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After eight days of a bitter trial, NASCAR leadership finally settled and the lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports was settled. It was a highly contentious legal battle, and several eyebrow-raising comments were unsealed as a result of it. The result of the settlement will grant better terms for the race teams, and will lead to the introduction of permanent ...Keep readingView the full article

A one-off 1981 Ford Capri 3.0S Janspeed Turbo prototype that was nearly scrapped in the late 1990s is now for sale in the U.K., giving collectors a shot at what might be the ultimate “what if” fast Ford. Priced at £59,995 and listed by Fisher Performance Cars on PistonHeads, the car is believed to be one of four Capri 3.0S test cars Ford sent to Janspeed in period to evaluate a factory-backed turbo model, and it is widely thought to be the only survivor. It sits at the opposite end of the Ford spectrum from modern specials like the 770-horsepower F-150 Shelby Super Snake. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Capri Turbo Ford Never BuiltUnder the hood is a 2,994-cc Essex V6 fitted with an early Janspeed turbo kit, complete with Janspeed-badged plenum, turbocharger and carb setup. The drivetrain pairs that boosted V6 with a four-speed manual and rear-wheel drive, backed up by a Salisbury limited-slip differential and period suspension upgrades including Bilstein dampers and a twin-exit Janspeed exhaust. Visually, the car wears a distinctive two-tone beige and Roman Bronze paint scheme with gold pinstriping, plus a prototype rear spoiler and 3.0S-style trim. Inside, it keeps the familiar Capri 3.0S Carla-check fabric and period plastics, right down to a quirky double-carpet arrangement that has been preserved during restoration. In period, these Janspeed test cars were said to outpace contemporary performance benchmarks, but Ford ultimately chose to pursue the Capri 2.8 Injection instead of launching a factory turbo special. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Scrapyard Find Turned Six-Figure-Feel PrototypeThis particular Capri’s second life began when a Ford enthusiast spotted it in a London scrapyard in the late 1990s while hunting for parts. A worker mentioned that it was a “turbo” with a Janspeed badge under the hood, which prompted a closer look and eventually a full rescue. The car was dry-stored for roughly a decade before undergoing a sympathetic restoration in the late 2000s and early 2010s, including rebuilt turbo pipework, a freshened body that needed only light welding, and a respray in its original two-tone colors. Janspeed paperwork shows a full engine rebuild and kit work totaling more than £5,000 in period money, and the Capri later appeared in Classic Ford magazine in 2015. With a little over 70,000 miles showing, this is not a delivery-mile time capsule, but the seller backs it with extensive documentation, Janspeed invoices and long-term history that tie it back to Ford’s aborted turbo program. In Ford collector terms, it occupies similar “prototype that nearly was” territory to other halo projects and sits alongside blue-chip muscle. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Where It Fits Among Fast Fords TodayAt just under £60,000, this Janspeed Capri is priced at the very top of the Mk3 Capri world, above many road-going 2.8 Injections and close to some full race builds. The argument in its favor is that you are buying a one-off development car with direct Ford links rather than a regular production model, plus the story of a scrapyard save, a long restoration and a paper trail that is hard to repeat. It also highlights how broad the Ford performance story has become. Today, buyers can walk into a dealer and look at everything from three-row family crossovers such as the Explorer, to factory-built trucks and V8 coupes with more power than most period race cars. View the full article

I’ve wanted to buy a giant old vise and restore it for years. A new big vise is super expensive, and as much as I’d worship a Fireball Tools Hardtail vise for my shop, I can’t afford them. They do have some other reasonably priced options, and I’ll probably get one at some point, but the idea of restoring something big and old still appeals to me. What do you guys think? Would you restore an old vise for your shop? Or is it just easier to go buy something and call it a day? Video Description: I didn’t have a vise in the new workshop, but thanks to ‪@RobinsTools‬ , I got my hands on this really old Garant L vise in good condition. So I restored it to its former glory and upgraded it to be the nicest vice ever! The post Here’s What Happens When An Engineer Gets His Hands On An Old Bench Vise And Proceeds To Restore It appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Custom plates are a thing, but sometimes they can get out of hand, depending on who you ask, that is. Everyday words and phrases doubling as car puns and innuendos are, for the most part, harmless and usually pass off as funny or creative. But some folks are just too boring and find trouble handling a decent joke or two. Some of the said people work at Ohio’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles, evidenced by their rejection of 891 requests for vanity license plates just this year. While you may question it as censorship, and you may be right to some extent, certain creative minds have stepped too far, we reckon, that rejecting those made absolute sense. For instance, plates like "ON METH," "LUVMETH," and "NO METH," don’t necessarily paint the right picture, so do “FKMKIDS," "FTHMKDS," "FKDEMKD," and "FTHMKDZ." More PG-13 items include but are not limited to "BOOBEE," "8OO8YS," "8OO8IE5," "BOO8ES," and "4BOOBIE," in addition to "TJ B1TCH," "PHKN L8," "FAST ASS," and "HEROIN." That being said, some of the requests were outright hilarious. “FST AF BY,” "L8 AF AGN," "IHAVE2P," "HV2POOP," and “DE5 NUTS,” are funny and tasteful—definitely got a laugh or two from us. What may seem surprising is that some mundane requests were also turned down. We sort of understand "VW MAFIA" and "KILR WGN," but honestly, what’s really wrong with "KIABOY5" and "WRXXX”? Enquirer Ones with sexually-explicit tones like “UMOIST” and “LEGZZUP” did not make the cut either, for good reason, of course. Other attempts at skirting the lines of profanity were “BADAS4S,” “W4NK3R,” “HAULN A,” and “FKN JNK.” Also, stuff like “N PLEASE,” for instance, isn’t something you’d want to go to the trouble of approving. There is an element of censorship involved, but it’s all part of maintaining civility. Here’s the thing: some people find these plates not-so offensive or vulgar enough to warrant such scrutiny. However, there is a whole other camp of individuals who may find these rude and inappropriate, so it’s important that authorities remain diplomatic. If you’re interested in checking out the entire list of Ohio plates rejected in 2025, here you go. View the full article

ProCharger has put some work into its F-4x-140-1 supercharger. The blower has been updated with a fresh impeller and much more. View the full article

So It BeginsSmart has officially begun real-world testing of the #2, an in-development small electric vehicle that takes inspiration from the iconic Fortwo. At this stage, the automaker is putting its all-new Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) platform through its paces, with test mules currently wearing a Fortwo body as a stand-in. The Fortwo exited the U.S. market in 2019, so some buyers may no longer be familiar with it today. As a refresher, the model was a tiny, hatchback-style city car that arrived stateside in the late 2000s. However, it never truly gained traction in the U.S., likely due to American buyers’ preference for larger vehicles like the Ford F-150. The Fortwo later transitioned to an all-electric model in 2018, but the rise of long-range EVs from brands like Tesla made it increasingly difficult for Smart's short-range city car to remain competitive. Smart Reinventing the FormulaNow, Smart is effectively reinventing the Fortwo formula with the upcoming #2, which the company says will “stay true to the original’s ultra-compact dimensions,” according to its press release. The model is currently undergoing testing in China, where engineers are fine-tuning key areas, including handling, ride quality, software integration, and overall driving performance, to ensure the platform meets modern expectations. While the Fortwo body is merely a placeholder during this testing phase, Smart confirmed that Mercedes-Benz is responsible for the exterior and interior design of the #2. Mercedes has been involved with the Smart brand since its founding in the 1990s, with the Fortwo debuting in 1998 and remaining a defining product until its global discontinuation in 2024. Smart Adapting to Market TrendsThe #2 remains on track for a debut in late 2026. Given its subcompact nature, it is expected to compete with small urban EVs such as the Fiat 500e, which currently starts at around $30,000 in the U.S. Political openness toward smaller vehicles – such as kei cars in Japan –could also improve the model’s overall market appeal. For now, however, Smart has confirmed that China, Europe, and selected global markets will receive the #2 once production begins. When it joins the lineup, the #2 will be sold alongside Smart’s expanding range of crossovers and SUVs, including the #1, #3, and #5. The brand is also planning an all-new sedan called the #6 – a move that may seem counterintuitive in the U.S., where brands like Ford and Chevrolet have largely abandoned sedans, but one that still makes sense in markets such as China. Together, these models show how Smart is reshaping its portfolio to meet evolving market demands rather than sticking to its former city-car-only niche. Smart View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

There was a lot to see at the PRI Show in Indy this past week, and we got tons of photos as we wandered around talking to sponsors, advertisers, racers, friends, and more. There was a LOT going on, and we loved it, but it’s also cool to come home and see what other folks thought were the best parts of the 2025 PRI Show. I’ll be honest, I know I didn’t see it all. I just couldn’t get everywhere while doing all that we were doing. But that’s okay, because thanks to channel’s like Billy’s I can see what I might have missed. CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS WE’VE POSTED SO FAR FROM THE SHOW! Video Description: Get ready for the ultimate motorsports and performance racing recap! We’re diving into the absolute Best of PRI Show 2025—the world’s largest gathering of racing professionals in Indianapolis, Indiana. This video is packed with exclusive interviews with top automotive influencers and racing personalities, showcasing the latest technology and new parts from over 1,000 exhibitors. ​ See stunning race car builds, cutting-edge aftermarket innovation, and the biggest performance trends shaping the 2026 season. We cover everything from drag racing and circle track to hot rod and off-road engineering. Don’t miss the reveal of the next generation of engine management (ECU), high-performance suspension, and electric vehicle (EV) racing advancements. Whether you’re a seasoned racer, a professional builder, or a devoted car enthusiast, this is your must-watch summary of the Performance Racing Industry trade show. The post The Best of PRI Video: Muscle Cars, Hot Rods, Race Cars, And More From Billy’s Adventures At The PRI Show In Indy appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A Re-RecallLast year, Stellantis issued a recall for Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale hybrids that had faulty brake systems. Specifically, the brake pedals could snap while in operation. A total of 21,000 vehicles were affected – 17,000 of which were Hornets, while the other 4,000 were Tonales. It has just come to light that the issue continues to persist – and this time, with an additional number of affected vehicles. That's according to a recall safety report, freshly published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last week. Additional 6,000 Affected UnitsAccording to the NHTSA, there are an additional 6,000 units on the affected list of vehicles with snapping brake pedals. Specifically, 2,688 Tonales and 3,286 Hornets, and again, like before, are limited to the PHEVs, bringing the total affected cars to 27,000. According to the report, both the Tonale and Hornet PHEV units built for the 2024 model year "may have been built with a brake pedal assembly that may collapse while braking." Those were their exact words, not ours. The NHTSA further describes the issue as: "A brake pedal arm that collapses during normal braking may prevent the driver from being able to activate the service brakes." The suspected period of the issue began on February 23, 2023, when the first 2024 models were built for the US market. To determine the number of affected models, the supplier and vehicle production records were used. Built-in SafeguardsAs scary and precarious as "snapping" brake pedals sound, the NHTSA listed possible things to do in case it happens to owners. One of the suggestions is to use the (hopefully not defective) electronic parking brake to slow down the vehicle. In some extreme situations, they claim that the Automatic Emergency Braking system should kick in if the car detects the possibility of an accident, provided, of course, that feature isn't disabled (please don't do that). The report also highlights that as of November 24, 2025, there is only one report of an accident related to the issue, but the tally for injuries remains at zero. As for the fix itself, the report says, "The remedy will be to reinforce the brake pedal arm by adding a bolt and a nut." This will be done by dealers for free, of course. James Riswick View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Kengo Kimura commemorates Heiwa MC's 20th year with an award-winning 1965 Triumph TR6 café racer.Even if you're a one-man army, running a custom motorcycle workshop is a team sport. Every custom builder has their go-to suppliers, friends that drop by to offer moral support, and, most importantly, cu... View the full article

Europe’s hard 2035 cutoff for new internal combustion cars is being reshaped into something more flexible, turning a headline “ban” into a strict emissions cap that still leaves room for gas and hybrid models. As per Reuters, European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber says the technology ban on combustion engines is now “off the table,” as Brussels moves from a 100 percent tailpipe CO₂ reduction target in 2035 to a 90 percent fleet cut instead. That shift still forces automakers to sell mostly zero-emission vehicles, but it opens a path for a minority of plug-in hybrids and highly efficient combustion cars to survive past that date, a possibility previewed earlier in the month. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article From Hard Ban to Tight Emissions CapUnder the original rule, new light vehicles registered in the EU from 2035 had to hit a 100 percent CO₂ reduction compared with 2021, which in practice meant battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell models only. The revised plan keeps 2035 as a pivot year but replaces that absolute target with a 90 percent fleet reduction, leaving roughly 10 percent of sales available for non-zero-emission powertrains. That headroom is expected to be filled by plug-in hybrids and vehicles that can run on certified CO₂-neutral e-fuels or advanced biofuels, rather than traditional gas cars in large numbers. The change is part of a broader package that also makes 2030 rules more flexible, allowing automakers to average their emissions over several years and slightly easing van targets. Politically, it is being framed as a way to protect industrial jobs and keep European brands competitive against lower-cost EVs from China. It also confirms the direction hinted at in earlier reporting. What it Means for Future Gas EnginesIf the proposal is approved by EU governments and the European Parliament, most new cars sold after 2035 will still need to be electric to meet the 90 percent reduction target. The difference is that automakers will now have a regulatory niche where they can keep building some form of combustion sports cars, performance sedans and high-end SUVs, provided those vehicles are efficient enough or compatible with low-carbon fuels. That helps explain why companies are still investing in advanced combustion tech, such as Ferrari’s experimental oval-piston engine concept. For buyers, the likely outcome is a market where mainstream models go overwhelmingly electric, while a small slice of enthusiast and high-margin vehicles continues with combustion for as long as it makes financial and regulatory sense. The original “no new gas cars after 2035” headline may be gone, but the pressure to electrify most of the lineup remains, and the next decade will show whether this compromise keeps both lawmakers and car enthusiasts happy. View the full article

We’re just a few weeks away from 2026, yet the majority of 2024 Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid inventory is still sitting on dealer lots. According to a study of 2.6 million new car listings, supply of the electrified Dodge crossover has comprehensively outstripped demand, with 82.1% of 2024 Hornet PHEV inventory still available, as of December 2025. The compact Dodge’s pricing has been a problem from the start, as has the impact of tariffs. With so many 2024 models still unsold, how much time does the SUV have left? Related: New Tariffs Threaten to Kill Dodge's Most Affordable SUV High 2024 Inventory Remains S According to a study of vehicle inventory by iSeeCars, the 2024 Dodge Hornet PHEV’s available inventory is still sitting at an astonishingly high 82.1%. The industry average for all 2024 models is 0.4%, so the Dodge’s number stands out like a sore thumb. Another two Stellantis models, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid (the Hornet is ultimately a rebadged Tonale), also have high 2024 inventory levels remaining, at 70.8% and 46.8%, respectively. According to the latest sales figure from Stellantis, total Dodge Hornet sales for 2025 are down by 45% this year, with 8,486 units sold. That figure includes sales for both hybrid and non-hybrid derivatives. Dodge’s website does not list the 2026 Hornet yet, despite most models across the industry having switched over, adding to rumors that the model may not make it to the 2026 model year at all. Steep Pricing To Blame S The base Dodge Hornet GT is quite a sporty package for the price. It starts at $29,995, yet has a lot more punch than rivals, with its turbocharged Hurricane engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s a totally different story for the Hornet R/T PHEV, which starts at $41,645 for 2025. This electrified model has a 1.3-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and electric motor pairing. This combination gets you 288 hp and 383 lb-ft, along with a swift 0-60 mph time of just 5.6 seconds. Not only is it quick, but you can drive for 32 miles on electric power alone. But at comfortably over $40,000, the Hornet GT finds itself priced within the range of more luxurious rivals like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Final Thoughts S With so many 2024 Hornet PHEVs still unsold, Dodge has a major problem on its hands. If it can’t get the price down significantly, it’s hard to see the electrified SUV surviving. While it’s easier to make a case for larger and pricier PHEVs, the complex powertrain complicates the value proposition in smaller models. Even the Toyota RAV4 PHEV’s sales accounted for a mere 4.7% of total RAV4 sales across the first three quarters of the year; like the Dodge, the price gap between the RAV4 PHEV and other RAV4 models is huge. View the full article

A supplier used incorrect fasteners due to a shortage in materials, but they could cause the bike to abruptly lose propulsion in motion.View the full article

Altima Gets Another YearRumors have been swirling for months that the Nissan Altima was on its way out, with dealers and enthusiasts both expecting the axe to fall after this model year. Sedans just aren’t the hot ticket anymore, and Nissan even hinted that both the Altima and the smaller Versa could be dropped – but that’s not happening yet. Nissan just confirmed the Altima will return for 2026 with a trimmed-down lineup. Rather than keeping four or five trims, the 2026 Altima shifts to just SV and SR trims, each offered with front-wheel drive or Nissan’s optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that once gave the Altima some pep didn't return after leaving the lineup in 2025, which means the 2.5-liter four-cylinder is once again the sole powertrain for 2026. Safety tech and infotainment carry over in familiar form, and the car stays squarely on the affordable side of the segment. Nissan What’s Available in 2026?The Altima SV comes well-equipped out of the box: 17-inch alloys, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote start, and Nissan’s full Safety Shield 360 suite. That means you get automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning as standard. If you want more, the SV Special Edition and SV Premium packages add bigger screens, dual-zone climate, heated seats, and ProPILOT Assist. Meanwhile, the SR trim gets a bigger set of 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters, a sport-tuned suspension, and contrast-stitched sport seats. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now standard here. Want something bolder? The new SR Midnight Edition brings blacked-out trim, dark badges, black wheels, and a two-tone roof, giving the Altima a more aggressive look without bumping it into luxury-territory pricing. Here’s how the 2026 Nissan Altima trims and pricing break down: Altima SV FWD $28,825 Altima SV AWD $30,225 Altima SR FWD $30,325 Altima SR AWD $31,725 These figures don’t include destination and handling, which adds roughly $1,245. Even with destination, the base Altima stays under $30,000, and the SR with AWD lands just above $31,000. Steven Paul Pricing Context Versus Midsize RivalsStacking the Altima up against its main rivals paints a picture that favors Nissan. The 2026 Toyota Camry is hybrid-only, starting at about $30,195 for the base model and climbing into the mid-$30,000s for higher trims. That’s a bit pricier than the Altima’s entry point, but you do get hybrid efficiency and plenty of standard tech for the money. Honda hasn’t dropped full 2026 Accord pricing yet, but early estimates put it in the low $30,000s, too. Expect it to line up with, or maybe just edge above, the Altima once you factor in destination and options. Nissan View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Baja Designs' Reflex Light Actuator takes regular ditch lights and turn them into on-the-fly adjustable ditch lights, illuminating whatever you need lit.View the full article

Honda announced a series of updates to the three-row Pilot last month. An important model for the brand, the Pilot competes against newer and edgier rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and upcoming Kia Telluride. We covered the 2026 Pilot’s changes in November, and now Honda has released pricing as the crossover starts arriving at local showrooms. Whereas the 2025 version started at $40,200, the refreshed 2026 Pilot has a base MSRP of $42,195, making it one of the more expensive vehicles in its segment. Base Trim Gets Biggest Price Hike The base price for the Pilot applies to the Sport trim in front-wheel-drive form. Here’s a look at prices for the entire 2026 Pilot lineup: Sport 2WD: $42,195Sport AWD: $44,295EX-L 2WD: $44,495EX-L AWD: $46,595Touring AWD: $51,095TrailSport AWD: $50,395Elite AWD: $53,495Black Edition AWD: $54,995These prices all exclude a destination and handling charge of $1,495, and the biggest price increase has been applied to the base trim. Looking at key rivals from Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, and Toyota, all have a base MSRP that’s lower than the Honda’s: Hyundai Palisade: $39,435Mazda CX-90: $38,800Toyota Grand Highlander: $41,360Kia Telluride: $36,390 (outgoing generation)Jeep Grand Cherokee L: $39,635Unlike most of these rivals (and the upcoming Telluride), the Honda Pilot lacks a hybrid option. Its 285-horsepower V6 is solid, but this is now a rather glaring omission for the Honda. The Hyundai Palisade also looks more upmarket, while the Mazda is the segment’s fun-to-drive champ. While the Honda does everything well, it’s difficult to pinpoint one area where it trumps its competition. Related: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid First Drive, Here's My Honest Review What’s New For The Honda Pilot? We covered all the updates extensively in our November report, so we’ll take a look at just a few of the highlights here. The 2026 Pilot has a more rugged look with a bigger grille, new wheels, and a few new colors. Noise levels have been reduced inside and Honda claims interior quality has been enhanced. All models get an infotainment update, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster across the range. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless for all variants, and the Touring receives a new surround-view camera. Although the V6 stays the same, Honda has retuned the electric power steering to improve precision and feel. We’ll have to wait to get behind the wheel to see if the difference is noticeable. Related: 2025 Honda Pilot Vs. 2026 Acura MDX: 5 Key Differences Final ThoughtsIt would be unfair to judge the 2026 Honda Pilot before we’ve driven one, so watch out for a first drive imminently. On paper, though, the 2026 model will have to do a lot to justify that price premium, especially when matched up against several all-new rivals. The Hyundai Palisade stands out as the more appealing prospect right now. View the full article

Recent patents show that Honda is working on a new V4 engine, with a focus on improved performance and efficiency.View the full article

Theodore Roosevelt IV, the great-grandson of Theodore Roosevelt, sat down with conservationist Randy Newberg to talk about the continuing threats to public lands, and how Europe doesn't have them anymore.View the full article

No Surprise that Italy Took Charge of Putting Our Favorite High-Speed Moto Championship on the Big ScreenView the full article

Bentley's first-ever electric SUV has been caught as it undergoes winter testing in northern Europe, and for the first time, spy photographers have caught a glimpse of the interior. Unsurprisingly, this takes cues from the recently unveiled Porsche Cayenne EV, with which it shares much, but more on that later. The prototype has shed some camouflage since we last spotted the upcoming EV on the Nürburgring, but it still looks somewhat awkward at the moment, with exaggerated headlight graphics and substantial body cladding hiding the true form of the crossover that will sit below the Bentayga. Bentley Baby SUV Exterior Begins Taking Shape SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Darker camouflage helps us get a better idea of the electric crossover's basic shape, though cladding around the lower front bumper and the taillights continues to obscure much of the final silhouette. At the front, the area between the headlights will feature a blank panel that we expect to be adorned with illumination. The oval recess seen on this development mule likely serves as a placeholder for the Bentley wings, while the headlights themselves adhere to the semi-circular motif that recent Bentleys have, though we suspect the final production units will be considerably smaller than these appear to be. Related: Bentley Is No Longer All-In On All-Electric Lineup Lower down, the split of the intake grilles is oddly reminiscent of Porsche, even with Bentley-specific mesh, while the rear of the vehicle reveals a slightly swoppy roofline that indicates relatively low cargo volume. Expect this area of the SUV to get sleeker, too, as the body cladding is adding both width and length to the vehicle. Finally, we can see a dual-pane glass roof, and this will certainly make production. A Lavish Interior for the Baby Bentley SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A quick look inside reveals a two-tone leather cabin with plenty of aluminum brightwork. The steering wheel bears physical buttons and switches, and behind it, a thick upper stalk to the left side of the steering column indicates more of that desire to put controls where they can be easily found. That said, the large instrument cluster and curved central infotainment display, as found in the Cayenne EV, will doubtless be responsible for several other controls. Speaking of the Cayenne, that SUV has a 113 kWh battery with a range of up to 398 miles on Europe's WLTP cycle (EPA figures are yet to be released). This new Bentley should at least match that, but much more won't be necessary because most Bentley buyers take flights for longer trips. Codenamed the Luxury Urban SUV, this EV is meant for city-dwelling. We'll know more next year, when Bentley's first EV is expected to debut as a 2027 model, but with winter testing progressing and more camouflage being removed, we may well have more news before then. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The shield insert is called e:DRYLENS, and it only fits certain specific Shoei helmets. Also, you'll need to plug it in to charge.View the full article

A Reset Focused on What People Are Actually BuyingFord’s decision to wind down the production of the F-150 Lightning runs parallel to a more significant shift for the brand. Instead of chasing headlines with bold EV promises, Ford has laid down a concrete outlook – one that isn't just focused on fully electric models. The plan is to put more resources into trucks, vans, hybrids, and electric vehicles that regular customers can afford. By 2030, Ford expects about half of its global sales to come from hybrids, extended-range EVs (EREVs), and fully electric vehicles, up from roughly 17% today. Instead of betting everything on full EVs, Ford plans to offer gas, hybrid, and electric options across most of its lineup – a move that mirrors Toyota's approach globally. Ford is also cleaning up its books, taking some losses on EV investments that aren’t panning out, and boosting its short-term profit forecast thanks to its mainstay products. Smaller EVs, More Hybrids, and a New Midsize Electric TruckThe big change in Ford’s EV strategy is a new Universal EV Platform. This one is built for smaller, lighter, and more efficient vehicles that can be sold worldwide – and, more importantly, priced for regular buyers. Ford didn’t mention the previously promised “under $30,000” price tag, but the focus is clearly on making EVs that people can actually afford. The first model on this new platform will be a midsize electric pickup, set to start production in 2027 at the Louisville Assembly Plant. Ford is aiming for a practical work truck here, not a niche lifestyle vehicle – expect a focus on connectivity, efficiency, and keeping costs in check. Hybrids are back in the spotlight, too. Ford will roll out several types – some tuned for fuel savings, others for performance, and even versions that can power tools or equipment. This, of course, includes the upcoming F-150 Lightning EREV. By 2030, almost every Ford will have a hybrid or multi-energy option on the table. But the bottom line, according to the automaker, is that five new affordable vehicles are planned for introduction by the end of the decade, four of which will be assembled in America. Ford Trucks and Vans Stay at the CoreMeanwhile, Ford is leaning on its truck brand reputation, with a few tweaks along the way. The Blue Oval City in Tennessee will focus on building trucks, with new, affordable gas-powered pickups set to be introduced in 2029. These will replace a previously planned all-electric truck, effectively expanding the lineup. Then there’s a new van that will be offered with gas and hybrid powertrains, replacing an earlier plan for a North America–specific electric van. Ford says the goal is to better match what commercial customers actually need day to day. Electric vans aren’t going away completely, but Ford is being more selective about where and how it offers them, especially outside Europe. Battery Storage and BusinessOne move that hasn’t made as many headlines: Ford is getting into battery energy storage. Using its battery plants in Kentucky and Michigan, Ford will build large-scale LFP-based storage systems for data centers, utilities, and industrial customers. Production is set to start in 2027, with up to 20 GWh of annual capacity by the end of that year. Ford is putting about $2 billion into this, using extra EV battery capacity to tap into a new line of business. To address previous reports of a split between Ford and SK On, the companies have entered into a joint venture disposition agreement. The result is that a Ford subsidiary will own and operate the Kentucky battery plants independently. SK On, on the other hand, will fully own and operate the Tennessee battery plant. Bloomberg/Getty Images View the full article

Porsche-backed Group14 and Sionic Energy claim to have cracked the code when it comes to ultra-fast charging, high-density battery packs.View the full article

Triumph expands 400 range for 2026 Triumph Motorcycles has expanded its growing LAMS line-up for 2026 with the introduction of two new models, the Tracker 400 and the Thruxton 400, broadening the appeal of the TR-Series platform with flat-track and café racer-inspired offerings. Following the strong market reception of the Speed 400, Scrambler 400 X […] The post Triumph expands affordable LAMS range with Tracker 400 and Thruxton 400 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Remember the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO? Well, some Audi apprentices (14 of them, to be exact) want to make sure you don't forget with this, the GT50 concept. The car and its name celebrate half a century of Audi five-cylinder engines, a dynasty that began in 1976 with the arrival of the second-generation Audi 100. This was the first mass-production vehicle to use such an engine configuration, and nowadays, Audi is pretty much the only carmaker keeping it alive, albeit only in one car. That RS 3 is what underpins this extraordinary concept, with 394 horsepower going to all four wheels. A Tribute to Racing Stimme/Instagram View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The styling pays homage to the aforementioned 90 quattro IMSA GTO and the 200 quattro Trans-Am, both of which helped cement Audi's name in American motorsports history after Group B was canceled over safety concerns. Like those cars, the shapes of the GT50 are basic. At the front, headlights are replaced by simple X-shaped LEDs housed in a flat front fascia. The lower half of that front end boasts an enormous air dam that is split in the middle. Further back, the smooth bodywork draws a straight line below the glasshouse, leading all the way to a large integrated ducktail spoiler, which sits above a similar fascia as the front. Again matching the front, the enormous diffuser is split in two. Related: Audi RS 6 GTO concept paints its wagon in an homage to 90 Quattro IMSA GTO racer In the middle of the car, a relatively small black rectangle leading from the extended side skirts appears to house a fuel filler. Spoke-less wheels complete the futuristic look, and only a small GT50 badge on either front fender identifies the concept. Single-stalk mirror arms sit outside the black glasshouse, and inside, we can make out safety netting by the driver's window and a roll cage. Concept is Not Real, but Something Special is Coming Although this stunning concept looks good enough to hit the road, pedestrian safety laws mean its sharp edges would likely be criminalized. Moreover, building such bespoke bodywork in large volumes would be costly, but don't worry if the regular RS 3 doesn't seem special enough - a new track-biased special edition (which Autocar says may be a further evolution of the Performance Edition) is expected to arrive next year with more power than the Mercedes-AMG A45 and, presumably, the M2 CS's Nürburgring record in its sights. Expect a limited production run, an astronomical price, and aggressive bodwork. Will that be the end of the five-cylinder? With Europe apparently backtracking on combustion bans, it's too soon to be sure, but if it is, this GT50 concept is a fine way to pay tribute. Stimme/Instagram View the full article

Jacob Roulstone to race the European Moto2 Championship in 2026 Jacob Roulstone has signed with the Boscoscuro-framed Team Ciatti to contest the Moto2 European Championship in 2026. Team Ciatti helped Yari Montella to the title in 2020 and backed that up the following year with Fermin Aldeguer. Unai Orradre rode a Team Ciatti bike to […] The post Jacob Roulstone secures Moto2 ride in Europe for 2026 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article