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Taking It Up a NotchAston Martin cars are already some of the most exclusive names money can buy. However, the brand has been eager to showcase its ability to produce extreme machines crafted in line with its principles of luxury, design, and performance. One of the most recent exclusive models was the Aston Martin Valour, made in 2023 to commemorate Aston's 110th anniversary. The Valour itself was already a very unique car, limited to just 110 units, but somebody within the brand felt it could be better and had commissioned a few more examples of an upgraded version, which brings us to the Aston Martin Valiant. Related: Aston Martin Valiant is Fernando Alonso's take on the Valour PistonHeads Valiant EffortThat individual who wanted more out of the Valour was none other than two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso, who is a current driver for the Aston Martin Team. He wanted a lighter and more powerful car that ended up becoming the Aston Martin Valiant. The Valiant is still based on the Valour, carrying over the retro-futurist design, and features a more aggressive body kit that hints at its elevated performance. Just 38 examples were made, and now, one is up for sale on PistonHeads. This particular example is finished in an eye-catching Crimson Red Metallic with Red carbon fiber aerodynamic components. Since the Valiant is biased more towards performance, it comes with upgraded brakes, much better suspension, and a lot of weight-saving upgrades. Inside the Valiant is a blend of performance and bespoke luxury. This one has a Chancellor Red Leather interior, bespoke black Alcantara and Satin Red carbon fiber interior trim, Satin Red lightweight carbon fiber bucket seats, Chancellor Red contrast stitching with Q-specified embroidery, Exposed Satin Red carbon fiber transmission tunnel & door cards, Chancellor Red leather Steering wheel with brushed aluminum, and brushed titanium lightweight gear knob with exposed gear linkages. Yes, we're sure the previous owner really liked red. PistonHeads Rarity Breeds ExpenseIn terms of overall performance, the Valiant comes with a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that makes a massive 740 hp (30+ more hp than the Valour), all that power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. There are very few cars that are conceived out of already limited edition models, and the Valiant is part of that club. Born in celebration of a storied history and infused with the DNA of one of the best race car drivers to ever live, this 500-mile example is listed at around $3,500,000. PistonHeads View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA has been named 2026 “Car of the Year” in Europe, taking home one of the industry’s most closely watched trophies at the Brussels Motor Show. It scored comfortably ahead of the Škoda Elroq, Kia EV4, Citroën C5 Aircross, Fiat Grande Panda, Dacia Bigster, and Renault 4, convincing a jury of nearly 60 journalists from 23 countries that it isn’t just another compact premium sedan. For Mercedes, the win is a big deal. It is only the brand’s second Car of the Year title ever, and the first since the 450 SE/SEL back in the 1970s. In other words, the CLA just ended a drought that lasted more than half a century. Also it matters more, this is the car Mercedes chose to debut its new MMA platform and MB.OS software on, and the jury basically just endorsed that whole strategy. Mercedes-Benz View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Range, Charging And Software Sealed The DealThe Car of the Year title is explicitly tied to the CLA with EQ Technology, the fully electric version on the new MMA platform. In its long-range spec, the CLA claims a WLTP range that pushes into the 480–790 km band depending on configuration, helped by a slippery body and an efficient drive unit. An 800-volt architecture allows serious fast charging too, with Mercedes quoting the kind of “add hundreds of kilometers in about 10 minutes” numbers that instantly move a car to the front of the pack. The 2026 World Car of the Year shortlist shows that every 2026 World Car of the Year finalist has some form of electrification, so long range, fast charging, and efficiency are the new table stakes. The CLA does all of that while still feeling like a proper Mercedes inside, with the new MB.OS-based MBUX system tying together navigation, over-the-air updates, and driver-assist in a way that feels more integrated than most rivals. Why The CLA’s Hybrid Future Might Be The Cleverest PartThe interesting twist is that this win is probably just the beginning for the nameplate. The jury has rewarded the EV first, but the same MMA platform is designed to host plug-in hybrids and petrol-hybrids that share much of the software and user experience. Mercedes is already laying the groundwork with the argument that the CLA hybrid could be its smartest entry sedan yet, combining long electric-only range with real-world flexibility for buyers who are not ready to go full EV. Put simply, the award is not just a pat on the back for one well-executed electric model. It is a signal that Mercedes’ new small-car playbook, EV-first platform, serious efficiency, 800-volt charging, and a unified software brain, has landed exactly where it needed to. The CLA happened to be first in line and walked away with the trophy, but the hardware and ideas underneath it are what really just won 2026 Car of the Year. View the full article

Chinese EVs Are Raising the BarChinese EVs still get mixed reactions, with many questioning their long-term reliability and whether the brands can be trusted. Others, meanwhile, are starting to notice how these cars are doing things no one saw coming. That second group is getting bigger fast, with BYD’s Yangwang U9 electric hypercar leading the pack. Another Chinese brand also made headlines – the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. Yes, that Xiaomi – the one known for phones and gadgets. It’s easy to look at the specs and think this is just another numbers battle, but performance cars prove themselves on the road, not just on paper. That’s where Carwow’s latest test comes in. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra goes head-to-head with Ferrari’s SF90 XX – one of the wildest road cars Ferrari has ever built – to see what happens when a high-powered EV takes on a modern hybrid supercar in less-than-ideal conditions. Big Power, Big Weight, Bigger SurpriseOn paper, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra’s numbers barely seem real. Three motors, 1,526 horsepower, and 1,305 lb-ft of torque – all sent to all four wheels. The catch? It’s heavy, weighing in at about 5,200 pounds. Still, Xiaomi says it can hit 0-62 mph in just 1.98 seconds. The Ferrari SF90 XX, though electrified, comes with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that puts out 786 hp on its own, and with three electric motors in the mix, total output climbs to 1,016 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to all four wheels, but the Ferrari is much lighter at around 3,660 pounds. It does 0-62 mph in about 2.3 seconds. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra had the advantage on paper, and it was evident in the straight-line contest. It finished the quarter-mile in 9.3 seconds, leaving the Ferrari behind at 10.2 seconds. Extended to the half-mile market, the gap grew even more: 14.5 seconds for the Xiaomi, 15.7 for the Ferrari. Braking from 100 mph showed Ferrari’s engineering at play, with the SF90 XX stopping over a car length shorter. Getty Images Traction Tells the Real StoryThere’s an explanation for the SF90 XX’s struggle, though. According to the video, a storm the day before left sand on the track, making traction a real issue. Even with all-wheel drive, the SF90 XX couldn’t get its power down cleanly. The Xiaomi, on the other hand, barely seemed to notice – EVs are just better at managing torque when grip is low. The SU7’s win doesn’t mean the end for internal combustion among performance cars, but it shows just how fast things are changing. Electrification has reached a point where even newcomers with no car-building history can take on the established brands if the conditions are right. The next chapter in performance cars will be about how well you can use the power you have, not just the badge on the hood. Then again, we’re pretty sure the track-focused Ferrari SF90 XX will shine when it comes to a lap battle. Ferrari View the full article

Kia doesn’t have an official performance division like Hyundai’s N, Toyota’s GR, or Honda’s Type R, but its most potent models are identifiable by the ‘GT’ moniker. In the United States, the EV6 GT (601 horsepower) and K5 GT (290 hp) are two such examples. But Kia has been paying closer attention to enthusiast-pleasing models of late, and has just revealed no less than three new GT models at the Brussels Motor Show, alongside the cute EV2. These are the EV3 GT, EV4 Hatchback GT, and EV5 GT. Every model in this hot trio brings all-wheel drive and high outputs to the table, but we may have to admire them all from a distance. Where Do They Fit In? Kia EV4 GT K View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article These new electric models are high-performance versions of existing EVs in Kia’s lineup: EV3 GT: Subcompact crossoverEV4 Hatchback GT: Compact hatchbackEV5 GT: Compact crossoverKia only released limited details on these three models, but all have dual motors and standard AWD. Like other GTs, they have specially tuned chassis setups to prioritize sharp responses. They also feature simulated gearshifts, active sound design, and a dedicated GT driving mode. The EV3 GT and EV4 GT produce 288 hp combined, some way off the 601 hp of the EV6 GT. But these are smaller and presumably lighter models, so 288 hp should still feel quite perky. The EV5 GT’s outputs were not published, but it may be a bit more powerful. All three GT models will feature subtle visual upgrades like unique wheels, but they’re not as overtly sporty-looking as Hyundai’s N models. No Plans For American Debut K At the moment, none of the cars these GT models are based on—EV3, EV4 Hatchback, or EV5—are sold in the United States, which virtually eliminates these performance variants from ever being sold here. The closest we have to any of them is the EV4 Sedan, the only EV4 body style planned for this market. Producing 201 hp, the EV4 is positioned as an affordable and practical electric sedan, with no performance pretensions whatsoever. Of the three models, the EV5 GT would likely be the most successful model if sold here, since the compact crossover segment is so popular. It would theoretically compete with the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y, but perhaps Kia feels it would overlap too much with the existing EV6. Unfortunately, it was confirmed last October that the EV5 would not be sold in the USA, despite plans for it to reach markets like Canada. Another Kia GT model, the EV9 GT, was indefinitely delayed late last year due to changing market conditions. Related: Kia Just Canceled Its Most Exciting EV Before It Even Launched Final ThoughtsThis is a bittersweet reveal from Kia. The three new GT models show that the Korean marque is working hard to move beyond its reputation for manufacturing competent, value-focused models. But all three vehicles are unlikely to be sold here, adding to the long list of cool cars that are forbidden fruit in the United States. They’ll join performance models like Hyundai’s i20 N and i30 N as driver-focused cars we’ll likely never get to experience. View the full article

The Build BeginsApollo Automobil announced on Instagram that production of the Evo has officially begun, signaling that the project remains on schedule. Limited to just 10 units, the Evo is developed exclusively for track use and builds upon the innovations introduced by its predecessor, the Intensa Emozione (IE). This means the same 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 sourced from Ferrari remains in use, though it has been tuned to produce 800 horsepower—up from roughly 780 hp in the IE. That output makes the engine a unique offering today, as most modern high-performance cars, such as the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, rely on forced induction and/or hybrid assistance. In that sense, the Evo becomes even rarer, beyond its already ultra-limited production run. Built for Life on the TrackThe latest update from the German automaker also notes that there is still one major reveal to come. Notably, the interior has yet to be unveiled, which, given that the car is strictly track-only, suggests it will look far from suitable for daily driving. Its predecessor, the IE, was developed with road legality in mind, though sightings on public roads remain extremely rare, as production was also limited to just 10 units—making it even rarer than cars such as the V12-powered Lamborghini Veneno. The company has also stated that each of the 10 customers can extensively reconfigure their individual example through its Apollo Studio program. As for the exterior and structure, the Evo weighs 2,866 pounds—roughly 110 pounds more than its predecessor—but features a carbon-fiber monocoque that is said to be 15 percent stiffer. Some sources suggest the hypercar can generate up to 6,600 pounds of downforce thanks to its Le Mans–inspired active aerodynamic components. Limited by DesignThis track-only hypercar could make its way stateside, especially considering that some IE units have reportedly arrived in the country. In fact, one example with 1,600 miles on the odometer was listed for sale at Miller Motorcars of Greenwich, Connecticut, as recently as November 2025. Apollo sold the IE with a starting price of $2.670 million, so it is reasonable to assume that the Evo—benefiting from increased power, added stiffness, and further development—will fetch an even higher price. Given its extreme rarity and the brand’s apparent focus on craftsmanship over mass commercialization, the Evo is positioned to stand as one of the most coveted modern collector cars. View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A More Accessible Lucid, With a TwistThe Lucid Gravity is aimed at buyers who never considered the Air. Where the Air put Lucid on the map as a luxury EV – sometimes to a fault – the Gravity goes after a wider audience. It’s priced to be within reach and comes as an electric SUV – the body style most new car buyers are looking for right now. You get the space and practicality you expect from an SUV, but Lucid skipped the over-the-top luxury extras that usually push prices up. But there’s more to the Gravity than just its shape and price. Lucid teamed up with Trimble, a company known for pinpoint-accurate positioning tech in aviation and construction. Now, that same technology is built into the Gravity’s navigation and driver-assist systems, giving the SUV a much sharper sense of where it is on the road. Why This Driver-Assist Tech Is DifferentMost driver-assist systems rely on standard GPS, which works until you hit a tunnel, a parking garage, or a city full of tall buildings. That’s when the system can lose track of your location – sometimes by several meters. Trimble’s RTX and ProPoint Go solve this by combining satellite data with six-axis sensors, so the Gravity always knows exactly where it is, even when GPS can’t keep up. What sets the Gravity apart is how Lucid puts this positioning tech at the core of the driving experience. The SUV uses Trimble’s system as its main source for location, speed, and direction, sending that data straight to its Hands-Free Driving Assist. In practice, the Gravity knows exactly which lane it’s in and its spot on the highway before it lets you take your hands off the wheel. The best part is, Lucid didn’t have to load the Gravity with a bunch of new hardware. Instead, the system uses sensor fusion, blending the SUV’s existing sensors with Trimble’s positioning engine. That’s how Lucid can offer this tech without redesigning the whole vehicle. This improved positioning also makes range estimates more accurate, since the Gravity can use real altitude data. That means it can factor in hills and elevation changes, not just assume you’re always driving on flat roads. What It Means for Other LucidsTrimble’s positioning technology will come standard on new Lucid Gravity models starting at the end of January 2026. Existing Gravity owners won’t be left behind, as Lucid plans to deliver the feature through an over-the-air software update, upgrading navigation and driver-assist behavior without a service visit. As for other Lucid models, whether they’ll get this tech depends on how their hardware lines up and how closely the system can work with each vehicle’s sensors and software. The Gravity is the first Lucid built from the start to use this level of positioning accuracy. Rolling it out to other models will probably need the same kind of technical groundwork. View the full article

Peak PersonalizationGiven Bugatti’s ultra-rare status, owning one of the French marque’s cars is already the ultimate statement piece. This Bugatti Bolide owner, however, took things a step further by personalizing the hypercar to match his Gulfstream G550 private jet. Beverly Hills–based car dealer O’Gara Coach showcased the two elite vehicles side by side on Instagram. Both wear the Bolide’s familiar two-tone black-and-blue paint scheme, with the blue shade paying homage to French Racing Blue—the color traditionally used by French racing teams. Under the old national racing color system, the United Kingdom was represented by green and Italy by red, which is why red ultimately became synonymous with Ferrari. The Price of Going All InTo understand just how extreme this collection is, it helps to look at pricing. The Bugatti Bolide—which is limited to just 40 examples—carries a starting price of €4 million (roughly $4.7 million). It is a track-only machine powered by an 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine, producing 1,578 horsepower, or up to 1,825 horsepower when running on 110-octane racing fuel. Along with the road-legal Mistral roadster, the Bolide stands among the final Bugatti models to feature the W16 engine, which will soon be succeeded by a naturally aspirated V16 hybrid powertrain in the upcoming Tourbillon. Meanwhile, the Gulfstream G550 is an ultra-long-range business jet with a new list price of approximately $62 million, though used prices range around $15 million, with low-hour examples reaching over $30 million. According to records from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft in question was manufactured in 2006 and is powered by two Rolls-Royce turbofan engines. @ogaracoach on Instagram Delivery in StyleFew details were shared about the owner. O’Gara Coach only noted that the customer flew in aboard his Gulfstream G550 to The Thermal Club in California to take delivery of the hypercar. The occasion not only provided an opportunity for a photo op, but also gave the owner time to better understand both the performance capabilities and the limitations of his new track-focused machine. While this jet-and-hypercar pairing may seem far-fetched for most, Bugatti does offer a more accessible way to experience the Bolide—at least in scaled-down form. The model is available as an official 905-piece Lego Technic kit from the Lego Group, one of several collaborations between the French marque and the toy company. At the start of the year, the partnership further expanded with the release of the Lego Technic Chiron Pur Sport and the Lego Speed Champions Vision Gran Turismo. @ogaracoach on Instagram View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Only Way Was Always UpFrom the moment the Ferrari F40 came out in 1987, it was pretty much guaranteed that its values would never go down. It also kicked off Ferrari's tradition of rolling out an ultra-rare and ultra-exclusive hypercar at least once every decade. We've had four Ferrari hypercars since the F40, with the latest one being the F80. When it was new, the F40 carried a price tag of about $400,000. Adjust that for inflation, and you're looking at about $1,165,000 in today's money. The thing is, F40s often sell for much more than that, as these typically fetch over $2,000,000. The rarer and not-exactly-road-legal F40 LM goes for much more, by the way. A Potential Record-BreakerSeveral F40s have been sold over the last couple of years, and a couple have come close to breaking the $4,000,000 mark. The most recent record was $3,886,250 and was sold during last year's RM Sotheby's Abu Dhabi auction. It was a 1990 model with a hair under 3,000 miles on the odometer. But one of two(!) F40s that will be up for sale at the Mecum auction in Kissimmee 2026 include this low-mile example from 1992. It's part of the Bachman Ferrari Collection, and it's only done 458 miles in the last 34 years. That's an average of less than 15 miles per year —assuming it's even brought out in certain years. It's one of the 213 F40s built for the U.S market and one of 24 produced in 1992 and rolled out of Maranello in April of that year. If we're talking specifics, that makes a rare car even more exclusive. By the way, the second F40 part of the collection has traveled a little bit more over the years, 865 miles on the clock. A Legend, No Matter the PriceThe backstory of the F40 is an interesting thing to hear. Yes, many books and documentaries have been done about it, but it's always nice to revisit it from time to time. It started out as a proposal to enter Group B racing and a successor of sorts to the 288 GTO. However, the Group B category was canned at the end of the 1986 motorsport season. Ferrari had built five prototypes in the form of the 288 GTO Evoluzione, but no race series to enter it. With that, the focus shifted to turning it into a road car. It also helped that Enzo Ferrari wanted a flagship model that would later become the last vehicle the company's founder would sign off on personally. The result? It would be the antithesis of the Porsche 959 that came out in 1986. The F40 was raw and visceral, essentially being a race car with license plates. The interior was composed of bare carbon fiber, and equipment was kept to a minimum. It was just a hair over 3,000 lbs for U.S versions and under that for Europe, which did wonders for handling and performance. It was then powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8 that packed 471 hp and 426 lb-ft of torque, which was more than enough to give it a top speed of 201 mph. What a car, indeed. Mecum Auctions Mecum Auctions View the 13 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

It’s Stage 7, after a full day of rest, but the desert didn’t take a break. It’s ready to rock each and every day, and Stage 7 is no different. In the video below you’ll see Stage 7, the start of the 2nd week of Dakar is now, and it starts with hundreds of miles of dunes and sand! There is still a lot of Dakar 2026 left to go, and rest day was welcome, but they all needed it after Stage 6 which was hell for many teams. We’ve been sharing every day’s coverage from the 2026 Dakar Rally and today is no different. Watch the video to see all the Stage 6 action, highlights, and more below! Bodies and vehicles are being put to the test and the carnage and emotions are real! This tough and technical stage was toughernastier than many expected. Dakar Rally 2026 is on! The worlds longest, toughest, and most infamous off-road race has started and we couldn’t be more excited! Famous racers and teams, well known for their prowess in the sand and on Dakar in general, have already been struggling which is just more proof of how gnarly this race really is. There are a lot of new cars and new teams mixed in with proven cars and older teams, but it’s the little things that matter at Dakar. If you don’t take care of your equipment, and keep your teams and people healthy, then you’ll never finish and if you don’t finish you can’t win. This race goes all over Saudi Arabia and will subject drivers and riders to all kinds of sand terrain and more. But the sand is what swallows teams. It’s the most fierce of the challenges. Will 2026 prove to be even tougher than last year? Would you run at Dakar if given the chance? Let us know in the comments section below. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE COVERAGE FROM PREVIOUS STAGES! The post Dakar Rally 2026 Coverage: Stage 7 Racing Action! We Hope They Got Good Rest, Because The Desert Isn’t Playing! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

After Brembo debuted its UTV brake concepts, Wilwood announced it, too, would be giving side-by-side owners the ability to get better brakes with its own aftermarket options. View the full article

John Cena’s love affair with fast Hondas just got more expensive. The wrestler turned actor and long time Honda fan recently took his Civic Type R in for service at a dealer in Florida and left with the keys to a brand new 2026 Honda Prelude in Boost Blue, adding the reborn coupe to a garage that already includes one of the best hot hatches on sale. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article From Daily Type R To Hybrid PreludeCena posted that he “took the Civic Type R in for service and was fortunate enough to pick up the brand new Honda Prelude,” thanking Wesley Chapel Honda for the hookup and calling the car a “Boost Blue Beauty.” The Civic Type R remains his daily driver, but the Prelude is clearly the new toy, and it fits the way he talks about cars. Took the Civic TypeR in for service and was fortunate enough to pick up the brand new @Honda Prelude!! Thank U @wc_honda for helping add this Boost Blue Beauty to the Honda Lineup! Time to see what this thing can do!!! pic.twitter.com/th2anjPkim — John Cena (@JohnCena) January 10, 2026 The new Prelude is a front wheel drive, two door coupe powered by Honda’s latest two motor hybrid system, tuned for real performance rather than pure efficiency. Underneath, it borrows heavily from the FL5 Civic Type R, including major braking and suspension hardware, which explains why Honda is already bringing the Prelude’s new performance hybrid tech to the Civic. Honda’s New Hybrid Era Sounds Better Than You ThinkHonda has given the new Prelude an “S+ Shift” mode that simulates gear changes so the hybrid powertrain behaves more like a traditional performance car instead of a droning CVT. That ties into a larger push to keep its electrified cars from sounding dull. Cena himself is right in the middle of that messaging. He is the voice of Honda’s US ad campaign for the Prelude and has been fronting spots built around fun, approachable performance rather than lap times. Owning the car he is selling on TV makes the whole thing an extension of what he already drives. If you are a Civic Type R fan, Cena’s new Prelude does not mean the end of the manual turbo hatch. Honda has already made it clear that the Civic Type R will live on in America, carrying the K20 turbo four and six speed manual forward for buyers who are not ready to plug in. Instead, the Prelude points at where Honda wants to take the rest of its performance lineup: same handling focus, more hybrid help. View the full article

The Charger Finally Gets Its ShotFor the first time since Dodge controversially pivoted the Charger nameplate toward electrification, we finally get a proper answer to the question muscle car fans have been asking: Can a gasoline-powered Charger still run with the best? In a cold-weather drag race staged by YouTube channel Throttle House, the new gas-fed Dodge Charger lines up against two modern American benchmarks, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse and the older brute force of a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. This is the matchup that many Charger fans have been waiting for. Dodge already showed us an electric Charger was quick, but quick isn’t the same as convincing in the muscle car world. Here, the Charger SIXPACK arrives with all-wheel drive, turbocharged power, and something Dodge loyalists haven’t had in years: traction. On a frigid, non-prepped Canadian road, that setup immediately changes the conversation, especially against rear-drive rivals trying to put serious horsepower to the ground. Launch Wars: Traction vs TraditionFrom a standing start, the Charger’s advantage is obvious. While the Mustang Dark Horse relies on its naturally aspirated V8 and the Hellcat Redeye wrestles with nearly 800 supercharged horsepower, the Charger simply leaves. All-wheel drive allows it to hook up cleanly while the Redeye spins violently, proving once again that “spinning ain’t winning.” In real-world, light-to-light conditions, the Charger looks shockingly effective, even against cars with far more power on paper. Switch everything to rear-wheel drive, though, and the hierarchy begins to shift. The Charger stays competitive with the Dark Horse but can’t overcome its weight penalty. The Hellcat, once it finally finds grip, storms back with terrifying speed, reminding everyone why it remains one of the most outrageous muscle cars ever built. This is the raw, slightly unhinged experience traditionalists still crave, and the Charger, for all its tech, can’t quite replicate that drama. Throttle House/YouTube Roll RacesWhen the launch is removed from the equation, the story evolves again. In roll races with the Charger back in all-wheel drive, the playing field levels out. The Dark Horse hangs on impressively, showcasing its balance and consistency, while the Hellcat, once fully hooked, simply disappears up the road. On a longer stretch or a prepped surface, the Redeye’s advantage is decisive; it’s in another league altogether. Still, the takeaway isn’t that the new Charger dominates everything. Instead, it reframes what “muscle” means in 2026. The Charger SIXPACK is safer, more predictable, and undeniably effective. It may lack the white-knuckle fear factor of a Hellcat, but it finally delivers straight-line credibility in gasoline form. Until we finally get a V8-powered Charger, Dodge has proven one thing clearly with the SIXPACK: the Charger name still belongs in a drag race, even if the definition of muscle has evolved. Throttle House/YouTube View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

If you’ve ever been staring through a windshield onto the open racetrack ahead, you understand how drag racing can extend a few intense seconds into a lifelong memory. For those lucky enough to be caught in the crosshairs of Robert Richard’s viewfinder, that millisecond of action will be expertly immortalized in an effort to transport you right back into the driver’s seat. And the 21-year-old professional photographer wouldn’t have it any other way, because the most unexpected shot is absolutely the one he strives to capture. Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #197, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November/December 2025. “You never know what’s going to happen,” Richard excitedly explains. “Nine out of 10 times, a car will go straight down the racetrack, but that one pass that it doesn’t, and it does some wild stuff – that’s what I love to capture. That’s what makes me want to get out of bed and want to do this every day. When that Pro Mod shakes the tires, kicks up on the wheelie bar, and has the front end up to 330 feet…even the bracket racers that never do wheelstands but they go and drag the bumper one time, it’s great.” Before adjusting aperture and shutter speed, Richard was introduced to the sport by his father and spent time checking the tire pressure and tightening his five-point harness in a Jr. Dragster. He drove from the ages of eight to 16, earned a track championship during his 7.90 days, and even had a brief outing in a full-sized dragster. His mother familiarized him with photography by letting him borrow her camera while they watched the NHRA national event at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. Eventually, his focus shifted to focal length and image composition, and thanks to the encouragement and assistance of 2018 DI 30 Under 30 honoree Cole Rokosky, Richard began making a name for himself in the drag racing media ranks. “It’s very unfortunate the way it happened, but when Billy Albert wrecked at Maple Grove [Raceway] against Fredy Scriba, that was really the moment that started everything,” Richard remembers. “That was the first piece of work I ever had featured in Drag Illustrated and the first time anyone had ever talked to me about using my work. It really expanded from there.” Richard credits a knack for being in the right place at the right time; however, when it comes to the high-speed nature of motorsports photography, the media must have a relatively quick reaction time of their own. And while some of the movements come naturally, Richard’s recipe for success includes a never-quit-learning mentality where he spends his limited free time sharpening his skills for the next outing. “If I could tell somebody who wants to get into this industry what to do, it’s practice,” he says. “You won’t get better at your craft by sitting around doing nothing; you have to get out as much as you can. Even if it’s just shooting cars going by on a public road, it’s all practice and will help you get better at things. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve gone to my local track and just practiced, especially panning, as much as I can to get better at what I do.” Richard gathers inspiration by following photographers and creators in other forms of motorsports, with the hope of adapting the unique style and perspectives to his passion for drag racing. He spends a lot of time on the road, including a first-time trip to The Strip at Las Vegas Speedway this season, before heading south for the winter, where he will nearly become a Florida resident in his motorhome from Thanksgiving until mid-March. Luckily, he will have the company of his mom, Stacey, his girlfriend, Bailey, and a new four-legged friend, Autumn. He aspires to one day photograph at any racetrack in Australia and make the trip to Alaska Raceway Park for the immaculate views. The notoriety and exposure that come from being recognized as a 30 Under 30 honoree will likely aid in achieving his long-term goals. Yet, like most in their early 20s, what lies ahead for Richard is left enticingly unscripted and overflowing with optimism. “Having the 30 Under 30 will definitely open a lot of doors for me,” he says. “I think it will make things a little easier, but I will definitely be working just as hard as I have, if not harder, to make what I want to happen. At the end of the day, that’s what matters. This may help open a path for me further down the road, whatever that may be…I’ve covered a lot that I’ve really wanted to cover, but who knows? You never know what lies at the end of the tunnel.” Whatever awaits, Robert Richard will undoubtedly have his camera in hand, ready to capture every second. The post DI 30 Under 30 2025: Robert Richard first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The HJC RPHA 1N V2 Carbon Snow Diablo mixes MotoGP tech with Monster Energy style for riders who want race vibes on the street and the track. View the full article

The fourth-generation Toyota Supra needs no introduction. Quicker and more advanced the current one may be, but the fourth-gen Supra is a JDM legend and one of Toyota’s most revered sports cars. Neat examples of the Mk4 Supra sell for serious money these days, and a unicorn 1998 example just sold for a staggering $242,000 this past weekend at the Mecum Kissimmee auction. This is close to the record for a stock, road-legal Mk4 Supra, so let’s take a look at why this example is so special. Unmodified and Ultra-Low Miles 1998 Toyota Supra M View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article Being a 1998 model, this A80 Supra is the final model year of this generation. It has covered just 6,080 miles, which is nothing for the legendary 2JZ-GTE 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is rated at 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. This one has the six-speed manual gearbox, adding to the involving nature of the sports car. There's nothing outlandish about the spec, but that only adds to this Supra's purity; it's finished in Super White paint over a black leather interior. It comes with a “Targa” sport roof panel that, allegedly, has never been removed. Bought new in 1998 in Florida, this Supra looks like it has just rolled off the production line, complete with the prominent rear spoiler. The leather interior appears unblemished, and the physical knobs, cassette deck, and analog instrumentation are pure 1990s nostalgia. Related: After A Week With The Toyota Supra, I'm Ready To Drive A BMW Still Not The Priciest Mk4 Supra 1998 Toyota Supra Mecum Auctions View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article While $242,000 is a sum more associated with an Italian exotic, this is still not the most expensive model to sell from this generation of the sports car. Back in 2021, the orange Supra from The Fast and The Furioussold for a jaw-dropping $550,000. That one is an automatic, but its wild exterior and appearance in the film dramatically increased its value. In 2022, another 1998 model sold for $265,000. That one is finished in rarer Quicksilver paint, but had covered just under 23,000 miles at the time. But Mk4 Supras sold at this price point are rare; the highest bid for an A80 Supra on Bring A Trailerwas for $232,000 in 2022, but only three models ever exceeded $200,000. We’re likely to see used values of the A80 increase as the car ages and low-mileage, pristine examples become harder and harder to find. Suddenly, the new fifth-gen model’s base price MSRP of $58,300 looks like a bargain, but it won’t be around for much longer. Related: 2025 Toyota Supra vs BMW Z4: Which one would you buy? View the full article

During the monochromatic paint craze of the 1980s and 1990s, there were a LOT of chrome parts getting painted to match the body color of whatever hot rod, muscle car, or custom truck they were on. But chrome sucks to paint. I guess painting it doesn’t suck, but getting paint to stay on it can if you don’t do it right. Luckily, Jeremy Bumpus is going to share some tips, tricks, and techniques that you can use to make sure your chrome trim, bumpers, etc take paint well and keep it on. We love it when our painting friends share information like this and I know that it will come in handy when I decide to paint some of my own chrome parts later this year. Check out the video below and let us know if you learned some things in the comments! Video Description: Painting chrome is one of the easiest ways to ruin a part if you don’t prep it correctly. In this video, I walk you through the right way to paint chrome so it actually sticks, lasts, and doesn’t peel six months later. And Everything you need to know about high Solids Clear Coat! This is the exact process we use in the shop—no shortcuts, no myths, just proven steps that work on trim, brackets, and other chrome parts. In this video, you’ll learn: • Why paint fails on chrome • The critical prep step most people skip • What grit to sand chrome with (and what not to use) • When to use adhesion promoter vs epoxy • How to seal chrome before paint • Tips to avoid peeling, flaking, and fisheyes If you’re building a hot rod, restoring a classic, or just want your paint job to last, this is a must-watch. The post Paint and Body Tech: The RIGHT Way To Paint Chrome, So It Actually Lasts, Doesn’t Flake, And Looks Great appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The Segway Xaber 300 brings wheelie control, virtual clutch tech, and multiple power personalities to electric off-road riding. View the full article

We’re back with more tool tests, which you know we love around here, and this time it’s swivel adapters that are being test. We all love a good wobbly socket, but if you don’t have a full set of wobbly sockets then you need a swivel adapter or two in your toolbox. Some of them suck. Some are great. But most of the time I end up with one that is as frustrating as it is problem solving. So who actually makes the best ones? Will they live? Do they swivel the right way? Check it out. Video Description: Lifetime of weekly updated rankings: https://torquetestchannel.etsy.com/li… Craftsman: https://amzn.to/452pLXQ Williams 1/2: https://amzn.to/4iCXOLV Williams 3/8: https://amzn.to/4iBsAEZ Capri: https://amzn.to/4pN8euD Chicago Impact: https://amzn.to/4jtjdaA We do not accept any tools shown on the channel from any brand, nor do we take any sponsorships, partnerships, discounts, product placement deals, pre-market brand samples, money, items or compensation of any kind from brands, tool makers or otherwise in the planning or creation of these videos. The post Tool Tech: The BEST Swivel Adapters for Sockets! Putting Swivel Adapters Through Their Paces To Find Out Who’s Best appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Once consider unobtanium in North America, Airoh Helmets are finally here, and I am stoked.View the full article

I’m a fan of a C4 Corvette, but I’m not sure that this one isn’t cursed. When Derek got it and started working on it, the problems became bigger and bigger and bigger. It had an incredibly horrible fuel system that ultimately required a whole new fuel pump, fuel tank, and more. Then there is the ignition. Oh and the wiring. Oh, and … Yeah, there is a lot. We’ve got BOTH episodes below for you to check out, so check it out and let us know. The first episode is at the bottom of the page. Video Description: Part 2 of 2 of the C4 Corvette is here! A guys back to battle with this abandoned classic muscle car! Crossfire fuel injection system rebuild is needed, plus much more! Will the car make it to the National Corvette Museum? Video Description: Quite possibly the worst corvette every made, AND this ones in terrible condition. This C4 Corvette has been abandoned for 20 years. It’s going to take a lot of work, but let’s see if a guy can get it going once again! The post WORLDS WORST Corvette! Will It FINALLY RUN and ROAD TRIP? Derek At Vice Grip Garage Has Got His Work Cut Out On This One appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A New GR Flagship Takes Center StageToyota has officially unveiled its new flagship performance models – the GR GT and GR GT3 – at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 in Japan. Even better, both cars did a demo on the tarmac for the showgoers to witness. The GR GT serves as the brand's new flagship road car, succeeding the Lexus LFA, while the GR GT3 has been developed specifically to meet global GT3 racing regulations. During the public demonstration, both prototypes were driven by Tatsuya Kataoka, Hiroaki Ishiura, Naoya Gamo, and gentleman driver Daisuke Toyoda. Visually, the GR GT stood out for its proportions, bearing a resemblance to the Dodge Viper thanks to its wide stance, low-slung profile, and long hood. Designed With the Racetrack in MindUnder the hood is a newly developed 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with a single electric motor, delivering a claimed combined output of 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission—a setup that was put on display during the public demo, where drivers were seen performing donuts and burnouts. Toyota also emphasizes the GR GT’s low center of gravity, which theoretically enhances handling precision and cornering stability. Supporting this is the brand’s first all-aluminum frame, aimed at reducing mass, along with the use of carbon fiber in key areas such as the hood and roof. To further highlight the cars' performance, Toyota utilized a short outdoor demo course at this year’s TAS. While the compact layout naturally limited the extent of the demonstration, it still allowed attendees to hear and see the GR GT in action—including a casual standing-start sprint between the two performance variants. Toyota Gazoo Racing on YouTube GR Enters Its Next ChapterOfficial pricing has yet to be announced, though GR GT Project Manager Takashi Doi indicated that the car is expected to be priced in line with current GT3 offerings. Using the Porsche 911 GT3 as a benchmark, the GR GT could land around the $230,000 mark. Toyota has also suggested that it intends to avoid making the GR GT an ultra-exclusive halo car, an approach the company has since said it regretted with the Lexus LFA. As for the GR GT3, the next step is preparing it for the racetrack. Once homologated, it will take on similarly specified rivals such as the Ferrari 296 GT3 and the Ford Mustang GT3. The timing is fitting, as Toyota’s previous GT3 entry, the Lexus RC F GT3, is being phased out. Toyota View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

I think most hot rodders have the same problem as Tony when it comes to finishing our rides. I know I’m the same way. I think it’s Attention Deficite Hot Rod Disorder. ADHRD. We all suffer from it at some level, but Tony has become kind of famous for it. So in this video here he’s going to try to actually finish the HEMI Swapped 1970 Dart that they have been putting together. Will he pull it off? I’m ready for more burnouts! Video Description: We’ve been building one ultimate street/strip 1970 Dodge Dart for the last year at Stay Tuned. Tony Angelo and the ST crew have crammed this car full of 6.4 Hemi Power (500HP) and fully stout drivetrain, great suspension and more but it’s just not finished! Today we are gonna change all that. The post What is Tony’s LEAST FAVORITE part of Hot Rodding? Finishing One. But That’s The Plan For His 1970 HEMI Dart Swap! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Turbocharged street/strip cars need the right torque converter. Here's what goes into picking the correct converter. View the full article

When Big Isn't Big EnoughThere's no doubting the size of Ford's Super Duty range of pickup trucks. The "smallest" version one can get is already 232 inches long, 80 inches wide, and rides on a 141.4-inch wheelbase. Describing size is subjective, but its dimensions firmly put it in the massive category. Speaking of massive, one can get a Super Duty in many shapes, sizes, trims, and engine choices. Aside from the standard trims, the pickup can be specified with the off-road-oriented Tremor package and luxed up with the King Ranch or Platinum trims. Of course, there are those who want more from their Super Duty. Anyone who wants to do so can turn to American Expedition Vehicles or AEV to make that happen. Ford AEV is Expanding its PortfolioAEV is normally associated with Jeep. After all, the company got its start by upfitting Wranglers, although it has since added Ram pickups and GM products to its list of vehicles that can be upgraded. Now, they're venturing into new territory with Ford as part of its expansion. With that, AEV has made an upgrade package for the Super Duty. Its mods now allow owners to fit whopping 40-inch tires to the pickup, and the company claims the changes made do not come at the expense of drivability. Prior to that, the biggest factory tire available for the Super Duty was 35 inches. American Expedition Vehicles The AEV FXL Package in a NutshellSo, what did AEV do for the Super Duty? The highlight here has to be the four-inch DualSport XP Suspension lift kit, as if it needed any more ground clearance. It's then complemented by a set of AEV-tuned Bilstein dampers all around. For those massive 40-inchers to fit, the pickup gets HighMark fender flares, and those 18-inch Katmai DualSport wheels look positively tiny when shod in those chunky BF Goodrich HD-Terrain tires. Other goodies? There's a stamped steel front bumper and a high-clearance rear bumper to maximize the lift by giving the Super Duty better approach and departure angles. The steel bumper at the front also includes a built-in winch and foglights. One can also go for the FXL graphics pack, and it even comes with a serialized plaque. By the way, all the mods do not interfere with the vehicle's advanced driver assists, and it even includes a three-year/36,000-mile warranty. American Expedition Vehicles How Much for the Conversion?For now, AEV hasn't listed the total cost for the whole package. That said, we reckon it won't be cheap. Still, the company is known for strong and sturdy bids, and it'll be worth it for anyone who plans to give their Super Duty the FXL treatment. We'll know more about it once the Super Duty FXL makes its public debut at the 2026 North American International Auto Show. It's not that long of a wait, either, as doors open to the public on January 14. American Expedition Vehicles American Expedition Vehicles View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Winter is finally here, and Polaris wants you, yes, you, to go and test ride the company's latest and greatest snowmobiles for free.View the full article