatic, but it comes with a limited-slip differential for improved drivability. When it comes to handling, this car comes with Bilstein shocks and Brabus springs. Aesthetically, this car has a full Brabus body kit, which actually blends really well with the original W124; it doesn't ruin that Sacco iconic design; it merely adds more presence. Its rims are a very familiar Brabus Monoblock V design, center-capped with the famous "B" logo. Inside, there is some noticeable wear on the Buffalo Brown Leather seats, but no visible cracks or damage, a certain patina, if you will. There are also Brabus touches added to the steering wheel, instrument cluster, floormats, and the very cool (but sadly non-functioning) Brabus Tempamatic system. Tempamatic was a short-lived feature that displayed the oil and outside temperature. An Import from JapanOf note, the car itself was imported from Japan to the UK in 2015. The Brabus tuning was done during its time in the UK – a staggering £22,000 (or $30,000 in today's money) worth of mechanical overhaul. The seller also claims this W124 Brabus has traveled only about 500 miles after importation, adding very little to the listed 84,953 overall mileage. As far as we know, fewer than 30 AMG-tuned versions of the Mercedes W124 wagon were ever built. This Brabus-tuned version was even rarer. The listing can already be viewed on Pistonheads, but the auction is set to begin on February 1, 2026, with no expected price yet. However, back in August last year, a 1991 model of the same car sold for $57,555, and with W124 prices on a steady incline, something as rare as this might go for a little more. View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission continues at Bradenton Motorsports Park including Pro Mod final qualifying, opening rounds of eliminations in the FuelTech Radial Outlaws Racing Series drag radial classes, and the first round of eliminations in Pro Mod, Pro 10.5, True 10.5, and Lil Gangstas. Pro Mod completed its final qualifying session Saturday morning, setting a historic field that saw all 32 drivers run in the 3.50-second zone for the first time in drag racing history. Watch the race live on the official livestream on FloRacing.com. PRO MOD This story was originally published on January 24, 2026. The post Saturday Results – 2026 U.S. Street Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Gone and Largely ForgottenIf your birth year starts with 20 and not 19, there's an actual chance you've never seen this particular Acura model in the metal. For starters, it was discontinued over 30 years ago, and fewer than 40,000 of these were sold in the U.S in the span of just three model years. With so few finding homes in the first place, there aren't many survivors left out there. Now, those more of, er, our age would probably know what we're talking about. That would be the Acura Vigor, Honda's attempt to expand its luxury portfolio in America. As you might have figured, it was far from successful, and in some parts, one of the more unusual cars that Honda and Acura ever made. Honda A More Vigorous AccordBefore it was offered in America, the Vigor was primarily a Japanese-market Honda model. It actually took a while before it was sold stateside in 1992, as the name was already being used as far back as 1981. It actually took two prior generations before the Vigor started getting Acura badges, and even then, it took a couple more years for the third-generation Vigor to be fully Americanized. From the start, the Vigor was positioned to be a sportier and more upmarket version of the Honda Accord. It has plusher interiors and more powerful engine options, although the first two were nearly indistinguishable from the regular Accord. So, for the third generation, Honda decided to go bold. Really bold. The third-generation Vigor would share no body panels with the Accord, have a more bespoke interior, and even its own engine. And that's the part where things got a little weird by Honda standards. Honda The SpecsHonda really wanted to differentiate the Vigor from other midsize offerings by giving it a five-cylinder engine. Dubbed the G20, it wasn't just Honda's first straight-five; it was Japan's first engine of its kind, too. It was a groundbreaking design in Japanese automotive history, and the folks from Tochigi were quite proud of it. It was available in either 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter guises, with outputs ranging from 158 hp to 176 hp. It was plenty powerful for its era, especially when one compares it to the Audi inline-five from the late-'80s. And here's another thing that made the Vigor interesting/unusual: the engine layout was longitudinal instead of transverse, the latter being typical in front-wheel drive vehicles. In essence, this was Japan's take on the Audi 90, right down to the longitudinally-mounted inline-five engine. The reason for the unorthodox configuration? It's not because the Vigor was available with all-wheel drive. Instead, it was for compliance with Japanese automobile tax classifications. Mounting the inline-five sideways would make the car wider, ergo, breaking out of a more favorable tax bracket. The car's body would be slimmer if the engine were mounted lengthwise instead. Acura Good Enough to be an AcuraOver in America, Acura was doing well, but the brand knew it couldn't rely solely on the Integra and Legend for its long-term future. What was missing was a car that slotted right in the middle of the two. Honda didn't have an answer to the Infiniti G20, which was a rebadged and lux'ed up Nissan Primera, and the Lexus ES250, a Toyota Camry Prominent hardtop with an L on the grille. Given that its rivals rummaged through their mother company's respective JDM catalogs, one could say that Acura probably did the same. The third-gen Vigor was introduced in its home market in 1989, and that model was chosen to be Acura's entry in the competitive junior midsize sedan market. Now, Acura didn't just pluck the Vigor from Japanese assembly lines, slap on an A badge, and call it a day. The Acura Vigor was longer due to 5-mile bumpers, and wider compared to the Honda version, as America isn't constrained by vehicle width taxes. With those changes applied, the Acura Vigor debuted in America in late 1991 for the 1992 model year. It also coincided with the launch of the facelifted Honda Vigor back in Japan. Acura And The Response Was......Lukewarm, at least in terms of sales. The car itself was good, but it was marred by a couple of issues. For starters, its size didn't match its interior room. Contemporary road testers noted the tight back seats and that space efficiency was compromised due to the engine layout. A Car and Driver comparison test from September 1991 also mentioned that the Vigor wasn't exactly invigorating to drive. Competent, yes, but not exactly thrilling. Other road tests from the same era did mention a "Germanic" feel to the chassis, but not much mention of fun. Of course, there were high praises about its gearbox, build quality, and excellent ergonomics. Overall, still a solid car, but why did it flop? Cramped interior aside, there was the price. In 1993, the Vigor carried a base price of $24,265 that topped up to $27,500. For not much more cash, one could get an Acura Legend instead. At the same time, there was too much of a price gap between it and the Integra, and a well-equipped Accord still undercut an entry-level Vigor. Oh, and the Honda was more spacious, too. It also didn't help that the second-generation Lexus ES came out the same year as the Vigor. By 1994, it was clear that consumers were steering clear of Acura's middle child, and it was axed by the end of the year. Acura The Vigor Walked so the TL Could FlyThe Vigor was subsequently replaced by the TL and still carried many of the same characteristics of the car it succeeded. It still had an inline-five engine mounted lengthways, and it was still a JDM-derived model. However, the TL rectified all the shortcomings of the Vigor, and when a V6 engine became an option, the middle child, Acura, soon started making an impression. Subsequent generations of the TL would grow from strength to strength. The second-gen TL was a hit among critics and customers, while the third-gen received near-universal acclaim. As for the fourth-gen, it still has its fans, but Honda fans would like to point out the third one being peak TL, especially the Type S. These days, Acura no longer has a midsize luxury sedan in its stable. The TLX was canned at the end of 2025 with no replacement in sight. Still, without the Vigor, we wouldn't have some of the best midsize sedans Acura ever made, like the first-generation TSX and the aforementioned TL Type S. It was fun while it lasted, and we're glad Acura learned a lot from the Vigor's failure. Honda View the 19 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Coast to Coast, No HandsA 2024 Tesla Model S has reportedly achieved the first zero-intervention Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) Cannonball Run. The journey began in Los Angeles and ended in New York, with the small team covering 3,081 miles in 58 hours and 22 minutes. For the uninitiated, the Cannonball Run originated in the early 1970s as a protest against newly imposed speed limits and heightened traffic enforcement in the U.S. In the Tesla world, the challenge became more relevant after CEO Elon Musk said the company would complete a coast-to-coast demonstration drive in 2017. That never happened—along with other pledges that later proved disappointing—but thanks to the team that recently completed the run, there is a clearer picture of what such a feat actually looks like. Alex Roy via The Drive Not Exactly Smooth SailingOne of the team members and a former The Drive contributor, Alex Roy, said the video documenting the run “will be crazy.” The attempt was completed in snowy conditions – even during an active snowstorm – which typically has a negative impact on EV battery performance. Despite those challenges, the team maintained an average speed of just 64 mph – slower than previous attempts – while spending a total of 10 hours and 11 minutes stopped for charging, a hurdle drivers of gasoline-powered cars don’t have to deal with. What was interesting in the report, however, was that the Model S made multiple detours, including a 90-minute diversion after one team member was left behind. How that situation happened is remarkable in itself, but it reflected the group’s dedication, as they chose not to take control of the vehicle and instead let FSD handle the situation. Alex Roy via The Drive Tesla’s Position on Full Self-DrivingWith FSD still facing several well-documented issues—including some currently under investigation by the federal regulators—better and faster Cannonball Run results are expected as further updates roll out. It is also worth reiterating that FSD is classified as SAE Level 2 autonomy, meaning it still requires constant human supervision, something Tesla owners considering a similar challenge should keep in mind. Tesla, for its part, is also working toward a fully autonomous driving system, though not for a road-going production EV. That technology is instead slated for its dedicated robotaxi program using the so-called Cybercab, expected to enter production in April 2026. Whether the company ultimately delivers on that timeline or adds it to the growing list of missed targets remains to be seen. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Newly Published Rivian PatentAutomotive patents don’t usually guarantee a new product is around the corner, but they do offer a window (pun intended) into what carmakers are working on behind the scenes. Most of the time, these filings are about staking a claim on an idea that might never see the light of day. Still, when a patent gets approved, it’s a hint at the direction a company is considering. That said, Rivian’s latest patent piqued our attention. Approved by the US Patent and Trademark Office in January 2026 (patent no. 12522055, published January 13, 2026, if you want to check), the filing details a powered rear closure system that reimagines how a tailgate or liftgate could function on a future Rivian model. USPTO Powered Tailgate With a Familiar TwistRivian’s patent focuses on a multi-piece rear tailgate. Rather than a single panel that swings open, Rivian’s setup lets different sections move on their own. The standout feature is the upper glass, which can open by itself or together with the main tailgate, all powered by electric motors and latches. Yes, we know, this isn’t a brand-new idea. The current Toyota Land Cruiser already lets you open the rear glass separately – a feature owners like for quick loading or when space is tight. Where Rivian changes things up is by making the whole system powered, taking away the manual step, and adding more ways to open it. If it ever reaches production, this could translate into easier cargo access, more flexibility for outdoor gear, and smoother day-to-day usability. Given Rivian’s product lineup, the most likely candidate for such a system would be a future SUV, possibly a facelifted Rivian R1S, rather than its pickup. USPTO Buttons Make a Quiet ComebackThe patent also points to changes inside the cabin. The drawings show physical buttons, knobs, and switches alongside the main touchscreen. That’s a noticeable change for a brand that’s built its interiors around clean, screen-heavy layouts. There’s a growing sense in the industry that touch-only controls can be a hassle when you’re actually driving. Kia, for example, has made a point of keeping physical controls for the basics, saying that real-world usability matters more than a super-minimal look. Rivian’s patent hints that they might be coming to the same conclusion. It’s worth repeating: patents are about protecting ideas, not guaranteeing new features. What’s described here could change, evolve, or never make it to a showroom. But if Rivian does move forward, a smarter tailgate and more physical controls would be a quiet but important change to its EVs. USPTO View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

We're in the middle of the winter testing season, and several European automakers are evaluating their upcoming products in the coldest weather they can find, including Mercedes-Benz. The German automaker has been seen working on its first electric C-Class, a new, smaller version of the G-Class, and in these latest spy photos, the next generation of its smallest crossover, the Mercedes-Benz GLA. On a new platform, the GLA will be getting bigger, and the test mule in these images appears to be far along in its development cycle, with plenty of production-ready elements apparent, but it'll be a few months yet before Mercedes is ready to show its true appearance. New Platform Means Fresh Styling and More Space SH Proshots/Autoblog The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover will be underpinned by the Mercedes Modular Architecture, the same platform that is found beneath the highly innovative all-new CLA, and that means it will grow in length, increasing from 173.6 inches to over 177 inches. This will translate to more space for passengers and a more capacious cargo area. Speaking of the rear end of the next GLA, these spy shots show a more square taillight design, which harkens back to the first-gen GLA. However, the graphics in those taillights will feature contemporary elements, like a three-pointed LED motif. At the front, the headlights will adopt the same tri-lateral accenting, while the wheelhouses will retain their squared shape. The glasshouse will also be sloped to a similar degree as the current GLA, with a small spoiler on the roof for a sporty look. Both gasoline-powered and all-electric GLA variants will be offered, and whichever powertrain buyers choose, they'll get similar styling for their subcompact luxury crossovers. 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA Coming This Year with Upgrades SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The all-new GLA is expected to arrive before the end of 2026, but only the EV will be available at that time, with the hybrid expected to follow in the spring of 2027. Like the aforementioned CLA, the GLA will be an 800-volt EV, allowing for ultra-fast charging, and numerous levels of performance are expected to be offered, including a GLA 250+ with around 272 horsepower and an 85kW battery and a GLA 350 with all-wheel drive and up to 354 hp. Over 430 miles of range is expected, depending on trim. For those who still have range anxiety, a hybrid model will be offered with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 27-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Related: Mercedes-AMG's Answer to the BMW X3 M50 Is Almost Ready In Europe, pricing is expected to start at €50,000, or just under $58,700 at current exchange rates. U.S. trade policies make the GLA's pricing for North America far more unpredictable this early in the year, but with production to take place at Mercedes' Rastatt plant in Germany, tariffs will doubtless play a role. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Quintessential Classic MercedesAsk anyone to paint a picture of a classic Mercedes-Benz, and chances are the image of a W123 might appear. Such is the impact of that model that it still makes an impression today. It was renowned for its reliability and durability, and it was a car that truly lived up to the mantra of 'Engineered like no other car in the world.' Launched in January 1976, this icon celebrates its 50th anniversary. In those 50 years, it's been offered as a traditional family sedan, a practical station wagon, and a stylish coupe. These have also been turned in to taxis, police cars, and even ambulances. Seeing these with either a million miles or a million kilometers isn't a rare occurrence, and thanks to its immense longevity and the sheer number in the span of a decade, many still remain on the road today. Mercedes-Benz Built on Strong FoundationsThe 123 succeeded the 114 and 115 mid-size Mercedes-Benz models, and can easily be described as evolutions of the two. Its engines were largely carried over from the previous models, and its suspension arrangement was similar to that of its predecessor. It's a bit old-tech, yes, but it was also tried and tested. The 114 and 115 already gained a great reputation for solidity and dependability by then, but the 123 would turn that up by a couple more notches. As for its styling, it drew inspiration from the first official generation of the S-Class, the W116. The 123 would employ a more wedge-like look, in stark contrast to the 114 and 115 boxy and upright exterior. The interior would also incorporate elements from the flagship sedan, further enhancing its ergonomics. It's worth pointing out that Bruno Sacco had almost nothing to do with the look of the 123. Instead, it was Freidrich Geiger who led the design department at the time, and the car we know today was actually finalized in 1973. Geiger would retire that same year and pass the reins to Sacco. By the way, Geiger was also the designer of the 300SL Gullwing. The 123 was his final act for the brand, and possibly the most important car he helped create. Some Facts and FiguresThe 123 came with a whole smorgasbord of engine choices and body styles throughout its life. The first of the extended family was the coupe that carried the internal designation of C123 in the spring of 1977. As for the much sought-after wagon, that one arrived in September 1977 with the code S123. Long-wheelbase models were dubbed V123, while the F123 was the model built with conversions in mind. Its initial gas engine lineup consisted of four and six-cylinder carbureted engines, as well as a six-cylinder fuel-injected mill. As for the diesels, there was a choice between four or five-cylinder motors, with North America being the only market getting a 3.0-liter turbodiesel for sedan and coupe body styles. Speaking of which, most North American 123s came with a diesel as its American launch coincided with the introduction of corporate average fuel economy regulations and amendments to the Clean Air Act. Gas models were initially offered, but were soon dropped, leaving Americans with models such as the 240D, 300D, and 300D Turbodiesel. Minor engine adjustments were introduced in 1979, and a fuel-injected four-cylinder option arrived in 1980 in the form of the 230E. It was also made available in coupe and wagon body styles and badged as 230CE and 230TE, respectively. The engine used in that model was particularly important. Dubbed the M102, it would later power the 190E 2.3 and would also be fitted to the W124 models in most markets. Also, the M102 would serve as the basis of the Cosworth-tuned 190E 2.3-16 and, later on, 190E 2.5-16. Millions and Millions ServedThe 123 would have a long production cycle, wrapping up in January 1986 after the succeeding W124 models began production a few months prior. The most popular models of the 123 were the 240D, 230E, and 200D. Among those three, the 240D is at the top with 448,986 made. If you're curious what the rarest combination of the 123 is, that would be the 280C with just 3,704 built. In the end, nearly 2.7 million 123s of various body styles and configurations were produced, and Mercedes-Benz claims it's their most successful single-generation model ever made. We're inclined to believe them, and the 123 set up the 124 for success, as about 2.7 million of those were also made. The 124 would later become the first official model to be badged the E-Class. Mercedes-Benz says the 123 offers performance without ostentation and comfort without pomp. Oh, how we wish we could say the same about today's offerings. View the 15 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

For just the second time in its modern history under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group, Bugatti has created a one-off hypercar, and this one is already an instant icon. Last year's Brouillard reflected one owner's immense passion for the Bugatti name and its history in the worlds of furniture design and bronze sculpture, as well as an understanding of founder Ettore Bugatti's love of horses, but this year's Bugatti F.K.P. Hommage is even more significant, paying tribute to the engineering talents, business acumen, and vision of Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piëch, as well as the Veyron that stood at the summit of his mountain of achievements as the world's first true hypercar, with a seven-figure asking price, a four-figure horsepower rating, and the ability to go faster than a Porsche 917 Le Mans racecar with no more effort than cruising in a VW Golf. Let's see how Bugatti's Programme Solitaire has reimagined its most prestigious icon. 1 Bugatti From a distance, the modern homage might be mistaken for a Veyron; Bugatti has revisited the color scheme of Veyron Chassis #001, albeit with far more complex techniques than in 2005. 2 Bugatti The side-by-side rear view of the Veyron and its contemporary reincarnation shows a subtly wider body, larger vents, bigger diffuser channels, and a more elongated exhaust finisher. 3 Bugatti In profile, the larger wheels (more on those momentarily), more aggressively slanted roofline, and slightly more upright nose become more apparent. 4 Bugatti One might assume that the Veyron's modern reimagining is based on a Chiron, but that car has a massive piece of C-shaped bodywork connecting the bodywork behind the doors to the roof, and it's a structural element. To recreate the Veyron's look, the F.K.P. Hommage is based on the open-top W16 Mistral. 5 Bugatti One deliberate change over the Veyron is the addition of a metal badge on each front fender, highlighting the Veyron's 20-year anniversary and drawing attention to the man who made the seemingly impossible happen. This shot also shows how much more luscious modern bespoke paint can be, with the F.K.P. Hommage wearing silver paint topped by red-tinted lacquer. 6 Bugatti Bugatti has recreated the 20-spoke design of the first Veyron with half of the spokes slightly thinner, again showing that subtlety is an art. For the record, the Veyron wore 18.6-inch wheels in front and 20-inch wheels at the back, wrapped in bespoke tires made just for the car. The F.K.P. Hommage wears more easily accessible Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber, mounted on 20- and 21-inch wheels. 7 Bugatti At the back, modern lighting technology allows Bugatti to create taillights that appear to have endless tunnels, something a facelifted Veyron might have had. Another subtle change is that the inner rings are smaller than the outer light clusters. 8 Bugatti The front is slightly controversial in its reimagining of the Veyron. While the side vents on the rocker panel, the quad taillights, and the wheels are clearly inspired by the original, the front end of the homage is more subtle in its tipping of the hat. It still has three projectors in each headlight, but the clusters are much longer, thinner, and more rectangular. 9 Bugatti The rear three-quarter is arguably the most convincing angle; a casual onlooker might easily mistake the F.K.P. Hommage for the original, as it retains the Veyron's subtle but large rear fender bulge, allowing light to play off the sculpture. 10 Bugatti One of the biggest changes to the front is the wider horseshoe grille. Combined with the elongated taillights and larger lower side intakes, this not only pays tribute to the Veyron but also ties that hypercar's design to that of the Tourbillon. 11 Bugatti Larger ram intakes feed the last iteration of the legendary 8.0-liter, quad-turbo W16 engine. Like the W16 Mistral and the Chiron Super Sport 300+, the F.K.P. Hommage generates 1,578 horsepower, or 1,600 PS. 12 Bugatti The cabin is a similar blend of old ideas and new. The steering wheel is based on that of the Chiron, with its drive selector, engine start button, and D-shaped airbag. But in reference to the Veyron, the wheel itself is not flat-bottomed. In fact, it's a perfect circle. 13 Bugatti On the center console, the signature of the Bugatti racing driver whose name was used for the 2005 hypercar, Pierre Veyron, appears. Embossed in the leather alongside it are the initials of Piëch, followed by his birthdate. 14 Bugatti Look beyond the door sill, and we see more attention to detail. While the original Veyron's red finish was contrasted by black paint, the F.K.P. Hommage dons exposed carbon fiber that has had its clear-coat tinted black. 15 Bugatti While the Veyron and the Chironcould only be had with the finest leather, the F.K.P. Hommage takes another page out of the Tourbillon's book with the application of Custom Car Couture fabrics that are exclusively woven in Paris. 16 Bugatti Naturally, all the metal is hewn from aluminum, and its shine gives the caramel-colored interior some much-needed contrast. 17 Bugatti The center console is based on the Chiron's, but it's been made larger and more oval in shape to mimic that of the Veyron. This features an engine turning finish that Ettore Bugatti applied to the cylinder heads of his cars, and the entire segment of aluminum that stretches from the windshield to the transmission tunnel is milled from a single block of aluminum. At the top, a custom Audemars Piguet Royal Oak tourbillon is powered by the movement of the car thanks to an integrated gondola. 18 Bugatti The same metal appears on the steering wheel, with the shift paddles and stalks also all-aluminum. The instrument cluster binnacle, which houses a readout for how many horsepower are being deployed at any given time, as in the Veyron, is also solid aluminum. Also, note the stitching on the wheel rim. Actually, take a closer look at the technique below. 19 Bugatti The delicacy of the interwoven stitching binding the leather to the aluminum shifter cannot be overstated. It alone could stand in a museum as a work of art. 20 Bugatti The symmetry of the cabin is reflected in the fabrics of the seat centers, and even the door cards have their EB logos in the same place on either side. 21 Bugatti As we near the end of this gallery, it's worth pointing out that the L-shaped LED DRLs in each headlight meet the creases in the bodywork encasing them, something that was also considered for a potential Veyron facelift over a decade ago. 22 Bugatti Bugatti intends to produce no more than two one-offs through its Programme Solitaire division each year. What should Molsheim do next? We've seen two coupes thus far, so how about a modern reimagining of the Type 41 Royale, a drop-top with a hood housing a monstrous 12.7-liter engine? Obviously, that kind of displacement is unlikely to be repeated, but the style and importance of the Royale is exactly the sort of thing that matters to a division specializing in one-offs. Let us know your thoughts below. Related: 2026 Bugatti Brouillard Gallery: Molsheim's New One-Off Hypercar In Pictures View the full article

New cars are more expensive than ever, with the average price of one sitting above $50,000. More often than not, safety tech is blamed for it. A recent piece from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) makes a strong case that this narrative misses the mark. Modern crash protection and driver assistance systems are not the main reason prices have spiralled. In fact, some of the safest cars on the road remain among the most affordable. The real issue is what gets prioritised when affordability becomes a talking point. Our Buying Habits Are Driving Up Prices Mercedes-Benz Nowadays, cheap cars have more standard safety tech than ever before. According to the IIHS, there are numerous new cars under $30,000 that deliver excellent crash protection and standard driver assistance, highlighting the 2026 Mazda 3 in particular. What drives prices higher is everything layered on top. Bigger vehicles, higher trim levels, and luxury features quickly add thousands without improving real-world safety. Take, for instance, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Despite being a full-size luxury sedan with a starting MSRP of $66,400, it earned a surprisingly weak safety score. At the other end of the spectrum, the much smaller and cheaper 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA achieved the highest Euro NCAP safety rating last year. With Euro NCAP set to revise testing protocols in 2026, that gap between perception and reality may widen even further in the future. Cutting Safety Would Backfire Financially Lucid Downsizing on how much required safety tech a car needs needs to have will bring down production costs, resulting in lower selling prices. But there's more than meets the eye. In fact, it would shift costs rather than remove them. Fewer safety systems will translate to more severe crashes, higher injury rates, and more insurance claims. Inevitably, drivers will face higher insurance premiums and even more expensive medical bills. But that's not all. If new car prices were to continue to climb, like they are now, Americans would want to hold onto older vehicles longer. Sure, it might make financial sense, but a decade-old Toyota Camry lacks modern driver assistance tech and, more importantly, years of structural safety improvements. This also explains why some automakers are going back to basics. On top of Ford's upcoming $30,000 electric pickup, the brand wants to revive affordable sedans as an alternative to larger, more expensive vehicles. And as we've seen, size doesn't always matter when it comes down to safety. Affordability and Safety Co-Existing Tesla Nowhere in the autosphere does the balance between safety and affordability get messier than at Tesla. Despite a long-standing reputation for safety, the brand has faced numerous wrongful death cases relating to failing hardware, and has recently decided to lock Full Self-Driving behind a subscription paywall, making it even more expensive to acquire modern-day safety tech. If affordability truly matters, safety should not be the first thing sacrificed, nor should it be exploited for greater profit margins. The real challenge is separating meaningful protection from costly excess and recognising that expensive does not always mean safer. View the full article

Déjà Vu, ToyotaToyota has joined Nissan and Ford on the 2026 recall list after pulling back 162,000 vehicles over a rearview camera display issue. The Japanese marque said on Friday that the display may become stuck on the camera view or show a black image, a condition that violates a federal safety standard requiring all new vehicles to be equipped with a backup camera since 2018. The vehicles affected include the 2024–2025 model-year Tundra and its hybrid variant. Given the full-size truck’s sheer footprint – comparable to that of the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado – addressing a rearview camera malfunction is especially critical. Toyota noted that the issue could increase the risk of a crash. Toyota An Update, Not a WrenchRegarding the current safety campaign, Toyota said dealers will update the Parking Assist ECU software free of charge. Affected Tundra owners are expected to be notified by late March 2026. The automaker is treating it as a voluntary safety recall, reflecting its initiative to take action as early as possible. Notably, a similar problem prompted Toyota to recall a staggering 1.025 million vehicles last October, affecting a wide range of models – including the bZ4X, Camry, Land Cruiser, RAV4, and several Lexus vehicles – though the Tundra was excluded. That was a significant portion of its total recall tally of roughly 3.2 million in 2025, second only to Ford’s 12.9 million. However, the scale of the campaigns differed sharply. The company issued just 15 safety recalls during the year, compared with Ford’s 153, which marked an unwanted all-time high for the Blue Oval. Toyota Back on the ListThe Tundra has appeared on Toyota’s recall list multiple times in recent years. In November 2025, the pickup – along with several Lexus models equipped with the 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 – was recalled due to a production process issue that could result in engine damage and a potential loss of power. That issue further complicated perceptions of the V6’s long-term reliability, especially as it continues to be measured against the naturally aspirated V8 it replaced following the introduction of the third-generation version in 2021. Both the Tundra and Tundra Hybrid – equipped with the 437-horsepower i-Force Max engine – were also recalled in May 2025 due to a reverse lamp defect. In low-visibility conditions, a non-functioning reverse lamp can make it harder for other drivers to detect a reversing truck, increasing the likelihood of a collision. Toyota View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Hybrid Era Is HereHybrids have become so prevalent that Toyota is now offering more of its models exclusively with additional electric motors. While some buyers have expressed disapproval of this strategy due to lingering reliability concerns, a mechanic YouTuber – who claims to have worked on Toyotas for many years – shared his perspective based on extensive hands-on experience. The Car Care Nut, who has roughly 1.67 million followers on YouTube, said that modern hybrids have “simply become more reliable than non-hybrids.” Drawing from the many vehicles he has serviced, he noted that he encounters turbocharged powertrains far more often than hybrids. Why Hybrids Still Get Side-EyeSo why do some people still deem hybrids unreliable? The most common reason is the perception that hybrids add complexity, as they incorporate more components than a traditional naturally aspirated setup. With more parts comes the assumption of a higher likelihood of failure, which can be an understandable concern – particularly for budget-conscious buyers. Perhaps the biggest worry is the hybrid battery, with replacement costs often cited in the $2,000 to $8,000 range, depending on the model. According to the mechanic YouTuber, however, hybrids, including models like the Toyota RAV4, actually deliver what he describes as “negative maintenance.” A hybrid powertrain eliminates the need for a conventional starter and alternator altogether. In addition, braking components tend to last significantly longer thanks to regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy during deceleration into electrical energy that recharges the battery. He also explained that modern hybrid systems have become more compact, improving accessibility for technicians and, as a result, helping reduce labor costs. The Car Care Nut on YouTube Lessons From the Shop FloorIf anything, he tends to work more on Toyota models equipped with turbocharged engines and 8-speed automatic transmissions, a combo found in models like the Highlander. When a hybrid does come into his shop, it is typically due to collision damage rather than factory-related powertrain design issues. “Toyota is on the right track by moving everything to hybrid,” The Car Care Nut said. There are plenty of reasons to give weight to the mechanic YouTuber’s assessment, especially considering that Toyota has roughly a quarter-century of hybrid refinement under its belt since the Prius debuted in the U.S. in 2000. The data supports this view as well, with Consumer Reports indicating that hybrids experienced about 15 percent fewer problems than pure internal combustion vehicles last year – though that reliability advantage can't yet be vouched for plug-in hybrids. Toyota View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

If you've bought a new Nissan in the last year or so, it could be putting you and any passengers you carry at risk. A new recall published with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration names four Nissan sedan, crossover, and pickup models from the 2025 and 2026 model years, warning that they may have been delivered with improperly welded door strikers, which could cause the doors to open while the vehicles are in motion or in a crash. While the recall only impacts 26,432 Nissan vehicles, the NHTSA recall report says that a total of 375,212 door strikers are suspected to be faulty, which means that Nissan cannot isolate the issue to one specific door on any impacted vehicle — any or all of them could open unexpectedly. This is particularly concerning for those with young families, and the cars named in the recall are particularly popular with the practically minded. Which Nissan Models Have Potentially Unsafe Door Strikers Cole Attisha/Autoblog The recalled vehicles, which fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #206, Door Locks and Door Retention Components, are as follows: 2025 Nissan Altima2025-2026 Nissan Frontier2026 Nissan Kicks2025 Nissan SentraThe issue was first reported in late August last year, when a technician performing a fit and function check on a 2025 Sentra noticed that the striker wire loop had separated from the door striker plate. Through the following month and October 2025, the supplier investigated the issue and reported that the fracture condition was caused by an improper welding process, which caused partial quench fractures due to an increased cooling rate. When the fractured component is subjected to tensile stress, the cracks propagate. In January 2026, Nissan determined that this could cause the door striker loop to separate when the door is shut. Alarmingly, in some cases, an owner may not even notice anything amiss before a door unexpectedly opens while driving. What Nissan Owners Need to Know About Nissan's Latest Safety Recall Nissan View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The NHTSA says that customers may notice a rattling sound coming from the door striker if only one side of the striker wire cracked, but if both sides crack, "there may be no warning prior to failure." The good news is that, while this is a hardware-related problem, it will be easy to solve. Nissan dealers will replace "all door strikers" with updated components at no charge to the customer, and the fix is expected to take less than half an hour to perform. Dealers will be notified and customers will be able to search their VINs on nhtsa.gov on January 28, but a remedy notification for owners is only expected on March 13, so customers will have to wait another month and a half for their doors to be properly secured. In the meantime, parents should be extra-cautious as child locks won't necessarily be enough to keep kids from opening the door while driving. View the full article

Volkswagen's subsidiary, Scout Motors, hasn’t delivered a single production vehicle yet, but the Volkswagen-backed startup is in legal trouble. A new lawsuit in Colorado is challenging the state’s decision to allow Scout to sell vehicles directly to customers, a privilege reserved for EV-only automakers. This isn't the first time that Scout has had legal battles tied to its direct-to-consumer ambitions, either. Dealers Call Out The State of Colorado Scout Motors According to Automotive News, the lawsuit was filed on January 20 in the Denver District Court by a group of Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche dealers operating in Colorado. Rather than going after Scout Motors directly, the dealers are suing the state, claiming regulators misapplied franchise law when approving Scout’s dealer license late last year. House Bill 19-325 allows manufacturers to sell direct only if they produce electric vehicles exclusively and have no franchised dealers of the same brand in the state. The bill defines an electric motor vehicle in a way that dealers argue excludes any vehicle with a fuel combustion engine, even if said engine doesn't power the wheels. Therefore, the plaintiffs argue the Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Dealer Board wrongly classified Scout as an EV-only automaker and downplayed its close relationship with the Volkswagen Group. When an EV Isn't Electric Enough Scout Motors The lawsuit largely hinges on Scout’s powertrain strategy. Alongside fully electric versions of its Terra pickup and Traveler SUV, Scout plans to offer extended-range electric variants that use a gasoline engine purely as a generator to recharge the battery, much like the upcoming Ford F-150 Lightning replacement. Theoretically, these vehicles can operate entirely on electric power and therefore could qualify as EVs under Colorado law. But dealers disagree. The suit characterizes the setup as a plug-in hybrid, arguing that the presence of a combustion engine disqualifies Scout from exemptions meant for brands like Tesla, Rivian, or Lucid. And considering around 80% of early Scout reservations have been for the range-extended models, the brand probably won't ditch its EREV ambitions to roll over for legislation. How Cars Will Be Sold in The Future Scout Motors Nowadays, there are countless ways dealerships operate. Some are going back to basics, following the old '90s relationship-based approach, while others, like Tesla, still operate via online orders exclusively – excluding Japan. With EV demand cooling and sales declining, brands are forced to cut costs, and offering direct sales does exactly that. Dealers argue that allowing a VW-backed brand that doesn't manufacture pure EVs undermines the law, and they have a point. But new rules are needed for new products. We can't help but shake the feeling that these legacy dealers might be attacking Scout to eliminate their competition, well before they even arrive. View the full article

Tesla Updates Its Driver-Assist OfferingsFollowing the announcement that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system would be offered exclusively via a monthly subscription, the EV maker discontinued Autopilot in the U.S., leaving Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) as the sole standard advanced driver assistance feature. Autopilot previously bundled TACC and Autosteer. It is a separate system from the suite of active safety features, which include Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane Departure Avoidance. Meanwhile, Full Self-Driving (FSD) builds upon Autopilot by allowing the system to assist most driving tasks under certain conditions. However, it is worth noting that FSD remains a Level 2 SAE driver-assistance system, placing it in the same category as Toyota’s Teammate, which, despite the controversial “Full Self-Driving” naming, still requires the driver’s full attention at all times. Tesla FSD Becomes More CentralThe likely reason behind this decision is to encourage Tesla owners to opt for the FSD subscription, priced at $99 per month, with the one-time $8,000 purchase option ending on February 14. Both General Motors and Ford offer their own advanced driver-assistance systems on a subscription basis, though the latter continues to provide customers with a one-time purchase option. Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote on X that the $99-per-month subscription price will increase as FSD’s capabilities improve over time. Broader adoption could accelerate that progress, as greater usage would provide the automaker with more real-world driving data to help further refine the system. Musk added that any future price increase would coincide with capabilities such as allowing occupants to text while driving or sleep for the duration of a trip – behaviors that would not be lawful under current SAE Level 2 autonomy rules. I should also mention that the $99/month for supervised FSD will rise as FSD’s capabilities improve. The massive value jump is when you can be on your phone or sleeping for the entire ride (unsupervised FSD). https://t.co/YDKhXN3aaG — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 23, 2026 Safety Promises Under ReviewWhether these future changes will lead to measurable improvements in road safety remains to be seen. But the company’s track record of ongoing criticism, including a Florida jury verdict awarding $200 million in punitive damages in an Autopilot-related crash, does little to strengthen its case. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has even launched an investigation into FSD following crashes and consumer complaints. Beyond FSD, Tesla is developing a fully autonomous system for its robotaxi program through the Cybercab, unveiled at the “We, Robot” event in 2024. The Cybercab is planned to be produced without a steering wheel or pedals and will feature a two-seat cabin, positioning it to rival robotaxi operators such as Waymo. Tesla View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Ex-Olympian, Ryan Wedding, has been caught and arrested in Mexico after a decade on the run. Here's everything we know so far.View the full article

We love sharing videos from Goodwood, because whether it is action from the Festival of Speed, Member’s Meet, or the Goodwood Revival, you know it is going to be good. There are so many awesome rides that you’ll see racing at their events, and of course every year there are different classes and cars that are featured at their events, but they also have so much historical footage that you wouldn’t believe. That historic footage, and an insane number of events, means that they have some cool stuff to put together highlight videos like this one. This is pure GT40 greatness. Watch the video below to see an hour of racing and history with one of Ford’s baddest race cars ever. Video Description: It really is as beautiful as it is brutal. The Ford GT40 will always remain one of the greatest racing machines of all time. We’re celebrating that famous 1966 Le Mans win at both the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard and the Goodwood Revival this year. In what will be an incredible display, the Ford GT MkIIs that finished 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans will be driving together again. To celebrate these historic events, we’ve compiled over an hour of the very best Ford GT40 action from all of the Goodwood motorsport events. Whether it’s Dan Gurney flying up the FOS Hill or Tom Kristensen battling through the field at the Goodwood Motor Circuit, we’ve got your GT40 needs covered. The post American Power And Road Racing Prowess: Here’s 1 hour Of Pure Ford GT40 Heaven From Goodwood. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We’re so thrilled that our pal Steve Magnante is back out there crawling junkyards and sharing his automotive knowledge with the world. After a life threatening case of encephalitis, that nearly took him from the hot rodding world, he has made a remarkable recovery. He’s still got more to go, but he’s back sharing that amazing hot rod and automotive history brain with all of us again. Check out a couple of his features from Barrett-Jackson and we’ll share more as they come through, all below. CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT TO WATCH BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE 2026 LIVE The post He’s Baaack! Steve Magnante Feature Videos From Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2026! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The real critical stuff has happened. We’re talking about fitting and welding this original roof back in place, just a few inches lower. But now is the time for the most delicate welding and fitting, the A Pillars. This isn’t unique to this 1932 Ford Tudor, as this is the next step in the process regardless of the car. This is where the grinding and welding begins. There’s no turning back now! The last couple of videos showed you everything that has to happen to plan and prepare to chop an all original 1932 Ford Tudor Sedan, and then how to actually cut it. There is a lot of measuring and taping and measuring and measuring and marking and staring and measuring and staring, and measuring, before any of the cutting starts. Once the top is cut, then the fitting hand welding begins and is a ton of work. Check it out in the link below, and if you missed the first episode on this epic machine, use the link below as well. This 1932 Ford Tudor Sedan is an amazing survivor. It is completely stock and untouched and has spent the last few decades stored in a storage container in Canada. It recently got shipped all the way to Australia to Bennett’s Customs where it is getting a 48 hour hot rod transformation, and it might even get chopped which is going to piss some folks off I’m sure. But you know what? It’s not ours, so if the guy who owns it wants to chop it then I say chop away! CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER VIDEOS IN THE SERIES ON THIS ALL ORIGINAL 1932 FORD TUDOR SEDAN Video Description: In this episode, we tackle the hardest and most crucial welds of the original 1932 Ford roof chop: the A-pillars. There’s a lot of manipulating, finessing, and head-scratching involved to make them look like they were never touched. The post How to Chop An All-Original 1932 Ford Tudor: Chopping a True Survivor – Now That The Roof Is Back In Place, It’s Time To Tackle the Hardest, Most Crucial Welds — The A-Pillars! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Barrett-Jackson is one of the premier automotive auction companies, and while they have big auctions all over the country there is something truly special about Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. This event is huge, it’s fun, and is full of amazing rides. If you want to see all these machines go across the block, watch the livestream below. And if you want to see some of these cars in more detail, click the link below and watch our boy Steve Magnante back in action at Barrett-Jackson. CLICK HERE TO SEE STEVE MAGNANTE AT BARRETT JACKSON SCOTTSDALE 2026 The post FREE LIVESTREAM: Barrett Jackson Scottsdale 2026 Is On! Check Out All The Awesome Rides Up For Auction This Weekend! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Barn finds are awesome, and I love seeing videos of them being saved, but sometimes they don’t really cover what it is like to pull something out of a barn after a jillion years. After sitting for decades it is often hard to get a car to even move. But even if they do move, there are often some big messes from animals and pests. Hell, even this Toyota Land Cruiser, that has only been sitting for 8 years in this barn, is covered in bird crap. I sure as hell wouldn’t want to have to clean it, but I bet the transformation will be amazing. Check it out. Video Description: Everyone wants to find a barn find, but rarely do they pop up, and even more rare is when they are legit found in a barn. I found out about this 1989 Land Cruiser and had to bring it home from where it sat under 8 years of bird poop. I didn’t know this is what I wanted, but I’m glad I found it, and it found me. What does it need? Will it ever run again? Is it the perfect platform for a retro overlander build? Keep watching to find out. But first, a good bath to wash away the owl poop. I will have a new Land Cruiser video every month for the whole year. The post A Barn Find Dirt Daily With 4XFred Williams: Watch Him Cleaning 8 Years of Bird Poop Off This Barn-Find Land Cruiser appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It’s time for a couple of weeks of off-road racing across Johnson Valley California at King of the Hammers 2026. We’ve got the livestream rocking right here the whole time, so make sure you tune in and keep up. We’re starting off with the motorcycle racing and will continue with all the four wheel classes as well. What was once called King of the Hammers week is now an event that is officially lasts January 24th through February 8th, for a total of 15 days. That of course doesn’t take into account the days and days that it takes to get Hammertown setup and torn down. This is dubbed as the fastest growing city in the world each and every year of the event, and if you have ever been then you believe it. We will share all the livestreams, from the various races coming during King of the Hammers 2025, right here on BANGshift.com. The post King Of The Hammers Livestream 2026: Watch Every Day Of King Of The Hammers Right Here! The Baddest Of The Bad Attacking Johnson Valley Starts Now! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Pro Mod racers at the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission made history Friday night at Bradenton Motorsports Park as the bump spot fell to a 3.597-second pass, establishing the first-ever all-3.50-second 32-car field. Though numerous drivers improved during the two Friday qualifying sessions, Thursday’s provisional No. 1 qualifier Jimmy Taylor held on to the top spot with his 3.555-second pass at 224.77 mph from Thursday’s opening session. Pro Mod will run one more qualifying session Saturday morning to set the field for Saturday evening’s first round of eliminations at the second of three races in the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service. Friday qualifying at the U.S. Street Nationals also featured two qualifying sessions for the FuelTech Radial Outlaws Racing Series drag radial classes – Pro 275, Limited Drag Radial, X275, and Ultra Street – and Pro 10.5. True 10.5 ran one shakedown session as well to prepare for Saturday’s first round. Taylor, who’s no stranger to setting records, is confident in his ability to hold on to the top spot through Saturday’s final qualifying session. After his leading 3.555 at 224.77 in the opening session on Thursday, he added two more 3.50-second passes on Friday – a 3.583 at 216.83 and a 3.570 at 222.77 in his twin-turbocharged Xtreme Racing Engines ’69 Camaro tuned by 2018 World Series of Pro Mod champion Carl Stevens Jr. “Carl’s got this car where it’s very consistent right now,” Taylor said. “I mean, we ran so many .50s passes here this weekend; we haven’t had anything but .50s passes. We learned a lot today in the heat on the first run. I feel pretty good. With Carl in my corner, I feel like we’ve got as good a shot as any of them at going all the way.” Should Taylor maintain his No. 1 spot, he will derail Jason Harris’s attempt at the Jerry Bickel Clean Sweep Challenge. As the No. 1 qualifier at the opening race of the Winter Series, the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks, Harris is the only driver contending for the Clean Sweep Challenge, which will award Harris a brand-new Pro Mod rolling chassis if he qualifies No. 1 at all three Winter Series events. Harris is currently breathing down Taylor’s neck in the No. 2 spot with a 3.556 at 211.33 in his Harts Charger-boosted “Party Time” ’69 Camaro. As the winner of the Snowbirds, Harris is also contending for the Elite Motorsports Million, which offers an unprecedented $1 million bonus to any Pro Mod driver who wins all three Winter Series races. “We definitely came into this race knowing that we’re going to have a big target on our back, but we came in with the same outlook and the same mindset we did for the last one – just qualify good and take each round,” Harris said. “And with the way it qualifies, the chip draw is the game changer. You could have a lot of easy draws or you can have a lot of hard draws, but I think if you get in this field, you’re a real tough competitor, and you deserve to be here. Everybody that qualifies is going to be gunning for each other, no matter where you’re at, one to 32. You’ve just got to take it round by round.” Eighth-mile doorslammer veteran Randy Weatherford made one of the biggest moves of the day when he threw down a 3.558 at 211.16 in his Harts Charger-boosted WS Construction ’69 Camaro to jump up to the No. 3 spot. Eric Gustafson in his ProCharged Coast Packing Company “Lard Machine” ’69 Camaro matched Weatherford’s E.T. but at 211.06 to move into fourth. Justin Bond, driving Scott Tidwell’s Harts Charger-equipped ’69 Camaro, sits fifth with his 3.563 at 211.83 from Thursday. Over the course of four Pro 10.5 qualifying sessions, newcomer Carson Baker steadily improved in his ProCharged Polaris Offroad ’24 Camaro, ultimately taking over the No. 1 position in the final session. Tuned by Jamie Miller and racing out of the Fireball Racing camp, Baker powered to a 3.884 at 195.79. Thanks to the random chip draw format, he’ll take on No. 2 qualifier Jerry Morgano in the opening round of eliminations. “I haven’t been doing this that long, so it’s freaking amazing,” said Baker, who earned a custom No. 1 qualifier baseball bat from Victus Sports. “I started out at NPK [No Prep Kings]. This is the biggest event I’ve ever been at. I’ve watched it the last two years from home. Now, next thing you know, we’re racing it. This is the greatest event I’ve ever been to. This is awesome. It’s just so much fun.” Morgano, who now calls Bradenton his home track, ended up No. 2 behind Baker with his 3.894 at 207.05 in his turbocharged, small-block “Copperhead” ’02 Cobra. Fletcher Cox, who recently retired from a Hall of Fame career with the Philadelphia Eagles, locked in the No. 3 spot after leading the first three sessions with a 3.895 at 189.36 in his nitrous-assisted “Training Day” ’69 Camaro. The FuelTech Radial Outlaws Series No. 1 qualifier awards went to Lyle Barnett in Pro 275, Jamie Stanton in Limited Drag Radial, DJ McCain in X275, and Steve Romeo in Ultra Street, who all went to the top spots in the first session and held them through four sessions. Barnett, who’s also competing in Pro Mod, ran a 3.678 at 206.54 in Tommy Youmans’ Harts Charger-boosted “Salvage Title” Mustang. Stanton, who made the trip down from New York, held off a series of 3.80-second players to keep the No. 1 spot in LDR with a 3.876 at 191.27 in his ProCharged ’02 Camaro. McCain, who earned the 2025 Radial Outlaws X275 season championship, continued to be a class leader in his nitrous-fed “Vecna” C6 Corvette with a 4.116 at 173.43. Romeo stayed consistent in his impressive ProCharged ’67 Chevelle, but it was his 4.402 at 158.52 from Thursday that kept him on top of the Ultra Street sheet. The U.S. Street Nationals will continue Saturday starting with Pro Mod final qualifying at 9 a.m. Radial classes eliminations are set to begin at 11 a.m. Pro Mod, Pro 10.5, and True 10.5 will kick off eliminations at 5 p.m. Eliminations will continue Sunday. General admission tickets are available for $40 on Saturday and $35 on Sunday. Active military and children ages 12 and under get in free. VIP packages are also available. Fans can watch the race through the official event livestream on www.FloRacing.com. For a detailed schedule, tickets, and other event info, visit www.RaceBMP.com. This story was originally published on January 23, 2026. The post Jimmy Taylor Stays No. 1 as U.S. Street Nationals Records First All-3.50-Second 32-Car Pro Mod Field first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article