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There are racers, and then there are RACERS. We’ve all known guys who will never give up, regardless of the damage or obstacles that are trying to keep them from racing, but we probably all know someone who gives up at the slightest complication as well. Some races bring out these traits in people more often than others, and this is especially true at Drag and Drive events. We’ve spent a good amount of time with the guys at Brian Tooley Racing, and have been close friends with Peter Harrell and Lee at Harrell Engine and Dyno for years. And while I don’t know the Tin Soldiers Race Cars crew real well, I know them well enough to know that like BTR and Pete, they don’t know what the word quit even means. And here’s an example. Video Description: We went into Street Car Braggin’ Rights at Rockingham Dragway with the Tin Soldier guys looking to run our first race on radials with Man O’ War and our first 1/4-mile race with the car. We had high hopes of running well and possibly even taking a shot at resetting the LS 1/4-mile record. Some broken engine parts tried to stop us early in the event, but our stubbornness and lots of help from Pete Harrell and Lee at Harrell Engine & Dyno got us back on track. In Lil Gangstas, we made a last-minute driver substitution that looked to be going well, until it didn’t. The post A Broken Valve and Beat Up Piston Couldn’t Stop The BTR And Tin Soldiers Race Car Gang! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Viva Las Vegas is one of THE premier rockabilly car shows and get togethers in the country. Taking over the Orleans Hotel and Casino every April, this show is in its 30th year! When I still lived in Southern California I would drive up for this show every year to make sure we had awesome photo coverage for all of you to check out, but now that I live in Texas I miss this one every year. Thanks to Ghouls ‘n Gasoline on YouTube we’ve got a great highlight video from the show this year. And it was their first year attending the show! It was cool to see it from a newbies perspective, and it did not disappoint! Video Description: This is Ghouls n’ Gasolines’ first year covering Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly. We captured the energy of the event with on‑the‑ground highlights, owner interviews, pinup features, and live music. Expect authentic, up‑close footage that celebrates car culture, vintage style, and the rockabilly scene in beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada. #VivaLasVegas #VivaLasVegasRockabilly #rockabillyculture The post Viva Las Vegas 2026 Rockabilly Car Show Video – Hot Rods, Pinup Girls & Live Bands Take Over Las Vegas! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

If you needed yet another example of what “China speed” means in the automotive industry, here it is. The new Freelander brand, which is the fruit of a joint venture between China's Chery Auto and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), has already unveiled its first production model, less than a month after revealing its first concept vehicle. So say hello to the Freelander 8, a luxury all-terrain SUV that combines British Land Rover design with Chinese tech into a compelling package. Freelander released the first official images of the tech-focused electrified SUV on China’s Weibo social media platform, but we’ve also come across photos of the vehicle on X.com, courtesy of Steve Fowler. The images appear to have been taken at a public event, likely at Auto China 2026. Production Model Debuts Less Than a Month After the ConceptHere’s the new Freelander 8. Designed by JLR, engineered and built by Chery in China. Six models coming in five years. Left- and right-hand drive. First market - Middle East. It’s a 5.1m long plug-in hybrid. pic.twitter.com/igWcO7pwue — Steve Fowler (@SteveFowler) April 25, 2026 Building on the Freelander Concept 97’s styling, the Freelander 8 is a 200-inch long SUV with a boxy silhouette featuring a closed-off front grille, square headlights and taillights, clean surfacing, off-road cladding, and a diagonal D-pillar that is a throwback to the original three-door Land Rover Freelander. The concept's rear-hinged rear doors and the folding fabric replacing the rear screen are gone. As for the interior, one of the photos shared on X reveals a very similar low-set dashboard to the one seen on Concept 97, with a big central display and a screen band in the background that spans the entire width of the dash. We can only assume that the concept's three-row seating layout has been retained, albeit without the lounge-style third-row sofa. A closer look at the vehicle reveals the neatly integrated LiDAR unit above the windshield, which is a clear hint that the Freelander 8 places strong emphasis on assisted driving and terrain perception. The Freelander 8 Is a Tech Fest with Inputs from Huawei, Qualcomm and CATL Freelander / Weibo Freelander’s first production model is equipped with Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 5.0 intelligent driving assistance and a 896-channel LiDAR—the Freelander 8 is one of the first vehicles to get this system. The i-ATS intelligent all-terrain system uses data from the LiDAR and binocular camera for terrain recognition, which the vehicle’s computer then uses to adapt the driving strategy accordingly. Speaking of the computer, the Freelander 8’s computing architecture uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8397 hardware, which is the brain of a centralized vehicle control platform. The new processor is said to have three times more computing power compared to the previous generation. According to several reports from China, including CnEVPost, the Freelander 8 features a dedicated new platform called iMax, which was designed to accommodate battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrains. In China, the Freelander 8 will offer a high-voltage 800V electrical architecture, which will also be standard for EREV models. The battery is jointly developed with industry-leader CATL and is said to feature 350kW peak charging capability and and up to 6C charging performance. The new Freelander 8 is expected to make its debut in China in the second half of the year with an extended-range powertrain. The brand also has plans to come to the Middle East, which will reportedly become its first export market, and Europe later on. The model you see here is only the beginning, as Freelander plans to launch six new models—Land Rover currently has nine—over the next five years, for both left- and righ-hand-drive markets. Unfortunately, the US has not been mentioned as a potential market. Freelander View the full article

I’ve built cars in absurdly short periods of time, and then driven them cross country on multiple occasions, but to most people that is insanity. Heck, to most hot rodders the thought of driving their finished hot rod 850 miles scares the heck out of them. But Tony Angelo and Derek Bieri are always up for a challenge and this one is going to be rad. After the two of them finish putting this cool 1955 Chevrolet wagon together, they are off for an adventure! They are jumping in this machine, with a bit of faith, a bit of tools, and a lot of nerve, to see if it will make it all the way home to Derek’s place in Tennessee. That’s 850 miles. Will they make it? Will they kill each other trying? Or will they laugh, cry, and love their way down the road? Video Description: A guy is back for bad decisions and shenanigans! I tried to forget about this absolute rust bucket 55 wagon complete with rusted frame and 6 cylinder for 2 years.. but it’s time to pick it up. This tri 5 chevy was destined for the scrap yard – but were determined to breath new life into it in a few days, with a 450HP 327 SBC, and 5 Speed TKX. Then, I’ll just haphazardly jump in it, and attempt 850+ miles home! The post Will This 450HP, 5-Speed, 1955 Chevrolet Wagon RUN AND DRIVE 850 Miles Home? @Stay Tuned and @Vice Grip Garage Built This Car In Just DAYS! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

No. 1 qualifier Jonathan Allegrucci took home all the hardware today at zMAX Dragway winning the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals for the second year in a row. The driver from Scott Township, Pa. drove his Ford Mustang Cobra Jet to the winner’s circle in a tough quad that included two-time winners Jason and Taylor Dietsch, and Raymond Nash, driver of one of the most competitive Dodge Challenger Drag Paks. His winning time of 7.716 seconds at 178.42 mph was a strong showing to wrap up race day. “Getting this win means a lot,” said Allegrucci. “Everyone thinks because you won last year, you’re going to come out and do it again. And it just puts the bullseye on your back, and we put more pressure on ourselves. I think it makes it much harder. We came out and qualified on the top spot and it just gave us more pressure. And then the car started fighting us, showing us who’s boss.” Allegrucci was the first off the starting line in the final and held off Jason Dietsch who was the No. 14 qualifier this weekend and scored two wins last year. Dietsch scored the runner-up finish in his first Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series race of the season racing his Mustang Cobra Jet to the finish line with a 7.722 second run at 166.93 mph. Semifinalists Nash and Taylor Dietsch tripped the finish line timers in 7.739 seconds and 9.007 seconds, respectively, today with a solid effort for their teams. “We just said, ‘Hey, let’s go do the best we can and let the cards fall where they fall,’” said Allegrucci. “This was a tough day and that second round was really a turning point. We got by that quad and that really set us up for the day.” With the win Allegrucci moves into the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series points lead and will carry the $1,000 bounty into the next national event. He also took home one of the diamond NHRA Wally trophies celebrating the NHRA’s 75th anniversary.“It’s amazing. Just feeling how heavy it is and looking at it, it’s something special to be able to get out here and do this,” said Allegrucci. “I didn’t think it’s ever possible. I knew we could run with this class and throw some punches here and there. I never thought we could be contending like this at this level. It’s all because of the guys behind us. It’s because of KSR. These guys are just top notch, and they make our job easier.” Earlier in the day, Nash outran Gatornationals winner Ricky Hord in the third quad to take the $1,000 Flexjet Bounty and advance to the final quad along with Allegrucci. In a wild round following Nash’s win over Hord, Doug Duell, David Davies II and Jason Dietsch all left the starting line before the Christmas Tree activated leading to a unique outcome. The fourth participant of the quad, Taylor Dietsch, was declared the winner and Jason Dietsch also advanced because he was the last participant to leave early sliding him into the second winner position of that quad. The Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will be back in action at Route 66 Raceway outside Chicago from May 15-17, 2026. This story was originally published on April 26, 2026. The post Jonathan Allegrucci Wins 4-Wide Nationals Again first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

They saved fuel for half the raceThey then tried to race and immediately crashed nearly the entire fieldThey were then stuck 2x2 and were unable to pass the front row "You said it perfectly," said Ryan Blaney after the massive 26-car crash at the start of the final stage. “We’re either fuel saving or we’re running all over each other because that’s just what this car is and that’s how ...Keep readingView the full article

The NASCAR community is watching both Carson Hocevar and Spire Motorsports grow up together and that journey reached another benchmark on Sunday at Talladega with their first collective victory. There is a caveat, of course. Spire does have one previous Cup Series win, and that was the rain-shortened 2019 summer race at Daytona, but team co-owner Jeff Dickerson barely counts it. That was ...Keep readingView the full article

Mike Stavrinos picked up his first win of the season in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports on Sunday at zMAX Dragway, taking the holeshot victory in a thrilling final round as part of this weekend’s 16th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. This weekend’s event was the third of 11 races in the category during the 2026 campaign and was powered by Culp Lumber. Stavrinos went 5.669-seconds at 253.56 mph in the final round in his Al-Anabi Performance Camaro, but needed every bit of his .016 reaction time to hold off No. 1 qualifier Justin Bond at the finish line, as well as Jason Collins and Stan Shelton in what turned out to be an incredible championship round. Bond, who won the most recent event in Phoenix, went 5.658 at 253.66, but Stavrinos used the strong starting-line advantage to win by just .009, getting his fourth career win in the category. “Usually when I win one of things I’m pretty calm, but today I’m amped up,” Stavrinos said. “This team puts so much dedication into this hot rod and I couldn’t do it without them. There are so many people to thank and I’m just so happy to be taking this one home.” Stavrinos, who qualified second, won both of his quads to reach the final round, using a strong .017 reaction time in the opening round and an impressive pass of 5.683 at 251.86 a round later. Bond finished as the runner-up in his second final-round appearance of the season and Collins was third. Bond moved into the points lead with the runner-up advantage, while Stavrinos jumped to fourth in the loaded class after the win. The JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports returns to action May 1-3 with the NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Adel, Ga. The post Stavrinos Gets JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Series Victory on Holeshot at zMAX Dragway first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Before dawn the Jerez hillside was glowing. By the end of Sunday, MotoGP’s riders and team managers were left to dissect a Spanish Grand Prix that could prove a genuine turning point in the 2026 campaign. The post Lights on the hill, pressure in the paddock – MotoGP reacts to a pivotal Jerez appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The 20th season of Red Bull Rookies Cup opened at Jerez with rookie shocks in qualifying, a wet-dry Race 1 won by Beñat Fernandez, a stunning Race 2 victory for Kiandra Ramadhipa and an educational first European weekend for Australia’s Archie Schmidt. The post Red Bull Rookies Cup explodes into life at Jerez with two last-lap thrillers appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Reigning Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta shattered the track speed record in the final round en route to the win on Sunday at zMAX Dragway, beating a loaded final quad of Shawn Langdon, Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett at the 16th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. Ron Capps (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the fourth of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Kalitta went 3.692-seconds at 342.98 mph in his 12,000-horsepower Mac Tools dragster, setting the track record and making the third-fastest run in NHRA history, as the Top Fuel points leader collected his second win this season and the 60th in his career. Kalitta won each of his first two quads to reach the final round, where teammate Langdon moved first on the starting line. But Kalitta enjoyed a monster run to power past everyone and get his third career win at zMAX Dragway. After winning two world titles in the past three years, there has been no let-up from Kalitta, who became the first Top Fuel driver to get two wins in 2026. “Alan [Johnson, crew chief] thought it was going to run over 340 mph, so that was good. I don’t know how he predicts these things, but the guy’s a wizard tuning these cars and I’m just very, very fortunate,” Kalitta said. “It’s a hell of an opportunity to work with him and Connie’s [Kalitta, team owner] given us everything we need with all three of our cars. I’m sure he is pretty proud of what we accomplished. “The guys pulled through for me. I was really happy to see that light when it came on. We had a lot of support here and this is the kind of race you want to win.” Langdon finished as the runner-up in his second visit to the finals this season, while Pruett took third. Funny Car’s Ron Capps stayed red-hot in the loaded category, winning for the second time in three races thanks to a run of 3.905 at 334.90 in his 12,000-horsepower NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra in the championship round to hold off past world champions Jack Beckman, Matt Hagan and J.R. Todd in a thrilling finale. Capps had the dominant car all weekend, qualifying No. 1 and making the quickest pass of the weekend in the first round of eliminations when he went 3.865 at 333.00. He followed that with a runner-up to Todd in the second round quad, sending him to the stacked final quad. Capps left first and never trailed in an impressive wire-to-wire victory in the finals, enjoying his 79th career victory and his fifth in Charlotte, the most among active Funny Car drivers. It continued his impressive start to the year, as it gave Capps his third straight final round. The three-time world champion also has a pair of No. 1 qualifiers in 2026, as everything appears to be lining up for a strong championship push for the veteran and points leader. “I still can’t believe it,” Capps said. “You have cars like this at times in your career and you just don’t want to mess up as a driver. It sounds funny, it sounds strange, but you’re given something that leaves the trailer and all the knobs turn in the right direction to go win a race. Any driver will tell you this and if they don’t, they’re lying, but it’s like you’re given this to not screw up and to cut a light and, most importantly, drive it, keep it as straight as possible in a Funny Car. “The four-wide brings such a unique mentality to everything. I’m getting older, but it’s just so much fun to get up there and have the confidence from everybody on the team that I could still do it in the seat. This is especially cool because this is the only four-wide race this year. Sunday night’s over with, and you look back and say, man, everybody came together really made this a great event.” Beckman took the runner-up spot, while Hagan was third and is now second in points. In Pro Stock, Matt Hartford won for the first time at zMAX Dragway, rolling to his second win in four races to open 2026 with a run of 6.526 at 210.05 in his Total Seal Chevrolet Camaro to defeat Cody Coughlin, Greg Anderson and Matt Latino in the finals. Hartford won the opener in Gainesville, but then struggled in Phoenix and Pomona, losing in the first round at both events. The veteran, though, bounced back in impressive fashion this weekend, getting his second win of the year and 10th in his career. He won his opening-round quad and was second to Anderson a round later to advance to the championship round. There, he was quicker than Anderson and Coughlin off the starting line, posting a strong .024 reaction time and then the quickest run of the quad to pick up his first career four-wide victory. This one sent him to third in points, as Hartford made the most of his opportunities on Sunday in Charlotte. “If you’re going to win in this class, you pretty much have to leave ahead of everybody and that’s really hard to do,” Hartford said. “I struggle with it. I was .024 in the final and I thought that was great for me, especially on the four-wide, which is hard. You’ve heard from everybody; there’s a lot going on. It’s very confusing, and I just took my time, made sure I was ready and rolled in. “An easy way to see our team versus the other teams is who’s standing up on the line during a final. Just look and see how many people are behind our car and how many people are behind the other car. Some of these teams, it looks like there are 60 people behind their car. With our team, there’s Amber, Eddie and Adam, that’s it. So to come out here and run and be competitive with these super teams, it’s just incredible, and it’s an honor to have my wife do it alongside me, my brother do it alongside Eddie and me.” Coughlin continued the solid start to his season, taking the runner-up for the second time this season and third time in his career, while Anderson was third. Dallas Glenn stays in the points lead. Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Gaige Herrera was back to his winning ways this weekend at zMAX Dragway, capped off by a victory on Sunday with a run of 6.758 at 199.88 on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki to outlast a quad that included teammate and reigning world champion Richard Gadson, Clayton Howey and Chase Van Sant. It’s the first win of the year for Herrera and, remarkably, the 29th in his young career, a day after winning the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. After back-to-back world championships in dominant fashion, Herrera finished second to Gadson a year ago. He still enjoyed a strong season and Herrera was back in top form in Charlotte, showcasing a stellar .019 reaction time in the final quad. Both Gadson and Howey left before Herrera, but he tracked them both down quickly, rolling to his third NHRA 4-Wide Nationals victory in Charlotte and fourth overall at the stellar facility. “I knew we all were going to push the tree in the final and I think that’s the tightest I’ve seen a four-wide final in the bike category,” Herrera said. “It’s pretty cool to have all Suzukis in the final, too. I had a bracket bike all day long, same with Richard and Clayton, and it’s awesome to get the four-wide win here at zMAX and to get my first diamond in Wally. It’s pretty cool to win in NHRA’s 75th anniversary. “Losing the second round in Gainesville lit a fire under me and I didn’t want that to happen to me again this weekend. I knew I had to be better as a rider at everything and feel like this weekend I proved it to myself.” Gadson, who won the season-opening Gatornationals and remains the points leader, finished as the runner-up, while Howey took third. The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to action May 1-3 with the NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Adel, Ga. This story was originally published on April 26, 2026. The post Kalitta, Capps, Hartford, and Herrera Race to Wins at NHRA 4-Wide Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

MotoGP 2026 Round Four – Jerez Alex finds his Jerez magic again as Marc crashes out early Alex Márquez left Jerez with the winner’s trophy, the fastest lap of the race and another reminder that this is still one of his magic tracks. Starting fifth, he was in second almost immediately, took the lead from […] The post Alex Márquez wins as Aprilia leaves Jerez with the bigger statement appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Tyler Reddick managed to slightly extend his championship lead at Talladega, now 110 points clear of Denny Hamlin in the standings. After earning his first Cup win, Carson Hocevar jumped from 12th to eighth in the standings. However, the biggest mover in the points was Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who jumped five positions from 30th to 25th. The biggest losers were Michael McDowell, William ...Keep readingView the full article

Carson Hocevar became NASCAR's newest winner on Sunday, capturing the checkered flag after 500 miles of NASCAR Cup Series action at Talladega Superspeedway. Chris Buescher finished second and Alex Bowman third. In the end, 21 cars finished on the lead lap, and several others failed to reach the finish after a Stage 2 melee that collected at least 25 cars. Ryan Preece, who won Stage 1 ...Keep readingView the full article

In his 91st start, Carson Hocevar captured the checkered flag for the first time in his NASCAR Cup Series career. It was also Spire Motorsports' first win as a team since the 2019 season. Chris Buescher finished second, Alex Bowman third, Chase Elliott fourth, and Zane Smith fifth. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Noah Gragson, and Kyle Busch filled out the remainder of the ...Keep readingView the full article

Senna Agius made it two Moto2 wins in a row at Jerez, while Maximo Quiles claimed Moto3 honours on home soil in a dramatic Sunday for the support classes. The post Agius goes back-to-back in Moto2 as Quiles conquers Jerez in Moto3 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Tom Drane came up just 0.034s short of victory in the Ventura Short Track Singles final, while Briar Bauman stamped his authority on SuperTwins with a dominant win at Round 4 of Progressive American Flat Track. The post Drane denied by 0.034s at Ventura as Bauman rules SuperTwins appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Electric vehicles tend to perform very well in crash-safety tests, due to how their bodies are structured. Heavy batteries help create a lower center of gravity, while the absence of an engine allows designers more space to create effective crumple zones. The Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T pickups are two of the biggest EVs around, so their sheer size can also improve crash safety. But how do they compare to each other? And how do they perform when it comes to crash prevention? To answer those questions, we’ve compared the latest safety ratings for both pickups from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Let’s see which one is safest. Related: Ford F-150 Vs. Chevy Silverado 1500 Vs. Ram 1500: Which Pickup Is The Safest? Crashworthiness: Cybertruck Takes The LeadThe IIHS runs three core crashworthiness tests: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side. These tests collectively evaluate how a vehicle performs in different scenarios, whether it’s an offset crash with another car or hitting something with the front corner. Each test is rated as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. Here’s how the two vehicles compared. Tesla Cybertruck Rivian R1T Small Overlap Front Good Good Moderate Overlap Front Good Acceptable Side Good Good While there are no red flags for either pickup, the Cybertruck performed better in the moderate overlap front test, where many other full-size pickups tend to struggle. In this particular evaluation, the Tesla’s rear passenger restraints and dummy kinetics received a Good rating, while the Rivian’s rating was Marginal. That brought down the Rivian’s overall score and prevented it from attaining a Top Safety Pick+ award. The Cybertruck achieved this and is the only tested full-size pickup to do so. Both pickups generally performed well in crash tests. Related: Tesla Cybertruck Vs. Ford F-150 Lightning Safety Ratings—Which Truck Is Safer? Crash Prevention: More Good News For Tesla IIHS/YouTube In this category, the IIHS assesses a vehicle’s ability to avoid a crash with another vehicle or a pedestrian. Headlights are also tested for effectiveness. Tesla Cybertruck Rivian R1T Headlights Good Acceptable Front Crash Prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle) Good Acceptable Front Crash Prevention (pedestrian) Good Good Once again, the Cybertruck achieved only Good ratings—it easily lives up to Tesla’s generally excellent reputation for safety. The Rivian’s headlights and vehicle-to-vehicle crash-prevention system were rated as Acceptable. On curves, the Cybertruck’s high beams were more effective than the Rivian’s. In vehicle-to-vehicle collision avoidance, the Cybertruck warned the driver of a possible collision more effectively than the Rivian did. As in the crashworthiness category, the Rivian isn’t bad at all, but there are a few gaps where its performance could be perfected. Final Verdict: Tesla Builds The Safest Pickup 2026 Tesla Cybertruck Tesla View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Things may change in the future, but 2026 IIHS ratings show that the Tesla is the only pickup of any size to achieve the organization’s Top Safety Pick+ award. Pickup safety has improved in recent years, but still lags behind other body styles of vehicle, where Top Safety Pick+ awards are more commonly earned. The Cybertruck beats its R1T rival in these tests, although the Rivian can’t be described as unsafe—it still held up well in crash tests and put in a solid performance for crash prevention. View the full article

Chinese manufacturing giant BYD, through its Fang Cheng Bao luxury brand, unveiled the Formula SL at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show—a 1,000-horsepower electric sedan engineered to disrupt the market currently dominated by the likes of the Tesla Model S Plaid and Porsche Taycan. Seriously Quick and Curiously ContemporaryHistorically, the Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand built its reputation entirely on rugged, boxy off-roaders. The introduction of the 'Formula' sub-brand marks an aggressive, targeted pivot into ultra-luxury performance. While the carbon-fiber Formula X serves as the halo supercar, the Formula SL is the flagship of the brand’s new executive sedan range. BYD On paper, the Formula SL is more than well enough equipped to take on the industry stalwarts, built on an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture, the SL uses a tri-motor AWD powertrain generating a shocking, yet par-for-the-course, 1,000 horsepower. With its 122.1-inch wheelbase and length over 196 inches, the Formula SL matches the physical footprint of the Porsche Taycan Turbo S and the Lucid Air. The Formula SL does not rely solely on straight-line acceleration; handling dynamics are managed by BYD’s proprietary DiSus-M magnetic ride control system to ensure cornering stability. Visually, the sedan abandons the brand's utilitarian roots for aerodynamic efficiency, featuring heavily sculpted profiles and 21-inch gold-finished alloy wheels. BYD Will We See it?The vehicle is slated to arrive in Chinese dealerships in late 2026. While heavy protectionist tariffs currently block BYD passenger cars from US soil, the global market share of legacy Western automakers is under immediate siege. Porsche recently reported a brutal 21 percent first-quarter sales drop in China, directly attributing the loss to a highly competitive domestic EV price war. This comes during a broader industry-wide slowdown in Chinese auto due to the subsidies finally being partially rolled back. The Formula SL is explicitly engineered to bring a sort of flair back to democratized EVs, delivering hypercar-level output and software integration at a price point that legacy luxury brands will struggle to match internationally. The takeaway for the domestic auto industry is stark: the performance EV ceiling is rapidly rising, while the cost of entry is simultaneously dropping. Even if the Formula SL never legally wears a U.S. license plate, its existence forces Detroit and Stuttgart to radically accelerate their engineering timelines, or watch their international market dominance evaporate to overseas competitors. View the full article

115 laps into the race and 15 laps into second stage at Talladega, complete chaos broke out at the front of the field. Bubba Wallace was leading the race from the middle lane with Ross Chastain behind him. Chastain was surging forward as he, Ryan Blaney, and Joey Logano were all connected. Wallace got hit hard from behind, and slid up the track into Cole Custer, turning Wallace into the ...Keep readingView the full article

From fossil fuels to future mobility, Shell is encouraging EVs. Its upcoming concept car, built around the Triple 10 Challenge, is set to debut in June. Rather than chasing extreme performance figures, this project focuses on making electric vehicles even more efficient and easier to live with day to day. The Triple 10 Challenge Shell Shell’s Triple 10 Challenge sets out three clear targets. The first is rapid charging, aiming to take the battery from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes. The second is efficiency, to exceed 10 km per kilowatt-hour. The third focuses on sustainability, targeting a total lifecycle carbon footprint of under 10 tonnes. Albeit a bold set of goals, EV innovation has become a battleground. Recently, BYD managed to engineer an EV battery that can charge in just five minutes, showing how quickly EV innovation is becoming. At the same time, emerging technologies such as solid-state batteries are inching closer to becoming production-ready. Shell says the idea behind the Triple 10 Challenge is to set the "new benchmark for next-generation BEVs." A Small SUV With Big Ambitions Cole Attisha Rather than creating an outlandish, aerodynamic concept, AutoExpress reports that Shell shared a sketch of its creation: a compact B-segment SUV, roughly comparable in size to a Volvo EX30 or Nissan Kicks. The emphasis is on intelligent engineering, with a target kerb weight of around 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs). For comparison, the Hyundai Kona Electric weighs 1,870 kgs (4,120 lbs), significantly more than Shell's target. A smaller battery plays a central role in achieving this figure. However, efficiency is maintained through an advanced cooling system, where battery cells are submerged in a non-conductive fluid. This setup manages heat more effectively during charging and driving, allowing the vehicle to sustain higher charging speeds while using energy more efficiently. Lightweight composite materials, including carbon fibre components, further contribute to the overall weight reduction. June Reveal With A Bigger Purpose David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images While full specifications remain under wraps, Shell has confirmed the concept will be revealed in June as a fully functional, driveable vehicle. While it will not reach production, this concept will serve as living proof of what can be achieved using current, scalable technology. Innovative tech like this may be exactly what the world needs since everyone is suffering from rising gas prices. View the full article

Fuel Prices are Doing the SellingRising fuel prices – driven by trouble in the Middle East – are putting EVs back in the spotlight. As oil prices rise, it’s easier to show buyers why EVs make sense. Lower running costs, fewer trips to the pump, and less stress about sudden price hikes turn EVs from a trend into a smart, everyday choice. This isn’t just a US story. Europe, the UK, Brazil, and plenty of developing markets are all seeing more people switch to EVs. Chinese brands like BYD are ready for it, with a lineup that fits both new and established markets. Interestingly, the US market is not part of BYD’s immediate concern. Speaking to the BBC during the Beijing Auto Show, BYD executive vice president Stella Li made that clear. “We survive and are successful without the US market today,” Li said. Instead of chasing American buyers, BYD is busy trying to keep up with everyone else. Places like Brazil, the UK, and Europe are already asking for more cars than BYD can build right now. “Consumers feel the daily savings when oil prices increase. EVs help them save money every day,” she added. Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images Too Much Demand, Not Enough SupplyIt sounds like a good problem, but for a company moving as fast as BYD, hitting production limits gets old fast – just ask Ford, which is currently dealing with problems with the F-150. Even BYD admits supply is the real headache at the moment. “Actually, we are now suffering [insufficient] capacity. Our demand is much higher than what we can supply,” Li said. That tells you a lot about where EVs are headed. While some carmakers are still arguing about when to go electric, BYD’s problem is the opposite: buyers are already on board, and the factories are scrambling to keep up. The next move is to get deeper into North America, but not by starting with the US. Canada is shaping up as BYD’s way in, with reports saying it could be the first big Chinese brand to make a real push there. It’s a simpler entry point and keeps BYD close to a growing crowd of EV buyers. BYD The Next Bet Is Five-Minute ChargingBYD isn’t just focused on building more cars or entering new markets. The company is also pushing hard on charging speed, and its new flash-charging tech is proof. BYD’s latest system can add real driving range in about five minutes – suddenly, charging an EV starts to feel a lot more like a regular gas stop. For anyone still worried about waiting at chargers, that’s a big deal. This lines up with where the whole industry is going. EVs are already cutting oil demand by millions of barrels a day, and making charging easier will only speed things up. BYD gets that winning the EV race isn’t just about building more cars. It’s about taking away the last excuses people have for not switching. Right now, the real problem isn’t getting into America – it’s making enough EVs for everyone else. BYD Fans via CarNewsChina View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

What if you could live inside a Mercedes-Benz? Not a status-symbol sedan or a lavish SUV, but a commercial van. Based in California, Vanspeed has reimagined the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into what it calls the Album. Sitting much higher than the more lifestyle-focused Mercedes-Benz VLE in the lineup, the Sprinter is the brand’s big, utilitarian workhorse. While plenty of builders have turned Sprinters into camper vans, few come close to what Vanspeed has done here. Flexible Design That Actually Works Vanspeed Vanspeed Vanspeed Vanspeed Built on the 144-inch AWD Sprinter 2500, the Album focuses on usability. Rather than overloading the van with fixed features, Vanspeed leans into a modular layout that adapts to different needs, whether that is commuting or extended road trips. At the centre of the cabin is the Stage Sleep System, which integrates a Murphy queen-size bed measuring 80 inches (just over 2 metres) in length. It folds away cleanly to open up a full walk-through interior during the day, freeing up space without removing hardware. The same thinking applies to the VersaCloset Wet Bath, which doubles as a storage unit when not in use. The result is a cabin that transitions easily between lounge, workspace, sleeping area, and everything in between without constant reconfiguration. Ready for Real-World Adventure Vanspeed Vanspeed Vanspeed Vanspeed Beyond its clever layout, the Album is designed to handle real-world travel. Inside, the Album features warm wood-style paneling and a layout designed around everyday usability. The modular rear setup allows seating and cargo space to coexist, with adjustable components that can be repositioned or removed depending on the trip. A built-in lithium power system supports off-grid use, while features like an expandable interior countertop, slide-out work surface, integrated sink, and exterior fold-out table make daily living far more practical. You won’t be winning any races with its four-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 170 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. But paired with all-wheel drive and all-terrain tyres, you can go almost anywhere. The standard Sprinter 2500 has a 4,211-lb payload capacity and 5,000-lb towing capacity. A Thoughtful, Expensive Way To Travel Vanspeed Vanspeed Vanspeed Vanspeed The Album is less about excess and more about balance. Every modification Vanspeed has made serves a clear, real-world purpose. The Album gives buyers everyday usability alongside genuine adventure capability in a way few builds manage. Vanspeed 144-inch models start at $219,000. It’s not cheap, but for buyers looking for a fully integrated, all-in-one travel van, the Album makes a strong case for itself. View the full article

The Legend of the 429The Ford Mustang Boss 429 is widely regarded as one of the most extreme first-generation models, alongside the Shelby GT500. Part of that comes from its motorsports roots, with its 429-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) V8 designed to homologate Ford’s NASCAR engine and take on Chrysler’s 426 Hemi. That racing pedigree, combined with a limited production run of just over 1,350 units, makes the Mustang Boss 429 a highly appealing collector car. One of the 499 examples built for the 1970 model year is now listed on eBay, though the seller notes several issues that may discourage buyers who are not looking for a project. eBay A Deal With CaveatsWhile the seller has the alternator, the car is missing the alternator bracket. The shifter and clutch linkage also appear to be incomplete for the 4-speed manual transmission. The mileage is listed at around 56,000 miles, but the engine – said to remain stock to factory specifications – has been rebuilt and is currently in its break-in period. The Boss 429 was officially rated at 375 horsepower, though some believe it actually produced over 500 horsepower, with the figure likely understated partly due to factors such as insurance policies that imposed steep surcharges on cars with high power-to-weight ratios. The transmission and rear end have also been rebuilt, which, in theory, should make the drivetrain less prone to issues while reducing noise and vibration. Of course, that still depends on how well the work was carried out. Inside, the seats are said to have been reworked as well, which could be a plus for a car that’s over five decades old. eBay Worth a Closer LookGiven that this 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 has been rebuilt, it’s best to have it inspected before making a purchase, with the car listed at $200,000. The unit is located in Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania, and said to come with a clean title. That price appears to be on the lower side, as the model typically sells for around $300,000, but more pristine examples can fetch more than double that. The listing ends on May 24, 2026. The Mustang Boss 429 didn’t have a direct successor, though U.S.-based Revology Cars has released a modern reinterpretation. Its restomod version is powered by a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 producing 710 horsepower, with builds starting at around $395,000. eBay View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

In something that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, Tyler Reddick has announced a contract extension with 23XI Racing, ensuring he will continue to drive for Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin in the years to come. Reddick has had a historic start to the 2026 NASCAR Cup season, winning the season-opening Daytona 500 with a last-lap pass. He went on to become the first driver to win the first ...Keep readingView the full article