reporter

Toyota’s Top Job Gets a Numbers GuyToyota is set to appoint Kenta Kon as its new CEO, a move that has left some enthusiasts cautious, given his background in the company’s finance division. That concern was underscored after Kon admitted during a recent press conference that he was not aware of any current development surrounding the Celica project. The incoming CEO did acknowledge admiring the nameplate for a long time, particularly after seeing the sports car in 1987’s Watashi no Ski ni Tsuretette (Take Me Out to the Snowland). What he told the fan who asked the question, however, was that he assumes development is progressing (skip to 1:11:45). https://www.youtube.com/live/LvKatNWgrzw Not a Newcomer to Toyota’s Inner CircleTo be fair, Kon served as Chairman Akio Toyoda’s secretary from 2009 before moving into senior accounting and finance leadership roles in 2017. While his focus may lean toward the financial side, Toyoda and outgoing CEO Koji Sato continue to spearhead the development of enthusiast-focused performance models under the Gazoo Racing (GR) banner. But now that he’s set to represent Toyota – a brand closely associated with enthusiast models like the GR Corolla – he will likely become more directly involved in vehicle development, especially as the company has positioned itself as enthusiast-friendly. Toyota has even committed to keeping internal-combustion models alive, at a time when other automakers, such as Volvo, have made significant shifts toward electric vehicles. Kon will officially take office on April 1, with Sato transitioning to a vice chairman role, where he will oversee broader industry trends. Toyota What the Next Celica Might Actually BeAs for early rumors about the Celica, the model could return as an all-wheel-drive (AWD) coupe, setting it apart from the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) GR86 and GR Supra. Given Toyota's aggressive push toward hybridization – which has seen the RAV4 become exclusively hybrid in the U.S. – it wouldn’t be surprising if the Celica, or perhaps a GR Celica, uses electric motors as part of its powertrain. As long as new directives at Toyota don’t conflict with its enthusiast-focused programs like motorsports, the Celica project should remain on track. Some argue that Toyota may begin tightening costs as competition intensifies from Chinese automakers, such as BYD, which have built a reputation for affordable vehicles. That sounds like an area that aligns closely with Kon’s finance-first background. But if all goes to plan, reports suggest the Celica nameplate could return within the next year or two. Toyota View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

After a long drive, and a rained out day of crappy weather the past two days, racers were really looking forward to Race Day 4. Unfortunately for some they pushed it just a bit too far and that means there are broken parts and bend bodies to deal with today. Ouch. Unfortunately, driving in the rain sucks but, not as badly as it sucks to show up to the race track and have rain. Everyone was excited to get some racing in on Day 4. Will Day 4 seperate the men from the boys? Video Description: Day 4 kicked off in Orlando with a full day of racing, and it ended up being the best day of the week so far. We saw new leaders emerge, a wreck that shook things up, and plenty of unexpected moments that changed how the standings look moving forward. After racing wrapped up, teams loaded up and hit the road for the drive to Gainesville where they will finish after submitting one last time-slip tomorrow. The post Sick Week Day 4 Video: A Full Day of Racing Brings NEW Leaders, WRECKS & Blown Engines For Veterans And Newbies Alike appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Japan's Final Boss CarWe keep talking about cars from China that we can’t have. How about a Japanese model instead? The Toyota Century is Japan’s ultimate expression of automotive opulence. It is a chauffeur-driven flagship that blends advanced engineering with generational craftsmanship. The design is restrained and formal, and its presence is quiet yet commanding. In Japan, it is the car of statesmen, industry leaders, and, yes, the final boss. Then there is TOM’S. Corolla fans know the name. TOM’S built its reputation through motorsport and factory-backed tuning programs. It has modified Supras, Corollas, and even prior Century models. The company understands Toyota's performance at a fundamental level. It has now applied that expertise to the brand’s most luxurious and dignified sedan. Toms Racing View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The TOM’S Century: Bespoke Craft Meets PerformanceTOM’S calls this the “Complete” version. It begins with a carefully selected used Century sedan. Vehicles with accident damage or frame repairs are excluded. Each unit is inspected and refreshed at the Toyota Gotemba factory. Worn components are replaced or restored before modification begins. The exterior is fitted with hand-laid fiber-reinforced plastic components. These include a new front bumper, side diffusers, rear under diffuser, trunk spoiler, and TOM’S barrel exhaust with exposed tailpipes. The look remains elegant but gains visible tension. Optional BBS RZ-D ultra-super duralumin forged wheels add a sharper stance and reduced weight. Inside, quilted nappa leather and Alcantara define the cabin. Buyers can specify leather color, stitching style, piping, and embroidery. Pricing starts at approximately $201,000. That figure includes the donor vehicle and TOM’S standard specification upgrades. This Complete package includes warranty support. The car undergoes a Toyota dealer inspection equivalent to a 12-month mandatory check. It retains the manufacturer’s new car warranty. The general warranty covers most components for three years or 37,000 miles. The special warranty covers critical systems for five years or 62,000 miles. TOM’S bodywork carries a one-year or 12,000-mile warranty. Delivery across Japan, and ONLY Japan, takes approximately two to three weeks. Toms Racing View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Final Boss Does Not Come CheapAt roughly $201,000 and up, the TOM’S Century does not pretend to be attainable. It sits far above ordinary luxury sedans. The pricing reflects the donor car, the hand-built components, and the bespoke interior work. This is not a catalog body kit. It is a curated transformation backed by factory-level inspection and warranty support. That cost is intentional. A final boss car should demand commitment. It should feel rare, and it is, but at the same time, it feels earned. The TOM’S Century embodies that philosophy. It blends dignity with discreet aggression and craftsmanship with performance intent. In the hierarchy of Japanese luxury sedans, this is the top-tier encounter. Toms Racing View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Scaling back electric vehicle investments amid the EV sales slump does not come cheap for automakers. That’s actually putting it mildly as companies are in fact taking a massive financial burden, having been forced to reduce, delay or cancel many EV projects. As the auto industry pivots from earlier EV growth plans to slowing demand in key markets and unfavorable political climate, global automakers have recorded billions of dollars in losses—a total or around $55 billion, according to Reuters. Stellantis Leads The Pack With $26.2 Billion Write-Down Stellantis is the latest automaker to announce how much over-estimating the pace of the energy transition has cost it, disclosing $26.2 billion in write-downs during the second half of 2025. The announcement vaporized more than 20% of the value of Stellantis shares, with the stock reaching its lowest level in six years. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa blamed shifting consumer demand, evolving emissions rules in the U.S. and a need to reorganize the company’s portfolio as key factors behind the massive write-down. The automaker is significantly pulling back on its electrification strategy in North America, canceling the Ram 1500 REV all-electric pickup and entry-level Dodge Charger Daytona R/T EV, shelving the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee electric muscle car, and dropping all plug-in hybrid Jeep and Chrysler models for the 2026 model year. Ford Is A Close Second With $19.5 Billion But the Franco-Italian carmaker is not the only one to make such an announcement. Ford said in December that it would take a $19.5 billion write-down tied to its EV operations, the cancellation of several electric models (most notably the F-150 Lightning) and fresh investments in gas and hybrid vehicles. In January, a similar announcement came from General Motors, which revealed a $6 billion charge in relation to a reduction in EV investments. The automaker said that included $4.2 billion in cash costs stemming from contract cancellations and settlements with suppliers. The General had already taken a $1.6 billion EV write-down in the third quarter. Europe’s largest automaker, Volkswagen Group, also revealed a $6 billion hit in September because of a far-reaching product overhaul at its Porsche subsidiary. The luxury brand had to delay and even cancel some EV models in favor of hybrids and combustion engine cars. The sum included an impairment charge of around $3.5 billion. How Did It Come To This? Stellantis There are many factors that have led to this situation, with the most important being the discontinuation of the EV federal tax credit at the end of Q3 2025, the Trump administration’s rollback of Biden-era fuel economy standards in December 2025, and a big disconnect between automakers' projections of EV adoption and the reality in showrooms. At an international level, another big factor was the European Union’s cancellation of its 2035 EV mandate in December 2025. On top of all these problems, legacy carmakers are also struggling to keep up with newcomers, mainly from China. In Europe, for example, the combined market share of Chinese automakers rose to 6.1% in 2025, nearly doubling from 3.1% in 2024, according to Automotive News Europe. In December 2025, their market share almost hit 10%. In Mexico, Chinese-made vehicles reached almost 20% of total new vehicle sales last year, according to Mexico News Daily, making China the top supplier for the Mexican automotive market. View the full article

Volkswagen’s Scout brand is getting closer to production of its Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck, with these tough EVs set to reach showrooms next year—assuming the brand can extricate itself from some legal drama over its direct sales model before then. With both fully electric and range-extender versions of the vehicles coming, Scout is now emphasizing its models’ shunning of gimmicky, overly high-tech controls. In a not-so-subtle dig aimed at rivals like Rivian, Scout put out a post this week highlighting its use of “real door handles, real buttons, and real knobs”. Scout Keeps It SimpleTried and true. Real door handles, real buttons, and real knobs. Innovation matters. Elements that work for you, even when your hands are wet, muddy, gloved, or full. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it#ScoutMotors #TheWorldNeedsScouts pic.twitter.com/oaoD0YRXWw — Scout Motors (@Scout_Motors) February 4, 2026 In a post on X, Scout showed off more of its EV’s interior and exterior design, and there’s a lot to like. Scout said “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”—this is a reference to its use of physical buttons and knobs. Its vehicles will also use conventional door handles, not the flush-mounted, electric pop-out door handles that have been the subject of much controversy in recent months. Late last year, the owner of a Rivian expressed serious concern about how difficult his vehicle’s doors were to open if the electric handles failed in an emergency. He specifically said his kids would be unable to escape the car in an emergency, as the manual override handle was far too complicated to access. Scout EV interior controls S View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Scout has obviously been keeping an eye on all of this, turning something as rudimentary as a normal door handle into a selling point. The manufacturer highlights that its vehicles’ controls can be operated even if your hands are full, muddied, or gloved. In new pictures posted by the brand, the physical controls extend to the roof-mounted panel. The steering wheel also eschews silly capacitive panels for large scroll wheels and real buttons. Scout hasn’t teleported back to the 1990s, though; its EVs still get modern, crisp displays for driver information and the center touchscreen. Related: China Has Officially Banned Tesla-Style Flush Door Handles A Turning Point For Modern Car Design? Scout Motors The futuristic, obsessively minimalist design trends influencing car design may have finally reached its peak. Scout’s little post marks a return to the sensible functionality enjoyed in vehicles until around the 2010s. This doesn’t mean we have to shun tech like screens, in-car gaming, and over-the-air software updates; rather, Scout is reminding us that new and old can seamlessly co-exist. Other brands are moving in a similar direction. Audi reintroduced proper steering wheel buttons in modern EVs like the A6 Sportback e-tron, and Kia recently committed to retaining key tactile controls for its models’ interiors. Furthermore, Scout’s specific mention of normal door handles will avoid it running into future regulatory challenges. China has just banned electric door handles, as found in EVs like Teslas and Rivians. We can expect local safety authorities to adopt similar rules in the near future, as this tech has been linked to several deaths as occupants become trapped in vehicles. For Scout, usability is being sold as the new luxury, and that’s no bad thing if it makes for safer vehicles. View the full article

The Horsepower Wars C10 Shootout is coming to its natural conclusion with a 100-mile cruise and then race, where the best 1/8-mile time wins.View the full article

The fine folks at CBoysTV are at it again, building wild machines and tearing things up. But their latest build, a Stark Varg converted to a trike has to be one of their wilder builds. View the full article

The End of Hidden Door Handles?The sleek, flush door handles that Tesla popularized have become automotive design's equivalent of form over function, taken too far. China's new safety regulations explicitly prohibit these hidden mechanisms, marking the first time a major market has drawn a regulatory line in the sand, with more markets likely to follow. It’s not hard to see why there’s backlash against hidden door handles. In certain crash scenarios involving power loss, these mechanisms may fail to operate as intended, potentially delaying or complicating occupant egress when time matters most. What began as a clean design flourish has increasingly revealed itself as a point of vulnerability rather than progress. Cadillac When Minimalist Design Philosophy Meets RealityThere’s no denying the visual appeal of hidden door handles. They help improve aerodynamics and drag coefficients to a minor extent, and just look futuristic, right? However, they’re also powered by electricity, have added mechanical complexity, and are potential points of failure. Simple mechanical levers have been reliable for over one hundred years and counting at this point. Interior emergency release mechanisms located beneath speakers or in the door pocket (where occupants may not even think to look) indicate that designers knew that these systems had some issues with reliability. Manufacturers apparently think that most owners would remember plan B to open their doors in moments of panic. This optimism has been shown to be less-than-ideal at best, deadly at worst, and one that safety regulators are increasingly unwilling to accept. Volvo View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Regulatory Domino EffectAutomakers now have to decide if they want to continue to manufacture two types of door handles for two distinct markets – including a third of the world’s vehicle sales in China - and pay for the increased cost and complexity of manufacturing. Or, they could go back to traditional exterior/interior door handles that work regardless of the situation. Nissan Since automotive regulations never seem to reverse themselves once safety data builds up, it looks like the writing is on the wall for electrically-operated door handles. The next generation of electric vehicles will likely feature door handles that look like door handles again – and prove that sometimes the old ways are just better than the new ones we come up with. View the full article

What Happens When an EV Motor BreaksIn most modern EVs, a major motor or inverter problem leads to one of two outcomes. Either the car stops completely, or, if you’re in an all-wheel-drive (dual-motor) setup, it just switches off the failed motor and keeps moving with the other. Tesla drivers have seen this firsthand: a Model 3 or Model Y can lose a front or rear motor to a fault, but as long as one motor is still working, the car keeps going – just with less power. This setup gets the job done, but it depends on having backup hardware. If your EV only has one drive motor, or if the other motor can’t handle the extra work, you’re out of luck. The broken part is shut down entirely, and your only option is to get it fixed – there’s no smart trick to keep you moving. Toyota’s new patent takes a different approach. Instead of asking what happens if you add another motor, it asks: what if a single motor didn’t have to give up completely when something inside it fails? Toyota’s Latest IdeaSubmitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in March 2025 (you can check it out yourself using patent no. 20260034888) and published February 5, 2026, Toyota’s filing outlines a fault-tolerant motor drive system for electric vehicles. Put simply, the patent describes a motor controller that can spot certain internal problems, like a short or open circuit in part of the inverter, and then change how it sends power to the motor. Instead of shutting everything down, it cuts off the damaged part and keeps the rest running. The motor might run with fewer working phases, less power, and lower efficiency, but it keeps spinning. The point isn’t to keep full performance – it’s to give you enough control to pull over safely, get to the side of the road, or limp home, rather than being stuck. This is more like a true hardware-level limp mode, not just software that limits speed or power. Not Headed to Showrooms... YetThe main difference with Toyota’s idea is where the backup actually sits. In Teslas, redundancy means having more than one motor. If one fails, it’s turned off, and the car relies on the other to keep moving. Toyota’s patent is about building a backup into a single motor. Even if part of the inverter fails, the motor isn’t dead weight. The system adjusts how it powers the motor windings and keeps going, just with less capability. Of note, this doesn’t guarantee longer-lasting motors or cheaper repairs, and it doesn’t mean Toyota EVs like the bZ already have this feature. Patents are often just ideas, and plenty never make it to production. But it does show Toyota is thinking about ways to avoid total breakdowns and make failures less painful for drivers. If this ever shows up in a production car, it could change how EVs deal with problems. Instead of ignoring a fault or shutting down, the car would keep fighting to get you home. View the full article

A Preventable OutcomeRegardless of how severe or minor a recall may seem, car owners should comply, as safety can be at stake. One Hyundai owner learned this the hard way after his 2013 Santa Fe Sport caught fire when a recall addressing a fire risk was ignored. According to a report by WESH 2 News, the vehicle’s owner, Edgar Franceschi, was parked in Longwood, Florida, when the fire broke out. Franceschi escaped unharmed, but his Hyundai SUV was not as fortunate and was ultimately declared a total loss. The vehicle was part of a safety recall in 2023 affecting more than 3.3 million vehicles – including certain Kia models – due to a faulty anti-lock braking system. Cause of the FireThe recall stated that the ABS in affected vehicles could leak brake fluid and cause an electrical short, even when the vehicle is parked, as in Franceschi’s case. The proposed remedy involved replacing the ABS module fuse free of charge. Although Franceschi was notified about the recall, he did not bring his Hyundai in, believing a brake-related issue wouldn’t be catastrophic. “You wouldn’t expect a brake issue to lead to a massive fire like that,” he said. What’s worse is the insurance claim, which could face delays – or even potential disapproval - after Franceschi openly admitted that he did not act on the recall notice. While the circumstances are unfortunate, it serves as a costly reminder to all car owners that safety recalls should never be ignored. Sure, recalls are often difficult to predict, particularly when they stem from issues involving third-party suppliers. However, one of the few proactive steps buyers can take is to research which automakers tend to issue frequent recalls. Last year, Ford led the list with 153 recalls, affecting over 12 million units. Hyundai Millions Still at RiskThe report also noted that only 29 percent and 32 percent of affected Hyundai and Kia owners, respectively, addressed the recall, meaning more than a million vehicles with a similar fire risk may still be on the road. As such, Michael Brooks of the Center for Auto Safety called for more aggressive recall notifications. So far this year, Hyundai has issued at least three recalls, including one affecting more than 570,000 Palisades from the 2020–2025 model years. The recall involves potentially faulty third-row side curtain airbags that could deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Hyundai View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

We’ve got some of your favorite content creators featured in this Day 4 video blog post from Sick Week 2026 and that means Kevin and the KSR crew, as well as Alex Taylor and the ATR crew are sharing some of their great content below. Watch all three videos and let us know what you think the biggest highlights are and we’ll let you know if we agree. Heck, we could be wrong, but we won’t know until we start arguing about it, will we? Day 4, like Day 3 of racing, did not go to plan for a lot of people on Sick Week 2026, so you are going to want to watch! CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE OTHER SICK WEEK VIDEO COVERAGE SO FAR YIKES… That Could’ve Been BAD Sick Week 2026 Race Day 4 Today felt like a comedy of errors, and we got REAL close to hurting the motor. Thankfully we caught it along with a few other problems. It’s not the 6 I wanted, but it is a 6 and we were able to make the late drive back to Gainesville. Onto the last day The post Sick Week 2026 Video With Alex Taylor Racing: Day 4 Racing Action Means Some Carnage, Some Scares, And More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

You’re about to step into a ride that blends old-school character with careful custom work. You sit on a 1979 Honda CB550-4 that keeps its classic roots while adding a clean café racer style that changes how it looks, sounds, and feels. As you ride, you notice raw sound, simple parts, and a focus on feel over features. You trade comfort and tech for connection, and you accept the bike as it is, flaws included, because the experience matters most. Key Takeaways […] The post The Ferrari F40 of Bikes | 1979 Honda CB550 Cafe Racer Review appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

The National Hot Rod Association is celebrating 75 years of drag racing in 2026 and that means some special NHRA 75th Classics for the YouTube channel. One of the greats is this 1976 edition of the Gator Nationals which you can watch in its entirety below. Snake, Mongoose, and more! Check it all out here. Video Description: Step back into drag racing history with this full broadcast of the 1976 NHRA Gatornationals from Gainesville Raceway! Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering this NHRA 75th Classic for the first time, this is a must-watch piece of racing history. The post NHRA 75th Anniversary Classics: Here Is The Complete 1976 NHRA Gatornationals TV Broadcast – Awesome Historic Action! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Enter the MythosThe world of luxury cars sells itself on the image of distinction and desire, where a car's level of perceived prestige can be a selling point in itself. In an effort to one-up its rivals, in 2022, Mercedes launched the Mythos Series; a sub-brand it positions higher than its Maybach ultra-luxury series of vehicles. At the time, Mercedes said that its Mythos Series models would be very low-volume vehicles, that "will be made available exclusively to the most dedicated enthusiasts and collectors of Mercedes-Benz." The first Mythos model was the SL-based Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed. Powered by a 576-horsepower 4-liter V8 and featuring a Formula 1-inspired design, its 250-unit run was about 25 units less than the ultra-exclusive Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar. However, Mercedes is gearing up to launch a new Mythos that may be stack up to be the ultimate AMG sports-coupe ever made. Mercedes-Benz View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article This 2-door is no ordinary AMGIn a new announcement published on January 27, Mercedes-Benz teased a new high-performance version of the CLE coupe that is likely to be much more desirable than any AMG to come out of Affalterbach. In a series of exterior photos, Mercedes showed off a prototype of the new vehicle, draped in black-and-white development camouflage, as it undergoes cold-weather testing in snowy Sweden near the Arctic Circle. Not many details are known about the car as of yet; however, the pictures that Mercedes has provided show that the new vehicle exhibits a much more aggressive, performance-focused approach to the otherwise stately CLE 53 AMG. Though it is camouflaged, the pictures reveal that AMG has added a much more aggressive front fascia, an updated rear end, wider wheel arches for fatter wheels, and, most notably, a prominent trunk-mounted rear wing. In its press release, Mercedes says that the "extreme model shows a kinship to the popular CLE, but promises an ever more uncompromising appearance," which it describes as leaving "a real statement on the road, underlined by a corresponding drive and corresponding driving performance." Mercedes-Benz View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article It may get the S-Class's cool, new V8 Though details are mum, a report from Autocar notes that the new Mythos version of this AMG-tuned CLE coupe is said to be powered by the same engine as the soon-to-be-unveiled S-Class sedan. Internally known as the M177, the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 set to debut in the new posh sedan is said to be a significant upgrade from the V8 in the current S580. Not only does it have power figures of more than 530bhp and 550 lb ft of torque, but it also features a racing-inspired flat-plane crank for a raspier, higher-pitched soundtrack. Although theoretical power figures under the hood of the new CLE AMG Mythos are up in the air, the new engine is expected to make a major power boost over the current CLE 53 AMG, which makes 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 3-liter inline-six with hybrid assistance and an electric auxiliary compressor. Related: The World’s First All-Terrain Hypercar Was Designed Backwards, Starting With the Suspension Final ThoughtsMercedes says that more details about the new Mythos car will come later this year. Though the current CLE 53 AMG may be a "pretty penny" with an MSRP of $76,300, we should expect that this new Mythos edition will be quite the hot item, complete with a stratospheric price tag and ultra-limited numbers. Related: Volvo Hasn’t Closed the Door on Wagons Just Yet View the full article

The future of the former Atlanta Dragway took a major step forward this past Tuesday when the Banks County Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval for the continued use of the historic property as a racetrack. The vote followed an emotional and packed public hearing that highlighted the track’s deep roots in North Georgia as well as its potential economic and community benefits if reopened. The application, which was submitted by the Banks County Board of Commissioners, included a summary explaining how the property has operated as a racetrack from 1975 until operations ceased around 2021. Planning staff explained that the conditional use application was initiated by the county to allow the property to return to its use as a racetrack while aligning it with modern zoning standards. Public comment opened with overwhelming support from residents, racers, business owners, and motorsports professionals from across Georgia and neighboring states. IHRA Chief Operating Officer Scott Woodruff spoke first and expressed encouragement about the opportunity to restore the racetrack. “I’m here from the IHRA and just really wanted to say we’re encouraged about the property possibly being rezoned for future use to help bring back the racetrack and safety to the area,” Woodruff said. “And obviously there’s a lot of passion in this room as we can all tell. So just want to say thank you very much and we intend to do good things if good things happen.” Much of the public testimony focused on the economic ripple effects the racetrack historically brought to Banks County. Speakers described packed hotels, busy restaurants, and thriving shopping centers during race weekends and major events. Louis Kellett, who traveled from Greenville, South Carolina to attend the meeting, noted that Atlanta Dragway has been a staple in Banks County for nearly 50 years. “It’ll take a lot of work to put it back together, but it can be done,” Kellett said. “When it opens back up, the restaurants are going to fill back up, hotels are going to fill back up. All these people that come to town eat, stay, and shop. It would be a big benefit for Banks County.” Brad Ocock presented data reinforcing those claims, including estimates from the Georgia Department of Tourism that states out-of-town visitors bring $98 to a local economy. If they spend the night, it’s $178 per day in the local economy, he explained to the Commissioners. “I put on the Northeast Georgia Swap Meet 12 times a year at the Atlanta Dragway. My swap meet brought about 25,000 people annually. The Southern Nationals brought between 30,000 and 50,000 annually. The NMCA race brought 8,000 people in annually. Bracket finals brought about 2,000 people annually. That’s only four organizations, not races,” Ocock stated. “It was about 95,000 people. At $98 per person per day, that’s a little over $9 million that they left in the local account. So that’s not counting overnight stays, that’s not counting all the other events that come here.” Many residents also spoke about the track’s cultural and personal significance. Ashley Hancock, who lives directly behind the racetrack, described the motorsports community as an extended family. “We are all like family,” Hancock said. “Just like the Banks County community is a family, we are a family. We all want to come back home. That’s what we want – to race, to see our family, to help the community.” Others emphasized the role the racetrack played in their early years of development and the important public safety aspect. Speakers noted that organized racing provides a legal, controlled environment that helps keep young drivers off the streets while promoting discipline, technical skills, and mentorship to teens and young adults. “We all talk about how we want to get kids off of iPads and video games. Having something like this close by definitely helps with that,” Kline Whitley, of Commerce, Georgia stated. “I can honestly say that I would not be the person that I am today without it. My dad found different ways to motivate me. Drag racing was the way that he found to motivate me to help me become a better person.” After the public comment period concluded, all speakers in favor and none in opposition, the Planning Commission closed the hearing. A motion was made and seconded to recommend approval of the application, passing unanimously by a 5-0 vote. The decision was met with applause from the packed room and overflow crowd outside. Commission members emphasized that their decision is only a recommendation, and that the final decision will rest with the Banks County Board of Commissioners. That vote is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10th at 6:30 p.m., at the same location. This story was originally published on February 7, 2026. The post Banks County Planning Commission Unanimously Recommends Approval For Return of Atlanta Dragway; One More Hearing Scheduled For Final Vote first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Say No to Garage QueensOne thing about car collectors is that they tend to avoid racking up mileage to preserve resale value. While some argue that minimizing wear and tear is the logical approach, that’s not the philosophy this enthusiast follows. Tim Burton, a.k.a. Shmee150, recently shared a tour of his collection after 16 years on YouTube, noting that his garage is far from being filled with “garage queens.” Burton revealed three new additions over the past year – all of them from the Prancing Horse. The lineup includes a Ferrari 458 Speciale, a 12Cilindri, and an SF90 XX Stradale. Both the 458 Speciale and the SF90 XX Stradale are track-oriented supercars built for the road, while the 12Cilindri serves as the successor to the 812 Superfast in Ferrari’s V12 lineage. This type of collection isn’t typically associated with another well-known car collector, Jay Leno, who has openly said he isn’t a fan of how the brand handles its sales process. Not Just Weekend ToysMost of Burton’s collection consists of European cars, including the McLaren 675LT Spider, which is the longest-owned vehicle in his garage. He noted that the supercar – essentially the long-wheelbase version with an open-roof configuration – costs about £1,000 (roughly $1,360 at current exchange rates) per year to service. His second-longest-owned car is the Aston Martin Vantage GT8, one of just 150 examples finished in the two-tone blue-and-orange paint scheme. All of his newer Ferraris, meanwhile, were purchased with the brand’s 7-year complimentary scheduled maintenance program. These include the SF90 Stradale, which he describes as “one of the best value-for-money supercars.” He also owns a 296 GTS and a Purosangue, finished in Blu Le Mans as a nod to his previous four-seat Ferraris – the FF and GTC4 Lusso. The British car collector and vlogger also owns a handful of American cars, including a Ford GT. His garage also houses a Ford Focus RS Heritage Edition and a Mustang Shelby GT500 – the most powerful iteration of the S550 generation. Shmee150/YouTube Supercars With a Job to DoOther cars featured include the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, AMG GT Black Series, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, a Renault Clio, a Fiat 500 Abarth Ferrari Dealer Edition, an in-service Porsche 914, and a BMW M2, which is set to be sold soon. He also showcased his Zenvo TSR-S, a 1,177-horsepower hypercar that he has owned for three years. In 2025, Burton said his own fleet accumulated 34,300 miles, not including the additional 25,300 miles logged in loaner cars such as the BYD Seal. Looking ahead, Chevrolet’s most extreme C8 Corvette, the ZR1X, is set to join his garage, featuring a hybridized powertrain producing 1,250 horsepower. While there are additional future acquisitions he has yet to reveal, one thing is certain: he will enjoy them as intended. That commitment should be a treat for enthusiasts following his journey. Shmee150/YouTube View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Dodge Viper has always been about raw power, drama, and intimidation, nothing more. But a new digital concept by 3D car designer Sebastian Simonsson reimagines an American supercar in a way no one saw coming. A first-generation Viper has been transformed into a sleek shooting brake using a mix of traditional sketching and AI-assisted rendering, and somehow, it works far better than anyone expected. While AI played a role in shaping the final visuals, and we also acknowledge AI-created images aren't necessarily art, the concept itself stems from a clear human vision. A Two-Door Viper Wagon That Somehow Works Instagram @mr.simonsson Shooting brakes are almost extinct nowadays, with basically just the CLA Shooting Brake left – but even that's a stretch on the definition. Regardless, shooting brakes have become some of the most desirable cars in history, from the Aston Martin Vanquish to the Ferrari FF and Volvo P1800 ES. On paper, turning a Dodge Viper into one sounds awkward at best. Yet, it turned out exquisite. Its extended roofline flows cleanly into the rear, giving the Viper a more practical silhouette without losing its muscular stance. And it retains everything that made us love the SRI Viper, from the three-spoke wheels to the vents in front of the doors, lack of door handles, side-exit exhaust tips, and hopefully its 8.0-liter V10 engine. Overall, thanks to its extended rear, dare we say, it looks more balanced than the standard Viper. Considering how valuable classic Vipers have become in today’s collector market, finding a donor car would be difficult, but not impossible. The Designer and Controversial Use of AI Instagram @mr.simonsson Sebastian Simonsson is not just another guy with a ChatGPT Pro subscription who posts non-stop designs. He has spent more than two decades in the automotive industry, working in high-end visualisation and marketing for brands such as Koenigsegg, along with several performance-focused projects across Europe. Speaking to Motor1, Simonsson explained that the project began with hand-drawn sketches before AI was used to refine the final images. The design itself, including the proportions and styling decisions, remained entirely his. He described his design language as "unmistakably Scandinavian," and it explains why the Viper shooting brake has such a restrained appearance. Viper and restraint in the same sentence – odd. Funding Has Already Started What started as a creative experiment quickly exploded across social media. The Viper shooting brake gathered hundreds of thousands of likes, thousands of shares, and a comment section filled with enthusiasm from car fans and industry insiders alike. Among those who took notice were Formula One world champion Jenson Button and Doug DeMuro’s Cars & Bids account. Most interesting of all, Simonsson has now confirmed in the comments that funding has already started to turn the concept into a real, physical car. Instagram @mr.simonsson Simonsson told Motor1 that individuals with thorough racing backgrounds, including some with firsthand experience working with the Viper platform, are involved in making the "Shooting Snake" a reality. While no timelines have been shared yet, the fact that the ball has begun to roll shows just how powerful social media can be. If this project is a success, it could spark renewed interest in shooting brakes altogether. After all, we have already seen exciting digital concepts like the Toyota GR GT shooting brake capture attention online. With creativity like this gaining traction, perhaps more brands will finally bring this beautiful body style back in a meaningful way, even if they're only one-off models. View the full article

Going Two-for-OneOne of the biggest American events of the year, the National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl, is set to take place this weekend, and Toyota isn’t missing out. The Japanese marque is returning to the sporting event with two 30-second spots scheduled to air during the championship game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. The first film, titled “Superhero Belt,” centers on the Toyota RAV4, which is currently one of America’s best-selling vehicles, alongside the Ford F-150. The spot unfolds across two timelines. In the first, a grandfather drives his grandson in a 1997 RAV4 – the compact crossover’s second model year on sale in the U.S. Nearly three decades later, the roles are reversed, with the grandson now driving his grandfather in the all-new 2026 RAV4, which is offered exclusively as a hybrid. Bridging GenerationsThe hybridized RAV4 underscores Toyota’s multi-powertrain strategy, even as other automakers such as General Motors have doubled down on fully electric vehicles. As standard, the model pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing a combined 236 horsepower in all-wheel-drive (AWD) form, while the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version delivers 226 horsepower. It also adopts a more futuristic, EV-like design – something even casual viewers may notice during the commercial. Toyota’s second film, titled “Where Dreams Began,” subtly showcases models such as the Tundra, GR86, and the outgoing GR Supra, though the focus is on its roster of Team Toyota athletes. These include American multi-sport Paralympic athlete Oksana Masters and Bubba Wallace, the NASCAR driver of the #23 Toyota Camry XSE at 23XI Racing, co-owned by six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan. The spot also features Puka Nacua, who delivered a strong outing in this year’s playoffs alongside his Los Angeles Rams teammate and MVP Matthew Stafford, before losing to the Super Bowl-bound Seattle Seahawks. The film centers on a reflective theme, depicting each athlete in a conversation between their younger selves and who they have become today. Cars Take the FieldOther automakers will also appear during the NFL season finale. Volkswagen is set to feature the ID. Buzz, which, ironically, won't be sold in the U.S. for the 2026 model year. Cadillac will likewise make an appearance, using the spotlight to unveil its livery for its inaugural Formula 1 campaign. GM’s luxury brand will enter the grid as the series' 11th team this season, becoming the second American outfit alongside the Haas F1 Team, which has a technical partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing. The Super Bowl LX is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. View the full article

U.S. Bans Chinese Software in Connected Cars, Industry Scrambles to ComplyIn a report from The Wall Street Journal, automakers are racing to strip Chinese-written code from internet-connected vehicles as sweeping U.S. national-security regulations take effect. Beginning March 17, carmakers must certify that core connected systems do not contain software developed in China or by Chinese companies. The rule targets cloud-connected features, including telematics, cameras, microphones, GPS systems, and advanced driver-assistance software. Hardware restrictions tied to connectivity components will follow in 2029. The regulation, issued by the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, is described by industry leaders as one of the most complex compliance challenges in decades. Carmakers must audit deeply layered supply chains where software often originates from subcontractors or joint ventures. While critical semiconductor sourcing can be traced, embedded code is more opaque. Some exemptions may be granted, and the Chinese code transferred to non-Chinese ownership before the deadline remains permissible, triggering restructuring across the supplier base. Zeekr A Major Disruption for U.S. Automakers and SuppliersThe implications for U.S.-based manufacturers are significant. Many vehicles rely on Chinese-developed middleware, connectivity modules, and cloud integration layers. Hardware substitution is difficult but manageable; software replacement is far more complex. Automotive code is typically bespoke, tightly integrated into vehicle architectures, and costly to rewrite or validate. Compliance timelines leave little margin for error. Potential partnerships could also be affected. Ford Motor Company has reportedly held discussions with BYD over next-generation hybrid technologies, a collaboration that may now face regulatory scrutiny. Meanwhile, General Motors appears to have anticipated the shift, having already instructed suppliers to phase out China-made parts by 2027. Even so, disentangling software dependencies presents a distinct technical hurdle compared with sourcing physical components. Nissan Mounting Political Pressure on Chinese Automotive PresenceThe software ban lands amid intensifying political resistance to Chinese automotive expansion in the U.S. market. National dealership groups have recently urged federal authorities to block Chinese automakers from entering or expanding within the country, citing economic and security concerns. The connected-vehicle rule reinforces that stance by limiting not only vehicles built in China but also any connected car produced by China-controlled companies, regardless of assembly location. With Chinese cellular-module suppliers commanding an overwhelming share of the global market, the rule strikes at a critical chokepoint in modern vehicle architecture. Comparisons have been drawn to U.S. dependence on rare earth minerals and past scrutiny of Chinese telecommunications firms. For now, the regulation may function as a de facto barrier to Chinese-branded vehicles in America. Whether it becomes a permanent wall or a temporary geopolitical lever will depend on how trade policy and enforcement evolve in the coming years. Buick View the full article

Gas prices in New York are high in most metro areas, but that’s normal. Drivers in dense cities and in tourist destinations know gas prices tend to trend higher than average. If you’re looking for cheap gas in New York, we’ve found it - but there’s a bit of a catch. Cheap gas can be had, there’s no doubt, but all of the cheapest gas stations are likely out of your way. Save for a few exceptions - say, a weekend away from the city - we doubt you will encounter these gas stations on your daily commute. Many of them have something unique in common, too. Mike Copeland via Getty Images Totem Pole Smoke & Gas ($2.35 per gallon, regular fuel)Address: 1031 Ledge Rd, Basom, NY 14013Nearby Gas Stations: Two Eagles (1.3 miles away at $2.40) and Jan’s Smoke Shop II (approx. 3 miles away at $2.41).Located adjacent to the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, a 10,800-acre sanctuary known for its birdwatching and hiking trails, Totem Pole Smoke & Gas should be your one-stop shop for gas if you’re in the area. Its low pricing is standard fare here. Because this station is on Tonawanda Seneca Nation land, it sidesteps several state taxes, making this level of pricing a standard daily rate. Two Eagles ($2.40 per gallon, regular fuel)Address: 852 Bloomingdale Rd, Basom, NY 14013Nearby Gas Stations: Totem Pole Smoke & Gas (1.3 miles away at $2.35) and various smaller reservation kiosks along Bloomingdale Road.Near Joandy's Place, a popular local family restaurant known for "Fish Fry Fridays," Two Eagles is, like Totem Pole Smoke & Gas, located on the Basom reservation. To that, it’s also immune to state taxes, which keeps gas prices low. Like its neighboring stations, this gas station consistently offers some of the lowest prices in the Northeast due to its location. Related: These 4 California gas stations are the cheapest in the state BP in Commack ($2.41 per gallon, regular fuel)Address: 6077 Jericho Tpke, Commack, NY 11725Nearby Gas Stations: Speedway (5087 Jericho Tpke) at $2.70; Sunoco (2207 Jericho Tpke) at $2.85.Near the Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, which houses a local nature center and water park, and Xplore Commack, a massive laser tag and family entertainment center, the BP in Commack is offering unusually low prices right now. Today’s price of $2.41 is a significant outlier for Long Island, where the average typically hovers above $2.75. It’s an even larger deal when you consider the average price for all of New York is around $3 per gallon today. Jan's Smoke Shop II ($2.41 per gallon, regular fuel)Address: 383 Bloomingdale Rd, Akron, NY 14001Nearby Gas Stations: Surrounded by multiple independent reservation shops; Two Eagles is just a few minutes north.Jan’s Smoke Shop II is near Akron Falls Park, featuring scenic waterfalls and walking trails, and the historic Octagon House, a unique architectural landmark in the Village of Akron. This location is well known to those who routinely travel between Buffalo and Rochester and who want to take advantage of tax-exempt fuel. That’s right - this one is also on reservation land. Bear Clause Trading Post ($2.49 per gallon, regular fuel)Address: 5108 Walmore Rd, Sanborn, NY 14132Nearby Gas Stations: Smokin' Joe's (2293 Saunders Settlement Rd), prices range from $2.55–$2.65.Located on the Tuscarora Reservation, Bear Clause Trading Post is a 15-minute drive from Niagara Falls State Park and very close to the Niagara Wine Trail trailheads. While exceptionally low compared to the rest of the state, these gas prices are typical for the Sanborn reservation corridor. Disclaimer: All prices cited in this article are based on publicly available user-generated feedback. Gas stations do not provide daily reports on gas prices, and prices can change at any time. Autoblog is not responsible for the accuracy of pricing listed with user-generated reporting. Related: These are the 5 US cities with the cheapest gas today View the full article

When the Daytona 500 begins next Sunday, the entire field will immediately go into fuel conservation mode and it frustrates a portion of the fan base every year. The reason drivers spend large portions of the race at half throttle or less in the Great American Race is that using less fuel will allow them to need less when they come down pit road. Because the competition package with this car ...Keep readingView the full article

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway will feature several interesting names, including Cleetus McFarland (real name Garrett Mitchell), and Travis Pastrana. As previously announced, they will be teammates at Niece Motorsports with Mitchell driving the No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado and Pastana behind the wheel of the No. 42. While Mitchell is making his ...Keep readingView the full article

January marked the start of another new year, and as we turn the page to February, it’s time to take a look back at our most-viewed custom motorcycles of the last month. Once again, the donors are completely different than last month, except for another strong showing by Royal Enfield—a brand that c... View the full article

Tesla Files Two New Roadster Trademarks in the U.S.Tesla has filed two new trademark applications for the long-delayed Roadster. The filings were submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office on February 3, 2026. One covers a redesigned “ROADSTER” wordmark. The other shows a stylized silhouette that appears to preview the car’s updated shape. The wordmark uses a sharp, angular font with segmented lettering, suggesting a high-performance focus. The second filing is more revealing. It features a sleek profile composed of three flowing curved lines. The application describes it as a triangle design formed by curved elements. Both filings were made on an intent-to-use basis, meaning Tesla has not yet used the logos commercially but plans to do so. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Announced in 2017, but Still Has Not ArrivedTesla first unveiled the second-generation Roadster in November 2017. It was shown alongside the Semi truck. At the time, Elon Musk said the Roadster would launch in 2020 with a $200,000 starting price. He also claimed a top speed of more than 250 mph and extreme acceleration figures that would rival hypercars. With power figures like that, one might be concerned about the car's safety features, but Musk reiterated that they are not a top priority for the car. Those targets were never met. The Roadster has missed multiple timelines over the past eight years. Tesla recently stated in its earnings report that preparations for production in North America are ongoing. Musk has also said a Roadster 2 demo event will take place, but it has yet to happen. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article A Positive Sign, but Questions RemainTrademark filings are a formal step in preparing a product for market. Securing the name and design helps protect branding ahead of a public debut. This suggests Tesla may be moving closer to finally revealing the updated Roadster. However, filing paperwork does not guarantee production timing. Tesla has faced delays and branding complications in the past. The new trademarks are a concrete development. Whether they translate into an actual launch remains to be seen. Tesla View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Nissan Wants In on Super Bowl WeekendWhile automakers like Volkswagen have begun rolling out their ads ahead of Super Bowl LX, Nissan has released a new campaign for the 2026 Rogue. The compact crossover is spotlighted through a playful concept featuring a fictional “dip seat,” pitched as a solution for hauling chips and dip on game day. The press release doesn’t explicitly confirm that Nissan has a spot for the upcoming NFL championship game, though the Japanese marque appears to be capitalizing on the surrounding hype through a collaboration with Canadian chef and actor Matty Matheson, who stars in the FX series The Bear. In the campaign, Matheson loads his fictional dip seat – packed with chips – into the Rogue before race car driver and Gran Turismo actress Emelia Hartford takes the vehicle for a spin. Making a Case for the Dip SeatAccording to Nissan, the concept was intended to highlight how its engineering team designed the rear seats to help keep cargo secure. “With the 2026 Rogue, we set out to design an SUV that fits real life – families, adventures, errands, and yes, even gameday traditions,” said Nissan Chief Marketing Officer Allyson Witherspoon. For the 2026 model year, the most notable update is the new Dark Armor trim, which gives the vehicle a more blacked-out styling package. Meanwhile, its direct rival, the Toyota RAV4, is now an all-hybrid lineup for the MY2026. The RAV4 also has its own Super Bowl ad, which features the first-generation model – introduced in the U.S. in 1996 – and the latest version, powered by a 2.5-liter hybrid setup with electric motors, producing up to 236 horsepower in all-wheel-drive (AWD) form. In comparison to the Rogue, the Nissan compact crossover tops at 201 horsepower from a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Nissan USA/YouTube Chips, Jokes, and a Free RogueHowever, the model is set to receive a plug-in hybrid variant later this year, meaning any added exposure Nissan can generate – such as this dip seat–themed campaign – may help build anticipation. It is worth noting, though, that the PHEV version will be a rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander, with a few styling tweaks to give it a Nissan identity. In addition to Matheson’s jokes and Hartford's driving, the campaign offers the chance to win a 2026 Nissan Rogue Platinum AWD through the brand’s official website. The sweepstakes is open to eligible U.S. and Canadian residents, with entries accepted through February 12. Those who aren’t lucky enough to win can still pick up the Rogue starting at $29,090, excluding destination fees. Nissan View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article