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Maeving secures some serious funding to expand beyond the UK and push electric motorcycles into new markets.View the full article

Born in '84There's no doubting the Toyota Land Cruiser 70's longevity. It's the longest-running single-generation Toyota ever made, and it's still going strong after nearly 42 years. Born in the mid-'80s, the 70 Series has already beaten the 40 Series in terms of production years. It's been facelifted a couple of times in the last couple of decades, and has received new engines along the way. Most of the body styles it was introduced with are still around, too. There are the three-door, five-door, pickup, and troop carrier, but no longer available is the one with a detachable top, arguably the coolest body style of this off-roader. Car Cave USA Not Rare, But Not Too CommonThat version of the 70 Series was only available in short-wheelbase form, but we're not complaining about that. It was offered with either a canopy top or a fiberglass top. They were produced in Japan from 1984 until the early 2000s. Exact production numbers are unknown, but we wouldn't call the soft-top 70 Series rare. They're not as common as the tin tops, that's for sure, although it's fair to say Toyota sold a good number of those before they were discontinued. Of course, the U.S never got the 70 Series, which makes them a novelty stateside. The grass is greener, as they say. Car Cave USA One Spotless ExampleOne of the many built was recently sold by Car Cave USA for an undisclosed figure. That said, soft-top 70 Series models usually go for about $15,000 to $35,000 in auction sites. But one of the more recent ones that went up for sale is likely in the upper bracket of that price range. It's a (late) 1998 model finished in Atlantic Blue and trimmed with a grey interior. But what makes this 70 Series different is its country of origin. Granted, all of them were built in Japan, but this is an original left-hand drive example sourced from Europe. It's not a cut-and-shut conversion job, so it's safe, and you don't get the minor inconveniences of driving a right-hand drive car. In nearly 28 years, this particular example has only done 122,801 miles, which is barely broken in when it comes to Land Cruisers of any kind. It's powered by the near-indestructible 4.2-liter 1HZ inline-six diesel engine. It's not exactly a powerhouse with just 133 hp and 210 lb-ft, and it's a non-turbocharged diesel lump. At least it's a five-speed manual. Car Cave USA Immortal and IndestructibleBut acceleration times aren't a reason anyone would even consider one of these. In this case, it's all about resilience and durability. The large straight-six diesel is unstressed, and the cast-iron block is as robust as they come. Solid axles all the way mean wayward on-road dynamics, but it maximizes suspension articulation and traction off the beaten track. Its frame is still strong enough to cut the mustard today, and its simplicity is its ace. Compared to today's 70 Series, models from nearly 30 years ago are as uncomplicated as they come. Even today's example has a far more advanced engine with a compact 2.8-liter turbodiesel that makes far more power and torque than the 4.2 straight-six. Admittedly, the 2.8-liter turbodiesel is still a simple engine by today's standards, but next to the 1HZ, it's like comparing a gaming laptop to a pocket calculator. But the 70 Series' charm, especially the older ones, lies in its unpretentiousness. Having tried out a 1990 short-wheelbase tin top 70 Series in the past, this writer can tell you that it's far from comfortable and far from a great drive on the road. However, shines when it disappears, with that feeling of indestructability, which emboldens you to do more daring (off-road) maneuvers. Endearing is the best way to describe it, and it's something car companies can't really build these days. Save for Toyota, of course. Car Cave USA Car Cave USA View the 15 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

When Manny Buginga’s red Mustang “Freddy” slammed the wall during SwanFest at Rockingham Dragway, it looked like the weekend was over. Instead, Matthew Herrick of Modern Racing turned a mangled front end into a working race car in less than 14 hours – then drove back to Rockingham to watch it go back down the track. Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #197, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November/December 2025. Herrick, one of Modern Racing’s up-and-coming lead fabricators, was in the lanes with customer Danny Garbarino’s nitrous car when Justin Elkes, Modern Racing’s owner and tuner, got the news that Cory Reed had crashed Buginga’s car. Reed, an NHRA Pro Stock driver, was piloting “Freddy” in the outlaw event promoted by Justin Swanstrom. “We went over and looked at the car and the front end on it was just mangled,” Herrick, 30, recalls. “There was half of it you could use and half you couldn’t.” By the time they located a truck and trailer and loaded the wounded car, it was 2 a.m. The crew pointed north toward Modern Racing’s shop in Mooresville, about two-and-a-half hours away. Inside the company’s jam-packed fabrication bay, Herrick unloaded “Freddy” and went to work. “I already kind of had a plan of what I wanted to do with the nose,” he says. Modern Racing keeps a “front-end graveyard” of damaged bodywork from various doorslammers – useful for patch jobs like this. The problem: nearly all of those spares were ’69 Camaro noses. “There was no Mustang anything,” Herrick says. “We had just the front grill of Erica Enders’ Pro Mod from when she set the NHRA Pro Mod mile-per-hour record and that car caught on fire after. I didn’t plan a whole lot, I just started cutting.” He trimmed the destroyed portion of Buginga’s Mustang nose and began grafting in pieces from Enders’ Camaro, “just cutting until things kind of fit together.” The process was brutal and messy. “It really did not at first – it was terrible,” he laughs. Herrick worked outside under lights, grinding through layers of fiberglass and paint to reach bare carbon. “That took four hours just to get everything prepped,” he says. By 7 or 8 a.m., he had the two pieces bonded together with carbon fiber, still curing, flimsy but functional. “It takes 10 hours to harden, but I had to put it on the car,” he says. As the Mooresville sun rose and the rest of the Modern Racing staff began filing in for Friday morning work, Herrick’s long night was catching up to him. “I’d been up all night long. I was wore out,” he admits. He called a coworker at six. “I said, ‘Hey, I need help now.’ He was like, ‘I’ll be right there.’ That was really cool that the team had my back.” With reinforcements in place, they tackled the front tree, the structural tubing that supports the nose. Because the ProCharger inlet occupies the center of the front clip, they also fabricated aluminum plates to mount the massive intake correctly. By 3 p.m. Friday, less than 14 hours after the crash, the car was buttoned up and loaded back into a trailer for the return trip to Rockingham. Despite being awake for more than a day, Herrick drove back to the track that afternoon. “I had been up for well past 24 hours at this point,” he says. “But I had to see it run down the track.” Eliminations didn’t begin until after 11 p.m., which stretched Herrick’s waking hours close to 40 straight by the time he finally returned home. But the repaired Mustang made multiple runs without issue. “If it blew off the car the first run, I probably wouldn’t have been very surprised,” he admits. “But it held on. So for me, that was kind of a big enough win.” Herrick notes that the thrash he described is just an extreme example of what he and the team at Modern Racing do on a weekly basis. The Mooresville shop handles chassis work, fabrication, wiring, and more for customers across Pro Mod, Pro Stock, drag radial, and no-time classes. “We like to take a situation that seems impossible and go the next step further,” Herrick says. “It’s really cool, all the support we get from our customers to do these things.” He’s quick to credit his coworkers as much as himself. “It’s not just me. It is a team effort,” he says, specifically shouting out Kate Seward and Jachob Egelston. “As soon as everyone got there, they were like, ‘Where can I help? What can I do?’ They really saved the day.” The post Saving The Day: How Matthew Herrick, Modern Racing Got Manny Buginga’s ‘Freddy’ Back on Track first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Big Ambitions Come With Bigger BillsAfter facing lawsuits before even selling a single vehicle, Scout Motors has encountered another setback—this time involving its production plant in South Carolina. Germany's Handelsblatt reports that the cost to complete the facility has risen by an additional $1 billion, bringing the total to $3 billion. The full breakdown of the additional costs has not been disclosed. However, $300 million is allocated to a supplier park expected to generate around 1,000 jobs. The remaining $700 million has not been specified in detail, though the South Carolina Department of Commerce has cited roughly $150 million in added costs tied to schedule delays stemming from permitting and remedial work, as well as excessive rainfall. Scout Road to Revival Is Anything But CheapOne detail worth noting, however, is that the additional $1 billion is reportedly not related to a possible production plant for Audi. For context, Audi and Scout both fall under the broader Volkswagen umbrella, with the four-ring brand continuing to struggle for footing in the U.S. market as its vehicles are subject to hefty import taxes. The situation is especially telling, given that its direct rivals, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, already operate U.S.-based production facilities. Beyond the cost overrun, the situation could trigger greater political and taxpayer scrutiny, increasing pressure on Volkswagen to ensure Scout’s comeback story is a success. Scout initially planned to offer its pickup and SUV exclusively as all-electric models before deciding to add a range-extended EV (EREV) option – a move that may prove timely, given how newer policies under the current administration, like the end of the $7,500 federal tax credit, have slowed EV adoption. Scout Motors The Pressure Is OnWhile EREVs still rely on electric motors for propulsion, they use a combustion engine solely to recharge the battery, an approach aimed at easing so-called range anxiety. The first models, the Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup, are scheduled to arrive in 2027, with the EREV variant reportedly capable of delivering up to 500 miles of range, placing it in the same ballpark as the Lucid Air Grand Touring, currently the longest-range production EV. What will be interesting to see is how the expected starting price under $60,000 plays out, especially as demand for more affordable electrified options continues to grow. Scout Motors View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

There is a lot of wiring going on in your average newer built hot rod, what with EFI and electric everything and all that. But even if you have an older, or more traditional, ride there are still plenty of wiring connection to make when it comes to switches, lights, etc. And when something doesn’t work right, especially intermittently, it is annoying as hell. What people sometimes ignore is that nearly all electrical issues in a vehicle revolve around a poor connection of some kind. It is pretty rare that a headlight switch, lights, ignition, or other components just fail on their own. Connections are where failures happen, just like in plumbing where leaks only happen at joints/connections. So it stands to reason that if you get the connections right you’ll have electrical that works for a very long time. In the video below you will find out just how to properly crimp and install open barrel connections. And before one of you smarts off about soldering these connections, I’ll remind you that in most cars built in the 1960s or later there are little or no soldered connections. The factory didn’t use them. And they didn’t use them because they aren’t good in the kind of environment that a cars electrical system lives in. Clearly, I’m not talking about soldered circuit boards and such. I am talking about the terminal ends and connectors on wiring. Watch the video below and let us know if it helped you learn something about properly terminating wires. Video Description: In this video, I cover Crimping 101 and show how to make professional automotive wire crimps using open barrel (W-style) terminals without expensive specialty tools. We start with wire selection, breaking down the differences between primary wire (GPT) and TXL cross-link wire, why wire diameter matters, and how temperature ratings affect automotive, marine, and trailer wiring. I then walk through proper wire stripping, terminal prep, and how to correctly crimp both the conductor and strain relief for strong, reliable connections. We also cover budget-friendly crimp tools, what makes a good open barrel crimp die, and how to handle sealed connectors like Weatherpack-style terminals. This video is ideal for anyone building or repairing automotive wiring harnesses the right way. The post Electrical Tech: WIRE CRIMPING 101 – How to Crimp Open Barrel Terminals Like a PRO! (Wire Selection Included) appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

MotoGP teams are making rider signing announcements left and right, in a move many refer to as "silly season." Aprilia leaned all the way in.View the full article

The biggest issue for electric anything is range, but Stark Futures is teaming up with Wanxiang A123 to build the next generation EV battery that could help solve motorcycle range. View the full article

China Signals a New Direction for EV DesignA Bloomberg report says China has officially banned the trendy flush-style car door handles often associated with Tesla’s electric vehicles, marking a world first. While talk of the regulatory change has circulated for some time, its formal adoption is now expected to have a meaningful impact on several automakers, particularly as the required redesigns could prove costly. The report stated that a person familiar with the design process at a Chinese EV manufacturer said a redesign could cost as much as 100 million yuan (about $14.4 million) per model. Given China’s status as the world’s largest car market, automakers may have little choice but to abandon flush-style door handles and commit resources to redesigns – a change that could have knock-on effects across global vehicle lineups. Tesla A Closer Look at the Compliance StandardsUnder the new safety rules issued by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, vehicles must feature mechanical door releases accessible from both inside and outside the car, including traditional designs often likened to a telephone-style handle. Semi-hidden handles are also permitted, provided they include a recessed area measuring at least six centimeters by two centimeters (2.4 inches by 0.8 inches). Automakers must also include signage no smaller than one cm by 0.7 cm (0.39 inches by 0.28 inches) in the cabin indicating how the door can be opened. While these flush-style door handle designs can offer modest aerodynamic benefits – slightly improving efficiency and contributing to a sleeker appearance – they have raised safety concerns in crashes. In China, two deadly accidents involving Xiaomi-branded EVs were reported, with suspected power failures that may have prevented the doors from opening, trapping occupants as fires broke out. Tesla has reportedly been linked to at least 15 deaths in crashes where doors failed to open following impact or fire. The Price of Playing in ChinaThe ban on hidden door handles will take effect on January 1, 2027, though models with imminent launch dates in China that have already been approved by regulators will be granted a transition period until January 2029. How automakers will respond to the new rule remains unclear. However, manufacturers choosing not to sell certain vehicles in specific markets due to differing safety regulations is nothing new. For example, Tesla does not sell the Cybertruck in Europe, as its wedge-shaped stainless-steel body has to be redesigned to comply with local safety standards. For now, the list of models sold in China featuring designs affected by the upcoming ban includes the new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA, Tesla Model 3, and BMW iX, as well as multiple offerings from domestic EV manufacturers. Mercedes-Benz View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Yamaha's incoming Superbike World Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu says he's coming to grips with the differences between the series, and that he's still too aggressive to get the most out of the MotoGP racer. View the full article

We’ve got another gallery of photos from the show, and if you missed our previous photos we’ve got a link to those too! (Photos by Chad Reynolds) Our newest gallery of photos from the 2026 edition of the Grand National Roadster Show features awesome rides from all over! The 2026 Grand National Roadster Show is a historic gathering of hot rods, so check out the photos below to see what you missed. Since moving from Oakland to the vast Pomona Fairplex in SoCal, the event has grown and matured to become the premier West Coast event for hot rodders and custom car builders. This show really is a gathering that draws folks from all over the country, and the world. We’ve got multiple galleries to post, but our second one is below. We’ll be sharing the rest over the next few days! USE THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO SEE ANYTHING YOU MISSED! With such a diverse mix of classic cars — T-buckets, Model As, ‘32s, and ‘36 Fords—it was a tough competition for the AMBR award with such a variety in styles and builds, always making GNRS competition special, showcasing everything from traditional hot rods to cutting-edge custom craftsmanship. Enjoy the rest of the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show with nearly 1,000 drive-in hot rods over the three-day weekend. CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE CONTENDERS FOR AMERICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL ROADSTER CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF OUR PREVIOUS PHOTO GALLERIES FROM GNRS 2026! The post Grand National Roadster Show 2026 Photo Coverage Continues: Even More Hot Rods, Customs, Lowriders, Muscle Cars, Street Rods, Trucks, and More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Inching Closer to RealityA few months ago, select British press were able to experience the Jaguar GT for the first time. However, it was more of a ride-along experience, so no one knows what the car drives like just yet. Well, that is, until now. Some of the top names in the British motoring press, such as Pistonheads, have driven the prototype. They've given their respective impressions, as well as revealed some key details about the car that are definitely worth mentioning. The Low DownJaguar's sabbatical from selling cars has yielded an all-new dedicated platform. Dubbed the imaginatively-named Jaguar Electric Architecture, it should serve as the basis of more models down the line. The British automaker is cashing in all its chips in electric mobility, as there no plans for a plug-in hybrid or range-extended version down the line. Now, the car doesn't have an official name just yet, but for all intents and purposes, most have been labeling it as the Jaguar GT. It's possible that the company could resurrect the XJ, but New Jaguar is about breaking tradition. This is a make-or-break product for the brand. If it fails, we might as well say goodbye to Jaguar for good. Jaguar The NumbersThe GT rides on an 800V architecture that enables 350 kW fast charging. It's claimed that a 15-minute charge can add about 200 miles to the range. As for the battery, it's about 120kW, and the range is estimated at 400 miles per full charge. Given the massive battery, that's to be expected. Now, for the important part: power and torque. In this case, it's "at least" 1,000 hp and another 1,008 lb-ft of torque. That comes courtesy of three electric motors with one in front and two at the back. Per Auto Express, the front has an open differential, while the rear features torque vectoring. Jaguar claims a 0 to 62 mph time of under 3.5 seconds, which is a good number for something that weighs close to 6,000 lbs. Top speed is yet to be listed, although we could expect at least 150 mph out of it. It does have about 1,000 hp at its disposal, after all. Jaguar Other Facts and FiguresAutocar notes that the GT doesn't utilize the typical skateboard architecture that most EVs use. Instead, it's split at the front and rear with a 19kWh pack in front and the rest mounted at the back. It's an interesting arrangement, but it does allow for that low-slung profile. As for size, it's about 205 inches long and rides on a 126-inch wheelbase. For its suspension arrangement, it rides on twin-chamber air suspension and adaptive dampers, although there's no active anti-roll bar present. Pistonheads noted that its setup is good enough to negate the need for an active anti-roll bar, based on their driving impressions. Jaguar What It's Up AgainstIn terms of size, the most obvious answer would be the BMW i7. However, its performance figures are quite far off Jaguar's, with the M70 version making just 650 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque, all sent to all four wheels. Interestingly, it's about the same weight as the Jag at nearly 6,000 lbs. Remember when anything over 4,000 lbs was already considered heavy? As for the performance aspect, the Audi RS e-Tron GT and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT might be a better comparison. While much smaller than the Jaguar, both provide rapid acceleration, but we reckon the Jaguar focuses more on luxury than outright dynamics. Its best match should've been the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53. It's about the same size and the same weight, and it also rides on a dedicated EV platform. The trouble is, no one really buys it, and it's highly unlikely to survive the next decade. View the full article

There's a lot of conservation that goes on within the hunting community, and this Can-Am Defender giveaway through the Mule Deer Foundation is one of those instances. View the full article

Many people have a romantic notion of collecting an older car, restoring it, and enjoying it. In many cases, they also hope to sell it on for a profit as it becomes more collectible. Sadly, once they get that mass of metal and rust into their garage, many realize that it can be remarkably hard to "flip" the vehicle. Not only that: not many know the joys of smelling exhaust, oil, and gasoline as they drive. Modern cars (usually) don't smell that way. In addition, these older classic vehicles are a pain to drive daily, and many lack creature comforts that many have grown accustomed to. Everyone loves a good underdog story, especially in the car world. While most “future classics” are expensive supercars locked in climate-controlled garages, there’s a growing crop of everyday vehicles that could be tomorrow’s blue-chip collectibles. Best of all? You can still find them today without taking out a second mortgage. Here are three inexpensive used cars that have the right mix of design, performance, cultural significance, and nostalgia; traits that might make them valuable classics in the years ahead. Mazda 1. Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND, 2016–2023)A little roadster with big future potential. From $18,000 - about $30,000 Keep in mind: There are four generations of the Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA, NB, NC, ND) produced since 1989, with the current fourth-generation (ND) model introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year, continuing its legacy as the best-selling roadster ever. Think of them as a mix of British/Italian old-school roadster, mixed with solid Japanese engineering. Outstanding in almost every regard. It’s hard to argue with the enduring appeal of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The ND generation (introduced in 2016) might be one of the best. Lightweight, rear-drive, and pure fun, it’s what so many enthusiasts grew up dreaming about. No big horsepower figure, no complicated turbos, just perfect balance and communicative handling. Easy to modify, update, and repair, the ND Miata is an outstanding driver that has worldwide appeal. Why it might be a classic: Iconic design, timeless proportionsPure driving experience that outclasses most modern sports cars twice the priceStrong enthusiast support and aftermarket communityRelatively low production cost, meaning used prices are still affordableIt’s not just nostalgia; this generation feels like a spiritual continuation of the original Miata ethos. In 10–15 years, clean, low-mile examples could be highly sought after by collectors who grew up with them. Stay tuned for the end of this post, as there's an interesting relative of the Miata that deserves a bit of praise as well. 2. Ford Mustang GT (2011–2014 5.0 V8)A classic formula that never gets old. From about $13,000 up to the mid $20,000 range. Convertibles and special editions can be more. The Mustang’s history is filled with hits and misses, but the 2011–2014 Mustang GT with the 5.0-liter “Coyote” V8 is a modern legend. It brought back the classic naturally aspirated V8 in a way that felt honest and robust: raw muscle with modern reliability. The sound alone is worth the price of admission. Aftermarket supplies are through the roof with most Mustangs, and this generation is quite popular with the tuner crowd. Once again, it's about that Coyote V8. Now, there are V6s and, later on, I4 turbos - all of which have some potential, but it's the V8 that most buyers will be looking for. Additionally, manual transmissions (which are slightly harder to find) are the most collectible. The same goes for convertibles in some markets. Why it might be a classic: Massive cultural cachet: the Mustang is already a legendBig, happy V8 sound people still craveStrong aftermarket and racing heritageAffordable now: you can find nice examples under market valueUnlike many modern performance cars that rely on forced induction and complicated electronics, this Mustang GT is about big engine feel and simple fun. Decades from now, it might well be seen as one of the last great naturally aspirated American V8s. 3. BMW E46 3-Series (M3 and select 330i/325i)German precision with character to spare. Under $10,000 for high-mileage or less desirable models to over $30,000, even $50k+, for pristine, low-mileage M3s. If you ask most car lovers what their dream classic is, the BMW E46 3-Series will be near the top of the list. Especially in M3 form, but also in the sweet-spotted non-M variants with the sexy straight-six engines, this generation strikes an incredible balance of performance, handling, and everyday usability. Related: This Ultra-Rare Lamborghini Urus Was Only Offered to 40 People—and One Is for Sale In some ways, I see the E46 as a German take on what makes the Miata and Mustang great: balance, performance, and fun. Sure, it's not as carefree as the Miata, nor is it as uncivilized as the Mustang; it's more mature, yet all of them are a hoot to drive. Not just the M3. Why it might be a classic: Near-perfect driver’s car reputationBeautiful proportions that still look timelessLegendary straight-six engines with characterHuge enthusiast and tuning communityToday, these are still priced within reach for many enthusiasts, and that’s exactly what makes them exciting. As clean, original E46s become rarer, desirable manual-transmission examples could climb significantly in value. Bonus! The 2016 Fiat 124 Prices can range from $15,000 to the mid $20,000-range. Abarth models are at the high end. It's not exactly a full Fiat, nor is it a Miata - some call it a "Fiatta." The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider used a 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged four-cylinder engine, available in two power outputs: 160 hp (Classica, Lusso) or 164 hp (Abarth), both with 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, driving the rear wheels for a fun, efficient roadster experience. Related: As BMW Takes Over Alpina, These Cars Defined the Brand Why it might be a classic: While it shares a platform with the Miata, the MultiAir engine is all Italian, and sweetIt has an Italian-centric interior design, with nice materialsThey are pretty rare, yet most parts are easy to source Well balanced, fun to drive, and not very common to see BMW View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article What Makes a Future Classic?Not every old car becomes valuable, and not every valuable car was expensive to begin with. What these three share is: Strong emotional appeal - people remember them fondlyEngaging driving experience - not just straight-line speedCultural significance - they tell a story about their eraReasonable numbers - enough exist to matter, but special examples are rareClassic car status isn’t guaranteed, but these models tick a lot of boxes, and they’re still affordable enough today that you can enjoy them before everyone else catches on. BMW View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Final ThoughtsIf you’d told me 15 years ago that a Miata or a 3-Series sedan would someday be more collectible than a supercar, I might have laughed. But trends shift, nostalgia deepens, and the enthusiast market respects character above all. So if you’ve been eyeing one of these models, or heard the old “buy, hold, and park” advice from salty gearheads, now might be the perfect time to act. Better still: if you want a driver that could appreciate in the near future, one of these might be your ride. Related: I Drive the Genesis G90 3.5T Prestige Black AWD and Mercedes-Benz S-580e 4MATIC Back to Back - Here's My Honest Review View the full article

Days after announcing it's killing off the Model S and Model X, Tesla has launched a new version of its Model Y in the United States. At the same time, the EV manufacturer has also dropped the ‘Standard’ moniker from the base Model Y. The new variant is the Model Y All-Wheel Drive, and it means you can pick up a Model Y with AWD for $7,000 less than before; previously, the cheapest AWD trim was priced far above what rivals were charging. That’s a big deal for anyone living in a cold-weather state where AWD is a necessity, and brings the Model Y with AWD a lot closer in price to competitors like the Chevrolet Equinox EV. Related: 2026 Tesla Model Y Vs. 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV: 3 Key Differences There Are Now Five Tesla Model Y Trims Tesla Model Y All-Wheel Drive Tesla View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Model Y range still starts at $39,990 for the base rear-wheel-drive model, but this one is no longer called the Model Y Standard. It’s simply called the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive. The new trim, which is the Model Y All-Wheel Drive, sits just above this at $41,990. Here’s a look at all five trims, their names, and their prices. Trim Price Rear-Wheel Drive $39,990 All-Wheel Drive $41,990 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive $44,990 Premium All-Wheel Drive $48,990 Performance $57,490 The new All-Wheel Drive trim has the same stripped-down specification as the base Rear-Wheel Drive model. That means it comes with standard 18-inch Aperture wheels, a limited color palette, and a black textile interior. It likely does without extras like the exposed glass roof, too, as found on the more expensive Premium and Performance trims. With AWD, though, the new trim gains not only another motor, but better performance. Its 0-60 mph time is down to just 4.6 seconds, which is 2.2 seconds quicker than the base trim. The range on a full charge is down to 294 miles, though, whereas the base RWD can get up to 321 miles. Still, the new AWD model looks like the pick of the bunch in terms of value, given its all-wheel grip and much-improved performance. Related: Why The Cheapest Tesla Might Be The Smartest Tesla Banking On Its Best-Seller Tesla Although the larger Model X and Model S are going away as Tesla intensifies its focus on robotics, the Model Y is still a vitally important product. An estimated 317,800 examples of the electric crossover were sold in the United States last year, making it the top-selling EV by a massive (but declining) margin. The lack of a more affordable AWD variant was a notable omission in the Model Y lineup, though. Ford charges $40,795 for the cheapest Mustang Mach-E with AWD, while Chevy has an Equinox EV AWD for just $38,395. Up until now, the Model Y had no alternative to these rival offerings. But rejigging the Model Y lineup can only sustain Tesla for so long. It needs a fresh product at an accessible price point that will innovate just as the Model Y did when it first arrived. Competitors have improved notably, and a new trim can only hold them off for so long. Related: BYD’s Sales Slump Explains Why Tesla Is Betting on Robots Instead of EVs View the full article

They're being given through a seasoned winter tour and activities company, so I have just one question: Do riders have to sign a waiver?View the full article

The Plot ThickensRumors about the Chevrolet C8 Corvette receiving a Grand Sport trim for the 2027 model year have been circulating for some time. Recent hints continue to surface, with the latest coming from a spy shot taken by @njp_moto on California’s Angeles Crest Highway, showing two examples that appear to be prepped for a shoot. The area was blocked off by other vehicles, limiting the view to just a brief glimpse of the Corvettes. Still, that may be enough to suggest the Corvette Grand Sport is now out in the wild—especially after paint options for the 2027 model year were recently leaked. Connecting the Visual DotsThe leak referenced two new colors – Pitch Metallic and Opulent Blue Metallic. The latter is also known as Admiral Blue, a paint option previously offered on the C4 and C7 Corvette Grand Sport. It also appears to match the color of the spied vehicle in California. If that isn’t convincing enough, the prototype also wears red stripes – another common Grand Sport design cue. In previous iterations, however, these stripes were typically found on the front fenders instead. This may be a reach, but with Chevrolet moving from a front- to a mid-engine layout for the first time with the C8 Corvette, perhaps the stripes followed suit as well. What’s more firmly supported is the rumor that the C8 Corvette Grand Sport could receive a new 6.7-liter naturally aspirated small-block V8, reportedly carrying the LS6 designation. While the horsepower figures have remained under wraps, the Grand Sport is expected to slot above the Corvette Stingray, so it would likely need to top the Stingray’s 495 horsepower from its 6.2-liter NA LT2 V8. Historically, the Grand Sport has always been rear-wheel drive, which could make it the go-to option here, instead of the all-wheel-drive setup used in the Corvette E-Ray. Chevrolet Another Piece of the PuzzleThe 2027 Chevy Corvette is expected to arrive later this year, with some arguing that the Grand Sport could become the model's volume seller. If the rumors are true, the Grand Sport would join an already stacked C8 Corvette lineup that includes the Stingray, E-Ray, Z06, ZR1, and the most extreme ZR1X, which produces 1,250 horsepower from a hybridized powertrain. This expanded range could further boost Chevy’s market appeal – especially as Ford has just unveiled another performance-focused Mustang variant, the Dark Horse SC, widely viewed as the S650 generation’s equivalent of the Shelby GT500. Clive Sutton View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The original Czech Jawa returns with the 730 Twin, a modern middleweight that breaks away from the India-built revival bikes.View the full article

Porsche’s Electric Pause ButtonThe EV push among automakers has gone sideways heading into 2026, and Porsche hasn’t been spared. According to Bloomberg, people familiar with the matter said that Porsche CEO Michael Leiters is now considering dropping the all-electric versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman. The 718 is Porsche’s entry-level sports car, positioned below the brand’s long-running 911 nameplate. Production of the 718’s combustion-engine variants ended last year, with the German marque planning an all-electric successor expected to arrive in the 2027 model year. The report notes that developing these EV models could prove costly for the company, particularly as government EV incentives in some markets are being rolled back. Porsche Trouble in a Key MarketAside from the potential costs of undoing its EV strategy, Porsche is also grappling with underwhelming sales in China, one of the automaker’s largest markets alongside the U.S. and Germany. Former Porsche CEO Oliver Blume – now the head of parent company Volkswagen – previously said the luxury-car market in China has declined by as much as 80 percent, diminishing the company’s aggressive growth strategy and exposing the drawbacks of its limited combustion-engine offerings in the region. At the time, doubling down on electric vehicles appeared to be the right move, particularly given how prevalent EVs are in China. It is even home to the Yangwang U9 Xtreme, which recorded a sub-7-minute lap at the Nürburgring, beating the Rimac Nevera. However, shifting market conditions have since prompted Blume to admit that Porsche “got it wrong” – especially with the Macan, whose next-generation model was developed exclusively with an all-electric powertrain in mind. Even the 911 wasn’t immune to electrification, as the Turbo S now adopts a hybridized powertrain, making it the model's most powerful version to date, with a combined output of 701 horsepower. Porsche The Turnaround ChallengeAt this point, scrapping some of its EV plans may seem like the logical next step. However, Leiters has yet to make a final decision. Having taken the helm at Porsche at the start of 2026, he is under pressure to turn the company around after it recorded its worst sales decline since 2009 last year. Leiters previously served three years as CEO of McLaren, working on supercars such as the hybridized Artura – a direct competitor to the Ferrari 296. In the U.S., meanwhile, the challenge lies in navigating higher tariffs on imported vehicles – a hurdle shared with corporate sibling Audi. The vast majority of U.S.-bound Porsche models are produced in Germany, with the exception of the Cayenne, which is assembled in Slovakia. Porsche View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

In a world of tools that just keeps getting better and better for the money, and where nearly everything is offered in a battery operated version that outperforms everything else, air hammers seem to have been left behind. I mean they work “fine”, but they certainly don’t stand out as awesome, regardless of how much they cost. In fact, some of the ultra high priced units look fancier and fancier with every new model, but the insides are pretty much the same as always. So how did these new ones perform when put to the Torque Test Channel test? Watch this video below and you’ll see. And what you do see might surprise you. Video Description: Lifetime of weekly updated rankings: https://torquetestchannel.etsy.com/li… Today we test Walmart, Hart, Sunex SX2302, Carlyle’s new model and more. There’s been a precious few really good .401 air hammers at the top for most of our lives, these often include names like Snap-On, Ingersoll Rand, Chicago Pneumatic and Matco, but lately that changing. Not only are they getting more powerful, the prices seem to be going down as the triggers are getting better. In a space of tools with no battery options, this is good news! We do not accept any tools shown on the channel from any brand, nor do we take any sponsorships, partnerships, discounts, product placement deals, pre-market brand samples, money, items or compensation of any kind from brands, tool makers or otherwise in the planning or creation of these videos. The post This Is The Biggest Deal In Air Hammers: Which One Of These Beasts Actually Performs Under Real Testing Conditions? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Seeing Trophy Trucks run well over 100 miles per hour across the desert is something truly special. With suspension travel that is measured in feet, not inches, and 1,000 horsepower on tap for the most powerful examples, a Trophy Truck is something truly special. These trucks are awesome and no matter where you see them running it is impressive as hell. But no matter how much footage you see of them hauling ass across the desert, you just can’t understand what driving one is like. And while it isn’t the same as going for a ride in one, the in-truck footage below from Chris Polvoorde is about as close as you are going to get. Watch the action and let us know if you’d be comfortable bonzaiing across the desert in one of these beasts. Video Description: Come onboard for the king of the hammers qualifying. We ended up second place after catching that slower vehicle. But we are happy and ready for race day! The post Ride On Board With Christopher Polvoorde During His King of the Hammers Trophy Truck Qualifying Run! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

8 years ago I got the chance to come to Jay Leno’s and talk to his car care guys, get a truck washed and waxed, and check out the collection. We weren’t supposed to really talk to Jay because he was filming for his shows, but when we were done talking to his guys and started walking through the collection, Jay came over to say hi and ended up taking us on a tour much to the dismay of his film crew. A couple of hours later they wrangled him back so he could finish his work and we went home in a daze because it was so awesome. Recently my friends Jeff Lee and Matt Graves got the chance to take the same tour, and they finished it up with a drive in one of Jay’s steam powered cars. It was awesome. For those that don’t get to go get a personal tour of the place, you’ll have to live through the lucky folks and one of those lucky folks is Larry Chen, who recently experienced a day with Jay and is sharing all the video with the rest of us. You are going to dig this. Check it out below. Video Description: Larry Chen has had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Jay over the years—photographing his cars and appearing on Jay’s show. Now, the shoe is on the other foot. Larry spends the day with Jay Leno driving cars, discussing some of the most unique Japanese vehicles, taking a shop tour, and exploring why Jay never tried to merge his worlds of comedy and cars. This is an interview exclusive like we’ve never seen before. The post This Is What Hanging Out With Jay Leno For A Day Is Like: Driving Cool Stuff + Shop Tour + New Projects! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Grannas Racing retires the heavy Supra build for a lightweight Fox Body Mustang. The 2JZ-powered domestic targets new stick shift records.View the full article

NASCAR is returning to a version of a championship format it used from 2004 to 2013 but two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch ponders if this is really for the best. “I thought we got away from it for a reason in the past,” said Kyle Busch during a Monday morning appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “So, I’m not real sure why we went back to it. The reasons why we sort of went away ...Keep readingView the full article

Here are the top qualifiers for Thursday’s Can-Am Hammers Championship rock race at King Of The Hammers Brock Heger, Polaris RZR Ronnie Anderson, Polaris RZR Kyle Chaney, Can-Am Mav R CJ Greaves, Polaris RZR Paul Wolf, Can-Am Mav R Cole Clark, Can-Am Mav R Max Gordon, Speed Phil Blurton Can-Am Mav R Hunter Miller, Can-Am Mav R Dustin Robbins, Can-Am Mav R Robert Liebel, Can-A Mav R Cody Willenborg, Polaris RZR The post KIng Of The Hammers UTV Class Qualifying Results appeared first on UTV Action Magazine. View the full article

MotoGP 2026 HRC Honda Racing Corporation have revealed the colours that will carry Honda HRC Castrol through the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, with Luca Marini and Joan Mir again forming the factory rider line-up. Koji Watanabe – President of Honda Racing Corporation “It is a pleasure to help reveal the 2026 Honda HRC Castrol team […] The post The 2026 HRC MotoGP machine in high-res detail – Team Launch appeared first on MCNews. View the full article