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A Budget EV Swap With Big AmbitionsElectric car conversions are often seen as luxury projects, the kind reserved for classic showpieces and deep-pocketed hobbyists. But one DIY builder has turned that perception upside down. A neglected 1962 Mercury Comet station wagon, once a dusty, non-running relic, has been reborn as a fully electric daily driver using salvaged parts from a wrecked Nissan Leaf. The entire conversion came in under $6,000, relying on resourcefulness rather than rare parts or big funding. The idea stems from a growing opportunity in the used EV market. Early Leafs, Bolts, and similar models are now cheap, plentiful, and mechanically simple, making them ideal donors. Chronicled on the This Old Jalopy YouTube channel, the Comet project documents a step-by-step transformation that blends mid-century style with 21st-century sustainability. The goal was to build a zero-emissions classic while maintaining its vintage character and proving that electrification doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Old-School Wagon Meets Mass-Market EV TechThe donor car, a 2014 Nissan Leaf, had crash damage but an intact high-voltage system—perfect for repurposing. For just $3,000, it provided the motor, inverter, charger, and its 24-kWh battery pack. To make those components function outside their original chassis, the builder added a Resolve EV controller for about $900, allowing seamless communication between the Leaf's battery management system and its power electronics. Installing the Leaf's front-drive motor in the Comet’s rear required inventive fabrication. It now powers a custom De Dion rear axle supported by upgraded leaf springs, with shortened CV shafts to match the new layout. Up front, where the original gas engine once sat, the Leaf's 48 battery modules are housed in a custom cradle, maintaining good weight balance and serviceability. Only a few modules were replaced, keeping the pack mostly original and cost-efficient. Trial, Error, and a Surprisingly Stock ResultLike most EV conversions, the Comet project hit a few snags. Early tests revealed a no-drive condition traced to wiring mistakes, an inverted high-voltage line, and a faulty charger. Replacements and careful rewiring fixed the issues, after one brief mishap that sent the wheels spinning backward. Finishing details tie the project together. The charging port now hides behind the factory fuel door, while the control unit sits discreetly in the glovebox. From the outside, the wagon looks original, belying its modern electric heart with an estimated range of about 78 miles - not much, but it should be usable within the city. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Three decades of the historic Isle of Man TT motorcycle road racing moments are now easier than ever to explore, no passport required.View the full article

Your questions answered: here's the rundown on why the LS vs Coyote 3 engines were sent back to the builders before the C10 Shootout.View the full article

The Mustang's Cool Price SpreadA Ford Mustang starts at $32,640 for the entry-level EcoBoost model. If you want V8 power, you'll pay at least $46,560 for the GT. Should that not be enough, there's the Dark Horse that carries a base price of $64,080. But then, we get to the Mustang GTD. The most extreme and expensive Mustang one can buy with a warranty retails for a whopping $318,760, sans destination and gas-guzzler tax. Throw those in, and you'll have to cough up $327,960 for what's essentially a Mustang race car with license plates. Ford A Huge HitJust to further highlight the insanity, the Mustang's price spread is a cool $295,320, meaning you can buy nearly every trim of the pony car for one GTD — and we're not even kidding, either. From base EcoBoost to Dark Horse Premium, the total price of the six regular trims amounted to $299,780 when we added it all up. Still, that hasn't put off people from filing an application to buy a GTD and pray they'll be lucky enough to be one of the chosen few. According to CarBuzz, Ford had shifted 231 examples of the GTD, likely giving the Blue Oval a healthy profit over each one sold. By the way, that figure doesn't include December's tally yet. Ford What Makes the GTD so Expensive?For starters, nearly every panel fitted to the car is carbon fiber, and its design is unique to the GTD. The driveshaft is also made of the same material, as is that massive wing at the back. Its bones and appearance are those of a Mustang, but it's essentially a street-legal race car at this point. The Predator 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine has been massaged and breathed on to produce 815 hp and 664 lb-ft, making it the most powerful factory Mustang ever produced to date. Such engineering bumps up the price tag, and we haven't even gotten to the suspension system yet. Whereas regular Mustangs use struts at the front and integral-link independent suspension at the back, the GTD throws all of that away for a far racier setup. The struts have been swapped out for double-wishbones with a wider track. As for the rear, it gets an active and adaptive pushrod suspension that wouldn't look out of place in a competition vehicle. Ford is particularly proud of it, too, by placing a window where the back seats were supposed to be so its proud owners can show it off or see it work. More Extreme Factory Mustangs Coming Soon?Given the sales success of the GTD so far, it has all the potential to inspire Ford to build more bespoke and limited-edition models for its pony car. Granted, the idea of building highly exclusive versions of the Mustang isn't new, but the fact that people are more than willing to pay over $300,000 for one opens up new possibilities for the Mustang as a brand. We could see Ford pulling a Porsche 911-like hierarchy level down the line. Perhaps the next special Mustang won't be as extreme as a GTD, but some of the hardware and tech applied to it could trickle down to a model that bridges the gap between the Dark Horse and GTD — something along the lines of the Shelby Super Snake R. It's an interesting and exciting prospect, and one that the Blue Oval could explore soon. Besides, it already seems that the market is comfortable with a Mustang that comes with a six-figure base price. Ford View the 11 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Jay Leno’s Garage features a fully functional Curtiss V8 replica that redefines what 100 miles per hour once meant. View the full article

KTM's current CEO, Gottfried Neumeister, is staying in his role after being positioned there by prior CEO Stefan Pierer, and after Bajaj took control of the struggling Austrian manufacturer. View the full article

Polaris’ MRZR Alpha shows why military side-by-sides get blackout mode, adjustable suspension, and tech that civilians will never need. View the full article

David Spade is a hell of a car guy and has bought and sold many cars at Barrett-Jackson, but this one might be his biggest. In size that is. This dentside 1978 Ford F250 Ranger XLT is something special. With the crew cab and the lift, this is a pretty rad truck. It’s powered by the 400 as well, and with creature comforts and all that wheelbase it should be a pretty nice driving rig going down the road. If you think you need to own it, register now as it is going up for auction at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale this year! Here’s the video. Video Description: Yes, that ‪@davidspade‬ Spade. Join ‪@CraigJacksonCollection‬ for a First Look at Spade’s custom 1978 ‪@ford‬ F-250 Ranger XLT, powered by a 400ci V8 with a rebuilt automatic transmission and performance camshaft. Watch it sell during the 2026 Scottsdale Auction with No Reserve, Jan. 17-25 at WestWorld. Learn more about this David Spade’s 1978 Ford⁩ F250 Ranger XLT Custom Pickup: https://www.barrett-jackson.com/2026-… The post FIRST LOOK – David Spade’s 1978 Ford⁩ F250 Ranger XLT – BARRETT-JACKSON 2026 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We’re so glad to see Steve back out in the wild, hunting hot rods and muscle cars in the wrecking yard, and sharing all his muscle car knowledge with us.He’s as hard core as they come, and it shows when he’s walking around in the SNOW in the wrecking yard just to highlight fun rides he’s found. We dig it, and appreciate his efforts and know that you guys do too. If you want to get parts or cars from his videos, don’t forget to watch and listen for the name of the yard if you want to contact the sellers. In this video he’s highlighting another rare Mopar, and this one is a Tuxedo Black 4-speed car that you are going to want to take a look at. I mean who doesn’t love a good Road Runner? The post Steve Magnante Isn’t Slowing Down Any! Check Out This RARE TUXEDO BLACK 4-SPEED ROAD RUNNER He Found In The Snow! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

If you haven’t seen the WRC documentary series More Than Machine, and you are a rally racing fan, you are going to want to check out the entire first season at the link below. With behind the scenes, racing action, and more, this series gives you a look you can’t otherwise get from WRC coverage. We love this series, and are thrilled that the new season has started as well. We’ve got Season 2, Episode 3, below for you to enjoy, and more coming! If you missed Season 1 of the series, and would like to catch up, there is a complete Season 1 Replay at the link below. If you have missed any of the episodes from Season 2, you can click the link below for those as well! CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF SEASON 1 OF More Than Machine CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE MISSED ANY OF SEASON 2 OF MORE THAN MACHINE Video Description: From the high-speed technical tarmac of Gran Canaria to the unforgiving heat and gravel of Sardinia, the gap between the top contenders is widening. In More Than Machine Season 2, Episode 3, the rivalry between Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai Motorsport reaches a breaking point as one team chases perfection and the other fights for survival. In this episode, witness a tarmac masterclass from Kalle Rovanperä that leaves Hyundai searching for answers. The pressure shifts to the brutal stages of Rally Italia Sardegna, where rising star Adrien Fourmaux faces a devastating test of mental resilience, and Takamoto Katsuta battles through a dramatic rollover. As the dust settles, legendary champion Sébastien Ogier pushes to the limit to keep Toyota’s unbeaten streak alive against a surging Ott Tänak. It’s a story of total dominance, costly mistakes, and the psychological toll of the World Rally Championship. The post World Rally Championship Video Series: More Than Machine, Season 2 Episode 3 – Vanishing Point | 2025 Rally Islas Canarias & Rally Italia Sardegna appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

If you own more than one trailer, or have a place that the trailer fits for storage but isn’t easy to back into, you have probably thought about or bought one of those push around trailer dollies to help out. I’ve never owned one, but probably should have, but I do like looking at the electric ones that allow you to move a big or small trailer without much effort. They aren’t cheap though. I’ve looked at used ones, but in general they are a bit out of my budget. Now I’d love to try out one of the newer models to see just how well they work, especially compared to a DIY unit. Do they have more features? Do they perform better? Do they require less work? I don’t know, but I do know that looking at a unit like this DIY build makes me want to build one of my own. I think you could make some changes to make it your own, but use this one as a guide and let your imagination run wild. This one here is designed to move trailers weighing up to 1100 lbs, but I know that the right gearing and power makes it possible to move trailers much heavier. Video Description: Moving trailers or devices with a hook can be very tiring and tiring, so we decided to make a vehicle that will make life easier. We used generally available elements such as: Broken wheelchair motors Wheels from ATV Gel batteries Motorcycle sprockets Self-aligning bearings Wiper motor The charging port is on the top cover, forgot to show it. The batteries last for about half an hour of driving. The maximum weight of a trailer or machine is approximately 500 kg / 1100 lbs. The post This Dude Built An Electric Trailer Dolly With Scrap And Ingenuity! Check Out This DIY Project! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

To wrap up 2025, Dylan McCool sat down to give everyone an update on his current projects and some of what to expect in 2026. If you are a fan of all the cool stuff he has going on, then check out the video to see what is in store for your favorite project. Is it the ’58 Plymouth, the Mustang II, or the Monaco body swap? Maybe it’s one of the other jillion he has sitting around? Check it out right here. Video Description: Been waiting on an update on your favorite project car or truck? Look no further! We cover nearly every vehicle we intend to work on in 2026 as well as others we are driving and enjoying as is. This is not a complete list of vehicles that I have currently, so if you didn’t see something, it still may be around. The post Dylan McCool’s Project Car Updates! Monaco Body Swap, ’58 Plymouth, W200, Cobra II, Charger, and MANY MORE! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The best part about the last few days of the year, and the first few days of the new year, are all the best of videos, photo galleries, and more. We’ve got several coming to you over the next few days, and here is one of them. These are the Wildest Rides of the 2025 NHRA Drag Racing season and we know you’ll dig them. We’re talking slow motion action and more, with some insane smoke and fire. We’re talking explosions, sand trap rides, walls, and more right here in this dramatic year end video. Video Description: Here they are! Time to take a look back at some of the wildest rides of 2025! And they walked away. The post And They Walked Away! Here Are The Wildest Rides From The 2025 NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Mitsubishi’s Flagship Teases Its ReturnThe Mitsubishi Pajero name still means something to many people. Also called the Montero or Shogun, depending on where you’re reading this from, the brand’s flagship SUV quietly ended production in 2021. Since then, Mitsubishi has said a new large SUV is coming, but hasn’t shared much beyond that. That’s why Mitsubishi’s latest corporate video stands out. Released on New Year's Day, there’s a quick shot of what appears to be the next flagship SUV near the end of the clip, shown in silhouette in a Ralliart-branded video. It’s a clear nod to Mitsubishi’s performance and adventure roots. The don’t-call-it-a-Pajero-yet flagship SUV has already been confirmed to be coming back, and the shape and timing of the teaser suggest this is more than just another crossover. The Teaser That Reveals EnoughLooking closer at the video (and a bit of adjustment), you can spot a camouflaged SUV with upright lines, a tall hood, and a boxy cabin. The front lights use vertical LED daytime running lights with a horizontal strip, matching Mitsubishi’s current design cues. This is where the supposed Pajero SUV starts to look a bit like the Mitsubishi Destinator. The grille, LED layout, and front end are similar to those of the Destinator, which was launched in Southeast Asia last year. Beyond that, though, the similarities end. The SUV in the teaser looks taller, longer, and more squared-off, with side steps and a higher ride height that point to something more capable than a typical crossover. Spy shots from Europe and Asia also show a stance that matches a ladder-frame chassis, which lines up with reports that this model will use a truck-based platform instead of the Destinator’s unibody setup. MitsubishiMotorsTV/YouTube What We Know So FarReports from Japan say Mitsubishi is planning to bring back its flagship SUV by late 2026, with production set for Thailand and exports to follow. The platform is expected to be related to the Triton and Pajero Sport, likely using rear-wheel-drive-based four-wheel drive and a live rear axle. There’s no official word on engines yet, but diesel turbos are expected in many markets, and hybrids are reportedly being considered. Mitsubishi says more details are coming in the next six months, so the teasers are just getting started. If so, an early preview before the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, happening on January 9, would make sense. For now, the quick silhouette is the strongest sign yet that Mitsubishi’s most iconic SUV is making its return – hopefully keeping the legendary Pajero name. Jacob Oliva View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Starting the New Year with a BangRam is kicking off 2026 in a big way by giving the 2500 Power Wagon an engine option that it always deserved. For the 2027 model year, the heavy-duty pickup is now (finally) available with a 6.7-liter Cummins High Output turbodiesel. Before you ask, yes, it comes with a tidal wave of torque. There's 1,075 lb-ft of it, to be exact, making it the torquiest in its class as Ram claims. And if that's still not enough, the big-block straight-six diesel also produces 430 hp. Granted, its weight means it won't be scaring sport sedans off the line, but we're pretty sure it can tow a couple of them without breaking a sweat. Stellantis A Long-Requested ModelAccording to Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, the brand's customers have long wanted to have the option of putting the 6.7-liter Cummins specifically under the hood of the Power Wagon. Prior to this announcement, it "only" came with the 6.4-liter HD Hemi V8, while the Laramie trim and up could be ordered with one. "Matching the Power Wagon with the Cummins turbo diesel delivers everything our hardcore Ram fans expect: off-road capability with the best diesel in the HD segment. It’s the Power Wagon they’ve been waiting for," said Kuniskis. Towing and HaulingOf course, we can't talk about an HD pickup without mentioning its towing and hauling capacities. Ram claims it can pull nearly 20,000 lbs and has a payload capacity of about 3,000 lbs. There are also a couple of options available to make towing easier in the diesel-fed Power Wagon. These options include a fifth-wheel/gooseneck preparation kit on the bed, along with packages such as the Towing Technology Group and Tow Technology Plus Group. Ticking those options adds conveniences such as additional cameras, tire pressure monitoring for trailers, a digital rearview mirror (for Tow Technology Plus), and more. Self-leveling automatic air suspension can also be specified, and includes a bed-lowering mode. Other HighlightsThis being the Power Wagon trim of the 2500, the Cummins-powered version also benefits from items such as the standard skid plates and rock sliders, along with Bilstein monotube dampers. There are locking differentials at the front, center, and rear, while 34-inch all-terrain tires provide traction on the rough stuff. It also has a disconnecting sway bar for increased suspension articulation — a huge plus when tackling deep moguls. Standard features include advanced driver-assist features, a 12-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen infotainment system, front and rear parking aids and cameras, and an integrated trailer brake controller. For options, the screen can be upgraded to 14.5 inches, an additional screen for the front passenger, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, or a 17-speaker Harman/Kardon unit, and extended leather. And for those planning to venture even deeper off-road, one can specify the massive 50-gallon tank for an even longer range. The 2027 Ram 2500 Power Wagon will hit showrooms by mid-2026 and carry a price tag of $88,470. For those who can't wait that long, there are also new trims for the full-size pickup that have been added for 2026. View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

MV Agusta’s 1974 350/4 The MV Agusta 350/4 occupies a unique and historically significant place in Grand Prix racing, as it was the machine that effectively marked MV Agusta’s withdrawal from top-level international competition and the end of four-stroke dominance in the middleweight class. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the competitive landscape of […] The post The 350/4 that saw MV Agusta exit Grand Prix racing… appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The Halo Truck Ram Couldn’t ReplaceThe Ram TRX didn’t just join the off-road pickup crowd when it launched. It arrived as Ram’s most powerful production truck, with 702 horsepower and a clear intent to push the limits of what a half-ton could do from the factory. The catch was its short run. After just three years, the first TRX was gone, leaving a noticeable gap at the top of Ram’s range. After teasers last month, Ram has officially announced the TRX's return, with showroom arrivals set for late 2026 as a 2027 model. The new 1500 SRT TRX is the first off-road model from the revived SRT Performance Division, and the first Ram to carry an SRT badge since the mid-2000s. It shows Ram is ready to build a true halo truck again, not just for old time’s sake but to set a new benchmark. Ram More Power, Same AttitudeThe 1500 SRT TRX returns with the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, now making 777 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque. That’s a clear step up from the previous 702-horsepower version, putting it back at the top of the gas-powered half-ton class. All that power is sent through a reinforced eight-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive. Launch control is standard, and Ram claims the 1500 SRT TRX can hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. That’s quick for any truck, let alone one riding on 35-inch tires. Compared to the Ford Raptor R, the 1500 SRT TRX now leads in the horsepower race (777 vs 720 hp). The Raptor R emphasizes balance and chassis tuning, but Ram has the horsepower advantage. However, Ford’s 900-horsepower Raptor R concept at SEMA shows the competition is far from over, even if that truck isn’t on sale yet. Ram Muscle Outside, Luxury InsideThe new 1500 SRT TRX keeps the same aggressive look as the original. It’s wider and taller than a standard Ram 1500, with composite widebody fender flares, a functional hood scoop, and bold lighting. The design is all about function, from the steel bumpers to the oversized exhaust tips. Inside, the TRX mixes performance and comfort. Leather and suede cover most surfaces, with carbon fiber trim and red stitching. Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats are standard, along with heated and reclining rear seats. Tech features are just as packed – a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, and hands-free active driving assist, all standard. Ram is making it clear that you don’t have to give up comfort or safety tech to get serious off-road capability. Ram Bloodshot Night Edition Sets the ToneThe first model out of the gate is the 1500 SRT TRX Bloodshot Night Edition. It stands out with a Blacktop upper and a hand-painted Flame Red center stripe, giving it a more aggressive look than the standard truck. Unique graphics, beadlock-capable wheels, and a few interior tweaks set it apart from the regular TRX. Inside, you get red-accented carbon fiber, a glass-encased TRX console badge, and red-outline branding. It’s aimed at collectors, but it’s still built for use. The 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX will arrive in dealerships in the second half of this year, starting at $99,995 before destination. Pricing for the Bloodshot Night Edition will be announced closer to launch. It’s unclear whether Ram will limit production of the returning Ram TRX, as it did with the first one in 2021. Ram View the 47 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Herlings on Honda in 2026 Five-time FIM Motocross World Champion Jeffrey Herlings will begin a new chapter in his MXGP career in 2026 after concluding a 16-year association with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and signing a multi-year deal with Honda HRC. Herlings joined KTM as a 15-year-old in 2010 and quickly established himself as […] The post Jeffrey Herlings ends long KTM association & confirms move to HRC appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Tim Gajser to Yamaha for MXGP 2026 Five-time FIM Motocross World Champion Tim Gajser will line up with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP in 2026, bringing to a close a 12-year association with Honda HRC that ranks among the most successful partnerships in modern motocross. Gajser joined Honda HRC in 2014 after a difficult transition […] The post Tim Gajser ends HRC partnership and confirms move to Yamaha for 2026 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

On behalf of the entire BANGshift Family, I want to thank you all for being a part of our 2025 and hope that your 2026 is even better! We are super thankful for such a great year of racing in 2025 and can’t wait for more in 2026. We want to wish all of you a Happy New Year, and hope that your 2026 is everything you want it to be. We’re not going to make any new year’s resolutions, but we are going to promise more of what you know and love here at BANGshift in 2026. We’ve got some exciting things in the works and can’t wait to tell you all about it in the coming months! Rest assured, there will be plenty of FREE live streaming, event photos galore, more tech, more fun, and some new things as well. We’ll be bringing you even more PowerShift and Beards, Burnouts and Beer podcast style live events this year, and more fun with sponsors, companies, and our racing friends, so stay tuned. And above all, thank you. THANK YOU!!! Thank you to the contributors, photographers, creators, and friends who tip us off to cool stuff that we need to get our eyes on. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your thoughts at the door, positive, negative, or otherwise. Thank you for hanging out with us while we are on the camera for hours on end to bring you what’s going on wherever we are at. Thank you for sharing articles, videos, or just our little corner of the Internet here. Thank you for letting us know what you’re getting up to as well…we love to see the projects you are wrenching on and the progress you make. Thank you to everybody who is working in the service of others. Police, fire personnel, medical personnel, caregivers, the men and women of the armed services. It’s a tough life and we thank you for what you do, day in and day out. Welcome 2026, here’s to hoping you are even better than 2025! The post Happy New Year 2026 From BANGshift.com! Here’s To A Happy, Healthy, And Fun New Year Full Of Horsepower, Tire Smoke, And More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A Modernized Crown Vic? Why Not?2011 saw the final Ford Crown Victoria roll off the assembly line, marking the end of the traditional American full-size sedan for good. And while three generations of it were made, including the LTD Crown Victoria, it rode on a chassis that dated back to the Carter Administration. That said, Ford dabbled with the idea of modernizing its large sedan prior to that. The result was the Interceptor concept from 2007, looking something like a worthy rival to the Dodge Charger or Chrysler 300. A Fitting NameIt's hard to dissociate the words Crown Victoria from Police Interceptor. After all, the Vic was the de facto cop car from 1997 to 2011. So, what better name to call Ford's new large sedan concept with something it's long been associated with? It looked the part, too, with an imposing body inspired by Ford's own land yachts from the '60s, such as the Galaxie and LTD. The interior was a delightful throwback to days gone by, too. Classic touches include the square dials, vast dashboard, and an overall clean and straightforward look. There's not a touchscreen in sight, either. The only thing missing was a column shifter and a bench seat. The concept was penned by the late Peter Horbury, the same person who led Volvo down a curvier, sleeker path in the late '90s. In his words, the Interceptor "was much like a Marine in dress uniform. He looks smart and elegant, but you can see the raw power that lies beneath." A Pony (Car) UnderneathIt might not look the part, but the Interceptor rode on a stretched S197 Mustang platform. And if there's any doubt about that, it even used a live axle at the back like the pony car. Whether it was intentional or not is up for debate, but we admit it's a nice and appropriate old-school touch. Somehow, Ford pulled the Mustang's wheelbase from 107.1 inches, all the way to a whopping 120.8 inches. The body was then lengthened from 187.6 inches to 201.6 inches. In terms of length, the Interceptor was about a foot shorter than the Crown Victoria, but its wheelbase was about 6 inches longer. So, not only did the Interceptor have all the potential to be a new-age Vic, it could've been a four-door Mustang. Under the HoodThe Interceptor had an engine befitting of what was dubbed a muscle sedan concept. It packed a 5.0-liter V8 'Cammer' under the hood. It's an evolution of sorts from the familiar 4.6-liter Modular engine that powered nearly every large Ford vehicle that required eight cylinders. That same block is also related to the Coyote engine that powers the Mustang of today. Stats? Per Ford's claims, it made 400 hp, although torque figures weren't mentioned. With eight cylinders present, we're assuming it had a good slug of it by the bottom of the rev range. Interestingly, the concept had a six-speed manual, an odd but welcome detail. Expectation vs. RealityIn the end, the Interceptor never got past the concept stage. However, some of its design elements ended up in a different full-sized Ford. The sixth-generation Taurus for the 2010 model year would become the Blue Oval's large sedan, serving as the Crown Victoria's indirect successor. From a Mustang-based architecture, the Taurus ended up using the front-drive-based D3 platform that was derived from the Volvo P2 platform. That meant the Taurus (and fifth-gen Explorer) shared some DNA with the first-generation Volvo S80 and XC90. It would be discontinued in 2019 with no successor, ending Ford's full-size sedan lineage. With the way things are going, we doubt Ford will ever build sedans of any size again, given the brand's direction. Still, we can't help but wonder if the Interceptor could've perked up some interest in the large American sedan market to keep it going for a little longer. We'll never know the answer to that, though. View the 13 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Irony of Toyota's Big AnnouncementToyota just dropped an eye-opening postulation about battery electric vehicles with vehicle-to-grid capabilities. The manufacturer says the roughly four million EVs currently on American roads could collectively pump approximately 40,000 megawatts back into the power grid, equalling what 40 nuclear reactors generate. Your idle EV could help stabilize grids by leveling spikes in demand, limit outages, and technically even reduce your energy costs. The only issue with this is that Toyota is championing V2G technology without currently offering a single production vehicle in North America that supports bidirectional charging. A Japanese-spec bZ4X prototype equipped with V2G has been doing the rounds for the pilot, but American buyers can’t buy it. Toyota is essentially promoting technology they haven't yet committed to selling. Toyota Why Bidirectional Charging Is a Big Deal This is how it works in theory: EV owners charge batteries during cheap off-peak nighttime hours, then either power their homes directly or sell stored energy back to the grid during expensive peak periods. Think of it like the stock market: buy low and sell high, though that isn’t the prime goal here. Bidirectional charging can stabilize the grid during extreme weather or outages. When thousands of vehicles act as distributed storage, utility companies can avoid firing up expensive backup generators during demand spikes. What’s more interesting is vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-load technology, which allows drivers to directly give energy back to their homes or appliances. Hyundai Final ThoughtsWhile Toyota experiments, other manufacturers have already delivered. The Ford F-150 Lightning's 9.6 kW of V2H power is enough to run an average house for three days during outages. Nissan pioneered this space in 2013 with the Leaf, theoretically letting owners earn money by feeding power back during peak demand. General Motors standardized V2H charging across its 2024 electric lineup, while Hyundai and Kia are running European pilot programs with the Ioniq 5. Tesla's Cybertruck now delivers 11.5 kW of home backup through its Powerwall system. Despite Toyota's grand projections, implementation faces obstacles. Most grids aren't configured for bidirectional charging, and the home charging equipment costs thousands of dollars, turning off users who own vehicles with V2G capability. Then there’s battery degradation from working those extra cycles, and the fact that the regulatory framework governing electricity sales varies wildly from state to state. While the current costs associated with setting up bidirectional charging still skew the economics against it, the time when it all makes sense and Toyota’s vision comes to life isn’t so far off. View the full article

Honda’s next tiny EV will not rely on cuteness alone. The 2026 Honda Super-One, a city-sized electric hatch spun from the N-One kei car, is being engineered to meet full safety rules in markets like Australia and Europe rather than sliding in as a grey import curiosity. The pitch is quite simple, it comes with all the charm of a kei car, with crash protection and driver assistance that feel much more like a regular family car. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A Kei-Based EV That Is Not Really A Kei Any MoreUnder the skin, the Super-One starts with the N-One e platform, then stretches and widens it so it no longer counts as a kei car. That extra footprint gives Honda room for more structure, a wider track and a battery pack under the floor that helps with stability. The styling keeps the upright, playful look but adds blistered arches, lower suspension and larger wheels so it reads as a small hot hatch rather than a micro-commuter appliance. Power comes from a single motor driving the front wheels, closely related to the N-One e hardware but expected to make more than the kei-legal 47 kW. A battery of around 30 kWh targets roughly 290 km of WLTP range, which is plenty for the dense urban use this car is aimed at. Honda has even given it a Boost Mode with simulated shifts, sound and vibration, a similar philosophy to the way it has put more character into hybrids like the Civic.. Designed Around Real Crash Tests And Driver AssistanceThe headline claim that the Super-One will be “safer than the kei-car donor” is mostly about regulations. Many imported kei EVs have struggled to meet Australian Design Rules, especially the pole side impact test, and have been effectively blocked. Honda says the Super-One is being engineered from the outset to satisfy every ADR and to target at least a four star ANCAP rating. That is an ambitious target for something this small. To get there, the car will carry the full Honda Sensing suite rather than a cut down version. Expect adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, traffic jam assist, speed sign recognition and automatic high beam, all tuned for city work. It is a long way from the minimalist safety spec that older small Hondas carried, even if those early cars still have a following, from the Jazz or Fit through to the current hybrid crossovers. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Where It Fits In Honda’s Line-UpHonda sees the Super-One as a proper entry level EV rather than a toy, which is why it will be sold through regular dealers in Japan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. In the UK it will be badged Super-N due to a naming clash, but the idea is the same, a small electric city car that sits under mainstream models like Civic and CR-V. Buyers who want more space and longer range will still be pointed toward hybrids such as the CR-V, where deals like current 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid lease offers keep the bigger car in play for family duty. View the full article

Chinese carmakers like BYD, Chery, Geely, and GWM have been taking the world by storm. Despite not having a presence in the United States, industry figures sourced from a Nikkei report suggest Chinese automakers could end 2025 well ahead of Japanese manufacturers in global sales for the first time in history. Full-year numbers are not published yet, but with the gap widening through November rather than shrinking, confidence around the outcome is high. China has built its success on rapid electrification, competitive pricing, and a global expansion approach, and it's paying off. And crucially, China now builds everything from simple commuters and spacious family SUVs to sports cars and even 1,000-hp supercars, which shows how far its automotive footprint has come. China’s Rapid Climb, Powered by Electric Vehicles BYD According to the report, Chinese automakers are projected to move around 27 million vehicles globally in 2025, while Japanese brands sit just under 25 million. Roughly 70% of those sales happen inside China, where battery electric and plug-in hybrid models make up nearly 60% of passenger car demand. It helps that BYD and Geely have cracked the global top ten, signalling just how quickly Chinese brands have evolved. Electric vehicles sit at the heart of this shift. China scaled EV manufacturing faster than rivals, and low production costs and a highly integrated supply chain let its brands offer impressive equipment levels at prices international competitors struggle to match. Global EV sales have also risen strongly in 2025, up roughly 25%, which plays directly into China’s strengths. Yet the market is shifting again, with several carmakers outside China reportedly pivoting from pure EVs toward plug-in hybrids since US interest in EVs has dropped. Yet, China seems to be confident in its all-electric approach. Export Sales Hit Japan’s Strongholds BYD China’s rise is not confined to its home soil. The same report highlights strong export growth across nearly every major region. Southeast Asia, long a Japanese stronghold, is expected to absorb around 500,000 Chinese vehicles in 2025. Europe should close the year near 2.3 million Chinese units sold, despite tariffs. Meanwhile, Africa could total about 230,000 units, up 32% year on year, while Latin America may reach 540,000 units, up 33%. For brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and even Tesla, the pressure is growing. Japanese global sales peaked near 30 million in 2018 and led the world until China overtook them in 2023. Japan, Germany, and the United States remain automotive giants, but their growth curves appear far flatter than China’s. A Global Balance of Power May Be Changing BYD Done are the days of Chinese cars being nothing more than copy cats. If projections prove accurate when final 2025 results arrive in early 2026, China will stand as the world’s best-selling automotive nation for the very first time. Regions like Japan and Germany built decades of dominance on reliability and mechanical refinement, while China is rewriting the playbook with scale, electrification, and affordability – quintessential for value-conscious buyers. The question is less about whether China will lead and more about how long the rest of the world will take to catch up, or if they ever will. Whether these Chinese cars stand the test of time is a debate still unfolding... View the full article

Rivian’s electronic interior releases help keep the cabin clean and modern, but not everyone is happy with how the rear doors work during power loss. A growing number of R1S and R1T owners are sharing DIY solutions to make emergency exits easier for children, after discovering that the manual release cable sits behind the trim rather than being immediately accessible. But complaints about these electronic door handles aren't new. Recently, China announced a ban on Tesla-style door handles over safety concerns, and while no equivalent rules exist in the US, reasons are starting to pile up supporting China's decision. Why Owners Say The Rear Doors Are A Problem Rivian Forum @socaladam Rivian Forum @socaladam The 2025 and 2026 R1S and R1T received a structural change that removed the visible rear doors' mechanical backup release found on the first-generation models. Instead, the manual release cable sits deeper behind a panel that first needs to be pulled off. Yet, the front releases remain visible. In one Reddit post titled "My kids are definitely dead in an emergency", user u/AlstonCentral explained that even demonstrating the release to his children proved difficult. He wrote that removing the trim required force, and after he broke it open, locating the cable was still a challenge. He went on to say that "there's no way kids could ever figure this out if they had to". DIY Fixes Needed on a $70,000+ EV Reddit u/dublew_dubs Reddit u/dublew_dubs With no official retrofit available, owners are taking matters into their own hands. The r/Rivian subreddit is littered with countless tutorials on how to work around this issue. In one shared example, u/dublew_dubs attached high-tensile paracord to the internal release and reinstalled the trim, creating a small pull-cord that rear occupants can access instantly. Other Reddit users say they now keep window-breaking tools within reach, just in case, or they refuse to trade in their aging Rivian for a new one. This isn’t an isolated EV conversation either. A few days ago, Bloomberg reported at least 15 incidents where Tesla occupants were killed after being unable to exit due to electronic release failure, adding weight to why manual mechanisms remain such a contentious topic in the industry. Should This Design Even Be Allowed? Rivian It boggles our mind why Rivian would go from a safe, seamless design to one that puts rear passengers' lives at risk in emergencies. All to eliminate one panel gap. Fortunately, your voices are being heard. Rivian said its upcoming R2 may feature redesigned door mechanisms with more visible mechanical releases. But only time will tell whether it will address the current safety concerns. EV buyers want cool tech, but safety must stay obvious, intuitive, and quick to access. Unfortunately, until the US creates regulations on these backwards-thinking door handles, problems like these won't go away anytime soon. View the full article