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FS Performance and Sam Pack Ford teamed up with Funny Car driver Buddy Hull to create a limited-edition Ford Mustang “Buddy Hull” specialty car, inspired by the same grit, attitude, and adrenaline that drive his Nitro Funny Car program. Hull also has a full-size Funny Car on display at the North Dallas dealership. “This was an amazing opportunity to partner with Sam Pack Ford to design a killer Mustang,” said Hull. “I was able to sit in and give them ideas on the performance levels of the Mustang as well as styling suggestions to make it very personal to my brand. This is a one-of-a-kind Mustang and I can’t wait to hand it over to a lucky customer.” FS Performance brought Hull’s vision to life with a fully dialed-in build featuring a Roush Stage 2 kit, pushing the car to roughly 800 horsepower. Every part of this car has been touched with intention, from motorsport-styling cues to performance upgrades worthy of the Buddy Hull name. 2025 Mustang GT Premium – 5.0L Coyote Key Highlights • 5-Year / Unlimited Mile Warranty • 305 Toyo R888R Tires • Project 6GR Custom Wheels • Corsa Xtreme Full Exhaust Kit • Roush Adjustable Handling Suspension – Full Kit • Whipple Supercharger – Stage 2 (875 HP) • Full Carbon Fiber Kit (Interior & Exterior) • RTR Front Molded Lip Splitter • FS Performance × Buddy Hull Wrap • Buddy Hull Stitched Interior • Custom Satin Black Wrap Fans and potential buyers can come into the dealership and see both high-performance vehicles. The purchase of the Buddy Hull edition Mustang will include the opportunity for the buyer to sit in the driver’s seat of Hull’s 12,000 horsepower Funny Car. Hull will also autograph the Mustang for the buyer. “The person who gets the Buddy Hull Mustang will also get a once in a lifetime experience of sitting in my Nitro Funny Car,” said Hull. “Someone will get the most high horsepower experience and drive away in a killer Mustang.” This will not be a one-time offering. Sam Pack Ford and Buddy Hull plan on releasing Buddy Hull editions of Ford F150 and Broncos with Superchargers. The goal is to deliver high-performance vehicles with custom features. More information on those offerings will roll out in the coming months. This story was originally published on December 17, 2025. The post Sam Pack Ford Releases Buddy Hull Edition Mustang first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

In the most unlikely of mash-ups, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks (a division of the Daimler giant) has revealed the most luxurious Unimog ever. If you don't know much about the Unimog, here's a quick recap. The name encompasses various multi-purpose all-wheel-drive vehicles, but the idea was conceived in 1944 when Germany was under occupation, and Unimogs have been produced since 1948. With its highly resilient power take-offs, as seen in tractors, for example, and its portal axles, the Unimog is practically unstoppable off-road. And yes, Unimogs have been used as tractors, as well as light trucks, snowplows, and more, but they're perhaps best known as military vehicles. The first Unimog with the Three-pointed Star arrived in 1953, and little has changed since then. Until now - the latest Unimog is by far the fanciest to date, and if it reaches production, only Maybach buyers will be able to afford it. This Unimog is Not for Sale (Yet) Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The one-off Unimog is a show car built in anticipation of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks' 80th anniversary next year. Built in collaboration with upfitter Hellgeth Engineering, this creation is based on the Unimog U 4023 (as 2022's Unimog expedition vehicle was) and boasts a flexible frame, portal axles, selectable AWD, and longitudinal and differential locks on both axles. The most luxurious Unimog is also the most powerful off-road Unimog yet, with the standard four-cylinder engine being replaced by Mercedes-Benz's incredibly reliable six-cylinder OM 936 turbodiesel engine, a 7.7-liter behemoth producing, in this case, 295 horsepower. Mercedes didn't reveal the torque figure, but the engine is capable of as much as 1,069 lb-ft. While described as a show vehicle, Mercedes says that "to gain valuable insights for a possible future development stage, the vehicle will be tested by a customer in real-world conditions next year." So if you have an affinity for brutish beasts that feel like five-star hotel rooms, stay tuned. Sensible Upgrades for the Luxury Unimog Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks Outside, the matte grey bodywork boasts a MirrorCam system with digital cameras and monitors instead of traditional wing mirrors, which is probably for the best given how big this thing is. Aluminum beadlock wheels and modern LED headlights and taillights give the truck a more contemporary look without negating the off-road presence, while front bumper add-ons make the vehicle more intimidating. Side steps aid entry, and in the cabin, it's all about comfort, with premium leather surfacing (including the roof and floor mats), more ergonomic seating with colored stitching, and ambient LED lighting. A regular Unimog U 4023, if any Unimog can be called that, starts at around $225,000 for a very basic single-cab setup, so this four-seater with its luxury appointments will certainly cost buyers much, much more than if it ever makes production. Should it? Let us know in the comments section below. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A New Engine On The Block?A report from GM Authority teases what the rumored next-generation small-block V8 engine could sound like. This power unit – reportedly set to carry the LS6 engine designation – is expected to power the rumored Chevrolet Corvette C8 Grand Sport for the 2027 model year. The report cites a YouTube video by Rick Conti, a well-known Corvette enthusiast with around 57,000 followers. Conti claims the sound clip was recorded inside the car, audible starting around the 3:45 mark in the video embedded below. Fuel for the Grand Sport TalkWhile the recording itself is described as “unofficial,” it appears to align with ongoing rumors that General Motors is working on an all-new small-block V8. If accurate, this would represent the sixth-generation iteration of GM’s small-block architecture. What does this mean for the rumored Corvette C8 Grand Sport? For the uninitiated, the LS6 nameplate has historically been used for high-performance engine variants, suggesting that the Grand Sport trim would slot above the entry-level Corvette Stingray in the lineup. Reports suggest that the LS6 could be offered in two displacement options: 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter configurations. Currently, the Corvette Stingray—powered by a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated LT2 V8—produces around 495 horsepower. As such, the next-generation LS6 in the Grand Sport is expected to deliver a higher output, though it is unlikely to spoil the track-focused Corvette Z06, which produces 670 hp from its 5.5-liter LT6 V8. Between the Stingray and the Z06 sits the Corvette E-Ray, which could remain positioned above the Grand Sport in the model hierarchy. However, the trims are not directly comparable in performance. The E-Ray features a 655-hp hybrid powertrain paired with an all-wheel-drive system, in contrast to the traditional rear-wheel-drive layout used by most other Corvette variants. Chevrolet Positioning a Mid-Spec Corvette C8Beyond the LS6 engine, the Corvette C8 Grand Sport is also expected to adopt a wide-body exterior, as seen in the Grand Sport treatments on the previous C6 and C7 Corvette generations. Conti has argued that the rumored mid-spec trim could ultimately become the volume seller of the sports car lineup, provided pricing is positioned correctly. For reference, the Corvette Stingray starts at around $70,000, while the Corvette Z06 carries a base price of $120,300. Chevrolet also offers even more extreme Corvette variants in the form of the ZR1 and ZR1X, both of which deliver at least 1,000 hp. However, those low-production halo models are clearly positioned outside the high-volume sales segment. Chevrolet View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Surprise Safety LeadersWith advances in automotive safety, no one brand can truly claim to build the absolute safest cars on the road. Case in point, Hyundai has raked in more IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards than any other automaker this year, and we're not even including Kia and Genesis, which are also under the Hyundai Motor Group (HMG). Does it mean Hyundais are safer than Volvos these days? Not necessarily, but it goes to show that safety shouldn't be selective of brand, as proven by HMG's products. More recently, two of the company's cars aced one of the toughest tests performed by the IIHS to date. Another Hyundai Gets Top MarksHyundai is on a roll with its safety record. The redesigned Palisade just received an overall good rating from the agency. Its performance was good enough to merit a Top Safety Pick award, adding yet another IIHS trophy to Hyundai's cabinet. But, hold on, isn't there a Top Safety Pick + award? Well, yes, but the Palisade just missed out on that. That doesn't make it an unsafe vehicle at all, but there are some points for improvement, should Hyundai want to make its flagship SUV even safer. Hyundai Almost TherePoints were knocked down in the moderate overlap crash test with a rating of acceptable, while rear dummy kinematics were rated marginal. But for the rest of the tests, such as small overlap and side impact, the Palisade was rated good across the board. Overall injury measures were low for both front and rear passengers. The IIHS even had praises for the Palisade's advanced driver assists. In all the situations that the agency threw at it, the SUV avoided the collision. More impressively, its driver assists still worked well in low-light and dark situations. That proved a challenge for some cars before, but the Palisade performed without a hitch. Overall, a very safe vehicle, and one that people should consider when choosing a midsize crossover. Cars like the Palisade are often aimed at families, and delivering precious cargo in absolute safety is a must. We're pretty sure Hyundai is already working out a way to get that Top Safety Pick + award in the next round of testing. Getting that will be another feather in the cap for Hyundai, but the real winners here will be the consumer. Hyundai IIHS Doesn't Mess AroundThe IIHS isn't a government agency, but it has become instrumental in making safer cars over the decades. They made offset frontal crash tests the norm and introduced tougher tests, such as the small overlap impact and passenger-side frontal crash tests. The agency has caught out several automakers through the years, but it was all for the improvement of occupant safety. In recent years, the IIHS has been putting advanced driver-assist systems through their paces. It's not enough that cars have them these days; they actually have to work promptly and properly. It's all the more reason its findings are worth their weight in gold for both consumers and carmakers. Cole Attisha View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Rare Seal of ApprovalNissan has certified Litchfield Motors as an official Authorized Service and High-Performance Centre for the R35 GT-R, marking the first time an independent specialist in Europe has been brought into the Japanese automaker’s official network. The move signals Nissan’s confidence in Litchfield’s technical capabilities with the GT-R, effectively entrusting the specialist with servicing the GT-R owners across the region. Also known for its work on other brands such as Audi, Ferrari, and Porsche, Litchfield will now provide official Nissan servicing using factory-approved procedures, diagnostic equipment, and genuine parts. Litchfield Preparing for the Post-R35 EraAccording to Litchfield, the appointment follows a period of significant investment at its Tewkesbury, United Kingdom facility. These upgrades include new workshop buildings, additional specialist equipment, and an expanded technical team – developments that should be welcome news for GT-R owners. Of note, Nissan has now discontinued the R35 GT-R after an 18-year production run. In this context, the partnership represents a win on multiple fronts. Nissan can shift its focus toward future performance projects – such as a potential GT-R successor previewed by the Hyper Force Concept – while ensuring that existing GT-R owners continue to receive factory-aligned support. For Litchfield, the appointment adds further credibility to the work it has been doing behind the scenes for years. Owners, meanwhile, benefit from access to a specialist with deep, hands-on experience across a wide range of high-performance vehicles, like the 920-horsepower, Porsche 911-based RML GT Hypercar. The R35 GT-R is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6, which has undergone numerous revisions and refinements over its lifespan. In its range-topping Nismo specification, the U.S.-spec model produces around 600 hp, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends power to all four wheels. Litchfield Combining Maintenance and Aftermarket SupportBeyond routine servicing, Litchfield will continue to offer aftermarket performance upgrades for the GT-R. The certification makes it easier for owners to access factory-aligned maintenance and performance support. “This is a milestone for our business and something we are proud to share with our customers,” said managing director Iain Litchfield. “Our goal has always been to give owners the best possible support, and this new status allows us to take that a stage further,” he added. While Nissan leans on Litchfield to help sustain and enrich the R35 GT-R ecosystem in Europe, Nismo has been expanding its own restoration programs for the Skyline GT-R R32, R33, and R34. The performance division recently announced plans to grow its heritage and restoration operations as part of an effort to capture a significant share of a projected 1.2 trillion yen (approximately $7.7 billion) global market for restoration, restomod, and parts sales by 2032. Litchfield View the full article

Youth ATVs made by Luyuan and sold at Walmart, Amazon, and other online retailers could "pose a serious risk of injury or death."View the full article

The CLA That Will Likely Be the Volume SellerBoth EV and hybrid versions of the Mercedes-Benz CLA are now available in Europe, and the electric model is now sitting in showrooms stateside. But back in Europe, the compact sedan is available in a wider variety of trims and model lines, and even comes in incredibly basic forms if the buyer so chooses. That said, the U.S market usually gets the more loaded version of European models, and that’s the case for the hybrid CLA. With that, we can now confirm that the gas-fed model coming to America is the CLA 220. It’s the most powerful version available in Europe, but the U.S will be getting that standard. It’ll also be the one and only powertrain choice for the hybrid CLA for this part of the world. What's it Packing?The CLA 220 uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter Miller Cycle engine with a 48V hybrid system. Technically speaking, it's a mild-hybrid, but it does allow the car to run solely on battery power like a parallel hybrid (like a Prius, Civic Hybrid, etc.). It also helps that it has a relatively large battery, listed at 1.3kWh. The engine alone makes 188 hp and 221 lb-ft, which is then supplemented by a single electric motor that produces 30 hp and 148 lb-ft. Combined, the CLA 220 produces 208 hp and, more importantly, 280 lb-ft of torque. It's then connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission specifically designed for this application. Technical HighlightsThe use of a 48V system allows for compact packaging. It also means the CLA is light for modern hybrid standards. Curb weight is listed at 3,594 lbs, which is still more than the Audi A3 Sedan (3,329 lbs for FWD models) and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (3,393 lbs for 228i), but we wouldn't call it porky by any means. And do note that its similarly-sized compatriots aren't offered as hybrids. Another highlight is its EV mode. In situations that require less than 27 hp, the CLA is battery-powered, depending on charge level and throttle application. Mercedes-Benz says its benefit comes into play in city driving conditions. It can also coast without any assistance from the engine, as well as regenerate energy for up to 25 kW, a neat feature for those in hilly areas. Other FeaturesLike the European model, the U.S version has an AI-enhanced MB.OS that's hooked up to the Mercedes‑Benz Intelligent Cloud to allow for over-the-air updates for the infotainment system and more. Google Assistant is also present, and the navigation system is also based on Google Maps. The floating MBUX Superscreen is available for the CLA 220, featuring a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central display, and a 14-inch front passenger display. Of course, advanced driver assists are standard. Dubbed MB.DRIVE, it includes Digital Extra: Distronic, Blind Spot Assist Plus with Exit Warning, lane-keep assist, and more. Lane change assist and steering assist are options. As for pricing, it's still up in the air, so we'll be keeping a close eye on that. But given that the EV models start at around $47,000, we reckon the CLA 220 will go for less than that. Mercedes-Benz View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Purist Ferrari, Frozen in TimeThe Ferrari 360 is often regarded as a purist’s car, offering an analog driving experience before widespread technological advancements reshaped supercars in the late 2000s. Ferrari also produced a more extreme, track-oriented version called the Challenge Stradale, and one of its 1,288 examples is now up for sale via DK Engineering. This particular example is even rarer than most, as it is one of just 42 cars finished in the factory Blu Tour de France exterior paint. It is also believed to be among only nine units in the same color produced with a right-hand-drive configuration. Perhaps most remarkably, the car is showing just 826 miles on the odometer, an exceptionally low figure for a vehicle that is now more than two decades old. DK Engineering Race-Bred, Road-LegalAccording to the listing, this Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale was originally acquired new through Ferrari Wilmslow in 2004. The original owner reportedly drove the car sparingly before ownership was transferred to his estate following his passing. The 360 Challenge Stradale was built on Ferrari’s early adoption of the F1-style automated manual, while the standard 360 Modena and Spider were also available with a gated six-speed stick shift. It was a significant development at the time, bringing racing-derived technology to road-going supercars. What was once considered cutting-edge hardware has since become widely adopted, with paddle shifters now appearing even in mass-market models such as the Honda Civic. What truly sets the 360 apart, however, is its 3.6-liter V8 engine, which came in naturally aspirated form. This setup enables higher revs, delivering Ferrari’s signature high-pitched, F1-inspired soundtrack. Ferrari retained the naturally aspirated formula for the succeeding F430 and 458 before transitioning to twin-turbocharging with the arrival of the 488 in 2015. In Challenge Stradale specification, the engine was tuned to deliver 425 horsepower—around 25 horsepower more than the standard 360 Modena and Spider trims. The race-focused package also included extensive use of carbon-fiber body panels, carbon-ceramic brakes, and a revised suspension setup optimized for track use. DK Engineering Exclusivity Comes at a CostThis 2004 MY example currently for sale is further equipped with Tan upholstery, Scuderia wing shields, brake calipers finished in Giallo, and the original warranty book, purchase invoice, service documentation, and Ferrari assistance booklet. Given its rarity, condition, and performance-focused enhancements, the car is being offered at £499,995, or approximately $669,000 at today’s exchange rates. That figure is significantly more than a new Ferrari 12Cilindri, although the driving experiences they offer – analog versus digital – could not be more different. DK Engineering View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

More than just a motorcycle cafe and restaurant, the Bike Shed has helped shape modern-day moto culture, and wants to expand all across the globe.View the full article

Toyota’s sporty Scion brand is missed by many enthusiasts. Created in 2003 with the aim to appeal to a more youthful market, the brand brought us fun cars like the FR-S, which was essentially the first-generation Toyota 86. The Scion brand gained recognition again last month when Toyota unveiled the wild Scion 01 off-road concept for SEMA, but it wasn’t clear at the time if this was a one-off or a true resurgence of Scion. Well, we now have some answers. Scion will indeed return with more than just off-road concepts, although it won’t be the Scion we remember. An Innovative Mobility Brand Toyota At a recent media event, Road & Track had the opportunity to chat to Don Federico, the chief engineer behind the Scion 01 off-road concept. “We’re bringing [Scion] back as an opportunity for mobility,” said Federico. He further explained that Toyota is “getting back to the roots of Scion, which was supposed to be this test laboratory. This is that.” Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda said that Toyota is becoming a mobility company, so Federico said that Scion is well-positioned to introduce a range of mobility products that are “not traditional vehicles.” That explains why we got the 01 concept, an all-terrain side-by-side vehicle for recreational purposes. It’s powered by a four-cylinder hybrid engine with over 300 horsepower and even has a Silent Mode for quietly navigating tight trails. Federico said that there would be no return of Scion road cars like a new tC, as such a vehicle would be badged as a Toyota. However, future Scion projects will not be limited to off-roaders, and the company’s concepts may end up going into production. Related: Why Toyota EVs should be under the Scion brand Present-Day Toyota Doesn’t Need Scion Sports Cars Scion When Scion originally launched in the 2000s, Toyota had fewer enthusiast-pleasing models in its lineup. Today, the brand’s range includes the GR Corolla, GR86, and GR Supra. The dramatic GR GT was revealed recently as the company’s upcoming flagship sports car. The GT will set new standards for Toyota Gazoo Racing, as it’s expected to be capable of a supercar-like 0-60 run of below three seconds. Toyota Even the run-of-the-mill RAV4 has a performance variant, a 324-hp GR Sport plug-in hybrid model that’s on the way early next year. Toyota also has its lineup of TRD-badged models, but these have an off-road focus and will be body-on-frame vehicles only. With such a comprehensive lineup of sporty vehicles, these Toyotas would likely clash if Scion returned with a similar lineup to the one it had two or so decades ago. Hence, Toyota’s decision to focus on unorthodox mobility products is a way to revive the innovative spirit of Scion without cannibalizing sales of the GR lineup. View the full article

Guenther Steiner recently said on a podcast that he'd like to get F1 Champion, Lando Norris, on a KTM MotoGP bike for a ride.View the full article

If you want to see some of the most epic hillclimb machines, including tons of Rally and Rallycross cars, plus a bunch more you won’t expect, then check out the video below. This is awesome stuff. We’re talking about the Lillehammer Hillclimb, an event that has grown exponentially, even though it is only in its second year. Read the description below and then watch the video, and let us know what you think. Video Description: Here we go back to Lillehammer HillClimb for the 2nd Year. Held in Norway right besides the famous Ski Jump platform, and a mythic event with great History that has featured some of the greatest Rallycross drivers ever in previous editions, here we have the Top 20 Fastest machines and drivers, with the driving skills on the highest level, as well as the presence of plenty of Rallycross units. Here we have former Group B Monsters, various RWD converted Touring Cars, a number of WRX SuperCars, some of the strangest Engine Swaps, plenty of sideways action and some of the Turbocharged Touring Car Class RallyCross cars coming to HillClimb Racing. And as crown jewel, we have the return of what was probably the most viewed Hillclimb car/driver of last year on our Channel, Johnny Josdal with his mighty Camaro!! (although a different unit now, but the same or even more spectacularity..) This is how they ended up placing after 2 days of Racing uphill: 00:00 – Honda Civic EG6 »»» Johannes Rafoss (w/ ONBOARD) 01:25 – BMW M3 E30 2JZ-GTE »»» Vidar Jodahl 02:27 – Volvo S40 Touring Car »»» Arild Reiakvam 03:50 – BMW E36 Compact »»» Jarle Lippert 05:06 – Chevrolet Camaro LS1 »»» Johnny Josdal (w/ ONBOARD) 07:04 – Skoda Fabia AMG »»» Herbjorn Haug (w/ ONBOARD) 08:34 – Mazda RX-7 SA22C »»» Lasse Aaberg 09:56 – VW Polo S1600 »»» Mats Marthinsen 11:08 – BMW E30 Touring Car »»» Per Jorgensen 12:31 – FORD Escort Mk2 BDA »»» Marius Solberg Hansen 13:54 – FORD Escort Mk5 » »» Mats Lund Heimdahl 15:28 – FORD Focus RX SuperCar »»» Thomas Paulsen 16:52 – Citroen Xsara Kit-Car »»» Lars Berntsen (w/ ONBOARD) 18:15 – BMW 1M Touring Car »»» Petter Paulsen 19:32 – FORD RS200 Evolution »»» Morten Lerdahl (w/ ONBOARD) 21:08 – FORD Escort Cosworth Group A »»» Marius Nylokken 22:10 – BMW E30 Turbo Touring Car »»»» Hans-Joren Ostreng (w/ ONBOARD) 23:41 – Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 »»» Jens Hvaal 25:01 – BMW E30 Touring Car »»» Thomas Bryntesson 26:24 – AUDI A1 Turbo Touring Car »»» Emil Sivesind (w/ ONBOARD) The post CHECK OUT THE TOP 20 HILLCLIMB MONSTERS From The 2025 Lillehammer Hill Climb 2025 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

BMW’s first Neue Klasse vehicle, the iX3, has gotten off to a strong start. Demand for the electric SUV has been high and its on-paper range and efficiency specifications are excellent. It all bodes well for the new iX1, the iX3’s smaller sibling that will adopt the same design language and technological advancements seen in the iX3. Our spies captured the first images of the iX1 a few months ago, and now we’ve got our first glimpse of its high-tech interior. Related: 5 Coolest Features Of The All-New BMW iX3 Nothing Like The Gas X1 SH Proshots/Autoblog The upcoming iX1 adopts many of the interior changes seen in the iX3, which marks a total departure from the current X1’s more conventional cockpit. There’s a large center touchscreen with the quirky hexagonal shape of the iX3’s one, and BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive system is visible. This setup does away with a traditional gauge cluster in favor of a pillar-to-pillar display below the windscreen. S Below the touchscreen, traditional buttons are largely eliminated. There’s a lower section with buttons for the hazards, gear selector, electronic parking brake, and defogging functions. Ahead of this, we’re likely to find a space for wireless phone charging and the cupholders. The rather attractive floating center console found in the current X1 is gone. The rest of the interior is largely covered up, so we can’t say for sure if the strange four-spoke steering wheel from the iX3 will make it into the iX1. Related: First Look: BMW’s Neue Klasse iX3 Previews the Future Of EVs Downsized iX3 From The Outside 2028 BMW iX1 spy shot SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Based on these and previous spy shots, the iX1 will adopt a very similar look to the iX3. The kidney grills will be vertical but slimmer than on most existing BMW models. The headlights will be integrated into a horizontal strip that runs just below the hood, and the taillights are expected to stretch across almost the entire width of the body. The main changes are beneath the skin, though. Making use of BMW’s new cylindrical batteries and 800-volt architecture, the iX1 will have much faster charging and a longer range than the existing iX1 (not sold in the USA). We wouldn’t be surprised if EPA figures reach 400 miles. The iX3’s batteries can be recharged from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes at a charge rate of up to 400 kW, so expect similar capabilities for the iX1. Related: BMW Quietly Teases Its Next Electric SUV Will The iX1 Finally Make It To America? B The current BMW iX1 isn’t sold stateside, but we have higher hopes that this new one will arrive here. Considering that the iX3 will start at around $60,000, there’s certainly space at a lower price point for the iX1. Audi’s Q4 e-tron starts at just over $50,000, while Volvo has the EX30 for around $40k. Whether BMW believes a smaller, cheaper EV in America is profitable enough remains to be seen, but the vehicle itself should be a vast improvement over the current iX1. An unveiling of the new iX1 is expected in 2026 with a 2027 launch to follow, with European markets likely to be the first to receive the new EV. View the full article

Think less R1 and more R25, though, which could be great news for small displacement sportbike fans who love the R15 and R25!View the full article

CarPlay can be a real dealbreaker for car buyersIt's fair to say that in today's interconnected digital world, smartphone mirroring capabilities like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't just subtle luxuries, such as tri-zone climate control, but outright essential features that could make or break a car purchase. In a recent study of over a thousand car owners conducted by American Trucks, approximately 55% of drivers stated that a lack of Apple CarPlay would influence their decision to buy a particular car. In contrast, 36% of Android Auto users shared the same sentiment. In addition, when the same people were asked if they trusted an automaker to build an in-car system as good as Apple or Google, 31% said no, 36% said they were not sure, while 33% said yes. Despite this, one automaker that notably omits these kinds of features from its cars is none other than the adventure EV brand Rivian, the makers of the rugged R1T electric pickup and the R1S SUV. However, according to Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe, the decision to omit CarPlay and Android Auto is not due to any technological shortcomings; it’s actually because, in his opinion, most other cars don’t cut it on the software front. Nissan RJ Scaringe: CarPlay is an excuse to make bad in-car softwareIn a recent interview on Ben Thompson’s Stratechery podcast, the two explored a wide range of topics, including Scaringe’s background, Rivian’s early days, the company’s partnership with Amazon and Walmart. But when he was asked about his company’s controversial decision to skip CarPlay, he called it a “good system,” but pointed out a key thing about its owners. “The only reason people want that is they’ve been trained because they’re in cars that have such bad software that the life raft to escape the horrible software that is embedded in the car is CarPlay, and CarPlay is a really important function for that,” he said. “If I’m in a non-Rivian or non-Tesla and I get in, it’s like a disaster, and I’m like, 'Oh thank goodness there’s CarPlay.' It has some thoughtful UI, but we have a really thoughtful UI, and the few things that are missing we’ve been adding.” The Rivian CEO actually explained his shade at the competition, as it is based on actual technical stuff that can consequently impact one’s driving experience. Scaringe argues that building a truly seamless driving experience means controlling everything on the screen yourself, and that when you hand over your dashboard to Apple a la CarPlay, you’re essentially letting another company run part of your car, which can create conflict between you, your car, and the software running on the infotainment screen. Jason Henry/Bloomberg via Getty Images Scaringe says that he and Rivian are “very convicted” that keeping their own software is essential in maintaining an in-car experience “where you can talk to the car and ask for things,” and also know up-to-the-minute info on “the state of health of the vehicle, the state of charge, distance,” and “outside temperature,” which can be disturbed if an application like CarPlay is integrated into Rivian’s on-screen infotainment software. The real issue, according to Scaringe, is the future of these tech-forward machines, where he believes we’ll soon be talking to our cars like personal assistants. In his line of thought, if you ask your Rivian about your schedule for the day, you shouldn’t have to care whether it’s pulling from Google Calendar or Apple’s system behind the scenes. You just want the answer, instantly. “[...] you just want the information, that interface becomes really important, it becomes so fundamental to the user experience and the whole user journey,” Scaringe said. “So as we’ve thought about this, inserting any sort of abstraction layer or aggregation layer that’s not our own just is extremely risky, and you start to build dependencies on that that are hard to reverse.” This becomes especially messy when you add self-driving features into the mix, of which Rivian has dipped its toes into as of late. CarPlay typically takes over your entire screen, which can hinder the car’s ability to show you essential information about driving conditions. Scaringe suggested that it could use split screens to display different information. Still, in an effort to point to Apple as a guiding example, he noted that such an experience could be overwhelming for drivers. “It’s like you have two different UIs playing out, and I just think it’s poor UI, it’s a poor user experience,” he said. R The no-CarPlay effectRivian has been working to provide people with an experience that would make them forget about CarPlay. In its R1S and R1T, Google Maps is a built-in navigation option, while support for major music streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal, is also included. Scaringe and the company believe their well-designed user interfaces eliminate the need for CarPlay; so much so that Scaringe says the people actually complaining about missing CarPlay are mostly those who haven’t bought a Rivian yet. “[...] people that are in Teslas and Rivians that are actually driving it, the number of people that actually complain about it is very, very low,” he said, pointing out that Tesla drivers report the same experience. “The number of people that say they’re not buying Rivian because of CarPlay is a higher number, but once you get into it, you’re like, 'Oh, what was I worried about? This is really good!', and I think the same trend exists for Tesla.” Final thoughtsNotably, Rivian is not the only company with this same philosophy. Recently, General Motors announced that Apple Music would be available in select Chevrolet and Cadillac models, and that audio streaming would be standard through OnStar Basics, its eight-year no-cost connectivity package, for all 2025 and newer vehicles in both the U.S. and Canada. This philosophy aligns with Rivian's approach to building cars in general. The company is spending billions developing its technology, and part of that bet is keeping complete control over the driver experience. They see their vehicles as user-friendly computers on wheels, where having a unified, well-designed screen experience isn’t optional; it’s essential. View the full article

It’s time for NHRA’s fastest passes of 2025 and that means several record breaking runs! 2025 was full of falling records, and we love it. If you aren’t an NHRA Mission Drag Racing fan, you should be. There is a lot of drag racing going on all over the country and 2026 promises to be even bigger and better than 2025 already has been. Let’s take a look at NHRA’s fastest passes of 2025 and then compare them next year to see just how hard racers are pushing the envelope. The post The 10 Fastest Drag Racing Runs of 2025! Check Out NHRA’s Biggest And Baddest, Making Record Runs At The Track In 2025. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Hero MotoCorp brings its mass-market experience to a youth-focused off-road EV with the VIDA DIRT.E K3.View the full article

If you haven’t seen the WRC documentary series More Than Machine, and you are a rally racing fan, you are going to want to check out the entire first season at the link below. With behind the scenes, racing action, and more, this series gives you a look you can’t otherwise get from WRC coverage. We love this series, and are thrilled that the new season has started. We’ve got Season 2, Episode 2, below for you to enjoy, and more coming! If you missed Season 1 of the series, and would like to catch up, there is a complete Season 1 Replay at the link below. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF SEASON 1 OF More Than Machine Video Description: From the frozen forests of Sweden to the unforgiving heat and dust of the Kenyan savanna, the pressure to win in the World Rally Championship never stops. In More Than Machine Season 2, Episode 2, we follow the intense highs and crushing lows of Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai Motorsport as they battle the elements and each other. In this episode, Elfyn Evans chases perfection, securing his 10th career victory in the snow, while his teammate Takamoto Katsuta faces the immense weight of expectation. Watch as Taka fights for his first-ever rally win in Sweden, only to face a rollercoaster of emotions on the brutal stages of the Safari Rally Kenya. It’s a story of resilience, team rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of the World Championship title. The post World Rally Championship Video Series: More Than Machine, Season 2 Episode 2 – Battling It Out In Sweden’s Snow! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

If the phrase "prophylactic relief" doesn't make you giggle, particularly when it's typed out in a legal document, I'm not sure I want to know you.View the full article

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just released its latest round of safety results for new models. These tests have become tougher in recent years and provide consumers with the peace of mind that the vehicle you’re purchasing will hold up well if the worst happens. The new results will make Audi fans smile, as the luxury brand picked up another three of the safety agency’s Top Safety Pick+ awards, the highest recognition given only to vehicles that perform exceedingly well in multiple tests. Perhaps surprisingly, one Mercedes-Benz missed out on this top accolade. Audi Leads All Luxury BrandsThe Top Safety Pick+ award was attained by Audi’s Q5, Q5 Sportback, and A6 Sportback e-tron. Seven Audi models have now attained this award, leading all luxury brands. All three models achieved the agency’s maximum ‘Good’ rating for crucial tests like the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and the tougher side-impact tests. To qualify for the top award, models tested also need Acceptable or Good ratings in the pedestrian front crash prevention test and similar ratings for the headlights, across all trim levels. The Q5 and Q5 Sportback’s headlights were rated as Acceptable, while top A6 Sportback e-tron trims with more advanced LED headlights got the top Good rating. All three Audis meet new criteria from the IIHS that focuses on rear-passenger safety during the moderate overlap collision test. This test now simulates a head-on collision at 40 mph, where the test vehicle strikes a vehicle of the same size and weight, with 40% of the front widths overlapping. An extra test dummy in the back seat specifically evaluates the protective measures for smaller occupants in such a crash. Related: The Safest Cars of 2025: IIHS Top Safety Picks Mercedes E-Class Leaves Room For Improvement IIHS/You One of Merc’s larger sedans would be expected to pass new crash tests with flying colors, but it wasn’t to be for the latest E-Class. It missed out on the Top Safety Pick+ award and the lower-tier Top Safety Pick award. While the BMW 5 Series rival attained Good marks for the small front overlap and updated side tests, it surprisingly got only a Marginal score for the updated moderate overlap front test—exactly the test where the three Audis excelled. The IIHS noted that the rear passenger dummy’s belt moved from the ideal position on the pelvis to the abdomen, increasing the chances of an abdomen-related injury. There was also found to be a moderate risk of injury to the head or neck of passengers seated at the back. The structural integrity of the E-Class is sound, but we expect Mercedes to make improvements to the seat belt design based on these results. For the most part, this is still a safe and secure sedan. Related: Crash Test Dummies Were Male for 50 Years, And Women Paid the Price Final ThoughtsContinuous improvements to crash-testing procedures have kept manufacturers on their toes in recent times. The tougher moderate overlap front test is a particular challenge, as the latest Ram 1500 and Volkswagen Tiguan both scored a Poor rating for this test. Later this decade, achieving a Top Safety Pick+ award will be even more difficult, as the agency will introduce new tests focusing on crash prevention and the evaluation of driver distraction. There will be a focus on speed limit warnings and driver impairment monitoring, specifically. These changes align with international standards, as Euro NCAP also announced a series of tougher tests, set to be implemented in 2026. Related: Your Next Car is About to Face Brutal New Safety Tests View the full article

I’ve always wanted to either widen a set of wheels in my shop, or rehoop a set of wheels to make them a completely different diameter and/or width. So when I saw this video, where a set of rare and cool 1970’s Spinstars were getting new hoops, and being turned into a bolt together two piece wheel, I was pretty stoked and knew I needed to check it out. In this video there is some lathe work that goes down, but I’m sure some of you could get creative and come up with an alternative method. It’s got my brain working, that’s for sure. Check it out and let us know what you think. I dig it. Video Description: Making of Custom Steelies for my vw bug with some help of my friends! Originally 15″ Sprintstar Steel wheels from 1970´s to wide 17″ 2 piece wheels. The post Building Custom, Steel, Two Piece Wheels: These VW Bug Custom 2 Piece Wheels Start Out As 1970`s Sprintstar Steelies! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

There were only 25 Crighton CR700Ws made; one is up for sale, and its asking price is astronomical. View the full article

Suzuki RGV XR80 Kenny Roberts Jr.’s Championship Winning Bike This is Kenny Roberts Jr.’s Suzuki RGV XR80, the machine on which he secured the 2000 500 cc World Championship, and it represents one of the most methodical development successes of the final two-stroke era. Roberts Jr.’s path to the Suzuki factory team was itself significant. […] The post Suzuki RGV500 – Kenny Roberts Jr. 2000 championship winner in feature appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Today's car news!From the death (and reincarnation) of the F-150 Lightning, to silly high transaction prices for new Cadillacs, to a pay-to-play frunk, things aren’t the way they were yesterday. Here, we’ll round up the biggest news stories of the last 24 hours on AutoBlog and divvy them up into bite-sized chunks that get right to the heart of the story, allowing you to go deeper if you want. Ford kills the F-150 Lightning...sorta Ford will end production of the F-150 Lightning, the brand's full-size electric truck, this year. The automaker initially suspended production after a series of fires hit its supplier. Deciding to shift production to more profitable gas and hybrid F-150s, which it still had to halve production of, Ford later made the decision to kill the model entirely. Enter a future extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) that Ford says will be able to tow "like a freight train" and provide all the benefits of an EV with none of the supposed compromise. To find out just how it plans to do that, read on below. Read More: Ford F-150 Lightning Is Officially Dead — Long Live F-150 Lightning EREV American buyers are dropping serious cash on their Caddys Cadillac The average transaction price for a new car is right around the $50,000 mark. High, right? For most people, it's largely unaffordable, and those who can afford it are financing at record term lengths. But there's a different reality entirely over at Cadillac, where buyers are, on average, paying more for their cars than similar vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and similar luxury automakers. Driving sales are models like its EVs, the Lyriq, Optiq, and Vistiq, as well as models like the Escalade range. To find out how much more American buyers are paying for Cadillac models, get the full story below. Read More: Americans Are Now Paying More for Cadillacs Than BMWs and Mercedes EV preferences signal a big sales shift next year Chevrolet There’s been a tonal shift when it comes to EVs. It’s not an assertion, either. Ford has shifted its focus toward hybrids, as have several other automakers. Where we once thought electrification would dominate automakers’ lineups, we’re now seeing a regression to meet consumer demand for other powertrains. A new study from CDK Global on consumer sentiment shows interest in EVs among gas-powered vehicle drivers has dropped significantly, and indicates a trend that could continue to grow. To get all the hard data, read on below. Read More: Study Shows Massive Shift In EV Sentiment May Affect 2026 Sales In A Big Way Ford will charge you for a frunk Ford Ford’s new Mustang Mach-E brand manager, Teddy Ankeny, revealed that for the 2026 model year, the crossover will no longer provide a frunk for free, even though many EVs offer extra space in the area that an internal combustion engine would traditionally sit. Most either make it a feature or provide some storage for a charging cable while not in use. Ford does the former, putting the Mach-e's frunk size up past competitors like the Kia EV6. No longer, though the company insists the decision to kill the frunk is to save buyers money. Read on and decide for yourself below. Read More: Ford Now Charges Mustang Mach-E Buyers for a Frunk View the full article

With winter adventures in full swing, the mountains are drawing in the crowds with fresh powder, crisp air, and après fun. But if you’re like us here at FarOut, while ski season brings excitement, your mind is already wandering toward the next adventure. As soon as the snow begins to melt, the trails open up and spring takes hold across British Columbia. There’s no better time to explore Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and more. Let’s plan a spring road trip! Why Spring Adventures Are So Amazing Spring in Canada is what we spend all winter waiting for! As days grow longer, waterfalls surge with snowmelt, and the forests come alive with colour and birdsong. It is warm enough to explore comfortably, but still cool enough to keep crowds away. If you are looking for ideas on where to visit in spring in Canada, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast offer the perfect balance of nature, charm, and adventure. Last March, we spent two weeks camping with the kids, exploring moss-covered forests, beaches alive with driftwood and sea spray, and small coastal towns where spring seems to arrive early. Our Top 5 Favourite Things to Do in Spring Spring on the West Coast is full of small moments and big adventures. Here are some of our favorite activities to make the most of the season. Chase Waterfalls As the snow melts, waterfalls across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast roar to life. Englishman River Falls and Burnett Falls are two must-see spots where you can feel the power of spring up close. Hit the Trails From lush rainforest paths to rugged coastal hikes, spring hiking is pure magic. Try the Wild Pacific Trail near Ucluelet or the Sunshine Coast Trail for unforgettable scenery. Go Beachcombing and Tidepooling Low tides reveal hidden worlds of shells, sea stars, and tiny crabs. Spend a slow morning exploring the shoreline and watching the waves roll in. Visit Local Markets Spring marks the return of farmers’ markets filled with fresh produce, flowers, and local treats. It’s the best way to connect with communities and stock up for a picnic or road trip. Campfire Evenings and Stargazing Cool nights are perfect for cozy campfires and clear skies. Whether you’re camping on the coast or nestled in a forest, spring nights bring quiet moments you’ll never forget. Top 5 Places to go on a Spring Road Trip Wondering if Vancouver Island is worth visiting in spring? The answer is yes. Here are some of the best places to add to your spring itinerary. Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island Walk among ancient Douglas firs that have stood for centuries. The sunlight filtering through moss-covered branches creates a peaceful, almost otherworldly setting. Tofino and Ucluelet Before the summer crowds arrive, enjoy storm watching, surfing, or walking the Wild Pacific Trail. The sunsets and ocean views in spring are spectacular. Cowichan Valley Wine Route Explore boutique wineries surrounded by wildflowers and rolling hills. This area is ideal for slow travel, local food, and relaxed afternoons. Desolation Sound, Sunshine Coast Perfect for spring kayaking, Desolation Sound offers calm waters, snow-capped peaks, and secluded coves. It’s one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. Skookumchuck Narrows, Sunshine Coast Watch powerful tidal rapids surge through a narrow channel. It’s one of the most unique natural attractions in British Columbia. Best Itineraries for Spring Whether you love camping or prefer a comfortable road trip, we’ve created a variety of itineraries that highlight some of the best places to explore on a spring road trip to BC Islands and Sunshine Tour: A nearly two week excursion to the BC’s remote and beautiful Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island. This tour is ripe with quiet and scenic coastlines, mild spring temperatures, and more. aMAYzing month in Canada Tour: This week-long trip takes you through all of the spring in the Vancouver area and Vancouver Island. From skiing the last spring slush at Whistler, to gazing in awe at the towering Stawamus Chief, to exploring Vancouver Island coastlines, this is an excellent trip to take in April and May. Not sold on spring camping? If you’re worried about getting chilly camping early in the season our Island in Bloom Tour on Vancouver Island offers a perfect blend of exploration and comfort. This trip has a couple nights of camping sprinkled into cozy bed and breakfasts, vineyard tours, and more. Tips for All-Weather Camping Spring camping means being ready for anything. Here are some ways to stay comfortable in unpredictable weather. Layer clothing for warmth and versatility Choose a tent with a full fly and groundsheet Keep fire-starting supplies dry and accessible Plan simple, hearty meals for chilly evenings Embrace mud and rain, it’s all part of the story Shake Off the Hibernation Blues Whether you’re pitching a tent by the ocean or cruising scenic highways, spring is the season to explore again. Trade ski boots for hiking shoes, après-ski cocoa for campfire coffee, and head out in search of waterfalls, wildflowers, and winding coastal roads. Vancouver Island, the Whistler area, and Sunshine Coast are the best spots in Canada for spring travel, offering hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and unforgettable moments on the open road. The post Spring into Adventure: Spring Road Trips in BC appeared first on Far Out Wilderness. View the full article