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Hero MotoCorp brings its mass-market experience to a youth-focused off-road EV with the VIDA DIRT.E K3.View the full article

If you haven’t seen the WRC documentary series More Than Machine, and you are a rally racing fan, you are going to want to check out the entire first season at the link below. With behind the scenes, racing action, and more, this series gives you a look you can’t otherwise get from WRC coverage. We love this series, and are thrilled that the new season has started. We’ve got Season 2, Episode 2, below for you to enjoy, and more coming! If you missed Season 1 of the series, and would like to catch up, there is a complete Season 1 Replay at the link below. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF SEASON 1 OF More Than Machine Video Description: From the frozen forests of Sweden to the unforgiving heat and dust of the Kenyan savanna, the pressure to win in the World Rally Championship never stops. In More Than Machine Season 2, Episode 2, we follow the intense highs and crushing lows of Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai Motorsport as they battle the elements and each other. In this episode, Elfyn Evans chases perfection, securing his 10th career victory in the snow, while his teammate Takamoto Katsuta faces the immense weight of expectation. Watch as Taka fights for his first-ever rally win in Sweden, only to face a rollercoaster of emotions on the brutal stages of the Safari Rally Kenya. It’s a story of resilience, team rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of the World Championship title. The post World Rally Championship Video Series: More Than Machine, Season 2 Episode 2 – Battling It Out In Sweden’s Snow! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

If the phrase "prophylactic relief" doesn't make you giggle, particularly when it's typed out in a legal document, I'm not sure I want to know you.View the full article

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just released its latest round of safety results for new models. These tests have become tougher in recent years and provide consumers with the peace of mind that the vehicle you’re purchasing will hold up well if the worst happens. The new results will make Audi fans smile, as the luxury brand picked up another three of the safety agency’s Top Safety Pick+ awards, the highest recognition given only to vehicles that perform exceedingly well in multiple tests. Perhaps surprisingly, one Mercedes-Benz missed out on this top accolade. Audi Leads All Luxury BrandsThe Top Safety Pick+ award was attained by Audi’s Q5, Q5 Sportback, and A6 Sportback e-tron. Seven Audi models have now attained this award, leading all luxury brands. All three models achieved the agency’s maximum ‘Good’ rating for crucial tests like the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and the tougher side-impact tests. To qualify for the top award, models tested also need Acceptable or Good ratings in the pedestrian front crash prevention test and similar ratings for the headlights, across all trim levels. The Q5 and Q5 Sportback’s headlights were rated as Acceptable, while top A6 Sportback e-tron trims with more advanced LED headlights got the top Good rating. All three Audis meet new criteria from the IIHS that focuses on rear-passenger safety during the moderate overlap collision test. This test now simulates a head-on collision at 40 mph, where the test vehicle strikes a vehicle of the same size and weight, with 40% of the front widths overlapping. An extra test dummy in the back seat specifically evaluates the protective measures for smaller occupants in such a crash. Related: The Safest Cars of 2025: IIHS Top Safety Picks Mercedes E-Class Leaves Room For Improvement IIHS/You One of Merc’s larger sedans would be expected to pass new crash tests with flying colors, but it wasn’t to be for the latest E-Class. It missed out on the Top Safety Pick+ award and the lower-tier Top Safety Pick award. While the BMW 5 Series rival attained Good marks for the small front overlap and updated side tests, it surprisingly got only a Marginal score for the updated moderate overlap front test—exactly the test where the three Audis excelled. The IIHS noted that the rear passenger dummy’s belt moved from the ideal position on the pelvis to the abdomen, increasing the chances of an abdomen-related injury. There was also found to be a moderate risk of injury to the head or neck of passengers seated at the back. The structural integrity of the E-Class is sound, but we expect Mercedes to make improvements to the seat belt design based on these results. For the most part, this is still a safe and secure sedan. Related: Crash Test Dummies Were Male for 50 Years, And Women Paid the Price Final ThoughtsContinuous improvements to crash-testing procedures have kept manufacturers on their toes in recent times. The tougher moderate overlap front test is a particular challenge, as the latest Ram 1500 and Volkswagen Tiguan both scored a Poor rating for this test. Later this decade, achieving a Top Safety Pick+ award will be even more difficult, as the agency will introduce new tests focusing on crash prevention and the evaluation of driver distraction. There will be a focus on speed limit warnings and driver impairment monitoring, specifically. These changes align with international standards, as Euro NCAP also announced a series of tougher tests, set to be implemented in 2026. Related: Your Next Car is About to Face Brutal New Safety Tests View the full article

I’ve always wanted to either widen a set of wheels in my shop, or rehoop a set of wheels to make them a completely different diameter and/or width. So when I saw this video, where a set of rare and cool 1970’s Spinstars were getting new hoops, and being turned into a bolt together two piece wheel, I was pretty stoked and knew I needed to check it out. In this video there is some lathe work that goes down, but I’m sure some of you could get creative and come up with an alternative method. It’s got my brain working, that’s for sure. Check it out and let us know what you think. I dig it. Video Description: Making of Custom Steelies for my vw bug with some help of my friends! Originally 15″ Sprintstar Steel wheels from 1970´s to wide 17″ 2 piece wheels. The post Building Custom, Steel, Two Piece Wheels: These VW Bug Custom 2 Piece Wheels Start Out As 1970`s Sprintstar Steelies! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

There were only 25 Crighton CR700Ws made; one is up for sale, and its asking price is astronomical. View the full article

Suzuki RGV XR80 Kenny Roberts Jr.’s Championship Winning Bike This is Kenny Roberts Jr.’s Suzuki RGV XR80, the machine on which he secured the 2000 500 cc World Championship, and it represents one of the most methodical development successes of the final two-stroke era. Roberts Jr.’s path to the Suzuki factory team was itself significant. […] The post Suzuki RGV500 – Kenny Roberts Jr. 2000 championship winner in feature appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Today's car news!From the death (and reincarnation) of the F-150 Lightning, to silly high transaction prices for new Cadillacs, to a pay-to-play frunk, things aren’t the way they were yesterday. Here, we’ll round up the biggest news stories of the last 24 hours on AutoBlog and divvy them up into bite-sized chunks that get right to the heart of the story, allowing you to go deeper if you want. Ford kills the F-150 Lightning...sorta Ford will end production of the F-150 Lightning, the brand's full-size electric truck, this year. The automaker initially suspended production after a series of fires hit its supplier. Deciding to shift production to more profitable gas and hybrid F-150s, which it still had to halve production of, Ford later made the decision to kill the model entirely. Enter a future extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) that Ford says will be able to tow "like a freight train" and provide all the benefits of an EV with none of the supposed compromise. To find out just how it plans to do that, read on below. Read More: Ford F-150 Lightning Is Officially Dead — Long Live F-150 Lightning EREV American buyers are dropping serious cash on their Caddys Cadillac The average transaction price for a new car is right around the $50,000 mark. High, right? For most people, it's largely unaffordable, and those who can afford it are financing at record term lengths. But there's a different reality entirely over at Cadillac, where buyers are, on average, paying more for their cars than similar vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and similar luxury automakers. Driving sales are models like its EVs, the Lyriq, Optiq, and Vistiq, as well as models like the Escalade range. To find out how much more American buyers are paying for Cadillac models, get the full story below. Read More: Americans Are Now Paying More for Cadillacs Than BMWs and Mercedes EV preferences signal a big sales shift next year Chevrolet There’s been a tonal shift when it comes to EVs. It’s not an assertion, either. Ford has shifted its focus toward hybrids, as have several other automakers. Where we once thought electrification would dominate automakers’ lineups, we’re now seeing a regression to meet consumer demand for other powertrains. A new study from CDK Global on consumer sentiment shows interest in EVs among gas-powered vehicle drivers has dropped significantly, and indicates a trend that could continue to grow. To get all the hard data, read on below. Read More: Study Shows Massive Shift In EV Sentiment May Affect 2026 Sales In A Big Way Ford will charge you for a frunk Ford Ford’s new Mustang Mach-E brand manager, Teddy Ankeny, revealed that for the 2026 model year, the crossover will no longer provide a frunk for free, even though many EVs offer extra space in the area that an internal combustion engine would traditionally sit. Most either make it a feature or provide some storage for a charging cable while not in use. Ford does the former, putting the Mach-e's frunk size up past competitors like the Kia EV6. No longer, though the company insists the decision to kill the frunk is to save buyers money. Read on and decide for yourself below. Read More: Ford Now Charges Mustang Mach-E Buyers for a Frunk View the full article

With winter adventures in full swing, the mountains are drawing in the crowds with fresh powder, crisp air, and après fun. But if you’re like us here at FarOut, while ski season brings excitement, your mind is already wandering toward the next adventure. As soon as the snow begins to melt, the trails open up and spring takes hold across British Columbia. There’s no better time to explore Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and more. Let’s plan a spring road trip! Why Spring Adventures Are So Amazing Spring in Canada is what we spend all winter waiting for! As days grow longer, waterfalls surge with snowmelt, and the forests come alive with colour and birdsong. It is warm enough to explore comfortably, but still cool enough to keep crowds away. If you are looking for ideas on where to visit in spring in Canada, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast offer the perfect balance of nature, charm, and adventure. Last March, we spent two weeks camping with the kids, exploring moss-covered forests, beaches alive with driftwood and sea spray, and small coastal towns where spring seems to arrive early. Our Top 5 Favourite Things to Do in Spring Spring on the West Coast is full of small moments and big adventures. Here are some of our favorite activities to make the most of the season. Chase Waterfalls As the snow melts, waterfalls across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast roar to life. Englishman River Falls and Burnett Falls are two must-see spots where you can feel the power of spring up close. Hit the Trails From lush rainforest paths to rugged coastal hikes, spring hiking is pure magic. Try the Wild Pacific Trail near Ucluelet or the Sunshine Coast Trail for unforgettable scenery. Go Beachcombing and Tidepooling Low tides reveal hidden worlds of shells, sea stars, and tiny crabs. Spend a slow morning exploring the shoreline and watching the waves roll in. Visit Local Markets Spring marks the return of farmers’ markets filled with fresh produce, flowers, and local treats. It’s the best way to connect with communities and stock up for a picnic or road trip. Campfire Evenings and Stargazing Cool nights are perfect for cozy campfires and clear skies. Whether you’re camping on the coast or nestled in a forest, spring nights bring quiet moments you’ll never forget. Top 5 Places to go on a Spring Road Trip Wondering if Vancouver Island is worth visiting in spring? The answer is yes. Here are some of the best places to add to your spring itinerary. Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island Walk among ancient Douglas firs that have stood for centuries. The sunlight filtering through moss-covered branches creates a peaceful, almost otherworldly setting. Tofino and Ucluelet Before the summer crowds arrive, enjoy storm watching, surfing, or walking the Wild Pacific Trail. The sunsets and ocean views in spring are spectacular. Cowichan Valley Wine Route Explore boutique wineries surrounded by wildflowers and rolling hills. This area is ideal for slow travel, local food, and relaxed afternoons. Desolation Sound, Sunshine Coast Perfect for spring kayaking, Desolation Sound offers calm waters, snow-capped peaks, and secluded coves. It’s one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. Skookumchuck Narrows, Sunshine Coast Watch powerful tidal rapids surge through a narrow channel. It’s one of the most unique natural attractions in British Columbia. Best Itineraries for Spring Whether you love camping or prefer a comfortable road trip, we’ve created a variety of itineraries that highlight some of the best places to explore on a spring road trip to BC Islands and Sunshine Tour: A nearly two week excursion to the BC’s remote and beautiful Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island. This tour is ripe with quiet and scenic coastlines, mild spring temperatures, and more. aMAYzing month in Canada Tour: This week-long trip takes you through all of the spring in the Vancouver area and Vancouver Island. From skiing the last spring slush at Whistler, to gazing in awe at the towering Stawamus Chief, to exploring Vancouver Island coastlines, this is an excellent trip to take in April and May. Not sold on spring camping? If you’re worried about getting chilly camping early in the season our Island in Bloom Tour on Vancouver Island offers a perfect blend of exploration and comfort. This trip has a couple nights of camping sprinkled into cozy bed and breakfasts, vineyard tours, and more. Tips for All-Weather Camping Spring camping means being ready for anything. Here are some ways to stay comfortable in unpredictable weather. Layer clothing for warmth and versatility Choose a tent with a full fly and groundsheet Keep fire-starting supplies dry and accessible Plan simple, hearty meals for chilly evenings Embrace mud and rain, it’s all part of the story Shake Off the Hibernation Blues Whether you’re pitching a tent by the ocean or cruising scenic highways, spring is the season to explore again. Trade ski boots for hiking shoes, après-ski cocoa for campfire coffee, and head out in search of waterfalls, wildflowers, and winding coastal roads. Vancouver Island, the Whistler area, and Sunshine Coast are the best spots in Canada for spring travel, offering hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and unforgettable moments on the open road. The post Spring into Adventure: Spring Road Trips in BC appeared first on Far Out Wilderness. View the full article

2025 Honda Transalp XL750 Review I first threw the leg over the ‘reintroduced’ Transalp back in September ‘23 and was immediately impressed with the bike overall. Nice size, good riding position, great finish, great on-road manners, and that terrific, modern 750 cc parallel-twin made for an excellent, all-roads Adventure Touring bike. At the time, I […] The post Transalp Review – Updated Honda XL750 ridden and rated appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Every drive needs the perfect soundtrackNo matter if you are an everyday commuter, a dedicated gearhead, or the protagonist from the movie “Baby Driver,” music is an essential part of driving. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or stuck in rush-hour traffic, the right music can elevate your entire driving experience, even if your journey is just across town. The proper set of songs has the power to set the mood, energize your morning, or help you decompress after a long day. But here’s the thing: even the best playlist falls flat if your car’s audio system isn’t doing it justice. For true audio enthusiasts, achieving the perfect sound is almost a ritual. You can spend countless hours fine-tuning bass levels, treble, fade, and balance, just to find that perfect sonic sweet spot. It’s an obsession that non-audiophiles simply don’t understand, but when everything clicks into place, and it hits right, it’s magic. The thing is, all that fiddling assumes your car’s audio system understands how your ears actually work. However, everyone’s hearing is different; some frequencies come through crystal clear, while others get lost in the mix. Traditional equalizers require you to guess what needs adjusting, turning audio customization into an endless game of trial and error. This obsessive attention to audio quality is exactly what Nissan is tapping into with their latest innovation: Personalized Sound. Frankly, it’s a game-changer that can save us time and frustration. Nissan View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Enter Personalized SoundLaunched on December 15, Personalized Sound is a free app available on the Google Play store on any Nissan or INFINITI vehicle equipped with Google built-in. According to Nissan, it’s the first in-vehicle hearing test of its kind in the U.S. auto industry. It creates a custom audio profile based on your unique hearing and optimizes every song to match how your ears perceive sound. The setup is surprisingly simple. After downloading the app, you take a three-minute hearing test right on your car’s infotainment screen. The app plays tones at varying loudness and pitch, you tap to indicate how well you hear each one, and boom, you’ve got a personalized audio profile. The system then uses your results to fine-tune a 10-band equalizer, adjusting frequencies from 50 hertz (Hz) all the way up to 1,200 hertz in a similar way to the bass and treble knobs of yore. “After taking the test, most drivers will notice a clear difference with their new audio profile,” said Mitchell Pope, a senior product planner at Nissan who spearheaded the project. “They’ll often pick up details they didn’t before, even in songs they’ve listened to countless times.” Nissan The new feature is a collaboration between Nissan staff dedicated to soundNissan says that it developed the entire thing in-house in less than 18 months with a team that included individuals with different sonic strengths. Pope, an amateur musician raised in Nashville — the music city and Nissan North America’s home base — said that Personalized Sound began as a passion project that he first shared with the Nissan team in early 2024. "I loved the level of customization offered in some premium headphones, and I wanted to bring that to the automotive world," Pope said. "From the start, I also saw this as a clear way to help the 36 million Americans living with a hearing impairment." Pope worked on the project with engineers and other product planners, which included key team members who have hearing impairments. One developer, Patrick Fields, a Nissan program analyst who lost some hearing during his Army service, not only said that the feature was “ideal for music lovers” like him, but he also called it “a tangible representation of Nissan’s commitment to accessibility.” Nissan The team even included Ashley Baird, a Michigan Tech student interning at Nissan’s Technical Center near Detroit, who helped code the hearing test and equalizer functionality to ensure seamless integration with the car’s existing audio system, without creating compatibility issues. "Because the app needed to run like a standard Android app, I couldn't plug my code directly into the car's audio system or interact with it in the way that the existing equalizer does," Baird explained. "It took extensive testing to find a way to interact with the car's media system. I ended up discovering an Android audio processing effect that lets you tap into the sound that's already going to the speakers and adjust it, so the app could apply the changes directly to supported audio sources in the vehicle." Personalized Sound works across both standard and premium audio systems in compatible vehicles, including the 2025-2026 Nissan Armada, Murano, and Rogue, as well as several INFINITI models such as the QX80 and the upcoming QX65. At launch, it optimizes audio from Bluetooth and in-vehicle sources like Spotify and Audible, with additional compatibility coming in 2026. Nissan In addition, if you share your vehicle, multiple drivers can download their own Personalized Sound app and link it to their driver profile or key fob. So if your partner or child thinks “good bass” means rattling the windows, you’re both covered. In internal testing, 96% of participants said they’d keep their Personalized Sound profile activated. That’s not surprising when you consider the alternative: spending twenty minutes in a parking lot or on the side of the road manually adjusting equalizer sliders or hopelessly tapping on virtual ones on a touch screen, hoping you’ve hit the sweet spot. "The best part was seeing people try the app for the first time," Baird said. "I think a lot of people expected the app to be very basic. It was awesome to see them realize that something they could just download from the Google Play store could offer so much audio customization that their car didn't previously have." Final thoughtsAs an avid music listener with a Spotify “listening age” of 62, I can see that Personalized Sound can be more than just another tech feature, but rather a streamlined, simple path to perfect sound. Whether you’re an audiophile, someone with hearing loss, or just someone who wants their favorite songs to sound amazing, it’s nice to see a mainstream manufacturer like Nissan take a creative route to a feature that many buyers scrutinize. Although many people may see this as a “vanity feature,” I can envision this being a feature copied by not only other manufacturers but also the big names in premium in-car sound, such as Bang & Olufsen, Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, Burmester, and Mark Levinson. After all, if you’re going to spend a few Gs on a premium stereo setup, it should be really easy to set up to make it sound good. View the full article

For most of us, skiing and camping are different seasons. We spend our winters watching snow rulers and chasing powder days, and our summers looking out for a few days of sunshine to head off into the bush. What if I told you that beautiful Whistler British Columbia gives you the chance to do BOTH activities in April and May? This might surprise you, but at Whistler in April, you can start your spring morning waking up in a cozy tent by the lake, head up to the high alpine to ski fresh powder lines all day, and find a spot in the valley for an evening cookout and pints. With Whistler’s massive elevation change and varied climate from the base to the alpine, this is one of the best ways to spend time in May. The Camping Season April and May are when camping season starts to get going in the greater Vancouver area. While there are still some rainstorms mixed into the forecast, you’re going to see several days with highs of 20 degrees Celsius (~68°F), and mild temperatures overnight. It’s an awesome time of year to start enjoying some of the summer sunshine, and longer, sunnier days that are a treat BC is really known for. Another advantage of camping in April and May is that it’s the best time of year to have a campfire. It rarely rains in the summer in BC, leading to annual campfire restrictions, aimed at protecting the area from wildfires. In spring, that’s not an issue. The high alpine has often built up a 3-5 metre snow base by this time of year. It melts into surging rivers in the forest below in spring, keeping the forests lush, green, and well-protected from wildfires. It’s the best time of year to go off into the backcountry and start a cozy campfire, worry-free. Whistler Skiing Spring is often one of the best times of year to ski Whistler. With one of the highest average annual snowfalls in the world, Whistler Blackcomb has a full snow base well until closing day, which is typically around May 20th. While it’s warm and sunny at the base, temperatures often stay below freezing for much of the season in the alpine. That means you’re not just skiing spring slush, you’ll often get some of the best powder days of the year in April, and the odd one in May. When the powder isn’t falling, the mountain turns into a party of Hawaiian shirts and sunny slushy days. Park skiers love these days, as the biggest jumps are still in full swing, and have a softer landing if you don’t stick your backflips. You’ll want to get a later start on warmer days to give the slush some time to soften up — hitting the mountain around 10 is ideal. Make sure you have dark-lensed ski goggles, or pop sunglasses under your normal ski goggles for some added UV protection. Lots of sunscreen is imperative. One side of the mountain — either Whistler or Blackcomb — closes in mid-April, so that’s one point to keep in mind when planning. Spring sees fewer crowds, so you’re unlikely to get stuck in any lines. Whistler Mountain alone has 4,757 skiable acres, more than Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, Banff Sunshine, pretty much any other Canadian ski resort except Sun Peaks. Combining Camping and Skiing Now that we’ve gone through the highlights of spring skiing and camping, let’s craft the perfect day for you at Whistler in April: You arrived at Whistler the evening before, and found a nice campsite along Fitzsimmons Creek. After a lovely evening around the fire, you cozy up in your roof-top tent, with a light rainfall rocking you to sleep. You wake up the next morning to discover that the rain in the valley was snow in the alpine. Since it’s a quiet spring Tuesday, you’re the first in line for the Whistler Gondola, arriving at the high alpine with 20 centimeters of untracked powder in every direction. You score fresh tracks on every one of Whistler’s iconic lifts, Harmony, Symphony, and the Peak, skiing 25,000 feet of vertical before noon. That’s when the sun comes out and you retreat to the patio to enjoy a cold beverage while soaking up the sun. The tracked out powder slowly turns to soft slush, so you spend your afternoon enjoying the sunshine, trying out some tricks in the park, or forming an annual snow snake with a bunch of new friends you made on the slopes that day. Once the ski day wraps up, you head down to the village for après festivities, where it’s a sunny 20 degrees. After a couple hours enjoying the warm spring day, you head back to your creekside camping spot. You open up the truck and have a camping cookout, lighting a fire as the sun retreats behind the mountains and mild temperatures roll in. Does this sound like the dream day for you? If so, contact us or book your FarOut overland vehicle, so you can explore some of Whistler’s most scenic backcountry camping spots: today! The post Skiing and Camping at Whistler in April appeared first on Far Out Wilderness. View the full article

MRT Tires is proud to announce its 2026 King of the Hammers contingency program, offering more than $50,000 in total payouts to racers running MRT tires at one of the most demanding off-road events in the world. The program includes a massive $25,000 contingency payout for the 4900 UTV Overall Winner, reaffirming MRT’s commitment to supporting racers who rely on the industry’s toughest tires. In addition to the 4900 Overall award of $25,000, MRT is offering thousands in contingency payouts across Pro Classes of 1st $3,000 / 2nd $2,500 / 3rd $2,000 Non-Pro Classes will receive competitive rewards for racers across all divisions. To be eligible, racers must be registered with MRT, compete on MRT tires and meet all requirements outlined in the official MRT Contingency Program. Full details and eligibility guidelines can be found at HERE For Information Contact: MRT 844.884.9759 info@motoracetire.com KOH Preparation: Tire Orders Now Open for Sponsored Racers With King of the Hammers quickly approaching, MRT is encouraging all sponsored racers to place their tire orders as soon as possible. Inventory demand increases significantly leading into January, and early ordering ensures timely delivery ahead of the event. “MRT athletes continue to prove what’s possible on the toughest terrains,” said Anthony Muncie, MRT Racer Rep. “KOH pushes both equipment and competitors to their limits, and we want every MRT racer fully prepared with fresh tires and the support they need to succeed.” Racers can shop online or contact their MRT representative to secure race tires and spares ahead of the event. For more information on MRT products, sponsorship opportunities, or contingency requirements, visit www.MRT.Tires. MRT’s attention to quality with MRT Race Series tires and Muscle Race wheels is revolutionizing racers’ performance! MRT racers’ accomplishments are due to the performance of MRT’s tires built with Kevlar Armor Belt for anti-puncture durability, which gives MRT drivers the confidence to tackle tough terrains and weather conditions. These tires feature triple belt Kevlar, QUAD belt Kevlar, Apex Bead Grip, and sticky tread compound, which results in anti-puncture performance and durability to withstand the most extreme weather conditions and the toughest terrains. “We are proud of our racers and their performance! Our motto is ‘Quality When You Need It’ is proven again and again on these courses. These tires and wheels pass the strictest of tests and scrutiny before they are released. It’s this focus that allows drivers to race with confidence. We accredit the Kevlar Armor Belt as the strongest and best traction UTV tires on the market. And our continued innovation ensures our tires are always able to succeed through the toughest challenges,” according to Mark Thornburg, president MRT. About MRT & Muscle Race Wheels: MRT, Moto Race Tire, is the leader in delivering the highest quality and most innovative tires on the market today. The Pro Amor / MRT Race Series tires are created by working closely with race teams and mechanical CAD-aided testing. MRT continuously develops new leading tire technology, including the first and only Kevlar Race Tire using Kevlar Armor Belt. These tires are lightweight and designed to provide run-flat protection combined with strength and speed on the track. MRT / Kevlar Armor Belt quality is designed and built to outlast the competition. Guaranteed and backed by MRT’s Continuous Improvement Warranty program. Muscle Race Wheels are the lightest, strongest wheels on the market. These high precision, light-weight forged and flow form UTV wheels carry up to 2000 lb load rating. Muscle Wheels outperform cast wheel competitors and are available in the sizes and back spacers that all racers require and are podium proven! MRT / Muscle Race Wheels are tested in ALL race conditions, and components are modified based on driver’s feedback and tire/wheel performance. This attention to detail and drive for continuous improvement is why MRT provides the best race tire and wheel combination now and will continue to provide this winning combination for all race and riding conditions. ‘Quality When You Need It’. What are you waiting for? For more information on MRT: contact us at: info@motoracetire.com; 844.884.9759, www.mrt.tires – Facebook: MRT.Tires Instagram: @mrttires YouTube: MRT Tires TikTok: mrt.tires The post Over $50,000 Up For Grabs At King Of The Hammers appeared first on UTV Action Magazine. View the full article

Team Honda HRC Honda HRC Progressive will enter the 2026 AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross season carrying strong momentum after a highly successful 2025 campaign that delivered three professional AMA titles. With HRC retaining the same rider and staff line-up for a third consecutive year, the focus now turns to the new season, which begins […] The post Team HRC shoot ahead of 2026 AMA SX/MX/SMX campaign appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

We're Not Making This UpWe're all aware that China has huge ambitions to reshape the automotive landscape. After all, it's literally the world's biggest market with literally billions of potential customers. But the country's car industry doesn't want to stop there. It also wants to make an impression in the world of motorsports. There are a few that compete on a global level, most notably Lynk & Co in touring car racing. But Chery, one of China's "Big Four," has its sights aimed at the World Endurance Championship, as Car News China reports. Exeed Exeed to Lead the ChargeMore specifically, it'll be Chery's luxury division, Exeed, that will be waving the flag for the company and China soon. The brand was introduced in 2017 and currently has a range of upmarket sedans and crossovers, none of which have any overtly sporting intentions. But hey, we all have to start from somewhere, and Exeed has made the first step by signing a cooperative agreement with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). ACO, by the way, is the organizing body behind the 24 Hours of Le Mans, so it's pretty serious. On top of that, the company also announced its five-year plan to enter the big leagues. The Five-Year Road to Le MansOf course, the road to Le Mans requires more careful planning than, say, driving up the 999 steps to Heaven's Gate. We reckon the mother company, Chery, has learned that lesson by now. With that, Exeed will start by racing within China, launching the Exeed Unified Race series to refine its cars, technologies, and development drivers. Should the first phase have a positive outcome, Exeed will then move to racing around Asia. More specifically, it aims to compete in the Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS), where it will be up against constructors such as McLaren, Ferrari, Porsche, and BMW. There are three categories in ALMS, namely LMP2, LMP3, and GT. The winners in each one get an automatic entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans, although it's still unknown which class Exeed will enter. The third and final phase will be the most intensive. The company will establish the Exeed Le Mans Team with drivers and key personnel honed from ALMS experience. Besides that, Chery will build a Le Mans-certified track in its home base of Wuhu with the support of the ACO. That track will also be used to develop vehicles under Chery's wing, so there's a return on investment here. Given all of that, the company is determined to make a mark in motorsport and perhaps give the establishment a good scare. As for its potential for success, we'll keep a close eye on that. Exeed View the full article

The Honda Prelude name carries real prestige, which makes its modern revival all the more confusing. Between the underwhelming 200-hp hybrid powertrain and the gearless S+ Shift system, expectations were already tempered. Then came another small but influential oddity. When the new Prelude is parked, pressing the accelerator does absolutely nothing, not even a synthetic growl. Naturally, questions followed, prompting The Drive to ask Honda directly. And the explanation makes as much sense as the car itself. Software is Calling The Shots Honda The new Prelude uses the same hybrid system found in the Civic Hybrid, but it behaves very differently from a conventional drivetrain. At lower speeds, the 2.0-liter engine functions mainly as a generator, supplying power to an electric motor rather than driving the wheels. There is no traditional transmission, and nearly every aspect of the driving experience is managed by software. Honda confirmed that the Prelude’s refusal to rev while stationary is intentional – a software limitation on all their hybrid models. The brand stated that "it reflects Honda’s commitment to delivering a clean, fuel-efficient hybrid lineup." So, while Honda is happy to simulate engine sounds while driving, yet draws the line at allowing the engine to spin freely in place. Not to mention, this limitation hinders anyone from buying an aftermarket exhaust. A Sports Coupe for Buyers Who Aren’t Enthusiasts Honda While most enthusiasts view the inability to rev the Prelude as borderline sacrilege, Honda likely knows its target audience won't care. In Japan, the Prelude’s buyer base is mainly elderly folk, with comfort, efficiency, and ease of ownership taking priority over driver engagement. That reality is reflected in its $43,195 price tag, which places it above mainstream sporty compacts despite offering performance that is best described as warm rather than hot. The Prelude wears a sharp suit and benefits from Type R suspension, but the powertrain lacks soul. Early claims of a sluggish 9.2-second 0 to 60 mph time are at least misleading. Real-world testing suggests closer to 7.2 seconds when bypassing S+ Shift limitations. Seems the word "limitation" is synonymous with the new Prelude. Don't Dig the Prelude's Grave Just Yet X-Tomi Design/Facebook For now, the Prelude feels like it's suffering an identity crisis. It looks sporty, carries a historic name, and borrows enthusiast cues, yet its personality remains restrained. The inability to rev the engine while parked has simply become the latest symbol of that restraint. Still, all hope is not lost. Honda has left the door open for more focused variants down the line. 315-hp Prelude Type R rumors have been floating around. Even with electrification in the mix, this could shift the conversation entirely. Until then, the Prelude seems content being a stylish, efficient coupe for buyers who value refinement over excitement, even if that leaves enthusiasts wanting more. View the full article

Despite styling its New Defender in the image of the Classic Defender, JLR continues to offer limited-run special editions based on the original because it's, as the name suggests, such a classic. The most recent gives the old-school SUV paint from the Defender Octa, and as cool as it looks, it's priced like a 911 GT3 RS and has no additional performance over a regular Defender. But the alternative does. Meet the 2026 Osprey Custom 4x4 OC90. Resplendent in Fuji White, this one-off was built for the 2025 SEMA Show, and now the Corvette-powered luxury off-roader is looking for a new home. Best of all, buyers don't need to be on some special list, nor do they need the quarter-million dollars JLR begs for the abovementioned Octa-inspired Defender. C6 Corvette Engine is a Small Piece of a Beautiful Puzzle Osprey Custom 4x4 Under the hood of the OC90 (which is obviously based on a Defender 90) is a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated LS3 V8 engine, as was found in the C6 Corvette. It produces over 430 horsepower and more than 425 lb-ft of torque, and before it sends its power to heavy-duty axles through an LT230 transfer case and center diff (with the aid of a 6L80e six-speed automatic), it's brought to life with a Digital Guard Dawg PBS-X push-button ignition system. A dual-exit exhaust with satin black finishers completes the powertrain, while Terrafirma shocks and springs supported by caster-corrected arms slightly elevate the ride height and promise stable steering, respectively. Beefier front and rear disc brakes sit behind 18-inch Iconisus Forged ICON 7 wheels that are clearly inspired by Land Rover's own designs, and these are enveloped in Kenda Klever M/T2 tires that trace their roots to professional desert racing. That brings us to the body, which blends form with function superbly. Elegance and Ease of Use for a Relatively Low Price Osprey Custom 4x4 View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Fuji White paint of the body is repeated in the wheel arches and side steps, with the steel front bumper powder-coated to match. Therein, slim LED DRLs and proximity sensors help the driver avoid collisions, but if the driver chooses to risk scratching the paint by using the OC90 off-road, a yellow front skid plate protects the engine. Its color is repeated in the suspension arms, as well as the rally-inspired 3M vinyl graphics along the sides of the vehicle. The headlights are also LED items, this time smoked, and they're framed by a gloss black XS-style grille. At the back, a white NAS-style step bumper boasts a teakwood inlay. Other highlights include dual recovery points, a two-inch hitch receiver, and a multi-point roll cage with a Signature Autosports Twillfast soft top. Inside, the leather-rich cabin boasts a seven-inch infotainment system with a backup camera, wireless smartphone integration, and GPS, complemented by an eight-inch Rockford Fosgate sound system with an eight-inch Punch subwoofer facing the rear occupants, who sit on side-facing seats above a teak floor. Osprey Custom 4x4 View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article This OC90 only has testing and delivery miles on the odometer, so it's ready for the road, the trail, or whatever else the next owner has in mind. And remember the approximately $254,000 Classic Defender mentioned at the outset? Osprey's creation cuts more than a fifth from that price at $199,950. Sure, that's still a lot of money, but in the realm of one-offs, it's practically unheard of. Related: Land Rover Returns to Dakar With a Twin-Turbo V8 Defender Featuring ‘Flight Mode’ View the full article

Happy Holley Days are on, and their Black Friday deals were great. But, Happy Holley Days Black Friday deals only scratched the surface! If you want to take full advantage of the deals, now is the time. We’re talking about deals on ADS Shocks and Suspension, along with Holley EFI, Sniper EFI, Carburetors, Brakes, Intakes, Exhaust, Ignition, Brakes, Suspension, and so much more. With 70+ brands, Holley Performance Parts has got you covered. Don’t miss out! Use the link below to check out what they have on sale that you might need for your daily driver, hot rod, race car, or truck. CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE HAPPY HOLLEY DAYS DEALS The post Happy Holley Days Deals! ADS Shocks and Suspension Components are up to 30% Off! Get Your Holley Brand Deals Right Here! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Since at least 2020, BMW was rumored to be preparing a new range-topping ultra-luxury SUV called the X8. As it turned out, this would actually be the XM, the M division's first standalone product since the fabled M1. Unfortunately, this hasn't been a great success, with already low sales of the XM falling dramatically this year. But apparently, BMW hasn't given up on its dreams of attracting Bentayga buyers, and this time, it may get the opulent SUV's positioning and style right. The automaker has filed a new trademark with the European Union Intellectual Property Office for the name XB8, indicating that BMW's next attempt at bringing Bentley buyers in is likely to wear an Alpina badge. No Room for Two Ultra-Fancy SUVs BMW If the XB8 trademark is indeed a hint of things to come, we suspect that the XM may be completely discontinued as a badge after just one generation (G09). Not only would too many options make choices tough for buyers, but it's likely that BMW would want us all to forget the XM ever happened. As mentioned, this was positioned as M's first standalone M car in decades, and BMW went to great lengths to ensure the world's press was aware that the XM featured the first road-going application of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid found in the BMW M Hybrid V8 LMDh racer. Sadly, road tests revealed that, while the seating was luxurious and comfortable, the overly stiff suspension designed to deal with the heavy architecture made it difficult to enjoy the fancy interior to the full. The XM is neither comfortable nor sporty enough to justify either brief. Moreover, while BMW's intentionally divisive contemporary styling has worked with mainstay M products like the M2, M3, and M4, the XM has been broadly shunned. Therefore, it makes sense to let the XM fade away. What the BMW Alpina XB8 Might Offer BMW As disappointing as the XM has been, it's unlikely that BMW would start over completely from scratch. We predict that the basic architecture of the XM will carry over to the XB8, if it becomes a production model, but this time, the SUV will have Buchloe flavor. In other words, it'll be more comfortable than the XM ever was and feature Alpina-specific styling elements. Think multi-spoke wheels, a subtle body kit, more power, and gorgeous green or blue paint, for example. There's only one flaw in this logic. Alpina has always built cars based on existing Bimmers, and there's no BMW X8 - at least, not yet. As noted by CarBuzz, this may simply be a case of the Bavarians retaining an iteration of the X8 trademark they have held, but never used, since 1998 (a year before entering the SUV game with the E53 X5). But with BMW pushing further upmarket with limited editions like the Skytop and Speedtop, and with the company acquiring the rights to the Alpina name in 2022 with plans to use those rights from 2026, anything could happen. View the full article

Andy Mcpherson didn't want to build your average GMC Syclone. His truck is powered by a Ford Coyote engine. View the full article

Porsche is reportedly reworking the next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman platform so it can carry gasoline engines as well as electric power, rowing back from the original plan to make the next 718 family EV-only. Instead of using a dedicated electric architecture just once, Stuttgart is said to be engineering a flexible “EV-first” structure that can support both battery-electric and combustion powertrains across the range, not just in a limited halo model. Porsche From EV-only to EV and Gas Side by SideThe original brief for the next 718 line was straightforward: retire today’s gas-powered Boxster and Cayman and replace them with battery-electric successors on a new, low-slung sports-car version of Porsche’s EV hardware. That would have left the 911 as the last combustion-powered Porsche sports car, while the 718 moved fully into electric territory. According to new reports, slowing EV demand, tougher market conditions and strong customer appetite for ICE sports cars have pushed Porsche into a strategic rethink. Rather than offering just a final run-out of combustion specials, the idea now is to keep gas engines available throughout the next 718 range, sold alongside full EVs on the same basic platform. It mirrors what Porsche is already doing at the top of its line-up, where the 911 continues to anchor the brand’s combustion identity with special editions. The Engineering Headache of Putting Engines Back InTurning a clean-sheet EV platform into something that can also carry an engine is not a small job. The 718’s next architecture was designed around a structural battery pack, with no provision for a fuel tank, exhaust system or a conventional transmission tunnel. Reintroducing an engine means Porsche’s engineers now have to create a new floor structure that remains stiff without relying on the battery, find space for a mid-mounted powerplant and gearbox, and package a tank and exhaust within crash and noise regulations. That work extends into the rear subframe, bulkhead and suspension pick-up points, because weight distribution, cooling and impact performance all change once you drop a flat-four or flat-six behind the seats instead of a big slab of cells. It is effectively a second development cycle on a platform that was already well advanced, but Porsche appears to have decided that the cost is worth it if it keeps core 718 buyers on-side. Porsche How it Fits Porsche’s Wider Performance StrategyPorsche is not backing away from electrification; it is adding a gas branch to an EV-first program. The updated Taycan arriving later in the decade will debut a “virtual transmission” that simulates gearshifts through software and torque control. That shows how seriously the company is taking the job of giving electric cars some of the rhythm and involvement usually provided by a manual or dual-clutch box. At the same time, enthusiast builds and classic-focused projects underline how much appetite there still is for mechanical, high-revving Porsches. Bringing petrol engines back into the next 718 platform gives Porsche room to serve those customers directly, while EV versions of the same car carry the technology story forward. If the reported plan sticks, the next Boxster and Cayman generation will become a test case for whether a single sports-car architecture can keep both sides happy: drivers who want silent, instant electric shove and those who still want a mid-engined Porsche that smells of fuel and revs to the red line. View the full article

Just when you think that the bracket racing season has got to be over, there are still more big money bracket races going on! Starting Tuesday, the Immokalee Regional Raceway hosts their Winter Warmup which will last for several days and make some racers VERY happy before Christmas. With a minimum of $10k to win, there is real money on the line. Video Description: Immokalee, FL – If you’re looking for a great opportunity for some big dollar bracket racing, look no further than Immokalee Regional Raceway’s Winter Warmup. With 4 days of $25K to win coupled with a $52K winners purse on Friday, it’s a great opportunity to closeout the year with some extras cash in your pocket for Christmas! There are bonuses for no box winner each day of $2,000, plus the back tire battle where someone will walk away with $4500! Is that everything, nope. Got a name on your car, meet the requirements on the flyer and win up to an additional $5K depending on the day. The post FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: The Immokalee Regional Raceway’s Winter Warmup Big Money Bracket Races – Tuesday $25,000 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

One of the most vocal critics of Tesla's camera-based sensors, used for its semi-autonomous driving systems, has been forced to eat humble pie. Not long ago, Luminar Technologies CEO Austin Russell appeared to be on top of the world. In 2020, he took the company he founded in 2012 as a 17-year-old public, becoming the world's youngest self-made billionaire (at the time) in the process. In the same year, his company landed a massive contract to supply Volvo with lidar systems from 2022 onward, and once deliveries to the automaker famous for safety began, he started talking about why rivals - specifically Tesla - could not compete, saying that Elon Musk's company had "no credible path" to true self-driving technology. Whether that was an accurate claim or not, Musk is having the last laugh, as Luminar has just filed for bankruptcy, where Russell is no longer CEO. What Luminar's CEO Said About Tesla Luminar In a November 2022 interview with Top Gear, Russell argued that although the fundamental camera-based systems Tesla favors were "fine," Musk was trying to "cash in [the credibility of a great EV company] on things that don't make any sense [...] when it comes to an assisted autonomous driving perspective." In a nutshell, he was saying that, as good as an optic system might be in many scenarios, lidar and radar can see through fog and dense mist, looking further than any human eye or even any car-mounted camera can. Using all available technology is the only way to be safe, he argued. Related: Rivian’s Real Tesla Killer May Be a Chip, Rather Than a Car Fundamentally, it's tough to dispute his point of view, which is why the likes of Waymo and automakers such as Volkswagen and Mercedes rely on multiple sources of information, including cameras, lidar, and radar. Granted, even the world's most advanced robotaxis crash, so no system is perfect, but Russell's argument is fair. Unfortunately for Luminar, it appears that Volvo wasn't all that impressed by the tech his company was supplying. More accurately, it was dissatisfied with the supply thereof. Why Luminar is in Big Trouble James Riswick/Autoblog Last month, Volvo had curiously planned to make lidar an optional extra from 2026, but then it said that, "to meet customer demand and due to limited supply of the lidar hardware, production of cars without lidar starts already in 2025." Later, the Swedish automaker clarified, saying it "has decided to remove the lidar sensor from its EX90 and ES90 cars and discontinue its relationship with supplier Luminar," adding that it "made this decision to limit the company's supply chain risk exposure." To be more blunt, Volvo said this decision was "a direct result of Luminar's failure to meet its contractual obligations to Volvo Cars." Luminar responded with a lawsuit against Volvo. Volvo Although the company also made deals with Polestar, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and even Tesla, its biggest customer was, by far, Volvo. There were already signs of trouble last year, when Luminar laid off roughly 20% of its workforce, and in May of this year, when Russell suddenly resigned after Luminar's board of directors opened a "code of business conduct and ethics" inquiry against him. As noted by Jalopnik, CFO Thomas Fennimore also resigned after Volvo and Luminar parted ways. Finding a way out of this hole will not be easy, but according to TechCrunch, Russell now wants to buy Luminar; an SEC filing reveals that his new company, Russell AI Labs, intends to buy all of the outstanding shares of Luminar's Class A Common Stock. View the full article

Spirit of (Too Much) EcstasyThere is a plethora of car brands nowadays that claim "ultimate luxury," but none have the provenance or the history of Rolls-Royce. Throughout its storied life, the British brand has always exuded uncompromising and effortless class. With a reputation like that, you'd think potential buyers would be satisfied with the current offerings or the existing bespoke options offered by Rolls-Royce. In some instances, however, buyers want more, and that's where Mansory comes in, a customization company founded in 1989 that has risen to become the go-to for over-the-top – and if we're going to be completely honest – really tacky luxury builds. duPont Registry Creme De la Creme Mansory is responsible for some of the loudest custom builds on the market, and one of its creations has just hit the market. Listed on the duPont Registry by EuroCar is a 2026 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Mansory for $899,999, which is actually affordable for this type of vehicle. Some can go as high as $1,000,000, depending on the build's rarity. This particular model appears to be based on the Cullinan II package. Here are some of the (costly) headline upgrades according to the listing: Rear Theater Configuration ($9,600), Shooting Star Headliner ($8,800), exterior color in Tempest Grey, interior color in Forge Yellow/Black Colored seat piping Black ($5,000), and a bespoke interior. That interior also features monogrammed seats, a picnic table, and a comfort entry system. Other features include a full, wider, more imposing body kit that is constructed from full carbon fiber. These composite materials rework the design of the Cullinan in such a way that only the basic design remains, with the whole kit reimagining a Cullinan as opposed to just enhancing it. Rounding out the design are the FD.15 24-inch Fully Forged Wheels, a subtle touch of bling. duPont Registry View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article A Somewhat Palatable BuildCompared to other Mansory-built vehicles, this particular example is actually quite tame. Apart from the striking body kit, the color scheme and combinations are relatively normal, making this a somewhat strong choice for someone looking for a hint of uniqueness without drawing (too much) attention. Well, as little attention as a Rolls-Royce Cullinan can draw. duPont Registry View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Inverting the field always makes for fun side by side racing action, great passing, and invariably some drama. It also can cause some carnage if the drivers in the rear of the pack, who qualified better than the rest of the field, get impatient and tear things up on their way toward the front. In the video below you are going to see one of the most iconic muscle cars ever to turn corners, the famed Boss 302 Ford Mustang, reeling in the rest of the field after an inverted start. Going from 18th to 1st is certainly fun to watch! Video Description: From 18th on the grid to P1 in just 3 laps! Ride onboard in my 1970 Boss 302 Mustang for one of the most efficient charges through the field I’ve ever experienced at Goodwood. This is the full onboard from the 2024 Gordon Spice Sprint at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting, where the grid was reversed after the previous day’s hour-long race — putting us all the way back in 18th position to start the sprint. With Group 1 muscle cars everywhere — Camaros, Mustangs, Capris and more — this race turned into a flat-out chase from start to finish. Clean overtakes, tight door-to-door racing, and proper V8 noise all the way to the front. If you enjoy historic touring cars, classic muscle cars, raw onboard footage and proper Goodwood battles, this one delivers. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel — more historic racing uploads coming soon. The post Go In Car With A Boss 302 Mustang At Goodwood As They Start 18th And Go All The Way To #1 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article