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If you're thinking that this story sounds familiar, that means you've been paying attention since at least 2024, when it also did this.View the full article

Before anyone starts yelling that there are quicker cars that have been around the Nurburgring, remember that there are only two of them and both of those cars had electric assist as a power adder. This Ford GT Mk IV does not have electric assist and is a beast. No American OEM has been quicker, and this record is the 3rd quickest of all time on the track. Pretty impressive. Video Description: The Ford GT Mk IV sets the fastest time ever run at the Nürburgring by an American OEM, and third fastest time overall. The time of six minutes, 15.977 seconds makes this the fastest car that is exclusively powered by an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) around the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Ride on board with Frédéric Vervisch in the Ford GT Mk IV for the historic moment at the Green Hell. Disclaimer: Professional driver with special safety equipment. Closed course. Do not attempt. Ford GT Mk IV shown. This is a track-only vehicle and is not street legal. It is not intended for use on public roads or highways. Very limited availability. Inquiry does not guarantee the ability to purchase. The post Check Out The Record Breaking Ford GT Mk IV Lap Around Nürburgring! 6:15 Is The Quickest Internal Combustion Vehicle Ever On Track! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

At one point, it looked as if Nissan would not survive without Honda's intervention, but since Ivan Espinosa took over as CEO on April 1 last year, things are starting to look a lot rosier. Initially, Nissan shareholders were less than impressed with Espinosa, but in the short year that he's been in charge, he's made major changes that could ultimately result in more exciting offerings, particularly for enthusiasts. As noted by Automotive News, Nissan announced that it now expects an operating profit of ¥50 billion ($313.8 million) for the fiscal year that ended March 31, a completely different result from its earlier forecast of a ¥60 billion ($376.6 million) loss. The automaker's net loss forecast has also fallen by over $60 million, so how does this translate to good news for car enthusiasts? Nissan May Soon Have the Money to Build More Exciting Cars Leroy Marion/Autoblog Nissan's new turnaround plan will see it cull 11 models but introduce many others in the years leading up to 2030, and since it was announced last week, the automaker's top executives have indicated a desire to introduce or revive coupes and convertibles that have been missing from its lineup for years. Among these could be a new Silvia sports car to compete with the likes of the Toyota GR86 and Mazda MX-5 Miata and a new Nissan Z convertible, but in order to make a bet on these two-door niches, Nissan USA product planning boss Ponz Pandikuthira indicated that the company would need to be as successful as possible over the next two years. Related: American Emissions Rules Are Delaying the Next Nissan GT-R Developing a worthy rival to the aforementioned sports cars from Toyota and Mazda is neither easy nor cheap, and introducing a Z convertible requires engineering and time. Even once those hurdles are overcome, there's no guarantee that they will repay their investments with tens of thousands of sales every quarter, but this new financial outlook could be the first step on the path to a place where Nissan can afford to lose a little money on the occasional passion project. How Nissan Plans to Become Successful Starts with New Products Adam Lynton/Autoblog Before Nissan has the bandwidth to launch coupes and convertibles, it must first appeal to a broader market. To get there, the automaker intends to launch a Nismo version of the Leaf EV as a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N rival, a new Rogue crossover, and a new Xterra SUV at under $40,000, among other things. Should these new products prove successful and be embraced by a large audience, Nissan will find greater freedom, but as always, there's an asterisk. Nissan managed to turn its forecast around by cutting costs and jobs. It was also the result of a weakened Japanese yen, which increases the value of repatriated overseas revenue converted from foreign currencies, and loosened U.S. emissions rules that allowed for revised regulatory liabilities. However unlikely some changes may be for the foreseeable future, any of those factors (besides staffing) could radically swing in the opposite direction. It also remains to be seen how cutting costs could affect products in the future, particularly when it comes to customer satisfaction and recalls. But with Espinosa saying the company is ahead of schedule in much of its turnaround plan, things are looking good for Nissan and, by extension, fans of fun-to-drive cars. View the full article

Styled Like a LegendOwning a classic Aston Martin DB car is the dream – timeless design and the kind of presence that draws film fans thanks to its ties to the James Bond film series. The catch is the price, as most examples trade well into six figures. That’s what makes this one listed on Bring a Trailer feel oddly compelling. This example didn’t start life as an Aston Martin, but as a 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport. It wears custom fiberglass Zagato-style bodywork built by Washington-based Simpson Design in the early 2020s. The listing doesn’t specify the Aston Martin model that inspired it, but the design appears to reference the DB4 GT Zagato, an ultra-rare coachbuilt model from the 1960s. Bring a Trailer Designed to Turn HeadsThe exterior is finished in light green, reminiscent of British Racing Green, traditionally associated with British race cars, while Italian race cars like those from Ferrari were painted red. It also rides on a set of 16-inch knock-off wire wheels similar to those on the DB4 GT Zagato. Inside, the cabin gets a more luxurious finish with beige vinyl bucket seats, woodgrain trim on the dashboard and center console, and a wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel with an Aston Martin horn button. The factory stereo and air conditioning have also been retained. What wasn’t replicated, however, was the DB4 GT Zagato’s 3.7-liter straight-six. Instead, it keeps the stock 2.0-liter inline-four, which makes 166 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Bring a Trailer A More Realistic OptionAston Martin produced only 19 examples of the DB4 GT Zagato, making it especially rare. This custom Miata channels that look, but even if the craftsmanship appears well executed, it likely won’t fool enthusiasts. The NC Miata, the third-generation predecessor to the current ND, is much shorter than the DB4 GT Zagato, with the lack of a rear backlight/window arguably being the biggest giveaway. Still, this MX-5 Miata for sale could be considered an affordable way to get a classic Aston Martin, at least visually, with bidding at $23,500 as of this writing. Other details worth noting include non-functional fog lights, a digital odometer reading 26,000 miles (1,600 of which were added under current ownership), and a clean Oregon title in the seller’s name. Bring a Trailer View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The 2026 Voge R125S gets traction control, a built-in camera, and modern tech you normally find on bigger, more expensive bikes. View the full article

I’ve been fortunate enough to be at a couple of parties in the condos outside turn 2 at Texas Motor Speedway and can tell you that they are pretty cool. I went to a party in one of them where the guy who owned it also owned Danny Sullivan’s Spin and Win Indy Car and had it on display inside the condo. It was cool as hell. But it is kind of rare to see these things come up for sale in recent years, so if you always dreamed of having one of these, now is your chance. There are a bunch of amenities that come with it, but I’m sure there must be some kind of association fees that go with all that as well. It does include NASCAR race tickets as well. The info from the ad is below, but use the link if you want to contact the seller for more details. The asking price is $450,000 and according to the ad that is below market. Someone I know needs to buy this and move in so I can come visit. Ad Information: CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE ORIGINAL AD ON MARKETPLACE Apartment 2 beds · 2 baths 1744 square feet Central AC Central heating In-unit laundry Garage parking Condo #909 FOR SALE only! Priced BELOW value! Motivated seller! Experience race weekend like never before from your 9th-floor luxury condo overlooking Turn 2 at Texas MotorSpeedway. This fully upgraded 2-bed, 2-bath residence was designed for both comfort and unforgettable entertaining.Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase sweeping track views, complete with electric shades. Inside, 14 stadium-style seatsline the window, giving you a private, climate-controlled viewing experience unlike anything else at the speedway. The open-concept living area features two oversized bartops perfect for hosting, along with a built-in wine fridge and beverage fridge to keep refreshments flowing all race weekend long. Ownership includes 8 tickets to every race,making this the ultimate motorsports retreat. Just in time for the major NASCAR race weekend in May! Community amenities elevate the lifestyle even further with access to a resort-style Texas-shaped pool, clubhouse, fitness center,tennis court, pickleball court, and basketball court. LIVE ABOVE THE ACTION. ENTERTAIN IN STYLE. OWN THE ROAR…Prefer it turnkey? Furnishings are negotiable. The post Buy Your Dream Apartment Condo At Texas Motor Speedway! 2 Bed, 2 Bath, 9th Floor Outside Turn 2 At TMS! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The internal combustion engine just lost another motorsport stronghold. Ford Performance has officially pushed the boundaries of battery-electric capability on the drag strip, with the entirely newly developed Mustang Super Cobra Jet 2200, shattering the quarter-mile record by running a 6.87-second quarter mile at 221 mph at the NHRA Nationals in Charlotte this past weekend, defeating their own record of a 7.623-second pass with the Cobra Jet 1800 back in September 2024. Heritage Name, All-New EngineeringHistorically, Ford has used the 'Cobra Jet' brand to signify brutal, straight-line supremacy, a tradition dating back to the late 1960s. That lineage transitioned to electricity with the 1,400-horsepower prototype and the subsequent Super Cobra Jet 1800. This latest iteration ditches incremental updates for a significant bump in output. Developed strictly for the strip, the custom twin-motor 2,200-horsepower electric monster proves that Dearborn is actively investing in its EV motorsport presence. Ford A major step up from the Cobra Jet 1800, the Cobra Jet 2200 uses two motors rather than four. Each has an attached inverter, producing 600 more horsepower while reducing weight due to fewer motors, making for a major increase in energy density. Motors aside, the Cobra Jet 2200 also uses a patented centrifugal clutch. Yes, a clutch in an EV. It is designed to allow slip upon initial delivery and then switch to a "direct drive" where there is no slip, and power is delivered with maximum efficiency. The car also has a geared transmission, and Ford says that the gearing took about a second off the Cobra Jet's quarter-mile time, as EV motors deliver maximum power at the highest revs. Are EVs Still Relevant?The timing of this run is critical, with legacy automakers constantly scrutinized over the cooling consumer demand for passenger EVs, Ford is redirecting the narrative toward raw, unapologetic performance. Pushing roughly 2,200 horsepower through a heavily revised, advanced battery system and a custom high-voltage inverter setup, the electric dragster crossed the quarter-mile threshold in a gravity-warping pass that leaves traditional combustion rivals outclassed. The domestic auto industry has to reckon with the sheer speed of this technological escalation. While traditional V8 dragsters spend decades chasing fractions of a second through mechanical forced induction and volatile fuel tuning, Ford is finding massive power gains simply by rewriting the thermal management software and upgrading the electrical architecture. The rapid turnaround time from the previous 1,800-horsepower variant to this 2,200-horsepower record-breaker underscores the terrifyingly fast development cycle of performance EVs. Ford The takeaway for the American enthusiast is stark. The eventual sunset of the V8 doesn't mean the end of hyper-aggressive, domestic drag racing. While the strip might be losing the deafening roar of a supercharged engine, the sheer violence of a 2,200-horsepower electric launch is quickly proving that the future of straight-line speed may belong to the battery. Detroit's performance divisions aren't stepping away from the quarter-mile—they are just changing the fuel. View the full article

VW's Healing Era?The last couple of years have been rough on Volkswagen. Declining sales, loss of market share, and models that alienated the VW faithful and left critics underwhelmed heavily hampered the brand's efforts. But since the present CEO, Thomas Schäfer, joined the board in 2022, he's promised to steer the company back on the right course. That said, change isn't overnight, but we are seeing some of the corrective measures being applied little by little. More recently, the ID.3 Neo got the makeover it desperately needed and turned into the car it should've been in the first place. The upcoming ID. Polo holds a lot of potential thanks to its familiar looks and name, and more models will follow a simpler, tried-and-tested philosophy. Should the company keep this up, VW will be healed in no time. Volkswagen It's the Most Important Redesign YetBut VW's future lay in the hands of its most important product, the Golf. It saved the company in 1974 and has been the brand's moneymaker (at least in Europe) since then. While the Golf is no longer the company's top-selling model, its significance alone is worth its weight in gold. That means the Mk9 Golf has a lot of weight resting on its fenders. VW cannot afford to mess it up, as its failure could effectively send the brand into a downward spiral it might never recover from. Every new Golf is important, but given the automotive climate at the moment, one can say that the Mk9 could nearly be as crucial as the Mk1. Volkswagen Mk9 Golf: The Juicy DetailsLately, though, the company has been hyping it up, despite it being at least two years away, by releasing a teaser and giving a few hints here and there. CEO Thomas Schäfer and development chief Kai Grünitz recently sat down with Motor1 Spain and shared details that could delight VW fans who have felt that the company has turned its back on them. In the interview, Schäfer mentioned that the MK.9 Golf is coming along nicely, saying, "The team is working on the car. Last year, in November, I was able to see the first full-size model, and all I could say was, 'Wow. It's so beautiful.' It was just one of the ideas—not the final model, but one of those prototypes you continue to make decisions around. But at first glance it seemed very good to me." That said, it's Grünitz who laid down more juicy details of the next-gen hatchback. He said there will be two platforms, one for ICE/electrified and another for pure electric, so it's safe to say that VW isn't forcing an EV Golf on everyone. He then added that the design will be a nod to the Mk4 Golf, which makes us believe that the Mk9 is undergoing Ferdinand Piëch-levels of scrutineering to get it right. As for the design, it's "already 96–97 percent done," in Grünitz's words. Better Days Ahead?With Volkswagen openly admitting to past mistakes and actively correcting them, one can say that the brand has a brighter outlook ahead. So far, the ID.3 Neo is looking like a preview of what we can expect from VW down the line, and we actually like what we're seeing. Instead of starting from a blank sheet of paper and trying to build wheeled smartphones, the company's new philosophy is to blend traditional traits and values with ever-evolving technologies. In other words, it's reverting to a tried-and-true formula that served it well from the '70s until the ill-advised move to go all-out on tech. Volkswagen is determined to win back the fans it had lost and instill a desire to own one of its cars in a new generation of car buyers. The future Golf Mk9, so far, is looking like a step in the right direction. Volkswagen View the full article

Of course Red Bull was involved, because why wouldn't it be? But also, ROOFTOP RACE TRACK, specifically at the Fiat Lingotto factory in Milan.View the full article

Design DNA Still IntactAutomakers have retained certain design signatures that have evolved over time, such as Alfa Romeo’s triangular “Doritos” grille and Porsche’s 911 round headlights. At Jeep, that signature is the seven-slot grille, which dates back to the CJ-2A launched in 1945. Now, it is set to evolve again with the mid-cycle update for the brand's smallest model, the Avenger. If the nameplate doesn’t ring a bell, that’s understandable, as it is not sold in the U.S., much like many subcompact crossovers available elsewhere. Still, the new grille design could hint at what to expect from Jeep’s broader portfolio, and from the looks of it, the update is subtle but gives the Avenger a more modern look, which could resonate with younger buyers, a key demographic for subcompact models. Stellantis New Glow for a Familiar ShapeThe update appears to add seven LED light strips above the grille, visually linking the daytime running lights from each headlight. The Grand Wagoneer features a similar treatment, though its light bar runs as one piece across the grille. The next-generation Compass, which is still not yet on sale in the U.S., uses a design closer to the one coming to the Avenger. For reference, the newer Compass has been delayed due to setbacks in retooling at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. The Avenger, meanwhile, is produced in Poland, but Stellantis is expanding in South America with production in Brazil. Aside from the newly teased grille design, Jeep did not provide many details about the mid-cycle update, describing it only as a “bold new vision” designed to “light up every adventure and make compact freedom shine.” Stellantis A Modern Touch for the AvengerThe Avenger is expected to retain its diverse powertrain options, including combustion, hybrid, and all-electric variants. The all-wheel-drive hybrid version, dubbed Avenger 4xe, uses a 48-volt hybrid system with up to 145 horsepower, while the EV offers a WLTP-estimated range of 248 miles. Reports suggest the facelifted model could be unveiled by the end of 2026, marking the nameplate’s first update since its debut three years ago, primarily for the European market. With the Avenger unlikely to reach the U.S., the closest thing American buyers have to an affordable Jeep is the Compass, whose current version traces its roots to the second-generation model launched for 2017. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

From Older Range Rover Sports to a Much Bigger InvestigationLast year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating a front suspension issue in 2014 to 2017 Range Rover Sport SUVs after owners reported cracks in the aluminum steering knuckle. That part is what links the main steering and suspension pieces together, so any fracture there is a big deal. The first investigation covered almost 92,000 vehicles, which eventually led to a recall of over 121,000 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport SUVs. Now, the investigation is much bigger. NHTSA has moved it up to an Engineering Analysis and is now looking at both the Range Rover Sport and the full-fat Range Rover from 2014 through 2022. That means over 330,000 vehicles are under review. Land Rover What Exactly Is FailingThe reason for the bigger investigation? According to NHTSA documents, more reports have come in, and it turns out newer models use almost the same steering knuckle design. In fact, two of the latest complaints were about 2020 and 2021 Range Rovers, so this isn’t just an old SUV problem. The main issue is cracks forming at the point where the upper control arm connects to the steering knuckle. If that spot breaks, the upper suspension arm can actually come loose. That’s when things get serious. If the upper suspension arm separates, you could lose control of the vehicle. This isn’t just about a rough ride or weird noises – it’s a real risk to steering and safety. So far, investigators have found 236 unique cases after sorting through owner and manufacturer reports. There’s been one crash linked to the problem, but no injuries or deaths have been reported. Land Rover What Owners Should DoIf you own a 2018-2022 model Range Rover, there’s no recall yet. This is still just an investigation, not a recall notice. It may or may not lead to a recall, depending on what the NHTSA discovers. Still, if you hear clunks from the front, notice steering feels off, or get sudden alignment problems or noises when turning, don’t ignore them. Those could be early signs of suspension trouble. If you have an older Range Rover, check if it’s already under recall 25V514. For now, NHTSA is still determining whether this problem is bigger than they thought and whether more Range Rover owners could be at risk. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A select group of riders will have the chance to own a Segway Xaber 300 before it’s available to the public. Here’s how you could be one of them.View the full article

Facing stiff competition from local giants, Honda exited South Korea’s car market while keeping its motorcycle business. View the full article

Forefront of TechnologyOur modern world has reached a point where technology seems to be making big leaps and bounds at a rapid pace. What used to take months and years to develop can sometimes be done in a matter of days. When it comes to the automotive industry, most brands are focusing on improving safety, efficiency, and autonomous driving through the crucible of tech. There are still some who believe that flying cars are a possibility, and it seems one believer is Florida's Governor. Xpeng Aeroht Flying Car FriendlyJalopnik reports that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis really wants to ensure his state is at the forefront of aerospace and aviation. He has expressed his intention to aid in the integration of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, or "flying cars," if you will. DeSantis signed legislation early this week stating that Florida will pay 100% of the construction costs to build VTOL vertiports or landing and takeoff venues. The legislation is in preparation for these flying cars that will most likely be used as taxis before more private individuals buy them. DeSantis, along with Florida Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue's new aspirational push for these ports, is one way they're tackling the state's heavy traffic congestion. This should come as no surprise, given that both men are well-established fans of flying car technology, having visited the Paris Air Show recently. Having had first-hand experience with these VTOLs at the air show, DeSantis promptly partnered with SunTrax, which will be the testing center for the VTOL system in Florida. Currently, there is only one other vertiport in the country, located in Chicago. So Florida's new legislation could really put it ahead in terms of this new aerial mobility solution. However, there are other vertiports already under construction in other states, though none are ready yet; these ports can also accommodate personal vehicles such as drones or helicopters. Xpeng Aeroht Is it actually possible?According to Jalopnik's report, they've been following VTOL technology for quite some time now, and while there have been many showcases and prototypes, actual production of these so-called air-taxis is virtually nonexistent. There are a few VTOLs already in use, but these aren't civilian projects, mostly built for military purposes. From a practical standpoint, Florida's plans seem out of this world, and while there is merit to the thinking behind this legislation, actual application that will benefit the broader population isn't in sight just yet. Audi, Airbus, Italdesign View the full article

I’m not a die hard Formula 1 fan that follows all the racers and points and such. But I appreciate the cars and the racing and all the technology that is present in that world nowadays. With that said, seeing the Monaco Historic Grand Prix video has me wanting to go to Monaco for that race more than the current F1 race. Check out these awesome historic race cars as they navigate the streets of Monaco. It’s like traveling back in time, to some of the sexiest open wheel cars on the planet. And they are all on site, racing around this historic and fun street course like we’ve only seen in old film. Check it out and let us know which one of these is your favorite machine on the track this weekend! The post Proper Vintage F1 Racing in Monaco: The 2026 Monaco Historic Grand Prix Did Not Disappoint! Awesome Racing Action! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Nitro Funny Car clutch tuning is super complex. In this episode of Tech Inspection we learn about clutch tuning from Tim Fabrisi.View the full article

Here we go again! We’ve got GT World Challenge Racing going on live right here, and we dig road racing and who doesn’t love the World Challenge series? This weekends racing is coming to you live from GT World Challenge America at Circuit of the Americas in Austin Texas, where the action was hot and heavy this past weekend! The post LIVE REPLAY: Circuit of the Americas GT World Challenge America powered by AWS 2026 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We’ve said it multiple times, but it still makes me smile when I see heads up no-prep racers running an index class, and the awesome popularity of Lil’ Gangsta’s and other classes like them. There are similar classes being held all over the country now, some in No Time format and some with times showing. I don’t care which one you like or participate in as long as cars are coming out and racing. These classes are drawing big numbers of cars and real payouts, so it is no wonder that our friends at the 704 Outlaws series kicked off their 2026 season with some small tire gangsters style racing going on as well. Check out the action from the season opener below. Video Description: The 704 Outlaws returned to Mooresville Dragway to kick off their 2026 season!!! With 20 5.30 small tire drag radial cars in the house, they would battle for $3,000 and bragging rights as the Outlaw nights have officially kicked off! The post 5.30 OUTLAW SMALL TIRE GANGSTERS AT MOORESVILLE! 704 OUTLAWS SEASON OPENER APRIL 2026! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Fairfield, OH — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially announced the acquisition of Empire Dragway, marking a major step in our continued growth and investment in premier racing facilities across the United States. Located in Leicester, New York, Empire Dragway has long been a staple in the Northeast racing community, known for its rich history, passionate fan base, and competitive racing environment. Under IHRA ownership, the facility will undergo strategic enhancements focused on racer experience, fan engagement, and long-term operational sustainability. “This is exactly the kind of facility we want to invest in,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “Empire Dragway has a strong foundation and a loyal racing community. Our goal is to build on that momentum—bringing more opportunities for racers, bigger events for fans, and ensuring this track continues to thrive for years to come.” “Empire Dragway has meant so much to me and to this community over the years,” said Jerry Scaccia. “I’m proud of what we’ve built here, and I truly believe IHRA is the right group to take it to the next level. Their vision for the future of the sport and commitment to racers gives me full confidence that Empire is in great hands.” Already established as a stop on our national schedule, Empire Dragway will host the Outlaw Nitro Series and Small Tire BRATZ Series on July 23–25. Under IHRA ownership, that momentum will continue to build with expanded programming, enhanced amenities, and greater opportunities for racers and fans alike. Fans and racers can expect upgrades to infrastructure, enhanced safety measures, and a renewed focus on delivering a top-tier race day experience. We will work closely with local organizations, teams, and the racing community to ensure a seamless transition and continued success of the venue. About IHRA The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), founded in 1970, is a global motorsports sanctioning body based in the United States, supporting professional and grassroots racing programs across multiple disciplines. With a racer-first approach, IHRA is committed to safety, innovation, and building strong partnerships with racers, tracks, sponsors, and communities worldwide. The post IHRA ACQUIRES EMPIRE DRAGWAY, EXPANDING NATIONAL FOOTPRINT IN THE NORTHEAST appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A second late-season storm is taking aim at Colorado and forecasters are flagging it as potentially the more impactful of the back-to-back systems hitting the Rockies this week. The Weather Prediction Center is already calling for high probabilities of significant snow across the Front Range, Pikes Peak, and Sangre de Cristos from Wednesday night into Friday, putting major mountain corridors back in the danger zone just as drivers were getting a brief reprieve from this week's first storm. Chat GPT generated image Peak Danger Window: Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, when expanding snow above 8,000 feet collides with cold overnight pavement temperatures across I-70, US-50, and southern Colorado highways. What to ExpectSnow totals: 70%+ probability of 6 or more inches across the higher Front Range, Pikes Peak, and Sangre de Cristos; significant high-elevation accumulation continuing into the weekendSnow level: Above 8,000 feet, dropping close to the foothills as cold air filters in Thursday nightFront Range cities: Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo will see the storm's edge with possible upslope-enhanced surprise accumulationWorst corridors: I-70 across the high country, US-50 over Monarch Pass, US-160 over Wolf Creek Pass, US-550 through the San Juans, CO-65 over Grand Mesa, and I-25 between Denver and PuebloThe system begins as a closed mid-level low near Baja Wednesday evening before opening and ejecting east into the Desert Southwest by Thursday. Strong warm and moist advection ahead of the wave will push ascent over the Colorado Rockies again, while easterly low-level flow drives upslope-enhanced moisture into the state from the Southern Plains. This arrives just behind the storm that hit the Rockies Sunday and Monday, which dropped 12 inches across Crested Butte, Monarch Pass, and the San Juans before exiting Tuesday morning. Road ConditionsThe I-70 mountain corridor is once again the headline travel concern. Berthoud Pass on US-40 (11,307 feet), the Eisenhower Tunnel approach (11,158 feet), and Vail Pass (10,662 feet) all sit well above the 8,000-foot snow level forecast for Thursday and Friday. Drivers should expect renewed chain requirements for commercial vehicles and traction law enforcement for passenger cars. US-50 over Monarch Pass (11,312 feet) and US-160 over Wolf Creek Pass (10,857 feet) are squarely in the southern Colorado heavy snow zone. CDOT has historically closed both passes for snow removal operations during events of this magnitude. The US-550 corridor through Molas Pass, Coal Bank Pass, and Red Mountain Pass remains one of the most exposed and dangerous routes in the state during winter storms, with limited guardrails and avalanche risk. CO-65 over Grand Mesa (10,839 feet), which already saw 24 inches in the first storm, is forecast for additional accumulation that could push it back to impassable. Pikes Peak Highway and routes through the Sangre de Cristos south of Salida will also be heavily impacted. Drivers along I-25 between Denver and Pueblo should plan for slick conditions on bridges, overpasses, and shaded sections Thursday night into Friday morning. Photo by Bloomberg on Getty Images Winter Driving TipsColorado's Traction Law remains active through May 31, regardless of conditions. Passenger vehicles need AWD or 4WD with mud and snow rated tires and at least 3/16-inch tread depth, or chains. Autoblog's AWD vs. 4WD breakdown covers what each system actually does and doesn't do, and the bottom line is that AWD does not reduce stopping distance on ice. That's the real threat across the Front Range and southern Colorado mountains Thursday night into Friday. Carry chains, a blanket, flashlight, portable phone charger, water, food, and a full tank of fuel before crossing any pass. If your vehicle isn't set up for a sudden return to winter, Autoblog's full breakdown of the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving is worth a read, and our best practices for driving in snow, ice, and rain guide covers everything from skid recovery to what to keep in your trunk for emergencies. Check COtrip.org for live closures and chain law alerts before any mountain crossing. Winter Storm TimingThe storm arrives Wednesday evening as the closed low approaches from Baja, with snowfall ramping up across the southern Colorado mountains overnight. Heaviest accumulation across the Front Range, Pikes Peak, and Sangre de Cristos is forecast Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, with significant high-elevation snow continuing into the weekend. Front Range valley cities will see their best chance of accumulation Thursday night as cold air filters in and snow levels drop toward the foothills. Conditions should improve across most of the state by Saturday afternoon, but high-country roads will remain treacherous through the weekend as overnight refreeze cycles continue. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

Suzuki Australia has confirmed the MY26 Hayabusa range, with most Special Edition stock already pre-sold and only eight units to be offered online from midday AEST on May 8 The post 2026 Suzuki Hayabusa range lands with Special Edition almost sold out appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Prior to the weekend, Joe Gibbs Racing notified both Spire Motorsports and Chris Gabehart that it intended to amend and refile its lawsuit against them both. As a result, their intended responses to the lawsuit due on Monday is no longer necessary. The below in italics is taken from the notice to the Western District of North Carolina. “Defendants requested JGR provide a copy of the ...Keep readingView the full article

Aprilia, KTM, Yamaha, Ducati and Honda all left Jerez with different answers and fresh questions. Here’s what the riders and team managers said after MotoGP’s crucial Monday test. The post MotoGP riders and Team Managers reflect on Jerez Test appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

These aren't sports cars, but somebody has to winNobody buys a Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, or Ford Bronco Sport expecting to embarrass Mustangs at a stoplight. These are practical cars for practical people: good fuel economy, reasonable cargo space, the kind of vehicles that appear in "best family car under $35,000" roundups and end up in suburban driveways next to basketball hoops. But "practical" and "slow" aren't synonyms, and this comparison is more interesting than it looks. Because the fastest car here isn't the one most people would pick, and the second-fastest isn't the one anyone would expect. The specs that actually matterHere's where this gets complicated fast: none of these cars comes in just one flavor. The Civic has two engines. The Bronco Sport has two engines. The Prius, to its credit, just has the one: a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder paired to a hybrid system good for 194 horsepower total, with an available AWD variant that nudges it to 196 hp. The 2024 Civic base LX runs a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four making 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque through a CVT to the front wheels. Upgrade to the Sport, EX, or Touring and you get a 1.5-liter turbocharged four: same CVT, but 180 horses and 177 lb-ft. On paper that's more power with less displacement, which is how turbos work, and which is why Honda charges you more for those trims. The Bronco Sport's split is more dramatic. The base Big Bend and Outer Banks run a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder making 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft. Step up to the Badlands, or the Heritage, Heritage Limited, and the outgoing First Edition, and you get a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder: 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic with standard AWD across the lineup. That 250-horsepower number starts to look meaningful very quickly. The Bronco Sport Badlands isn't messing aroundCar and Driver tested the Bronco Sport Badlands at 6.1 seconds to 60 mph. That's not a typo, and it's not a fluke. Two hundred and fifty horsepower going through a proper automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, in a vehicle weighing around 3,563 lbs, produces legitimately quick acceleration. Quick enough to embarrass a lot of cars that consider themselves performance-oriented. For context, 6.1 seconds is faster than a base Porsche Cayman from 2009. It's roughly the same as a 2018 Camry V6. The Bronco Sport Badlands is wearing mud flaps and a roof rack and goes like actual stink. The base Bronco Sport, though, is a different story. Motor Trend clocked the 1.5-liter version at 8.0 seconds flat, a full 1.9 seconds slower. Same nameplate, completely different performance character. If you're shopping a Bronco Sport and speed is anywhere on your list, the trim choice matters enormously. The Prius, somehow, is secondThe 2024 Toyota Prius is not the shapeless econobox of the mid-2000s. Toyota redesigned it top to bottom for 2023, dropped a genuinely attractive body on it, and made it substantially faster. Car and Driver recorded a 7.2-second 0-60 run, which puts it ahead of the turbocharged Honda Civic by a meaningful margin. The mechanism here isn't complicated: electric motors make instant torque, and the 2024 Prius's combined system output of 194 horsepower hits harder off the line than a small turbo four that needs half a second to build boost. The Prius weighs 3,197 lbs, about 300 pounds more than the Civic, and it still pulls ahead. There's a lesson buried in there about how we think about hybrid powertrains, but we'll skip the sermon. The Prius also gets 57 mpg city / 56 mpg highway on the LE trim, which is why it exists, and which it does while still outrunning a car with a turbocharger attached to it. Make of that what you will. The Civic's case and its asteriskThe turbocharged Civic Sport and above hit 7.5 seconds to 60 mph in Motor Trend testing: a respectable number that would have been genuinely impressive five years ago. The Civic's edge is in what the rest of the car does: at 2,877 lbs it's the lightest of the three, it handles with more precision than either of its rivals here, and on a twisting road it would likely feel faster than its stoplight numbers suggest. The base Civic LX, at 8.5 seconds, is a different animal entirely. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine gets the job done commuting-wise, but "gets the job done" is the ceiling of its ambition. Step up to any turbo trim if you care about this at all. The verdict and what you should actually buyFastest car here: Ford Bronco Sport Badlands, 6.1 seconds, no competition. If outright acceleration matters to you and you want something that can also handle a gravel road afterward, this is the answer. The performance differential over the base Bronco Sport is so significant that they barely share a comparison. Second place goes to the Toyota Prius, which continues to be a car that surprises people who decided what they thought about it in 2007 and never revisited that position. At 7.2 seconds and 57 mpg combined, it's an argument against the idea that you have to sacrifice something meaningful to drive efficiently. The turbocharged Civic slots in third at 7.5 seconds: close behind the Prius, better-handling than either of its rivals here, and significantly cheaper to insure and service over time. The base Civic LX is the slow one, and you should know that going in. The rankings: Bronco Sport Badlands, Prius, Civic turbo, Bronco Sport base, Civic LX. But "fastest" and "best" are different questions entirely, and none of these cars was built to answer the first one. View the full article

The logo on the hood used to be the whole point. You bought the German sedan or the British SUV because the badge told the world something about where you'd arrived. That calculus, according to a new survey from Mazda North American Operations, is eroding fast. In a study of recent car buyers, 81% said the experience behind the wheel, encompassing comfort, performance, and intuitive technology, is what makes a vehicle stand out. Only 19% pointed to the brand's badge. And when asked to define what "more" means in a vehicle, just 7% of respondents chose status or social recognition. Seven percent. That's fewer people than the margin of error in most political polls. Mazda What buyers actually want is less glamorous and far more practical. Space and practicality led the list at 40%, followed by value paired with quality at 36%. Advanced technology, driving enjoyment, and performance capabilities each came in at 30%. These are people who want a car that fits their life, not one that impresses the neighbors. The markup isn't worth itThe survey's sharpest finding might be this: 76% of respondents said the premium markup on traditional luxury brands isn't worth the money, and 83% believe buying a mainstream brand with a premium feel is the smarter choice. In a market where the average new car now costs north of $49,000, that's not an abstract opinion. It's a financial calculation that millions of buyers make every time they walk onto a lot. Earl Lee/Autoblog Mazda posed a hypothetical to drive the point home. If respondents received a $75,000 cash windfall, the top priorities were retirement savings (67%), paying down debt (65%), and emergency funds (64%). A full 61% said they'd invest in a new vehicle, but only 46% would direct that money toward a high-end luxury car. The rest would rather spend smarter on something that delivers the features they care about without the badge tax. This tracks with what the broader market has been signaling for years. Brands like Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia have been steadily climbing in interior quality, technology, and refinement, while some traditional luxury players have coasted on reputation. The CX-90, for example, sits in showrooms with Nappa leather, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a starting price that undercuts a comparably equipped BMW X5 by more than $15,000. Consumers have noticed. Safety is the new status symbol Chase Bierenkoven If the badge no longer defines premium, safety might. Seventy-five percent of survey respondents identified advanced active safety and driver-assist features as essential markers of a high-quality vehicle. That finding carries extra weight, given that Consumer Reports recently named Mazda its first-ever Safest New-Car Brand, a distinction that carries more credibility with buyers than most advertising campaigns could ever manufacture. "Drivers are shifting their focus to what genuinely improves their time on the road," said Jennifer Morrison, Director of Vehicle Safety Strategy at Mazda North American Operations. "Comfort, safety, and features that support real life are winning out over labels, and people increasingly recognize they don't need to pay luxury prices for an exceptional vehicle." The car as a quiet roomThe survey also surfaced something more personal. When asked what lifestyle sacrifices they'd make to drive their dream car for free for a year, respondents were willing to give up alcohol (59%), their favorite podcast (58%), new clothes (55%), social media (54%), and even a gym membership (52%). That's a level of emotional attachment that goes well beyond transportation. Mazda For parents, especially mothers (40% of whom agreed), the car is often the only quiet space in a day filled with school pickups, work calls, and the general chaos of running a household. For Gen Z drivers, 45% said the car is where they feel most like themselves, whether that means singing along to a playlist, decompressing after class, or just sitting in the driveway for five extra minutes before walking inside. But the standards for how you behave in that space are high. Respondents said they won't judge someone by the brand they drive, but they will absolutely judge texting while driving (75%), not wearing a seatbelt (68%), or a car that smells like it lost a fight with a fast-food bag (62%). What this means for the marketMazda commissioned this survey, so it's worth noting the obvious: the findings align neatly with the brand's own positioning as a mainstream automaker that delivers a premium experience without luxury pricing. That doesn't make the data wrong, but it does mean the framing is intentional. Still, the broader trend is real and supported by industry-wide sales data. Mainstream brands that have invested in interior quality, safety technology, and driving dynamics are gaining ground on legacy luxury names that have relied on heritage and badge equity to justify their pricing. The gap between a well-equipped Mazda CX-70, Hyundai Palisade, or Kia Telluride and an entry-level BMW, Audi, or Mercedes has narrowed to the point where many buyers are asking the obvious question: What am I actually paying for? View the full article