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Volvo has officially started production of the new EX60, an electric SUV that will rival the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. This is a key product for Volvo, since the gas-powered XC60 became its best-selling car ever last year. Similar in size but with more advanced technologies, the company hopes the EX60 will achieve a similar level of success in the EV segment. Initial orders in Europe have been strong, which is why Volvo has already increased production plans for the SUV this year. EX60 Must Succeed in U.S. Volvo XC60 production Volvo View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article In the first quarter of 2026, Volvo sales dropped by 32% in the U.S., with the company’s entire lineup seeing declines. The numbers were not helped by the fact that Volvo has discontinued its sedan and wagon range in this market. Expected to be keenly priced when it arrives, the EX60 will be an important addition to Volvo’s range. “Today is an important milestone for our company and for Sweden as a whole, as we start to build the first EX60 customer cars,” said Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo Cars CEO. “We are now focused on a steady ramp-up of high-quality EX60 production, making sure this game-changing car will be a profitable growth driver in the coming years.” Initial demand has been especially strong in Europe, which is why the company is keeping its Torslanda plant in Sweden open for an extra week this summer—the first time it has done so. For U.S. and Asian customers, order books will be opening later this spring. Volvo EX60 Key Specs Volvo The EX60 is styled to closely resemble the larger, three-row EX90. It’s a classy SUV with more restrained details than its somewhat controversial German rivals. Three variants were announced at launch: P6 with 369 horsepower (single motor)P10 with 510 horsepower (dual motors)P12 with 670 horsepower (dual motors)Depending on the trim, the EX60 has a claimed range of between 290 and 400 miles, with gradually bigger battery packs as you work your way through the trims. A NACS-style charging port will allow for easy access to the Tesla Supercharger network, and charging speeds of up to 400 kW are possible. This can add 173 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Something to watch closely will be the stability of the EX60’s software and infotainment interface. This is something Volvo struggled with when the EX90 was launched, with many owners left frustrated by glitchy screens and features that refused to work reliably. Volvo can’t afford the same setback with the EX60. Related: New Volvo EX60 Will Feature A Seatbelt That Thinks Final Thoughts Volvo Volvo’s EV sales are down 14% to start the year, so the EX60 can’t come soon enough. It will plug a gap between the smaller EX30 (which is being discontinued) and the larger EX90. This is a sweet spot in the luxury EV market, where models are less vulnerable to tariffs but more attainable than full-size options. Besides the BMW and Mercedes, the EX60 will also compete against the Cadillac Optiq and Audi Q6 e-tron. It’s fast emerging as a highly competitive segment, but the Volvo’s specs suggest it has what it takes to succeed. View the full article

Buddy Hull is ready to take on a new racing challenge. Hull will be stepping behind the wheel of a radial tire Mustang. View the full article

NHRA Funny Car driver and team owner Buddy Hull is finding a quick fix for his need for speed as he rebuilds his NHRA Funny Car to get back into action on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. This Saturday, April 25, the fan-favorite driver will get behind the wheel of a nitrous-fed ’06 Ford Mustang at the Clash of the Titans race at Xtreme Raceway Park in Ferris, Texas. This will be the second radial event for Hull, who competed in a radial race that was held in conjunction with the 2025 Stampede of Speed at the Texas Motorplex. Dave Vasser, owner of Nitrous Outlet, is promoting this event and is a fellow Texan which also appealed to Hull. “I am going a little crazy not being in a race car as we regroup and rebuild our Nitro Funny Car following our Gatornationals incident,” said Hull. “I was talking about wanting to get back to racing as soon as possible and the opportunity to drive a kickass nitrous-fed Mustang kind of fell into my lap thanks to my relationship with Sam Pack Ford and FS Performance. Dave puts on great events, and you definitely want to support Texas promoters. This is going to be a really cool experience.” Hull will be racing the nitrous fed ’06 Ford Mustang that set the Ultra Street world record at the Battle of the Thrones event at Rockingham Dragway in April of 2024. The Mustang tripped the timers with a 4.419 second, 159.86 mph run at that event. The current owner of the car is WS Energy Services and it is being flawlessly maintained by JD Campbell and the Dynamic Racing Solutions team. Hull most likely won’t be looking to lower that record but the chance to get into an ultra-high-performance radial race car was too cool to pass up. This will be the first time Hull is racing at Xtreme Raceway Park which just recently became an NHRA sanctioned facility. “It’s great that Xtreme Raceway Park is part of the NHRA family now so this can all come together,” said Hull. “NHRA facilities have to meet a high standard for racing operations. I am looking forward to mixing it up on Saturday and getting back on a racetrack.” Hull who has been racing professionally in Top Fuel and Funny Car since 2021 will be representing a host of sponsors that back him at the national level. The car will sport the logos from Sam Pack, FS Performance, Gates Belts, Technocraft, Impact, Dynamic Racing Solutions, 360 Wraps, WS and Herricks & Campbell Racing, as well as Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull and Drag Race Bracket Bonanza. The post Buddy Hull Takes on New Challenge with World Record Mustang first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Spring Fling at GALOT is LIVE right now with big money bracket racing going on through the weekend! If you want to see great drag racing action from one of the nicest dragstrips in the country, then you need to watch the free livestream below. Darana Motorsports Park, aka Galot, is home to the Spring Fling and this event promises some really hot action this weekend. That’s right, it is Spring Fling time and that means some of the hottest bracket racers in the country are going to be battling it out for big money at Galot where the Spring Fling is going on this weekend. Racing action starts Tuesday, right here and we’ll have all the action for you all the way through Saturday. The post FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: Big Money Bracket Racing From The 2026 Spring Fling at Galot – $40,000 Thursday! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A Strong Start, With One Big ProblemThe 2026 Nissan Frontier landed this year with a handful of updates – nothing radical, but enough tweaks and new features to keep it in the midsize truck game. The real headline, though, was the arrival of the Pro-4X R by Roush: a factory-backed special with American tuner upgrades straight from Roush Performance. This version was meant to be the tougher, more off-road-focused Frontier, with beefed-up suspension and bolder looks to take on trucks like the Colorado ZR2. On paper, it seemed like a smart move. But there’s a catch. More than 1,200 trucks that already rolled out of Roush’s shop now have to head back. According to a newly filed recall, 1,217 units of the Pro-4X R are affected, covering vehicles produced between late September 2025 and early March 2026. That effectively includes every example built before a key quality control fix was introduced. Nissan What Went Wrong at the FactoryThe problem isn’t complicated, but what can happen because of it definitely is. At the Roush facility, some technicians apparently missed installing cotter pins on important suspension and steering parts. These tiny pins might not look like much, but they’re what keep fasteners from working loose. Without them, things like the upper control arm ball joint or steering tie rod can start to come apart over time. There’s also a chance some bolts weren’t tightened to spec, which just adds to the risk. The risk is simple: a loose or disconnected joint might start with odd noises up front, but in the worst case, you could lose steering and crash. The problem first surfaced through a dealer warranty claim on March 2, 2026, when a newly delivered truck showed a separation at the upper control arm. A missing cotter pin was identified. Not long after, a second case appeared involving a disconnected steering tie rod on a low-mileage vehicle. A third incident followed days later. Roush’s own review found that some techs didn’t follow the usual instructions, and the paperwork wasn’t clear enough to prove that everything was tightened down the way it should have been. Nissan What Owners Need to Do NextRoush isn’t taking any chances. If you own one of these trucks, you’re being told not to drive it – get it towed to a Nissan dealer for a checkup. At the dealer, techs will go over all the suspension and steering parts, add any missing cotter pins, swap out old ones, and make sure every bolt is tightened right. If anything’s damaged or missing, it gets replaced. Owners won’t pay a cent for the fix. Roush has already tightened up its process as of March 2, 2026, with tougher checks and better paperwork to make sure every cotter pin is in and every fastener is torqued before a truck leaves the shop. Owners should get notifications between mid-May and mid-June 2026. Until then, if you’ve got one of these trucks, it’s basically grounded until it gets checked out. Nissan View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Carefully edited images are one thing, but what's the in-person riding experience like? It's an intriguing concept for beginners, for sure.View the full article

The defect was first discovered in a non-US-market K 1600, so international BMW K 1600 owners might want to check their local recall authority, too.View the full article

Shannon and Jess are moving right along on the FJ40 and things just keep getting better. If you like a Landcruiser, you’ll dig this one. But if restored to factory is your jam, this one might not be quite up your alley. We dig them all, so we are in. Check it out as Shannon clearances the fenders so there is clearance at food droop and full stuff. That means cutting and adjusting to get things right. If you missed this FJ40 project that Shannon Campbell is working on, we’ve got a link below, but if you are back for the next installment in this build series you are in luck as well. I think this is going to be a fun project, because I love FJ40s, but if you have any ideas of building a custom chassis for your FJ or Jeep, you should check this one out. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE UPDATES ON THIS FJ40 PROJECT SO FAR The post FJ40 Land Cruiser Custom Fabrication: No More Rubbing! Raising Fenders And Dialing In The Steering Setup appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Dealership RelationsSelling cars is a complicated and process-filled task; the safeguards put in place by the brand and the dealership are ironclad in ensuring a smooth transaction of business between the brand and the customer. The dealership is the middleman, acting as the point of sale, showroom, and sales executor, sometimes to a fault. One important service offered by the dealership is after-sales maintenance for the cars, a labor- and time-intensive activity. Disputes between the brand and dealerships are rare, but a Bugatti dealership in Miami is taking its issue to court. Bugatti Bugatti vs. BugattiAutomotive News reports that a Bugatti dealership in Miami is suing the mother company, Bugatti of the Americas. The suing dealership claims in the suit that, after requesting higher labor reimbursement rates, other allegations in the complaint include breaches of the dealership agreements, discriminatory vehicle allocation, and illegal sales directly to consumers. The lawsuit highlighted that in September of 2024, Bugatti Miami (owned by Braman Enterprises) requested an increase in warranty parts reimbursement rates from 100.49% to 160%, and the request was approved. In June of 2025, the same dealership asked Bugatti of the Americas for a hike in labor reimbursement rates to $1,350 per hour. After negotiations, it was agreed that the rates will increase to $1,100 from July to December 2025, then to $1,350 as of January 1, 2026. Come February, Bugatti informed the dealership that it would no longer allow it to perform warranty work due to excessive parts and labor markups. This led the dealership to believe that they were "fraudulently and in bad faith induced to accept a temporarily reduced labor reimbursement" during the last half of 2025. Furthermore, Bugatti also said it would inform owners in the area that the Miami dealership will no longer offer warranty services. Bugatti Allocation DiscriminationAnother part of the complaint is that the Miami dealer accuses Bugatti of failing to honor dealership agreements by holding back on car allocations. In the complaint, Miami received only two Tourbillion models and was denied an additional four models upon request. Bugatti Miami also said that the Bugatti Broward dealership was given nine Tourbillons for inventory. An extreme allegation made by the lawsuit is that Bugatti has been engaging in direct-to-consumer sales in violation of Florida law. Essentially, this claim states that Bugatti is bypassing the (Miami) dealership for sales. Bugatti View the full article

Chad Ehrlich is back at it with more new rides coming into the wrecking yard this week. Just when you think there can’t possibly be anymore old Ford trucks sitting around, he shows up with some fun ones. Dentside Ford pickups were made from 1973-1979 and are incredibly popular. I know guys who make a living buying and selling them online and they never have an issue with demand. So if you are a fan of the dentside Fords, hit up Chad and see if he’s got the one you need! Video Description: If you like old cars, trucks, and automobilia, be sure to check out all of my other videos! Please subscribe so you can keep up with the new videos as I post them! If you have questions about vehicles or parts, the only way to get a hold of me is to call me, 8 AM-8 PM CST, no texts, no e-mails, no messenger, no smoke signals, calls only. 620-786-4428 If I don’t answer, I’m probably on the phone with someone else and if you don’t leave me a message, I just assume you’re another telemarketer trying to sell me an extended warranty! LOL! I am located in Great Bend, KS and I am not open to the public, so if you show up without calling and making an appointment, don’t expect me to be available. Shipping is available. If you comment, message, text, e-mail, etc., don’t expect me to find it and don’t expect an answer. Thanks for watching, Chad 620-786-4428 The post New Junkyard Inventory: Dent Side Ford Pickup Trucks from the 1970’s! Including an XLT 4X4! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Desperate Times, Creative CommutesWith fuel prices doing their usual wallet damage, some “enterprising” types have taken things to extremes, like literally drilling into fuel tanks to siphon petrol. For everyone else, there’s a far less criminal, and far more practical, response: carpooling. According to the Today show, a mix of relentless congestion, rising pump prices, and frictionless app-based coordination has pushed shared commuting back into relevance, particularly across major U.S. metros. West Coast-based carpooling platform Scoop reported a 40% jump in rides from February to March alone, a sharp month-on-month spike that tracks closely with fuel price volatility and return-to-office mandates. Commuters in similar neighborhoods are algorithmically paired, splitting fuel costs instead of paying a full ride-share fare. With the average ride hovering around 18 miles and roughly $9 per person, it undercuts traditional ride-hailing while turning unused seats into tangible savings. HOV Lanes PerksThe carpool (HOV) lane has long been the most coveted strip of asphalt during rush hour, a fast lane reserved for those clever enough to share a ride. But beyond shaving minutes off a commute, the modern carpool offers a more layered value proposition. It’s not just about beating traffic; it’s about redistributing the cost of mobility in an era where solo driving is increasingly inefficient. There’s also a human element that’s been largely absent from the gigified transport economy. Unlike rideshare services, where interaction is optional and often minimal, carpooling introduces a recurring social dynamic. As highlighted in the video, most riders sit up front, creating a more conversational, shared experience. Whether it’s coworkers, neighbors, or even school administrators commuting together, the system builds micro-communities, something algorithms alone can’t replicate. Add in incentives from cities, like transit credits or perks, and carpooling starts to look less like a compromise and more like a strategic upgrade. Getty Images Public Transportation Isn’t Optional for MostLet’s be honest: telling people to “just drive less” isn’t a solution and sound more like a soundbite. Public transportation isn’t optional for most, and the infrastructure in many parts of the U.S. still assumes car dependency. The real question isn’t whether people should drive less, but how they can drive smarter, carpooling answers that without requiring a wholesale lifestyle shift or waiting on long-term policy fixes. What’s emerging here is a pragmatic middle ground. You keep the convenience and flexibility of a car, but dilute the cost and inefficiency by sharing the journey. When the average vehicle still carries barely more than one occupant, the upside is obvious. Modern carpooling has just been re-engineered for a smartphone-first world. And right now, with costs climbing and patience thinning, that reinvention is hitting at exactly the right time. Lyft View the full article

If you know your discount grocery store lore, you already know what the family tree looks like. But did you expect cheap motorcycle gear?View the full article

Heavy duty axles for off-road rigs have come a long way over the years and putting “tons” under a Jeep, or anything else for that matter, is the norm anymore. And you can buy all kinds of kits for swapping Dana axles of all kinds, plus GM’s 14bolt, and of course all the other late model heavy duty axles. But as rigs get more power, bigger tires, bigger axles, and more weight, the other components take more of a beating. This is especially true of spindles and hubs on the front of these rigs. So how does one get something more heavy duty than the hogged out Dana 60 front hubs for their ride? What other options are there? The answer is the East Coast Gear Supply KP 540 and Ian is here to tell us all about it. If you are looking for the biggest and baddest, this just might be it. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE ECGS KP 540 Video Description: Gonna do a few more of these “Quick Tech” segments for you guys so you don’t have to wait so long between full length videos. I will be using these to answer your specific questions about certain topics as well. So if you have a question drop it in the comments. The post What Makes the East Coast Gear Supply KP 540 Axle Housing So Good? Ian Johnson Walks Us Through Them. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Ford’s Recall Streak Now Hits the RangerFord has been on a recall spree, not just with one model. Just a few days ago, millions of F-150s were recalled for transmission problems – a big deal for Ford’s most important truck. Now the midsize Ranger joins the list, but for a different reason. This isn’t a mechanical fault – it’s an electrical one. The numbers aren’t as huge as the F-150 recall, but over 140,000 trucks is still a lot. Kristen Brown What’s Actually Going WrongAccording to the safety recall report, the recall covers 2024 to 2026 model year Ford Rangers built between December 9, 2022 and December 28, 2025, totaling 140,201 trucks. The problem involves the wiring harness for the sunvisor and headliner. In some trucks, the wiring may have too much tape or may not be routed correctly during assembly. Over time, this can cause the wires to rub against metal inside the A-pillar, wearing down the insulation and exposing the wire. If that happens, a short circuit is possible. That’s when things get serious. A short can cause heat or sparks, which might lead to smoke, melted parts, or even a fire inside the A-pillar. That’s a real safety risk for anyone in the truck. Ford found the problem after looking into a fire in a 2024 Ranger. They found trouble codes tied to the sunvisor circuit and signs of repeated electrical shorts. There aren’t many reports yet, but the risk was enough for Ford to issue a recall. Drivers might spot early warning signs like flickering or dead vanity mirror lights, or overhead console lights that don’t work, before anything serious happens. Kristen Brown What Owners Should DoFord’s fix involves checking the truck, swapping out parts if needed, and updating the software. Owners will need to bring their Rangers to a dealer, where technicians will look for trouble codes. If they find damage, they’ll replace the wiring harness. All recalled vehicles will also get a Body Control Module software update. This update is meant to cut power to the sunvisor circuit if repeated faults are detected, helping prevent future short circuits from becoming more serious. All the work to be done is free for owners. Ford will send out recall notices in phases, starting with interim letters in late April 2026 and full instructions by August. For now, keep an eye out for warning signs and stay on top of recall updates. Kristen Brown View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Ducati expands its Factory Made program with deep customization options including Lamborghini colors and titanium parts. View the full article

Tommy Lee Byrd, the Hot Rod Hoarder, is back at it and in this video below you are going to get a look at an awesome 1970 Plymouth Superbird that came from the factory with the famed 426 Hemi under the hood. This car was painted by Circus Custom Paint in 1970 when it was brand new, and would also get some Sox and Martin horsepower before going racing that same year. This car had just 10 miles on it when the original Hemi was pulled for the Sox and Martin special. Tommy has all the history in the video below, so check it out and let us know what you think of this piece of drag racing history. We dig it. Video Description: This extremely rare Hemi Superbird is a 1970’s time capsule with an outstanding psychedelic paint job that’s been in place since 1974. The car was a drag car from day one, running in the Super Stock E Automatic class, against the Ray Allen big block Chevelle convertible. Tim Richards drove the car, and it represented Karl Gould Chrysler Plymouth out of Vestel, New York. The car had a great 1970 season, winning its class at the 1970 NHRA Summernationals at US30 Dragway in York, Pennsylvania. It also raced on the big stage at the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indy. The car didn’t last long, as the Super Stock world was changing quickly. But it landed with another serious racer or in this case two racers…the Carpinet brothers took over the car and renamed it Infamy, erasing the Karl Gould lettering. From there, the car was painted white with custom striping, and then repainted again by Hank Z in 1974 under the ownership of Frank Obitz. The car then changed hands a few times and ultimately came out of hiding in 2014. The car was pieced back together with a period correct Hemi, and put on display at MCACN in Chicago. Since then, the car has once again changed hands and now belongs to Bob Jennings of Jennings Wing Cars. He plans to keep the ’70s paint job and cool stance. The car has some great history and I got to see it in person at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. #mopar #Hemi #musclecar The post Factory Hemi Superbird Feature Video: This 1,500-Mile HEMI Superbird Has SERIOUS Drag Racing History! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We’re starting to lose track of the many China-specific Volkswagen models as the automaker vies to regain share in the world’s largest car market. It is attempting to do so by launching new vehicles developed with its joint venture partners specifically for Chinese consumers. Today we’re bringing you two fresh Volkswagen EVs that have been unveiled for the first time at the Volkswagen Group Media Night event held on April 21 ahead of the Auto China 2026 show that starts this Friday in Beijing. We’ve already covered the new Jetta X SUV concept, but the event also marked the world premiere of two new Volkswagen EVs: the ID. Unyx 09 flagship sedan built by the Volkswagen Anhui joint venture and the ID. Aura T6 midsize SUV built by FAW-Volkswagen. These two new models, along with the Jetta X SUV and the AUDI E7X, are part of Volkswagen Group’s largest-ever product offensive in China. More than 20 electrified vehicles are coming onto the market in 2026 alone, and by 2030 that number will grow to 50 models—30 of which will be all-electric. Every aspect of these vehicles, from design and digital cockpit services to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), will be tailored specifically for Chinese customers. VW ID. Unyx 09 Flagship Sedan Is Co-Developed with XPeng Volkswagen Group China Starting with the VW ID. Unyx 09 flagship sedan, it was co-developed with Xpeng in 24 months, just like the ID. Unyx 08 SUV which borrows technology from the Xpeng G9. The ID. Unyx 09 electric sedan is almost 197 inches long and features sophisticated tech like advanced L2 driving assistance, high-performance computing, and an intuitive AI assistant. Those are enabled by Xpeng’s Turing AI chips, which are said to boast up to three times the computing power of current industry standards. Volkswagen Group China The Turing AI chip features a 40-core processor, dual Neural Processing Units (NPUs), and a neural network-optimized architecture tailored for end-to-end (E2E) large models, making it ideal for AI-defined vehicles, robots and flying cars. Mind you, Volkswagen said the ID. Unyx 09 shown in Beijing is a “close-to-production” vehicle, which means that some changes may happen before it enters production. Still, it looks pretty much ready for prime time in these photos. Volkswagen Group China The automaker did not disclose anything else about the ID. Unyx 09, but from a design standpoint it’s pretty clear that it’s closely related to the ID. Unyx 08 SUV. It’s got a very similar front end featuring split lighting with eyebrows-like LED DRLs on top and slim headlights below. The headlights are continued by a black trim piece that gives the impression it pierces through the wheel while crossing the fender and ending on the front door. At the rear, the slim LED taillights also remind of the ID. Unyx 08 SUV in the way they almost meet in the middle of the trunk, separated by an illuminated VW logo. ID. Aura T6 Debuts VW's New China Electronic Architecture (CEA) Volkswagen Group China Moving on to the VW ID. Aura T6, it is a midsize SUV built by FAW-Volkswagen and marks the beginning of a new series of vehicles that will feature the ID. Aura designation. The all-electric SUV features a more conventional design than the ID. Unyx 09, with clean lines and surfaces. The ID. Aura T6 is described as a cornerstone model for the brand as it is built entirely on the China Electronic Architecture (CEA), developed by the Volkswagen Group China Technology Company (VCTC) and Cariad China with Xpeng. Volkswagen Group China This new technological foundation is said to reduce ECUs by 30%, enable over-the-air (OTA) updates and support advanced AI, including onboard AI Agents that provide “highly intuitive, human-like interaction between vehicle and customer while ensuring robust personal data protection.” CEA also enables advanced L2 assisted driving. From 2027, the next-generation CEA 2.0 will integrate intelligent driving and cockpit control into a unified system across all powertrain types empowered by Agentic AI. According to the automaker, this will mark the Volkswagen Group’s next step towards the AI-Defined-Vehicle era in China. Volkswagen Group China View the full article

Triumph’s 2026 apparel lineup spans leather sport gear, mesh jackets, and laid-back tees for daily use. View the full article

If you own a 2025-2026 Heritage Classic, Street Bob, Low Rider S, or Low Rider ST, this recall affects you, so call your dealer ASAP.View the full article

When the S650-generation Ford Mustang arrived, it brought with it a new Dark Horse variant, and more recently, the Blue Oval has introduced a supercharged Dark Horse SC that is a new Shelby GT500 in all but name. The automaker explained that the decision to avoid the Shelby name was taken to highlight that the Dark Horse SC is a Ford Racing product, arguing that Shelby doesn't race. While that may be fair enough, a new report from Ford Authority suggests that the use of the Shelby name was costing Ford millions of dollars. Additional reporting suggests the Shelby badge could return to an official Ford product someday, but more on that later. Ford Reportedly Paid Hundreds of Dollars Per Shelby Model Sold Bring a Trailer According to the publication, which cites insiders as its source, Ford reportedly paid "approximately $800 in royalties for each Mustang Shelby sold," though this has not been officially confirmed by either Ford or Shelby American. While it's unclear how long this particular payment agreement may have been in place, some quick math shows that $800 per car adds up to millions of dollars per series relatively quickly. Just looking back as far as the S550 generation, the Shelby GT350 and GT350R's combined 24,211-unit production run would translate to $19,368,800 in royalties. Add in the GT500, of which 14,130 vehicles were produced over three years, and the bill climbs by another $11,304,000. That's a grand total of $30,672,800, which is big bucks in anybody's book. Related: Every S650 Ford Mustang Ranked By Horsepower From EcoBoost to 800 HP GTD Following the reveal of the Dark Horse SC (recently confirmed to make 795 horsepower and carry a $103,490 starting price), Shelby American has since announced the development of a Mustang for the Trans Am racing series, so it will be racing again soon. But we get where Ford is coming from—aligning the special 'Stang and its race-derived upgrades with Ford's factory-supported efforts in motorsport, including Formula One, is logical marketing. Add in the savings from not paying royalties to use the Shelby name, as well as the fact that a new name can create a new generation of fans, and it all makes sense. But could it return? Special-Edition Ford Name Changes Are "Cyclical" Adam Lynton/Autoblog Speaking with Road & Track, Shelby American president Gary Patterson was asked about Ford's decision to move on from the Shelby name, and his response suggested that Ford could take advantage of the heritage-rich name someday in the future. "Those things are cyclical, right? And it just depends on what's going on within their own company and what their directives are at any one time," he said, adding, "They're using Dark Horse, but you know what? This isn't any different than the Sixties. They went to Boss, all that stuff. So everybody gets all excited about this stuff, and I'm like, 'Look, it's part of a cycle.' And it'll come and go and so forth. What we do is we stay very focused on who Shelby is, and how we can also help polish the Blue Oval." Basically, Shelby American remains open to collaboration with Ford, and since the latter has given special Mustangs names like Boss, Mach 1, Bullitt, and Cobra, the Shelby name could well be reintroduced someday if an internal study reveals that customers long for it. Sure, it would cost Ford a few hundred dollars on each car, but perhaps it would be worth the payments if the car is special enough. On the other hand, Ford could find such great success with Dark Horse and other names that it decides the Shelby name is unnecessary. Furthermore, as Shelby launches tuned Mustang after tuned Mustang, the name may ultimately become synonymous with the aftermarket, for better or worse. Adam Lynton/Autoblog View the full article

The Sunbeam 1000, which made 1,000 horsepower thanks to twin Sunbeam Metabele engines, set the World Speed Record in 1927 at 203.79 mph. These engines feature dual overhead camshafts, 4 magnetos, an air starter, and are 22.5 liters in displacement, or 1373 cubic inches. They spin at 2,200 rpm flat out and made 435 horsepower before they got some love from the racing team behind the Sunbeam 1,000. These are big giant engines and they are fun to watch for sure. With the Sunbeam 1000 being restored, with plans to bring it back to Daytona in 2027 for the 100th anniversary of the record, this was the first test firing of one of the two engines for the car. You can see the excitement on everyone’s face when it does fire, but the nerves are very apparent as well while working to get this thing ready. Check out the video below and let us know what you think. I can’t imagine sitting in front of one of these and behind the other, catapulting down the beach at over 200 mph. Nobody had done it before then, and this made the Sunbeam 1000 the first car to every exceed 200 mph. That’s something special. Video Description: As the National Motor Museum workshop team strips down the second engine of Sunbeam 1000hp, we celebrate their expertise which made the rebuild of the first engine possible. See our footage of a private gathering of the Sunbeam 1000hp Restoration Campaign team to test the first engine in preparation for its first public start-up in over 90 years at Beaulieu’s International Autojumble. It was a special moment of success for the engineering team who had spent years on a labour of love stripping, cleaning, restoring and rebuilding the rear engine before it could be put back into its snug position in Sunbeam’s chassis. Work is now underway to investigate issues with the second engine and we rely on help from our valued partners and supporters to complete the restoration, in time to take Sunbeam back to Daytona for the 100th anniversary of its World Land Speed Record in 2027. More information, and campaign donations can be made here: https://nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/su… The post Sunbeam 1000hp: Testing Firing The First Of Two Sunbeam Matabele Engines After 90 Years! This V12 Beast Is 1373 Cubic Inches! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Ducati's North American CEO just restored and upgraded a 1971 R/T Desmo and raced it at the Biltwell 100. If more CEOs of motorcycle brands were like this, the world would be a better place.View the full article

A Familiar Idea, Reimagined for an Electric EraWhen Kia showed the Vision Meta Turismo late last year, it was clear this wasn’t just another show car. The proportions and stance immediately reminded many of the Stinger GT, even if Kia didn’t say so outright. There was intent behind the design, not just a collection of futuristic ideas. At Milan Design Week, Kia revealed more about the Vision Meta Turismo. The Korean marque positions itself as a grand tourer built for the digital era, blending performance with a new in-car experience. The design still follows Kia’s 'Opposites United' approach, but now it’s clearer how that could shape its next electric sedans. Kia Design, Tech, and That Digital LayerThe cab-forward shape and low, wide stance give the Vision Meta Turismo a solid, planted look. Geometric lines and a glass canopy make it stand out as a concept, but it’s the smaller details that really catch your attention. Kia says the car is built around three things: performance, digital interaction, and comfort. Inside, you can see that split. The driver’s seat is focused and minimal, with a slim instrument cluster and light seats that feel ready for real driving. The passenger side is more relaxed, with a seat that can even rotate for a social setup when parked. In terms of digital tech, there’s an augmented-reality head-up display covering the windshield, similar to what BMW is doing with its latest models, like the Neue Klasse iX3. There’s a playful side, too. The joystick-style shifter simulates gear changes, with haptic feedback and fake engine sounds. It’s a similar idea to what Hyundai did with the Ioniq 5 N that everyone just seems to love. The steering setup borrows from gaming, with modes like Speedster, Dreamer, and Gamer. In Gamer mode, the car becomes an entertainment hub when parked. It’s the kind of creative interface you’d expect from a high-end concept, but with a different focus. Kia What This Could Turn IntoKia hasn’t confirmed what the Vision Meta Turismo will turn into, but the direction is obvious. This looks like a preview of a future flagship EV, maybe something above the EV6 and EV9, or linked to the rumored GT1 project. The blend of performance features and digital tech shows Kia is aiming for a more premium segment. It’s not just raising the price, but changing how the car feels to use. By focusing on engagement, even with digital tricks, Kia is looking to keep enthusiasts interested as it goes electric. If this makes it to production, some of the wilder features will probably be dropped. But the main ideas – driver-focused EV performance, digital layers, and flexible interiors – are likely to stay. Kia View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

I’m a Camaro guy. I know people know me for wagons and mini trucks and whatever but I grew up in a Camaro family, my first car was a Camaro, and I love them. My favorites are first Gens like my ’69 Convertible, but I also love a 3rd Gen. 2nd Gens are cool too. Hell, there aren’t any years of Camaro I wouldn’t own at this point, but some are better than others. This 3rd Gen right here is something special with a 700 horsepower LS7 and great looks. Check it out. Video Description: This 1991 Camaro is a total rock & roll restomod! Featuring a 700HP dry sump LS7 paired toa manual transmission this thing absolutely rips so sit back and enjoy the ride! The post This 700HP, LS7 Powered 3rd Gen Camaro Restomod Is Something Special! What A Beast! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Del Holbrook has made the move to IHRA Bratz racing and has more tricks up his sleeve. His Mustang has been converted to a twin-turbo setup. View the full article