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A Milestone Year for the Three-Pointed Star Mercedes-Benz is celebrating its 140th year, and as part of the likely festivities, the German marque is putting its energy into something really relevant: a major update to its flagship sedan. The W223 S-Class is getting a thorough refresh. Mercedes is, of course, still keeping some details under wraps, but CEO Ola Källenius has already given us a surprisingly open preview in a recent video ahead of the official launch. Mercedes is clear that this isn

With its hybrid powertrain and no manual gearbox, the all-new Honda Prelude isn’t exactly what fans of the coupe were hoping for, but it has still thrust the Prelude nameplate back into the spotlight. Driving all five previous generations of the Prelude reminds one of simpler times, and how fun these cars still are today. This brings us to an incredibly special 1983 Prelude, a second-generation model that belongs to Honda. Amazingly, this Prelude has never been sold and has covered under 400 mil

There were plenty of takers earlier this month when Chinese automaker Geely offered journalists attending the Consumer Electronics Show a chance to drive some of its new vehicles. For now, at least, the only alternative would be to travel abroad since no domestic Chinese brands are today available in the U.S. Related: After Years of Rumors, Geely Confirms Plans to Enter the U.S. Market

Toyota’s Land Cruiser lineage goes all the way back to the 1950s, and the Japanese manufacturer has just revealed the most powerful Land Cruiser ever. Known as the Land Cruiser 300 Performance Hybrid, this off-road bruiser is based on the J300-series of the SUV sold in other markets. Producing 457 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, the new Performance Hybrid comprehensively outmuscles the J250-series Land Cruiser currently sold in North America. Think of the new 300 as a Nissan Armada Nismo riv

The Affordable WRX Makes a Return Subaru quietly dropped the base WRX for 2025, saying most buyers skipped it for higher trims. On paper, that move made sense. But it also pushed the WRX further from its roots as an affordable, accessible sports sedan. For 2026, Subaru is reversing course. The base WRX is back, now starting under $33,000, and it keeps the same standard features buyers expect from higher trims. Subaru also cut prices across the lineup without stripping out equipment. At the other

Fire Erupts During Development Test Drive A development-phase Hyundai Santa Fe test vehicle was destroyed after catching fire during road testing in South Korea. Fire crews fully extinguished the blaze, but not before the vehicle was engulfed and rendered a total loss. The Santa Fe involved was reportedly an export-spec model undergoing real-world validation testing. According to Korea's Naver, the driver noticed smoke rising from the hood while driving, safely pulled over to the shoulder, and e

Joe Grippo is one of BANGshift’s longest running contributors and has covered everything from junkyards to car shows and drag races to drag and drives, and so much more. He drags his lovely wife, and enthusiastic brother, along with him to some of the shows and races and he’s been contributing for years. It is kind of amazing to think that he’s been a supporter of the site since its inception, and is still going strong. Big thanks Joe, we appreciate you so much. Here’s his writeup: Well, here

It feels like forever since IHRA announced a new track purchase, but they haven’t been sitting around twiddling their thumbs. Nope, yesterday they made the announcement that they had signed a lease agreement to take over operations of The Motor Mile Speedway in Virginia and were going to use the facility as the headquarter for the IHRA Stock Car Series. It was big news and the details are below. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IHRA ANNOUNCES THE LEASING AND OPERATIONS OF THE PULASKI COUNTY MOTORSPORTS P

Kevin Tetz is a bad ass. We’ve said it multiple times, but some things are worth repeating. He’s been painting cars and trucks for decades, showing millions how to do it on tv for decades, and actually educating folks on paint and body through his Paintucation website and lessons for decades as well! He’s great to be around and absolutely free with his sharing of information which we love. In the video below, you’ll find him sharing more tips and tricks and techniques with a focus on eliminating

Dylan McCool knows how to take advantage of some good fortune. When he was offered a big boat of a Lincoln, for free, and had already been given a 460 big block Ford, for free, he knew that the horsepower gods were speaking to him. What they were saying is “let’s do burnouts with this big barge!” and he listened. If you want to see the fun, and find out just how he got both of these things for free, watch the video below. And check out his resourcefulness to do it on the cheap. We approve. Vide

In an interview with InsideEVs, Ford CEO Jim Farley says the company’s planned $30,000 electric truck has reached the prototype stage, describing the effort as an internal Apollo style mission with little margin for error. The comments frame the project as more than a new model, because Ford is trying to prove it can build an affordable EV that works as a business, not just as a technology showcase, with production targeted for 2027.

In a world where hypercars can command seven-figure prices, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 makes one question their value, delivering 1,064 horsepower for just $175,000. At least, that's the case if the purchase is made in the ZR1's home country. Across the Atlantic, the ZR1 is much less of a budget-friendly hypercar slayer. The first two examples of the ZR1 have just landed in Europe (well, technically, the United Kingdom) via retail automotive dealer Clive Sutton, and one of them is still availabl

The all-new Nissan Sentra seriously impressed us when we took it for a first drive in Phoenix late last year. In its design and how it feels on the road, it exceeds the expectations created by its low starting price of just $22,600. If there’s anything to complain about, it’s that the sole 149-horsepower engine doesn’t live up to the rest of the package. There’s no modern Sentra Nismo to satiate enthusiasts—a Sentra Nismo was last on sale for the 2019 model year—but one Arizona dealer is taking

Rivian’s next big product is getting closer to customers. In a post on X, the company says it has begun building manufacturing validation units of the R2 at its Normal, Illinois plant, a key milestone that typically signals a program is moving from prototype work to production readiness. Rivian has been targeting the first half of 2026 for initial R2 deliveries, and validation builds are the stage where factory processes, parts fit, and build quality are stress-tested before full volume assembl

The Charity Hammer Drops Again Ford has a sort of tradition of auctioning the first production example—VIN 001—for charity. After auctioning the first Mustang Dark Horse unit in 2024, the Blue Oval brand is once again following the same playbook, this time consigning the new Dark Horse SC to Barrett-Jackson. The example heading to auction comes equipped with the Track Pack. Like the original Mustang Dark Horse, proceeds from the VIN 001 Mustang Dark Horse SC will benefit Breakthrough T1D (former

Emerging Safety Crisis in the Used Car Market The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a warning after faulty replacement airbag inflators have been confirmed to be behind multiple deaths in car crashes that were deemed ‘otherwise survivable’ by investigators. The inflators in question, not manufactured or approved for use by carmakers, appear to have been installed as replacement parts after an airbag deployment during a prior crash. The NHTSA says that these inflat

Hidden Gems One of the first major automotive shows covered globally is the Tokyo Auto Salon, annually held in January. It serves as the opening salvo that the new year has begun for auto enthusiasts. Given the scale of the show and major manufacturers taking part, it's no small wonder that some incredibly unique builds are often overlooked. Tucked away in one of the many event halls and displays is a car now just hitting the spotlight, something worthy of not just attention but proper recogniti

Proving Range the Hard Way With range being a crucial selling point for electric vehicles, some automakers have pursued 24-hour endurance test records. These tests demonstrate not only how far an EV can travel continuously, but also how effectively it manages heat – an important factor influencing sustained performance. Recently, Xiaomi – known globally for its Apple-rivaling smartphones – completed a 24-hour endurance run covering 4,264 km (2,649 miles) with its updated SU7. That figure surpass

Built to Take a Beating Shopping for aftermarket wheels can be tricky – especially when dealing with a premium SUV like the Toyota Land Cruiser. In situations like this, sticking with a proven brand is often the safest approach, and Japan’s RAYS now has a new option available. The renowned wheel manufacturer has unveiled a new 18-inch model for the ZE40X, purpose-built to endure the brutal demands of off-road driving. Offered under the company’s flagship Volk Racing lineup, the new 18-inch ZE40X

Many manufacturers have discontinued hatchback models in the United States in recent years, but Kia’s new K4 is a welcome addition to the segment. It’s stylish, excellent value for money, and more practical than the K4 sedan introduced first. What the K4 doesn’t have is a manual gearbox, which would be especially welcome on the model with the turbocharged engine. However, Kia won’t rule out a stick shift for its new hatchback—all it needs is sufficient demand for the option. Related: Manual Tran

While many Americans struggle to wrap their heads around the average new car price recently exceeding $50,000 for the first time ever, ultra-luxury buyers seem unfazed by rising costs. In 2024, Lamborghini made more profit than ever before, and although its profits declined last year, it still set a new sales record. The Sant'Agata Bolognese-based automaker revealed that it delivered 10,747 vehicles worldwide in 2025, even with "challenging market conditions" and a lineup populated exclusively b

If you feel like every new car on the road looks like it was ordered in the same three shades, you're not imagining things. Fresh data from Axalta shows that global buyers continue to play it safe when choosing colors, with North America being no exception. Despite years of talk about bolder palettes and expressive design, with brands like Bentley now offering 111 exterior paint colors, neutral tones remain firmly in control, just as they were the year before. Neutral Colors Still Rule The Road

The Cost of Going Big One of the key concerns heading into 2026 is the rising cost of new vehicles in the U.S., with average transaction prices surpassing $50,000 last December. That said, Ford appears to be exploring ways to address affordability, including reviving its sedan lineup. In a report by Automotive News, Ford CEO Jim Farley mentioned he is not ruling out sedans. “Never say never,” Farley said. “The sedan market is very vibrant. It’s not that there isn’t a market there. It’s just, we

Genesis’ Abandoned Pickup Was Real, and the Evidence Is Now Public Genesis previously acknowledged it had explored a pickup truck for the U.S. market, but details were limited. Newly published images from Auto&Design magazine confirm the project advanced far beyond internal discussion. The luxury brand produced sketches and a full-scale design model, proving the pickup was a legitimate development program before it was shelved. This follows earlier reporting that Genesis considered a truck b

The absence of a Hemi V8 in the new Dodge Charger is a bitter pill to swallow, no matter how good the 550-horsepower six-cylinder version is. One of the last true muscle cars has shed a big part of its character in its transition to a six-cylinder model—and let’s not even mention the electric version. But rumors of a V8 comeback for the new Charger have circulated for a good few months now, and while nothing has been confirmed by Dodge, we now know what form the V8 will take if it ever returns.