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I bought my first Two Post lift from a friend of a friend in Southern California for just $800 but it had to be taken down, transported to my shop, and then installed again. I called a couple of lift companies to find out what it would cost for the removal, transport, and reinstallation and decided that just wasn’t going to be in the budget. So Crosby and I went over with my open car trailer, unbolted the arms, chain, and hydraulics and then unbolted the posts themselves. My two post had posts that were made from 10 inch wide flange beams and they were pretty damn heavy. So we used a cherry picker to lay them over and onto the trailer. It was incredibly simple and easy. The hardest part of the install was drilling the holes in the concrete for the posts, and that was because I just had a regular hammer drill. If I had a rotary hammer, which you can buy from Harbor Freight for $150 or rent from your favorite home improvement center for $30, I could have drilled the holes in a matter of 15 minutes or so. I own one now. Lifting the posts with a strap and cherry picker in my shop made simple work of standing the posts and moving them around where they needed to be. And I did it all myself. And so can you. Sure, having two people makes it a little easier, but you can do this. And quick. I installed my entire lift in half a day, and when I sold it before moving I helped the buyer take it down so he’d know how to install it himself. He took it home on a Saturday morning and had a car on it Saturday afternoon. Watch the video below to see how these go together. Video Description: In this part of my shop remodel series, I get a Rotary SP012 12K Two-Post Lift installed. I bought the SP012 Rotary lift from Portland Service Station Supply (POSSY). They are a Rotary dealer and they have an installer in Central Oregon. http://pdxpossy.com/index.html Chet’s Electric did the wiring for the lift. https://www.chetselectric.com/ The post Installing a Two Post Lift Is Easy! With Just A Few Tools, You Can Install Your Own Two Post Lift At Home In A Couple Of Hours! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

China Gets the Nicer Nissan SedansChina is now a key market for global carmakers, and, surprisingly, buyers there are shifting back to sedans that offer serious tech. Automakers are pushing boundaries to get noticed, and Nissan is one of them. The brand launched two new electrified sedans and a refreshed Teana late last year – the latter being the more premium take on the Altima sold in the US. The new Teana, built by Dongfeng Nissan, puts a big emphasis on tech and interior quality. It looks a class above what you’d expect from an Altima-based sedan. Part of that comes from a glowing AI speaker on the dash, but the real surprise is the material choice. Nissan worked with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) to use Durabio, a plant-based plastic that looks and feels closer to crystal than the usual trim. In China, buyers care about big screens, lighting, and how upscale a car feels. The Teana’s interior is built to make a strong first impression, and it stands out even more when you see it lit up at night. Nissan What Durabio Brings, Plus a Dose of HuaweiDurabio is more than just a marketing fluff. MCC developed it as a bio-based plastic using plant-derived isosorbide. It’s clearer and handles light better than regular polycarbonate, which helps create lighting that looks deep and high-end instead of cheap or artificial. On the Teana, Durabio is used for the inverted-pyramid AI speaker that lights up with six pillars glowing in up to 256 colors. The material refracts light cleanly, giving it a crystal-like look without needing a clear coat. That saves manufacturing steps, lowers environmental footprint, and still meets automotive durability standards. Teana runs a Huawei-based operating system to go with Durabio. The end result is an interior that feels modern and thoughtfully put together (at least visually), not just a quick update. Nissan Meanwhile, the American Altima Stays the CourseMeanwhile, the US-market Altima heads into 2026 with almost no changes from last year. It remains affordable and practical, but next to the Teana, it comes across as very restrained. Nissan still sells a lot of sedans in the US, with over 255,000 units last year (out of the brand's over 760,000-unit sales), but the Altima’s own sales dropped to 93,268 in 2025, down 18 percent from the year before. That drop probably comes from the Altima’s age. The current model dates back to 2018, with its last big update in 2022. It no longer stands out for design or interior appeal. After seeing what Nissan has done with the Teana, it’s fair to ask (hope, even) if a more upscale, more distinctive Altima could bring buyers back to the midsize sedan segment. For now, there’s no clear answer. But with China getting the more ambitious upgrades, it’s easy to see how a bit of that Durabio-inspired thinking could only help the Altima. Nissan View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A motorcyclist is in a medically induced coma after a horrific crash, but thankfully his Cardo alerted his wife to the incident and gave her his location.View the full article

The Isenhouer brothers, aka Chris and Nick, are pretty fun dudes. I got to know them from LSFest West in Las Vegas where they brought their awesome Heatwave Visual sponsored bumpside Ford F100 to play. It’s got a steel cab, with actual working doors, which makes it completely unique in a lot of their races, and we love it. That thing is fast, they aren’t afraid to race it hard, and even when they rolled it over at one of the races, they kept smiles on their faces and said they had plenty of spare parts to weld onto it. So when I saw this in-car video stream from the Parker 400 desert off-road race I knew I had to check it out and share. The fact that they are racing their OBS Ford is also cool as hell. Check it out, you’ll dig it. The post Parker 400 Race Day Onboard With The Isenhouer Bros! These Dudes Slay, And Are Ultra Fun To Watch! Dirt Flying Off-Road Action! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

I’ve always been a fan of the Chevrolet Vega. These little cars have some cool Camaro traits up front that make them look cool, and they also have the ability to accept a small block up front with very little work. With that said, there are a lot of them out there with even more serious combos. Blown small blocks, big blocks, and more! It’s no wonder they have been built into every kind of street machine and race car over the years. Watch. The post Baby Camaro? Watch Steve Magante’s Junkyard Crawl And See What He’s Found. Vega Goodness. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

2026 AMA Supercross Championship Round Two – San Diego 450 Chase Sexton’s difficult start to life at Kawasaki continued in dramatic fashion when the gates dropped in San Diego. As the field launched toward Turn One, Sexton was left stranded, hung up on the gate after his clutch bit a fraction too early. What a […] The post Blow by blow recap from AMA SX Round Two in San Diego appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

2026 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship Round Three – Bilbao, Spain SuperEnduro Results – Points – Standings Billy Bolt opened the 2026 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship with the overall win at the opening round in Gliwice, Poland and backed that up at round two in Germany to extend his lead in the 2026 FIM SuperEnduro World […] The post Billy Bolt maintains perfect SuperEnduro record with victory in Spain appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The Fit’s Post-America ChapterIt has been roughly half a decade since the Honda Fit last appeared in the U.S. market. The subcompact hatchback—now in its fourth generation—continues to live on overseas and has just received a mid-cycle refresh in China, one that ditches the quirky front-end design some might describe as “cute.” The refreshed version, sold through Honda’s joint venture with GAC in China, adopts a split headlight layout with slim daytime running lights, similar to the design language seen on models like the Hyundai Kona and Tesla Model Y. More intriguingly, the official press release also revealed a concept that reimagines the Fit – also known as the Jazz in other markets – with a distinctly hot-hatch-inspired appearance. Honda A Design ExerciseDetails surrounding the concept remain limited, though GAC Honda emphasized that the updated Fit offers strong modification potential. As such, the concept appears to serve more as a visual showcase of what the platform could look like with race-inspired upgrades than as a clear indication that the automaker plans to commit resources to producing such a version. Visually, the concept stands out with a two-tone finish and a hood-mounted scoop. It also features a more aggressive front bumper with a larger lower intake, along with aerodynamic additions such as a front splitter, canards, and a rear wing. Despite its race-ready appearance, the stock powertrain suggests otherwise. The hatchback continues to rely on a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine producing 91 kW (122 horsepower) and 145 Nm of torque (107 lb-ft), with power sent exclusively to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Rather than prioritizing performance, the Fit remains engineered for efficiency. According to GAC Honda, the hatchback can travel more than 700 km (435 miles) on a single tank of fuel. Honda Performance by AppearanceWhile the race-inspired Fit shown in China remains a concept, the Japan-market version – still retaining the large headlights – is offered with a sporty RS trim. It effectively mirrors the Sport trims available in the U.S., adding visual and minor performance upgrades. GAC Honda prices the facelifted Fit at just 66,800 yuan (about $9,600 at current exchange rates), with production limited to 3,000 units. That figure stands in stark contrast to today’s U.S. market, where the average new vehicle price has climbed to around $50,000. However, the odds of a Fit revival stateside appear slim, as demand for small cars continues to fade, underscored by the discontinuation of the Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Versa. Honda View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Stellantis used the 2026 Detroit Auto Show to make a clear statement about where it sees its competitive edge. Rather than focusing on a single flagship launch, the company leaned into breadth, highlighting new vehicles, returning nameplates, and hands-on experiences designed to underline customer choice across its brands. The approach reflects a group trying to stabilise momentum while appealing to buyers with very different priorities. New Vehicles And Familiar IconsOn the product side, Stellantis balanced fresh metal with deliberate nods to heritage. Jeep expanded its presence with new models positioned around capability and everyday usability, while Ram leaned heavily into performance and utility, including the return of powertrain options that have long defined the brand’s identity. These moves land against the backdrop of a challenging recent year. The message on the show floor was not that one solution fits all, but that Stellantis intends to keep multiple doors open. Internal combustion, electrification, performance, and work-focused trucks all shared space, reinforcing the idea that customers should not feel forced into a single path as the market evolves. Stellantis Interactive Experiences As StrategyStellantis went beyond just showing off cars; they really wanted people to get involved. Jeep set up off-road demos and ride-alongs to make their claims about capability feel real, especially for those who value the brand’s authenticity over just numbers and specs. Ram took a similar approach, using live demos and eye-catching displays to highlight how their vehicles perform in everyday situations. This hands-on focus is a smart move, with stricter regulations, especially in Europe, Stellantis has been clear about the importance of having options. Their push to ease certain emissions rules goes hand in hand with a show strategy that emphasises giving customers choices rather than dictating what they should do. By letting people try out different vehicles, they reinforce this message without turning the auto show into a policy discussion. Why Detroit Still MattersDetroit remains a symbolic stage for Stellantis, especially when tensions around investment and regional commitments are in the spotlight. The company’s emphasis on North American brands and experiences comes as it navigates disputes and scrutiny elsewhere, including the recent standoff with Canada over allegations tied to Jeep-related commitments. By framing its Detroit presence around customer choice, Stellantis is also making a case for relevance. Auto shows no longer exist just to debut cars, but to remind buyers why brands matter at all. For Stellantis, that means showing range rather than narrowing focus, and using heritage, technology, and interaction to keep its lineup feeling accessible rather than dictated. View the full article

The Notoriety ContinuesIn the world of luxury and performance tuning, Mansory stands out as one of the outliers. Mansory, as a customization and bespoke tuner, has always stood by its outlandish and in-your-face creations despite the flood of some negative feedback from the public. The thing is, it seems Mansory's philosophy works; it continues to not only create out-of-this-world builds, but is even able to expand and reach higher tiers of the automotive world. Case in point: this Koenigsegg Jesko built by Mansory. Jesko Goes MansoryDebuted at the supercar/hypercar capital of the world, Dubai, is a one-of-one Koenigsegg Jesko Mansory. Yes, this notorious bespoke builder has gotten its hands on one of the most exclusive and extreme hypercars ever made. This rare creation was actually done in partnership with an online casino brand called Spartans. While Mansory has the reputation for enhancing (or overdoing) its builds, the Jesko seems to fit right in as a perfect canvas for them. Koenigsegg's have always looked otherworldy so Mansory need not go overboard on design upgrades. In this case, the Jesko has been repainted in a Sandy hue (paying homage to the Dubai desert) and retains exposed carbon fiber along the body, creating a two-tone colorway. Since the Jesko is a hypercar built for top speed, it already comes standard with an aggressive aero kit, but Mansory has added carbon-fiber canards to go with the existing kit. In fact, it's hard to tell where Koenigsegg ended, and Mansory began, because all the elements blend so well, looking truly OEM. However, there are some enhancements to the side profile with aero along the door and upgrades to the sideskirts. The rear gets a new carbon wing and diffuser combo that rounds out the whole build. Inside, the Jesko gets an almost Tiffany blue color motif, the only 'shouty' thing about the whole build, yet it somehow makes sense, adding a splash of color to the muted tones of the outside. Supercars of London/YouTube Say What You Want But...Mansory's detractors have always been vocal about their displeasure with the builds, but in the case of the Jesko, Mansory may have just proven that it knows what it's doing, and more importantly, knows its subjects. The Mansory Jesko is an example of proper individuality, showing respect and restraint for the existing form. Nobody can accuse this build of being over-the-top or sacrilegious; it looks like something Koenigsegg itself might've done. Supercars of London/YouTube View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Although we saw many tastefully and not-so-tastefully done builds at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, we never assumed someone would turn up in an Alphard minivan straight out of a Mad Max movie. The family hauler in question looks to be a third-generation model that's now fitted with TRD skid plates and beadlock rims. What was once an unassuming minivan is dialed up to eleven with tons of off-road hardware, albeit neatly presented. Tomstyle auto/Instagram Information about the build is limited, but visually, like this Mitsubishi, we can see the minivan has gone through a trail-ready makeover. At the front, a bull bar is introduced along with LED lights and a couple of tow hooks. Moving to the sides reveals the Toyo Open Country R/T tires and a stepboard for easy ingress and egress. The bolt-on fenders and flared arches also seem to enhance the Alphard’s visual appeal. You can probably tell by now that this Toyota minivan is not in its stock ride height, although it’s worth pointing out that specifications of the suspension mods remain unclear. Shocks and springs should be off-road spec, as is the case with most builds of this nature. There’s a massive roof rack up top fitted with auxiliary lights for enhanced visibility during its off-road escapades. Considering that the Alphard/Velfire is already a spacious luxury minivan, the roof rack seems a bit overkill, although there’s ambiguity surrounding the interior mods. Should the Alphard offer interior amenities that are out of the ordinary, the addition of a roof rack may not seem unwise after all. Tomstyle auto/Instagram Around back, things are unlike a luxury minivan, with a swing-out spare wheel holder and recovery boards finished in a bright teal color, which complements the grey-black theme overall. The teal finish is not just limited to the rear, but is tastefully incorporated into the brake caliper, springs, tow hooks, and even the TRD logo. Although the Toyota Alphard comes with AWD, we’re unsure if the build has actually undergone any mechanical changes. While Toyota never intended the luxury minivan to venture off the beaten path, this Alphard sure looks like it can handle a bit of the rough stuff. View the full article

At the Detroit Auto Show yesterday, the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC was revealed in all its glory, but it created a little confusion. Why isn't it called Shelby GT500? After all, it has the same 5.2-liter supercharged V8, the same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and the same carbon fiber in its wheels. It would appear that the Dark Horse SC is a Shelby GT500 in everything but name, but Ford tells Road & Track that it's not a Shelby for a simple reason: Shelby doesn't engage in motorsports. "This is a Ford Racing vehicle, and the reality is that Shelby doesn't race," a spokesperson told R&T. Okay, but Carroll Shelby was a racing driver, and the Dark Horse SC isn't eligible nor designed for any motorsports series, so what gives? Dark Horse SC: The Name is About Changing Mindsets Paul Eisenstein/Autoblog The spokesperson wasn't calling the Dark Horse SC a racecar per se, but one born in that world: "In taking what we do on the track and bringing it to the road, it is really important that we maintain that link, and show that this is a Ford Racing product." The Blue Oval rebranded the "Ford Performance" division - responsible for churning out special vehicles like the old GT500 and upgrades like those shown at SEMA for the Maverick - to "Ford Racing," a decision it took to highlight that the company's motorsport efforts matter. The cynical among us will say that a road car has no right to fall under a so-called "Racing" division, but it makes sense. Related: Ford CEO Wants To Know If You Want A Fast, Affordable RWD Sedan - But It Has To Be Electric It's much like how Toyota has been using its motorsport efforts to breed "ever-better" road cars through Gazoo Racing, and it fits with what Ford CEO Jim Farley told Motor1 in Detroit: "Ford Racing can't be a marketing department anymore. Our idea for Ford Racing is that they actually engineer road vehicles. They'll engineer our next-generation supercars, the new Mustang SC." By calling this part of the company "Racing" and not "Performance," both the people building fast Fords and those buying them have motorsport in mind. Ford Has the Bandwidth to Make More Cool Cars Ford This is the fourth variant of the Dark Horse, following the original version, the Dark Horse S, and the Dark Horse R. By putting its latest supercharged creation in the same family, Ford not only allows itself the opportunity to use the Shelby name for something else down the line if it chooses, but the Dark Horse name, new for the S650 generation, gets more traction and is cemented in the minds of buyers and enthusiasts. So in a way, it is a marketing decision, but a good one. It shows that investing in motorsport results in better cars that you and I can buy, satisfying both shareholders and fans of the brand, and it gives the Dark Horse name, already responsible for excellent driver's cars, even more credibility. Paul Eisenstein/Autoblog View the full article

One of the rarest modern Lamborghinis has surfaced for public sale, with a 2014 Lamborghini Veneno Coupe listed for $16.9 million on duPont Registry. Built to celebrate Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary, the Veneno sits in a category of its own, even among hypercars, with production capped at just three coupes worldwide. Seeing one offered openly, rather than traded quietly between collectors, is an event in itself. The Veneno was never meant to be subtle, its extreme aerodynamic bodywork, sharp surfaces, and exposed carbon elements were designed to showcase Lamborghini’s most aggressive interpretation of road-legal performance. This particular example is finished in a bespoke Ad Personam silver over visible carbon fibre, a specification chosen by its original owner to emphasise the car’s technical character rather than hide it under colour. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A Specification Built Around RarityWith just 125 miles on the odometer, this Veneno remains effectively unused. Power comes from Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12, producing over 740 horsepower and driving all four wheels through a single-clutch automated transmission. Performance figures were headline-grabbing at launch, but the Veneno’s appeal today is driven far more by scarcity than outright speed. The car was specified without many modern conveniences, including navigation, Bluetooth, heated seats, or cup holders, reinforcing its focus on weight reduction and mechanical purity. Carbon ceramic brakes, lightweight wheels, and extensive carbon fibre inside and out underline the Veneno’s roots as a statement piece rather than a grand tourer. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article How The Price Got HereOver the past ten years, Veneno values have been on the rise, with earlier listings already setting jaw-dropping records. Autoblog has previously reported on Veneno coupes hitting the market for over $8 million and later for over $11 million, highlighting how quickly the market for ultra-limited Lamborghinis has changed. Each new public listing has basically reset expectations, pushing the Veneno even further into the realm of collector-only cars. What makes this $16.9 million example stand out is its timing. As modern hypercars become more complex and increasingly electrified, analogue, naturally aspirated flagships from well-known brands have gained more importance. The Veneno symbolises a time when excess, noise, and visual drama were still at the heart of Lamborghini’s identity. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A Collector Object First, A Car SecondThe Veneno’s reputation has been shaped as much by spectacle as engineering. One of the most memorable appearances came when a Veneno Roadster was displayed on an aircraft carrier, reinforcing the car’s role as rolling theatre rather than daily transport. That sense of occasion continues to define how the Veneno is perceived today. View the full article

The Call That Changed Hypercar HistoryWhen Loris Bicocchi received a phone call in 2001 asking if he was available to test a new Bugatti project, the automotive world was already buzzing with rumors. Sixteen cylinders. 1,001 horsepower. More than 400 km/h (249 mph). On paper, it sounded impossible. In reality, it would become the Bugatti Veyron, an entirely new kind of car that didn’t just break records, but created the hypercar segment itself. For Bicocchi, an experienced high-speed test driver who had previously worked on the EB110 GT and EB110 SS in the early 1990s, the Veyron still represented uncharted territory. This wasn’t merely the next step forward in performance, but a significant leap. From his very first moments with the red-and-black prototype at Michelin’s Ladoux test track in France, the gravity of the project was immediately clear. Even before formal testing began, Bicocchi knew the Veyron was unlike anything the automotive world had seen. Bugatti View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Testing the ImpossibleAt the time, the Veyron produced roughly double the power of the next most powerful production car in the market at the time. There were no benchmarks, no familiar limits to lean on. Bicocchi admits he was cautious at first, hesitant to apply full throttle. The car’s acceleration, stability, and sheer presence demanded respect. Beyond 180 mph, the known rules of vehicle dynamics began to dissolve, forcing engineers and drivers alike to rethink aerodynamics, braking, and stability from the ground up. High-speed testing pushed Bicocchi both technically and emotionally. At Ehra-Lessien, he was tasked with accelerating beyond 250 mph and then braking hard, an exercise that required absolute trust in the car and the team behind it. The stress was immense, but so was the reward. Each successful run reinforced that the Veyron didn't just bring home the speed; it was also controllable, predictable, and astonishingly composed at speeds once thought unreachable for a road car. Bugatti View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Why Every Bugatti Is Meant to Be SpecialWhat set the Veyron apart was its overall philosophy. Bugatti set out to build a hypercar that could be driven confidently by non-professional drivers, in comfort, and in everyday conditions. That ambition placed enormous responsibility on Bicocchi and the development team. The Bugatti Veyron was about redefining what excellence meant in a production automobile, not just setting land speed records. During years of global testing, Bicocchi immersed himself in Bugatti’s heritage, revisiting Ettore Bugatti’s original vision from 1909. The Veyron was a modern expression of the brand’s core belief that every Bugatti must be extraordinary, emotionally resonant, and timeless. Two decades later, that philosophy still holds true. The Veyron remains a reminder that Bugatti builds cars meant to stand apart then, now, and far into the future. Bugatti View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

It’s time for more road racing action LIVE from Daytona International Speedway, where the 2026 IMSA VP Racing SportCar Challenge is happening today! We’ll have more racing action LIVE from Daytona throughout the weekend, but this is the first 2nd race of the event. If you aren’t familiar with the SportsCar Challenge, you will want to check this out because there are multiple classes which means there is something for everyone. Check out the livestream below and let us know what you think in the comments section too! If you missed Race 1, we’ve got it below Race 2. Video Description: The IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge is a multi-class sprint racing series. Each of the six event weekends will include a pair of 45-minute sprint races, and drivers must be rated either Bronze or Silver on the FIA Driver Categorization List. 2026 SCHEDULE // DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY – January 16-18 CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS – February 27-28 SEBRING INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY – March 6-8 CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS – May 7-9 O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 4 HOURS OF MID-OHIO – June 5-7 VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY – June 19-21 CHEVROLET GRAND PRIX – July 10-12 ROAD AMERICA – August 14-16 MICHELIN GT CHALLENGE AT VIR – August 20-23 MOTUL PETIT LE MANS – Oct 1-3 The post FREE IMSA LIVESTREAM: The 2026 IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge at Daytona International Speedway | Race 2 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Here comes Stage 12! There is just one more stage after this, but that doesn’t mean Dakar 2026 is done. It may be getting closer and closer to the end of the 2026 Dakar Rally, but there is still a lot to go for these racers. The bike guys are particularly tough and crazy, but everyone has to earn it whether on two or four wheels. This race is still very much up in the air, as anything can happen in the desert. We’ve been sharing every day’s coverage from the 2026 Dakar Rally and today is no different. Watch the video to see all the Stage 12 action, highlights, and more below! Bodies and vehicles are being put to the test and the carnage and emotions are real! This tough and technical stage was toughernastier than many expected. Dakar Rally 2026 is on! The worlds longest, toughest, and most infamous off-road race has started and we couldn’t be more excited! Famous racers and teams, well known for their prowess in the sand and on Dakar in general, have already been struggling which is just more proof of how gnarly this race really is. There are a lot of new cars and new teams mixed in with proven cars and older teams, but it’s the little things that matter at Dakar. If you don’t take care of your equipment, and keep your teams and people healthy, then you’ll never finish and if you don’t finish you can’t win. This race goes all over Saudi Arabia and will subject drivers and riders to all kinds of sand terrain and more. But the sand is what swallows teams. It’s the most fierce of the challenges. Will 2026 prove to be even tougher than last year? Would you run at Dakar if given the chance? Let us know in the comments section below. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE COVERAGE FROM PREVIOUS STAGES! The post Dakar Rally 2026 Coverage: It’s The Second To The Last Stage Of Dakar 2026! Stage 12 Racing Action Is Below! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Ford Bets on Old-School MuscleFord is set to join the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class, employing a Coyote-based engine architecture paired with hybrid technology. The Blue Oval will campaign a 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 without turbochargers, similar to the engine currently used in the Mustang GT3, which competes in WEC’s LMGT3 category against entrants such as the LT6-powered Chevrolet Z06 GT3.R. The Coyote nameplate debuted for the 2011 Mustang GT, but it is widely regarded as a spiritual successor to Ford’s Modular V8 architecture introduced in the 1990s. Renowned for its durability and longevity, the Modular V8 family laid the groundwork for the traits the brand now prioritizes for endurance racing – particularly in events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A Lineage Forged in LongevityIn an interview with The Drive, Ford WEC program manager Dan Sayers explained that the team deliberately avoided turbocharging in favor of mechanical simplicity and long-term reliability, even as rival Hypercar programs such as the Toyota GR010 Hybrid and Ferrari 499P – the latter having secured the last three overall Le Mans victories – continue to rely on forced induction. Sayers stated: “We looked at turbocharged or normally aspirated—and again, with the normally aspirated, if you can achieve the performance parameters, the mass or the power, and the torque control, then the simplicity of not having turbos, not having intercoolers, makes the installation simpler.” Ford is not alone in taking this approach. The Cadillac V-Series.R uses a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 combined with hybrid tech, while the NA V12-powered Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH completely forgoes turbocharging and hybrid assistance. The Blue Oval has also confirmed that Red Bull Ford Powertrains will assist in developing the hybrid system. For the uninitiated, the brand is currently partnered with Red Bull Racing, granting the company access to data and expertise from a championship-winning Formula 1 program that has operated with hybridized V6 powertrains since the start of the sport's modern hybrid era in 2014. The upcoming season will mark its return to F1 as a power unit partner alongside the driver pairing of four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, following Red Bull’s long-standing engine partnership with Honda. Ford Racing in 2027Track testing for Ford's Coyote-based Hypercar powertrain is currently targeted for Q3 2026, ahead of its debut the following year. The confirmed driver lineup includes Sebastian Priaulx, Mike Rockenfeller, and former F1 driver Logan Sargeant. Despite its recent expansion across multiple racing programs, Ford is no stranger to Le Mans success. The marque famously defeated Ferrari at the French endurance race in 1966 before claiming the victory in the GTE class with an EcoBoost V6-powered Ford GT in 2016. Outside of competition, the Coyote V8 currently powers road-going models such as the Mustang GT, Mustang Dark Horse, and the F-150. Ford is also considering hybridizing these models to comply with more stringent emissions regulations. Ford View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Known for its wild customs, Rno Cycles tones it down with a Triumph Bonneville T100 street tracker that cuts a timeless silhouette.As the man behind Rno Cycles, Arno Overweel specializes in custom bikes that range from wild to outright nuts. One minute, he's slapping a turbo-charger on a Honda CBX 1... View the full article

When AI Starts Writing TicketsTraffic cameras have been watching drivers for decades, but they've mostly been dumb observers—catching speeders and red-light runners through simple triggers. That's changing fast. Cities worldwide are deploying AI-powered systems that don't just watch; they analyze, predict, and enforce traffic laws with efficiency that human officers just can’t match. In the latest win for AI traffic cameras, eight AI-powered traffic cameras in Athens, Greece has issued citations for approximately 2,500 infractions in just four days. One of the cameras was so active, it wrote tickets for over 1,000 infractions alone; many of them were probable false positives, but the vast majority were actual infractions that would’ve just been glossed over. FLIR From Simple Traffic Cameras to Omnipresent EnforcementRegular traffic cameras took one picture at a time - your car running a red light, speeding past the posted speed limit, etc. New style AI-powered systems can track distracted driving, failure to wear a seat belt, failure to stay in the proper lane, and dozens of other infractions at the same time. This technology is being rolled out rapidly. For example, Dallas has more than 600 AI-powered cameras operating now. North Carolina is planning to implement AI traffic management at 2,500 intersections across the state. Additionally, the state of Hawaii will distribute 1,000 dash cam units to drivers, which will give the state a crowd-sourced surveillance system. AI traffic cameras also provide valuable information about the condition of the roadways. San Jose uses cameras mounted on street sweepers to identify potholes with a 97 percent degree of accuracy. Similarly, the state of Hawaii identifies damaged guardrails thanks to the AI-based system. FLIR Better Roads, Safer Streets But at What Cost?What matters most is that this technology has the potential to actually reduce fatalities. Distracted driving is linked to nearly 3,500 fatalities per year, according to the NHTSA. If AI can catch people using their phones while behind the wheel, then AI could potentially be a game-changer for reducing fatalities. Research studies show that consistent automated enforcement causes drivers to behave less riskily. Every turn you make could be recorded, analyzed, and stored in a database owned by local and/or state governments. The key here is whether there are clear and transparent regulations in place and how those regulations protect the citizens from excessive surveillance as a result of the implementation of this technology. We need to determine if we want safer roads on the one hand, but constant, AI-powered observation of our actions in public spaces on the other. View the full article

The 518-horsepower 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS weighs 3,268 pounds, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 0.159 hp/lb, but Theon Design's latest creation makes it look overweight, claiming an even better power-to-weight ratio of 0.166 hp/lb. In less technical terms, the restomod weighs just 2,535 lbs and produces 420 hp at 7,600 rpm (and 324 lb-ft of torque), with extensive use of carbon fiber resulting in what the company is calling a "pared-back, timeless interpretation of the ultimate road-optimized, air-cooled Porsche 911." 0-60 mph takes less than four seconds, which is pretty good for a manual car with an old-school engine, albeit one with a 993 RS-spec six-speed. But even standing still, the car wows with its simple, elegant design. Theon Design Has an Obsession with Fine Details Alex Penfold/Theon Design View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Although it may look older, Theon's latest build is based on a 964-generation Porsche 911 (retaining that car's active rear spoiler) and over the course of a year and a half, the company stripped it back to a bare shell before fitting the carbon fiber body that helps achieve that GT3 RS-beating power-to-weight figure. In between, all mechanical components, which include the air-cooled 4.0-liter boxer-six engine, were given a period-correct yellow chromate protective coating, while the body was finished in a classic Porsche hue called Medium Ivory, with Copper Brown Metallic Porsche scripts and Grand Prix White striping. This 20-stage paint job took more than 300 hours to complete before being sealed in with a full PPF coating. Seam welding of the rebuilt chassis improves structural strength and heightens torsional rigidity, helping "keep a 992 GT3 RS honest on a twisty road," according to Theon Design co-founder Adam Hawley. Alex Penfold/Theon Design View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Other highlights include champagne detailing on the wheels, rear engine cover grille, mirrors, and headlight rings, with the brightwork around the glasshouse appearing in Theon's Polished Eclipse Chrome finish. Copper Brown reappears on the 993 RS brake calipers, which hide behind lightweight three-piece 17-inch Fuchs-style wheels in champagne. Naturally, Michelin Pilot Sport tires have been fitted. Theon's New Restomod Has a Soundtrack to Match Its Style Alex Penfold/Theon Design View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article With the coloring and styling evoking the 1970s, Theon added more old-school excellence by fitting open engine trumpets that not only improve torque delivery, but also "vividly recall" Porsche's RSR race cars of the era. To make the most of it, the owner has specified the spacing of the pedals precisely, fixing one of the flaws of older 911s (particularly right-hand-drive models, which have pedals misaligned with the steering wheel) and inviting easy heel-and-toe downshifts. The independent throttle bodies are brought to life by a contemporary ignition system, and when the owner doesn't want to draw too much attention, the exhaust is valved, letting them switch from raucous to restrained at the touch of a button. More modernity comes from a TracTive semi-active setup with five-stage adjustable dampers that are adjusted via a dial on the steering column. Alex Penfold/Theon Design View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Speaking of the cabin, this boasts Recaro CS seats, with upholstery in nubuck Tobacco and Licorice semi-aniline leathers contrasted by Ivory stripes. Billet aluminum is used for the vents, door handles, and control knobs, which have been reverse-engineered from the plastic Porsche originals, while the rear seats have been deleted in favor of a carbon fiber storage deck with an interior-matched luggage set. Finally, an Audison sound system is equipped, with dual subwoofers in the area where the rear seats once sat. If this sort of excellent attention to detail is up your alley, you'll need to budget £420,000 (roughly $562,000). That excludes the donor car, shipping, local taxes, and the 18 months you must wait for a build to be completed. Worth it? Yes, but it does make a $250k 992 GT3 RS look cheap. Alex Penfold/Theon Design View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Romanian person stole upwards of $230,000 worth of MotoGP and WSBK parts and apparel from Ducati's Borgo Panigale HQ, and was caught by Italian Police.View the full article

A headline grabbing price drop for the 2026 BMW XM is making the rounds, but a closer look suggests the cut may be more about accounting optics than meaningful savings at the dealer. The original claim that the reduction may be largely fake traces back to CarsDirect, which argues that BMW changed the lineup and the incentive picture at the same time, making year over year comparisons look bigger than they may feel in real transactions. BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What BMW Changed For 2026For 2026, BMW effectively consolidates the XM range into a single offering, the XM Label, which lowers the starting point by eliminating the previous structure and positioning the model as a more distinct flagship. This framing is central to how the new pricing is being presented and aligns with how the vehicle is described as a standalone flagship. The issue is that the previous year featured a different mix and naming approach, so comparing the new base figure to last year’s most expensive headline trim doesn’t provide an accurate comparison of what buyers will actually pay. Why The Cut Could Be MisleadingCarsDirect’s main point is that 2025 XM deals often relied heavily on substantial incentive support, especially on leases, which narrowed the gap between MSRP and transaction price. If that support diminishes or becomes more selective, the lower 2026 sticker price may not deliver the same reduction in monthly payments that the headline suggests, particularly once destination, options, and dealer fees are added back in. This is why the cut can appear dramatic on paper while remaining modest in practice. It also helps explain why pricing narratives matter more for the XM than for many other BMW models, because demand has been soft enough that incentives became part of the story. G-Power What BMW Is Trying To AchievePositioning the XM as a single, high-content model seems like a strategy to ease the initial price shock while maintaining its status as a top-tier M product, rather than something that needs discounts to sell. The tricky part is that the XM is also in the spotlight for performance, where attention can be diverted by extreme aftermarket builds that redefine what value means. If BMW wants the 2026 price reset to be taken seriously, buyers will be keeping a close eye on incentives and lease programs just as much as the new MSRP. View the full article

A third-generation drag racer, Taylor Strange grew up immersed in the sport, as his grandfather raced at the outlaw George Ray’s Wildcat Dragstrip in Arkansas and his father carried the family tradition forward. Strange is also a driver, but his most rewarding moments in the sport have come as a crew member helping family-based team succeed in drag racing’s highest levels. Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #197, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November/December 2025. Strange started out driving a Jr. Dragster when he was eight years old, the minimum age at the time. He excelled in the half-scale cars, ultimately winning an NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League national championship at the 2005 Western Conference Finals at Bandimere Speedway outside Denver, Colorado. Another career highlight also took place at Bandimere, but more on that in a moment. After Jr. Dragsters, Strange drove a few different cars in heads-up, index, and big-money bracket racing events. He also rode pro motocross for some time, but when he suffered a serious injury, his father urged him to focus on drag racing on four wheels. In the meantime, Strange went racing with longtime family friend Mike Bowman. He was just a teenager when he started taking on some of the engine maintenance on Bowman’s iconic Chevelle. He learned more as Bowman progressed, competing in West Coast Pro Mod events and later NHRA Pro Mod races before jumping into the No Prep Kings scene when it was hot. That evolution included different engine combinations, from big-block Chevys to Brad Anderson Hemis. “The progression of it is an ongoing learning experience,” Strange says. “You think you know something, and then they put something else in front of you. It’s always something new, which is a huge part of why I like doing what I do.” Strange was a crew member on Bowman’s team when the California native earned a milestone victory at the inaugural Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod at Bandimere in 2017. A doorslammer veteran, Bowman wasn’t exactly an unknown, but he mowed through a field of primarily full-time NHRA Pro Mod teams to earn the $100,000 winner-take-all prize, propelling himself into the Pro Mod spotlight. “That was a huge accomplishment and something special to be a part of,” Strange says. Later, Strange became friends with the Mills family, including 2023 DI 30 Under 30 honoree Kallee Mills and her parents, Dewayne and Tara. He now works for the Mills family full-time, operating within their business, Mills Truck & Tractor Service, during the week and going racing on the weekends. With the Kallee Mills Motorsports team, Strange has been a part of Mills’ rookie season in Mid-West Drag Racing Series Pro Mod, where she picked up her first career win, set impressive career-best numbers, and finished third in the championship points standings. She’s also won some N/T 275 shootouts. “Seeing them win back-to-back where we’re at right now, that’s important to me because they’re like family,” he says. “Seeing them succeed and being a part of it is awesome. There are a lot of people in this world that would do anything to be standing where we are. To be on winning programs and watch people you care about succeed – there’s nothing that beats that feeling.” Strange hasn’t given up on his own goals as a driver. He’s spent the later part of the 2025 season preparing his own car to compete in the Drag Illustrated Winter Series at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Driving his Haas-built ’89 Beretta powered by a five-inch-bore-space nitrous engine and riding on 28×10.5 slicks, Strange will compete in the invite-only True 10.5 class at the three Winter Series races. “We just went our personal best on the tire in testing to get ready for the Snowbirds,” he says. “The goal is to have one of the fastest small-tire cars in the country, and I think we’re well on our way. We’ll see where we stack up with some of these big-name guys on small tires.” It’s clear that Strange is passionate not just about drag racing, but also the people that make his participation in it possible. “If it wasn’t for my old man, I wouldn’t even be involved in the sport,” he says. “Mike Bowman and his family got me started doing it as a profession, and the Mills family took me in and allowed me to turn it into a whole lifestyle. I’m thankful for all of them.” The post DI 30 Under 30 2025: Taylor Strange first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The first-ever iteration of a new variant in the automotive world needs to be good to win over its intended target base, and based on what we know so far, the first BMW iX3 M will be seriously impressive and do the M Division proud. Spied in Northern Sweden, undergoing winter testing, this development mule for the 2027 iX3 M is showing off aggressive bodywork, beefy brakes, and a sporty cabin, and insiders say it'll have loads of power, sharing its basic setup with the first-ever electric M3 sedan. We'll discuss all those details momentarily, but let's start with the cosmetics. After all, the Pontiac Aztek was a brilliant car with remarkable versatility, but it was widely shunned for quirky, if not downright ugly, looks. 2027 BMW iX3 M Will Look the Part SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Of course, beauty is subjective, and although we're not suggesting that the new iX3 M will look anything as unresolved as the Aztek, we do concede that EVs often look awkward. Fortunately, the electric M crossover starts with a strong base, building on the already-revealed iX3's Neue Klasse design language with subtle enhancements. The bumpers on this prototype are placeholder items, so we can't determine how aggressive they'll look for final production, but M-specific mirrors, drilled brake discs with blue calipers, and a roof spoiler with sharper strakes all follow a familiar recipe that makes a sport impact. An M-pact, if you will. Sorry. Like the bumpers, the wheels on his test mule will be replaced with sportier items, and according to an insider's publications on the Bimmer Post forums, unique headlights with "distinctive color elements" may find their way to M-enhanced vehicles. This may mean yellow DRLs, like all CS models since the F90 M5 (with the exception of the latest, the G87 M2). Just as critical as the exterior styling is how the cabin feels, and our spies got a look at that, too. First-Ever iX3 M Steering Into True M Territory SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Admittedly, we're still some way from a reveal because BMW engineers have been told to keep sheets of fabric draped over most of the cabin, but the area above the 9- and 3-o'clock spokes on the steering wheel is conspicuous in its attempts to hide what lies beneath. A hint of red peers from under the fabric tape, confirming that the iX3 M will have M1 and M2 buttons for storing a driver's optimal suspension, throttle, steering, and sound selections. The tricolor stitching of the wheel is also commonplace in an M vehicle, and we can see paddles behind the wheel for simulating gear shifts, like in a Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. Well-bolstered seats (with tape over the M logo) will provide comfort and support, but we wouldn't be surprised to see more aggressive buckets offered as an option. Related: What to Expect From the New BMW Alpina Brand As for the powertrain components of the iX3 M, these will be shared with the upcoming electric M3 sedan (internally codenamed ZA0). That means four motors with torque vectoring, and potentially as much as 800 horsepower on tap (though far more is possible). We'll learn more as the camouflage is peeled off and more details are leaked throughout the year, with a full reveal likely to come at the end of 2026. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Legal Limits on AestheticsVanity plates can add another layer of aesthetic appeal to a car, with some designs even supporting causes such as Breast Cancer Awareness through pink plates. However, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) warns that modified license plates are illegal and may result in confiscation or even vehicle impoundment, as altered plates can pose safety concerns. In a report by CBS 8 San Diego, SDPD Officer Anthony Carrasco said dozens of illegal license plates were confiscated within a single month. Many of the plates were created using wrap kits purchased online for around $10, with the most common being black-themed designs, a visual throwback to California’s license plates from the 1960s. By comparison, official specialty plates from the California Department of Motor Vehicles can cost up to $110 initially, plus an annual renewal fee of roughly half that amount. Ignorance Isn’t a DefenseThe report noted that price isn’t the sole reason car owners turn to modified plates, as some are simply unaware they are breaking the law. Given the potential fines and the time-consuming process of recovering an impounded vehicle, Carrasco said using an illegal plate is not worth the risk of getting caught. Modified plates can violate two California laws. Assembly Bill 2111 prohibits the alteration or tampering of license plates, while Assembly Bill 1085 bans the manufacture of devices designed to obscure plates from cameras, carrying fines of up to $1,000 per item. When plate details are blocked from cameras, public safety concerns arise, as law enforcement may struggle to identify and track violators, a serious concern in stolen vehicle cases. In the event of an accident, first responders may also struggle to identify the vehicle involved. Because modified plates and covers are widely available online, SDPD says it has encountered them across nearly all vehicle types, from everyday cars like the Toyota Corolla to high-end vehicles from Lamborghini. Copyright 2016 Sebastian Blanco / AOL Customization Has Its PlaceModified license plates themselves are not always illegal. Some car owners use vanity or foreign plates – such as Japanese-style plates – for shows, photoshoots, or private property use, often to enhance a vehicle’s appearance or promote car builds online. However, violations occur when modified plates replace active, registered plates on public roads. For those seeking a legal alternative, car owners can apply for specialty plates through the DMV, which offers a range of approved designs, from Yosemite Conservancy plates to Disabled Person plates. However, not all personalized plate requests are approved, particularly if the wording is deemed inappropriate. Reddit r/LICENSEPLATES @u/mrsbrattyb View the full article