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The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is an attractive machine in many ways, from its angular, sporty bodywork to the remarkable speed of the GR Sport variant, and dealers are taking advantage, adding thousands of dollars worth of markups to the crossover. Carscoops reports that several dealers are guilty of being greedy, and this is nothing new. The updated RAV4 began arriving at U.S. dealers in December last year, and as two-month-old threads on Reddit show, dealers wasted no time tacking on their so-called "market adjustments," something that popular Toyotas have always attracted. Let's take a look at some of the worst offenders. Dealers Are Inflating RAV4 Pricing by Thousands of Dollars Toyota One of the biggest markups was at Stevens Creek Toyota in San Jose, California, where a 2026 RAV4 Limited has been listed for $52,857, with $4,700 of that price attributed to a dealer markup. Still in California, Magnussen’s Toyota of Palo Alto has reportedly added $3,999 in markups to all of its 2026 RAV4 stock, pushing a RAV4 XSE ($46,444) past the $50k mark to $50,443 and a RAV4 Limited ($48,083) to $52,082. California isn't alone in these markups, with Molle Toyota of Kansas City also pushing prices up, though not as heavily. Here, the RAV4 Limited has been marked up from $47,404 to $48,508, an increase of $1,104. Even if we ignore the stated markups, each of these prices is higher than those you'll find on the Toyota USA website. There, the LE starts at $31,900, the SE starts at $34,700, and the XLE Premium has a base MSRP of $36,100. The Woodland starts at $39,900 and the XSE at $41,300, while the top Limited trim (the GR Sport hasn't appeared on Toyota's site yet) is listed at $43,300. 2026 Toyota RAV4 Variants Toyota For the new model year, the RAV4 is available in several grades. "Core" models get either a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain feeding 226 horsepower to the front wheels, or they can be had with all-wheel drive, getting an output bump to 236 hp. "Sport" models (SE and XSE) can be had as plug-in hybrids with a combined 324 hp, and the more rugged Woodland variant gets access to both of these powertrains, too. The latter, more powerful setup is what the top-tier GR Sport variant is powered by. With an ad scheduled for Sunday's Super Bowl LX, the 2026 RAV4 is going to have even more eyes on it, and more dealers are likely to inflate pricing. Hopefully, enough buyers push back against these markups to discourage dealers from sticking with them, but Toyotas are always in demand, and dealers are always looking for ways to separate their customers from as many of their hard-earned dollars as possible. View the full article

Sales Under PressureFor years, Tesla held the global crown as the leader in electric vehicles. That dominance was challenged when BYD overtook Tesla to become the world’s top-selling EV maker last year. However, Reuters reports that the Chinese automaker has now posted its fifth consecutive month of declining sales—making Tesla’s strategic shift more apparent than ever. For context, Tesla is increasingly prioritizing its AI-centric initiatives beyond passenger vehicle sales, particularly its robotaxi program and the Optimus humanoid robot. As part of this shift, the company is set to discontinue the Model S and Model X to free up capacity at its Fremont plant for Optimus. BYD Betting Big on RobotsAt first glance, this move could be interpreted as Tesla conceding ground to BYD in the global EV race. However, that framing overlooks the company’s broader ambition. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has even suggested that its long-term legacy may be defined less by electric vehicles and more by robots after agreeing to a statement on the All-In Summit that the brand may be remembered more for Optimus. BYD’s sales fell 30.1 percent in January compared with a year earlier. Production also declined by 29.1 percent, extending a downward trend that has been in place since July of last year. The company did not comment on the slump, though it continues to face intensifying competition in its home market—particularly from rivals such as Geely, the parent company of Volvo. In addition, the EV market is showing signs of a slowdown as newer regulations take effect, including measures that roll back incentives that helped accelerate the industry’s rapid growth earlier in the decade. The report also noted that BYD could see slower growth in China as the government rolls back incentives for lower-priced vehicles. Tesla A Rivalry at a CrossroadsFor now, the company is continuing to expand its global footprint as part of its broader growth strategy, including plans to open a new EV plant in Hungary, which is scheduled to be operational later this year. Should demand for fully electric vehicles soften further, BYD can lean on its plug-in hybrid DM-i lineup. Tesla, on the other hand, is reportedly set to begin production of its robotaxi program with the Cybercab in April 2026, while Optimus is expected to go on public sale by the end of 2027. If this trajectory continues, the long-running EV sales battle between Tesla and BYD may increasingly lose relevance. BYD View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Rumors are swirling that KTM's Pedro Acosta will switch to either Ducati's factory team or one of its satellite teams for the 2027 MotoGP season. But Acosta also praised the new 2026 KTM he'll race. View the full article

Affected bikes could experience a loss of brake pressure and/or a brake fluid leak with the front brakes, which could be dangerous.View the full article

With electrification becoming less of a priority for automakers, most drivers' attention has again turned to gas prices. Whether you drive an ICE vehicle or a hybrid, gas prices will continue to be an expense you have to live with. You might think gas prices are high where you live - and you might be right! - but we’ve found the five US cities and towns that have some of the worst gas prices around. To be clear, we’re not simply listing the cities or small towns with the highest gas prices. That would be too easy; the information we’ve gathered and synthesized is from a mix of real-time market data, government economic reports, and broader industry analysis for early 2026. We examined which areas saw the largest increases in gas prices and looked at both year-over-year price changes and the increase in January 2026 alone. Further, we’re excluding areas such as Los Angeles, California; San Francisco, California; and New York City, New York. Honolulu, Hawaii, is also off this list. So are Juneau and Anchorage in Alaska. These areas are known for high gas prices; we’re looking beyond that. 5. Flagstaff, AZArizona and Nevada both rely on gas pipelines from California. When California experiences any disruptions - and it has, read on for more on that - Arizona feels the effects, too. Flagstaff is also just far enough away from cities like Tucson or Phoenix that it makes delivery of refined gasoline a trek. Since January 1, gas prices in Flagstaff have been up 6% to $3.18 per gallon. That’s down year over year; this time last year, gas was $3.34 per gallon in the Flagstaff area. The percentage increase versus January 1 is an anomaly driven by supply and demand issues. Related: These Are the Most Reliable New Cars for the Money, Study Finds 4. Portland, ORThe whole of the Pacific Northwest is experiencing a ripple effect from issues stemming from California, too. In Portland, recent late January storms have caused gas prices to continue rising, even though some experts expected them to begin mellowing. Typically, gas prices this time of year are lower than average due to reduced travel after the holidays. The good news for Portland is that gas prices are up only 1.2% since January 1 and now average $3.41 per gallon. Like Flagstaff, that’s down from last year at this time, when gas was $4.02 per gallon. The issue in the PNW is that gas prices typically dip much lower this time of year. 3. Las Vegas, NVLike Flagstaff, Las Vegas relies on California refineries for its gas. Unlike Flagstaff, Las Vegas has a robust highway system that connects directly to California and is well-traveled. Supply shortages and higher prices in California, a much larger market than Nevada or Arizona, mean the extended networks that depend on California get the short end of the stick. Gas pricing in the Las Vegas area is up 2.1% this year to an average of $3.42 per gallon. That’s down from $3.92 this time last year, though, which is the good news for Las Vegas drivers. Jonathon Ramsey 2. Seattle, WASeattle is even farther from California than Portland, but it is experiencing the same California-caused supply-and-demand issues as nearly everyone else on this list. In addition to California’s issues, crude oil prices remain around $60 per barrel, helping keep gas prices from their normal February lull. Gas prices in Seattle are up 3.1% in 2026 and now sit at $3.93 per gallon. In February 2025, gas was $4.06 per gallon, on average, so that’s a slight reprieve. Still, hovering around $4 per gallon is not what Seattle drivers want. 1. San Luis Obisppo, CAHigh per-gallon state taxes (60 cents!) contribute to San Luis Obispo’s high prices for gas, as does its geographical placement. While not remote, per se, it’s geographically remote enough that trucking in gas is a bit of a hike. Further, the state of California requires its gas stations to pump a low-emissions blend that requires additional processing, and recent refinery closures have created a supply crunch felt throughout the region; if you notice, every location on our list is on or near the West Coast. San Luis Obispo has the highest increase in gas prices we could find for 2026, with the area up 4.5% to an average of $4.43 per gallon. That, too, is down from last year, when gas prices were roughly $4.85 per gallon, but it is still far from acceptable to Cal Poly students who have to rush to Pismo Beach after morning classes. Related: Audi CEO Says a Pickup Truck Is the “Last Concept” He’d Build View the full article

SCAG Racing is excited to announce the renewal of Justin Ashley and Daniel Wilkerson’s partnerships with Mac Tools for the 2026 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season. Mac Tools has supported Ashley since 2023 and Wilkerson throughout his entire career, providing high-quality professional tools that help both SCAG Power Equipment teams assemble, maintain, and service their race cars at peak performance both on and off the track. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue representing Mac Tools alongside my teammate Daniel,” said Ashley. “We value this partnership and understand that it’s a critical piece of our program’s success. Using Mac Tools helps us accomplish our most important objectives of safety and performance. When races are decided by thousandths of a second, everything matters—and having the right tools is at the top of the list.” Wilkerson noted that Mac Tools has supported both him and his father, Tim Wilkerson, throughout their racing careers, and is grateful to continue that relationship with his SCAG Power Equipment team. “For more than 20 years SCAG-Wilkerson Racing has only trusted one tool brand to get our race car turned around in less than an hour,” said Wilkerson. “Between rounds there is no margin for error. Scrambling after a tool breaks would be devastating. I wouldn’t want to do this without Mac Tools. This brand has carried my father and my teammate and friend, Justin Ashley, to many winner circles, so to represent Mac Tools alongside this team is an honor.” Ashley and Wilkerson’s SCAG Power Equipment teams will rely on Mac Tools as they prepare their 10,000-plus-horsepower race cars and head into competition, beginning with the first stop of the 2026 season, March 6–8 at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida. This story was originally published on February 2, 2026. The post Mac Tools Renews Partnership With Justin Ashley, Daniel Wilkerson For 2026 NHRA Season first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Up until now, vision and LiDAR sensors on modern vehicles have focused on making driving safer and more convenient, enabling a range of driver-assistance features. But Honda has uncovered an entirely new use for such sensors: creating safer and better-maintained roadways. In a project funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Honda has shown how these sensors can accurately detect damaged roads and other infrastructure deficiencies. According to the study, the tech could save millions for ODOT and ultimately create safer roads, but the project’s widespread success lies in drivers’ willingness to share their data. Is Proactive Roadway Maintenance the Future? Honda View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The two-year project led by Honda was run in collaboration with i-Probe Inc., Parsons Corporation and the University of Cincinnati. Over the duration of the project, Honda test vehicles with vision and LiDAR sensors covered approximately 3,000 miles in central and southeastern Ohio. These tests were conducted in urban and rural areas, during variable weather conditions, and at different times of day. Ultimately, the Proactive Roadway Maintenance System detected the following road conditions: Worn or obstructed traffic signsDamaged guardrails and cable road barriersPotholes, including size and locationShoulder drop condition, including the percentage and depth of drop-offPoor roadway stripingRough road qualityUsing Edge AI models, this data was transmitted to a Honda cloud platform and eventually provided to ODOT operators. It’s a much easier way of identifying roadway issues and maintenance requirements without conducting laborious manual inspections. Data accuracy was found to be impressively high, with 89% accuracy for potholes and 93% accuracy for damaged guardrails. Damaged or obstructed signs were identified at 99% accuracy. According to the project team, over $4.5 million could be saved annually by implementing a proactive roadway maintenance system like this one. Related: These states have the best and worst roads in America What It Means For The Average Driver H Better roads and associated infrastructure ultimately make our roads safer, and transportation authorities can implement fixes more quickly. Of course, the Proactive Roadway Maintenance System will see the most significant results if scaled beyond this relatively small Ohio-based project. The next phase of testing will explore ways to grow the project. If other automakers got involved, there would be more data to draw from, further improving the accuracy of the results. “This pilot of the Honda Proactive Roadway Maintenance System empowers drivers to play an active role in creating safer roadways and communities while helping agencies like ODOT improve maintenance operations,” said Sue Bai, chief engineer, Sustainability and Business Development at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. In this age of software-heavy vehicles, drivers have legitimate privacy concerns over the data being shared with automakers—as an example, Toyota was recently sued by a Florida resident after he discovered his car was tracking him, claiming this led to higher insurance rates. However, Honda says the data in this case is anonymized. Furthermore, poor road conditions cost the average American over $1,400 annually in vehicle operating costs and lost time, according to the American Society of Civic Engineers (ASCE). This cost is likely higher in states with particularly poor roads, such as New Mexico and Mississippi, based a report by Consumer Affairs. Honda has proven that the technology can improve the state of our roads, but only if transportation authorities in every state have the funds and means to implement the necessary repairs. View the full article

Even as NHRA prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary season in 2026 and highlight some of the sport’s biggest legends, the 2027 season is already shaping up for another year-long epic celebration with one of motorsports’ most iconic figures. NHRA announced today that the 2027 season will honor the sport’s winningest star, legendary 16-time Funny Car world champion John Force, with a year-long “50 Years of Force” celebration at each stop on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour. To be part of “50 Years of Force,” fans can renew their tickets onsite for a 2027 race throughout the upcoming 75th anniversary year in 2026, which features 20 races across the country. Fans who renew their tickets onsite will also receive a special commemorative 16-time championship ring honoring the Hall of Fame legend. “John Force is a true icon in motorsports and a name synonymous with NHRA Drag Racing, and celebrating ’50 Years of Force’ in 2027 will be a tribute to one of the most influential figures our sport has ever seen,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “Coming off what’s going to be an absolutely huge year in 2026 with our 75th anniversary, we encourage all of our fans to renew their tickets for 2027 to be part of this unforgettable celebration. “John’s passion, competitiveness and larger-than-life personality helped shape NHRA for the past five decades, captivating generations of fans. John has had a lasting impact on our sport and the entire racing community, and we can’t wait to follow up this milestone year in 2026 with a year-long tribute to him in 2027.” Force recently announced his retirement from drag racing at the end of the 2025 season, closing out one of the most successful careers in motorsports history. The massive fan-favorite put together a remarkable run on the track, winning an incredible 16 world championships in the Funny Car ranks and rolling to 157 victories. Those are both NHRA records, as are the nearly 1,500 rounds wins for the multi-time Hall of Famer. One of the great personalities in NHRA history, Force was an instrumental figure in NHRA’s growth and was named the No. 2 driver in NHRA’s Top 50 racers list in 2000. A dominant figure in the sport for five decades, Force holds an abundance of records and accomplishments, while his John Force Racing team continues to have immense success. As a team, John Force Racing has won 24 championships, featuring a plethora of stars over the years, including Force’s daughters, Ashley, Courtney and Brittany. Heading into the 2026 season, JFR’s four-car team consists of Jack Beckman, Josh Hart, Alexis DeJoria and Jordan Vandergriff. The buildup to “50 Years of Force” will take place throughout the 2026 season, giving fans a chance to renew tickets to 2027 events and receive the commemorative John Force 16-time championship ring. The 2027 season will also give fans a chance to celebrate Force, his incredible career and all the moments that have made his career so legendary. Additional details on “50 Years of Force” – including special displays, appearances, celebrations of his major accomplishments and moments, and other special items – will be released throughout the 75th anniversary season in 2026. For more information about the NHRA, including the full 2026 schedule, visit www.nhra.com. This story was originally published on February 2, 2026. The post NHRA to Honor Iconic John Force in 2027 With ’50 Years of Force’ Celebration first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Even after halting production, reducing past inventory, and sales events to clean out stock, KTM still had a really bad sales year in 2025. View the full article

The Reality Behind Long-Term Car OwnershipCar ownership isn’t always as straightforward as it seems, and a recent CBS News story highlighted the role maintenance plays in warranty claims. In this case, Kia initially denied an engine warranty claim from a Pennsylvania couple who own a 2019 Optima, despite having receipts showing proper maintenance. The Kia Optima is essentially the K5, though only in its previous-generation form. The couple, Jamie and Debbie Rekasie, initially leased the Optima and later purchased it after growing fond of the midsize sedan. They retained maintenance receipts—including records for 14 oil changes, two sets of brakes, and two sets of tires—but the Korean marque declined to approve an engine replacement under its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage, citing that the receipts did not include the vehicle’s VIN or odometer reading. Kia Not Backing DownThe couple pushed forward with the case, particularly as they are backed by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which protects consumers by allowing vehicle owners to perform maintenance themselves or use independent mechanics without forfeiting warranty coverage. The Optima in question suffered an engine failure at just 80,000 miles and had been serviced and maintained by the Rekasies’ son, who is also a mechanic. Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, also encouraged car owners to pursue warranty claims, noting that such requests are often denied at the dealer level in hopes that consumers will simply go away. After KDKA contacted Kia regarding the matter, the couple was then granted an engine replacement. “In the spirit of customer satisfaction and service, our customer care department has approved an engine replacement and will be in contact with the customer to share next steps,” the company said. Kia A Reversal FollowsThis incident is similar to a case involving a Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner whose dealer and insurer denied a $12,000 repair bill over an alleged water bottle spill that shut the EV down. After the case received media attention, the insurer ultimately covered the repair costs. The takeaway is to ensure that any receipts for vehicle repairs and maintenance are kept, as owning a vehicle without warranty coverage can be costly. These records can serve as crucial proof when disputing a denied claim, especially as some manufacturers apply stricter documentation requirements. Kia View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Zero’s most affordable two-wheeler yet targets urban riders with smart specs and a sharp price.View the full article

Reliability Only Goes So FarWhile Ford’s 6.8-liter Triton V10 isn’t exactly an exciting engine, it’s generally regarded as a reliable workhorse for heavy-duty applications. That’s why, when this particular example destroyed itself, Eric from I Do Cars set out to find what could have caused such a catastrophic failure through a teardown. The engine was sourced from a 2018 Ford E-450 cutaway van, though details such as the VIN and mileage were unknown. It was the two-valve version rather than the more performance-oriented three-valve configuration. The Blue Oval once previewed a quad-cam V10 in the Shelby Cobra Concept, which some may recognize from the 2005 film xXx: State of the Union, but the setup never made it to production. A Triton V10 With Exit WoundsRight off the bat, the Triton V10 showed several large exit wounds, indicating that the failure was violent in nature. The cylinder head didn’t show extensive damage, aside from a roller finger follower that had come out of place. However, the presence of oil varnish suggested the engine may have suffered from infrequent oil changes—an issue that can severely compromise lubrication and the proper operation of moving components. Moving to the block, four of the ten piston crowns were missing from their respective cylinders. Many of the resulting fragments were found in the oil pan, including a bent wrist pin. Eric also noted discoloration on the components, a telltale sign that it had been exposed to excessive heat. I Do Cars/YouTube Neglect Writes Its Own EndingAs such, the components likely overheated due to increased friction caused by inadequate oil lubrication. What makes the failure particularly notable is that the engine was positioned partially beneath the cabin. That proximity means any early warning signs—such as unusual noises or vibrations—should have been noticeable early on. Given the extent of the damage, it appears those warnings were ignored, ultimately leading to the engine’s demise. Eric bluntly described the driver as an “idiot.” In other words, failures like this were unlikely the result of a design flaw, but rather the product of neglect—particularly given that the two-valve Triton V10 was engineered with reliability as a priority. The engine was discontinued around 2019, with propulsion duties taken over by the larger 7.3-liter Godzilla V8, which is also used in the Super Duty pickup lineup. I Do Cars/YouTube View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

After clearing the final competition approvals hurdle in the EU, 100% of Dainese is now officially owned by its two biggest creditors.View the full article

New federal funding could help turn strong interest in the new Buell Super Cruiser into more bikes on the road.View the full article

I’ve bought some pretty nasty vehicles before, but by far the worst of my life was the C4 Corvette that I bought to make into the Vette Hack test car and that later became the Vette Cart that Finnegan and Freiburger had fun with. This thing was filled nearly to the tops of the doors with crap and smelled like ALL the mice had found a home there. When I picked it up and brought it to Finnegan’s shop, we both thought we were going to die just trying to make it not a really disgusting mess. For that project, Finnegan and I got the crappy job of cleaning out all the mouse hotels and mouse crap, while Freiburger got to miss it. Well, maybe the day he got the van is going to be payback. Watch and see this thing try to get nice. Will it work? Video Description: My 1974 Chevy G10 motocross/surfer/stoner van is a ‘70s time capsule! In this video we’re going to see if we can revive it after it sat neglected for unknown decades before going to the junkyard. We’re going to fight all the usuals—poop, ants, mold, and vegetation—plus a special guest star, a possum! Technically in North America he’s an opossum, but he wasn’t particular. Will the 350 small-block Chevy run? With transmission transmit and will the brakes stop? Find out in this episode as we butcher our way through through the basics to decide if the van is worthy of more.—D/F The post WILL IT RUN? Freiburger Is Fighting Ants, Moss, a Possum, and Shag in His Junkyard Van So He Can Road Trip This Beast! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Now that the most delicate welding and fitting is done on the A Pillars, it is time for the final stage of this top chop. To finish this bad boy up, the rear side windows have to come together to finish the tough rear profile section. This isn’t unique to this 1932 Ford Tudor, as this is the next step in the process regardless of the car. This is where the fiddly work really has to be done right. There’s no turning back now! The last few videos showed you everything that has to happen to plan, prepare, and chop an all original 1932 Ford Tudor Sedan. There is a lot of measuring and taping and measuring and measuring and marking and staring and measuring and staring, and measuring, before any of the cutting starts. Once the top is cut, then the fitting hand welding begins and is a ton of work. Check it out in the link below, and if you missed the other episodes on this epic machine, use the link below as well. This 1932 Ford Tudor Sedan is an amazing survivor. It is completely stock and untouched and has spent the last few decades stored in a storage container in Canada. It recently got shipped all the way to Australia to Bennett’s Customs where it is getting a 48 hour hot rod transformation, and it might even get chopped which is going to piss some folks off I’m sure. But you know what? It’s not ours, so if the guy who owns it wants to chop it then I say chop away! CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER VIDEOS IN THE SERIES ON THIS ALL ORIGINAL 1932 FORD TUDOR SEDAN The post How to Chop An All-Original 1932 Ford Tudor: Chopping a True Survivor – Nailing the Tricky Rear Profile on Our ’32 Ford Roof Chop! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We’ve got another gallery of fun photos! Check them out below. (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 Photos Continue: More Hot Rods, Customs, Lowriders, Muscle Cars, Street Rods, Trucks, and More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Bezzecchi with Aprilia through 2028 With several high-profile rider moves still awaiting official confirmation – including Fabio Quartararo to Honda, Jorge Martin to Yamaha and Pedro Acosta to Ducati – one major piece of the MotoGP rider market has now been locked in. Aprilia Racing has confirmed a two-year contract extension with Marco Bezzecchi, securing […] The post One of the MotoGP musical chairs ‘officially’ now taken appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

2026 AMA Supercross Championship Round Four – Houston The fourth round of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship marked the series’ first visit outside California this season, as the Monster Energy SMX World Championship headed to the Lone Star State and the domed confines of Houston’s NRG Stadium. The opening Triple Crown of the […] The post Webb wins Houston without winning a race – AMA SX Round Four appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Audi has a car for nearly every corner of the market. From mainstream sedans and SUVs like the new A5 and Q5 to an upcoming plug-in hybrid M3 rival, they have it all. However, Audi’s global CEO has now made it clear that one popular segment remains firmly off the table. According to CEO Gernot Döllner, the chances of Audi ever building a pickup truck are low. Although BMW is outselling Audi globally, it seems the Four Rings will choose its battles carefully and won't chase volume for volume’s sake. Audi CEO Draws A Clear Line Audi Speaking to Australian outlet Drive, Döllner didn't beat around the bush. “I would say a pick-up is the last concept I could imagine to be an Audi,” he said. While he stopped short of issuing a permanent ban, adding that you should “never say no,” his conclusion was unambiguous. Despite truck sales being healthier than ever, Audi seems firm on its choice. Looking at the broader market, Döllner's thinking makes more sense. It seems buyers gravitate towards bigger trucks, with Hyundai having to replace the Santa Cruz with something larger due to low sales and a lack of demand. Does An Audi Pickup Make Sense? Scout If you ask Gernot Döllner, definitely not. However, Audi has options. As part of the Volkswagen Group, it could theoretically borrow platforms or technology – think Lamborghini Urus and Audi RS Q8. The two obvious choices are the Volkswagen Amarok and Scout's upcoming electric truck – if they survive the lawsuits, that is. While it makes sense on paper, especially considering how popular luxury pickups are, history tells us another story. Mercedes-Benz has been there, done that. In the late 2010s, Mercedes introduced the X-Class, based on a Nissan Navara, and it flopped spectacularly, having only 50,000 units sold across its 3-year lifespan. No Audi Ute, But Off-Road Ambitions Remain Audi While a pickup appears unlikely, Audi is still eyeing tougher territory. Last year, Audi hinted at the idea of a rugged SUV positioned above the Q7 and Q8, potentially linked to the Scout Traveler SUV rather than the Scout Terra pickup. A high-end off-road SUV allows Audi to stick to its brand while giving rivals like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and BMW X7 a run for their money. For now, Audi seems content to let others fight the truck wars. Under current leadership, a dual-cab Audi remains more theory than future product. View the full article

The Dodge Viper has never been a subtle car, but this particular example takes its in-your-face character to another level. Currently listed on Cars and Bids with no reserve, this 1996 Dodge Viper RT/10 is one of just 166 finished in the infamous “Ketchup and Mustard” color scheme, showing fewer than 26,000 miles. Yes, it is bright red. Yes, it has yellow wheels. And yes, it looks like something Ronald McDonald would drive if he decided supercars were more his thing. It reminds us of the Bachman Ferrari Collection. A One-Year-Only Viper Cars and Bids Cars and Bids Cars and Bids The second-generation Viper debuted in 1996 and marked a meaningful step forward for Dodge’s flagship snake. While it retained the legendary Viper V10 and six-speed manual, power increased, drivability improved, and the side-exit exhaust was replaced with a rear-exit system. Therefore, low-mileage SRII Vipers are especially desirable today, with pristine examples selling for six figures. To celebrate the new generation, Dodge also approved a limited run of Viper Red cars with yellow wheels, yellow Viper graphics, and red interior accents on the steering wheel, gear shifter, and parking brake. We still can't believe these rolled out of the factory, not to mention 166 of them. A Proper Ronald McDonald Viper Cars and Bids Cars and Bids Cars and Bids This RT/10 is powered by a naturally aspirated 8.0-liter V10 with 415 hp, sending all its power straight to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Electronic safety nets are absent: No traction or stability control, not even ABS. While some Vipers have gone down wild paths like a hellcat-swapped build, this example stays mostly stock. The seller has added a handful of reliability-focused upgrades, including an aluminum radiator, fuel relay timer, fan timer, power steering overflow tube, and complementary yellow intake tubing. Mileage sits around 25,800 miles, the Carfax is clean, and the wear shown inside and out is consistent with a 30-year-old car that has been driven. A Weird Viper With A Big Upside Cars and Bids Cars and Bids Cars and Bids No-reserve auctions are always unpredictable, and that is especially true for a Viper this unique. The average second-generation Dodge Viper sells for just over $70,000, according to Classic.com, but because “Ketchup and Mustard” Vipers are so scarce, and this one is pretty good nick, it should fetch more than that. However, because there's no reserve, someone might walk away with a V10-powered Happy Meal paying well below market value. As of writing this article, there are still four days left on the auction, and the top bid sits at just $31,000. View the full article

Cracking the Flagship Sedan MarketBy the mid-'80s, BMW and Mercedes-Benz were butting heads in the flagship sedan segment with the 7 Series and S-Class, respectively. Missing from the picture was Audi, which was still trying to gain its footing. At the time, the brand from Ingolstadt wasn't quite at the level of the other two mentioned, but management wanted to change that. Enter the Audi V8 – the car that was supposed to threaten the 7 Series and S-Class, but ultimately fell short. While far from a sales success, its story is always worth telling and retelling, mainly because it gave rise to one of Audi's most-loved models. Audi Brought to You by Ferdinand PiëchPerhaps it's no surprise that the Audi V8 was heavily overseen by Ferdinand Piëch. After all, he was leading the brand's charge upmarket. The V8 represented Audi's aspirations and was a serious effort. To build the V8, Audi took the 200/5000 platform, stretched it out, widened the track, and developed its first-ever V8 engine. Granted, that oversimplifies the effort and engineering that was put into the car, but it was revolutionary for the brand in so many ways. For instance, it was the first luxury sedan to mate V8 power to all-wheel drive. Also, it was the first among its peers to offer a multi-valve eight-cylinder engine with quad cams. The V8 even had an unusual brake arrangement that resembled UFOs, designed to dissipate heat more quickly. Like other Audi models at the time, the body was galvanized and featured the novel Procon Ten system that pulled the steering column away from the driver in an accident via high-strength steel cables. Audi That EngineWhen it premiered in 1988, the V8 was offered with a 3.6-liter mill that featured 32 valves and four overhead camshafts. All those advances meant it was good for 247 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, which was more than in a same-era 735i and 420 SEL. Most were saddled with a four-speed automatic, which was par for the course at the time. However, a five-speed manual was also offered. Then, in 1991, the V8 got an upgrade, boring the engine to 4.2 liters to give it more shove. The larger displacement pushed power up to 276 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The four-speed automatic remained, but there was now an option of a six-speed manual. Audi Surprise Success on the TrackKeen to show off the V8's abilities, Audi entered its flagship sedan in DTM. Yes, it shared the same space as much smaller cars like the E30 BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16. In terms of size, it was laughably mismatched as it was an ocean liner in a sea of speedboats, but jokes stopped when the car started winning. Sure, it was heavier than the M3 and 190E, but its 414 hp V8 and all-wheel drive made up the difference. In its first year of competition in 1990, Audi won eight of the 22 races. The following year, it clinched 10 wins from 22 rounds. Audi A Good Car, But Why Did It Fail?For all the innovations that the Audi V8 offered, it was ultimately betrayed by its looks. To the average person, it looked no different from the 200/5000 that it was based upon. It was also heaps more expensive than its smaller sibling, and Audi simply didn't have the cachet in the market at the time. Yes, it was less expensive than a 7 Series and S-Class, but the V8's case wasn't helped by the arrival of the Lexus LS. Produced from October 1988 to November 1993, fewer than 22,000 Audi V8s were built, with about 4,000 going to America. It's an incredibly rare car, and you'll spot one either by going to Audi's museum in Ingolstadt, or find one randomly once in a blue moon. Audi From V8 to A8With such dismal sales numbers, one would think that Audi would put any plans for a successor on hold. The thing is, the exact opposite thing happened, andit was quickly replaced by the A8 in 1994. The first-generation A8 took a while to reach America (1997), but it was far more successful than its predecessor from the get-go. The A8 arrived at the same time as the much-loved E38 BMW 7 Series, and the W140 S-Class had been around for a few years by then. The difference was that the A8 didn't flounder despite its massively impressive rivals, as it corrected all the misgivings of its predecessor. It was roomier, looked more distinct, and had multiple engine options to expand its appeal. Ultimately, 105,092 first-generation A8s were built, nearly five times more than the V8. The V8 walked so the A8 could fly. Had Audi given up on the idea of a flagship sedan, the world probably wouldn't have seen the creation of the S8. Without the S8, the high-performance flagship sedan niche probably wouldn't have existed, either. Audi Audi View the 14 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

2026 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship Round Four – Budapest, Hungary SuperEnduro Results – Points – Standings A sensational round four of the 2025/2026 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship saw Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt remain unbeaten to claim the overall victory in Budapest, Hungary. Fifteen-thousand spectators filled the MVM Dome stadium in Budapest, Hungary, to watch […] The post Billy Bolt peerless once again with victory in Budapest appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Reliability has always been a top consideration for car buyers when choosing their next vehicle. A dependable car allows owners to keep it longer without the hassle of frequent repairs, saving both time and money. Thanks to iSeeCars, prospective buyers shopping this year can now get an idea of which newer models offer strong reliability without breaking the bank. The research website based its list on odometer readings from more than 400 million used vehicles, while pricing data was analyzed from over 8.7 million cars sold between July and December 2025. As such, the rankings are ordered by price per year, representing how much a vehicle costs relative to the number of years it is expected to last. For reference, the overall average price per year is $4,251, based on an average vehicle price of $46,699 and an expected lifespan of 11 years. 10. Honda CR-VHonda’s long-running nameplate, the CR-V, makes the list with a price per year of $2,620. While its average list price of $36,385 is the highest among the top 10 ranked, the model makes up for it with the longest expected lifespan on the list at 13.9 years. The Honda CR-V is the Japanese marque’s best-selling model in the U.S., competing in the compact crossover segment against rivals such as the Toyota RAV4. It is available with either a 190-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged engine or a 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain that produces a combined 204 horsepower. While the latter is often assumed to face reliability concerns due to added components like electric motors, many argue that modern hybrids are actually more reliable, as they reduce engine stress and eliminate the need for traditional starter motors and alternators. 9. Mazda3 SedanAnother Japanese model to make the list is the Mazda3 Sedan, which posts a price per year of $2,616. That figure is based on an average list price of $28,006 and an expected lifespan of 10.7 years—the second-shortest on this top 10 list, trailing only the Hyundai Elantra. As standard, the vehicle is offered with a 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine, while buyers can opt for a turbocharged version that boosts output to as much as 250 horsepower, up from 186 horsepower. Both engine options can be paired with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. While AWD can improve traction, it may reduce long-term reliability due to the added components that can wear over time. Cole Attisha 8. Hyundai ElantraThe Hyundai Elantra takes eighth place with a price per year of $2,538. As noted, the Korean compact sedan has the shortest expected lifespan at 9.9 years, but it still makes the cut thanks to its average list price of $25,172—making it the most affordable on the top 10 list. This can reflect how far Hyundai has come since its reliability struggles in the early 2000s, particularly when compared with long-established Japanese rivals. From a sales perspective, Hyundai—along with its corporate sibling Kia—has also built strong momentum in the U.S., recording an all-time high in retail sales last year. 7. Mitsubishi Outlander SportSeventh on the list is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, the smaller five-seat counterpart to the Outlander. According to iSeeCars, the model posts a price per year of $2,523, based on an average list price of $28,396 and an expected lifespan of 11.3 years. The Outlander Sport serves as the brand’s entry-level model in the U.S. and is offered with either a 2.0-liter inline-four producing 148 horsepower or a 2.4-liter engine rated at 168 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard. While CVTs earned a poor reputation—particularly in some Nissan models during the 2010s—those concerns are generally less pronounced in today’s vehicles. Mitsubishi 6. Subaru ImprezaWhile Subaru topped Consumer Reports’ 2026 Brand Report Card, only the Impreza made it into this top-10 list. The five-door hatchback posted a price per year of $2,507, based on an average list price of $27,559 and an expected lifespan of 11.0 years. Under the hood is either a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter boxer engine, with the latter producing 180 horsepower. Historically, this flat-engine layout caused Subaru issues with head gaskets, though those problems were more common on older generations and often linked to heavily modified or poorly maintained vehicles. The latest version pairs the engine with the brand's Lineartronic CVT and Symmetrical AWD system. Subaru 5. Honda AccordThe Honda Accord may be larger than most of the sedans on this list—which typically means with a higher price tag—but it still claims the fifth spot thanks to its impressive expected lifespan of 12.4 years. With an average list price of $30,927, the Accord posts a price per year of $2,489. While Honda is widely regarded for its reliability, the Accord has been sold exclusively with front-wheel drive, even as rivals such as the Toyota Camry offer all-wheel drive. This more conservative approach may have helped the midsize sedan avoid additional complexity and potential long-term issues. Honda 4. Volkswagen JettaThe Volkswagen Jetta may appear to be in need of a significant refresh to reignite interest, but it still performs well in terms of reliability—at least according to this study. It ranked fourth with a price per year of $2,313, based on an average list price of $26,522 and an expected lifespan of 11.5 years. As standard, the Jetta—Volkswagen’s challenger to rivals like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic—is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 158 horsepower. That's the same engine used in its compact crossover sibling, the Taos. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen 3. Mazda3 HatchbackInterestingly, despite sharing many of the same components as the sedan while carrying a higher price tag, the Mazda3 Hatchback still earns the third spot on the list with a price per year of $2,300. That figure is based on an average list price of $31,801 and an expected lifespan of 13.8 years—about 3.1 years more than the four-door alternative. For context, a 3.1-year difference in expected lifespan equates to roughly 42,000 additional miles of use, given that the average mileage of Americans per year is about 13,000 to 14,000 miles. Mazda 2. Toyota CorollaUnsurprisingly, Toyota, known for its reliable everyday cars, claims a podium spot in second place with the Corolla. The ranking is based on a price per year of $2,258—about 0.53x the overall average—derived from an average list price of $25,423 and an expected lifespan of 11.3 years. The Corolla is available with either a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine paired with front-wheel drive or a hybrid setup offered with all-wheel drive. However, prospective buyers who aren’t in a rush may want to wait a bit longer, as the next-generation model is rumored to arrive by 2027. Toyota 1. Honda CivicRounding out the top 10 list is a third Honda entry, the Civic, which boasts a price per year of $2,058—0.48x compared to the average. Like the CR-V, the Civic benefits from a long expected lifespan of 13.5 years, while keeping costs relatively reasonable with an average list price of $27,768. The Civic’s first-place ranking stands in sharp contrast to the Civic Hybrid, which falls to 25th with an expected lifespan of 9.5 years. This suggests that buyers should weigh efficiency gains against long-term ownership expectations. Honda Here's the full list of most reliable cars for the money for 2026, according to iSeeCars. Honda CivicToyota CorollaMazda3 HatchbackVolkswagen JettaHonda AccordSubaru ImprezaMitsubishi Outlander SportHyundai ElantraMazda3 SedanHonda CR-VToyota PriusToyota Camry (Hybrid)Nissan SentraToyota TacomaLexus IS 350Jeep CompassFord RangerNissan RogueNissan AltimaMini Hardtop 2-DoorChevrolet TrailblazerMini Hardtop 4-DoorNissan FrontierFord EscapeHonda Civic HybridView the full article

The Age of the Observed DriverAt this point, driver detection is nearly inevitable in modern vehicles, particularly as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as Ford’s BlueCruise rely on it to ensure drivers remain attentive. Now, however, it appears federal regulators are looking to build on this technology to enable the so-called “kill switch” coined by critics. The “kill switch” refers to provisions outlined in the HALT Drunk Driving Act, which was passed in 2021 and aims to prevent vehicles from being operated by drivers who are impaired or too intoxicated to drive. It works by monitoring the driver and, if established criteria are not met, preventing the vehicle from starting or moving to reduce road accidents. The Human Judgment QuestionSome drivers have expressed disapproval of the bill, arguing that allowing software to determine whether someone is fit to drive does not sit well with them. There are supporters, too, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which has said that impairment-detection technology has the potential to save up to 10,000 lives annually. The software could rely on breath- and touch-based technologies to measure BAC (blood alcohol concentration). For reference, the standard legal limit for driving in the U.S. is 0.08 percent, though Utah lowered it to 0.05 percent. The system could also use cameras to monitor a driver’s eye movements for signs of possible intoxication. MADD notes that while it supports the law, it does not endorse systems that collect, store, or sell driver data – an issue that remains a key concern with this type of technology. Honda Pressure Beyond RegulationHowever, automakers may soon begin installing more driver-detection systems in response to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and its more stringent “30×30” vision, which aims to reduce road deaths in the U.S. by 30 percent by 2030. Vehicles without a driver-monitoring system would no longer be eligible for the Top Safety Pick+ award—the organization’s highest safety distinction. The designation can influence purchasing decisions, especially for buyers who prioritize safety. As of this writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to finalize the safety standard that would establish timelines for the “kill switch.” The process involves extensive research and testing, which helps explain why the rulemaking process has taken longer than expected. Once completed, automakers may be able to adapt existing driver-monitoring and detection systems, as many vehicles already include similar technology to support their respective SAE Level 2 driver-assistance functions. Chevrolet View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article