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A recent Reddit post went viral after a commenter posted that vendors at the Colorado Motorcycle Expo were selling Nazi merchandise. Basically, the participation trophy winners of WWII are still around.View the full article

Honda had a solid start to the year in the United States, with 98,594 vehicles sold in January (up by 1.9% year-on-year), including Acura sales. The automaker says this was a strong result, particularly because sales were hampered by severe winter weather in the second half of the month, which affected the Northeast and Southeast regions of the country. Excluding Acura, Honda sold 89,575 vehicles (+1.7%), boosted by strong SUV, passenger car, and hybrid sales. However, sales of the Prelude—a model that’s been the subject of heated debate for months—suggest demand is still low for the contentious coupe. Passport Leads SUV Growth For Honda While the CR-V retained its position as the top-selling Honda SUV on 27,019 units (with hybrids accounting for 55%), it’s the Passport that showed the most impressive year-on-year growth for the Japanese company. 4,320 Passports were sold last month, up by an impressive 63.5%; this was a record January for the Passport, and the TrailSport variants continue to be hugely popular, making up over 80% of the sales mix. After the CR-V, Honda’s best-selling SUVs were the Pilot (9,607) and HR-V (9,488). The Odyssey minivan registered 5,334 sales, while the Ridgeline hit 3,625 units, a healthy 26.5% increase. In line with declining EV sales, the Prologue only moved 664 units last month, down by 82.3% relative to January 2025. Honda’s Accord sold 12,739 units, up by 31.9%, while the Civic was at 16,563, an increase of 2.4%. The Civic Hybrid also set a new January sales record, and Honda says sedan and hatchback sales were strong due to demand for affordable options. What About The Prelude? Kristen Brown In only its second full month on sale, Honda sold 216 Preludes. Although that’s more than the 174 Preludes sold in November, it’s still a low number for such a revered nameplate. Honda did confirm that the Prelude’s nationwide rollout is ongoing, though, so we may see these sales tick upward as inventory improves. But there’s no looking past the fact that the Prelude has the odds stacked against it. It makes no more power than a far cheaper Civic Si or Civic Hybrid, yet it starts at a steep $42,000. For just $970 more, you can drive off in the Nissan Z, which makes precisely twice the horsepower from a potent V6. Related: Honda Prelude Priced Dangerously Close to Civic Type R What It Means Honda Throughout 2025, Honda faced challenges like supply constraints, partly as a result of microchip shortages, and it will be looking to eradicate these as early as possible. It also saw passenger car sales decline by 3.9%. Already, we’re seeing an improvement in 2026, as Honda passenger car sales went up by 14.2%. Updates for the Civic Type R later in the year are unlikely to have a major effect on sales volumes, but increased production of budget CR-V, Civic, and Accord trims could be more impactful. Other brands like Ford have also reported a growing demand for cheaper trims. Honda will also need to keep an eye on newer, fresher rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Telluride, which could eat into sales of the CR-V and Pilot, respectively, once they take off. The successful strategy of leaning more heavily into the TrailSport sub-brand has paid off for the Passport, and Honda could potentially repeat this formula with the CR-V and Pilot, both of which feel in need of a more substantial update. Related: Honda Is Making More Gas Cars Because Buyers Can’t Afford Hybrids View the full article

Rumors are already swirling about who goes where for the 2027 MotoGP season, with one pointing to Alex Marquez leaving for KTM of all teams. But Ducati would be stupid not to sign him to race alongside brother Marc. View the full article

Toyota’s Hybrid Liftback Went Through a Glow-UpWhen the fifth-generation Toyota Prius landed in early 2023, it changed the game for the not-so-good-looking liftback. The 60-series Prius came in lower, wider, and with a lot more road presence. For a car that was once known more for its green message than its design, that shift made a real difference. The upgrades went beyond the exterior, as Toyota simplified the layout, used better materials, and made the cabin feel like a proper modern compact car. That opened the Prius up to buyers who never would have given it a second look before. Three years later, it’s about time for a refresh in Toyota years. Reports from Japan now point to the Prius getting a mild update soon, with Toyota looking to keep the momentum going instead of letting things go stale. Toyota Refresh Reportedly Coming Out This YearAccording to Creative Trend, Toyota dealers in Japan are set to stop taking orders for the current Prius by February 2026. The same report points to some updates coming in the summer of 2026, but it’s best not to expect anything too dramatic. There’s no sign of a full redesign or any big changes to the Prius formula. Major updates inside or out aren’t on the cards this time. Instead, expect the usual Toyota nip-and-tuck approach: small styling tweaks, some new features, and maybe a few tech or efficiency upgrades. Toyota Back to Becoming a Key Toyota ModelThe Prius isn’t the laughing stock it used to be, but it’s back to becoming a key model for Toyota. The sales numbers back that up. In 2022, the last year before the new generation, Toyota sold only 36,919 units in the US. By 2025, that number jumped to 56,488, a clear rebound that lines up with the launch of the fifth-generation model. That comeback shows the Prius is an important nameplate now more than ever as Toyota’s gateway hybrid and a key part of its image, even as more electrified models join the lineup. With the 2026 model year set in America, the updated Prius will likely show up as a 2027 model, giving Toyota a clear handoff between versions. View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Trade uncertainty and market saturation are pushing BRP to chase growth beyond North America. View the full article

To test Yamaha’s latest line of cold weather accessories for the RMAX side-by-side, they sent RideApart on an adventure into the desert.View the full article

BMW’s much-discussed line of ‘Neue Klasse’ electric cars kicked off last year with the new iX3, but arguably more important, at least in terms of the company’s heritage, is the i3 sedan. The electric equivalent of the 3 Series, it’ll mark BMW’s leap into the electric age in one of its core segments – the compact executive sedan. Related: 2027 Volvo EX60 Vs. 2027 BMW iX3: 3 Key Differences and Something They Both Do Well A full reveal is coming soon, with production kicking off in the second half of the year, but the assembly of pre-production models has just begun right in BMW’s back yard, at its plant in Munich. An i3, But Not as we Know it Until now, the i3 name has been mostly associated with the original car, an odd-looking electric runabout launched in 2013 that was arguably too futuristic for its own good. The name was reused in 2022 for a China-only electric version of the current 3 Series that’s much closer to the new car in philosophy, but it’s this new model that’s likely to make the biggest impact. Previewed by 2023’s Vision Neue Klasse concept, it’s the second production model to sit on BMW’s bespoke Neue Klasse EV platform, following the new iX3. When the camouflage is pulled off later this year, we can expect a toned-down interpretation of the concept’s styling, as well as BMW’s new-generation interior, featuring its dashboard-spanning Panoramic iDrive head-up display. A New Era for BMW The 3 Series has been one of the standard-bearers in its class for over 50 years, so the global launch of an electric equivalent is a big deal regardless of the current fluctuating state of the EV market. Sensibly, though, BMW isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket – the i3 isn’t designed to replace the 3 Series, but will go on sale alongside it for the foreseeable future, with at least one more generation of combustion-powered 3 Series in the pipeline. The same goes for the super-hot M version it’ll spawn next year. Teased for a couple of years now, that car will pack a mighty four-motor powertrain expected to surpass the power figures of anything BMW’s built before, but there’ll be another gas-powered M3 too, likely featuring the same twin-turbo straight-six as the current model but with hybrid assistance. Pre-production ‘an Important Milestone’ Peter Weber, Head of BMW Plant Munich, says: “Production of pre-series vehicles is an important milestone for our plant. For the first time, we have built a BMW i3 entirely at our plant – using state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and digitally connected processes.” These pre-series models – which also give us another good look at what to expect from the i3’s styling – will now be used in testing the car’s systems as well as training factory employees. With a full reveal due in a matter of months, it won’t be long before a whole lot more detail on this all-important model starts to arrive. View the full article

Another Recall for a Recall FixIt’s been more than two years since Jeep first recalled more than 330,000 units of Grand Cherokee for a serious rear suspension issue. However, over 80,000 of them are now headed back to dealerships for another round of repairs. The original problem? Rear suspension parts could come loose while driving, turning into road hazards for everyone. That was supposed to be fixed, but as it turns out, the solution didn’t always hold up. Even after the first recall was supposedly finished, owners kept reporting that the problem either came back or never really disappeared. The NHTSA took notice and launched a new investigation late last year. The verdict from that investigation is in: another recall ensues, this time aimed at vehicles that were already supposed to be fixed – or at least partially fixed – the first time around. This latest recall covers specific 2021 to 2023 Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L models. Jeep says some of these SUVs left the shop with a rear coil spring that wasn’t installed quite right during the first repair, or with recall work that never actually got finished. What Went Wrong, and What Happens NextThe problem is simple but serious: if the rear coil spring isn’t seated properly, it can eventually work itself loose. If that happens while driving, the spring could end up on the road, putting other drivers at risk – not just the people inside the Jeep. This isn’t about a bad part or a defective batch. The real issue is how some of these Jeeps were fixed the first time. In some cases, the spring isolator wasn’t installed the way it should have been. In others, the paperwork shows the recall work was never fully done at all. Dealers will inspect the rear suspension and correct the spring installation as needed. While the repair is straightforward, the need for a second recall highlights the importance of proper execution. Owner notifications will begin in phases starting in early 2026, with repairs provided at no charge. Repeat Recalls Are Becoming NormalThis situation is not unique. Recalls to address previous recall repairs are becoming more common across the industry, driven by increased regulatory oversight, improved data collection, and longer vehicle lifespans. Toyota, for example, has had to reissue recalls on certain Tundra pickups after backup camera fixes failed to hold up over time. In those cases, software updates or hardware replacements did not consistently solve the underlying problem, sending trucks back to dealers more than once. For automakers, repeat recalls are a headache for their reputation. For owners, it’s just another hassle on top of a problem that was supposed to be fixed already. I mean, I think it’s not too much to expect that an issue should have been resolved the first time, right? Jeep View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Everyone loves a good Q&A session with their favorite car guys, and this one here is coming to you from Finnegan and Freiburger, who are road tripping the limo crew cab truck across the country with Stubby Bob in tow. A. What could possibly go wrong? and B. That means lots of time for fun questions and shennanigans. Check out the video below and let us know what you think! Video Description: Episode 389 is a banger and it’s part of an even cooler road trip video that’s coming soon to Finnegan’s Garage and David Freiburger’s channel. We drove my 1986 Chevrolet square body C30 truck stretch Limo across America while towing Stubby Bob, our most famous Roadkill project and Hot Wheels car. While causing inside the six-door limo, we took some time to answer your most important questions and here’s the answers. It’s gonna take a few weeks to edit the road trip video but trust me it’s gonna be worth the wait. The post Freiburger and Finnegan Q&A: While They Cross-Country The Limo Truck, Finnegan Interviews Freiburger And Here’s All The Answers!! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We’ve got some of your favorite content creators featured in this Day 1 video blog post and that means Kevin and the KSR crew, Alex Taylor, and the Drag Drive Repeat boys are sharing some of their great content below. Watch all three videos and let us know what you think the biggest highlights are and if we agree. Heck, we could be wrong, but we won’t know until we start arguing about it, will we? SickWeek Day 1!!! Eddy gets BUSTED by the COPS and SoccerMom vs Motion Raceworks El Toro!!! Video Description: We make our first pass in Rowdy Radial and its looking like the class will come down to us and the ‪@MotionRaceworksOfficial‬ Mustang called El Toro driven by Blayne Stark and tuned by Mr Snot Rocket himself, Brett Lasala!! Oh yeah, and Eddy gets BUSTED on the drive!! We also run into ‪@whatnooowaaay‬ , ‪@justin_danger_nunley‬, ‪@claymillican25‬ and ‪@Diehl_brothers_racing‬ at the track!! My QUICKEST PASS EVER! We did it!! Day one of Sick Week 2026! Video Description: We did it you guys! The 55 is in the 6.50s! And as many of you know this was a very challenging week for us. On the way down to Florida we got the call that our dog, Groot, had been shot and unjustly killed by a neighbor. We decided this week we will #doitforgroot and we did just that! Thank you for watching and we hope to see you at a track this week! Sick Week 2026 Day One – PBs, Wrecks, and Heartbreaks….. Video Description: Day One of racing at Sick Week 2026 was as intense as I’ve seen ever. Tensions were high as cars broke records and parts. A day that ran nearly 11 hours made for an incredible series of events. The post Sick Week Day 1 Video From Alex Taylor, Drag Drive Repeat, And The KSR Crew. Records, Wins, And More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Carnage is NOT how you want to start off your week of racing at Sick Week, or any other event for that matter, but that’s exactly what plagued some racers on Day 1 of Sick Week 2026. Luckily for us, Kyle and the gang at 1320Video were on hand to catch all the racing action, good and bad! I’ve only had carnage that knocked me out of competition once in 21 years of Drag and Drives, but man it sucks. So I feel bad for the folks experience it this year. If you missed any of the Sick Week video coverage so far, click the link below. Otherwise, check out the Day 1 racing coverage in the video below. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED THE PREVIOUS SICK WEEK 2026 VIDEOS Video Description: Day 1 marked the first official day of racing at Gainesville Raceway for Sick Week 2026. After getting through testing and tech on Day 0, racers were back on the same surface, now chasing real numbers with points and the week on the line. The racing was strong early on, but the day took a turn late. Two of the three cars we thought had a real shot at running a 5 are already out. Goldstone, after grinding all day and bolting on a borrowed front end just to stay in it, ended up destroying it — bringing a tough end to what started as a great day of racing. The post Sick Week Day 1 Video: A Great Day Of Drag and Drive Racing At Gainesville Ends With CARNAGE!!! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

I’ve owned some cheap cars and trucks that ran hundreds of thousands of miles after getting them and for the most part they didn’t care what I paid for them. With that said, do you think it is crazy that in the video below, Mortske is taking a $200 car and driving it cross country? I say roll the dice and see what happens! What say you? Video Description: Let’s see if we can make a $200 Buick that was destined for the scrap make it 1,800 miles to Phoenix, AZ to pick up another Buick Roadmaster station wagon and drive that one back! If you’d like to own the Roadmaster it’s available for $6,500 in the as shown condition! As always, thanks for watching! The post Will a $200 Buick Make a Cross Country Road Trip?!? Sure, Just Close Your Eyes And Pray! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Hyundai Most "SUVs" have a tow rating, but there are only a handful that provide capability and the recourses to make the chore of towing easier and safer. A quick note on what “surprising” means here: I’m talking about SUVs you might not immediately think of as tow rigs, yet they deliver genuinely strong towing ratings, typically 5,000 to 8,500+ pounds - while still providing comfort, usability, and reasonable overall size. These aren’t dedicated tow trucks; they’re everyday SUVs that just happen to tow extremely well. This means mostly midsize and full-size SUVs, with EVs omitted entirely. I’m also factoring in how many built-in towing tools and technologies they offer, not just raw pound-figures. You might be shocked how easy some of these vehicles make the chore of towing. There’s no particular order here - just five capable machines, plus one very compelling honorable mention. Ford View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article 5. Ford Expedition($62,400 base MSRP) The updated 2026 Ford Expedition walks into this list with swagger - literally. Its recent styling refresh gives it a more muscular attitude, while the cabin and tech suite received serious upgrades. Tow Rating9,300–9,600 lbs, depending on configuration - nearly the highest in the full-size segment. Why It’s SurprisingFull-size capability isn't surprising; the way the Expedition does it is. Many assume big SUVs equal rough-riding, truck-like compromises. Instead, the Expedition offers a genuinely comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and tons of space for people and gear while still pulling nearly 10,000 pounds. Good ForLarge boats, multi-axle trailers, car haulers, and long-distance towing with a full crew on board. And yes - the 440-hp 3.5L EcoBoost is still one of the strongest and most efficient engines in the class. Bonus: the new Tremor package adds legitimate off-road capability. Stellantis View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article 4. Dodge Durango($38,995 base MSRP) The Durango feels like one of the last old-school SUVs standing, and despite its age and unibody design, it remains an absolute towing weapon. Tow RatingUp to 8,700 lbs with the Tow-n-Go package, on V8s. Why It’s SurprisingThis is a midsize SUV with near-full-size towing capacity. Even the base V6 can pull 6,200 pounds. Step up to the Hellcat-equipped Jailbreak (yes, it still exists), and you get a 710-hp family missile rated to tow nearly nine grand. Good ForHorse trailers, medium-size campers, boats; anything most families would realistically haul without upgrading to a truck. It’s a bit of a dinosaur, but in the best way possible. Land Rover View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article 3. Land Rover Defender 130($73,130 base MSRP) Yes, a Defender. It sounds odd until you remember that Land Rover builds its vehicles expecting them to tow across continents. Tow Rating8,200–8,201 lbs, when properly equipped. Why It’s SurprisingThe Defender name conjures images of off-road adventure, not towing. Yet the Defender 130 is one of the smoothest, most confidence-inspiring tow vehicles I’ve ever driven. Much of that comes from: Advanced Tow Assist (handles steering inputs while reversing a trailer)3D Surround Camera (excellent for hitching and maneuvering)Air Suspension (levels loads and smooths out bouncy trailers)The P400 I6 mild-hybrid is buttery smooth, and the 8-speed auto is perfectly tuned. Related: The Lotus Esprit Is Reborn as a $540,000 Carbon-Fiber Super Restomod Good ForCampers, boats, heavy dual-axle trailers, especially if you need off-road capability at the destination. Hyundai View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article 2. 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT($51,110 as tested) One of the biggest surprises here — and the one most buyers would never expect — is the Palisade XRT. The all-new 2026 model now packs an impressive suite of towing-specific tools. Tow RatingUp to 5,000 lbs (with trailer brakes). Why It’s SurprisingOn paper, the rating is modest. But its towing interface, software, and driver aids make it shockingly competent for drivers who aren’t used to towing. For 2026: The infotainment system now lets you input trailer size/weight (light/medium/heavy)Pre-wiring for brake controllers is built inA customizable towing screen lets drivers monitor critical informationTrailer Sway Control and Tow Mode come standardThe V6 (either the 3.8L or new 3.5L XRT Pro) delivers solid torque and predictable behavior under load. Related: Hear Me Out: The 2025 Rivian R1S Quad Motor, at $121k, is Fair Good ForSmall to medium campers, ATVs, UTVs, lightweight boats, and especially for newer towers who want clear digital guidance. 2 View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article 1. Jeep Grand Wagoneer($84,945 base MSRP) The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a luxury barge with the heart of a workhorse — and one of the most capable full-size SUVs ever built for towing. Tow RatingUp to 10,000 lbs, properly equipped. Why It’s SurprisingIt delivers best-in-class towing while simultaneously offering one of the nicest interiors money can buy. Only the Escalade matches it for cabin luxury. Under the hood: 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 (420 hp / 468 lb-ft)Standard 4x4 capabilityQuadra-Lift Air Suspension for load levelingHeavy-duty cooling & drivetrain systems engineered specifically for sustained towingGood ForFull-size RVs, car haulers, large boats, horse trailers — serious towing where stability and comfort matter. This is the SUV for those who tow a lot, tow heavy, and tow far. Mercedes-Benz Honorable Mention: Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain Wagon Not an SUV, but it's worth noting. With a 4,629-lb tow rating, plush interior, and athletic road manners, the E450 All-Terrain shows what a luxury wagon can still do. It’s also one of the most enjoyable long-distance tow vehicles on the road… assuming your trailer is sized appropriately. Stellantis Stellantis View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Final ThoughtsNone of these vehicles screams “tow rig” at first glance, yet each one delivers real capability backed by thoughtful towing tools, from advanced software to air suspension to built-in trailer stability systems. Just make sure you install a proper trailer brake controller (dealer or factory, when available). Every vehicle on this list is prepped for one - and towing at the upper limits without it is unsafe and, in many states, illegal. Related: I Put My Toddlers in the 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography PHEV for a Week. Here's How it Went. View the full article

Given that everyone in the country seems to have experienced some level of freezing in the past week or so, I’m kind of entertained by the shock that some Sick Week competitors expressed when they encountered freezing temps for Day 0 of Sick Week 2026. With that said, it is a first for this event, although there have been plenty of bad weather days in the history of this event. We spent many days in cold and rain on Sick Week #1 and the tradition continues! Check out this video from Sick Week 2026 as Day 0 testing is highlighted below. Video Description: Sick Week 2026 kicked off with Day 0 under conditions we’ve never seen before — below-freezing temperatures in Florida. Day 0 is the check-in and test day, where teams get through tech, make early passes, and start dialing in their cars before the drag-and-drive portion officially begins. Sick Week brings some of the fastest street cars in the country together for a full week of racing across multiple tracks, and this year it started with cold air, cold pavement, and a whole new challenge right from the start. The post Sick Week Day 0 Video: This has NEVER happened at Sick Week. Freezing Temps In Florida, YES FREEZING TEMPS! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Bimota KB998 Rimini WorldSBK The Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team (BbKRT) officially launched its 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship campaign this week, hosting a striking, cinema-themed event at the team’s headquarters near Barcelona. Official riders Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani were joined by VIP guests, partners and senior figures from across the BbKRT project for […] The post Bimota officially launch WorldSBK effort – KB998 Rimini specifications appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Ram needs to diversify its truck lineup, and the only way to do so is to fill the space below its bread-and-butter model, the full-size light-duty 1500. That means it has to expand into the midsize and possibly compact truck segments, just like Ford did with the Ranger and Maverick. CEO Tim Kuniskis is well aware of that, which is why he has been talking about Ram bringing a midsize truck to market for quite a while now. But the executive knows that in order to make it in the midsize truck segment, Ram has to come up with a very capable pickup at a very competitive price. Why The $40,000 Target Price Is Really Important Ram Speaking with The Drive recently, Kuniskis has revealed some interesting details about the upcoming Ram Dakota, which has already been confirmed for launch in 2027. A very important goal Ram needs to meet with the Dakota is the starting price, which should be around $40,000. But why $40,000 when America’s best-selling midsize truck, the Toyota Tacoma, starts around $31,500 before destination charges? Well, Kuniskis argues that things worked out pretty well for Ram when it sold the 1500 Classic (DS) in parallel with the new 1500 (DT). “We really had a sweet spot in the industry where we had the old truck and the new truck, and the old truck was competing at a price point, quite frankly, wasn’t that far away from the midsize segment,” Kuniskis said. The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic retailed for almost $39,000 in base Tradesman trim. The $40,000 price target also aligns with parent company Stellantis’ strategy to bring new-car prices under $40,000 with smaller, cheaper vehicles aimed at everyday buyers. The Dakota was among the new models CEO Antonio Filosa mentioned when announcing plans to bring new-car prices down. Real Truck Towing And Payload Are Must-Haves Ram While the strategy of selling the previous-gen 1500 alongside the current one allowed Ram to “capitalize on a half-million unit segment with all the capability, size, and functionality of a full-size truck,” those days are now gone, Kuniskis admitted. Without a midsize offering, Ram isn’t even covering a “third of the battleground,” which is how he refers to the overall U.S. pickup truck market. A midsize pickup will help Ram expand its market share, but only if it’s a real truck, Kuniskis emphasized. “It needs to be a proper truck. It needs to have the towing capabilities, needs to have the payload. It needs to have everything that a truck buyer is looking for. It can’t be, you know, a car that you put a bed on,” Ram’s CEO noted. Electrification Seems Probable, V8 Unlikely Ram Obviously, the engine will play a big part in that, but Kuniskis wouldn’t reveal any powertrain details, though he noted that hybrids are becoming “a really important sweet spot in the industry.” That should not be taken as confirmation that the Dakota will feature electrification, Kuniskis insisted, though he appeared to send mixed signals. “So, do we need one in the midsize truck? I don’t know, TBD, we’ll see,” he added. If Ram is serious about competing with the Toyota Tacoma, it'll probably need some form of electrification, whether of the mild-hybrid, full-hybrid or plug-in hybrid flavor. What about a V8, then? “I don’t know that it needs a V8,” Kuniskis replied. Given the executive’s statements, it's safe to say the forthcoming Ram Dakota is envisioned as a “baby 1500” focused on daily utility, payload and towing, enabled by rugged body-on-frame construction and potent powertrains. Note: The images show the Ram Dakota sold in South American markets View the full article

MotoGP Sepang Test Images Image Gallery A Sepang Test Times Day One MotoGP Sepang Test Times Day One Pos Rider Bike FP1 FP2 Gap 1 M. Marquez Duc 1m58.774 1m57.018 — 2 F. Di Giannantonio Duc 1m58.770 1m57.274 +0.256 3 M. Viñales KTM 1m59.095 1m57.295 +0.277 4 A. Marquez Duc 1m57.487 1m58.169 +0.469 5 […] The post Sepang MotoGP Test Day One through the lens of Rob Mott appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

2026 Aruba Ducati Panigale V4 R The long-standing partnership between Ducati and Aruba will continue for a twelfth consecutive season in the Superbike World Championship, with the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team officially unveiling its 2026 programme at a gala launch event in Italy. More than 200 invited guests, media and institutional representatives gathered at […] The post 2026 Aruba Ducati Panigale V4 R World Superbike reveal appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The Lawsuit Nobody Saw ComingDealers are suing Scout Motors in numerous states, arguing the company is violating traditional franchising laws by selling directly to customers. Many U.S. states have carved out exceptions in their traditional auto franchise laws that let manufacturers with no existing dealer network — typically EV-only brands — sell vehicles directly to consumers without independent dealerships, a model pioneered by Tesla and increasingly sought by newcomers like Rivian and Lucid. Dealers contend that none of the upcoming Scout models would be exempt from the traditional franchise agreement based on what they claim are "technical" loopholes for electric vehicles; loopholes that are becoming increasingly relevant as reservation data rolls in. Buyer preference for the range-extended versions began to reveal a pattern that undermines Scout’s claims of being a purely electric brand, at least as far as dealers are concerned. When Customers Choose Against the Company LineScout initially positioned itself as an electric vehicle manufacturer, with its SUV and truck models pitched primarily as battery-electric vehicles. A range extender option with a gas engine to charge its onboard battery was also available. However, as dealers note, Scout has had a very high percentage of reservation holders (more than 85%) choose the range extender version versus the all-battery version, which puts Scout in an increasingly uncomfortable legal position. With such a large share of vehicles relying on gasoline engines, whether they directly drive the vehicle or just charge the battery, it makes it increasingly difficult to call those models "electric" only. The range-extender technology is based on a series hybrid system. The gasoline engine only provides power to an onboard generator that provides electricity to the battery pack, which drives the motors. There is no mechanical connection between the combustion engine and the wheels. This type of engineering design allows Scout to technically classify the vehicles as electric. Scout Motors The Irony Dealers Couldn't Have Scripted BetterVolkswagen's franchise partners likely didn't anticipate consumer preferences would strengthen their case so dramatically. They're essentially arguing that Scout shouldn't receive special treatment for selling vehicles that rely on gasoline infrastructure. Customer reservation data suggests they might be right about how buyers view these trucks. The lawsuit may ultimately decide whether technical classification or practical reliance on gasoline matters more in determining which manufacturers can qualify under current exemptions. Scout argues its vehicles are electric vehicles with ICE-powered range-extenders, while dealerships argue that any vehicle that requires gas does not meet the definition of "battery only". Meanwhile, reservation holders seem perfectly content with their choice, blissfully unaware that their preferences might reshape automotive retail precedent before their trucks even arrive. View the full article

Brabus Meets the Urus SEThe Lamborghini Urus SE already stretches the definition of a luxury SUV and is the brand's best-selling vehicle. Its twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid setup delivers serious performance with electric assistance, positioning it as the most advanced Urus yet. From the factory, it is fast, expensive, and visually aggressive, even before options are considered. That still wasn’t enough for Brabus. Best known for dominating the Mercedes-AMG tuning world, Brabus has now applied its philosophy to a Lamborghini for the first time. The Brabus 900 Mint is not a light refresh or a simple power upgrade. It is a full rework of the Urus SE, designed to be louder, faster, and far more exclusive than anything wearing a factory Lamborghini badge. The Recipes for ExcessThe visual changes are immediate and unapologetic. The Brabus 900 Mint features a full exposed-carbon widebody, redesigned bumpers, aggressive aero elements, and massive wheels pushed outward for maximum stance. The Mint paint finish is the defining feature. Bright, pastel, and impossible to miss, it turns the Urus into a rolling attention magnet. Subtlety was clearly not on the checklist. Inside, Brabus continues the theme with a heavily customized cabin. Quilted leather, Dinamica upholstery, and carbon fiber dominate the interior, all accented to match the Mint exterior. The craftsmanship is high, but the goal is clear. This is not meant to blend in or feel understated. It is designed to remind occupants they are sitting in something far removed from a standard production SUV. Under the hood, Brabus extracts a combined 900 metric horsepower (888 hp) and 922 lb-ft of torque from the Urus SE’s hybrid V8 powertrain. That translates to supercar-level acceleration and a claimed top speed of nearly 194 mph. The plug-in hybrid system remains intact, but efficiency is secondary. This is a performance-first build, using electrification to amplify excess rather than rein it in. Brabus View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article You Can Never Go Wrong With BlackThe Brabus 900 Mint is aimed squarely at collectors and high-net-worth buyers who already own a Urus, and likely several other super SUVs. With pricing around $700,000, this is not about value or practicality. It is about owning something rare, visually outrageous, and mechanically extreme. The Mint finish ensures it will never be mistaken for anything else. For buyers who prefer their madness delivered with less visual volume, Brabus offers another option. It’s called Superblack. Mechanically identical to the Mint version, it retains the same 900-hp output and carbon-heavy bodywork. The difference is the presentation. Everything is finished in black, trading brightness for a more menacing, stealth-focused look. In either form, the message is the same. Brabus did not cautiously step into Lamborghini territory. It kicked the door open. The Urus SE was already excessive by design. Brabus simply pushed it further, proving that even in the world of high-performance SUVs, there is always room for more power, more carbon, and far less restraint. BRABUS View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A rare 1997 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail is heading to an RM Sothebys Sealed sale in March, with market chatter putting the potential result near the $21,000,000 mark. The car is chassis 027R, a works era longtail built for top level GT racing, and the Sealed format is designed to attract serious collectors who prefer private bidding over a live room spectacle. View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article Rare Longtail With Real Race HistoryRM Sothebys describes 027R as one of 28 McLaren F1 GTRs built, and one of only 10 longtail examples produced for the 1997 specification. It was delivered new to Parabolica Motorsports and won on its first outing at the 1997 British GT season opener at Silverstone, a result often cited as the first win for a longtail bodied F1 GTR. The car also ran the 1997 FIA GT Championship season with multiple top six finishes, and it appeared at the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans under Team Lark McLaren. RM Sothebys also lists later British GT use and a long period of careful stewardship, which matters because these cars are valued as much for documented identity as they are for mechanical condition. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Road Legal Conversion Adds UsabilityUnlike many period GT racers, this car has been restored and converted for road use by Lanzante, which is a key detail for buyers who want a usable halo piece rather than a track only artifact. RM Sothebys notes recent attention from Lanzante as well, which helps support the idea that the car is being presented as ready for both display and selective driving. A road legal longtail with meaningful history sits in a very narrow lane, and that lane is where numbers can stretch. RM Sothebys Why The Sealed Format Could MatterThis sale runs March 5 through March 12, and the Sealed structure keeps bids private, with the final price typically treated as confidential by the auction house. RM Sothebys also promotes the format as having no buyers premium, which can change how bidders think about their top number, since the hammer figure is closer to the true out the door cost. If the talk of $21,000,000 holds, it would slot alongside recent headline results and contemporary track specials. View the full article

Moto News Weekly Wrap February 3, 2026 What’s New: Danielle McDonald claims Round 1 Sprint Enduro win in the US SMX Next MX event venues confirmed for 2026 Ducati claim first podium with Desmo250 MX Factory Honda sign Ryder Kingsford Red Bull KTM’s 2026 MXGP & MX2 livery reveal Monster Energy Yamaha Factory reveal MXGP […] The post Moto News | MX | SX | Baja | Enduro | Snowcross appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Porsche says production of the Cayenne Electric is now underway, and it is using the launch to expand how much of the battery system it designs and builds itself. The company is positioning the move as a manufacturing milestone and a technical one, because the Cayenne is a high volume nameplate and the battery pack is being treated as a core performance component rather than a sourced commodity. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Production Starts In SlovakiaPorsche says the Cayenne Electric is being built in Bratislava on a flexible line that also produces combustion and hybrid Cayenne models, which allows output to shift with demand rather than locking the plant into a single powertrain. The early spotlight has landed on higher output versions, but the key update is that the vehicle has moved from development to series build, which is where quality, supply stability, and ramp speed start to matter as much as peak performance. A Battery Built In HousePorsche says the Cayenne Electric uses battery modules developed and manufactured in house, with module production centered at its Smart Battery Shop in Horna Streda. The company lists a gross battery capacity of 113 kWh, and says the pack uses a function integrated design that supports the vehicle structure while helping manage weight and center of gravity. Porsche describes the pack as using six modules and 192 large pouch cells, and it calls out chemistry choices that include an anode that is mostly graphite with six percent silicon and a cathode based on NMCA with 86 percent nickel, which it ties to energy density and fast charging behavior. Thermal management is also a headline, because Porsche says the Cayenne Electric uses two cooling plates for the first time, which allows cooling and heating from above and below to hold the battery closer to its ideal temperature window. Porsche also says the battery energy density is about seven percent higher than the Taycan battery, and it links that progress to lessons learned from high stress electric motorsport development. What It Means For BuyersFor shoppers, the practical takeaway is that Porsche is betting the Cayenne Electric can compete on real world usability while still delivering the brand feel buyers expect, and it is doing that by tightening control over the battery, the software, and the production process. A 113 kWh pack and an in house module strategy suggest Porsche is aiming for repeatable performance and charging consistency at scale, not just one standout spec. The competitive set will be direct and expensive, where range, charging, packaging, and price will decide winners as much as horsepower. View the full article

Ten Cars. Ten Titles. No Second Chances.The McLaren Artura Spider is the brand’s next-generation open-top supercar, built around a carbon-fiber monocoque and powered by a twin-turbo V6 hybrid system. It blends electric torque with lightweight construction, delivering supercar performance without abandoning daily usability. As a platform, the Artura Spider represents McLaren’s transition into a new technical era. For this edition, McLaren pushes the Artura Spider beyond production-car status. The Artura Spider MCL39 Championship Edition is limited to just ten customer cars worldwide, created to mark McLaren Racing’s 10th Formula 1 World Constructors’ Championship in 2025. Curated by McLaren Special Operations, it is designed for long-term significance, not public exposure. Allocation is final, and visibility is optional. McLaren View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article A Championship Livery With History Baked InThe defining feature is the hand-painted MSO Bespoke livery finished in Myan Orange and Onyx Black. The design directly references the 2025 McLaren MCL39 Formula 1 car that secured both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Each painted “10” motif incorporates ten stars and the outlines of every McLaren Formula 1 car to win a Constructors’ title. Supporting details sharpen the exterior. The specification includes the Black Pack, 10-spoke Super-Lightweight Dynamo forged wheels in Gloss Black, Myan Orange brake calipers, the Stealth Badge Pack, and a Sports Exhaust with Stealth finisher. The look is deliberate and restrained, prioritizing meaning over visual noise. McLaren View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Signed by Champions, Locked Away for GoodInside, MSO Bespoke details continue the theme. ‘10’ headrest embroidery, a Myan Orange 12 o’clock steering wheel marker, and a custom center-console plaque define the cabin. Performance Carbon Black Alcantara and Jet Black Nappa Leather with Vision Orange piping maintain the Artura’s driver-focused layout. The most exclusive elements are personal. Extended Satin Carbon Fibre sill finishers are hand-signed by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. A custom Track Record Plaque lists McLaren’s 2025 wins, poles, and fastest laps, paired with a championship collectors’ keepsake. With only ten cars built, this is a McLaren designed to vanish into private garages - and stay there. McLaren View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

MotoGP 2026 Sepang Test – Day One The 2026 MotoGP season barely had its engine covers off before the storylines began stacking up, as a dramatic opening day of the Sepang Official Test saw Marc Marquez return to the top of the timesheets, Ducati underline its performance depth, Honda continue its upward trend, and Yamaha […] The post Recapping the opening day of the MotoGP Sepang Test appeared first on MCNews. View the full article