reporter

A leveling kit is one of the most popular upgrades for Ford truck owners in St. Louis. It brings the front end up for a stronger stance, improves tire clearance, and reduces factory rake. But when installed incorrectly, leveling kits can create harsh ride quality, poor alignment, rubbing, and steering wander — especially on Missouri highways. Ford F-150 and Super Duty trucks respond differently to leveling, so choosing the correct parts is essential. This guide explains how to level your Ford truck correctly and avoid the problems that come from cheap or incomplete kits.  For a complete overview of Ford truck upgrades, Click Here. 1. Why Leveling Kits Matter for Ford Trucks in St. Louis A leveling kit changes front-end geometry more than most owners expect. Even a small 1.5–2.5 inch level affects caster angle, shock performance, tire fitment, and steering behavior. Common Problems From Incorrect Leveling Steering wander on I-70 or I-64 Harsh ride on cracked St. Louis pavement Premature tire wear Inability to achieve proper alignment Rubbing with 33–35 inch tires If your goals involve more height than a basic level, compare your options in the lift kit guide. https://www.axleboy.com/ford-truck-lift-kit-guide 2. Leveling Ford F-150 Trucks The Ford F-150 uses independent front suspension, which is highly sensitive to changes in ride height. Common Problems After F-150 Leveling Reduced caster angle Limited alignment range Upper ball joint stress Bump steer on rough roads Recommended Leveling Components for F-150 Coilover leveling systems Upgraded upper control arms for alignment correction Extended-travel shocks Wheels with proper offset to clear 33–35 inch tires These changes ensure a leveled F-150 drives smoothly and maintains strong daily-driver comfort. 3. Leveling Ford F-250 & F-350 Super Duty Trucks Super Duty trucks rely on solid front axles. When the ride height increases, the caster angle decreases and the axle shifts laterally unless corrected. Common Super Duty Leveling Issues Steering drift Axle shift Nervous highway feel Towing instability Recommended Super Duty Leveling Components Coil spring leveling kits Adjustable track bar Caster-correcting radius arms High-quality shocks To improve steering performance after leveling, review the steering upgrade guide. 4. Correct Tire Sizes After Leveling The right tire size prevents rubbing and maintains predictable handling. F-150 Tire Guidance 33-inch tires: direct fit 35-inch tires: may require trimming depending on offset F-250/F-350 Tire Guidance 35-inch tires: ideal fit 37-inch tires: feasible with proper wheel specs If you’re upgrading to larger tires, you may need to restore lost power. Learn more in the regearing guide. 5. The Axleboy Approach to Ford Leveling in St. Louis Axleboy Offroad installs leveling systems that maintain factory geometry and long-term reliability. Unlike simple spacer installs, this approach focuses on drivability, alignment, and component longevity. A Proper Leveling Installation Includes Correct springs or coilovers Proper caster restoration Track bar adjustments for Super Duty trucks Matched shocks Professional alignment Steering wheel recentering With the right setup, leveled Ford trucks drive confidently through St. Louis and the surrounding metro. Conclusion A leveling kit should improve your truck’s stance, not compromise its handling. When installed with proper geometry correction, Ford F-150 and Super Duty trucks maintain safe steering, stable ride quality, and excellent daily-driver performance.  For all Ford upgrade categories, Click Here. View the full article

Many St. Louis Ford truck owners upgrade to lift kits for bigger tires, better trail performance, and a more commanding stance. But the wrong lift kit — or an incomplete one — can lead to steering wander, harsh ride quality, driveline vibrations, and unsafe towing behavior. Ford trucks require lift systems designed around platform-specific geometry. This guide covers how to lift your Ford F-150 or Super Duty correctly and avoid the common mistakes that compromise drivability. Before choosing a lift, you may want to review leveling options. 1. Why Lifted Ford Trucks Develop Handling Problems Lifting a truck increases leverage on suspension and steering components. Larger tires add rotational mass and amplify these effects. Common Problems With Poorly Installed Lift Kits Steering wander Bump steer Harsh or inconsistent ride Driveline vibration Poor towing stability These issues result from incorrect geometry correction. 2. Lifting Ford F-150 Trucks The F-150’s independent front suspension requires specific components to maintain proper geometry at taller ride heights. F-150 Lift Problems Ball joint binding Limited caster recovery Inadequate alignment range Harsh top-out with spacer lifts Better Lift Solutions for F-150 Coilover lift systems Upgraded upper control arms Matched rear shocks Proper wheel offset F-150 owners adding 35–37 inch tires benefit greatly from upgraded control arms and higher-quality shocks. 3. Lifting Ford F-250 & F-350 Super Duty Trucks Super Duty trucks rely on precise caster and track bar geometry to maintain highway stability. Super Duty Lift Problems Steering instability Driveline angle issues Off-center axle Reduced towing capability Recommended Lift Components for Super Duty Coil or coilover lift systems Adjustable track bars Caster-correcting radius arms Upgraded tie rods and drag links To further stabilize steering, read the steering upgrade guide. 4. Shock Selection for Lifted Ford Trucks Shocks make the biggest difference in ride comfort. Recommended Shock Brands Bilstein Fox King (for heavy off-road use) Quality shocks improve damping, reduce harshness, and increase control. 5. Towing Stability for Lifted Ford Trucks Lift kits alter hitch height, weight transfer, and trailer dynamics. Recommended Towing Upgrades Helper air bags Rear sway bars Correct hitch adjustment Trailer brake controller calibration For power loss caused by bigger tires, see the regearing guide. Conclusion A lifted Ford F-150 or Super Duty truck should be more capable, not harder to control. By choosing complete lift systems with proper geometry components, you avoid the problems that frustrate so many owners. Explore all Ford upgrade categories. View the full article

Steering problems are common among Ford truck owners in St. Louis, especially after adding larger tires or suspension lifts. Wandering on the highway, loose steering feel, and bump-induced shimmy are symptoms of worn components or incorrect geometry — but they are entirely fixable. This guide breaks down the most common steering causes for Ford F-150 and Super Duty trucks and the upgrades that restore stable, confident control.  If your truck was recently leveled, you may find additional insight here. 1. Why Ford Steering Becomes Sloppy Ford steering issues typically develop because components wear or geometry changes with modifications. Common Causes of Poor Steering Worn ball joints Tie rod flex Drag link wear Low caster after a lift Axle shift (Super Duty) Weak steering stabilizers These create a vague, unpredictable steering feel over time. 2. Steering Issues on Ford F-150 Trucks The F-150’s rack-and-pinion design makes it sensitive to wheel alignment and tire size. Typical F-150 Steering Symptoms Bump steer Off-center steering wheel Uneven tire wear Loose or vague steering feel Recommended F-150 Steering Upgrades Heavy-duty tie rods Upper control arms Increased caster alignment Steering rack stiffeners 3. Steering Issues on Ford F-250 & F-350 Super Duty Trucks Super Duty steering issues often worsen when lifted or when running heavier tires. Typical Super Duty Steering Symptoms Steering wander Harsh feedback Bump-induced shimmy Reduced towing stability Recommended Steering Upgrades for Super Duty Adjustable track bar Heavy-duty tie rods Drag link upgrade Steering stabilizers Caster-correcting radius arms For more details on geometry correction, see the lift kit guide. 4. How Axleboy Fixes Ford Steering in St. Louis Steering should be addressed as a complete system, not a single component swap. Core Steering Upgrades Tie rods Drag links Ball joints Steering stabilizers Track bar upgrades Precision alignment Steering wheel recentering Add or Upgrade Steering Stabilizers Reduces shimmy Smooths steering feel Helps control heavy tires Improves straight-line stability 5. When Steering Problems Are Really a Gearing Issue Large tires can make a truck feel sluggish off-center, which many owners mistake for “bad steering.” Learn more in the regearing guide. Conclusion Ford trucks should not wander or feel unstable. With proper alignment, upgraded steering components, and corrected geometry, Ford F-150 and Super Duty trucks regain the tight, predictable steering feel owners expect on St. Louis roads.  For a full overview of upgrade options, Click Here. View the full article

Upgrading to larger tires transforms the look and capability of Ford trucks across St. Louis, but it also changes the final drive ratio. This leads to sluggish acceleration, excessive downshifting, and weakened towing performance. Regearing restores lost torque and optimizes your truck’s drivability. This guide explains why F-150 and Super Duty owners experience power loss with 35–37 inch tires, how differential gears solve the issue, and what gear ratios work best for real-world driving in and around St. Louis. For an overview of all Ford upgrade paths, Click Here. 1. Why Bigger Tires Reduce Power on Ford Trucks Large tires increase the distance the differential must turn to rotate the wheels one full revolution. This alters your truck’s final drive ratio. Common Symptoms After Going Bigger on Tires Slow acceleration Frequent downshifting on I-70 and I-64 Poor towing torque Lower fuel economy Transmission running hotter than normal These issues affect both F-150 and Super Duty platforms. If your truck also wanders after installing larger tires, review the steering guide. 2. Why Regearing Fixes Power Loss Regearing the front and rear differentials restores the factory relationship between RPM and wheel speed. This puts your engine back into the powerband where it performs best. What Regearing Improves Faster acceleration Better towing power More stable highway RPM Less transmission stress Smoother shifting Improved drivability with 35–37 inch tires Ford trucks respond extremely well to proper differential gearing. 3. Regearing Ford F-150 Trucks The Ford F-150’s 10-speed transmission adapts well to tire changes, but even this modern transmission struggles when tires become too large. Recommended Gear Ratios for F-150 33-inch tires: Often okay on stock gears 35-inch tires: 4.10 or 4.56 37-inch tires: 4.56 or 4.88 Higher gear ratios provide better towing and smoother in-town driving. If your truck is leveled or lifted, you may also benefit from this guide. 4. Regearing Ford F-250 & F-350 Super Duty Trucks Super Duty trucks feel the effects of big tires even more than half-ton models because of towing expectations and diesel torque curves. Recommended Gear Ratios for Super Duty 35-inch tires: 4.10 or 4.30 37-inch tires: 4.30 or 4.56 Heavy towing setups: Consider 4.56 regardless of tire size These ratios keep the engine in its ideal RPM range during towing and hill climbs. 5. How Axleboy Performs a Professional Ford Regear Regearing is precision work and requires careful setup. Regearing Includes Analyze your situation and determine the proper regear High-quality gear sets Measuring backlash and gear mesh Setting pinion preload Pattern verification Controlled break-in procedure A proper regear restores the power and drivability Ford owners expect. Conclusion If your Ford F-150 or Super Duty feels sluggish after installing larger tires, regearing is the most effective solution. Proper differential ratios bring back torque, towing strength, and daily drivability throughout the St. Louis area.  For additional upgrades that complement regearing, Click Here. View the full article

Upgrading to larger tires transforms the look and capability of Ford trucks across St. Louis, but it also changes the final drive ratio. This leads to sluggish acceleration, excessive downshifting, and weakened towing performance. Regearing restores lost torque and optimizes your truck’s drivability. This guide explains why F-150 and Super Duty owners experience power loss with 35–37 inch tires, how differential gears solve the issue, and what gear ratios work best for real-world driving in and around St. Louis.  For an overview of all Ford upgrade paths, Click Here. 1. Why Lighting Upgrades Matter for Ford Trucks Ford trucks are used for a wide range of tasks — commuting, towing, trail use, and hauling equipment. Upgrading factory lighting helps drivers see farther, identify obstacles sooner, and avoid unsafe glare. Common Lighting Problems Dim factory headlights Poor beam patterns Reduced visibility in bad weather Lack of dedicated trail lighting Cheap lights often scatter beams and blind oncoming traffic, causing safety issues. 2. Headlight Upgrades for Ford F-150 and Super Duty Trucks Upgraded headlights improve clarity and range without producing glare. Recommended Headlight Upgrades DOT-approved LED housings HID projector systems Fog light replacement units Adaptive beam upgrades (where applicable) Matching lighting temperature prevents mismatched colors. 3. Auxiliary Lighting for Off-Road and Work Use For trail use or night work, auxiliary lighting is essential. Useful Auxiliary Lights A-pillar ditch lights Bumper-mounted LED lights Roof-mounted light bars Rock lights for low-speed visibility Rear-facing chase lights for dust and trailers High-quality optics produce a clean beam and help avoid light scatter. If your truck is set up for overlanding, you may be interested in the upgrade guide. 4. Wiring and Installation Quality Matters Lighting upgrades require proper wiring and relays. Professional Installation Benefits Clean wiring looms Correct fuse protection Stable power delivery Reduced fire risk Factory-grade waterproofing A clean install ensures your Ford truck’s electrical system runs safely and reliably. 5. Legal Considerations for St. Louis and Missouri Roads Missouri law requires headlights to be properly aimed and DOT-compliant. Off-road lighting must remain off on public roads. Road-Legal Tips Use DOT-approved housings Avoid unregulated LED bulbs Install switches for off-road lights Ensure fog lights are correctly aimed Running lights improperly can result in tickets or unsafe glare. Conclusion Lighting upgrades transform the visibility and safety of Ford trucks throughout St. Louis. Whether you need trail lights for off-road routes or improved headlights for dark commutes, choosing the right components and installation ensures long-lasting reliability. For more Ford upgrade information, review our guide. View the full article

A look at Ineos from the inside gives a lot more perspective on the brandA few weeks ago, we examined — and lamented — the idea that Ineos might be on the way out. With unclear sales figures and recent job cuts miring the brand, there wasn’t a lot of silver lining to find. However, after an exclusive interview with Gregor Hembrough, Executive Vice President of the Americas region, we think there’s a little bit more to the story. With concrete sales figures (for the Americas regions) and C-suite insight into where the brand’s future lies, Hembrough painted a very different picture of the fledgling off-road brand. How things are really going at IneosTracking down global sales figures for Ineos has never been easy. However, we know that around 60% of the company’s sales come from the United States, and Hembrough was able to provide us with fairly concrete numbers for the Americas. “We have about eleven and a half thousand units on the road already, after two years in the marketplace,” Gregor told me. That 11,500 number includes Mexico and Canada — the former of which is home to around 200 trucks and the latter approximately 500 by the end of the year. Those numbers aren't inflated by rental or fleet sales, either. “This has all been done through the sales channel,” Hembrough says. “All this has been done through the retail channel.” It might sound like a small detail, but including rental and fleet sales in sales volume isn’t unusual and has a way of turning good sales figures into great ones. Hembrough remarks that fleet sales bolster some automakers’ numbers by “10 to 15 percent of annual sales.” The brand is up 32% year-over-year in October, a trend that Hembrough says carries into November. December, too, should represent a gain for the brand, as Hembrough says orders are up 44% compared to this time last year. Ineos knows, more or less, who's buying their trucks, too. “Our average household income is $150,000,” Hembrough starts, “and the target customer is 50 years old.” To put that in perspective, the average household income of a new BMW buyer is around $175,000, and the average age is mid-forties. But Hembrough insists Ineos trucks are “class-less.” Their ubiquity makes them a choice for many walks of life. “It's not unusual to see a farmer right now running around the UK and hauling sheep and goods in the back of the car,” he starts. “At the same time, you know, West End of Los Angeles, the Hamptons, it's become a vehicle for the school runs or showing up at a boutique restaurant as well.” The ubiquity is reflected in some of the dealer trade-ins Hembrough has encountered: a half-dozen Cybertrucks, some Rivian trucks, and even a Ferrari F40. Perhaps predictably, most trade-ins aren’t this unusual: Hembrough claims the bulk of customers come from the Land Rover Defender, Jeep Wrangler, and Ford Bronco. Hembrough suggests the best may be yet to come for the brandOverall, then, things at Ineos could, at least from a bird’s eye view and through a lens that considers the company a “startup” — not an unfair characterization — be considered to be going well. Hembrough implies that 2026 will be a big year for Ineos; he says the brand is “pulling forward” with an early mid-lifecycle refresh that will see a batch of updates for the trucks. Most automakers wait a little longer into a product’s lifecycle than the mere three years the Grenadier has been on sale for. “We've really listened to the customers from our quality surveys, their wants and wishes of what they would like to see in the vehicle,” he starts. ”The way it handles, some of the attributes of the vehicle that we know are not shortcomings of the car, but something that customers just want, maybe road noise or better road feeling. Those are all things we’re bringing into model year 26 already.” View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article That’s great news, especially since Hembrough claims customers are already trading in trucks early just for things like new colors and added wheel selections. “It just shows the passion they have for these vehicles,” he says. Passion is key for Ineos — and if you need proof, look no further than the brand’s Freehold, NJ, dealership, which built an off-road course of its own for test drives. There are also several grassroots Grenadier communities organizing drive events, building a new off-road community all on their own. This sort of passion and community-mindedness is something Hembrough hopes to integrate even deeper into the brand DNA as time goes on. Whether that manifests itself in a dedicated off-road center for the brand, community drives, or something else entirely remains to be seen. Hembrough also drops hints at an increased focus on influencer marketing: looks for more influencers and “brand ambassadors” coming to your feed soon. Finally: new models and the looming specter of electrification. Hembrough doesn’t think electrification is something Ineos needs to look at apprehensively. “The way I look at it is, there's always the core of the brand, and there's brand extensions,” he says, pointing to Land Rover and Range Rover. While Grenadier will always be the “core of the brand” according to Hembrough, there’s room for other models. “We have aspirations for a smaller car, we have aspirations perhaps for a seven-passenger vehicle, too,” he says. “As a business, to be successful, we need a profitable car line and an extension of the portfolio. We will do both.” Ineos Ineos is new, but the people behind it aren’tEven though Ineos has only effectively been selling cars for two years, they perhaps aren’t the new kids on the block they seem to be. Hembrough is beyond qualified to serve as the brand’s Executive VP of Americas, with nearly 35 years of experience in marketing and sales, primarily with Volvo and Polestar. While George Ratcliffe, President of the Americas for Ineos Automotive and son of Ineos Chairman Jim Ratcliffe, conspicuously lacks automotive experience on par with Hembrough’s, “he brings an opportunity to really ensure that the voice of America's marketplace resonates extremely loudly within the global headquarters,” Hembrough says. He suggests that brands often struggle to see themselves outside of their home markets. “George brings a great opportunity of really understanding what the American market needs, Canada, U.S., and Mexico, and make sure that gets prioritized on the agenda very, very quickly.” At Ineos, getting international feedback and communication back to headquarters is apparently not a process marred by the “xenocentrism” Hembrough suggests plagues other automakers. Remember how long it took BMW to figure out cupholders? Final thoughtsGregor Hembrough is an enthusiast in his own right. The former Polestar head honcho recalls how he came into the job with as much passion as I’ve seen from Porsche owners as they rattle off rare option codes and chassis designations. “Rarely in life do you get to launch a car company, never in life do you get to do it twice,” he told me. When the call came in from Ineos, “the answer was, obviously, hell yes,” Hembrough continued. “It was about what the product was. I really fell in love with what they were doing.” Just under 40 dealerships, a claimed billion dollars in revenue, and a passionate customer base (and at least one executive) of early adopters, in around two years. Oh — and a new Americas headquarters that opened at the end of November. It’s enough to make you think that Ineos is a brand that still has some gas in the tank. View the full article

AFCO’s Accelerator Series coilovers deliver a smooth ride and upgrade-ready design for street rods, cruisers, and street/strip builds.View the full article

2025 has been rough for the Blue Oval. After tax incentives fell away, EV sales have been falling, and with quality control issues continuing to plague the automaker, Ford took the unwanted record for the most recalls in a single calendar year - a feat it achieved in just the first six months of 2025. One of those recall issues (rearview cameras) prompted Ford to offer a new warranty for cars as old as 15 years old, and it seems the bigwigs in Detroit are worried they might lose customers. One step they're taking is redesigning dealerships to make car buying feel easier, and the latest, detailed in a bulletin sent to dealers the week before Thanksgiving, is a new Owner Retention Program offering owners with major service and repair issues a discount worth 10% off the MSRP of a new Ford, according to CarsDirect. Ford Is Keeping This Offer Relatively Quiet Ford The Owner Retention Certificate Program was reportedly introduced on November 18 as a Private Offer, so it won't be advertised. According to the publication, it came after dealers of both Ford and Lincoln vehicles asked for a way "to help retain customers who have lost confidence in their vehicle due to unsatisfactory service experiences." Unfortunately for those hoping to score a big deal on a particularly expensive vehicle, not every Ford product qualifies, says CarsDirect, noting that the F-150 Raptor is excluded, as are commercial vehicles. Furthermore, the 10% discount is capped at $6,000 on Fords and $10,000 on Lincolns, and the program is inexplicably not offered in California, the nation's largest car market. Related: Ford CEO Wants To Know If You Want A Fast, Affordable RWD Sedan - But It Has To Be Electric More fine print is that the offer is not available to those whose cars are Lemon Law-eligible, and the vehicle in question needs to have been in service for less than 36 months with 36,000 miles or less. Moreover, the "major repairs" referred to in the program are only those concerning the engine, transmission, a repaint, or a water leak, or having "multiple repairs and days out of service." Finally, those who qualify for the certificate must take advantage of the offer within 60 days, or it will expire. But there are some highlights of the offer. The Discount Can Be Transferred, But Speak Up Ford On the plus side, you don't have to trade your current car in to get the discount, and if you don't intend on buying a new car right now, it can be transferred to members of your household. The program aims to placate those whose "service experience is negative enough for them to likely defect," so if you've been vocal about trading your Ford in for a Chevy in the presence of a Ford dealership employee, you can likely expect to be offered the discount. If you've been silent about your disappointment, it's unlikely that the deal will be brought to your attention. View the full article

GM's luxury brand had an interesting shift in recent yearsOver the past few years, Cadillac, General Motors' premier luxury marque, has had quite the tidal shift. In the decades before German imports dominated the U.S. luxury car market, Cadillac was the byword in all-out American luxury, as big boulevard cruising slabs were the vehicular statement pieces of the well-to-do. However, in the 21st century, today's Cadillac has undergone a rebirth, largely due to a Renaissance-like wave of new all-electric models that now make up a significant portion of its sales. According to sales data, Cadillac has doubled its EV sales volume from last year, with 18,383 EV sales in Q3 2025 accounting for approximately 40% of its total sales that quarter. With the brand steadily evolving and striving to build on its storied history, Cadillac is preparing to make a splash at the upcoming Super Bowl to showcase perhaps its most pivotal car ever. However, it's not one that most ordinary buyers could drive. The livery is set. See you Super Bowl Sunday 👀 Mark your calendars 🔗 https://t.co/8AvMbPRebR pic.twitter.com/v4OhtpzG5k — Cadillac Formula 1 Team (@Cadillac_F1) December 3, 2025 Cadillac F1 is going lights out during the Big GameIn an announcement on its X (formerly Twitter) page posted early on December 3, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team announced that it will unveil the livery of its maiden car at the Super Bowl ahead of the team's debut during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Per Bloomberg, Cadillac plans to show off the new car on a TV spot during the big game in an effort to build hype around the new team and mark its entrance into the sport right before the first race of the F1 season in Melbourne in March. In an interview with the financial news outlet, Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings CEO Dan Towriss noted that the championship game is an important venue for the new team and especially highlights its American roots. Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images He noted that Caddy decided to make a splash at the Super Bowl because "there’s this underdog status as an American brand that is just joining Formula One," adding that the team will be "up against European rivals that have been honing their craft for decades." The team boss did not exactly disclose how much Cadillac dropped on the upcoming ad, only saying that it's "a typical Super Bowl spend." According to Adweek data cited by Bloomberg, the upcoming Super Bowl is setting a record-high when it comes to advertising, as the average cost for a 30-second ad during the game is at a whopping $8 million. Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images Cadillac isn't the only American automaker making a major splash on the F1 grid next yearGeneral Motors, through Cadillac, has earned its place on the grid after an epic, multi-year saga that saw Andretti Global, GM, and Formula 1’s commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, negotiate for the coveted 11th spot on the grid. Already, the team is making major moves: Ferrari will supply engines for its first three seasons, and it will be a significant advertising partner withbourbon giant Jim Beam. Although GM won't be the only American team on the grid [independently-run Haas F1 will enter its 10th year in 2026], the 2026 Formula 1 season will also see Ford return to F1 in a similar capacity to its former partnership with Cosworth. The automaker will formally partner with Red Bull Racing as Red Bull Ford Powertrains, which will provide the hybrid power units for both the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Red Bull (VCARB) teams. Final thoughtsCadillac is already making strides in international motorsport, and its Formula 1 entrance will follow an already impressive season in another world-class series: the World Endurance Championship (WEC). In the 2025 WEC Championship, the Cadillacs achieved significant milestones, including a 1-2 finish at the 6 Hours of São Paulo and a pole position at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Formula 1 is a very different racing series, but given the kind of dedication and backing that Cadillac F1 has from General Motors, along with the signing of veteran talent in Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, the team should be determined to make a splash on the grid next year. That is, if it gets the American public hyped up to watch them when it plays its ad during the Super Bowl. View the full article

Part Deliveries MatterA major part of automotive manufacturing is parts delivery. In a global manufacturing world, brands must ensure that parts are manufactured and delivered to the multitude of production and assembly facilities worldwide. Given this, it's vital that the parts are delivered safely without any damage, compromising not just the integrity of the part but the whole assembly process itself. Ford is one brand taking this very seriously, and as proof of just how serious it is, the Blue Oval showcased a weird way it ensures part delivery safety. Ford Ford's Bouncy Balls TestAs a major manufacturer, Ford recognizes that moving parts around the world isn't as simple as it seems. They built a 19,000-square-foot facility where shipments of various parts and components are tested on a five-axis, large-platen vibration table or a 40-foot horizontal impact sled. This facility is dubbed the Shipping Equipment Design and Test Center, located on the east side of Ford’s hometown. There are two of these testing devices, and both can simulate conditions for land, sea, and air transit. With these simulations, Ford claims it can ensure the parts are delivered properly across the globe. As a highlight of this facility, they showcased how, by using small "bouncy balls" in an experiment. They put 1,000 of these "toys" in the machine to show off exactly what parts go through while they're in transit. Ford Cost Efficiency and DurabilityPart of this facility is the Material Planning and Logistics department, which is responsible for ensuring freight costs are affordable and the quality of the parts being moved. “I like to say we solve design, manufacturing, and supply chain challenges using packaging as a language,” said Packaging Engineering Manager Todd Chesna, noting that his team plays a significant role in Zero Waste to Landfill and other corporate initiatives in Manufacturing. “We don’t always have packaging problems, but we have enterprise challenges that need packaging solutions.”  Another highlight of this interesting facility is a massive archive of route data, including real-time files from vehicle data recorders capturing actual trips. These files condense multiday trips into just minutes of simulation.   Ford Data Driven ImprovementsWithin these data recordings are what the brand calls "damage-causing events." Ford runs simulations using the data, which includes the specific road conditions along the routes delivery trucks travel. This enables the team to consider how best to ensure the truck and the parts are safe when passing through that section of road. The company was also an early adopter of superimposed testing, which adds real-world hazards like curb strikes and potholes to routes. It has also recently begun including electronic, over-the-air-enabled tags to monitor and track container movement.  With Ford trying to improve the quality of its products, showing how it does the work should shed some light. Then again, knowing is one thing, but results matter. Ford View the full article

We’ve already shared highlight videos from Bradenton, but if you want to watch all the racing action LIVE, then here is the NC Promoder Livestream for you to check out right here! That’s right, check out all the live testing action from Bradenton as folks get ready for the Snowbird Nationals and the entire Drag Illustrated Winter Series. Have a watch, let me know what you like and don’t like, and we’ll keep bringing you the action. The post FREE Winter Series Drag Racing Livestream: Snowbird Nationals Testing LIVE! See Who’s Already In Florida, Who’s Running What, And More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Analog Appeal Revered for its high-revving naturally-aspirated engine and telepathic handling, the Honda S2000 is one of the Japanese marque’s last pure driver’s cars from a bygone era, and widely considered a future classic. The red car you see here is listed on an IAA salvage auction with a staggering 498,452 miles on the odometer, and looks like the perfect ride for an enthusiast with a taste for compact, fun-to-drive, rear-wheel-drive roadsters. The high miles combined with the fact that this car still runs and drives is testament to the fact that when maintained right, these old Hondas can last almost forever. IAA Inc What We Know So FarThis S2000 was manufactured in 2003 and was equipped with an Amsoil dual remote bypass oil filtration system and a prelube pump by the owner to extend its oil change intervals and enhance engine longevity. This was done because the car was driven a lot, covering over 23,000 miles a year on average for the last two decades. The car has been dutifully maintained during this time, with the owner using either Amsoil 0W-30 or Pennzoil Platinum 0W-30 engine oil, and even going as far as to conduct routine lab analyses of the used oil to monitor the motor’s health over time. The CrashThe incident that knocked this S2000 out of action was an extremely slow-speed collision with a large truck. The truck’s bumper was high enough to completely miss the Honda’s bumper, instead making contact with the hood and folding it back as you can see in these images. There is also minor damage to the left fender, radiator, and radiator mount, although all structural components managed to escape unscathed. IAA Inc View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article Final Thoughts This Honda S2000 offers the unique opportunity to own a legendary high-revving convertible sportscar on a budget. These cars are getting increasingly rare these days, and this one could be the perfect resurrection project for an enthusiast who craves the pure driving experience that only a car from this era can provide. IAA Inc View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Taiwan's TwentyTwo Custom shows us why the Kymco KTR 150 is the newest darling of the local custom scene.The Taiwanese custom scene has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years—and one of its most surprising stars has been the lowly Kymco KTR 150. Built for the local market, the KTR is a wi... View the full article

The first of BMW's Neue Klasse vehicles, the iX3 crossover, has been launched, and now the Bavarian automaker has quietly teased another new arrival. In an Instagram video showing an Advent calendar, first noted by BMW Blog, an animation shows renderings of the i5 sedan, the remarkably strong-selling i4 sedan, the iX2 crossover, its iX1 baby brother, and the i7 limo (we know the i5 and i7 are those models and not their combustion-powered counterparts because the caption tells us so), before moving to the box for December 24, behind which the shadowy silhouette above is revealed. So what is BMW planning to show us? An M-Flavored iX3 is the Most Likely Candidate Spy photographers have captured several upcoming models, but we think an M-enhanced iX3 would make the most sense. First of all, if BMW were preparing to reveal its new iX4 or its new iX5, we suspect there'd be a lot more fanfare than a cryptic post on Instagram. Secondly, BMW has only launched the iX3 50 xDrive, and "further fully electric variants will follow, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive model," said the automaker. Another possibility is a more aggressive iX3; of all the prototypes our spies have seen, a sportier iX3 has been the most finished. Whether that's a full-on iX3 M or simply the iX3 M60 remains to be seen, but either way, another iX3 variant seems like a safe bet. Of course, BMW could also be teasing the gas-powered X3, the iX5, or the X5, but again, those vehicles deserve more than a sneaky social media post, and as for the X3 and X5, we doubt those would be teased alongside only EVs anyway. Several New Bimmers Are On The Way SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Whatever happens, all will be revealed on December 24, but next year will be more exciting. Among the models caught by spies are the aforementioned iX4 and iX5, a facelifted 7 Series, the first-ever iX7, a new iX1, and, of course, the new G50 3 Series, which is likely to be hybridized in some form. The next M3, codenamed G84 and only expected to be a mild hybrid, not a plug-in, is also en route, along with an all-electric sibling, though we suspect those particular 3 Series variants may arrive as late as 2027. In the meantime, it's certainly worth keeping an eye on BMW's social media channels to see if more clues to its next reveal are provided. If they are, we'll keep you updated. View the full article

The ProblemWe're pretty sure every Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ owner is well aware of the oil pressure issues in their cars. It's also a cautionary tale to any prospective buyers of these cars, whether new or used. Let's be honest, the Toyobaru twins are destined to do laps around the track. They're great handlers, but as previously reported, the second-generation models struggle to keep consistent oil pressure in high-G situations. High-speed sweeping bends are not the engine's best friend, as proven by Brian Armstrong, the person behind the YouTube channel 900BRZ. R&D TimeArmstrong identified the most likely root cause of the oil pressure problem. A good chunk of the oil starvation stemmed from the oil pump pickup tube, which allowed oil to spill onto the timing cover instead of being redirected to the oil pan. To cure that, the oil pan needed a bit of a redesign. It had to be done in a way that directs oil towards the pan and reduces the risk of it spilling elsewhere. Verus Engineering saw Armstrong's results and fabricated the part to maintain stable pressures. Subaru Problem SolvedVerus Engineering developed a 3D-printed aluminum oil pan that uses baffles. Baffling is the use of panels or vanes installed inside equipment to control the flow of liquids — in this case, oil. Verus worked with Armstrong to build the final product and was put to the test. With the aftermarket oil pan installed, oil pressure and levels remained stable, even during track use. Oil capacity also increased to 7 quarts, ensuring lubrication even at higher corner speeds. The pan is a different shape from the stock unit and custom-fit to slot right in the GR 86's and BRZ's factory exhaust manifolds. That's for those who'd prefer to keep their car emissions compliant. Great news then for track folks with any of the Toyobaru twins. The product is available for order on the Verus Engineering website, and it's yours for $999.95. It's not cheap, but it's sure better than blowing up an engine. Verus Engineering Verus Engineering View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A New Approach to Electric Vehicle Ownership?The automotive industry has spent years trying to crack the code on making electric vehicles more accessible to buyers. While that’s usually meant reducing battery costs or offering government incentives, Malaysian carmaker Perodua has taken a completely different route with its newly launched electric vehicle. The new QV-E carries a price tag of approximately $19,400 without the battery included, making it one of the most affordable electric vehicles… on paper. The catch is that buyers must commit to a nine-year battery subscription at around $67 monthly, which works out to a reasonable $7,236 over the same period. This Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model is a pretty novel way to drive electric vehicle adoption through lower sticker prices. While Chinese manufacturers like Nio have experimented with battery swapping stations and leasing programs, mainstream automakers have avoided separating the battery from the upfront price. The reasons are obvious. Car buyers expect to own what they pay for. Though in this case, the buyer is protected from battery degradation as the car ages, arguably one of the biggest concerns with electric vehicle ownership in the long term. Perodua The Battery Plan That Beats a WarrantyThe company retains ownership of the battery throughout the nine-year period and handles all maintenance related to it. If the battery's state of health drops below 70 percent, Perodua will replace it at no additional cost. This guarantee extends beyond the typical eight-year warranty most electric vehicles carry. The QV-E's 204-horsepower electric motor runs on a 52.5 kWh LFP battery offering a claimed range of 276 miles NEDC or an estimated 203 miles EPA. For buyers financing the vehicle, the battery subscription fee can be bundled into their monthly car payment. Once the car loan is paid off, the remaining battery subscription payments transfer directly to Perodua through their mobile app. Perodua Why Subscriptions Usually BackfireA majority of customers have not taken kindly to subscription services in the automotive industry. BMW faced severe consumer backlash when it introduced a monthly subscription for heated seats. Turns out paying extra to unlock hardware already installed in the vehicle doesn’t go down well. On the other hand, Perodua's battery subscription might actually work. Batteries represent genuine liabilities, as they degrade over time, require eventual replacement. By taking battery ownership away from the customer, Perodua addresses real concerns about resale value and replacement costs. This should make owning a used QV-E more attractive, since buyers won't worry about buying an EV with an aging battery outside warranty coverage. View the full article

Here we go! It’s the unofficial start of the Winter Series at Bradenton and there are a bunch of racers on hand already for testing. We’re going to to be sharing all the highlight videos right here for you to enjoy all week, so check back each day to see what you have missed. Monday’s video is at the bottom and we’ll keep stacking the newest ones on top! If for some reason you haven’t heard of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series at Bradenton Motorsports Park, now is the time to get familiar. Enjoy! The post Snowbird Outlaw Nationals Testing Highlights: The Winter Series Starts NOW! Here’s The Highlights From This Week’s Testing. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A Return to a Familiar IdeaMitsubishi hasn't built a car in the US since the Normal, Illinois plant shut down in 2015. That factory, originally launched as a joint venture with Chrysler in the 1980s, once produced models like the Eclipse and Galant before demand cooled and costs took over. Since then, Mitsubishi has relied entirely on imports from Japan for its American lineup. Now the idea of building vehicles in the US is back on the table, but it needs help. Mitsubishi's footprint in North America has shrunk dramatically, and the market has shifted toward higher-volume players. The company is openly considering partnerships with Nissan – its longtime ally – and Honda, which would mark a new phase of cooperation among Japanese brands in the region. Exploring Collaboration With Honda and NissanIn an interview with Nikkei Asia, Mitsubishi President and CEO Takao Kato laid out the situation with unusual clarity. "It's absolutely difficult to continue on our own," he said, framing the need for collaboration as a matter of survival in North America rather than strategy. Kato confirmed that the company aims to make "concrete progress" by the time Mitsubishi announces its next medium-term plan in spring. He didn't identify possible models or factories, though co-producing SUVs isn't an alien idea for both Mitsubishi and Nissan. Remember the Nissan Rogue PHEV? With no American factory, Mitsubishi is fully exposed to US tariffs. Its North American business posted a loss in the first half of the fiscal year, and its 113,000 US sales in 2024 amounted to just a fraction of Nissan or Honda's volumes. Nissan's Canton and Smyrna plants have room to spare due to softer demand, while Honda's five US factories are running near capacity. Nissan What Could Come NextNothing has been finalized for now, but the outlines are taking shape. Shared SUV production is one option. Joint development of future vehicles – already under discussion between Nissan and Honda – is another lane where Mitsubishi hopes to take part. There's also room for wider cooperation beyond the US, building on existing supply relationships in the Philippines and Oceania. If the three brands can agree on scope and costs, Mitsubishi may once again build vehicles on American soil. This time, though, the company seems intent on not doing it alone. Mitsubishi View the full article

NASCAR's Most Popular Driver will have an updated look for 2026 with some changes made the NAPA Auto Parts paint scheme on his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. The NAPA No. 9 will continue with its blue/white color combination, but the big changes come along the door. After going almost fully blue in 2025, the car will bring back some white along the door while including a blue stripe with ...Keep readingView the full article

Intercooler pumps play a big role in helping a boosted engine make horsepower. Here's a look at why these pumps are so important. View the full article

Buyer Got It For Almost Half Its Original PriceA heavily outfitted 2021 Ford F-250 Shelby Super Baja, one of only 250 produced, sold for $70,500 on Bring a Trailer. One might consider this a great value, given that the last time we wrote about a similar listing, it sold for a whopping $129,999. The winning bid landed on a machine finished in Oxford White with black Shelby stripes and showing 46,000 miles, presenting as a ready-to-use, off-road capable, collector-grade Super Baja with verified maintenance history. According to the listing, the truck bears a clean Florida title and has recently passed a California smog inspection in September 2024. Under the hood, the Super Baja’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 puts out 475 horsepower and a head-turning 1,050 lb-ft of torque, channeling power through a 10-speed automatic transmission, dual-range transfer case, and an electronic locking rear differential. Add in a factory-installed full FOX/BDS suspension setup with a lift, custom control arms, and dual steering stabilizers plus 37-inch Toyo Open Country tires on black 18-inch Shelby wheels, and this isn’t a truck just meant for show: it’s built to roam deserts or climb rocky trails with confidence. Bring A Trailer Factory-Built Off-Roader Meets Shelby Showroom ComfortVisually and functionally, this Super Baja stays faithful to the high-desert, “trophy-truck” ethos embedded by Shelby American. The exterior is outfitted with powder-coated steel bumpers, tow points, a chase rack, a power-operated 50-inch LED light bar, a 40-inch curved bar up front, a spray-in bed liner, tinted glass, a twin-panel sunroof, and AMP Research power-retractable running boards with rock sliders. The two bed-mounted spare tires and comfortable interior finish the package: this isn’t a bare-bones off-roader, but a thoroughly engineered, high-end desert-ready pickup. Inside the cabin, the Super Baja delivers a surprising level of refinement. Black leather seats with red accent stitching bear Shelby embroidery; carbon-fiber trim, billet racing pedals, and branded floor mats emphasize its limited-edition status. Comfort and convenience features include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, dual-zone climate control, a twin-pane glass sunroof, and a top-shelf Bang & Olufsen sound system. On the tech front, the truck is equipped with SYNC 3 infotainment (with navigation), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera system, and a digital gauge cluster with Shelby-branded instrumentation. Bring A Trailer What the Sale Means and Why It MattersWhile $70,500 isn’t negligible, the sale price puts this Super Baja below what many would expect for a rare, well-optioned diesel Super Duty, especially one ready for off-road use. Lower-mileage examples tend to command a premium, yet this unit’s thorough maintenance history, carefully documented upgrades, and clean title make it a viable entry point for someone looking to own a legitimate Shelby-built, off-road-capable 4x4 without paying over six figures. Moreover, the transaction reinforces demand for unique factory-backed builds that combine heavy-duty capability, aftermarket-style modifications, and luxury-level amenities, a combination that few manufacturers offer straight from the factory. For collectors and off-road enthusiasts alike, this sale highlights the appeal of “real-world-ready” rare pickups blending power, capability, and exclusivity. Bring A Trailer View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Chevrolet is updating the Camaro that they race in the NASCAR Cup Series for 2026 and bringing the most drastic changes to the body since the launch of the Next Gen car. While it may appear similar to the outgoing car at first glance, the Camaro ZL1 Cup car sees updates to every available body panel that NASCAR allows and is poised to be faster at short tracks and intermediates along with ...Keep readingView the full article

American Honda Hits a Wall in NovemberAmerican Honda concluded November with a disappointing performance in terms of sales volume. Compared to October, which saw a slight 0.5% month-over-month bump, the results for November show a steep decline: total sales slid to 102,824 units, down 16.8% from the previous month. The slowdown cut across just about everything the company sells, whether hybrid, pure combustion, or the few EVs it currently offers. SUV volume – usually Honda's backbone – lost momentum. Car sales also softened despite strong hybrid mixes from the Civic and Accord. EVs technically hit a new annual record, but even that came with a significant month-over-month dip in November. Kristen Brown Passport Stands Alone, Prelude Debuts Quietly, Civic Hybrid Hangs OnThe one model that shrugged off the November slowdown was the Honda Passport. Its latest update – rolled out earlier this year – seems to be doing its job. With 4,363 units sold, the Passport notched a record November and became the only Honda model to post a month-to-month increase of 50%. The refresh didn't radically transform the SUV, but we believe it's one of Honda's best products in years, and the sales reflect that reception. The Honda Prelude also made its showroom debut in November, landing 30 units. It's too early to label it a hit or a miss, but if dealers continue their markup game, it won't go well for the nameplate. Then there's the Civic Hybrid. While total Civic volume dipped, the hybrid variant actually rose 7.8% month over month, continuing its quiet run as one of Honda's most important vehicles. With 79,084 electrified Civics sold so far this year, there's at least one data point suggesting America is warming up to the idea of a hybrid compact all over again. EV High-Fliers Falling Back to EarthThe rest of the showroom didn't fare as well. Models that surged earlier this year – most notably the GM-based Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX – have fallen into a steep decline. Their previous highs were inflated by the race to beat the expiration of federal EV tax credits, which officially ran out by the end of September. Once those incentives disappeared, so did the inflated demand. In fact, Honda only moved 903 units of the Prologue in November 2025 (compared to 6,823 in November 2024). In the same period, only 22 Acura ZDX units were sold – a stark drop compared to 1,317 units sold in the same month last year. The good news is that American Honda's year-to-date figures show a slight 1.8% growth, which means the surge in the previous months somehow offset the decline the company is experiencing now. Acura View the full article

Bentley turns up the sporty appealBentley has revealed a new Carbon Fiber Styling Specification for the Continental GT, GT Convertible (GTC), and Flying Spur sedan. For a brand more commonly associated with fine wood and sumptuous leather, it may come as a surprise to learn that a quarter of Bentley customers chose the previous carbon fiber pack. Together with an optional Blackline Specification and titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, Bentley once again positions itself as a much more driver-focused brand than rival Rolls-Royce. Related: Listen To How Akrapovic Turns Bentley’s V8 Models Into Angry Brutes Handcrafted Components for a Sportier Look Bentley Continental GT with Bentley Carbon Fiber Styling Specification b View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The new Carbon Fiber Styling Specification expands availability across all Bentley models, including the Bentayga SUV, and includes Mulliner variants, too. It can either be retrofitted via a retailer or added as an option when commissioning a new Bentley model. The hand-finished and mirror-matched carbon fiber components include the following: Front bumper splitterRear diffuserFull-length side sills with metallic electroformed Bentley badgesMirror capsNot only do the new carbon fiber components add a little drama to the appearance of these Bentleys, but they offer the rigidity and weight-saving advantages that are typical of the material. To ensure optimal structural integrity, the carbon weave is laid in multiple layers. Bentley also subjects the parts to laboratory stress cycles to ensure they meet the brand’s high standards, with over 100,000 km (over 62,000 miles) of durability testing. The front splitter is now double the thickness of the previous iteration and the rear diffuser has grown in size. Related: Bentley’s Lavish Mulliner Interiors Will Make Even Rolls-Royce Jealous Bentley Options Ain’t Cheap Bentley Carbon Fiber Styling Specification Bentley View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Even on cheaper sports cars, carbon fiber styling packages tend to be pricey. While Bentley didn’t give a price for its new package, a previous listing of a similar specification from Bentley Atlanta suggests you will spend upwards of $15,000 for this option. According to Motortrend, the average cost of a new Bentley in 2023 hovered at around $300,000, with options making up between a quarter and a third of that amount. This means that many Bentley owners are spending six figures in options alone. But perhaps that’s not surprising when you can spend over $30k simply by selecting a premium Metallic Satin paint color. There are around 46 billion unique color and trim combinations available when customizing a new Bentley, which virtually guarantees that no two models are identical. Bentley owners love the array of options on offer, with 70% of customers choosing at least one Mulliner element when creating their perfect car. View the full article

Century: A Cut Above LexusDuring the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, Toyota not only introduced a bold luxury coupe, but it also launched a new ultra-luxury marque that sits above Lexus. That brand is Century, and it could soon be Japan's answer to Rolls-Royce and Bentley. The Century Coupe looks like a good rival for the likes of the Bentley Continental GT and Rolls-Royce Spectre. Big, bold, and blocky, it has all the potential to ruffle the feathers of British automakers, just as Lexus shocked the Germans back in 1989. There's a good chance the Century Sedan and SUV could soon ditch their Toyota labels. Besides, those don't even wear Toyota badges. Century can effectively hit the ground running once the dealer network is established. Toyota Century Models in a NutshellThe Century Sedan has been around for nearly 50 years. Introduced in 1967 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries. The first generation lasted 30 years until it was redesigned in 1997. It would take another 21 years for the third generation to arrive in 2018. For the longest time, the Century came only in sedan form, but that changed in 2023 with the introduction of the SUV version. While it rides on the same platform as the Toyota Grand Highlander, that's where the similarities end. The interior is as plush as they come, and certainly a cut above the Lexus TX. As for the Coupe, it's currently in development, so it might take some time before we see the road-going version. It probably won't look as bold as the concept, but we have high hopes, nonetheless. Toyota The Future of CenturyToyota confirmed one key detail about the Century brand during the Japan Mobility Show. While we're expecting every concept to be electric these days, Century won't be. It's an interesting move, but one that could prove to be the smart choice given EV sales at the moment. It was previously mentioned that Century will take a multi-pathway approach, so it's not closing its doors on what kind of vehicles it will produce. However, Australian publication CarExpert has a more definitive answer. Ladies and gentlemen, the Century brand will have ICE power. Toyo With that, Century won't be pulling a Jaguar with its planned range of electric luxury vehicles. Takashi Uehara, the head of Toyota's powertrain division, told Australian media that the Coupe "will have an engine," and "We have not actually decided which kind of engine will be installed." CarExpert noted that an electrified V8 is a likely candidate to power the Century Coupe. The Century Sedan has a hybridized V8, and that setup could also be applied to the upcoming GR GT that's set to make its world premiere this week. It sounds promising, given that the Continental GT also has an electrified V8 under its long hood. Either way, it's something to look forward to as Century faces a new chapter. Century View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article