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Stark Future posted a 77% year-over-year sales growth in 2025, but that's just the start of a list of financial achievements from last year.View the full article

Stark Future 2025 earnings and profitability Electric motorcycle manufacturer Stark Future has reported €115 million in revenue for the 2025 financial year, representing year-on-year growth of 77 per cent, according to figures released by the Barcelona-based company this week The company said it recorded profitability in five of the final nine months of the year, […] The post Stark Future reports 2025 growth and profitability figures appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has been setting records all over the country and all around the world, and now its hybridized ZR1X big brother, which powers all four wheels, is taking some more. In a new video published by GM (embedded at the bottom of this article), Chevy has announced that the Corvette ZR1X has become the quickest American production car available, "and the fastest way to get down a quarter-mile drag strip for under a million dollars." For the record (ha), the ZR1X starts at $209,700. With that out of the way, let's see what incredible feats of performance the supercar can claim. The ZR1X's Quarter-Mile Time is Eye-Popping Chevrolet View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The ZR1X took to the US 131 Motorsports Park drag strip in October last year, and on a prepared surface, the supercar ran the quarter mile in just 8.675 seconds with an exit speed of 159 mph. Chevy says this was achieved on pump gas, using standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and production 50-state street-legal engine calibration, and with a 0-60 mph time of just 1.68 seconds on the same run. It got to 60 mph in less than 100 feet, generating a peak of 1.75G as it did so. As this was an acceleration run and not a lap record attempt, the ZR1X in question was equipped with the standard aero setup, so no big wing or dive planes from the Carbon Fiber Aero Package (which, by the way, can generate over 1,200 lbs of downforce). With Corvette development engineer and test driver Stefan Frick behind the wheel, the ZR1X "completed multiple back-to-back quarter-mile runs all under 8.8 seconds." On an unprepped surface, Chevy says the ZR1X with ZTK Performance Package can do the quarter-mile in 8.99 seconds, hitting 60 mph from rest in 1.89 seconds. How the ZR1X's Quarter-Mile Time Compares Quarter Mile Trap Speed 0-60 mph Starting MSRP Corvette ZR1X 8.675 seconds 159 mph 1.68 seconds $209,700 Rimac Nevera R 7.9 seconds 186 mph 1.66 seconds $2.5 million Pininfarina Battista 8.55 seconds 155 mph 1.79 seconds $2.2 million Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut 8.77 seconds 185 mph 2.4 seconds $3.4 million Bugatti Tourbillon 8.8 seconds 176 mph 1.9 seconds $4.6 million Lucid Air Sapphire 8.95 seconds 158 mph 1.89 seconds $249,000 Chevy's time makes vastly more expensive hypercars look almost pedestrian, competing with even the almighty Rimac Nevera R, as well as the similarly underpinned Pininfarina Battista, both of which are more than 10 times as expensive. The ZR1X also beats the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, the upcoming Bugatti Tourbillon (which is more than 21 times pricier), and the all-electric Lucid Air Sapphire. The Nevera R makes 2,078 horsepower, the Pininfarina Battista produces 1,874 hp, and the Koenigsegg Jesko and Bugatti Tourbillon make up to 1,600 and 1,775 hp, respectively. The only "regular" car Chevy compares to, the Lucid Air Sapphire, is a rapid EV making 1,234 hp. By comparison, the ZR1X makes a total of 1,250 hp from its 1,064-hp 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 and a 186-hp electric motor on the front axle. Phenomenal, but just imagine what the car will do once aftermarket tuners get their grubby paws on it... View the full article

Used Cars With Significant WarrantiesGeneral Motors is moving aggressively to strengthen its position in the used-car market by doubling warranty coverage on vehicles sold through its CarBravo platform. Effective January 2026, CarBravo-certified vehicles now come with a 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, replacing the previous 6-month/6,000-mile policy. The expanded coverage is included at no additional cost and carries no deductible, a clear attempt to remove friction for buyers increasingly wary of repair costs and long-term ownership risk, as well as to ease concerns about rising car prices. The new warranty is paired with 24-hour roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, signaling that GM wants CarBravo to feel closer to an OEM-backed ownership experience than a typical used-car transaction. Vehicles that fall outside CarBravo’s standard certification, often older or higher-mileage models, can still qualify for a 30-day/1,000-mile BravoBudget powertrain warranty, allowing GM to extend protection across a broader slice of used inventory. Strategic Timing in a Competitive, Price-Sensitive MarketCarBravo program leader John Fitzpatrick, in a statement to The Detroit News, said the platform was designed to simplify vehicle comparisons while building confidence in certified used models, particularly through service support at GM dealerships nationwide. The aim, he said, is to ensure customers enter the buying process informed and confident they’re purchasing a dependable used vehicle, not just chasing the lowest advertised price. About 700 dealerships are participating so far out of roughly 4,000 GM stores nationwide, covering all brands except Cadillac, which operates its own certified pre-owned program. The move to extend the standard warranty from six months to a full year came directly from dealer feedback, according to Fitzpatrick. In announcing the change, he said the longer coverage helps customers better manage the total cost of ownership at a time when affordable vehicle options are front and center for shoppers. With higher interest rates and new-car prices still elevated, GM is betting that predictable ownership costs will matter as much as upfront pricing in winning used-car buyers. Chevrolet Setting a Higher Bar for OEM-Backed Used CarsOnline used-car retailers continue to face pressure around profitability, customer satisfaction, and post-sale support, while traditional dealers are being pushed to modernize how they sell used vehicles. This hybrid approach allows customers to shop online, in-store, or through a mix of both and lets GM leverage its physical dealer footprint while offering the flexibility buyers now expect. As earlier reported, car-buyers are going as far as taking out historically the longest loan terms seen yet for new cars, simply for the peace of mind and the warranty. With these developments, CarBravo is positioning itself as a lower-risk way to buy used, backed by longer warranty coverage and a national dealer service network. For the broader industry, the implications could be significant. A 12-month bumper-to-bumper warranty on used vehicles may soon become the baseline rather than a differentiator. If buyer response is strong, GM’s move could force competing platforms and dealer groups to rethink what “standard” protection really looks like in today’s used-car market. Chevrolet View the full article

The Factory model adds titanium Akrapovič exhaust, race suspension, and significant weight savings over the standard Desmo450 MX. View the full article

Toyota Stays on Top AgainToyota Motor Corp. finished 2025 right where it’s been for most of the past decade: leading the global sales race, Nikkei Asia reports. Toyota has now held the world’s best-selling automaker title for six years running, a streak that started back in 2020. From January to November 2025, the Toyota group moved 10,327,976 vehicles worldwide. That figure counts Daihatsu and Hino, which still pull their weight in small cars and commercial vehicles. Of note, Toyota’s 11-month total already beat Volkswagen's full-year sales. The Volkswagen Group, meanwhile, ended 2025 with 8,983,900 vehicles sold worldwide – a slight dip of 0.5 percent from 2024. With Toyota’s numbers already ahead before December even wrapped, the outcome is clear. Regional Differences in MomentumThe contrast between Toyota and Volkswagen becomes even clearer when you break it down by region. Volkswagen is still under pressure in China, its biggest market for years. It sold about 2.69 million vehicles there last year – an 8 percent drop – as local brands ramped up the fight in both EVs and traditional models. Toyota, on the other hand, finally saw its first sales growth in China in four years. It's unclear whether the Toyota RAV4 will reclaim its spot as the world's best-selling vehicle, but we won't be surprised if it does. Volkswagen did have some wins. Sales in Europe held steady, and global EV deliveries jumped 32 percent to 983,100 units. Demand for EVs in Europe and the US outpaced last year, so the electrification push is working – just not enough to close the gap with Toyota. The uneven results across regions left Volkswagen well behind in the overall sales race. Toyota Stark Contrast in the USIn the US, Toyota and Volkswagen went in opposite directions. Toyota had a strong year, thanks to steady demand for hybrids and crossovers. Its early bet on hybrid tech is paying off as buyers want better fuel economy without going all-in on EVs. Volkswagen, meanwhile, struggled in North America. With the Tiguan and Atlas as its best-sellers, VW of America’s US sales dropped 10.4 percent last year, squeezed by pricing pressure and tariffs, prompting the automaker to pause some models and rethink its strategy. Even with big investments in EVs, Volkswagen couldn’t keep up with Toyota or the top domestic brands. Amos Kwon View the full article

Coming Soon to a Fancy Hotel Near YouThe heavily updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be making its world premiere towards the end of this month. The company claims the facelift will be "the most ambitious launch program in Mercedes-Benz history." With that, wealthy folk can rejoice, and some nations will probably get one of these to replace their current presidential cars. It was somewhat previewed not that long ago, albeit still wrapped in camouflage and as a luxury autonomous taxi for the Middle East. Of course, we can expect some styling tweaks out of it, a revised interior, and even more tech. But what we weren't expecting was a new engine option. Mercedes-Benz A New V8For the most part, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is powered by a turbocharged inline-six engine. America is lucky enough to still get the twin-turbo V8 in the non-Maybach version, and it's still quite the engine. It's fitted to the S580, and it's good for 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. But that engine will soon be replaced by a different kind of V8, one that's straight from the S63. That means even a bog-standard S-Class (if we can call it that) will be getting a raspy flat-plane crank V8. It's not exactly the kind of engine we'd expect from a normal S-Class, but we say it's a great bit of news. More on that EngineThe 4.0-liter biturbo V8 for the new S580 isn't exactly an all-new design. Internally known as the M177, it was first introduced in the previous-generation C63 from 2015. It has since been applied to the other AMG models, as well as a couple of Aston Martin vehicles. Sticking this engine in the standard S-Class is perhaps Mercedes-Benz's way of atoning for the four-cylinder C63. It would be lovely to stick the M177 back in that car, if you ask us. Per Autocar, the move to the flat-plane V8 was for the sake of lowering emissions and more power. We can also assume that another benefit of the engine design is a finer, higher-pitched soundtrack. By the way, Mercedes-Benz also told the publication that the V8 in the S580 will now make 530 hp. Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

From a reinforced shell to protect your head to a reinforced shell to protect your belongings during travel makes a certain kind of sense, no?View the full article

The EV market has taken a dive since federal tax credits were phased out last September. But General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra remains optimistic it’s only a matter of time until demand rebounds. Eventually, “people will choose (EVs) because they’re better vehicles,” she said during a meeting of the Automotive Press Association at GM’s new Detroit headquarters on Monday. Barra said her company has to respond to the slowdown in EV sales by directing more investment dollars into internal combustion engines. But she remains a skeptic when it comes to the plug-in hybrids that some of GM’s competitors see as the near-term bridge to an eventual all-electric future. Barra Remains Charged Up It’s become her mantra, even now Barra insists GM is on a “path to an all-electric future,” and while it may be redoubling development of internal combustion engines, it’s continued to roll out new EVs, including the reborn Chevrolet Bolt. At $28,995, plus $1,395 in delivery fees, it’s now one of the most affordable battery-powered products on the market. Longer-term, Barra believes several things are necessary to kick-start EV momentum, starting with the reliable and readily accessible nationwide charging network that former Pres. Joe Biden earmarked $5 billion for. His successor, Donald Trump has tried to put that program on hold, among a number of steps he’s taken to pull back on electric vehicles. It will also be crucial to bring out newer, lower cost batteries, the single highest cost of any EV, Barra noted. Like most industry leaders, Barra isn’t a fan of government intrusion. And even though the loss of federal incentives has hammered the U.S. EV market, she said “I don’t want the regulatory environment to drive EV adoption,” she explained. “I want it to be because people choose them because they felt they were better vehicles and they fit their lives.” Chevrolet Skeptical About PHEVs“I’m a little surprised at some (automakers) that are really pulling away very quickly” from their EV plans. Mazda now says it won’t introduce its first new EV for several more years. Stellantis has killed off its all-electric Ram 1500. Ford scrubbed several three-row pickups and last month said it was ending production of the F-150 Lightning, the market’s best-selling all-electric pickup. Related: Mazda Is Delaying Its First Real EV and That Might Be the Smart Move GM will take more time to go all-electric, said Barra, noting the carmaker has sharply increased spending on development of internal combustion engines. “We’re not going to cede our leadership there,” she stressed. But she sounded an unexpectedly sour note when asked about plug-in hybrids, a technology many industry leaders now see as a “bridge” to EVs. “We’re evaluating plug-in hybrids,” she said, declining to offer more details. S A year ago, Barra had indicated GM would introduce PHEV versions of some of its larger truck models. Her comments suggest the automaker might be backing off from that plan. Part of the problem, she explained, is that a large share of owners tend not to plug in their PHEVs, meaning they don’t get the benefit of the all-electric range they offer. Just Say No to RobotaxisAsked what she personally drives, Barra said she can be stopped around town in a GMC Hummer EV, which makes her feel like a “badass soccer mom.” The GM CEO was trained as an electrical engineer and waxed eloquently about the benefits of all the new digital safety and creature comfort features coming to the latest automobiles. She previously expressed her belief that GM will generate billions of dollars of new earnings through sales of those technologies and subscriptions to various digital services. That includes the company’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system. Getty That said, she has backed away from some high-tech plans, in 2024 shutting down GM’s San Francisco-based Cruise subsidiary following a near-fatal crash. “We don’t want a (robo)taxi business. We don’t want a (robo)bus business.” Instead, “We want to focus on personal autonomy, not on ride-sharing.” GM has repeatedly update Super Cruise which now can operate hands-free on 750,000 miles of U.S. and Canadian roads. The next step is a “Level 3” upgrade allowing drivers to not only take hands off the wheel but eyes off the road, allowing them to text or watch videos – though they’d still need to be ready to retake control of the vehicle in an emergency. The ultimate goal is a “Level 4” system that could operate even without a driver. But Barra admitted she’s been overly optimistic before about when that can happen, declining to offer a new target date. Barra’s in No Rush to Leave Having turned 64 early last month, the inevitable stories have begun circulating about when Mary Barra will retire. She’s now in her twelfth year at the helm of the largest U.S. automaker, logging more time than any other GM CEO but the legendary Alfred P. Sloan who led the company from 1923 to 1946. But don’t expect her to rush out the door, even when she turns 65. “I’m having a lot of fun,” said Barra, adding that she still has plenty she wants to do at the company. If she were to retire anytime soon, current betting seems to be focused on Sterling Anderson, the co-founder of autonomous tech firm Aurora, who joined GM last June as its global chief product officer. But Barra wasn’t going to leave any clues as she wrapped up her Monday session. “We have several people who are very, very talented,” and who could be chosen by the board to succeed her. Ultimately, she noted, it will be up to the GM Board of Directors to make the choice – though, as chairman, she clearly will have a strong say in whomever does eventually fill her stylish high-heeled shoes. View the full article

Whether you go 900cc or 1200cc is up to you, but the basic building blocks of a good time on two wheels just get stronger either way.View the full article

High Stakes at High SpeedThe Chevrolet C8 Corvette ZR1 may be touted as the most extreme production version ever built, but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to mishaps. In fact, one Corvette ZR1 recently spun out and slammed into a wall during a drag race against a Nissan GT-R, raising questions about what exactly went wrong. In an Instagram post shared by the Nissan owner himself, @everythingavron, the GT-R pulled away early during a rolling start – an advantage likely tied to its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which distributes power to all four wheels for maximum traction. The Corvette ZR1, by contrast, relies on a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout. While the Vette later kept pace, it lost rear traction, veered left, and ultimately crashed. Breaking Down the Possible CausesNo official details were provided regarding the cause of the incident, but several plausible explanations exist for why such a capable performance car might spin. One possibility is that the driver disabled the traction control system. This feature is designed to maintain grip by managing wheel slip – often by reducing engine output or selectively applying the brakes. While traction control is ideal for everyday driving and safety, some drivers turn it off during track days in an effort to extract maximum performance. Another contributing factor could be track conditions. Based on footage shared by Instagram user @lightskin_luck33, who was seated trackside during the race, there appeared to be standing water near the drag strip, suggesting it may have rained earlier. While drag strips are typically among the stickiest surfaces on Earth, even minor moisture can affect stability, especially at high speeds. Regardless of the cause, the GT-R owner said that the driver of the Corvette ZR1 was okay. @lightskin_luck33 on Instagram Looking Beyond the CrashFrom the factory, the Corvette ZR1 is powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo LT7 V8 producing 1,064 horsepower. Its performance credentials are well established, highlighted by its lap that beat the time set by the Ford Mustang GTD at the Nürburgring. In a run conducted by DragTimes, the vehicle completed a quarter-mile run from a standing start in just 9.291 seconds at 153.20 mph. Despite crashing in a straight-line race, dismissing the Corvette ZR1’s performance would be unfair, as numerous external variables may have contributed to the incident. For those seeking added stability, Chevy also offers an all-wheel-drive alternative in the Corvette ZR1X, which pairs AWD with a hybrid system to deliver a combined output of 1,250 horsepower. Chevrolet View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Jeep is making good on its promise to reveal 12 special edition Wranglers over 12 months, as part of the Twelve 4 Twelve series to celebrate the brand’s 85th anniversary. The first was the Moab 392 in November, followed by the Wrangler Whitecap last month. Now, Jeep has revealed the new Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition this January. This is also the most affordable of the special editions so far, as the more affordable Wrangler Sport S has been used as a starting point. Here’s a look at what the 85th Anniversary Edition offers. Related: 2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 Ushers In a Year of Special Editions Heritage-Inspired Design and More Standard Equipment 2026 Jeep Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition Stellantis View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article A tribute to Jeep Americana heritage, the 85th Anniversary Edition features Blue Agave 85th Anniversary badges and decals on the exterior. There are body-color fender flares, bronze tow hooks, and 17-inch wheels in a Steel Oxide-painted finish. Deep-tint windows, a Gorilla Glass windshield, heated mirrors, and LED headlamps/daytime running lamps/fog lights are all standard. Customers may upgrade to a black molded-in color hardtop or body-color hardtop optionally, and all-terrain tires are available at no extra charge. But as good as it looks from the outside, the heritage theme really comes to life in the cabin. Here, Jeep has gone for stylish plaid design cues, which can be found on the instrument panel and seats; these seats also have an 85th tag. They remind one of the heritage-inspired plaid seats in the Volkswagen Golf GTI. An 85th shifter medallion and cupholder plaque, along with rugged Berber floor and carpet mats, are also part of the upgrades. Stellantis The Wrangler has never been the most comfortable machine on four wheels, but there are some items that make the 85th Anniversary Edition easier to live with. It has the Convenience Group equipped as standard, which includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, and keyless passive entry. An Alpine sound system is fitted, as are safety features like adaptive cruise control. Related: The Jeep Wrangler Has Many Trims, But Only One Is The Smart Buy How Much Is It? 2026 Jeep Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition Stellantis View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article According to Jeep, the Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition is only $710 more expensive than the Sport S trim when it’s equipped with the Convenience Group and Alpine sound system. It’ll start at $46,300, excluding a destination charge of $1,995. That’s way less than the $79,995 Moab 392, the first of the special editions. It’s also less than the Whitecap, which was based on the pricier Sahara and Rubicon trims. Since Jeep mentioned the Sport S, we can safely assume that the 85th Anniversary Edition has access to the same engine choices, which would be a 3.6-liter V6 or 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo. Jeep has just killed off its Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, so none of the forthcoming special editions will be available with this powertrain. The 85th Anniversary Edition specification will also be available for the Gladiator (not pictured here) at a starting price of $45,820, excluding the destination charge. “For 85 uninterrupted years, every Jeep vehicle has been built with purpose, designed first for capability, engineered for real world use and shaped by the needs of those who rely on it,” said Bob Broderdorf, Jeep brand CEO. “The Wrangler 85th Anniversary special edition reflects this enduring mindset, translating into thoughtful details and authentic design cues that honor the past while continuing to deliver confidence and capability for today’s adventures.” View the full article

Some Bell Scout Air helmets don't provide proper penetration protection, and an NHSTA recall has been issued.View the full article

2026 Dakar Rally Stage Nine – Wadi Ad Dawasir to Bisha (Marathon) Stage Nine of the 2026 Dakar Rally proved one to remember for Tosha Schareina, claiming his third stage win of this running, and his career fifth win, with a strong finish towards the end of the special that saw him outpace Daniel Sanders […] The post Stage Nine win for Schareina as Sanders extends lead appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The Honda Beach Cleaner ATV has been participating in community cleanup activities across Japan for years, and now it has its own soundtrack.View the full article

A Familiar Badge, Slowly ReshapedHonda’s H badge has been part of the brand since 1963, starting out as a simple, no-nonsense symbol for its cars. Over the years, it changed shape to match the times. Early versions looked sharper and more mechanical, while the 2000 update brought in the flatter, modern badge most people know now. The 2000 badge stuck around through Honda’s biggest years – global expansion, hybrids, and the first steps into electrification. But change was coming. In 2024, Honda showed off a new H badge on its EV concepts. It looked lighter, flatter, and more open. At first, it seemed like something just for the EVs. Now, Honda says the new H isn’t just for EVs. It’s going to represent the whole car lineup. The badge that’s been on Honda cars for decades is about to start a new chapter, one that’s more about where the brand is headed than what’s under the hood. Honda What the New H Is Meant to SayHonda says the new H was designed together with its next-gen cars, including the upcoming Honda 0 Series EVs. The idea was to go back to zero – rethink what it means to build and sell cars, and look at Honda’s roots with fresh eyes. The new badge is supposed to look like two outstretched hands. Honda says it stands for openness and sincerity – a way to show it wants to push mobility forward but still keep things personal. It’s less stiff and less industrial than before, which makes sense now that software and user experience are just as important as hardware. There’s a bigger message, too. Honda calls this a “second founding,” treating electrification and smart tech as a full reset rather than just another step. The new H is supposed to show that shift, without falling into the usual tech buzzwords. Honda Where You’ll See the New BadgeThe new H won’t show up everywhere right away. Honda says it’ll first appear on new EVs and hybrids (e:HEVs) starting in 2027. So, for now, the current badge sticks around on today’s models. The new H isn’t just for cars, either. It’ll show up on dealership signs, in ads, and even in Honda’s motorsports. Motorcycles are left out for now. Over time, the badge becomes less about a single model and more about tying the whole car side of Honda together. Honda View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

One of our favorite hot rod historians is Tommy Lee Byrd, the Hot Rod Hoarder, because he’s a fount of information and really gets into his subject. He’s so good at the history behind different race cars, so it make sense that he’s also good at the history that ISN’T behind them. That sounds funny to say, but in the racing world there are often racers from other disciplines that cross over to try their hands in other series. Over the years, NASCAR, INDYCAR, NHRA, F1, and more have had racers switch series from one to the other, but most of them have rarely stayed long. When someone leaves their home series and goes to another for a short time there seems to be no lack of rumors and misconceptions, as everyone tries to figure out what is going on. This is not something new, as the same thing happened back in the day when Richard Petty was drag racing. There is so much misinformation surround those days, and Tommy has got the real story. Check it out in the video below. You’ll dig it. Video Description: Richard Petty’s drag racing career always generates lots of conversation on the internet, but there are MANY misconceptions that come up. I wanted to set the record straight on his 8 years of drag racing, including the two Barracudas that were raced from 1964 through 1966. I have spent countless hours researching this subject, verifying information and finding relevant photos, video clips and newspaper articles. While MANY articles, videos and posts talk about Richard Petty’s drag racing career, this is the only one that tells the full story. This documentary uses materials from many individuals and organizations. I want to thank ‪@amos6013‬ and ‪@moparconnection‬ for the use of video clips to tell this story. The post Richard Petty’s Drag Racing Legacy: The Hot Rod Hoarder Separates The FACTS from The MISCONCEPTIONS Right Here appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It’s Stage 8, and after running hundreds of miles through the desert on Stage 7, there’s a few hundred more in store for all these racers as they get into Day 2 of the 2nd Week of Dakar. This is going to be good. After all, the desert is ready to rock each and every day, and Stage 8 is no different. There is still a lot of Dakar 2026 left to go, and rest day was welcome, but they all needed it after Stage 6 which was hell for many teams. 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 6 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: Stage 8 Racing Action! Why Not Add A Few Hundred More Miles Through The Dunes! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

IHRA has been putting out tons of announcement for the past several months, and if you have missed any of them you can use the link below to see some of the bigger ones. But if you want to see the full schedule for 2026, plus purses for all the events, and special event info as well, then check out all the info below. And don’t forget, if you want more IHRA info you can click the link below for that as well. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED IHRA ANNOUNCEMENTS ON TRACKS AND MORE CLICK HERE TO VISIT IHRA.COM The post Here’s IHRA’s Full Schedule For 2026: Triple Crown, Specials, Purses, And So Much More Right Here! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We shared Part 1 of the Cornfield Customs Fender building series where wood was being prepared and cut for the buck that these fenders will be shaped to fit, and now we’ve got Part 2 where those bucks are designed and finished. You are going to want to check out Part 1, so make sure you use the link below if you missed it! Shaping metal doesn’t always start with metal. In fact, it rarely does. In fact many metal shaping projects start with wood or paper, as templates, bucks, and forms are required for many metal shaping projects. In this new video series from Cornfield Customs, you’ll see what goes into building a set of custom fenders. These happen to be the fenders for a set of Indy Car transport trailer fenders, but the process is the same regardless and starts with building a buck. Watch the video below and let us know what you think. CLICK HERE TO SEE PART 1 IF YOU MISSED IT Video Description: Part Two of the series of hand making a set of AJ Watson Indy Car transport trailer fenders. This Episode covers Deigning and making the station buck. The post Making Fenders From Scratch With Cornfield Customs: Designing And Shaping The Buck – Fenders Part 2 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

If you have never seen photos or video of one of these cab-under trucks that were out in the 1970s, you are missing out and will love this video. The idea behind them was simple, put the rig under the trailer so that you could use all the legal length to haul cargo, instead of wasting space with all that truck cab out front. It makes total sense, but there were some challenges. First off, it was hard for drivers to see well since they were so low to the ground. Safety concerns were high as well because hitting a low object meant the driver was going to be face to face with the objects. Driving them in the rain was apparently challenging as well because of water spray. But that’s not all. I love the way these things look, can imagine that they could be really good for mileage, and they would clearly turn heads. Can you imagine one of these for your race car hauler? You’d have so much room at the track. I wonder if you could haul doubles with it? One for living quarters and one for hauling cars. Hmmmm. Watch the video below and let us know what you think. Video Description: Did you know that engineers once tried to put the truck driver UNDER the trailer? In this video, we explore the crazy history of the “Cab-Under” concept. Meet the American Strick Cab-Under and the futuristic German Steinwinter Supercargo 20.40. These trucks were lower than a Ferrari and promised to revolutionize the shipping industry by carrying more cargo than ever before. But there was a catch: they were terrifying to drive. We dive into: Why the US government hated the Strick Cab-Under. How the Steinwinter looked like a spaceship but failed on the road. The scary safety flaws that killed this idea forever. The post A Big Rig That Is Lower Than a Ferrari? The Cab-Under Trucks That Drivers Feared, Were An Awesome Idea… Maybe appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We’ve talked about the Predator Carburetor before, most recently with a video from DD Speed Shop where he was having issues, which you can use the link below to check out. But Predator Carburetors did have a place, and some folks in the drag racing community swore by them. They were on monster trucks back in the day as well, and of course some of the cool Pro Street machines of the 1980s. Check out this video below to find out how they work, how to test them, how to rebuild them, and more. Check it out. Video Description: Got my hands on a Predator 6000 series carburetor and figured it was finally time to show you the details and do a rebuild. Unfortunately I found so many big issues with this one that I had to order some repair parts to make this one work properly. There will be a part 2 that will show the assembly and hopefully run it on the GMC truck. Stay tuned! The post Carburetor Tech: Predator Carburetor Deep Dive Part 1 – How They Function and How To Rebuild Them. What About Parts? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Weight is the enemy of any valvetrain. PBM now offers Titanium valves that will lighten your valvetrain and free up horsepower. View the full article

The cost of convenienceADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance System, is a feature many car buyers look for when purchasing a vehicle. The system helps keep a vehicle in its lane, and can even steer the car automatically for a short period if needed. Some ADAS systems switch lanes for you, and can even drive your vehicle for long spells if you’d prefer not to have your hands on the wheel. It can even avoid crashes, engage emergency braking, and let you know when someone is in your blind spot. For many, ADAS is a must-have. In addition to the cost associated with ADAS systems when purchasing a vehicle, new data shows they can be costly to fix if you find yourself in even the slightest fender-bender accident. Moreover, by 2028, the expansion of ADAS systems is expected to increase by roughly 100%, making recalibrating them nearly unavoidable. Audi ADAS is a boom, not a bubbleThe HLDI (Highway Loss Data Institute) projects that vehicles equipped with ADAS features will essentially double by 2028. Thanks to the rise in ADAS systems on vehicles, repair and recalibration will also become more critical. Currently, about 23% of vehicles involved in collisions require recalibration, replacement, or repairs of the ADAS system and components. Some ADAS features, like rearview cameras, must be included with a vehicle by federal law since 2018. Today, rearview cameras are on roughly 55% of vehicles on the road; by 2028, about 75% of vehicles will have this feature. Other non-mandated ADAS features, such as rear parking sensors, adaptive high beams, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and front crash prevention, are in demand and expected to see rapid implementation. “Front automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection,” for example, is currently on about 22% of vehicles. By 2028, IIHS predicts it will be on nearly 50% of cars. Adaptive cruise control with lane centering had a single-digit percentage in 2023; by 2028, it is expected to be on nearly one-fourth of vehicles. Costly repairs are here to stay, tooLogically, the more prevalent something is, the lower its cost becomes as parts become mass-produced and find their way to more vehicles. Things like sensors and camera systems are typically not unique to the vehicle you’re driving. That may be true, but the cost to repair and recalibrate is expected to continue rising. The average fee to recalibrate an ADAS system today is about $500. This includes things like re-focusing cameras and calibrating distance sensors. While the cameras and sensors might be widely available to automakers, the tools needed to repair them and the software systems necessary to recalibrate them are not. Many repair shops lack these tools and platforms and have to instead rely on third-party mobile diagnostic companies to complete work or send the vehicle to a dealership for recalibration and repairs. This adds an obfuscation layer to complete repairs, extending the time it takes to work on a vehicle and increasing the associated cost. This can also increase the time you spend without your vehicle. All these factors can ultimately lead to a rise in insurance premiums. Lucid Final thoughtsYou can’t “opt out” of having your ADAS system repaired and recalibrated. A simple windshield replacement for many cars with ADAS systems requires recalibrating sensors embedded in the rearview mirror hub, and the cost to replace a windshield has gone up by as much as 50% since 2017, according to Kelley Blue Book estimates. View the full article

Not just a green pushFor the longest time, electric vehicles have been marketed to buyers as the environmentally friendly alternative to our everyday gas-powered cars. Companies like Tesla transformed this pitch from a niche proposition into a mainstream movement, with Elon Musk’s brand being eternally linked with the EV revolution. Its early success helped push legacy automakers and new manufacturers to pivot and develop their own zero-emission vehicles. Actual policy only helped accelerate this push, as sweeping initiatives regarding EVs at the Federal level significantly influenced the auto industry as a whole. The EPA imposed stricter emissions standards designed to promote the sale of new electric vehicles. In addition, the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act offered substantial tax credits of up to $7,500 for new EVs, which made electric vehicles more attractive to American car buyers. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically under today’s current leadership, as they have moved quickly to reverse course on electric vehicle policies. Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images Lucid CEO: Buyers want space and power, not the eco-lectureIn an interview with InsideEVs on the floor of the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Marc Winterhoff, the interim CEO of Lucid Motors, said that while EVs are a "better platform," automakers haven't pivoted very far from pitching them as purely environmentally-friendly, gas-free cars. He argues that in an environment where today's mainstream car buyers are looking for value, EV companies can do more to show that their models offer more than the equivalent gas-powered cars. "I think what we need to do is better explain the superiority of that technology, versus what we have unfortunately done," he said, referring to the EV industry as a whole. Using the $94,900 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring as an example, Winterhoff argued that, spec-for-spec, his car is a more compelling choice against luxury competitors from mainstays like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, as well as more expensive examples from prestigious marques. "When you look at the specs, our actual competitors are the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 or the likes of the BMW X7 M60i. Throw in a Lamborghini Urus, if you want, and the Porsche Cayenne GTS and the Range Rover SV. And when you compare the specs, acceleration, interior space, and range, the Gravity has the highest range," he said. According to the EPA, the Gravity Grand Touring has an estimated range of 450 miles, while the gas options offer combined fuel economies of 17-19 MPG. Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images New survey shows that buyers are not keen on EVs, but on valueNew data about U.S. car buyers suggests that Winterhoff’s proposal may be beneficial to the industry, as consumer interest in EVs remains at single digits. According to Deloitte and its 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study, just 7% of U.S. car buyers told the accounting firm and management consulting specialists that they plan on buying an electric vehicle for their next car, while an overwhelming 61% said that they want cars powered by conventional gas-or diesel-powered internal combustion engines (ICE). At the same time, they found that value and “bang-for-your-buck” attributes are heavily influencing U.S. car buyers to switch from one car brand to another. Just 45% of buyers said that their vehicle was from the same brand as their last one, and 53% of U.S. buyers surveyed said that they plan on choosing a model from a different automotive brand for their next car. In addition, they found that the most important factors that drive U.S. consumers’ choice of car brand are quality (58%), vehicle performance like fuel economy or electric range (51%), and price (46%). Although his example is centered around one automaker and an expensive luxury SUV it sells, Winterhoff noted that automakers that offer electric vehicles need to switch up the way they talk about their EVs, as customers' needs have shifted. "We have said, 'EV is sustainable, and ICE is not,' but if you focus on the specs that you get, I think that's what we need to do as an EV industry to overcome the current 'winter' that we see," he said. Final thoughtsIn today's car market, it has become glaringly clear that simply discussing the environmental benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) is not enough to win over consumers. After all, EVs command a premium over gas-powered cars, and with more buyers focused on performance, value, and overall driving experience, automakers really need to highlight cool features, tech, and other attributes apart from fitting an eco-friendly mantra. As companies like Lucid Motors begin to recognize this shift in consumer behavior, new avenues for EV adoption may emerge. Automakers have a chance to reshape the narrative around electric vehicles by meeting them where they are and addressing their needs for performance and value. In the end, owning an EV can be just as worthwhile as its traditional gas-powered counterparts if it can effectively communicate that. View the full article