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Michael Annett, who turned 39 years old this year, has tragically passed away. Annett competed at all three national levels of the sport, and was a winner in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts (formerly Xfinity) Series. Annett was a full-time Cup driver from 2014 through 2016 as well, starting 106 races and placing as high as 13th in the 2015 Daytona 500. As a driver in the secondary level of the ...Keep readingView the full article

The people have spoken, Scout CEO saysAccording to a new report published by Bloomberg on November 26, Scout Motors, Volkswagen's recently established adventure-focused electric vehicle brand, stated that the brand will be making a hard pivot from purely battery-electric, off-road-oriented SUVs and pickup trucks to those incorporating a gasoline-powered engine. Namely, the brand will be giving its Harvester models extended-range electric versions (EREVs) that were revealed last year with the brand's Traveler SUV and Terra pickup. The biggest draw of the Harvester is its gas-powered engine, which can recharge the battery while in operation. Scout Motors What are EREVs?In an interview, Scout CEO Scott Keogh said that 80% of those who have placed a $100 reservation on a Scout vehicle have opted for the Harvester over pure electric versions. “The market clearly has spoken, without a doubt, and they like the EREV technology full stop,” Keogh told Bloomberg. “This is EV without the drama.” Although we don’t know the exact size of the Scout's battery, the vehicles are expected to feature an 800-volt battery architecture with 350 kW DC fast charging, bidirectional capability, and an estimated 350-mile range on just the battery alone. With the Harvester technology equipped, Scout claims that its cars can travel up to 500 miles using both battery-stored electricity and gas. John Keeble/Getty Images Over the past few years, range-extended or extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) have proven to be a particularly popular alternative to conventional battery-electric vehicles in key regions where EV adoption has surged, notably in China, where local manufacturers such as Li Auto and BYD have seen success with these models. As mentioned before, EREVs differ from other electrified vehicles, such as hybrids and battery-electric cars, as they feature a small gasoline engine that isn’t mechanically connected to the wheels in any way. Instead, it functions like an onboard power plant that activates whenever it is needed to recharge the battery. However, other automakers have recently shown interest in this technology, with several reportedly exploring EREVs to expand their reach. Recently, Jeep has confirmed that the 2026 Grand Wagoneer will feature a range-extender setup, while Ram is developing an extended-range version of the Ram 1500 called the REV. Hyundai is also developing an extended-range version of the Santa Fe. Even BMW is reportedly considering its own EREVs, based on the X5 and 7 Series. It wouldn't be the first time it offered such a technology, as it previously sold the BMW i3 REx, which utilized a small scooter engine to recharge the high-voltage battery when it was low on power. Scout CEO: We are "capable" of building other brands' carsScout Motors is poised to begin producing its vehicles in a brand-new $2 billion factory in South Carolina, which is slated to start production in late 2027. With tariff trouble affecting multiple brands in the Volkswagen portfolio and the possibility of Audiproducing a Scout-derived off-roader targeting the Mercedes G-Wagon and the Land Rover Defender, the Scout CEO did not entirely rule out the possibility of the factory producing four-ring-branded vehicles. “We are capable of making products for other brands, so the platform is capable, and the factory is capable,” Keogh said. “But I have actually nothing to confirm on Audi. Audi can give you that answer.” Final thoughtsScout CEO Scott Keogh also mentioned that with Scout's new facility, Volkswagen has the opportunity to create products that will compete in segments accounting for approximately 40% of the profits experienced by the US auto market, and are often bought by buyers who appreciate a product made in the USA. “The group can plant a brand right in the heart of the US profit pool,” Keogh said. “Regardless of party, I think Americans do want things made in America. These segments are strongly dominated by a ‘Buy American’ mentality.” In theory, EREVs can be a solution to traditional battery-electric cars, as their electric range tends to be much higher than that of many EVs. As charging infrastructure in the US continues to expand, concerns over charging reliability and range anxiety persist. However, these models provide the kind of security that the gas pump offers. View the full article

Valor Offroad, a rapidly growing leader in premium UTV wheels and accessories, proudly announces the release of its latest innovation: the V16 Beadlock Wheel. Purpose-built for aggressive off-road drivers, the V16 delivers a blend of lightweight construction, rugged durability, and modern styling that raises the bar for performance-focused wheel design. Engineered specifically for today’s high-horsepower UTVs, the V16 features a forged-grade beadlock ring, reinforced wheel lip, and optimized load distribution for superior tire retention in the most punishing terrain. Whether carving dunes, hammering through rock gardens, or pounding out desert miles, the V16 is built to hold the line. Valor Offroad V16 Beadlock Wheel Bold New Design. Race-Ready Strength. The V16 showcases Valor’s signature precision machining with a fresh multi-spoke layout engineered to shed weight without compromising strength. The beadlock ring utilizes aggressive hardware spacing for consistent clamping pressure, while the wheel’s inner reinforcement structure manages the shock loads associated with high-speed off-road driving. Valor Offroad V16 Beadlock Wheel Additional highlights include: True beadlock construction for maximum low-pressure tire security Lightweight, high-strength aluminum engineered for today’s heavy-duty UTV platforms Reinforced ring design that improves rigidity and durability in technical terrain Multiple fitments for popular sport and utility models Premium finishes engineered for corrosion resistance and long-term performance Built for Riders Who Demand More “With the V16, we set out to create a wheel that not only looks incredible but performs at a level our customers expect from Valor,” said [Insert Name], [Insert Title], Valor Offroad. “From its structural design to its premium hardware, every detail of the V16 reflects our commitment to reliable, race-inspired engineering.” Availability The new V16 Beadlock Wheel is available now through authorized Valor Offroad dealers and online retailers. For additional details, fitment information, and technical specifications, visit ValorOffroad.com. About Valor Offroad Valor Offroad designs and manufactures high-performance UTV wheels and accessories that blend strength, innovation, and rider-first engineering. Built for enthusiasts who push the limits of their machines, Valor products are tested in the harshest off-road environments to ensure uncompromising reliability. For more information, visit https://www.valoroffroad.com/ The post Valor Offroad Launches All-New V16 Beadlock Wheel Designed for Extreme UTV Performance appeared first on UTV Guide. View the full article

The 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v NASCAR antitrust trial is raging on as the two sides do battle inside a North Carolina courtroom with the future of the sport likely to be reshaped by the outcome. Here, you can find a recap of some of the most important and interesting moments from each day of the trial, with links back to more in-depth stories from our Senior NASCAR Editor Matt ...Keep readingView the full article

The Automotive Advantage Podcast, featuring Justin and the Doc are back at it with their own 2025 Awards, which makes us laugh and cringe and want to argue with them as well. But it is entertaining and that is all that matters. So check out the episode below, and then make sure you follow BANGshift on Facebook and YouTube so you’ll see our Beards, Burnouts, And Beer Podcast next Wednesday where we just might make up our own 2025 Awards as well. Who know! But watch they boys below and let us know what you think in the comments. Video Description: Welcome back to The Automotive Advantage. Today we reveal the 2025 Automotive Awards that absolutely no one asked for, but everyone will have an opinion about. We break down the best, the worst, and the completely unhinged moments from across the automotive world and crown winners in categories like Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, Top Upfitter, Best Performance Part, Top Media, Best Event, and more. We even pick the Dogs of the Year and talk about the trends that shaped 2025. Inside this episode we cover: The car companies that actually moved the industry forward Why Ford, Dodge SRT, and Toyota dominated different segments Corvette ZR1, GTD, used enthusiast cars, and the rise of the $200K build The Slate truck hype and the f 150 as the new Fox Body Fox Factory, Singer, RTR, and the future of upfitted vehicles Why sim racing and iRacing are becoming real sanctioning bodies Influencers vs traditional media and why Bring a Trailer runs the culture Power Tour, Roadkill, Dream Cruise and the event boom The campaigns that worked and the ones that felt cursed HP Tuners, Whipple, and the new performance landscape The rise of AI generated chaos in automotive media Then we give out our picks for moment of the year, person of the year, and the industry low points we hope stay in 2025. Drop your top ten lists, tell us where we were wrong, and let us know what you are looking forward to in 2026. The post The Automotive Adventage Podcast Brings Us THE AUTOMOTIVE AWARDS NO ONE ASKED FOR! Top Cars, Trends, Winners, Losers of 2025 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

When Freiburger and I were doing Car Junkie TV and then freelance stuff at Hot Rod, he had a big 1967 Impala Convertible that we did minimal work to before wrapping it with flames and the driving the hell out of it. He loved that thing and drove it often, but always said he was going to replace it with something else big and fun someday. Well, now is the time apparently. Check out the video, the motivation, and the car he got! Video Description: I needed more garbage cars and more adventure, so hit the road with me (or take the bus) as I buy the perfect beater and take the long way home. This 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible is so good. I think you’ll agree. The post Freiburger Found The Perfect Big Beater Convertible To Road Trip, But Perhaps The Weather Could Be Better For Top down Cruising. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is no stranger to controversy, but his latest claim regarding his automaker's "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" semi-autonomous technology could be seen as endangering lives. Roughly a month ago, Musk promised that FSD would soon allow users to text and drive, reports Electrek. FSD is still not a Level 5 hands-off, eyes-off, fully autonomous technology, but in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk yesterday responded to a question asking if the latest FSD v14.2.1 update allows users to text and drive in the affirmative, replying, "Depending on context of surrounding traffic, yes (sic)." We're not sure in what context texting and driving could be considered safe (one user suggested it would be at traffic lights), but it's certainly never legal. Fewer Safety Warnings for FSD? Tesla As noted above, FSD is still only a Level 2 driver aid, so it seems that Musk's comment indicates a relaxation of the "nags" that prompt a driver to pay attention after the in-cabin camera that tracks eye movement detects the user looking down for too long. In the past, FSD would shut down after a user had been detected looking away from the road too often, but Musk's comment suggests that these so-called nags will be less frequent, and FSD may not deactivate if a user fails to focus on the road and keep their hands on the wheel. Depending on context of surrounding traffic, yes — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 4, 2025 Several Tesla users responding to the above tweet have reported being able to keep their hands off the wheel for extended periods without any intervention from the system, with one saying they were able to do so "almost fully" throughout the day. Sure, if Tesla has come closer to Musk's ambition of "solving autonomy," that's good news and may lead to reduced traffic accidents. However, the fact remains that, at least for now, FSD is not "full self-driving" technology, and even if it had reached that milestone, texting and driving while behind the wheel of any car remains an offense (even if just a misdemeanor) in the eyes of the law. Tesla Vehicles Have a Long Record of Crashes With numerous accidents attributed to the unsupervised use of FSD, as well as several setbacks over the years, rival automakers have shown no interest in licensing the tech from Tesla. Even with human supervision, Tesla robotaxis have crashed often, drawing federal scrutiny. Autopilot has also been implicated in preventable crashes that may have been avoided if the users had been paying attention. Related: Rimac One-Ups Musk By Revealing a Fleet of Robotaxis Before Tesla Does Whatever advancements may have been made with this latest version of Tesla software, Musk's comment encourages more complacency among ignorant Tesla users who are not aware of the risks that failing to take responsibility for their safety and that of other road users creates, not to mention those who are cognizant of the risks but choose to take them anyway. Tesla may someday make autonomous cars a reality and get lawmakers to support unsupervised use of its tech, but until then, texting and driving is dangerous for everyone. View the full article

Unreal Adventure is back and we’ve got Part 5 of the adventures where the drivers and crew learn what Washington’s hardcore trails like to do to fullsize rigs! We’re super excited to see how the 2025 edition of Unreal Adventure will play out, because the 2024 edition was awesome! I want to build a rig to take so bad! I need another project like a hole in my head, but 2026 is going to be the year where I get a bunch of my stuff up and running so maybe 2027 is the year I build my dream off-road rig. Just you wait. Until then, I’m going to watch Unreal Adventure videos and be jealous of my off-road friends. Watch. Video Description: Its Day 5 of Unreal Adventure but this trip is far from over! After setting up camp well after dark near Liberty Township on the Eastern edge of the Cascades in Washington, we hit the trails early and quickly find out theres a whole lot of up and a whole lotta down in this trail system, including some tight spots that end up tippy for some of the bigger trucks. Our efforts are rewarded with amazing panoramic views of the area, a few mishaps, and another epic camp night in the pines. And of course, the hijinks continue both on and off the trail. Check it all out and be sure to check out our other episodes to get in on all the action! The post Unreal Adventure 2025: Unreal Adventure Hits The Pacific Northwest! Episode 5 – THEY ALMOST LOST TWO RIGS on Liberty Trail! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

This NA V6 May Not Be As Reliable as We ThoughtToyotas are known for their reliability more than anything else, but this isn’t necessarily always the case. The naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 engine replaced the 2GR-FSE in 2015 and has been in production ever since. It is used in a number of models from Toyota, including the Camry, Tacoma, Avalon, and Highlander, as well as the Lexus GS 350, RX 350, IS 350, and RC 350. While these engines, especially from later years, are considered bulletproof and reliable for up to 200,000 miles, earlier examples from before 2018 occasionally didn’t fare as well. The motor being taken apart in this teardown video from The Car Care Nut YouTube channel came out of a 2017 Toyota Tacoma. The owner complained of loud knocking noises at just around 69,000 miles — a clear indication that something was seriously wrong within. Initial FindingsThe first visible issue on this engine was substantial oil stains from a timing cover leak — a common issue with 2GR motors. There were also coolant stains on the back of the engine, indicating a slow coolant leak from the plastic bypass pipe; yet another known issue. However, neither of these fluid leaks could be responsible for an engine failure. Spotless Top EndPulling off the cam covers revealed clean camshafts and timing chains, with everything where it should be and absolutely no surprises. Flipping the engine over and pulling off the lower oil pan didn’t reveal anything either, with no metal flakes in the pan and an extremely clean pickup tube. Ditto for the upper oil pan. The Car Care Nut View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article With the oil pans out of the way, the water pump and front timing cover could come off, revealing the timing chain setup; still, no visible issues here, save for that minor oil leak in the upper corner. Taking off the cam towers and camshafts enabled a thorough inspection of the hydraulic lifters and lower half of the heads, which, once again, were extremely clean with no sludge and no obvious problems making their presence known. Th View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Into the Lower EndThe first signs of trouble became visible once the heads were removed; deep scoring on the cylinder walls of the middle cylinders on both banks, with the piston rocking back and forth within the bore. This clearance issue would have been the source of the loud knocking sound, as the piston slapped against the cylinder walls, scoring them in the process. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The crank, rods, and associated bearings showed absolutely no wear, but the pistons from the middle cylinders displayed severe scoring and physical damage on the skirts, and oil rings that were seized in place. These are all indicators that the pistons have been rocking back and forth within the bore, damaging themselves and the cylinder walls in the process. Closer inspection of the pistons from the undamaged cylinders also revealed minor scoring on the skirt, which shouldn’t have been present at just 69,000 miles. What Owners Can DoWhile this teardown didn’t offer a definite cause for the accelerated piston and cylinder wear, the presenter is of the opinion that it may be a design issue with the oil control holes in the piston, leading to the oil rings seizing in place. This is supported by the fact that Toyota changed the design of these holes from 2018 onwards. If you own a pre-2018 Toyota or Lexus with this engine, you can pull out the spark plugs and inspect the cylinder walls with a borescope to check for scoring or damage. This will give you an early indication of whether or not your car’s motor is affected by this issue. Beyond this, there isn’t really much else you can do, aside from completely taking the engine apart. View the full article

Omega Racer's Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 café racer features all-new aluminum bodywork that showcases the company's skill with metal.Even if you're not familiar with Omega Racer's name, you've almost certainly seen their work. The Thailand-based outfit has been in business for fourteen years, ... View the full article

The 54th edition of the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks continues Friday at Bradenton Motorsports Park with two final qualifying sessions scheduled for the heads-up classes, including the headlining Pro Mod division. Friday’s qualifying sessions will set the field for eliminations, which will begin Saturday to get ahead of rain predicted for Sunday. The historic event serves as the opening race of the second annual Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, a three-race Pro Mod series paying out more than $275,000 to race winners and the series champion. The event also includes Pro 10.5, True 10.5 N/T, Lil Gangstas, Limited Drag Radial, Ultra Street and more. Full qualifying sheets will be posted below when they’re available from race control. Find Thursday qualifying results here. Tune in to the official event livestream on FloRacing here: https://flosports.link/46edcdu Pro Mod Q3 Coming soon This story was originally published on December 5, 2025. The post Friday Qualifying Results – 2025 Snowbird Outlaw Nationals Pro Mod And Pro 10.5 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The 2025 season of NHRA’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series was marked by a strong effort in pursuit of the world championship by NHRA Comp Eliminator racer Taylor Chomiski. In 2026, Chomiski is determined to turn the No. 5 on his window into a No. 1, and with Blind Frog Ranch on board as primary partner for the second consecutive season, they will together embark upon what they’ve coined the “Chasing Gold” tour. “First and foremost, I have to say thank you to Duane Ollinger and all the folks at Blind Frog Ranch for their support throughout the last couple of seasons,” said Chomiski, who claimed two victories in four final rounds in 2025. “They stepped up as the primary partner last year, and we were so proud to be able to park our Chevy Cobalt in the winner’s circle with Blind Frog Ranch on the door more than once. I believe there are even better things to come as we head into this next season together.” Texas native Ollinger is the owner of Blind Frog Ranch, a distinct patch of land in eastern Utah that has garnered a plethora of public attention for the curious caverns beneath it and what treasures they may hold. The enigmatic ranch has delighted those who share Ollinger’s passion for adventure and connected with individuals intrigued with the pursuit of treasure. Those traits are wholly shared by Chomiski and his father, respected engine builder and lifelong racer Gary Chomiski. The partnership with Blind Frog Ranch is a natural fit; while Ollinger has been prospecting in the Utah desert, the Chomiski men have been hunting for shining win lights on the dragstrip. The younger Chomiski grew up at the racetrack, helping his father in the pits for a variety of established and successful teams. Chomiski had long wanted to race and fell in love with Pro Stock, NHRA’s naturally aspirated professional class of factory hot rods, as well as Competition Eliminator, a premier Sportsman category that combines index racing with all out, first-to-the-finish wins. Chomiski’s C/SM (Super Modified) Cobalt is powered by a Chomiski Performance engine and, much like a Pro Stock car, he shifts his way down the quarter-mile race course. The efficient Cobalt covers the dragstrip in eight seconds at speeds in excess of 160 mph. In a driving career that launched for Chomiski in 2020, he has thus far accumulated three division wins in seven final rounds and has a perfect two-for-two win-record in national event finals. He finished No. 8 in the world in 2024 and No. 5 in 2025, and he’s eager to continue the climb with Blind Frog Ranch by his side, along with other valued partners. “It’s just unbelievably awesome to have someone like Duane behind us and to be partnered with such a unique and intriguing brand,” said Chomiski, who noted that a book diving into the story behind Blind Frog Ranch is expected for release mid-summer 2026. “The fan response has been incredible. A lot of people recognize Blind Frog Ranch, but the really cool thing is that they love it and want to know more. They’re excited, and so are we. It’s so much fun to race this car with Blind Frog Ranch on the door. Duane watches every run when he’s not with us at the racetrack, and he and his crew on the ranch were the inspiration for the Chasing Gold tour. That has us even more eager to get back to work and racing for our first world championship.” This story was originally published on December 5, 2025. The post Blind Frog Ranch Extends Partnership With NHRA Championship Contender Taylor Chomiski For ‘Chasing Gold’ Tour in 2026 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Trackside Systems, the industry’s leading race-operations and ticketing platform, has announced its acquisition of Accutime Timing Systems, drag racing’s most advanced and accurate timing system. The announcement comes as Trackside prepares for its largest presence ever at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show, where the newly unified platform will be showcased for the first time. The acquisition brings together Accutime’s proven timing accuracy with Trackside’s modern digital operations, which include point-of-sale systems, ticketing systems, and more. Together, the two companies will provide the drag racing industry’s first fully integrated timing + ticketing + race management ecosystem. The acquisition and integration are being guided by Jason Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer of Trackside Systems, who brings more than 20 years of enterprise IT and software engineering experience. Kennedy’s years of experience as a road racing promoter led to the creation of Trackside after identifying major technology gaps in motorsports operations. He’s overseen its growth into the industry’s most modern race-operations platform. Kennedy now directs the technical strategy behind the integration of Accutime and Trackside. “Accutime’s core is incredibly reliable and is the best engineered solution in drag racing timing systems; we’re not changing that,” said Kennedy, who celebrated 21 years of AutoInterests events this season. “We’re adding the support, modernization, and integration the industry has been asking for – and PRI is the perfect place to show track operators what the future looks like.” Sarah Kennedy oversees company operations, customer experience, and organizational development at Trackside Systems. With a background in business operations and process optimization, she plays a key role in scaling Trackside’s support infrastructure, training programs, and customer-facing initiatives. Sarah supports the modernization efforts that will guide the combined Accutime + Trackside platform into the future. “The PRI Show is where the racing community comes together, so we’re looking forward to catching up with our current customers to show them what we’ve been developing while also meeting potential customers to tell them what we’re all about,” Sarah Kennedy said. “Attendees will see how the combined platform simplifies operations, reduces failure points, enhances racer and spectator experience, and delivers a complete end-to-end workflow, from race registration and payments to live timing and digital time slips.” The Kennedys work closely with Greg Miller, who directs Accutime system development and track operations strategy. Through more than 30 years of experience in drag racing operations, Miller has assisted track owners and operators nationwide through consulting, reopening facilities with new owners, and helping modernize race operations. He has extensive hands-on knowledge of Accutime Timing Systems across multiple facilities, and he was the third track operator to adopt Trackside Systems, immediately recognizing the platform’s importance and potential. “This is an exciting time for Trackside Systems and we’re eager to share our progress with everyone at PRI,” Miller said. “Trackside has invested heavily in strengthening both the Trackside and Accutime product lines, including a fully stocked dedicated warehouse for key components, an expanded field-service fleet, and a rapidly growing team undergoing extensive Accutime training. These efforts ensure a highly capable, responsive, and professional support experience for racetracks worldwide. Future enhancements, modernization initiatives, and expanded capabilities will be guided directly by track operators, ensuring both systems continue evolving in ways that meaningfully improve operations, reliability, and racer satisfaction. This was Accutime’s 30th anniversary season, but we feel like we’re just getting started with the exciting developments we have coming down the line.” In addition to greeting PRI Show attendees at the unified Trackside + Accutime booth (Booth #10008), the Trackside leadership team will host technology sessions on Thursday and Friday at the Indiana Convention Center. On Thursday, Accutime will host a private session with current customers at 11 a.m. in Room 207 to meet the team and discuss future plans, as well as an open session at 1 p.m. in Room 201-203 to demo the latest software updates. On Friday, Trackside will offer a private session with current customers at 11 a.m. in Room 236 to demo the latest updates and upcoming features. Finally, an open session at 1 p.m. in Room 236 will highlight the Accutime and Trackside integration. For PRI Show updates from Trackside Systems and Accutime Timing Systems, visit www.Facebook.com/TracksideSystems and www.Facebook.com/AccutimeTimingSystems. This story was originally published on December 5, 2025. The post Trackside Systems Announces Acquisition of Accutime Timing Systems Ahead of PRI Show first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Jim Halsey and Jeff Rudolf were involved in a scary crash at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals. Both drivers walked away from the incident.View the full article

Cruz Pedregon Racing announced that crew chief Jason Bunker has departed the organization to explore new opportunities. The team thanks Bunker for his hard work and wishes him nothing but success on the road ahead. Pedregon finished eighth in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and won the NHRA Reading Nationals in 2025, his first win since 2022, the 40th Funny Car victory of his career. The change comes at an exciting moment for CPR, as the organization ramps up its efforts to elevate performance and build a refreshed, energized program for 2026. “We’re moving full speed ahead on strengthening our operation and putting the right pieces in place for 2026,” said team owner and driver Cruz Pedregon. “There’s a real sense of momentum in our camp. We’re confident in our direction, motivated to keep improving, and excited about what’s coming next. The work we’re doing right now is setting the tone for a standout season.” Two-time NHRA Funny Car world champion Cruz Pedregon will reveal his 2026 team lineup in the coming days and a brighter competitive future. The post Cruz Pedregon Racing Sets Sights On ’26 Season With Leadership Update appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Kaden Honeycutt will have some big shoes to fill in 2026 as he takes over the wheel of the No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota, which Corey Heim drove to a historic title this past year. In 2025, Heim won 4x as many races as his closest competition, secured nearly twice as many top fives, led 3x as many laps led, and ended the year with an average finish more than four places better than any other ...Keep readingView the full article

Thanks to the magic of over-the-air updates, Mercedes-Benz is rolling out an array of exciting new features to over 700,000 vehicles across the globe. This is the MBUX 3.3 software update, and the focus is on enhancing the in-car experience for Mercedes customers. Crucially, the update doesn’t apply to the entire Mercedes lineup, but several core models equipped with the third generation of MBUX will be included. If you’re into in-vehicle entertainment options and enhanced productivity, this update is for you. Brilliant Visuals and Immersive Sound Mercedes-Benz Software-Update MBUX 3.3 Mercedes-Benz View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Mercedes-Benz utilizes some of the largest display interfaces in the industry, such as the enormous 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen in the new electric GLC. Consequently, the brand has regularly updated its in-car entertainment options to make the most of these dazzling displays. With the new update, new titles from RIDEVU by Sony Pictures can be enjoyed in the IMAX Enhanced format, including DTS:X immersive audio. If you’re too busy to go to the movie theater, you can now enjoy blockbuster movies from the comfort of your E-Class. Mercedes is also adding Dolby Atmos audio across apps like Audible, TIDAL, and Amazon Music, with the spatial sound bringing your favorite content to life. Amazon Music and Audible can now be accessed directly from the infotainment system, and customers with MBUX 3.3 can get a free trial to both Amazon Music Unlimited and Audible in select countries, including the United States. For gamers, Gamepack adds a new selection of retro mini-games to enjoy from your car. Related: 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Ready To Shine With More Tech Than Ever More Convenience Via MBUX Calendar and Voice Assistant Mercedes-Benz Software-Update MBUX 3.3 Mercedes-Benz View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Not every Mercedes driver will be interested in playing video games, but most will be interested in ways to make their lives more convenient. To that end, the new MBUX Calendar takes the place of the In-Car Calendar app. Using one login, MBUX Notes, Calendar, and eventually Meetings can all be linked. Mercedes introduced Microsoft Teams compatibility a while ago, making in-car meetings easier, and now Teams calls can be initiated directly from the app. The MBUX Voice Assistant has also received some attention, with more vehicle settings adjustable via voice alone, although Mercedes hasn’t detailed what settings these are. The relevant models with the third-generation MBUX system are the C-Class, E-Class, CLE, and GLC. We expect other models to gradually receive the latest MBUX system over time. MBUX Remains a Cutting Edge System Mercedes-Benz In our review of the best infotainment systems in the industry last year, MBUX received an honorable mention from us. If you consider yourself a tech geek, MBUX will delight you with its snazzy graphics and mass of features. We also praised Merc’s voice assistant as being one of the best, assuming you enjoy talking to your car. But there remains a rather steep learning curve if you’re the type who upgrades their car rarely and are coming from a significantly older model. And, in our review of the latest GLC 63, we struggled with that SUV’s capacitive touch controls. If you’re willing to lean into the tech, though, it’s incredible what MBUX can do. View the full article

Subaru and Japan Car of the YearJapan Car of the Year (JCOTY) has been around since 1980. The first winner was the Mazda Familia, which more seasoned individuals might know better as the Mazda GLC. Since then, Toyota and Honda have taken loads of wins with 15 and 14, respectively. From time to time, though, Subaru sneaks in to surprise the judges. Throughout JCOTY's history, Subaru has won it three times. They first got it in 2003 with the fourth-generation Legacy, which makes us even sadder to see it go this year. It took a while for it to get the second one, the fifth-generation Impreza, in 2016. After that, the second-generation Levorg, also known as the WRX Wagon, gave Subaru its third title in 2020. But now, Subaru can add another trophy to its cabinet as the Forester Hybrid, known there as the Forester e-Boxer, has won it for the hardworking folks in Gunma. S Surprised?As more and more car awards gravitate towards EVs, it's rather refreshing to see something that still has an engine to win. Then again, JCOTY rarely gives out overall spoils to battery-powered vehicles, only awarding EVs twice throughout its history. But back to the Forester, judges praised the compact crossover for its performance, practicality, efficiency, and safety. It's pretty good value over in Japan, too, with e-Boxer prices ranging from ¥4,202,000 to ¥4,598,000 ($27,000 to $30,000). Translated from Japanese, here is what the awards body said. "The Subaru Forester was highly praised as an SUV that combines driving performance, practicality, comfort, off-road capability, and safety, which Subaru has always placed a high priority on. With the adoption of the long-awaited Strong Hybrid (S:HEV), the unique horizontally opposed engine has evolved into a "SUBARU-esque environmental engine" that combines fuel efficiency with driving pleasure. Furthermore, the car also received high praise for its advanced safety features, including EyeSight X and other advanced driver assistance technologies, as well as airbags that help reduce injuries to pedestrians and cyclists alike." S The Cars it BeatRight behind the Forester e-Boxer was the much-anticipated Honda Prelude that's already been selling like hotcakes in Japan. In third place came the Toyota Crown Estate, better known in North America as the Crown Signia. Fourth went to the drastically redesigned Nissan Leaf, while the Volkswagen ID.Buzz rounded up the top five. As for the rest of the finalists, the Hyundai Inster took home sixth, and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came in seventh. In eighth was the Peugeot 3008, while the Suzuki e-Vitara and Daihatsu Move were ranked ninth and tenth, respectively. Subaru Subaru View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Hybrid Idea Nissan Has Been Refining for YearsNissan's e-Power system isn't new. It debuted in 2016 with the Note in Japan, and since then, the brand has rolled it out to dozens of markets. The question has always been when North America would get it. Now, it's finally happening. If you're wondering why Nissan isn't following the same playbook as Honda's e:HEV hybrids – the sort you'll find in the Accord, CR-V, and Civic – Nissan's reasoning is straightforward. Honda uses a two-motor system that operates mostly as a series hybrid but can mechanically link the engine to the wheels at cruising speeds. It's a neat solution for long US highway stretches. Nissan, however, thinks there's a better way. Nissan Nissan Isn't Doing Honda's Version of HybridNissan Americas SVP Ponz Pandikuthira laid out the core differences between Honda's electrified setup and theirs in a media briefing, The Drive reports. In most hybrids, the engine can step in to help drive the wheels directly. With e-Power, the engine exists only to make electricity. It's a pure series setup – no plug, no engine-to-wheel connection, no transmission in the traditional sense. "The weakness of a series hybrid is when you're on a highway at 75 mph—then an electric motor is not at its most efficient, but an internal combustion engine is," Pandikuthira said. Honda gets around that by letting the engine clutch into the drivetrain at speed. Nissan isn't doing that because "the moment you talk about an engine that's connected to the drivetrain, there's a lot of vibrations that come in with adding a transmission… It's this complexity of cost that's going into the system," Pandikuthira added. Instead, Nissan relies on careful calibration to keep the battery and generator working in sync. The brand waited until its third-generation e-Power – lighter, more compact, more efficient – to commit to bringing the technology stateside. Nissan When is Nissan e-Power Coming to America?Nissan says e-Power will reach the US by the end of fiscal 2026, so that's within the first three months of 2027, with the next-generation Rogue being the launch model. That Rogue will debut first as a hybrid-only model, with a conventional gas version to follow later. That's a long wait, so Nissan introduced the Rogue Plug-In Hybrid as some sort of a "bridge product" before the e-Power arrives. Yes, we all know that the "new" plug-in Rogue is just a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in disguise (and failing to do so), but it exists purely because shoppers looking for a Rogue hybrid weren't finding one, and Nissan didn't want to keep losing those sales. Once the new Rogue e-Power lands, the stopgap we all love to hate can quietly fade into the background. Nissan View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Carson Brown and Kirian Mirabet take Honda Gold Wings off-roading and round a motocross track.View the full article

Following a surprise teaser earlier this week, Kia has revealed its new sedan concept, dubbed the Vision Meta Turismo, as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations. And because of its proportions, correlations to the departed Stinger GT are already forming. Whether this will be a rear- or all-wheel-drive car like that sedan remains to be seen, as Kia hasn't revealed everything about the concept just yet. However, the short front end and the fact that this design is meant to preview Kia's future direction indicate that an electric powertrain will sit beneath the attractive body, within which elements that call to mind BMW and Koenigsegg exist. Geometric Shapes Evolve The Kia Design Language Kia The glass roof features geometric panels, as does the body, which pushes Kia's already-futuristic "Opposites United" design language further forward. The overall proportions seem to walk the line between sedan and SUV, thanks to a relatively tall set of doors and large wheels. Kia has not indicated whether the concept previews a future production vehicle, but it's possible that this could foreshadow an EV7 or EV8 to slot in between today's EV6 crossover and EV9 SUV. That said, and as we noted in our coverage of the teaser, recent rumors have indicated that Kia is working on a GT1 project for 2027. Related: Genesis Might Actually Build the G90 Wingback Wagon and Give It a Brand-New V8 This is said to be a halo grand tourer with more than 600 horsepower from the Hyundai Motor Group's next-generation "eM" platform. Close to 500 miles of range could be possible thanks to a 113.2 kWh battery, and unofficial reports out of South Korea indicate that the entry-level version of this purported flagship model would cost as little as $43,000, while range-topping variants could sneak in below $60,000. But until Kia gives us something official to go on, let's get back to what we know about this concept. Forward-Thinking Cabin Shows A Focus On Tech Kia View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The color coordination of the four-seat cabin puts the focus on the driver, hinting that this concept previews something that enthusiasts will enjoy. Above the oddly-shaped steering "wheel"(block?) is a small screen with three modes: Speedster, Dreamer, and Gamer. This placement calls to mind the Koenigsegg Jesko, though it's unclear if the display is attached to the wheel as it is in the Swedish hypercar. To the right of the driver sits a joystick-like shift lever with a pistol grip, but we can't quite tell if there are paddles behind the wheel for simulated shifting like in the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. What we can see is an augmented reality head-up display with visuals inserted into the area of the windshield just above the dashboard, which is not unlike the system that BMW previewed with the Vision Neue Klasse concept and brought into production as part of Operating System X, its latest iDrive iteration, in the all-new iX3. We'll have to wait for more info out of Seoul to see how far Kia intends to take these concepts, but for now, the Vision Meta Turismo shows that the Koreans are not content just to set sales records; they want a piece of the premium segment, too. Kia View the full article

Schuberth, the German motorcycle safety giant is rolling out fresh tech, quieter shells, and a next-gen approach to rider comfort for 2026.View the full article

Yadea sells a variety of e-bikes, standing e-scooters, and straddle-type e-scooters in many countries around the world. But it's also A BOP.View the full article

Mortske is back at it, this time with a 1969 Mustang that has been sitting for 32 years. 32! So will it run and drive and live again? Will it be a cool car or just another failed project? I think this one could be pretty cool, and hope that someone else ends up driving it cross country and loving it like it should be. If you like Mustangs, will it run stories, and budget transformations then this is the video for you. Enjoy. Video Description: Join along as we recover a 1969 Mustang that was abandoned in a barn for over 30 years and attempt to get it running and driving and make some other improvements along the way. If you’d like to own this Mustang it can be yours for $6,500! As always, thanks for watching! The post Abandoned For 32 Years! Will This 1969 Mustang Run! What Will It Look Like After A Budget Transformation? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It used to be possible to get a large luxury SUV with a manual transmission, but those days are long gone. One of the last such models was the Porsche Cayenne, an SUV that has typically been more engaging than its peers. But after the 2014 model year, the second-generation Cayenne resorted to a full lineup of automatics only, a good couple of years after BMW dropped the manual gearbox from its X5. When a neat manual Cayenne comes up for sale, it usually gets a fair amount of attention, and that’s precisely the case with this 2014 Porsche Cayenne on Cars & Bids. Its restrained design and manual shifter are a reminder of simpler times—and a stark contrast to the new Cayenne Electric. Related: The Porsche Cayenne GTS Manual Transmission is the SUV We Want to Come Back Desirable Spec Sweetens The Deal 2014 Porsche Cayenne Cars & Bids View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article This 2014 Cayenne is finished in Jet Green Metallic, a particularly attractive color when paired with the Umber and Cream interior. No accidents or mileage discrepancies are noted in the Carfax report, and it’s been registered to the same owner since new. Under the hood is a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque—it’s currently sitting on 82,000 miles. In this case, it’s paired to the six-speed manual gearbox, but an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic was available optionally. By today’s standards, this Cayenne V6 manual’s performance is merely average, with the 0-60 run taking 7.1 seconds. But the tactile pleasure of rowing your own gears in something so large and luxurious is now a novelty. Cars & Bids This unmodified Cayenne features some desirable options, including a heated windshield, heated front seats, the Driver Memory Package, an electric sunroof, running boards, and an Exterior Package with glossy black trim. The listing does note a few chips and scratches, some wear on the seats, and some corrosion on the underbody and exhaust components, but it appears to be in great overall shape, given its age. Related: Every Car With A Manual Transmission In 2026 How Much Should You Pay? 2014 Porsche Cayenne Cars & Bids View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article According to the documentation provided in the ad, this Cayenne V6 manual had an MSRP of $66,970 when purchased by the owner in August 2013. Kelley Blue Book shows the fair purchase price for the base 2014 Cayenne today is a lowly $10,933. However, the high bid for this example is already sitting at $36,000, with the auction only set to end on December 8. On Bring A Trailer, a 2011 Cayenne manual sold for just under $30k earlier this week, and another one sold for $42k on Cars & Bids in October. A few of the more powerful Cayenne GTS manuals also pop up every now and again, with these generally commanding higher prices. Besides the cool factor of the manual and this Jet Green example’s desirable spec, it’s also a second-gen Cayenne, which looks like a beauty queen alongside the first-gen model. At under $40k, it’s a lot of SUV for the money, provided you’re willing to live with the expectedly high maintenance costs. View the full article