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Nobody could have guessed back in 2001 when The Fast and the Furious came out that it would turn into a franchise spanning over two decades, but we're finally approaching the end of the saga, with the name and release date of the eleventh film recently being announced on social media by producer and star Vin Diesel. According to his Instagram post, the final movie in the series will be called Fast Forever and open in cinemas on March 17 2028. Universal, the studio behind the franchise, confirmed the news that this will be the last film in the series. What We Know About the Last Fast & Furious Film Vin Diesel's post included a screengrab of himself and Paul Walker from the first film, and the latter's return has been teased by the former on several occasions. After Walker's tragic passing in 2013, computer-generated imagery and Paul's brother, Cody, were used to complete his scenes in Furious 7, and it's presumed that CGI will again play a role, likely with the help of AI, in bringing Walker's Brian O'Conner character back to the silver screen. Teasers in the credits of the last film, Fast X, revealed that Gal Gadot's character, Gisele, will also be somehow returning to the Fast family, despite appearing to die in Fast & Furious 6. Dwayne Johnson's Hobbs character will reappear, too, and Diesel says this final movie will be a return to street racing culture. He's also confirmed that the finale will be set in Los Angeles in an effort to return the franchise to its roots. Despite that, expect the unexpected. 'Fast Forever' Has Its Work Cut Out Vin Diesel/Instagram While street racing and an LA setting are positives that may help to ground the film, the series has set certain expectations. This grand finale will undoubtedly be full of over-the-top action, and if Diesel's proclamation at the end of last year proves true, Fast Forever will even have a cameo from soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. What role he will play is unclear, but with characters being brought back to life, past films including a trip to space and cars battling a tank, and a general ignorance of normality, no possibility is too ridiculous. And with a release date more than two years away, following several delays and budget disagreements, there's plenty of time for the film to spiral out of control, for better or worse. Returning the franchise to street racing will be tough after the last film ended on a cliffhanger that involved exploding self-driving trucks, Dom driving down a dam wall, and a submarine, but we're looking forward to seeing how the franchise finds its way back. Hopefully, a trailer will arrive before we all lose interest. View the full article

The Triumph parallel twin is more than just an engine; it is the structural and aesthetic heartbeat of the cafe racer movement. When the ton-up boys of the 1950s and 60s were looking for the ultimate combination of speed and style to blast between cafes, they reached for the Triumph Bonneville and T... View the full article

(Photos by Darr Hawthorne) • Dennis Troggio’s jaw-dropping 1955 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, built by the craftsmen at Type One Restoration, didn’t just turn heads at the Grand National Roadster Show—it owned the room, earning the 2026 Al Slonaker Memorial Award. In a field stacked with heavy hitters, Troggio’s Ghia emerged on top of 12 finalists that included a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette, a 1956 Plymouth Roadrunner, and a 1951 Studebaker Champion. Presented in honor of Al and Mary Slonaker—the visionaries who founded the Grand National Roadster Show in 1950—the Al Slonaker Memorial Award has recognized the show’s finest non-roadster since 1974. Along with the trophy, Troggio took home a $12,500 cash award from ARP Fasteners and a billet trophy that matched the build’s no-expense-spared mentality. Built over roughly four years, the Karmann Ghia was completely reengineered from the ground up. Nearly every body panel was reshaped or reimagined, including the fenders, doors, hood, and decklid. The wheel openings were modified and the quarter-panels stretched to swallow wider rubber, all while preserving the Ghia’s unmistakable silhouette. The custom dark green over olive green paint sets the tone, but it’s the details that stop you cold—custom-machined fasteners, one-off bolt heads, and brake rotors carved from solid 90-pound blocks of cast iron. Power comes from a 2.4-liter air-cooled flat-four, backed by a fortified transmission and limited-slip differential built to handle the added muscle. It’s equal parts art, engineering, and obsession—and the judges noticed. “The 76th annual Grand National Roadster Show demonstrated that the world of hot rodding and custom cars is as innovative and popular as ever,” said John Buck, owner of Rod Shows and producer of the event. “We were honored to have so many industry legends, historic cars, and groundbreaking builds fill the Fairplex this year. It was the perfect way to celebrate more than seven decades of this incredible show.” The post Al Slonaker Memorial Award To A ’55 VW At GNRS! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Kaulig Racing is set to become the anchor factory team for Ram as the Stellantis brand returns to NASCAR for the first time since the 2012 season. They will have five trucks, featuring Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley as full-time drivers. The fourth truck will feature a rotating cast of all-star drivers beginning with Tony Stewart, while the fifth truck will be awarded to the winner ...Keep readingView the full article

Here are the official results from Saturday’s Toyo Desert Challenge race, kicking off the 2026 King Of The Hammers 4-wheel events. The post KOH DESERT RACE UTV CLASS RESULTS appeared first on UTV Action Magazine. View the full article

There’s a difference between a great race and a great field. Wins come and go. Records get broken and eventually replaced. But when the margin between qualifying and going home shrinks to the point that elite teams are separated by thousandths of a second, something more meaningful is happening. That’s no longer about who won the weekend – it’s about how high the competitive ceiling of the sport has moved. That’s the conversation surrounding the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, and particularly Pro Mod at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Over the past several seasons – and especially across the first two races of the 2025-26 Winter Series – the numbers have reached a place drag racing has never been before. Not just faster. Not just deeper. But compressed to a degree that borders on absurd. Claims like that deserve proof. And when you lay the evidence out piece by piece, the conclusion becomes unavoidable. What’s happening in Pro Mod at the Winter Series isn’t just unprecedented – it’s unrivaled. 1. The Tightest Pro Mod Field Ever Assembled At the U.S. Street Nationals – Race 2 of the 2025-26 Drag Illustrated Winter Series – more than 70 Pro Mods fought for just 32 qualifying spots. When qualifying concluded, the top 32 cars were separated by just four hundredths of a second from No. 1 to the bump. Thirty-two cars. Four hundredths. An entire eliminations ladder compressed into a margin so small it’s barely visible on the time slip. Drag racing has never seen competition packed this tightly – not at this scale, not with this many legitimate race-winning teams involved, and not under a single set of conditions. 2. It Wasn’t a One-Off – It’s Been Building for Years This didn’t come out of nowhere. The competitive trajectory of the Winter Series has been climbing steadily since the World Series of Pro Mod first landed at Bradenton Motorsports Park in 2023. At that inaugural WSOPM, Mark Micke qualified No. 1 with a 3.598-second pass at more than 220 mph – the only driver in the 3.5-second range. The 32nd and final qualifying spot came at a 3.664, which at the time represented one of the deepest Pro Mod fields ever assembled. A year later, the inaugural Drag Illustrated Winter Series produced the same headlines – quickest field, tightest field, unprecedented depth. Now, two races into the 2025-26 season, those benchmarks have been eclipsed entirely. This wasn’t lightning in a bottle. It was escalation. Each season, each event, and each qualifying session has pushed the competitive ceiling higher. 3. Not Just the Tightest – the Quickest Field Ever, Period The U.S. Street Nationals produced the first-ever all 3.50-second Pro Mod field. Every car in the 32-car qualified field ran in the 3.50s. Micke’s 3.598 that qualified him No. 1 at the 2023 WSOPM wouldn’t have even made the show. Let that sink in. The bump spot came at 3.596 seconds, making it the quickest Pro Mod bump spot in history. There has never been a 16-car Pro Mod race – anywhere – with a 3.5-second bump. This was a 32-car field. Even more staggering? Five cars ran in the 3.50s and still failed to qualify. Running a 3.5x and going home is uncharted territory for this class. That single fact alone underscores how far the competitive ceiling has moved. 4. Depth That Extends Far Beyond the Bump Spot The insanity didn’t stop at No. 32. At the U.S. Street Nationals, the top 64 cars were separated by just over a tenth of a second. In practical terms, that means the difference between qualifying comfortably and loading up early was almost imperceptible – even with more than 70 elite Pro Mods on the property. At that level, qualifying isn’t about being good. It’s about being flawless. 5. It Surpasses Every Other Historical Benchmark The PDRA today represents some of the best doorslammer competition in the world. NHRA Pro Stock in the late 1990s and early 2000s? Legendary for its parity and intensity. Those eras absolutely deserve their place in drag racing history. But neither compares to what’s happening at Bradenton. Those benchmarks were built on smaller fields, larger spreads, or longer timelines. The Winter Series has combined massive entry counts, unprecedented speed, microscopic qualifying margins, and repeated escalation – all at once, all in the same place. There is no modern or historical equivalent that checks all those boxes simultaneously. 6. A Convergence of Elite Talent from Every Corner of the Sport This level of competition doesn’t happen without the drivers. Six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Erica Enders races Pro Mod almost exclusively at the Winter Series. Spencer Hyde is a former World Series of Pro Mod champion who went on to immediate success in NHRA Funny Car, yet never let go of his Pro Mod roots. Multi-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Antron Brown and former NHRA Pro Stock world champion Bo Butner have thrown their names into the hat. Aaron Stanfield and Dallas Glenn, both NHRA Pro Stock standouts, have joined the fold. Jim Whiteley and DJ Cox bring Top Alcohol Funny Car and Dragster pedigrees into the mix. Scott Palmer – one of drag racing’s most beloved personalities and a recent IHRA Top Fuel winner – remains one of the series’ most bankable stars. Layered into that is a growing contingent from Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings, a series that has produced some of the most recognizable and battle-hardened racers in the sport. Kye Kelley, winner of the 2024 Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, is a fixture at Bradenton. Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington continues to expand his Pro Mod presence. Racers like Robin Roberts and Scott Taylor have made the Winter Series a priority, and with persistent rumors circulating about Ryan Martin setting his sights on the World Series of Pro Mod later this month, the line between no-prep stardom and heads-up Pro Mod excellence continues to blur. Layer all of that over the established Pro Mod elite – Stevie Jackson, Jason Harris, Jimmy Taylor, Mark Micke, Jay Cox, Melanie Salemi, Ty Tutterow – and you get something exceedingly rare: true cross-disciplinary convergence at the highest level, all competing on the same surface, under the same rules, with nowhere to hide. 7. Qualifying Feels Like Eliminations At a Drag Illustrated Winter Series event, qualifying isn’t a warm-up. It’s survival. Every run matters. Every decision matters. Every mistake is punished immediately. There’s no hiding in the middle of the field and no margin for error. Drivers who routinely win elsewhere are fighting just to make the show. There may be other sports with deeper talent pools, bigger budgets, or wider television reach. But there is no form of motorsport – and arguably no form of competition, period – where this many elite competitors are compressed into such a microscopic performance window, all at the same time, on the same surface, chasing the same 32 spots. The Bottom Line The Drag Illustrated Winter Series hasn’t just raised the bar for Pro Mod drag racing. It has obliterated the old ceiling. And the World Series of Pro Mod isn’t just another race on the calendar – it’s the culmination of everything this series has been building toward. This is the new reality of Pro Mod drag racing. And it’s only happening at Bradenton. This story was originally published on February 2, 2026. The post 7 Reasons Why the Winter Series Has Rewritten the Competitive Ceiling in Drag Racing first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Legendarily NotoriousAutomotive icon status is usually given to a model or brand due to popularity, elegance, and reputation as a successful race or street car. On the other end of that spectrum are the notorious cars and brands that, while popular, aren't necessarily icons for all the right reasons. DeLorean is one such brand that mixes both the good and the bad sides of being an icon. It is rare to find a model like the DMC-12 that has the pop culture gravitas mixed with real-world horror stories. Whatever one feels about DeLorean and the DMC-12, it is undoubtedly one of the coolest cars ever conceived, and a very well-kept example has just been showcased. Genuinely PreservedThe classic car market is filled with all types of examples in various conditions of decay or pristine. Such is the weird world of automobile classics that some cars in barn-find condition fetch top dollar. However, the most sought-after condition is 'preserved,' which refers to cars that have been frozen in time in near-showroom condition, with minimal restoration. A preserved DeLorean DMC-12 has just been reintroduced to the modern world by the American Muscle Car Museum. MyClassicCarTV is a YouTube channel that focuses on... well, classics, and a few days ago posted a video featuring an immaculate DeLorean DMC-12 in all its stainless-steel glory. The car in question is a 1981 model (VIN #6775) purchased in 1982 with only 35 miles on the odometer. It has since stayed with the American Muscle Car Museum, with a still staggeringly low 187 miles since new. It retains the same unique 2.8-liter Renault-derived V6, with the shockingly low 138 hp, which begs the question as to why it has a spot in a Muscle Car Museum. The video in question was more of a test-drive showcase than anything else, and it highlighted the (first) good intentions of the DeLorean build, which was ultimately plagued by corner-cutting and backroom deals that dictated its doomed existence. In retrospect, though, the DMC-12 nailed the brief completely in terms of looks; it balances the out-of-this-world look of the future (in 80s minds) without necessarily sacrificing a rather beautiful form. The gullwing doors add the final touch of timeless cool that wins over every automotive enthusiast. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Looks Great and That's it...As nice as it is to put on the rose-tinted specs and stroll down memory lane with the DMC-12, this car is not for sale. However, for the sake of argument, if you get inspired to buy one, it must be said that the DMC-12's birth isn't the only issue it comes with; the car itself is ripe with certain faults. Many DeLorean owners report that the electronics are unreliable, the engine is severely underpowered, and, in some cases, the chassis rusts out due to poor build quality. That would be forgivable (somewhat) if parts were easy, but with a very short-lived life, only around 9,000 DMC-12's were ever built. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

There’s not much missing from Toyota’s extensive U.S. model lineup, but it doesn’t have a three-row electric SUV. That’s set to change on February 10, when the brand reveals its first Kia EV9 rival. The EV was first teased last week, showing nothing much more than a full-width rear lighting bar. But Toyota has now shown off the interior for the first time, which gives us our best look yet at the new family hauler. Airy Cabin Seats At Least Six Toyota The new interior teaser image reveals what appears to be a high-tech and spacious SUV. This example has a large glass roof and white upholstery, giving it a particularly airy look and feel. Second-row captain’s chairs with dedicated armrests should boost comfort in the back, and the third row is just about visible, too. In this configuration, it appears to seat six people, but there may be a seven-seater version too. In front, there’s a large touchscreen, possibly even bigger than the 14-inch display in the new bZ Woodland. A digital driver’s display is mounted closer to the steering wheel than the one in the two-row bZ Woodland. It looks like second-row passengers have access to their own climate controls, too. Toyota’s most comfortable three-row crossover is the Grand Highlander, so if this electric SUV matches that one’s interior, it will be a great family vehicle. Related: Toyota Has an Idea to Solve a Big EV Interior Problem No Confirmed Name Yet Toyota Toyota has not said what the new SUV will be called or shared any other details, beyond touting its “big energy” and “bigger versatility.” Its name will likely start with “bZ”, though, marking it as part of the Toyota electric bZ family. Currently, the brand has the compact bZ and midsize bZ Woodland. Considering that the bZ Woodland has dual motors, all-wheel drive, and 375 horsepower, we would not be surprised if the three-row model’s specifications match this. That should make it quicker than even the Grand Highlander with the 362-hp Hybrid Max powertrain. We do hope the range estimates are a bit better than the bZ Woodland’s maximum of 260 miles, though. Why It Matters T Any segment Toyota enters for the first time is a big deal. The Japanese marque has the brand clout to succeed almost anywhere, so this is a potentially significant threat to the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, two of the few three-row electric SUVs outside the luxury segment. On the downside, many manufacturers are scaling back their EV plans just as Toyota is rolling out new fully electric models. This U.S.-built Toyota EV won’t benefit from the tax credit either, as that was scrapped at the end of September 2025. Looking at a rival like the EV9, its sales declined by 31.6% last year, despite it still being a fairly fresh product. Furthermore, Toyota’s first modern EV, the bZ (previously bZ4X), hasn’t exactly been a sales hit. So, while the new SUV has a few odds stacked against it, we wouldn’t bet against Toyota generating significant interest in the electric three-row family-hauler segment. Related: Toyota Is Charging $5,000 More Than Subaru for the Same EV View the full article

Devin Vanderhoof is ready to unleash his latest drag-and-drive monster. "Reddi Whip" is one sick twin turbo S550 Mustang. View the full article

GT-R Godfather: As Nissan Faces Financial Pressure, e-Power Is Still About Driving Feel Nissan enters its next technology cycle under financial strain, amid cost cuts, restructuring, and uneven global performance. Still, as e-Power readies for the U.S., the company is positioning it as more than a survival move. Speaking at the 2026 Philippine Nissan Festival, Hiroshi Tamura, longtime chief product specialist of the Nissan GT-R R35, said e-Power was engineered around the same principle that defined the GT-R: controlled, confidence-building acceleration. Tamura is direct about where driving excitement comes from. It is not peak output. It is how torque is delivered. During the R35’s development, Nissan relied on electronic boost control to shape acceleration. Boost was never released all at once. It was built progressively, so the driver always knew what was coming. Tamura says e-Power applies that same logic, replacing turbo boost control with electric motor and inverter management. Leroy Marion/Autoblog e-Power Is Not a Conventional HybridNissan e-Power works fundamentally differently from the hybrids most American buyers know. The gasoline engine never drives the wheels. It only generates electricity. The electric motor alone provides propulsion. That architecture allows Nissan to manage acceleration entirely through software and electronics. Tamura says the link between the R35 GT-R and Nissan’s e-Power isn’t peak output, but how torque is delivered. “The R35 GT-R’s boost control is fully electronic. Peak power is easy to make, but what matters is how torque rises. It must come smoothly, not suddenly, but still be strong." The GT-R’s fully electronic boost control prioritized smooth, progressive torque over big peak numbers, using smaller turbos for stronger low-speed response and consistent acceleration. "That same philosophy applies to e-Power. Electronics allow us to shape power delivery so acceleration is controllable, especially in low-speed regions. The turbo on the R35 was never the biggest—we focused on usable torque and dynamic feel." Leroy Marion/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A Shared Engineering DNA With the GT-RThe connection between e-Power and the GT-R is not philosophical alone. The system was originally developed under drivetrain chief Naoki Nakada, who also contributed to the VR28DETT. "He was thinking about this philosophy during our R35 development. In both cases, Nissan focused on early torque, predictable delivery, and controllability across different driving conditions." Nissan has already rolled out e-Power overseas in models like the Nissan Rogue and Nissan Kicks, though the system has yet to reach the U.S. Tamura sees it as a bridge between EVs and combustion. He supports electrification, but believes performance cars should remain fuel-powered. “This is a very important idea, DNA and philosophy again. GT-R engineers think of power like this. It’s very natural and emotional,” he said, adding that it is “not like the ‘T’ companies or some Americans”—a pointed dig at Toyota and more conventional U.S. hybrid systems. Leroy Marion/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Recall That Started ItIn December 2021, Mitsubishi issued a recall for the 2022 Outlander due to hoods fluttering at higher speeds. The root cause was the lack of reinforcements at the trailing edge of the panel. As the vehicle picks up speed, air being sucked into the engine bay flutters the hood, increasing the risk of it opening while in motion. The solution was to replace the hood with one that included extra reinforcement in the form of a pair of head bolts at the latch. A new weather strip was also included in the recall fix. However, affected customers were not happy with Mitsubishi's solution. Mitsubishi The LawsuitSome affected customers claimed that the hoods still fluttered at speed. At the same time, there were those who claimed that the replacement hoods they received did not match the color of the vehicle. Per the class-action lawsuit, the fix "did not entirely eliminate the Hood Defect." The affected owners have also mentioned that their Outlanders have taken a significant hit in fuel economy due to the turbulence under the hood. Mitsubishi has since denied that the panels are defective. Years after the class-action suit was launched, a settlement has been reached, although it seems that those who filed it won't be getting much out of it. NHTSA/Mitsubishi The SettlementFor all the trouble, the owners will be getting another hood replacement if the problem persists. And if you were expecting more 'reparations' of sorts, that's basically what the plaintiffs got. That said, Mitsubishi is giving affected customers a warranty extension for the second hood replacement. Per Car Complaints, the warranty extension is valid for 18 months if the hood was replaced within the last 18 months. For those with hoods replaced over 18 months ago, the warranty is valid for six months. Mitsubishi The Real WinnersAfter all that, some of the plaintiffs will receive $5,000 each, while others will get that amount collectively. Granted, the repair is free, but surely, representation costs were much more than that. Speaking of which, it's the lawyers who get the big payout here. According to the settlement, the lawyers who represented the plaintiffs will receive a whopping $1,750,000, presumably collectively. But before all that money is handed out, a fairness hearing will be held on August 3, 2026. Mitsubishi View the full article

Liberty Walk Corvette: Built to Back Up the LookThe Chevrolet Corvette C8 is no longer viewed solely as an American value-performance car. The mid-engine layout gives it global credibility. The proportions, cooling layout, and chassis balance place it in the same conversation as established supercars. That foundation matters when extreme customization enters the picture. American enthusiasts have long celebrated Japanese performance cars and tuning culture. The exchange is now moving in the opposite direction. American cars, especially the Corvette C8, are gaining real traction in Japan, with even Toyota offering to sell GM as well as Ford vehicles locally. It is being embraced as a serious platform, not as a curiosity. Its performance gives builders confidence that bold exterior modifications are supported by real capability. Liberty Walk Liberty Walk LB-Silhouette WORKS: Exclusivity Is the PointThe Liberty Walk LB-Silhouette WORKS complete body kit elevates the Corvette C8's design. The kit includes a front bumper, side diffusers, rear bumper, rear wing, and wide body fenders for the front and rear. The design is aggressive and intentional. Nothing about it is subtle. The widened fenders dramatically increase the car’s footprint. Exposed fasteners highlight the motorsport influence. The oversized rear wing and diffuser dominate the rear view. The kit costs $19,580 in Fiber Reinforced Polymer and $21,780 in Carbon Fiber. That price makes the body kit alone more expensive than a new Chevrolet Trax. Exclusivity does not come cheap, and Liberty Walk makes that clear. Liberty Walk World's Most Demanding Car CultureThe Corvette C8’s growing popularity in Japan signals a shift in how American performance cars are perceived. This is a market that values engineering, balance, and execution. The C8 meets those expectations. That is why Japanese builders are willing to invest in it. The Liberty Walk treatment works because the car underneath can support it. The C8 delivers performance to match its most extreme visual statements. This is not style without substance. It is an American car gaining credibility in one of the world's most demanding automotive cultures. Liberty Walk View the full article

MV Agusta's Rush Titanio is said to be the purest form of the brand's naked superbike philosophy, and it's hard to argue against that point. View the full article

Tesla is showing its robotaxi strategy as a complete operating model rather than a single futuristic car, with the key idea being that revenue scales with paid miles and high utilization, not with how many passengers fit in each vehicle. The argument is that most real trips are small, so Tesla can optimize its dedicated robotaxi hardware for the most common use case, then cover edge cases with other vehicles already in its lineup. Getty View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Why Tesla Thinks Passenger Count Is Not The PointTesla executives have pointed to trip data showing that the vast majority of vehicle miles are traveled with two or fewer occupants, which is the logic behind designing a dedicated two-seat robotaxi that is smaller, cheaper to build, and easier to keep in service. Under this view, the winning metric is how often the car is earning, how quickly it can be cleaned and turned around, and how reliably it can operate, because those factors determine cost per mile and fleet throughput more than cabin capacity does. A two-seat design is also positioned as a way to reduce complexity and parts, which can matter at robotaxi scale where downtime is expensive. Sawyer Merritt/X A Three Vehicle Robotaxi Stack Rather Than One CarTesla’s model is being described as a stack of vehicles that collectively cover demand, with Model Y as the flexible option for riders who need more seats, the Cybercab as the default robotaxi for everyday trips, and a higher-capacity Robovan style vehicle to handle groups and bulkier loads. The point is not that every vehicle can do every trip, but that the fleet as a whole can match supply to the ride request without forcing the standard robotaxi to be oversized for the typical job. It also aligns with Tesla’s broader product positioning, where high-volume, simpler vehicles tend to carry the strategy. What Has To Be True For This To WorkThis model depends on autonomy actually reaching a level where vehicles can operate with minimal human involvement, because utilization is the core of the math. It also depends on Tesla keeping costs low enough that a two-seat robotaxi can profitably undercut conventional ride hailing on many routes while still maintaining margins after cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and support operations. The company is making the case that a focused robotaxi platform plus existing vehicles is a faster path than building a single do-everything robotaxi, especially as it juggles other lineup questions. Even small changes that reduce friction for owners and operators matter in this worldview. View the full article

Custom CanvasThere are certain models that everyone loves to modify, and aftermarket parts are popular for them. One of those models is the Suzuki Jimny, a highly iconic kei car/mini off-roader and a favorite for a wide range of mods. A common modification to the Jimny is a full-body makeover kit, which usually transforms its appearance. Famous kits include one that mimics a Land Rover Defender, and even a G-Wagon. Cut from the same cloth is a new kit making waves in Japan, inspired by another legendary off-road nameplate – the Land Cruiser 70 Series. Suzuki 70YO.70 DestroyerThis Suzuki Jimny features a body kit that makes it look like a Land Cruiser Series 70. The kit's name is interesting: 70YO.70. From a distance, it looks like "Toyota," a simple visual cue. It was done as a collaboration between Japanese Specialists Jimny Land and another local tuner group, Garage III. Most Jimny 'homage' versions stop at a simple grille conversion; this takes it a step further by adding other crucial look elements. At first glance, it may look like a simple body kit, and the truth is it is, but there are some subtle changes that show up upon closer inspection. First is the more pronounced hood that's accompanied by badges on the side that say "70YO.70 Destroyer." Next is the addition of the hood-mounted rear-view mirror and the bumper that comes from the Sierra Jimny variant. The front lighting systems have been reshaped to more closely resemble the Series 70 LC. Since the Jimny already pays tribute to a more retro look, most of the bodywork remains the same for the Destroyer kit; however, to further honor the homage, a few additional accessories are added. There are additional vents on the bodywork, a new set of taillights, and even a faux AdBlue cover, alluding to the diesel engine of the Series 70, despite the Jimny being gasoline-powered. We can also see that the normal range includes off-road features such as snorkels, all-terrain tires, suspension lift kits, and off-road rims. Fully Built and Ready to RockUsually, kits like these are placed on showcase vehicles to generate interest and raise awareness. But Jimny Land has already decided to build a few examples that are currently for sale. It appears there are three models available for new owners: Sand Beige, White, and Black. The listed price for the Sand Beige is approximately $28,000. As far as Jimny kits go, this one seems well thought out and, in fact, the least in-your-face of the ones we listed above. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is an attractive machine in many ways, from its angular, sporty bodywork to the remarkable speed of the GR Sport variant, and dealers are taking advantage, adding thousands of dollars worth of markups to the crossover. Carscoops reports that several dealers are guilty of being greedy, and this is nothing new. The updated RAV4 began arriving at U.S. dealers in December last year, and as two-month-old threads on Reddit show, dealers wasted no time tacking on their so-called "market adjustments," something that popular Toyotas have always attracted. Let's take a look at some of the worst offenders. Dealers Are Inflating RAV4 Pricing by Thousands of Dollars Toyota One of the biggest markups was at Stevens Creek Toyota in San Jose, California, where a 2026 RAV4 Limited has been listed for $52,857, with $4,700 of that price attributed to a dealer markup. Still in California, Magnussen’s Toyota of Palo Alto has reportedly added $3,999 in markups to all of its 2026 RAV4 stock, pushing a RAV4 XSE ($46,444) past the $50k mark to $50,443 and a RAV4 Limited ($48,083) to $52,082. California isn't alone in these markups, with Molle Toyota of Kansas City also pushing prices up, though not as heavily. Here, the RAV4 Limited has been marked up from $47,404 to $48,508, an increase of $1,104. Even if we ignore the stated markups, each of these prices is higher than those you'll find on the Toyota USA website. There, the LE starts at $31,900, the SE starts at $34,700, and the XLE Premium has a base MSRP of $36,100. The Woodland starts at $39,900 and the XSE at $41,300, while the top Limited trim (the GR Sport hasn't appeared on Toyota's site yet) is listed at $43,300. 2026 Toyota RAV4 Variants Toyota For the new model year, the RAV4 is available in several grades. "Core" models get either a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain feeding 226 horsepower to the front wheels, or they can be had with all-wheel drive, getting an output bump to 236 hp. "Sport" models (SE and XSE) can be had as plug-in hybrids with a combined 324 hp, and the more rugged Woodland variant gets access to both of these powertrains, too. The latter, more powerful setup is what the top-tier GR Sport variant is powered by. With an ad scheduled for Sunday's Super Bowl LX, the 2026 RAV4 is going to have even more eyes on it, and more dealers are likely to inflate pricing. Hopefully, enough buyers push back against these markups to discourage dealers from sticking with them, but Toyotas are always in demand, and dealers are always looking for ways to separate their customers from as many of their hard-earned dollars as possible. View the full article

Sales Under PressureFor years, Tesla held the global crown as the leader in electric vehicles. That dominance was challenged when BYD overtook Tesla to become the world’s top-selling EV maker last year. However, Reuters reports that the Chinese automaker has now posted its fifth consecutive month of declining sales—making Tesla’s strategic shift more apparent than ever. For context, Tesla is increasingly prioritizing its AI-centric initiatives beyond passenger vehicle sales, particularly its robotaxi program and the Optimus humanoid robot. As part of this shift, the company is set to discontinue the Model S and Model X to free up capacity at its Fremont plant for Optimus. BYD Betting Big on RobotsAt first glance, this move could be interpreted as Tesla conceding ground to BYD in the global EV race. However, that framing overlooks the company’s broader ambition. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has even suggested that its long-term legacy may be defined less by electric vehicles and more by robots after agreeing to a statement on the All-In Summit that the brand may be remembered more for Optimus. BYD’s sales fell 30.1 percent in January compared with a year earlier. Production also declined by 29.1 percent, extending a downward trend that has been in place since July of last year. The company did not comment on the slump, though it continues to face intensifying competition in its home market—particularly from rivals such as Geely, the parent company of Volvo. In addition, the EV market is showing signs of a slowdown as newer regulations take effect, including measures that roll back incentives that helped accelerate the industry’s rapid growth earlier in the decade. The report also noted that BYD could see slower growth in China as the government rolls back incentives for lower-priced vehicles. Tesla A Rivalry at a CrossroadsFor now, the company is continuing to expand its global footprint as part of its broader growth strategy, including plans to open a new EV plant in Hungary, which is scheduled to be operational later this year. Should demand for fully electric vehicles soften further, BYD can lean on its plug-in hybrid DM-i lineup. Tesla, on the other hand, is reportedly set to begin production of its robotaxi program with the Cybercab in April 2026, while Optimus is expected to go on public sale by the end of 2027. If this trajectory continues, the long-running EV sales battle between Tesla and BYD may increasingly lose relevance. BYD View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Rumors are swirling that KTM's Pedro Acosta will switch to either Ducati's factory team or one of its satellite teams for the 2027 MotoGP season. But Acosta also praised the new 2026 KTM he'll race. View the full article

Affected bikes could experience a loss of brake pressure and/or a brake fluid leak with the front brakes, which could be dangerous.View the full article

With electrification becoming less of a priority for automakers, most drivers' attention has again turned to gas prices. Whether you drive an ICE vehicle or a hybrid, gas prices will continue to be an expense you have to live with. You might think gas prices are high where you live - and you might be right! - but we’ve found the five US cities and towns that have some of the worst gas prices around. To be clear, we’re not simply listing the cities or small towns with the highest gas prices. That would be too easy; the information we’ve gathered and synthesized is from a mix of real-time market data, government economic reports, and broader industry analysis for early 2026. We examined which areas saw the largest increases in gas prices and looked at both year-over-year price changes and the increase in January 2026 alone. Further, we’re excluding areas such as Los Angeles, California; San Francisco, California; and New York City, New York. Honolulu, Hawaii, is also off this list. So are Juneau and Anchorage in Alaska. These areas are known for high gas prices; we’re looking beyond that. 5. Flagstaff, AZArizona and Nevada both rely on gas pipelines from California. When California experiences any disruptions - and it has, read on for more on that - Arizona feels the effects, too. Flagstaff is also just far enough away from cities like Tucson or Phoenix that it makes delivery of refined gasoline a trek. Since January 1, gas prices in Flagstaff have been up 6% to $3.18 per gallon. That’s down year over year; this time last year, gas was $3.34 per gallon in the Flagstaff area. The percentage increase versus January 1 is an anomaly driven by supply and demand issues. Related: These Are the Most Reliable New Cars for the Money, Study Finds 4. Portland, ORThe whole of the Pacific Northwest is experiencing a ripple effect from issues stemming from California, too. In Portland, recent late January storms have caused gas prices to continue rising, even though some experts expected them to begin mellowing. Typically, gas prices this time of year are lower than average due to reduced travel after the holidays. The good news for Portland is that gas prices are up only 1.2% since January 1 and now average $3.41 per gallon. Like Flagstaff, that’s down from last year at this time, when gas was $4.02 per gallon. The issue in the PNW is that gas prices typically dip much lower this time of year. 3. Las Vegas, NVLike Flagstaff, Las Vegas relies on California refineries for its gas. Unlike Flagstaff, Las Vegas has a robust highway system that connects directly to California and is well-traveled. Supply shortages and higher prices in California, a much larger market than Nevada or Arizona, mean the extended networks that depend on California get the short end of the stick. Gas pricing in the Las Vegas area is up 2.1% this year to an average of $3.42 per gallon. That’s down from $3.92 this time last year, though, which is the good news for Las Vegas drivers. Jonathon Ramsey 2. Seattle, WASeattle is even farther from California than Portland, but it is experiencing the same California-caused supply-and-demand issues as nearly everyone else on this list. In addition to California’s issues, crude oil prices remain around $60 per barrel, helping keep gas prices from their normal February lull. Gas prices in Seattle are up 3.1% in 2026 and now sit at $3.93 per gallon. In February 2025, gas was $4.06 per gallon, on average, so that’s a slight reprieve. Still, hovering around $4 per gallon is not what Seattle drivers want. 1. San Luis Obisppo, CAHigh per-gallon state taxes (60 cents!) contribute to San Luis Obispo’s high prices for gas, as does its geographical placement. While not remote, per se, it’s geographically remote enough that trucking in gas is a bit of a hike. Further, the state of California requires its gas stations to pump a low-emissions blend that requires additional processing, and recent refinery closures have created a supply crunch felt throughout the region; if you notice, every location on our list is on or near the West Coast. San Luis Obispo has the highest increase in gas prices we could find for 2026, with the area up 4.5% to an average of $4.43 per gallon. That, too, is down from last year, when gas prices were roughly $4.85 per gallon, but it is still far from acceptable to Cal Poly students who have to rush to Pismo Beach after morning classes. Related: Audi CEO Says a Pickup Truck Is the “Last Concept” He’d Build View the full article

SCAG Racing is excited to announce the renewal of Justin Ashley and Daniel Wilkerson’s partnerships with Mac Tools for the 2026 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season. Mac Tools has supported Ashley since 2023 and Wilkerson throughout his entire career, providing high-quality professional tools that help both SCAG Power Equipment teams assemble, maintain, and service their race cars at peak performance both on and off the track. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue representing Mac Tools alongside my teammate Daniel,” said Ashley. “We value this partnership and understand that it’s a critical piece of our program’s success. Using Mac Tools helps us accomplish our most important objectives of safety and performance. When races are decided by thousandths of a second, everything matters—and having the right tools is at the top of the list.” Wilkerson noted that Mac Tools has supported both him and his father, Tim Wilkerson, throughout their racing careers, and is grateful to continue that relationship with his SCAG Power Equipment team. “For more than 20 years SCAG-Wilkerson Racing has only trusted one tool brand to get our race car turned around in less than an hour,” said Wilkerson. “Between rounds there is no margin for error. Scrambling after a tool breaks would be devastating. I wouldn’t want to do this without Mac Tools. This brand has carried my father and my teammate and friend, Justin Ashley, to many winner circles, so to represent Mac Tools alongside this team is an honor.” Ashley and Wilkerson’s SCAG Power Equipment teams will rely on Mac Tools as they prepare their 10,000-plus-horsepower race cars and head into competition, beginning with the first stop of the 2026 season, March 6–8 at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida. This story was originally published on February 2, 2026. The post Mac Tools Renews Partnership With Justin Ashley, Daniel Wilkerson For 2026 NHRA Season first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Up until now, vision and LiDAR sensors on modern vehicles have focused on making driving safer and more convenient, enabling a range of driver-assistance features. But Honda has uncovered an entirely new use for such sensors: creating safer and better-maintained roadways. In a project funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Honda has shown how these sensors can accurately detect damaged roads and other infrastructure deficiencies. According to the study, the tech could save millions for ODOT and ultimately create safer roads, but the project’s widespread success lies in drivers’ willingness to share their data. Is Proactive Roadway Maintenance the Future? Honda View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The two-year project led by Honda was run in collaboration with i-Probe Inc., Parsons Corporation and the University of Cincinnati. Over the duration of the project, Honda test vehicles with vision and LiDAR sensors covered approximately 3,000 miles in central and southeastern Ohio. These tests were conducted in urban and rural areas, during variable weather conditions, and at different times of day. Ultimately, the Proactive Roadway Maintenance System detected the following road conditions: Worn or obstructed traffic signsDamaged guardrails and cable road barriersPotholes, including size and locationShoulder drop condition, including the percentage and depth of drop-offPoor roadway stripingRough road qualityUsing Edge AI models, this data was transmitted to a Honda cloud platform and eventually provided to ODOT operators. It’s a much easier way of identifying roadway issues and maintenance requirements without conducting laborious manual inspections. Data accuracy was found to be impressively high, with 89% accuracy for potholes and 93% accuracy for damaged guardrails. Damaged or obstructed signs were identified at 99% accuracy. According to the project team, over $4.5 million could be saved annually by implementing a proactive roadway maintenance system like this one. Related: These states have the best and worst roads in America What It Means For The Average Driver H Better roads and associated infrastructure ultimately make our roads safer, and transportation authorities can implement fixes more quickly. Of course, the Proactive Roadway Maintenance System will see the most significant results if scaled beyond this relatively small Ohio-based project. The next phase of testing will explore ways to grow the project. If other automakers got involved, there would be more data to draw from, further improving the accuracy of the results. “This pilot of the Honda Proactive Roadway Maintenance System empowers drivers to play an active role in creating safer roadways and communities while helping agencies like ODOT improve maintenance operations,” said Sue Bai, chief engineer, Sustainability and Business Development at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. In this age of software-heavy vehicles, drivers have legitimate privacy concerns over the data being shared with automakers—as an example, Toyota was recently sued by a Florida resident after he discovered his car was tracking him, claiming this led to higher insurance rates. However, Honda says the data in this case is anonymized. Furthermore, poor road conditions cost the average American over $1,400 annually in vehicle operating costs and lost time, according to the American Society of Civic Engineers (ASCE). This cost is likely higher in states with particularly poor roads, such as New Mexico and Mississippi, based a report by Consumer Affairs. Honda has proven that the technology can improve the state of our roads, but only if transportation authorities in every state have the funds and means to implement the necessary repairs. View the full article

Even as NHRA prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary season in 2026 and highlight some of the sport’s biggest legends, the 2027 season is already shaping up for another year-long epic celebration with one of motorsports’ most iconic figures. NHRA announced today that the 2027 season will honor the sport’s winningest star, legendary 16-time Funny Car world champion John Force, with a year-long “50 Years of Force” celebration at each stop on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour. To be part of “50 Years of Force,” fans can renew their tickets onsite for a 2027 race throughout the upcoming 75th anniversary year in 2026, which features 20 races across the country. Fans who renew their tickets onsite will also receive a special commemorative 16-time championship ring honoring the Hall of Fame legend. “John Force is a true icon in motorsports and a name synonymous with NHRA Drag Racing, and celebrating ’50 Years of Force’ in 2027 will be a tribute to one of the most influential figures our sport has ever seen,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “Coming off what’s going to be an absolutely huge year in 2026 with our 75th anniversary, we encourage all of our fans to renew their tickets for 2027 to be part of this unforgettable celebration. “John’s passion, competitiveness and larger-than-life personality helped shape NHRA for the past five decades, captivating generations of fans. John has had a lasting impact on our sport and the entire racing community, and we can’t wait to follow up this milestone year in 2026 with a year-long tribute to him in 2027.” Force recently announced his retirement from drag racing at the end of the 2025 season, closing out one of the most successful careers in motorsports history. The massive fan-favorite put together a remarkable run on the track, winning an incredible 16 world championships in the Funny Car ranks and rolling to 157 victories. Those are both NHRA records, as are the nearly 1,500 rounds wins for the multi-time Hall of Famer. One of the great personalities in NHRA history, Force was an instrumental figure in NHRA’s growth and was named the No. 2 driver in NHRA’s Top 50 racers list in 2000. A dominant figure in the sport for five decades, Force holds an abundance of records and accomplishments, while his John Force Racing team continues to have immense success. As a team, John Force Racing has won 24 championships, featuring a plethora of stars over the years, including Force’s daughters, Ashley, Courtney and Brittany. Heading into the 2026 season, JFR’s four-car team consists of Jack Beckman, Josh Hart, Alexis DeJoria and Jordan Vandergriff. The buildup to “50 Years of Force” will take place throughout the 2026 season, giving fans a chance to renew tickets to 2027 events and receive the commemorative John Force 16-time championship ring. The 2027 season will also give fans a chance to celebrate Force, his incredible career and all the moments that have made his career so legendary. Additional details on “50 Years of Force” – including special displays, appearances, celebrations of his major accomplishments and moments, and other special items – will be released throughout the 75th anniversary season in 2026. For more information about the NHRA, including the full 2026 schedule, visit www.nhra.com. This story was originally published on February 2, 2026. The post NHRA to Honor Iconic John Force in 2027 With ’50 Years of Force’ Celebration first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Even after halting production, reducing past inventory, and sales events to clean out stock, KTM still had a really bad sales year in 2025. View the full article

The Reality Behind Long-Term Car OwnershipCar ownership isn’t always as straightforward as it seems, and a recent CBS News story highlighted the role maintenance plays in warranty claims. In this case, Kia initially denied an engine warranty claim from a Pennsylvania couple who own a 2019 Optima, despite having receipts showing proper maintenance. The Kia Optima is essentially the K5, though only in its previous-generation form. The couple, Jamie and Debbie Rekasie, initially leased the Optima and later purchased it after growing fond of the midsize sedan. They retained maintenance receipts—including records for 14 oil changes, two sets of brakes, and two sets of tires—but the Korean marque declined to approve an engine replacement under its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage, citing that the receipts did not include the vehicle’s VIN or odometer reading. Kia Not Backing DownThe couple pushed forward with the case, particularly as they are backed by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which protects consumers by allowing vehicle owners to perform maintenance themselves or use independent mechanics without forfeiting warranty coverage. The Optima in question suffered an engine failure at just 80,000 miles and had been serviced and maintained by the Rekasies’ son, who is also a mechanic. Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, also encouraged car owners to pursue warranty claims, noting that such requests are often denied at the dealer level in hopes that consumers will simply go away. After KDKA contacted Kia regarding the matter, the couple was then granted an engine replacement. “In the spirit of customer satisfaction and service, our customer care department has approved an engine replacement and will be in contact with the customer to share next steps,” the company said. Kia A Reversal FollowsThis incident is similar to a case involving a Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner whose dealer and insurer denied a $12,000 repair bill over an alleged water bottle spill that shut the EV down. After the case received media attention, the insurer ultimately covered the repair costs. The takeaway is to ensure that any receipts for vehicle repairs and maintenance are kept, as owning a vehicle without warranty coverage can be costly. These records can serve as crucial proof when disputing a denied claim, especially as some manufacturers apply stricter documentation requirements. Kia View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article