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Tech Overload?Manufacturers haven’t stopped at removing physical buttons. Now they’re busy reinventing the humble door handle, for better or worse — even if no one really asked for it. There are the pop-out units that have been around since the mid-2000s, along with those with the electronic variety. Some even have the handle but a hidden button to open the door behind it. Anything for a USP, right? The madness continues even on the inside these days. However, there have been several safety concerns surrounding it, and rightly so. James Riswick The BackupManufacturers constantly remind us that there is a backup system in case these electronic door openers fail. A manual door pull is still present, but it varies from one brand to another. Still, one would think that a regular door handle would be an easier solution, right? While there is some reassurance of an override, there are still concerns. Brought to light by Carscoops, a Rivian R1S owner discovered that the rear door panel — the one you need to remove to reach the emergency release — could break...while demonstrating the backup system to his children. How Does Rivian's Rear Emergency Door Pull Work?As mentioned, there are manual overrides in all cars with electronic door openers. But with the R1S, there are a couple of extra steps to open the door in an emergency if the power openers fail. Per the instructions, the first step is to pry the panel just below the armrest open. Yes, that leather-trimmed panel that looks more decorative than life-saving. Once that's removed, passengers will see a tab that must be pulled to open the doors. That's quite a number of steps for what's supposed to be a simple task. The Owner Says..."My kids are definitely dead in an emergency," said Reddit user u/AlstonCentral. The owner added, "The panel broke and could not be restored without Rivian service center ordering a new part, and I fully failed to even find the cable. There’s no way kids could ever figure this out if they had to." Unsurprisingly, the owner was very disappointed by what happened and is now pondering replacing his Rivian – likely with something that has a tried-and-tested manual door handle. Hopefully, Rivian addresses it down the line before anything tragic happens. That said, regulations could step in to prevent further cases of being trapped in emergency or panic situations. We can already hear your thoughts: Surely, a good ol' door handle would've sufficed. Rivian View the full article

Tech Overload?Manufacturers haven’t stopped at removing physical buttons. Now they’re busy reinventing the humble door handle, for better or worse — even if no one really asked for it. There are the pop-out units that have been around since the mid-2000s, along with those with the electronic variety. Some even have the handle but a hidden button to open the door behind it. Anything for a USP, right? The madness continues even on the inside these days. However, there have been several safety concerns surrounding it, and rightly so. James Riswick The BackupManufacturers constantly remind us that there is a backup system in case these electronic door openers fail. A manual door pull is still present, but it varies from one brand to another. Still, one would think that a regular door handle would be an easier solution, right? While there is some reassurance of an override, there are still concerns. Brought to light by Carscoops, a Rivian R1S owner discovered that the rear door panel — the one you need to remove to reach the emergency release — could break...while demonstrating the backup system to his children. How Does Rivian's Rear Emergency Door Pull Work?As mentioned, there are manual overrides in all cars with electronic door openers. But with the R1S, there are a couple of extra steps to open the door in an emergency if the power openers fail. Per the instructions, the first step is to pry the panel just below the armrest open. Yes, that leather-trimmed panel that looks more decorative than life-saving. Once that's removed, passengers will see a tab that must be pulled to open the doors. That's quite a number of steps for what's supposed to be a simple task. The Owner Says..."My kids are definitely dead in an emergency," said Reddit user u/AlstonCentral. The owner added, "The panel broke and could not be restored without Rivian service center ordering a new part, and I fully failed to even find the cable. There’s no way kids could ever figure this out if they had to." Unsurprisingly, the owner was very disappointed by what happened and is now pondering replacing his Rivian – likely with something that has a tried-and-tested manual door handle. Hopefully, Rivian addresses it down the line before anything tragic happens. That said, regulations could step in to prevent further cases of being trapped in emergency or panic situations. We can already hear your thoughts: Surely, a good ol' door handle would've sufficed. Rivian View the full article

KTM launches the Orange XP-160 program in India to help riders test the 160 Duke on safe, controlled go-kart tracks. View the full article

Meet BAIC’s Most Hardcore SUV YetThe BJ81 from Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd. (BAIC) is shaping up to be the brand’s boldest, most purpose-built SUV, but with far more military grit and off-road seriousness baked in from day one. According to Autohome, it is scheduled for its full unveiling on August 1, 2026. The BJ81 was introduced earlier this year as a tactical all-terrain vehicle designed for military units, hardcore off-roaders, and anyone who thinks “civilian spec” is just a polite suggestion. And yes, the resemblance to the military Geländewagen is so strong that BAIC isn’t even pretending it’s accidental. Its development approach is equally unconventional. BAIC is building the BJ81 under a BIP (Build in Public) framework, a design philosophy that uses crowdsourcing and collects user feedback as the project progresses. Once might even call it an enthusiast-tuned evolution shaped by people who actually spend weekends crawling over rocks instead of curbs. Autohome A Tactical SUV With Real Off-Road TeethBAIC loaded the BJ81 with unapologetically military-spec hardware: metal bumpers, an electric winch, roof-mounted spotlights, and even a drone launch platform. Function backs up the theatrics, too. The BJ81 can ford water up to 51 inches deep, giving it serious amphibious credibility and more than enough clearance for swollen rivers, flash floods, or impressing everyone at the local off-road meetup. Power comes from the BJ80’s proven engines. The 2.3-liter turbo-four delivers 231 hp through a 6-speed automatic, while the 3.0-liter six-cylinder makes 280 hp paired with an 8-speed auto. Selectable all-wheel drive comes standard, reinforcing that this isn’t some cosplay off-roader—it’s built to survive real punishment in the field. So… How Close Is It to the G-Wagon?Visually? Let’s just say you’ll need a double take and maybe a third. The BJ81’s upright proportions, flat fenders, blocky silhouette, and squared-off front end all echo the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon’s military origins. BAIC clearly studied the Geländewagen’s design language and decided to lean into it with enthusiasm. Where the modern G-Wagon has veered into six-figure luxury territory, the BJ81 seems wonderfully uninterested in pampering its occupants. This thing is intentionally rugged, right down to exposed bolts and mission-first hardware. It feels more like the G-Wagon of old, before it became a status symbol in Beverly Hills. And no, we wouldn’t bet a dollar on this SUV ever reaching the U.S., despite Americans warming up to the idea. Federal regulations, design similarities, and a certain German automaker’s legal department would likely have opinions on the matter. Autohome Final ThoughtsThe BAIC BJ81 is a welcome throwback to the era of unapologetically tough, military-inspired SUVs. Vehicles designed not for valet parking but for actual terrain. Its BIP development approach, tactical equipment, and purpose-driven engineering give it a sense of authenticity at a time when many off-roaders are becoming lifestyle props. When it debuts in August 2026, the BJ81 won’t dethrone the G-Class. But in markets that appreciate true off-road hardware, it could easily become the new go-to machine for people who want a vehicle that looks ready for deployment or to survive a zombie apocalypse. Autohome View the full article

The Kia Seltos first arrived back in 2019, and since then, it's been a consistently strong performer for the Korean brand, amassing U.S. sales of roughly 300,000 units. But now it's time for an all-new model, and Kia has shared the first clear images of the second generation of the subcompact SUV with a design that will bring it in line with the current range, thanks to the Opposites United design language. This means it will look more like an EV to some, but don't worry - the same combustion powertrains are expected to carry over. Details on those will be revealed during next week's online world premiere, on December 10. Until then, let's take a closer look at the design. A Sharp New Look For The Seltos Kia The all-new Seltos gets a front fascia with Kia's Star Map daytime running lights, with a vertical element framing either side of the front end, drawing the eye to the hoodline. These large end lights also help increase visual width, while the inner DRL elements are separated from the grille but backed by gloss black cladding, again making the vehicle look wider. We can also make out some aluminum-colored elements lower down, giving the design some ruggedness. The same finish appears below the roof racks and above the blacked-out glasshouse, which creates a floating roofline effect and narrows around the D-pillar to reduce visual mass at the rear for an athletic feel. Related: 2026 Kia Seltos' November Lease Deals Are Hard to Resist Muscular fenders with squared wheel arches fit with the overall design and give an impression of off-road readiness. Speaking of which, Kia has confirmed that the X-Line trim will return, as will the sporty GT-Line. At the rear, the Seltos adopts a full-width horizontal lightbar that is enclosed by vertical taillights with a sharp C shape. Lower down, black plastic cladding with more aluminum-style elements completes the design. Flush-fitting door handles, which have the potential to create a safety hazard but look sleek, give the crossover more of a contemporary feel and reduce aerodynamic drag. Finally, Kia says more exterior colors will be available. No Hints Of The Interior Design, But Expect More Tech Kia View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Kia hasn't shared any images of the cabin, but has said that the next-generation Seltos will have "a forward-looking, high-tech character," which implies that there'll be more screen real estate, new interior trim elements, and better safety technologies. The current 2026 Seltos starts at $23,690 and goes up to $31,390 and although the same front- and all-wheel-drive 2.0-liter four-cylinder (147 horsepower/132 lb-ft of torque) and 1.6-liter turbocharged (190 hp/195 lb-ft) are expected to carry over (possibly with the addition of a hybrid option), we expect a slight increase in those prices. We'll know more next Wednesday. View the full article

I rode a Vespa GTS 300 through one of the most dangerous areas in Mexico City during an ungodly storm, and it made me realize something motorcycling has been teaching me all my life.View the full article

GM is pouring more money into the production of its gas-powered carsDetroit automaking mainstay General Motors is making a massive investment to substantially boost its output of gas-powered models at its US factories. In an announcement released on November 20, the automaker announced that it will invest $550 million in two component plants in Michigan and Ohio that directly supply plants making some of its most well-known cars, particularly as it plans to ramp up production of its larger SUVs. Chevrolet Parts facilities in Ohio, Michigan to get significant investmentSpecifically, the $550 million is split between a $250 million investment in GM’s Parma Metal Center in Ohio, and $300 million to its Romulus Propulsion Systems plant in Michigan. The Parma Metal Center, near Cleveland, is one of GM's most important and most productive production operations, as it supplies sheet metal components for a wide range of GM-branded vehicles built across North America. According to General Motors, Parma makes more than 100 million parts every year and goes through more than 400 tons of steel a day. The additional funding set aside by GM will go towards new advanced technology, equipment, and training to support a production boost at the facility. Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images In a statement, Mike Trevorrow, GM's senior vice president of global manufacturing, stated that the quarter-billion dollars the automaker is investing in its facility in Parma is more than just cars and equipment; it's a statement that the company cares about the people who build its cars. “Our commitment to Parma Metal Center isn’t just about upgrading equipment—it’s about investing in the people who make it all happen,” GM senior vice president of global manufacturing, Mike Trevorrow, said. “Our manufacturing teams are the driving force behind GM’s success, and we’re committed to giving them the tools and training they need to excel in today’s advanced manufacturing world. When we invest in our workforce, we’re not only building great vehicles—we’re helping secure the future of American manufacturing.” General Motors GM is investing a total of $5.5 billion into expanding its gas-powered productionIn addition to the boost in Ohio, GM is also reserving $300 million for its Romulus Propulsion Systems plant near Detroit to increase the output of the 10-speed automatic transmissions used in its full-size pickups and SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe. All in all, the $550 million investment that General Motors recently announced is the latest in a series of investments totaling $5.5 billion aimed at adapting to shifting consumer and regulatory demands at a time when favor for electric models is giving way to gas-powered machines. Back in May, the automaker announced that it was investing nearly $888 million in Tonawanda Propulsion to support production of a new V8 engine. In June, it announced plans to invest nearly $4 billion over the next two years to reshape its U.S. manufacturing strategy to assemble both gas and electric vehicles at three different plants in the United States; specifically, the Orion Assembly in Michigan, Fairfax Assembly in Kansas, and Spring Hill Manufacturing in Tennessee. At the time, GM confirmed that production of the gas-powered Chevrolet Blazer would move from Mexico to Spring Hill in 2027. However, the next month, GM announced that its idle Orion Assembly plant will be retooled from building electric pickup trucks to production of Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Cadillac Escalades. Final thoughtsIt makes sense that General Motors is investing directly to increase its production capacity; after all, output numbers and growth can be significantly hindered if production facilities fail to secure an appropriate amount of parts. Pickup trucks and full-size SUVs are some of the most profitable and best-selling vehicles for General Motors. According to data analyzed by GM Authority, sales of full-size vehicles from GM's Chevrolet brand showed improvement, as sales of Silverado pickups grew by 7.4%, while sales of Suburban and Tahoe SUVs grew by 39.3% and 9.6%, respectively. View the full article

The Sonora Rally School is the perfect entry point to international cross-country rally racing, including those wanting to do it in a side-by-side. And it's in our backyard!View the full article

Toyota's New-Era V6 Faces Tough QuestionsToyota's 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, known internally as the V35A-FTS, was designed to replace the long-running 5.7-liter V8 in many of the brand's most important vehicles. It powers the latest Toyota Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser 300, and the Lexus LX 600 and GX 550, giving Toyota's truck and SUV lineup a more modern, torque-rich powertrain. On paper, it makes more power and delivers better efficiency than the old V8, which is why Toyota committed to using it across multiple flagship products. However, its arrival wasn't smooth-sailing for the Japanese marque. Premature engine wear plagued the power plant, leading to a major recall covering hundreds of thousands of Toyota and Lexus models. Toyota has attributed the failures to machining debris left inside the engine during production, which could obstruct oil passages and starve critical components. It sounds simple enough, but the teardown of a failed Tundra engine offers a more nuanced perspective on what might be going wrong. What the Teardown RevealedThanks to the video by our favorite engine coroner, I Do Cars, the problematic V35A-FTS V6 got a closer look after failing a 2023 Tundra at just 38,000 miles. Despite being reported as "locked up," the engine still rotated by hand, though with abnormal resistance. Externally, nothing indicated catastrophic failure. Even the spark plugs looked clean. Once opened, the top end appeared surprisingly healthy. The camshafts, timing components, and cylinder heads showed minimal wear. No significant debris was present in the valvetrain, and combustion chambers looked uniform. But the deeper the teardown went, the more troubling the findings became. The lower end told a very different story. The oil pan contained metallic flakes, and an idler gear in the timing system was packed with metal debris. The main bearings were the clearest sign of trouble: two had spun inside their saddles, causing heat damage, scoring, and metal transfer onto the crankshaft. Rod bearings also showed wear inconsistent with the mileage. The failure pattern didn't neatly match Toyota's explanation that leftover machining debris was the cause. I Do Cars/YouTube View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article What Owners Should DoOf note, the video didn't claim a definite cause for the premature engine failure. However, as the presenter pointed out, it raises the possibility of machining tolerances, bearing sizing, or oil-pressure irregularities. The damage was far too concentrated in the main bearings to suggest random debris spread throughout the engine. While the rest of the engine looked clean and serviceable, the lower end showed clear signs of premature breakdown. For owners of Tundras, Sequoias, or Lexus LX and GX models equipped with the V35A V6, the takeaway is straightforward. If your vehicle falls under Toyota's recall, schedule the dealer visit and complete the inspection or engine replacement process. The teardown makes one thing clear: when this engine fails, it fails hard, and the earlier it's addressed, the better the chances of avoiding major, costly damage. Toyota View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Inspired by the legendary Ford GT40 racing car of the 1960s, the modern Ford GT is an unfiltered racing car that rubs shoulders with exotics from Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and Bugatti. The second-generation GT went into production late in 2016, emerging as a vicious track weapon and powered by a turbocharged V6 making well over 600 horsepower. Already prohibitively priced when new, used examples are now true collector’s items, and the 2019 example seen here is no exception. With tens of thousands in optional equipment and close to zero miles, bidding has already reached $651,000 for this supercar on Bring A Trailer, which makes even the Ford Mustang GTD look cheap. Related: Ranking The 5 Most Expensive New Fords You Can Buy An Aerodynamic Masterpiece 2019 Ford GT Bring A Trailer View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article Although it may lack the theater of a Ferrari, this 2019 Ford GT’s low-slung stance and mid-rear engine proportions are the stuff of a true exotic. From the cutaway nose and vents in the hood to the active rear spoiler at the back, the design was carefully crafted to prioritize downforce. The 2019 example featured here was ordered new in California and features Liquid Red Tri-Coat paint with Frozen White strips, set over a Dark Energy interior. Over $61,000 was spent on options alone, including the Exterior Carbon Fiber Gloss Package ($15,000), 20-inch gloss carbon-fiber wheels ($15,000), the Frozen White stripes ($10,000), and titanium exhaust ($10,000). When new, the base price was $491,500, but the options raised the total cost to $553,000. Inside, the GT has an F1-inspired steering wheel (optionally covered in leather here instead of the standard Alcantara), fixed carbon-fiber Sparco seats with Alcantara-wrapped bolsters, and anodized black aluminum shift paddles. Six-point harness anchors were added to this model, too. Related: Paul Walker’s 2005 Ford GT For Sale With 3,701 Miles And Ultra-Rare Spec Ultra-Low Miles 2019 Ford GT Bring A Trailer View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article This example has covered only nine miles, so has basically been standing still since new. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle and produces 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. The combination is enough to launch the GT to 60 mph in around three seconds, and big carbon-ceramic brakes (15.5 inches in front and 14.1 inches at the back) slow it down just as ferociously. The seller recommends an oil change, so it may have been some time since this was last done. As per the Carfax report, there are no accidents or any other damage to speak of. Although the tires have barely seen any action, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber has a mix of 2017 or 2018 tire codes, so any fastidious new owner who actually plans to drive the car may want to swap these for fresh ones. Related: Ford Racing Teases a 2026 ‘Production Road Car’ — Is a New GT on the Way? How Much Should You Pay? 2019 Ford GT Bring A Trailer View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article With two days to go before the auction concludes, this 2019 Ford GT’s maximum bid is sitting at $651,000. The first bid on November 25 was already $500k, and it shot up to $600k roughly 30 minutes after that, easily exceeding the original MSRP plus options. Other listings on Bring A Trailer from earlier this year show that two 2019 examples sold for $976,000 and $1,025,000, but both were desirable Heritage Editions. Another example went for $815,000 back in April, but that had 260 miles on the clock. The combination of this red GT’s unique specification and exceptionally low miles could see it exceed $800k. It’s hard to make a rational case for spending that much on a Ford GT, but this isn’t a machine guided by rational thought. For the diehard Ford collector, it’s difficult to put a number on such a well-preserved track weapon. View the full article

If you're thinking of doing a motorcycle track day, you'll read a ton of advice. Here are some small things you might not even think of to add to the knowledge pool.View the full article

After budget, personnel, and funding cuts throughout the US Forest Service and BLM, which help mitigate and forecast seasonal avalanches, Polaris' Trail Grants program stepped in. View the full article

We always dig the Best Of videos that come out around the new year and this one here is no different. My god there is some incredibly gnarly carnage in this one. We’re talking engine explosions, crashes, spins, and so much more! Sometimes the carnage is just jaw dropping. Drag racing’s wildest rides of the 2025 season are below! Check out the 12 and a half minute video of insanity below and tell us which carnage is your favorite. Video Description: Drag racing is a dangerous sport, and sometimes things just don’t go as planned. Whether it be small or big tires, things can go wrong quickly and these drivers experienced some of the craziest action we caught on camera this year. From wheel stands to crashes to explosions and more, all these drivers put it all on the line and walked away to race another day in the 2025 volume of Wild Rides!!!! All these Wild Rides were in a controlled environment at the race track and every driver walked away!!!! The post WILD RIDES 2025! HERE ARE THE WILDEST AND CRAZIEST MOMENTS OF SPOOLD MEDIA’S 2025 RACING SEASON! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It seems like more and more products nowadays make absurd exaggerated claims as to how powerful, fast, or bright they are. It doesn’t matter what you are looking for online, there always seems to be manufacturers using crazy claims to attract buyers. When it comes to jump starters, amperage seems to be the thing that all the brands use to compare theirs to other brands. But are any of their amperage claims realistic? We’ll find out in this latest video from the Torque Test Channel as he’s built a robot to do the testing! Video Description: NOCO 1750: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WZKRHZZ?… WOLFBOX: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRRKRJ2S?… M18 & Ryobi: Tagged to video Cordless on the go style jump starters have gotten out of hand with their amps ratings, saying things like 1750, 2000, 4000 amps when none of them make anywhere near that – and they don’t need to looking at your vehicles own battery amp ratings. So we build a robot that spits out the truth about these products and tell you exactly what each can do including the new Milwaukee Hot Shot, Ryobi 1600A jump starter, NOCO 1000amp GB40, GB50 and GB55 models and the Wolfbox 4000 amp unit. We do not accept any tools shown on the channel from any brand, nor do we take any sponsorships, partnerships, discounts, product placement deals, pre-market brand samples, money, items or compensation of any kind from brands, tool makers or otherwise in the planning or creation of these videos. The post Building A New Robot To Test Cordless Jump Starters: These Jump Starters are Getting Out of Hand With Their Insane Claims on Amperage. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Tommy Lee Byrd, The Hot Road Hoarder, has had a VERY busy 2025 racing and show season and now he’s sharing his favorite highlights in this 1 hour special video. Tommy makes some awesome videos, including plenty of show coverage and feature videos. Plus his own projects like the Henry J gasser project, and a few others. All these make for some fun to see, but a full hour of nostalgia drag racing highlights is something pretty special. Check out all the action below and let us know what is your favorite highlight. Video Description: 1 solid hour of outstanding nostalgia drag racing action from my 2025 drag racing season, just in time for Thanksgiving! I appreciate all of you! Coverage from Southeast Gassers Association, Tri-Five Nationals, Bowtie Nationals, Brainerd Nostalgia Nationals and Wally Parks Nostalgia Nationals in Bowling Green. Wheels Up, big burnouts, dry hops, wild action for one hour. Tune in and see if you can find a special clip in this video. The post HOT ROD HOARDER HIGHLIGHT VIDEO! 1 Hour of Nostalgia Drag Racing Action From The 2025 Season. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Unreal Adventure is back and we’ve got Part 4 of the adventures where the drivers and crew learn what Washington state has to offer in the world of hardcore trails! We’re super excited to see how the 2025 edition of Unreal Adventure will play out, because the 2024 edition was awesome! I want to build a rig to take so bad! I need another project like a hole in my head, but 2026 is going to be the year where I get a bunch of my stuff up and running so maybe 2027 is the year I build my dream off-road rig. Just you wait. Until then, I’m going to watch Unreal Adventure videos and be jealous of my off-road friends. Watch. Video Description: Day 4 of the Unreal Adventure 2025 presented by Skyjacker Suspension finds us North of Seattle in Walker Valley, a popular four-wheeling spot with trails ranging from mild to wild. The guys get their first taste of Washington rocks, with the added challenge of some tight trees in the mix. In other words, quintessential Pacific Northwest wheeling! Then it’s time to hit the road once again, crossing over the Cascades and winding through some cool towns before reaching camp for the night. Will we get to camp before midnight? Will there be carnage along the way? You’ll just have to watch and find out! The post Unreal Adventure 2025: Unreal Adventure Hits The Pacific Northwest! Episode 4 – Running the Rough 4×4 Trails of Washington State! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The V6 is better in this caseThe Ferrari F80 is one of the brand's most prolific offerings in recent memory, as the limited-production supercar is meant to represent the pinnacle of the Prancing Horse's engineering teams. Unveiled last October, just 799 units of the F80 are being built to commemorate the brand's 80th birthday. But despite being pegged as the brand's ultimate supercar, the engineers at Maranello have distinctly omitted one Ferrari signature feature that has raised some enthusiasts' eyebrows for a car of this caliber. Notably, the F80 omits a high-output 12-cylinder engine, a powertrain that was found in its predecessor, the LaFerrari. For some devout followers of the Scuderia, this is a mortal automotive sin that requires penance and explanation; however, the folks at Ferrari noted that this decision was not made in vain and had a purpose. Ferrari: We put the V6 in the Le Mans car, and we won three timesDuring the latest in a series of talks that the Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena dubbed "Supercar Talks" on November 19, a panel that included F80 development team members Paolo Valenti, Carlo Palazzani, Matteo Lanzavecchia, and Senior Product Marketing Manager Matteo Turconi discussed the F80 and its development at length. During their presentation, Turconi revealed that Ferrari gave a lot of consideration to its choice of powertrain, noting that they had the option to install the V12, but felt that their race-bred turbocharged V6 would be a better choice because of what it was capable of. "When speaking of the powertrain, we asked ourselves: Should the new Supercar feature the most iconic engine in Ferrari’s history? Naturally, the V12, or take the best of racing for sheer performance?" he noted. "Here, too, the question ultimately had a simple answer, even if it didn’t seem like it. We chose the second option. We took the best of racing, which today means a turbocharged V6 combined with a hybrid system.' Ferrari The 3-liter, twin turbo V6 engine, the highlight of the F80's hybrid powertrain, is derived from the engine in the Ferrari 499P, the three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner. According to Ferrari, the engine without its electric accoutrements delivers 296 hp per liter on its own, the highest ever achieved in a production car, for a total of 888 hp. With these numbers and claims backing him up, Turconi made a bold statement that could send the strictest Ferrari purists into terminal shock and the "no replacement for displacement" crowd. "Without a doubt, today, the V6 is superior to a V12," he declared to the room. Ferrari In addition to the output, the Ferrari team noted that there were additional benefits for choosing the twin-turbo V6 over the V12. Notably, Ferrari vehicle engineer Matteo Lanzavecchia noted that the F80 was developed alongside the 499P Le Mans car. Although the two cars had different applications, using a V6 allowed Ferrari to achieve not just significant weight savings, but also more room to enhance the aerodynamics for improved handling. "Using a V6, for example, having six cylinders instead of 12 [...] allows us to generate the same, or even higher, horsepower than a V12 in a tighter space, enabling us to tilt the engine-transmission assembly and open up the rear section to better exploit the extractor and underbody, generating much more vertical downforce," he said. Final thoughtsFor all that it's worth, all of the 799 allocated units of the Ferrari F80 are entirely sold out, but this highly technical presentation about the car given by the panel at the Enzo Ferrari Museum is a masterclass in high-performance vehicle engineering. If you have an hour or so to yourself over this Thanksgiving weekend, the panel explains in great detail how every decision was made with a pure intent to showcase its technical capabilities, rather than uphold its heritage. View the full article

Shoei Eyelights HUD GT-Air 3 Helmet Shoei has confirmed that their GT-Air3 helmet will be compatible with the upcoming Eyelights HUD system, with the Australian release scheduled for September 2026. The HUD-ready GT-Air III will demand a small premium over the standard version of the helmet, while the Eyelights HUD system is purchased separately, with […] The post Eyelights heads up display for Shoei GT-Air confirmed for Australia appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

FIM WSX 2025 Round Three – Gold Coast SX1 Race One – Sprint Joey Savatgy grabbed the early advantage in the opening Sprint, with Eli Tomac, Christian Craig, Greg Aranda and Ken Roczen slotting in behind. Cooper Webb ended lap one in seventh, while Haiden Deegan again suffered the consequences of a poor gate pick […] The post Blow by blow race recap from FIM WSX on the Gold Coast appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Working in a cold British workshop, the team prepares to replace the motorcycle clutch and handle a small fuel tank leak. They have already soaked the new clutch plates in clean oil and gathered tools for the job. Despite the winter chill, they plan to complete the clutch installation, check the tank for leaks, and run a short road test if conditions allow. As they work, they take time to explain how the clutch system functions and how to check for possible […] The post Honda CB750 Clutch Replacement Guide: DIY Plate Swap & Tank Repair appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

This weekend's selection of motorcycles ranges from very modern to very classic. The boutique-built 2026 Langen Lightspeed leads the charge, followed by a classic Ducati 750 GT and an immaculately restored vintage AJS.The 2026 Langen LightspeedThe British boutique motorcycle manufacturer Langen has ... View the full article

Honda’s “sticky steering” problem may feel like old news after the 1.7-million-vehicle recall in 2024 and the investigation’s closure in January, but it’s back in focus as a consolidated class action lawsuit moves forward. Plaintiffs argue the recall didn’t go far enough and claim Honda knew about the defect long before repairs were offered. With new court deadlines now in place, the case is expected to carry well into 2026. The Lawsuit and Models Affected Honda Autoblog James Riswick Zac Palmer The case, titled Burgos, et al. v. American Honda Motor Company, Inc., merges three class actions filed after federal regulators opened an investigation into steering issues on 2022–2024 Honda Civics – including Si and Type R models – along with 2023-2024 Honda CR-Vs, HR-Vs, and Acura Integras. Plaintiffs claim the affected vehicles can experience momentary binding or heaviness in the steering, creating a safety risk. They also argue Honda knew about the defect before the cars were sold. While the 2024 recall covered roughly 1.7 million vehicles, owners involved in the lawsuit say the fix doesn’t fully address the underlying problem. What the NHTSA Found Honda The NHTSA began investigating in March 2023 after reports of “sticky steering” on 2022 and 2023 Civics. Its October 2024 Safety Recall Report detailed the root cause, citing improperly produced worm wheel components inside the steering gearbox. According to the report, the worm wheel can swell due to heat and moisture, reducing the grease film between moving parts, while an overly high spring preload on the worm gear increases sliding force. Combined, these issues raise friction and create the sticky or disconnected sensation that drivers described. The report also notes that the first confirmed complaint appeared in September 2021. If you're a concerned owner, pay attention to early warning signs like abnormal noise and momentary hesitation when turning the wheel. These findings led Honda to initiate the recall that federal regulators considered sufficient to close the investigation in early 2025. What Happens Next Honda Even with the investigation wrapped up, the lawsuit is far from over. Judge André Birotte Jr. has set new deadlines running through 2026 as both sides prepare additional filings before any hearing takes place. Honda maintains that the 2024 repair resolves the defect, but plaintiffs disagree, keeping the case active for the foreseeable future. For now, sticky steering remains a lingering issue Honda would probably prefer to leave in the past. View the full article

While Pro Modified is the headlining class at the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, the True 10.5 No-Time teams are doing their best to steal a bit of the spotlight at the upcoming Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, Dec. 5-7 at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Over the course of the Thanksgiving holiday, class promoters Tom Gunner – better known as Jimmy Dale – and Michael Poland announced a smorgasbord of grudge matches set for Friday and Saturday during qualifying. “Ever since creating Lil Gangsta’s, Michael Poland and I have been focused on figuring out where we were going next,” said Gunner. “With help from Wes Buck and Barrett Green, we came up with the new True 10.5. We feel like Lil Gangsta’s is successful because so many people feel competitive, and we hope to duplicate that success with True 10.5. “As racers, we always hear the tire is the equalizer,” Gunner continued. “While that can be true, 275 N/T radial has become a high-stakes class with sometimes up to half a second between front runners and first-round ducks. By changing that tire to a 28×10.5 slick and not allowing radials or Pro Mod-bodied cars, this class will have parity that’s never been seen without weights involved. We’ve spoken to all 32 locked-in racers, and the margin from the fastest to the slowest is a tenth of a second. That’s something we are proud of.” Headlining the matchups on Friday night is a battle between veterans Lyle Barnett and Larry Larson. Barnett, driving the Salvage Title Mustang owned by Tommy Youmans, will be looking for a bit of payback against Larson and his ’66 Chevy II. Larson narrowly beat Barnett by just .004 earlier this year at the $75,000 King of the South small-tire invitational at Shadyside Dragway in Shelby, N.C. “Ol’ Larry nipped me .004 in the final at King of the South, and I want some get back!” Barnett posted on social media. “Harts Charger on Harts Charger crime Friday night! Pick one and ride!” Outlaw Armageddon double champion (Small Tire and High-Roller Small Tire) Chase Womack is doubling up again in Bradenton, locking in huge grudge races on both Friday and Saturday. Womack, piloting his ProCharger-equipped, Hemi-powered Firebird, will take on Joey Rabiola and the Boost12 Mustang on Friday, and line up against Russell Stone’s screw-blown “Black Widow” Camaro on Saturday. “Good luck to both those fellas,” Womack said of his opponents. “We’ve got nothing but respect for the other drivers. They’ve been holding it down in 28×10.5 for a long time and have the wins to back it up. “I’m bringing a Procharged Hemi with a little nitrous – just enough to keep it interesting,” continued Womack. “I might be the new guy in the mix, but don’t let ‘new’ get confused with anything else. We’ll be tough – there’s no reason to show up if you don’t think you can win. Still, it’s an honor to line up with these killers. No matter how it shakes out, it’s gonna be a show.” The Preston Bros. – Isaac and Adam – are both getting into the grudge action as well. Adam will be piloting the team’s orange Corvette against former No Prep Kings star Scott Taylor and his “Lil Goldie” ’69 Camaro, while Isaac will run their infamous “Frankenstein” ‘Vette against Craig Pachar and the Triangle Speed Shop’s newly upgraded Mustang, “Slimer.” “Let’s see if this ol’ small block will hang with that big Hemi,” Isaac Preston said on social media regarding his matchup. “Adam said he wanted action too. We got two fast hot rods, let’s see if we can put them to work!” Other big-time matchups on Friday night include Ryan Martin vs. Memphis Raines, Ryan Mitchell vs. Billy Hoskinson, “Dominator” Joe Woods vs. Ryan Hendrickson, Brandon James vs. Taylor Strange, and Brandon Sandlian in the Junkyard Studebaker vs. Corey Reed in Manny Buginga’s Mustang, “Freddy.” Poland says that fans heading to Bradenton should be ready to witness an all-out battle of heavyweights, as he and Gunner have worked tirelessly to bring about a main-event worthy group of drivers. “We’ve come up with as list of guys from all forms of drag racing – radial, street, no prep, grudge – and combined them all together,” said Poland. “All 32 drivers are coming to Snowbirds with 100% confidence they can win. With 32 killers in a cage, it took one driver to swing and we had an all-out brawl of grudge races break out. Everything fans have seen thus far is locked in for Friday and Saturday, and Sunday [eliminations] are going to be insane!” For more info on the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, visit www.TheWinterSeries.com. To purchase tickets for the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks at Bradenton Motorsports Park, click here: https://bit.ly/3LvZ4DR. This story was originally published on November 30, 2025. The post Ryan Martin vs. Memphis Raines, Mitchell vs. Hoskinson Amongst Grudge Races Locked-In for True 10.5 at Winter Series-Opening Snowbird Outlaw Nationals Presented by Motion Raceworks first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Happy 119th, LanciaIf there's one car company that falls under the "wow, they're still making those?" category, it would be Lancia. The Italian automaker has swung wildly from barely breathing to bankruptcy for over a century now, and it's celebrating its 119th anniversary this year. A bit of an odd milestone to celebrate, but better to host its birthday every year because it can, quite literally, go at any moment. That aside, Lancia has also made some of the most iconic cars ever made. At the same time, it has cemented itself by being the most successful rally manufacturer, so there's no doubt that Lancia will ever be forgotten. Lancia The Early YearsLancia was founded in 1906 by its namesake, Vincenzo Lancia, and Claudio Fogolin and rolled out their first car, the Tipo 51, that same year. Those were then followed up by the Theta and the Lambda, the latter being the world's first car to have a monocoque chassis. Even then, Lancia was strapped for cash, and its exploits in Formula One, while successful, didn't make people flock to its showrooms. Oh, and here's a fun fact: the remnants of the Lancia Formula One were lapped up by Scuderia Ferrari. Throughout the '50s and '60s, Lancia continued to build innovative luxury cars. There were the sleek Aurelia and the elegant Flaminia. The latter had the odd quirk that saw four rear windshield wipers with a pair inside and another one for the outside. Also, those cars featured independent suspension in an era where live axles were the norm. Let's not forget the Fulvia, one of the world's first front-wheel drive cars, which marked the beginning of Lancia's successes in rallying. It was painfully expensive, though, as the zippy little 1.3-liter coupe cost even more than a straight-six Jaguar E-Type. Lancia Absorbed by FiatAs much as its cars were innovative, no Lancia could really be described as profitable. If anything, the brand was hemorrhaging money, so it was Fiat to the rescue in 1969. Future secured with Italy's biggest automaker? Well, not quite. Still, there was some semblance of stability. Lancia still rolled out great (but fragile) cars in the '70s. The Beta and Gamma range of cars were prime examples of that. They were lookers no matter the body style, but they also had the habit of oxidizing at the slightest suggestion of moisture. It reached a point where Lancia had to buy back rusty Betas, tarnishing its image. While it's commonly believed that it was due to Russian steel, the evidence is at best anecdotal. It was hard times, but one particular bright spot was the Stratos. It won the second World Rally Championship manufacturer's title in 1974 (Renault-Alpine won the first one in 1973), clinging on to that crown until 1976. Italian rally ace Sandro Murani owes much of his success to the Stratos. Lancia Rally SuccessLancia was staging a comeback in the World Rally Championship. The result was the 037, a silhouette version of the Monte Carlo that, let's be honest, barely resembled the road-going model. While Lancia and its partners were busy with that, they introduced the Delta in 1979 and it was even sold as a Saab as the Saab-Lancia 600. At the same time, Lancia was staging a comeback in the World Rally Championship. The result was the 037, a silhouette version of the Monte Carlo that, let's be honest, barely resembled the road-going model. Despite lacking all-wheel drive, the 037 beat the Audi Quattro to take the manufacturer's title in 1983 as the Italian car proved more reliable than the German one. Let that sink in for a moment. Still, it was Audi's Hannu Mikkola that clinched the driver's title, but Lancia took the glory in the manufacturer's battle. The 037 was, and still is, the last two-wheel drive car to win in the WRC. Lancia Lancia, Peugeot, and Audi were at the forefront of the wild Group B era. Unfortunately, Lancia lost three team members during that time. In 1985, Attilio Bettega lost his life when he slammed into a tree. Then, in 1986, Herni Toivenen and co-driver Sergio Cresto were killed in a fiery crash with the Delta S4 during that year's Tour de Course. It was the deaths of Toivenen and Cresto that sealed the fate of Group B rallying. Following that tragedy, Group A was formed to slow things down. There, Lancia redeemed itself and became one of the most successful teams in Group A's early days. The Delta Integrale gave the company six-straight manufacturer's titles, along with two driver's titles each for Juha Kankkunen and Miki Biasion. Lancia Tipo QuattroNow, let's go back to the road cars, shall we? Lancia started the '80s like it did the '70s — bankrupt. To save itself, Lancia, along with Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Saab, entered into an agreement to co-develop a new midsize sedan in 1978, dubbed the Tipo Quattro program. That said, Alfa Romeo and Saab weren't exactly rolling in cash, either. While Lancia and its partners were busy with that, they introduced the Delta in 1979, which was also sold as a Saab as the Saab-Lancia 600. Interestingly, Saab actually had some input on the Delta, namely the split-folding rear seats, the low liftover height of the hatch, and the heating and ventilation system. The Tipo Quattro project came to fruition in 1984, first with the Lancia Thema and Saab 9000, followed by the Fiat Croma in late 1985, and, lastly, the Alfa Romeo 164 in 1987. The program was supposed to save all four automakers money. However, they all ended up developing the cars uniquely, effectively making the joint effort's bid to cut costs moot. Still, at least we got pretty great cars from the Tipo Quattro family. In Lancia's case, the crown jewel was the Thema 8.32, powered by a 2.9-liter Quattrovalvole V8 based on the 308. The main difference was that the 308 used a flat-plane crank, while the Thema had a cross-plane crank. The Thema 8.32's V8 was detuned to 212 hp, and did we mention it was front-wheel drive, too? Lancia Survival modeThe '80s were relatively steady for Lancia, no doubt somewhat redeemed by its successes in motorsport. But by the '90s, the Fiat-ization of the brand would be the start of the decline. The Delta for the '90s would be based on the Fiat Tipo, and the same went for its sedan counterpart, the Dedra. Those cars didn't exactly fly off showroom floors At least the midsize Kappa was developed by Lancia, and its platform would later be used by the Alfa Romeo 166. But then, in a bid to capture the growing minivan market in Europe (MPVs as they're called over there), Lancia plucked a model from Peugeot, Citroen, and Fiat to create the Zeta. Lancia Lancia tried to go bold in the 2000s, but things kept going downhill. Models like the Lybra, Thesis, Musa, and Phedra looked radical for their time, but ultimately were unsuccessful outside Italy. By the 2010s, Lancia had resorted to rebadging Chrysler models, with the 300 becoming the Theta, the 200 becoming the Flavia, and the Town and Country becoming the Voyager. They did try to revive the Delta, but again, failed to make an impact. The only car that was really keeping them afloat was the Fiat Punto-based Ypsilon from 1995, which has since spanned four generations. Lancia Lancia TodayFor the longest time, Lancias were sold only in Italy, though Stellantis is making an effort to bring back some of the magic. The all-new Ypsilon was introduced in 2024 and shares the same bones as the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa. The redesigned Ypsilon also marks Lancia's reintroduction to some markets, namely Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Germany. On top of that, the company has returned to rallying, although not yet in the top category of the World Rally Championship. Lancia introduced the Ypsilon Rally4 HF for Group Rally4 (mainly for privateers) and the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale for WRC2. The reborn Integrale will make its competition debut at the Monte Carlo Rally in 2026. Fingers crossed it's successful in reigniting the spark Lancia needs. Lancia Lancia View the 37 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Randy Pobst is a long time road racing and autocross champion who has competed in many different series, and won many championships. He’s driven an amazing variety or cars, from all kinds of international and domestic makes, but his own personal hot rod is a Pontiac Trans Am he calls the Randit and we dig it. In the video below you’ll see Randy and the gang from Ridetech outfitting his Randit Pontiac to make it the handling machine he wants. Video Description: We recently heard our friend Randy’s 2nd Gen Trans Am was in need of a suspension revamp. That provided us a great opportunity to outline the features and benefits of our 2nd Gen F-body suspension systems. There’s a lot to cover, too much to include in one video, so in this first episode we outline the use case, and establish where Randy’s car is currently at by taking it out to a mock autocross track and seeing how quickly it could navigate the course. Enjoy this first episode, and make sure you keep an eye out for episode 2 where we disassemble the current setup and complete the upgrade to our complete Ridetech 2nd Gen F-Body (Camaro/Firebird) Suspension system. You can do that by making sure you’re subscribed and you click the bell icon so that you receive notifications when we upload new content. Product Links: Ridetech 2nd Gen GM F-Body Complete Coil-over Suspension (used on Randy’s Trans Am: https://ridetech.com/product/coilover… NOW AVAILABLE | Ridetech 2nd Gen GM F-Body front Subframe: https://ridetech.com/product/ridetech… The post Randy Pobst’s Randit Trans Am Suspension Gets An Overhaul: Here’s Part 1 Of This 5 Part Series Where This Pontiac Will Get Transformed appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article