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The upcoming RC700 shows China’s push into the middleweight sportbike segment as brands chase impressive specs and performance.View the full article

A Longstanding Cybertruck FaultTwo years after its highly publicized debut, the Tesla Cybertruck is once again under scrutiny, this time for a problem many owners say has literally clouded their vision. From the very beginning, when early prototypes were first spotted during testing, one detail drew instant attention: the massive, single windshield wiper dominating the front glass. The wiper’s sheer size became an early talking point among enthusiasts and critics alike when the Cybertruck was first spotted. Now, with another winter underway, that once-novel design feature has emerged as one of the vehicle’s most persistent pain points. Spanning nearly four feet, the oversized blade was meant to double as both an aesthetic statement and an engineering solution befitting Tesla’s futuristic pickup. Instead, it has become a recurring frustration for drivers navigating snow, ice, and slush. Reports from owners across North America describe the wiper’s inconsistent performance in cold, wet conditions. Snow and road grime tend to accumulate quickly, while uneven pressure leaves streaks and blind spots across the windshield. Tesla, in internal service communications shared by Tesla accessory distributor Teslahubs, acknowledged that “wiper performance is under active Engineering investigation,” signaling that the company is still working toward a fix despite multiple updates. Tesla Why the Giant Wiper Keeps Falling ShortThe Cybertruck’s single-blade system was designed to deliver wide coverage in a single sweep, but real-world performance has often fallen short. Owners have complained since launch that the blade struggles to maintain consistent contact with the glass, particularly near the center and upper edges of its arc. At highway speeds, some drivers report that the wiper fails to rest properly. In contrast, others note spotty washer-fluid distribution, a minor annoyance in summer that becomes a serious concern in snow or freezing rain. As winter sets in, these shortcomings become harder to ignore, with ice buildup and slush making the problem even more pronounced. More troubling are claims that the wiper’s limitations may affect the Cybertruck’s advanced driver-assistance systems. Several owners have reported that the blade sometimes fails to clear the area in front of the Full Self-Driving cameras, reducing visibility for both the driver and the vehicle’s software. Social media posts on X have amplified the issue, showing videos of partially cleared windshields during snowstorms. The growing chorus of complaints suggests that this is less a rare manufacturing defect and more a systemic design challenge, one that could have broader implications for Tesla’s future vehicles. Love the Cybertruck. Hate the wiper system. Tesla needs to issue a voluntary service providing a free upgraded/redesigned wiper arm and sprayer. This is not a one-time event. Happens every time we hit salt/slush and snow. It’shighly unsafe. There were a few times today on I-70… pic.twitter.com/ajy2BYFQDA — Spotted Model: Cars & Tech (@spotted_model) December 18, 2025 Fixes, Recalls, and What Comes NextTesla has made several attempts to address the wiper issue, but so far, solutions have been incremental rather than transformative. In June 2024, the company recalled a batch of Cybertruck wiper motors due to potential reliability concerns. Software updates followed, tweaking the blade’s sweep and resting position. Tesla also introduced a revised “V2” wiper blade intended to improve performance, but many owners say the newer version has brought its own set of quirks. Complaints of erratic movement and durability issues continue to surface online and in service centers nationwide. Industry watchers now speculate that a more substantial redesign may be underway. Observers have pointed out that while Tesla’s early “Cybercab” concept vehicles featured a similar single-wiper system, newer prototypes appear to adopt a more traditional dual-blade layout. If that shift makes it to production, it could mark a quiet acknowledgment from Tesla that the original single-wiper concept was a step too far for real-world driving, especially in harsh winter conditions. Until then, Cybertruck owners are left waiting, watching the snow fall, and hoping Tesla’s engineering team finally wipes away one of the truck’s most notorious flaws. View the full article

Is it Really Happening?The return of the WRX STI has been a case of "will they or won't they?" for the longest time. The current WRX was shown to the world in mid-2021, and at the time, Subaru said it wouldn't be making an STI version of the car. A report from Road and Track back in 2022 mentioned that the hotter WRX won't be happening due to constant regulation changes. Heck, there was even a statement from the company that said "a next generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform." Fast forward a couple of years, and Subaru has rolled out a couple of STI concepts and prototypes, and even a limited-edition model that's a half-step between WRX and STI dubbed the S210. More recently, the automaker rolled out a teaser on Christmas Day that featured a car with the much-revered badge. Subaru Hyping it UpNot content with just one teaser, Subaru literally just posted a second one just hours ago at the time of writing. This time around, we see its interior, hear a little more of it, and see a few more snippets of the exterior. Nothing too revealing, as usual, but we can make out some details. For instance, we see a fully digital cluster that looks slightly different from the WRX. In this case, there's now a boost pressure displayed on the screen. It also appears the car might be a manual, based on a quick glance at its pedal box. Lastly, the exhaust looks ever so slightly larger compared to the ones fitted to the WRX. The Sound, ThoughYes, Subaru included the engine sound in the first teaser, but there's more of it this time around. That said, we'll be frank and say it doesn't sound too, er, inspiring. Having been in several STI models over the years, this one seems strangely wheezy and generic four-cylinder. We couldn't hear any of the signature boxer rumble, except for a hint of it at startup. Oh dear. But if it's any consolation, at least the car sounds like it has a manual. There's an audible rev drop when the car cycled through the gears (assuming it has them), and there's also a blip of the throttle when it downshifted. Then again, modern automatics and even CVTs have reached a point where they mimic manuals, so we're a little cautious on that. S Still Hiding Key DetailsBack then, it was easier to differentiate a WRX from an STI. The clues were wider fenders, different wheels, a large wing, and a taller hood scoop. Subaru has cleverly hidden all those details by hiding most of them, angling it so it's harder to determine, or through erratic jump cuts. With that, it's either we look out for more teasers for clues, or we have to wait until January 9 for the full reveal. We're keeping our fingers crossed that it sounds better in real life, and crossing our toes that it really does have three pedals. One thing is for sure, though: it looks very much based upon the current VB WRX platform, even after Subaru said it won't build an STI on it. Subaru View the full article

Is Talaria doing something different, or is the brand's new Komodo electric dirt bike an EV moto clone?View the full article

A couple of carefully chosen updates strengthen an already swagger-laced package, but is the 2026 Bonneville Bobber the right choice for you?View the full article

The used passenger jet market is more active than you might think. The big airlines buy new jets and after they are done with them they are sold, often to smaller airlines and freight companies. They pull all the seats out of them, and outfit them for cargo holding, and freight transport. Not a big deal, because modern airplanes are modular and customizable, but a FedEx plane doesn’t look like a United Airlines plane, and that means there is a really, really, big paint job to worry about. Watch the video below to see just what painting a FedEx plane looks like. The post Watch A United Airlines Plane Transforms Into A FedEx Plane In This Repainting Timelapse Video appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Have you ever put off a project for 20 years? We did with our 1966 Chevelle. You see, the hole in the firewall where the steering column goes through wasn’t sealed up. We tried duct tape, cardboard, sound deadener, silicone caulking, and whatever else to half-ass patch the hole. There was no good way to get in there to get it sealed up. The 20-Year Solution About a year ago we picked up these slick firewall plates from JJ’s Rods, which is owned by Borgeson. These plates are designed for specific applications and include the rubber boots and all the hardware. Pretty straight forward right? We knew that it was going to require removing the steering column and getting under the dash, so we procrastinated another year. What’s one more year when you’ve waited 20, right? Remove Before Install Our first step for installation was to remove the steering column. Before we even did that we removed the drivers seat to give us more room under the dash, but this isn’t necessarily required. With the seat and the column out of the way, we actually removed the clutch and brake pedals but that was because we were going to redo the clutch master cylinder at the same time. These plates can be ordered with a boot for clutch linkage or without. We ordered with, and figured we can use that hole and boot to route wires and such through. Seeing that we already had all sorts of engine wiring for our Holley EFI going through, we were going to have to modify the plates a bit to make it all work. Slight Modification What we ended up doing was cutting the top section off the clutch boot area that gave us a nice slot to slide all the wires into. This saved us from having to redo hours and hours of wiring. At this point we trimmed up the boots as well. For the column, we made the hole in it 1/8th-inch smaller than the column. For the wiring side, we cut a slot in it so we could slide all the wiring into it. With the plate modified so it would fit, we held it up into place to mark the mounting holes we needed to drill. At this point we realized JJ’s Rods was really smart and they actually designed it to use the factory holes in the firewall. A couple of them had to be drilled out, but the initial hole is already there making this step super easy. Before installing the plates we installed the rubber seal around the perimeter of the plate on the firewall side. Team Work At this point you’ll need a second set of hands. One person under the hood, and one under the dash. We held the plates in place, and fished the provided hardware through the holes and firewall. Tightening them down we see this allows the plates to form against the firewall and seal it up nicely. Our last steps were to tidy up wiring, install the pedals, steering column, and seat. That was it! This isn’t a hard job, just one that takes some time to do. We’d say this is a one day, or a weekend job. Now when we cruise we don’t have hot air blowing on us, which will be great in the summer. Plus there’s the added safety where if there is an issue with the motor and it catches fire, that fire won’t come through the firewall directly onto us. To check out all the different plates available, hop on Borgeson.com! The post The Firewall Fix We Should’ve Done 20 Years Ago. This Simple Kit Is Just What The Doctor Ordered. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

If you missed any of the Formula 1 action that was going on at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, then you missed a lot. Celebrating 75 years of F1 was the focus of the 2025 running of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and that meant F1 drivers and cars from decades of racing were on hand. The chance to see some of them on track at the same time was truly something special. There are drivers and cars that have never been on track before and will likely never do it again either. If you are a fan of F1, you want to watch the video below because it really is something special. Video Description: Did you manage to get a ticket for the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard? Now is the time to relive those magical four days in July and watch the full Formula 1 show in its entirety. With 75 years of F1 to celebrate, there’s a lot to cover, so let’s get into it. We start things off by following one of the all time greats as Sir Jackie stewart makes his way to the best F1 celebration of the year. The post Celebrating 75 Years Of F1 At Goodwood 2025: Relive The Best F1 Action at the Goodwood Festival of Speed appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

There has never been a shortage of crash action at a World Rally Championship event, as cars often find themselves off the road, rolling over, slamming trees, and getting stuck in spectacular fashion. It’s a rally thing and these cars are built to take a lot of abuse. It is not uncommon to find a team making repairs after a stage where their car lost a corner or two. If you want to check out the action from the top crashes of the 2025 season, watch the video below and enjoy! The post 2025 WRC Highlights Video: Here Is Every Major World Rally Championship Crash from 2025! Rough and Tumble Action! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

If you own a popular muscle car or classic truck, you can buy most of the hardlines you might need for them from a variety of restoration houses. But if you own something more obscure, or your budget is tight, then making your own brake, fuel, or trans cooler lines at home is arguably the smart choice. So how do you do that? What tools do you need? And how hard is it? The answer is not that hard, and you don’t need that many tools. In fact, you can do hard lines with very simple and cost effective tools, or upgrade to some fancier stuff. Either way, you can make it happen. Check out the video below to see some of what you need to know and do. Video Description: You can make your own hardlines — for brakes, fuel, and transmission — and this video shows you how. This is a fundamentals-focused guide to automotive hardlines, covering the tools, materials, and techniques needed to bend and flare rigid line safely and correctly. The concepts shown here apply to most vehicles and systems, not just one specific build. In this video, I cover: Automotive hardline materials and sizes Stainless vs steel vs nickel-copper hardline (pros and cons) 45° double flares vs 37° AN flares How to use flaring tools correctly Practical bending techniques and tips This isn’t about rushing or chasing perfection — it’s about planning, patience, and understanding your tools so you can build clean, serviceable hardlines that last. The post You Can Make Your Own Hardlines at Home: Brake, Fuel, Transmission Cooler, And More. Hardline 101 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

This one is special. Not only is it a great video of some awesome street racing action both on the streets and the highways of Houston, but also a great look at a younger 1320Video staff. This video was part of the Texas Streets series and you want to check it out. Video Description: Texas Streets returns.. EVADE captures four intense nights in Houston as racers push high-horsepower cars deep into the night, hopping locations and chasing clean runs wherever the roads allow. This installment delivers nonstop action, raw atmosphere, and the unpredictable drama that made the Texas Streets series what it is. No commentary — just speed, tension, and the reality of the scene as it unfolded in 2016. The post Houston Street Racing Movie: Hundreds of Racers INVADE Houston’s Streets And Evade Police – The Full Adventure appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Tons of Usable Surface, Sleeper System & Clutch Storage Capacity ADGU designs every system specifically for each make and model. Everything they engineer is tailored to the exact trim. The... The post Air Down Gear UP Drawer System Review 6th Gen Toyota 4Runner appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

GIVI GRT Canyon Tank Bags GIVI GRT Canyon Tank Bag With Buckle Straps – 10 Litre Part # GRT728 – RRP: $269.95 The 10-litre waterproof tank bag from the GIVI Canyon line is made from high-quality, abrasion-resistant materials which have been heat-sealed at high frequency. Combined with the contoured upper lid which protects the water-resistant […] The post GIVI’s GRT Canyon 10L and 3L Tank Bags land in Australia appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Hickman, Todd and 8TEN Racing return Peter Hickman and Davey Todd will return with 8TEN Racing for a second season in 2026, with the official BMW Motorrad team to compete in both the British Superbike Championship and International road races. Co-owned by Hickman and Todd, the team was formed at the 11th hour in 2025, […] The post Hickman and Todd return with 8TEN Racing for BSB & TT appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The Mid-West Drag Racing Series (MWDRS) has announced a schedule adjustment for its upcoming event at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, along with added prize money across several classes. The move comes as part of the series’ effort to support both the track and the inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals scheduled there in September. “It is clear that our MWDRS Racers, along with competitors from many other series, have a genuine affection for the Martin, Michigan track,” said MWDRS founder Keith Haney. “We are proud to announce our support for both US 131 and the NHRA, specifically regarding the NHRA’s September race at the venue.” To help build momentum around that event, MWDRS has elected to shift its US 131 race weekend to July 31–August 1. Haney noted that the schedule change is intended to benefit both organizations. “We feel that by adjusting our schedule July 31st – August 1st, both organizations will ultimately benefit,” Haney said. As part of the continued collaboration with US 131 Motorsports Park and the Peterson family, MWDRS also announced additional purse money for racers across multiple categories. Thanks to US 131, bonuses include: Pro Mod Slammers: $2,000 added Top Sportsman: $1,000 added Top Dragster: $1,000 added MWDRS is also contributing to the purse structure, with an extra $250 going to both the Pro Jr. Dragster and Sportsman Jr. Dragster classes. Haney emphasized the series’ longstanding relationship with the Peterson family and the track’s Northern Nationals tradition. “We are thrilled to continue our strong relationship with the Peterson Family and the tradition of their Northern Nationals,” he said. “While we have not hosted a race in July or August for the past three years, we have elected to move our race in order to support our friends and the track, building excitement around the NHRA event.” The Michigan stop has become one of the most anticipated on the MWDRS calendar, drawing passionate local and regional fan support alongside deep racer participation. The added purse and cooperative scheduling are designed to continue strengthening that footprint while supporting the broader drag racing community. More information about the Mid-West Drag Racing Series season schedule and class purse structure can be found at www.MidWestDragRacingSeries.com. This story was originally published on December 29, 2025. The post MWDRS Announces Schedule Adjustment, Added Payouts at US 131 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Ford's F-150 Lightning is bowing on a high note. In Q3 2025, sales climbed nearly 40% year over year, giving Ford its strongest electric truck quarter yet and placing the Lightning ahead of every rival EV pickup. Although the expired EV incentive undoubtedly played a role in its Q3 performance, its success still caught us off guard, considering many thought it would struggle long-term. Yet only a few weeks ago, Ford confirmed the Lightning is officially being retired and replaced by an extended-range electric successor. The F-Series Remains America's Favorite Truck Ford The internal-combustion F-Series lineup is the best-selling full-size pickup truck for the year, totaling 197,727 sales in Q3, bringing total sales for 2025 up to 597,546 units – but the Lightning’s figures are what stood out. In the same period, Ford delivered 10,005 Lightning models, up from 7,162 in the previous year. The rest of the EV truck segment has been shaky. Tesla Cybertruck sales slipped to 7,100 units, Rivian R1T fell off sharply with an 85% drop, while GM’s Silverado EV and Sierra EV showed strong percentage growth. In essence, the Lightning became the EV truck buyers trusted most in 2025. Ford Ditches EVs for EREVs Ford Despite the sales success, Ford is shifting away from a fully electric truck strategy and toward extended-range electric vehicles. These upcoming models will use electric motors with a combustion-based generator that recharges the battery on the move – basically the inverse of a plug-in hybrid. The idea behind it is to allow for long-distance towing and road trips without planning charging stops to address one of the biggest EV truck criticisms: range anxiety. And with EV demand cooling across the industry, an EREV approach might be more aligned with how Americans actually use their trucks. A High Note That Sets Up The Next Chapter Ford It is unusual to see a vehicle peak just as it exits the market, but the Lightning’s late surge came at a time when EV incentives were expiring, and buyers were rushing to secure that $7,500 benefit. Even so, it proved that the appetite for electric trucks exists when capability, familiarity, and convenience are all in check. If Ford nails the execution with its next-gen EREV trucks, it could be what switches many hardcore traditional truck fanatics from fossil fuels to electric assistance. View the full article

(Words and Photos by Cole Quinnell, Photos by Patrick Hill) There are roads that get you somewhere, and then there are roads that mean something. Route 66 is firmly in the second category. It’s not efficient, it’s not fast, and it’s rarely convenient. It is far more meaningful than that, especially to an American gearhead. It’s historic, a throwback to time when cars had fins and a road trip as THE family vacation. Pair that with the SEMA Show, the single largest trade show in the world dedicated to the aftermarket automotive industry, and you get a recipe that sounds equal parts brilliant and borderline irresponsible. That was the thinking behind the first-ever Route 66 to The SEMA Show adventure presented by Heatshield Products. Purists may insist Route 66 begins in downtown Chicago, but anyone who has ever tried to gather a group of cars through the Loop knows that’s an exercise in frustration. Therefore, Pontiac, Illinois, proved to be the smarter starting line for this event. The town embraces its Route 66 identity instead of building over it. Murals, museums, preserved signage, and a walkable downtown made it the right choice. From there, the road wasted no time reminding everyone what Route 66 actually is: long miles, unpredictable weather, and places you only see when you seek them out. Rain-soaked stretches through Illinois and Missouri included fiberglass Muffler Men, forgotten bridges, and roadside diners that still earn their keep. The group rolled together like a traveling car show, stopping at places such as the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and Devil’s Elbow, soaking up scenery that is increasingly rare. By the end of Day One, everyone was tired, wet, and smiling — which is usually how you know it’s working. As the miles stacked up through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, the trip shed any illusion of being a polished photo shoot. A Mustang broke. Plans shifted. Burgers replaced schedules. On the cool side, the route leaned harder into forgotten alignments, vintage motels, and roadside landmarks. From Kansas’ blink-and-you-miss-it stretch of Route 66 to the art deco glow of Shamrock and the neon refuge of the Blue Swallow Motel, the trip steadily transitioned from “road trip” to “you’re really out here now.” By the time the cars rolled through Arizona, departed Route 66 and head into Las Vegas, the group was fully bonded. Inside jokes established (where are our squirrels?) and expectations permanently reset. The drive proved that Route 66 still matters not because it’s preserved behind glass, but because it’s real and out there building stories, and rewarding those willing to slow down. Looking for adventures like this? Sign up for updates at PavementPounderEvents.com to see where the next road trip might take you! Pavement Pounder Events’ first-ever adventure blended two American automotive icons — Route 66 and The SEMA Show — into a single road trip that favored stories over shortcuts. Starting in Pontiac, Illinois, the journey followed the Mother Road’s forgotten alignments, neon-lit landmarks, and overlooked detours, proving that the drive still matters as much as the destination. Purists will tell you Route 66 starts in downtown Chicago, but anyone who has actually tried to organize a group of cars in the Loop knows better. Instead, the group gathered in Pontiac, Illinois, the first town westbound that still wears its Route 66 history proudly and accessibly. Murals, museums, preserved signage, and a downtown that still feels connected to the road rather than paved over by it. Mother Nature added cold rain to the mix early, but it didn’t slow anyone down. The first stop was Atlanta, Illinois, home to one of the classic fiberglass Muffler Men and the American Giants Museum. These roadside statues are pure Route 66, and seeing them in person hits differently than scrolling past photos online. Lunch landed at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, where the memorabilia is deep enough that you can easily miss half of it if you don’t wander into the back rooms. From there, the group bypassed the Gateway Arch in favor of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a former Route 66 crossing of the Mississippi that features a 22-degree bend halfway across. Rain paused just long enough for most of the group to walk part of the span. Who needs windshield wipers? Or a defroster? Or heater? Not I, said Cole Quinnell! He did coat the outside of the windshield with Rain-X at the next stop, which helped a lot. The last Route 66 stop of the day was Devil’s Elbow Bridge, an often-missed alignment from 1923 that feels frozen in time. By the time the cars reached St. Robert, Missouri, everyone was soaked, tired, and grinning. Dinner at the Route 66 Diner wrapped a day that already felt like more than a warm-up. As the route moved farther from the interstate, the trip leaned harder into the kind of places you only see deliberately. Spencer Station was the first stop toady — an original stretch of Route 66 that exists on a side spur you won’t accidentally stumble onto. Three surviving buildings, a steel bridge, and the sense that time simply moved around it. Carthage, Missouri followed, with a stop at the Boots Court Motel, the oldest operating motel on Route 66. Opened in 1939, it once charged $2.50 per night specifically to discourage troublemakers. That strategy worked well enough that Clark Gable stayed there — twice. Not long after leaving Carthage, the trip delivered its first reminder that this wasn’t a curated photo shoot. A text came in: “Houston, we have a problem.” The recently acquired 2005 Ford Mustang GT lost its hydraulic throw-out bearing, stranding our primary photographer, Patrick Hill, for what would end up being the rest of the trip. Only 13 miles of Route 66 traverse through Kansas. People who skip this excursion miss out on the town of Galena which has the Kan-O-Tex gas station and the rusty tow truck that inspired Tow Mater in Cars. A few blocks away, Gearhead Curios proved that souvenir shops can still be thoughtful, clever, and genuinely automotive. The Rainbow Bridge near Baxter Springs followed — the only remaining Marsh arch bridge on Route 66 — and then Oklahoma welcomed the group with the Crosstar Flag and Tag Museum and dinner at the Rock Café in Stroud. The rest of the trip would see glorious sunlight! Cadillac Ranch provided the chance to add fresh paint to the constantly evolving row of half-buried Cadillacs. From there, the official halfway point of Route 66 in Adrian, Texas marked the transition from “we’re on a road trip” to “we’re really out here now.” That evening landed in Tucumcari, New Mexico, at the Blue Swallow Motel — a neon-lit time capsule. Tiny garages, rotary phones, original tile bathrooms, and actual room keys made it feel like stepping backward several decades. Lunch the next day in Grants turned into an impromptu photo shoot when a local photographer documenting New Mexico tourism took interest in the convoy. Not long after, the group crossed the Continental Divide — hovering near 7,000 feet until west of Flagstaff. Plans to drive through Petrified Forest National Park were derailed by the government shutdown, but the extra time turned into a highlight: the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona. Teepee-shaped rooms and permanently parked vintage cars. The final day opened with photos at the famous “Standing on the Corner” intersection in Winslow, Arizona. We made a quick stop at Two Arrows, a long-abandoned trading post now marked by a single surviving wooden arrow. From there, Seligman, Kingman, and Cool Springs Station delivered classic Route 66 visuals before the road twisted up and over the Black Mountains toward Oatman. Wild burros wandered the streets as the group soaked in one final taste of Route 66 before dropping into the desert and heading toward Las Vegas. The trip concluded at Shelby American, where a private dinner and tour inside the Shelby Heritage Center marked the transition from road trip to SEMA week. The following photos show the participants of this inaugural Pavement Pounder Events adventure, starting with Jason and Lucia Taylor and their 1986 Chevrolet C10. Jenna and Roger Runyon, 1980 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Tim and Precy Ritchey, 1957 Chevrolet Station Wagon Kyle Quinnell and Marco Silva, 2024 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Gary Patterson, 2017 Mustang GT350 Michael and Krista Murphy, 2015 Camaro SS Celia and Ray Marks, 1964 Plymouth Valiant Station Wagon Greg Csernai and George Fulesi, 1967 Ford Mustang (Shelby GT350 Tribute Car) Bob Church, 1960 Chevrolet Impala Brent and Casteel, 1970 Chevrolet Suburban Cole Quinnell and Mike Lane (1966 Chevrolet Chevelle) and Patrick Hill (2005 Ford Mustang GT). Not pictured are Chris Hahn (2017 Ford F-150), Stephen Sandberg (2003 Chevrolet S10 Xtreme), Hunter Armstrong (1968 Chevrolet Impala Fastback). The post Route 66 to The SEMA Show 2025: How A First-Year Road Trip Turned into Something Bigger Than Anyone Expected appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

For Shawn Ellington, the announcement of the Right Trailers Outlaw Street Series presented by XPEL wasn’t just another press release moment – it was the natural next step for a group of racers who were never going to stop competing. Unveiled on the NHRA stage at the 2025 PRI Show, the new series officially brings Street Outlaws stars to select NHRA national events beginning in 2026. For Ellington, it’s about finding the right home for the cars, the fans, and the culture that Street Outlaws helped build. “Street Outlaws got put on pause, and we’re not going to stop racing,” Ellington said. “We’re going to go somewhere, and we wanted to bring our fan base over to [the NHRA’s] fan base and just make it as big as we possibly can.” The Outlaw Street Series will feature eight-car qualified fields, multiple qualifying sessions, and eliminations contested on race day, with semifinals and finals run on Sunday. The format ensures that fans – both in the stands and watching at home – get meaningful, high-stakes racing, not just exhibition passes. Ellington made it clear that this program isn’t about quietly blending in. “This is not just going to be a racing series,” he said. “We’re not just going to bring the Outlaw cars in, run them down the track, and exit. We’re expecting all the theatrics and everything that comes with our brand of racing.” Those theatrics, Ellington emphasized, aren’t manufactured for television – they’re rooted in real competition. “Everybody knows the drama and the stuff that’s been in our series – that’s not made up,” he said. “That happens in drag racing. It happens in every form of drag racing. It just depends on what they allow you to see, and Street Outlaws allowed you to see it all.” Alongside Ellington, the initial lineup includes Ryan Martin and Scott Taylor, three competitors who know each other well – and who expect that familiarity to evaporate the moment they roll into the water box. “We’re all buddies right now,” Ellington said with a grin, “but that stops as soon as we pull into the water box. As soon as that light turns green, I’m letting go of that button and taking the stripe.” One of the defining elements of the Outlaw Street Series is the machinery itself. These are steel-roof-and-quarter cars – not carbon-bodied Pro Mods – retaining recognizable factory silhouettes that fans instantly connect with. That relatability, Ellington believes, is part of the magic. “These cars are something people recognize,” he said. “You know that car is a Nova. You know that one’s a Camaro. Somebody sitting at home might say, ‘Hey, I’ve got one of those.’ That matters.” Just as important is how the series will integrate into the NHRA race weekend. Outlaw Street competitors will be fully embedded in the event, racing in front of packed grandstands and pitted alongside NHRA’s professional categories. For fans, that means unprecedented access. “When you come to an NHRA race, you don’t need a special ticket to come see us,” Ellington said. “Come to the pits. Talk to us. Get autographs. Get merchandise. That interaction with fans is something we care about.” Ellington stressed that fan engagement won’t be an afterthought – it’s a promise. “We know the only reason we get to do what we do is because of the fans,” he said. “We try to pay that back. If fans want input, if they want to see certain matchups, I’m game for all of it.” From NHRA’s side, the partnership represents an effort to reach a new generation of fans while adding another layer of personality-driven storytelling to its national events. With the sanctioning body approaching its 75th anniversary, the timing felt right for both sides. “We wanted to bring our fan base to NHRA’s fan base,” Ellington said. “Make it bigger. Make it better. That’s the goal.” While the full schedule and additional drivers will be announced in the coming weeks, Ellington hinted that the inaugural season could serve as a proving ground, with room to expand in 2027 and beyond. For now, the focus is simple: race hard, put on a show, and let the competition speak for itself. “We’re racers at heart,” Ellington said. “We weren’t about to just sit still. This gives us a place to race, gives fans a place to find us, and lets us keep doing what we love – only now, it’s on one of the biggest stages in the sport.” And when the Murder Nova pulls into the water box under NHRA lights, Ellington knows exactly what fans should expect. “Pressure’s part of it,” he said. “But that’s racing. That’s what makes it fun.” This story was originally published on December 29, 2025. The post Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington Dishes on NHRA Outlaw Street Series first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

A Familiar Minivan, Still Doing the Heavy LiftingThe Chrysler Pacifica continues into the 2026 model year as one of the most well-rounded family vehicles on the market, blending minivan practicality with features that still resonate with modern buyers. While SUVs dominate showroom floors, the Pacifica quietly remains the smarter option for families who value interior space, sliding doors, and real-world usability over styling trends. In the Select trim, the Pacifica focuses on comfort and convenience rather than luxury excess. Power comes from Chrysler’s proven 3.6-liter V6, paired with a smooth automatic transmission, delivering confident highway performance and stress-free city driving. The availability of all-wheel drive also keeps the Pacifica relevant in colder or wetter climates—something many rivals still don’t offer across the board. What You Get for the MoneyStandard equipment on the 2026 Pacifica Select emphasizes family-first priorities. Expect power sliding doors, a power liftgate, tri-zone climate control, and Chrysler’s intuitive Uconnect infotainment system with smartphone integration. Stow ’n Go seating remains a major selling point, allowing the second and third rows to fold flat into the floor for instant cargo space without removing seats. Opting for the Select AWD version adds extra peace of mind without dramatically changing the driving experience. While fuel economy takes a slight hit compared to the front-wheel-drive model, the added traction can be a deciding factor for buyers in snow-prone regions or those who regularly travel with a whole load of passengers. Lease Offers That Actually Make SenseChrysler’s current low-mileage lease deals are clearly designed to keep the Pacifica competitive in a price-sensitive market. Both offers run for 42 months and target well-qualified lessees, keeping monthly payments relatively reasonable for a full-size family vehicle. Pacifica Select (FWD) $43,945 $421 42 months $3,999 10,000 miles Pacifica Select AWD $47,290 $461 42 months $3,999 10,000 miles Both leases come with no security deposit and a $395 disposition fee at lease end. Mileage overages are charged at $0.30 per mile, and offers run through Stellantis Financial Services with delivery required by January 5, 2026. Chrysler How It Stacks Up Against RivalsThe Pacifica faces stiff competition from the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Kia Carnival. Toyota’s Sienna counters with standard hybrid efficiency, while Honda leans on refinement and driving dynamics. Kia, meanwhile, markets the Carnival as an SUV-like MPV with bold styling. Where the Pacifica still shines is flexibility. Stow ’n Go seating and available AWD remain unique advantages, especially for families that regularly switch between people-moving and cargo duty. Lease pricing also undercuts some rivals, making it easier to justify monthly costs. Toyota Final ThoughtsFor shoppers who actually need a minivan, and aren’t trying to disguise it as an SUV, the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica remains a logical choice. These lease deals keep monthly payments competitive while delivering space and versatility few crossovers can match. If your driving habits fit the low-mileage structure, the Pacifica Select leases offer a compelling balance of value, comfort, and practicality. It may not be trendy, but for families focused on function and cost control, it still gets the job done better than almost anything else on the road. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. View the full article

Custom motorcycle builders come in all shapes and sizes. Some are full-time professionals, while others are hobbyists who wrench on bikes as an escape from their nine-to-fives. Graeme Billington is a bit of both.Based in the town of Corfe Mullen in the coastal county of Dorset, England, Graeme is a ... View the full article

While many of us are taking well-deserved breaks, neither the Mercedes-AMG engineers nor our spy photographers are kicking back. New spy shots captured near the Arctic Circle show the upcoming 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 crossover, which sits one rung below the full-fat GLE 63, as it prepares to adopt some minor improvements when it's unveiled next year. Most of the improvement will focus on the cosmetics as the warmed-up crossover will take on the star-shaped motifs that the rest of the Mercedes lineup either already has or will soon take on, but it's entirely likely that the hybridized luxury performance crossover will see some updates under the skin, too. Mild Styling Revisions for 2027 GLE 53 SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The fact that this crossover is only partially covered in camouflage, with the wacky vinyl applied to portions of its front and rear ends but not the entire body, tells us that the GLE 53 is due for a facelift, not a full overhaul. This means the hood will remain the same, but the headlights will be lightly restyled to include three-pointed stars as their daytime running lights. The overall shape may be subtly altered, too, and we can expect similarly minor changes to the central grille and lower side intakes. Related: Meet the Cheap Amphibious Mercedes You've Never Heard Of At the rear, where round, not square, tailpipes tell us we're looking at the 53 and not the 63, snow kicked up by the rear tires makes changes even more difficult to see, but again, star-shaped DRLs and a mildly revised rear fascia should be expected; the diffuser panel appears to be slightly more aggressive. Mercedes-Benz GLE is Starting to Show Its Age SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The current fourth-generation W167 GLE was first unveiled in 2018 at the Paris Motor Show (with AMG GLE 53 following at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show), and in January 2023, the GLE was facelifted for the 2024 model year, so this 2027 model, due to arrive sometime in early 2026, is getting a little long in the tooth. Perhaps there will be an all-new model for the 2028 model year, but until then, we expect the same 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six mild-hybrid powertrain to carry over. At present, this produces 429 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, delivered to the asphalt through a nine-speed automatic, and it's possible that there'll be a slight bump to those output figures for the new model year, but we doubt it. More likely is an increase from the current MSRP of $90,000 (plus $1,250 for destination), though with Mercedes already losing sales to tariff increases, that may not be prudent. View the full article

Koenigsegg headlines have been everywhere lately. The Hamilton Collection’s ongoing issues with their Jesko have dominated hypercar conversations, and now real estate mogul Manny Khoshbin has added another twist to the narrative. Instead of taking delivery of his Jesko and switching to another brand, Manny has confirmed that he's switching from the standard to Jesko to its track-ready version, the Sadair’s Spear. The timing is interesting, though Manny never mentions The Hamilton Collection’s frustrations. Only 30 Spears will ever exist, making it the kind of rarity that fits his garage perfectly. Earlier this year, he even sold his one-of-one 2018 Agera RS for $5 million, so there was room for another Swedish hypercar to complement the other Bugatti supercars. Why Manny Changed His Mind on the JeskoManny originally had a standard Jesko on order, even eyeing both the top-speed-focused Absolut and Laguna Seca record-holding Attack variant. That changed the moment he watched the Sadair’s Spear blitz up the hill at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Its 47.14-second run was the fastest production car time ever recorded there, helped by its 1,625-hp twin-turbo V8 and aggressive aero. From that moment on, Manny wanted the wildest version Koenigsegg builds. The Two Specs He Designed on Video YouTube @ Manny Khoshbin Because the official configurator isn’t available yet, Manny used the private Jesko configurator reserved for select buyers to create two builds. The first spec wore a rich Chilli Red paint with a $23,200 Arctic White center stripe stretching from the tail to the splitter, paired with $27,300 Chilli Red fins, $104,900 carbon fibre wheels wrapped in Street Cup 2 tyres, Moon Silver brake calipers, and a Desiato alcantara cabin with $1,350 Lingonberry red French-cross stitching. YouTube @ Manny Khoshbin His second spec shifted to Yolk Yellow with a Jet Black stripe, the same Moon Silver calipers and carbon wheels, and the same black Desiato interior, only now trimmed with gold French-cross stitching. Manny admits the yellow one has his heart more than the red, though he wants a deeper shade when speccing his own Sadair’s Spear. We agree, the yellow looks better than the red; however, we agree with the YouTube comments – the stripe needs to go. Delivery Timeline and What Happens Next Koenigsegg Manny hasn’t locked in a final configuration yet and is waiting for feedback from viewers before committing. His choice of having a bold yellow hypercar is a refreshing change from his usual white, black, and exposed-carbon tendencies. If all goes to plan, his Sadair’s Spear arrives in 2026, one of just 30 in the world. We just hope his ownership story ends smoother than the one currently unfolding at The Hamilton Collection. View the full article

Kohr Motorsports will have a special paint scheme on its No. 60 Ford Mustang GT4 in the 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season-opener at the Daytona Road Course. Biffle, who was named one of NASCAR's 75 greatest drivers and a winner of 56 races across all three national divisions of the sport, was tragically killed in a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina, earlier this month. He was ...Keep readingView the full article

Ford may be catering to a wider variety of enthusiasts with its Raptor and Mustang lines, but Chevrolet's Corvette brand is filling every crevice of the sports car niche with the Stingray, the E-Ray, the Z06, the ZR1, and the ZR1X. According to recent reports, it's about to squeeze even more juice out of the Corvette fruit with a new Grand Sport model, expected to have a big naturally aspirated V8, and this engine will be even larger than initially thought. Previously, a (now removed) video allegedly previewing the sound of the new model suggested that the Grand Sport would arrive with an engine designated as LS6, and this would be offered as either a 5.7-liter or 6.6-liter unit, but according to two reports from Corvette Blogger, the engine will be even mightier, displacing 6.7 liters. Two Sources Claim LS6 Will Have 6.7-Liter Engine Elijah Nicholson-Messmer/Autoblog The GM Parts Book was responsible for leaking the C8 ZR1's LT7 engine code and some of its major specifications - direct injection, variable valve timing, active fuel management, dual overhead cams, and turbocharging - and now the same source (JMB56 on MidEngineCorvetteForum.com) has found a listing for a future RPO (regular production option code) that lists the sixth-gen LS6 as an eight-cylinder aluminum overhead valve gas engine with a 6.7-liter capacity and both direct injection and port fuel injection. This code was found under RPOs for the 2027 model year, which means the new Grand Sport will make its debut sometime in 2026. After this information was posted to the forum, Corvette Blogger passed the details onto "a person close to GM," who reportedly confirmed the 6.7-liter displacement. What to Expect from a New Corvette Grand Sport James Riswick/Autoblog The new engine appears to be part of GM's investment in new engines, announced in May, and since GM promised more grunt from these new mills, it's likely to produce more than 500 horsepower. If Chevy follows the same recipe as previous Grand Sport models, the body will be a little wider than that of a regular Stingray, which brings us to positioning. On the one hand, the LS6 could be used in the base Stingray in place of the 6.2-liter LT2 (495 hp). But on the other, would it make sense to invest in a new engine and then be constrained by the pricing of an "entry-level" sports car? Another possibility is that the Grand Sport will replace the hybrid E-Ray, which accounted for less than 2% of Corvette sales last year and isn't showing strong resale values, but that would rob the lineup of an AWD variant. We think it makes sense for the new Grand Sport to sit somewhere between the Stingray ($70,000) and the E-Ray ($108,600), perhaps between $85,000 and $100,000. Whatever the case, this leak is the most definitive proof of a new Grand Sport yet, and we expect more and more info to trickle out of Detroit through the first half of 2026. View the full article

Mickey Thompson is going big with the new Bubba Radial. This tire is designed to provide racers with more consistent elapsed times.View the full article