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From Africa’s Wild Heart to Canada’s Untamed Backroads Some stories begin with a spark. Ours began with a sunrise over the African savannah. In 2009, on two separate adventures through Malawi, Abbie and Sam crossed paths, two wanderers drawn to the same call of the wild. Africa had captured their hearts: its vast, untamed landscapes, its raw beauty, its vibrant, unshakable spirit. It was a place that taught them what adventure really meant, not just traveling far, but diving deep into the unknown. Roots in the Wild During those early years in Malawi, Sam worked for a safari travel company, a role that perfectly married his two passions: keeping complex logistics running seamlessly and venturing into the most remote corners of the continent. Abbie, ever the creative force, shared his love of the outdoors and an unrelenting curiosity for life off the beaten path. Together, they discovered that adventure was not just a pastime, it was their way of life. But even the wild calls for evolution. Building Something FarOut Their first foray into entrepreneurship came with FarOut Property, a company that, like all great ventures, didn’t follow a straight path. What began as an events business quickly evolved to fill a growing need in the market. Leveraging their hands-on skills and problem-solving grit, Abbie and Sam expanded into maintenance, contracting, and construction services. It was their first taste of building something from the ground up — literally. And yet, true adventurers are never still for long. A New Frontier: Canada In 2018, a new adventure was calling. With permanent residency approved and a baby on the way, the couple packed up their lives in Africa and set their sights on British Columbia, Canada, a land defined by its towering mountains, wild coastlines, and endless backcountry. On a reconnaissance trip the year before, Abbie had been struck by how vast and rugged British Columbia was, and how little of it could be accessed by visitors. Most RVs and campers were built for highways, not the hidden trails and forest roads that stretched into the wilderness. For Sam and Abbie, the realization was instant. With their background in off-road exploration, love for remote adventures, and the restless drive of entrepreneurs, FarOut Wilderness was born, an overland rental company designed to unlock Canada’s wild heart for everyone. Resilience in the Rough The road was anything but smooth. In 2019, the first truck hit the trail, a proof of concept that validated their vision. They were ready to expand in 2020… and then the world stopped. As the COVID-19 pandemic brought global travel to a standstill, their young business faced the unthinkable: zero revenue, and an uncertain future. But Abbie and Sam had learned long ago that the best adventures require adaptability. So, they pivoted, launching Vancouver Island Roof Top Tents, a sister company offering premium overland gear sales and rentals. That creative detour didn’t just keep them afloat, it strengthened their foundation. It reminded them that every obstacle is an invitation to innovate. The Journey Continues Fast-forward to 2025, and FarOut Wilderness is thriving. With three locations — in Victoria, Vancouver, and Calgary, the company continues to make Canada’s backroads accessible to adventurers from around the world. Their mission remains simple but powerful: To help people reconnect with nature, travel with intention, and experience the beauty of Canada’s wild spaces, up close and unfiltered. Why We Travel This Way Because this is where it all began. It’s how Abbie and Sam fell in love. It’s how they honeymooned. It’s how they stay grounded. For them, and for everyone who joins the FarOut family, overland travel isn’t about escaping life, it’s about returning to what truly matters. It’s the feeling of being present, surrounded by nature’s vastness, sharing stories around a campfire, and waking up to the sound of wind through the trees. They believe, and we believe, that the best journeys aren’t planned to perfection. They unfold naturally, one dusty road and spontaneous detour at a time. So, here’s to the wild places. Here’s to the explorers. Here’s to going FarOut. The post The FarOut Wilderness Origin Story appeared first on Far Out Wilderness. View the full article

Suzuki GSX-8TT Review Suzuki has been building on the momentum of its new parallel-twin platform for a couple of years now. After the naked GSX-8S, the adventure V-Strom 800DE, and the sporty GSX-8R, the brand has now reached back into its own heritage to deliver something different. The GSX-8TT is as much about character as […] The post Suzuki GSX-8TT Review – Nicely done retro from Suzuki ridden and rated appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

2025 Harley-Davidson Christmas Gift Guide Harley has all the gift ideas this Christmas, whether you’re thinking motorbike accessories, stylish Harley apparel for the fashion-forward, or safety gear to protect what matters, with a range of great glove options. Head into your local Harley-Davidson dealership, or check out the Harley-Davidson Australia website for more info. Harley […] The post Huge 2025 Harley-Davidson Christmas Gift Guide – It’s massive! appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

2025 Kawasaki Christmas Gift Guide Kawasaki have announced the arrival of their all-new Apex range, a fresh collection of lifestyle apparel and accessories designed for fans, riders, and gift-givers this holiday season. This premium range offers a blend of style, comfort, and Kawasaki identity, perfect for editorial features, gift guides, lifestyle pages, and social amplification. […] The post Kawasaki’s new Apex range leads Christmas Gift Guide appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Lessons learned from a decade of rental experience When you send fully equipped vehicles into Colorado’s backcountry week after week, you learn what works — and what doesn’t — faster than just about anyone. This year, we’ve taken a close look at the ongoing overlanding gear evolution and how those changes affect what actually works in a real-world rental environment. Every season brings a new wave of innovations in overlanding gear, but running a rental fleet means you don’t have the luxury of chasing fads. Everything we add has to survive real-world use from guests of all experience levels and still be standing strong at the end of the season. That’s how our gear lineup at Peak Overland has evolved — not through glossy product launches or YouTube reviews, but through thousands of miles of actual field testing by people living the adventure. The Setup Revolution: From Fabric Tents to Fast Camps We started with the classic soft-shell rooftop tents — the kind with heavy fabric, zippered travel covers, and setup routines that looked like origami in the wind. They worked, but they were time-consuming. Add a little dust or cold weather, and suddenly those zippers felt like they were fighting back. When we upgraded to iKamper’s hardshell designs, first the 2.0 and now the 3.0, it was a total game changer. Guests can be unpacked and ready in minutes, and the built-in lighting and insulation make a noticeable difference at higher elevations. The flip side is that the hard shells are heavier, so we had to rethink mounting height and aerodynamics to keep fuel economy reasonable. We also phased out extras that sounded good on paper — like annex rooms — after realizing most guests never used them. The goal has become simplicity and speed: less fiddling, more exploring. Rethinking the Camp Kitchen Early on, our kitchen setups looked like every overland build video: slide-out drawers, neatly mounted stoves, and fridges on heavy-duty sliders. They looked fantastic and worked well for solo travel, but we quickly learned that what’s ideal for a personal rig doesn’t always translate to rentals. Large drawer systems take up valuable interior space — especially when guests arrive with a mountain of luggage. And since these same vehicles double as ski rentals in winter, we prefer the flexibility of removing bulky drawer systems and keeping interiors modular. Balancing what’s included in the rental against the space travelers need for their own belongings is always a challenge, and minimizing fixed gear creates more freedom for guests to pack comfortably. Most of our rigs now run a 12V fridge/freezer powered by a lithium station, and we’ve been experimenting with electric induction cooktops instead of propane. They’re clean, safe, and consistent even at altitude — but they do come with trade-offs. Running stoves, lights, fridges, and devices off a power station means guests need to understand how to manage battery levels. Solar sounds like an easy fix, but in practice it often isn’t. Solar panels add more gear to set up, more steps to teach, and another system for guests to monitor and remember. Most travelers move camps daily, park in shade, or arrive after dark — and solar simply doesn’t fit naturally into that routine. It becomes one more thing to think about when what guests really want is simplicity. For that reason, we’re gradually moving toward vehicle-integrated charging, where the power station recharges automatically while driving. Combined with lightweight kitchen kits, nesting cookware, and simplified utensils, our goal is to deliver comfort without complication — and to do it without swallowing all the cargo space. Lessons from the Trail: Power Steps That Didn’t Survive We also experimented early on with powered side steps that doubled as rock sliders. It was a clever idea in theory — extra protection on the trail and easier access for guests getting in and out. But in real rental use, they didn’t survive even one season. Mud and dust caused the motors to bind up, and Colorado’s winter snow and ice finished them off. By spring, most sets were barely functioning. We removed them and switched to fixed steps instead. They may not be ideal for hardcore rock crawling, but for a rental environment — especially with families who need a safe, stable foothold — the fixed steps have been far more reliable. They work every time, no matter how dirty they get. Awnings: Great in Theory, Tough in Reality Awnings fall into the same “looks great on paper” category. For personal overlanders, they’re fantastic — instant shade, rain protection, and a great spot to cook or relax. Naturally, we equipped many of our early rentals with them. But we learned quickly that awnings and rentals don’t mix well. Almost every other trip, rigs came back with awnings incorrectly stowed, zippers torn, legs bent, or swing arms twisted from wind or improper setup. We went through several awnings during our first few years before finally removing them from the fleet. We even tested a 270-degree awning, which is simpler and faster to deploy — but the feedback surprised us: guests rarely used them. As trip lengths have shortened — averaging 3 days this past season compared to 5 days nearly a decade ago — speed and simplicity have become the priority. People want to get to camp, pop the tent, and enjoy the view, not spend extra time deploying gear they might only use briefly. Awnings are still great for personal rigs. But for rentals? They turned out to be more trouble than they’re worth. When Less Really Is More One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned running a rental fleet is that more gear doesn’t automatically equal a better experience. In fact, the opposite is often true. Including too much equipment can overwhelm guests, take up precious cargo room, and create a maze of items they don’t end up using. Extra gear also means more setup, more instructions, more maintenance, and more pieces that can get lost or broken — often without adding real value to the trip. We’ve learned to be thoughtful and intentional about every item we include. If it doesn’t consistently improve guest experience, simplify camp life, or enhance safety, it probably doesn’t belong in the vehicle. When Less Gear Means More Safety One of the biggest lessons we learned the hard way was about recovery gear. In our early seasons, some of our rigs came equipped with winches and kinetic ropes. They seemed like smart upgrades — after all, that’s what you’d want on a personal rig, right? The problem was experience. We had a few guests get injured trying to use winches without proper training. Nothing catastrophic, but enough to rethink our approach. It was a wake-up call that safety matters more than capability in a rental environment. Today, we focus on the essentials that anyone can use confidently: traction boards, CO₂ tanks for tire refills, tire repair kits, recovery straps, and first-aid gear. If you know how to use a winch safely, you probably already own your own setup. But if you’re renting an overland vehicle for the first time, our job is to keep you safe, not to hand you tools that can turn dangerous fast. As I often tell guests: “On a personal rig, a winch makes sense. On a rental, it’s one bad decision away from a trip-ending injury.” Power and Connectivity: Balancing Technology with Escape Overlanding is supposed to be an escape — a chance to unplug, slow down, and enjoy the quiet that’s so hard to find in daily life. But for some travelers, completely disconnecting isn’t an option. Remote workers, international visitors, and families checking in from the mountains all need at least a thread of connectivity. That’s why we recently began offering Starlink as an optional add-on for select rentals. It’s not something we push — in fact, we encourage guests to put their phones down — but for those who need to stay reachable, it’s a reliable solution that keeps the adventure within reach. In the same spirit, our power systems keep evolving. We’re moving toward lithium-based power stations that can recharge automatically from the vehicle, keeping fridges cold and devices charged without constant babysitting. The line between comfort and self-sufficiency is getting thinner, and we’re working to strike the right balance. Designing for Real Use, Not Photos If there’s a unifying theme behind all these changes, it’s that real-world use beats theory every time. We’ve swapped out cheap traction boards that cracked in the cold, rethought interior layouts to make luggage loading easier, and added LED scene lighting that actually matters when you’re setting up camp after dark. We’ve learned that durable, intuitive gear outperforms flashy gadgets every time. Renters may not notice the brand of shovel, but they always remember when setup was easy, when everything worked, and when the gear made their trip smoother instead of more complicated. Everything You Need — and Nothing You Don’t It’s easy to overload a rig with every gadget the internet says you “need.” The harder part is refining it down to what truly improves the experience. For us, that process has taken years of testing, guest feedback, and honest reflection. Every piece of equipment in our 2026 fleet has earned its place — whether it’s a tent that cuts setup time in half, a power system that runs silently through the night, or the absence of a winch that could cause more harm than good. That’s what Adventure Ready™ really means to us: not the most gear, but the right gear. The Road Ahead Our fleet will keep evolving because every season teaches us something new. In 2026 and beyond, we’re keeping a close eye on several trends shaping the future of backcountry travel — from lighter, more compact gear that keeps rigs nimble, to smarter vehicle-integrated power systems that simplify energy management without relying on solar setups in the field. Modular camp equipment is also gaining traction, allowing travelers to tailor their loadout to the length and purpose of their trip. And while electric vehicle overlanding is still in its early days, it’s a space we’re watching carefully as charging infrastructure expands into more rural areas. Combine that with rapid improvements in satellite communication — from compact safety beacons to full Starlink systems — and the next decade of overlanding is going to look very different from the last. Whatever direction the industry takes, our focus will stay the same: building rigs that make adventure more accessible, not more complicated. Whether you’re the type to disconnect completely or someone who just needs a bit of signal to send a photo home, the experience should feel effortless. Come see what’s new for 2026 — every tent latch, power outlet, and storage bin in our rigs tells the story of the lessons we’ve learned along the way. View the full article

After days of rumors swirling around the NASCAR world, the Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press was able to confirm that Chris Gabehart has left Joe Gibbs Racing on Wednesday. Joe Gibbs Racing has made no statement regarding Gabehart's departure as of the writing of this story, nor has Gabehart spoken publicly on it. He is likely to continue working in the sport for another organization in ...Keep readingView the full article

History is awesome, and I love hearing about it. Whether it is World History or Racing History, it’s all cool to hear about it. And of course we all love a historic race car that has been kept in racing condition for decades, but when pieces of history, like this Sox and Martin built Pro Stock Dodge Demon, are found and brought back to life it really is something special. Check out this Hot Rod Hoarder video to see the whole story behind this bad boy. The post This PRO STOCK Dodge Demon built by Sox & Martin Is Historical Awesomeness. Check Out How It Was Found And Restored. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Many Ford truck owners want both a secure bed cover and the ability to run a functional bed rack for hauling gear, rooftop tents, bikes, recovery tools, and overlanding equipment. The challenge is that not all bed covers and bed racks work together, and choosing the wrong combination leads to interference, leaks, and wasted money. This guide highlights the best bed covers, bed racks, and compatible systems for real-world use throughout St. Louis.  For more Ford upgrade resources, visit our upgrades guide. 1. Why Bed Cover Compatibility Matters Tonneau covers vary in height, rail width, hinge design, and mounting methods. Many popular models block the ability to mount racks or accessories. Common Problems From Incorrect Bed Cover Choice Racks that can’t mount due to rail design Covers that leak at the corners Interference when opening or closing Loss of bed space Excessive wind noise 2. Best Bed Covers for Rack Compatibility These bed covers work well with both low-profile and full-height bed rack systems. Recommended Compatible Covers Retractable covers with T-slot rails Low-profile hard covers Folding covers with perimeter-mounted rails Aluminum covers supportive enough for crossbars These options create a modular platform for additional gear. If your truck is set up for off-road or camping gear, explore our guide. 3. Best Bed Rack Options for Ford Trucks Ford F-150 and Super Duty platforms offer numerous bed rack systems designed for outdoor equipment, work tools, and full overlanding setups. Popular Bed Rack Types Mid-height racks for rooftop tents Adjustable bed racks Full-height utility racks Bed-rail-mounted cargo systems Choosing the correct rack ensures proper fitment with your chosen bed cover. 4. Ideal Bed Cover + Rack Combinations Some setups are designed to work together from the start. Proven Combinations Retractable T-slot cover + modular rack Low-profile hard cover + adjustable uprights Folding cover + perimeter rack system These provide security, weather protection, and strong gear-hauling capability. 5. Installation Quality Matters Bed accessories require exact alignment to avoid leaks and interference. Professional Installation Ensures Clean mounting Proper sealing Rack alignment Even load distribution Rattle-free operation This extends the life of both your bed cover and rack system. Conclusion Ford F-150 and Super Duty owners in St. Louis can run a secure bed cover and a functional bed rack as long as the system is chosen and installed correctly. A compatible combination gives you weather protection, storage flexibility, and the ability to haul camping gear or tools without compromise. For a full overview of Ford truck upgrades, check out our guide. View the full article

Ford trucks have become some of the most popular platforms for overlanding in Missouri. Whether it's weekend trips through Mark Twain National Forest or long-distance travel across the Midwest, the F-150, F-250, and F-350 offer excellent payload, comfort, and off-road capability. The right upgrades make these trucks even more capable for self-supported travel.  This guide outlines the essential overlanding upgrades for Ford truck owners in St. Louis, from racks and storage to armor, lighting, power management, and recovery gear. For more Ford upgrade categories, check out our upgrades guide. 1. Why Ford Trucks Excel at Overlanding Ford trucks provide a strong foundation for overlanding due to: Excellent payload ratings Strong suspension platforms Large bed space for gear Reliable drivetrain options Factory 4x4 systems suited for mixed terrain But even the most capable trucks benefit from upgrades. 2. Bed Rack and Gear Storage Systems Keeping gear organized and accessible is critical. Recommended Storage Upgrades Modular bed rack systems Lockable cargo boxes Sliding bed trays Drawer systems for tools and recovery gear Rooftop tent–compatible racks Many truck owners combine storage with compatible bed covers. Click Here for more information. 3. Suspension Upgrades for Overlanding Ford trucks benefit from suspension tuned for added weight. Key Overland Suspension Components Load-rated rear springs Heavy-duty shocks Air bags for towing and load management Coilovers for improved front-end control For details on lift options, check our guide. 4. Lighting Upgrades for Night Trails Visibility is essential for night driving and campsite setup. Best Overlanding Lighting Upgrades Ditch lights for cornering Hood-mounted scene lights Rock lights for slow-speed terrain Rear camp lights Fog lights with wide beam patterns More lighting options here. 5. Power Management for Accessories Modern overlanding setups require power for refrigerators, lighting, radios, and tools. Recommended Electrical Upgrades Portable battery systems On-board dual battery setups Solar charging panels Power distribution modules Fuse-protected accessory wiring High-quality wiring reduces electrical risk during long trips. 6. Recovery Gear and Safety Essentials Being self-sufficient is part of the overlanding mindset. Essential Recovery Tools Soft shackles Kinetic recovery rope Traction boards Tire repair kit On-board air compressor Recovery-rated tow points These basics ensure safe travel in remote areas. Conclusion Ford F-150 and Super Duty trucks offer a rock-solid base for overlanding across Missouri and beyond. With the right upgrades for storage, suspension, lighting, and power, St. Louis owners can build reliable adventure-ready rigs suited for trails and long-distance exploration. For additional Ford upgrade information, see our guide. View the full article

Ford truck owners across St. Louis love modifying their F-150, F-250, and F-350 models. But not every upgrade pays off. Some mods cause ride issues, interfere with daily use, or don’t work well with Missouri weather and terrain. This guide highlights the most common Ford truck upgrades owners regret — and better alternatives that deliver reliable performance. See our full overview of Ford-related upgrades. 1. Cheap Lighting Kits That Fail Quickly Low-cost LED headlights and bars often fail when exposed to moisture and rough roads. Common Issues Water condensation Poor beam patterns Glare for oncoming traffic Electrical flicker Better Alternatives DOT-approved LED headlight systems High-quality fog light upgrades Performance-grade auxiliary lighting Learn more about lighting upgrades. 2. Oversized Lift Kits Without Supporting Components Tall lift kits can look impressive, but cause steering and towing issues when not matched with necessary geometry components. Common Problems Harsh ride Steering wander Axle misalignment (Super Duty) Reduced towing stability Better Approach Balanced 2–4 inch lift Caster-correcting radius arms Track bar upgrades Matched shocks Compare lift options here. 3. Huge Tires Without Regearing Installing 35–37 inch tires without regearing is a common mistake. Regrettable Symptoms Sluggish acceleration Constant downshifting Poor fuel economy Transmission strain Better Solution Regear to 4.10, 4.30, 4.56, or 4.88 depending on tire size More info on regearing. 4. Universal Bed Racks That Don’t Fit Well Universal racks often interfere with bed covers or don’t support the loads that Ford truck owners need. Common Problems Noise at highway speeds Poor fitment Rust-prone materials Interference with bed covers Better Approach Modular Ford-specific bed rack systems Compatible bed cover combinations Weatherproof installation Details on compatible bed cover combinations in our guide. 5. Overlanding Gear That Outweighs Actual Use Some owners buy rooftop tents, full camp kitchens, and solar setups, but rarely use them. Common Regrets Added weight Reduced MPG Less bed space Complicated setup Better Strategy Start with essential recovery tools Add lighting and bed storage Invest in tents or power systems when truly needed More realistic overlanding upgrades here. Conclusion Avoiding these common upgrade mistakes keeps your Ford F-150 or Super Duty driving smoothly and safely around St. Louis. With the right components and a clear plan, your truck becomes more capable without sacrificing comfort or reliability. For additional Ford truck upgrades , check out our guide. View the full article

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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