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Niece Motorsports has announced that Shane van Gisbergen will drive the No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado at Watkins Glen International on May 8. He will be joined by Cup Series teammate Ross Chastain at Niece Motorsports for the event. The three-time Supercars champion has six Cup wins, five O'Reilly wins, but no victories in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His one and only start in the third level ...Keep readingView the full article

As Keith Haney pulled his Jerry Bickel Race Cars-built, Pat Musi-powered “Black Widow” C7 Corvette into the waterbox alongside Tommy Franklin for the final round of Pro Nitrous at the Summit Racing Equipment PDRA East Coast Nationals presented by FuelTech, he knew he wasn’t supposed to be here. Not just the final round – he wasn’t supposed to be at Darana Motorsports Park-Benson period. Haney’s own Midwest Drag Racing Series was scheduled to have their season-opener at Xtreme Raceway Park the same weekend, but inclement weather forced them to delay the event until Nov. 6-7. The rescheduled race will now be the Ronnie Hobbs World Finals. With his own racing plans taken away, Haney pivoted. After a quick call to his tuner Brandon Switzer, Haney told his team they were headed to North Carolina to compete against the best nitrous cars PDRA has to offer. “I don’t like sitting still,” Haney said with a chuckle. “I can’t go that long without racing.” In a battle between series owners, it initially appeared like Haney would come in and snatch the 660 Man. A huge starting line advantage gave Haney a car-length lead almost immediately, but around halfway down the track a huge burst of fire out of the hood slowed him down just enough for Franklin’s “Jungle Rat 3.0” ’69 Camaro to drive past for the victory. “I had him beat on the tree, .007 to his 089. He was nowhere to be found other than smelling the parachutes coming out the back of my car,” said Haney. “But we had her spicy. We didn’t come here to run a .66 in the finals. We came here to run a low .60. I come to win. I was ready. I did my job, he [Switzer] did his job – the motor just wasn’t happy with what we gave it. Everything’s still good. We got a hole in a piston, gotta replace a couple sleeves, but we gave it all we had.” As a two-time MWDRS points champion, Haney is no stranger to final rounds. But this one felt a bit different. To understand how special it was, you have to go back to the Drag Illustrated Winter Series. Haney debuted the “Black Widow” in Bradenton at the U.S. Street Nationals with zero testing. He admits it wasn’t the plan, but parts breakage on his “Black Mamba” Camaro forced his hand. “We made the decision to go to U.S. Street with the new car because we didn’t really have a choice,” Haney said. “The Mamba was broken pretty good – the whole back end –forcing us to bring the new car out. We normally go test for a week or two before the race with nobody even seeing us, but we didn’t have that opportunity for this one. The car didn’t get finished until the week of the race, and it just takes time to learn.” Still trying to figure everything out with the new car, Haney didn’t perform as well at the Winter Series as he knows he’s capable of. And with Switzer not available to attend the MWDRS season-opener (nor the PDRA East Coast Nationals as it turned out), the duo knew they needed to test extensively. After a full day preparing the car, the team headed to Tulsa Raceway Park for three days of non-stop testing. For the first two days, the car still didn’t want to act right. But on the third day, things changed. “A lot of people don’t know this, but I’ve owned Tulsa [Raceway Park] since 2011, and I have never tested a Pro Mod at that track,” said Haney. “Our last day, Brandon said, ‘We got to have everything right. I think I’ve got everything where I know it needs to be.’ That last day, we go 3.62 at 207 mph, and Brandon says, ‘We got a race car.’” Unfortunately, as the weather forecast continued to worsen for his own event, Haney made the tough decision to call XRP owner Clyde Scott and tell him the race needed to be postponed. As both a businessman and a family man, Haney didn’t want to force teams to spend their time and money for traveling just to sit in the rain. Yet there was an opportunity gained from the unfortunate situation. “I called Brandon and the guys and said, ‘I want to make some hits. I want to go race PDRA Pro Nitrous and see how I stand up with those guys.’ And immediately the guys said, ‘Yeah, whatever you want to do, boss.’ They want to race too. They enjoy success.” Almost immediately, the team – Haney, Steve Cooks, Bobby Savedra III, Jordan Savedra, and Adam Engnes – made plans to head out to Benson, N.C. Severe thunderstorms were rolling through the Midwest as Haney was leaving with the rig – he admits if they’d left just 20 minutes later, they likely would’ve been caught up in a tornado that tore through Muskogee, Oklahoma. By Thursday morning, it was time to see if all the hard work had paid off. Three test passes, three clean hits. The “Black Widow” was more consistent than it had ever been heading into Friday’s qualifying. Three qualifying sessions, and three more clean hits – including a 3.665 at 206.64 mph that landed Haney in the No. 6 spot out of 21 drivers. For the first time since debuting it at the Winter Series, Haney knew he had a hot rod. “It took us a bit to figure it out, but I love driving this car,” said Haney. “I can see every single bit of the racetrack. Every single light that’s on the tree. I can see out of this Corvette body better than anything I’ve ever seen out of in my life. The car drives better than anything I’ve ever driven. “And let’s talk about 21 nitrous cars,” Haney added. “The most they’ve had in a long time. Go pull up any sheet. I couldn’t tell you when they last had 21 nitrous cars. They outdid the Pro Boost category.” On race day, Haney lined up against Billy Albert in round one and won with a 3.714 at 206.35 to Albert’s 3.747. He then lined up against another Brandon Switzer-tuned driver, PDRA Darlington winner Mike Achenbach, in the second round. Achenbach went -.011 on the tree, while Haney rolled to a 3.755 at 195.19. “Once I let go of the button against Albert in that first round, I said, ‘This car can’t be beat,’” recalled Haney. “When I let go of the button and the front end come up and it did what it did, I said, ‘It can’t be beat. I think I can win this race.’” A timing system malfunction with the Christmas tree plagued the semifinal pairing between Haney and Buddy Perkinson, causing Perkinson to leave the line late. PDRA officials determined the race needed to be ran again; however, after losing with a 3.691 at 204.79 to Haney’s 3.664 at 206.48, Perkinson declined the opportunity to rerun the race. “I’ll admit it – I was mad that after I had won, basically crying on the top end like, I wasn’t supposed to do this,” Haney said. “And then all of a sudden, someone comes over and said something malfunctioned in the tree, we’re going to probably have to rerun. I said, ‘I am not re-running. I’ll go home.’ I was emotional. “Buddy, being the sportsman he is, and his team are, they’re good people,” added Haney. “We’re parked next to each other. We’ve talked all weekend. They played with my dog. We’ve had a great time. Let me tell you, that’s real sportsmanship right there.” While the final didn’t go Haney’s way – an especially tough loss considering it appeared to be all but won – it was a monumental step in his program with the new car. Nine consecutive passes with zero aborted runs throughout the weekend prior to the finals, reaction times that were on point in eliminations (.031, .033, .053, .007), and a car that will be a contender throughout the rest of 2026. “We went from the outhouse to the penthouse in just three days,” Haney said with a smile. “The PDRA really showed good camaraderie for the sport with me coming here. We made more noise in drag racing…if you look on the internet, it’s everywhere. It’s been really good for the sport because you’ve seen them talking good about Midwest, and we always talk good about PDRA. I came to support this race because I believe in it and I care about the sport, and I feel like the Franklins care about the sport. I think we proved this weekend we’re something.” The post “From the Outhouse to the Penthouse:” Keith Haney Discusses Impressive Showing at PDRA East Coast Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Last year, the Bovensiepen Zagato was revealed, a coachbuilt masterpiece based on the BMW M4 Convertible. This stunning machine is a collaboration between luxury automotive brand Bovensiepen and iconic Italian design firm Zagato. At the time of its reveal, we didn’t know how much it would cost or the full extent to which it could be customized, but the company has now shared this information. Let’s just say that this dramatically prettier “M4” comes with a price tag that’s far in excess of anything you can buy from BMW. Over Four Times An M4 Convertible’s Price Bovensiepen Zagato Bovensiepen View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Bovensiepen Zagato is limited to just 99 units and each one will cost €369,495, which works out to around $434,000 at current rates. That’s over four times as much as the M4 Competition Convertible, which starts at $98,400 in the United States. It falls short of what BMW charged for the modern 3.0 CSL, though; that was priced at over $800k and is loosely based on the M4 CSL. Although the Bovensiepen Zagato is a coupe, it’s based on the M4 Convertible, allowing the company to create a sleek, pillarless design with Zagato’s famous double-bubble roof. The normal M4’s enormous grille has been entirely binned, and for the better. In its place is a much more attractive front fascia with a low, wide hood and reshaped headlights. The exterior body is crafted from carbon, and in total, the car has over 400 custom parts and takes over 250 hours to build. At the back, the taillights closely resemble the ones on the M4 CSL, but everything else is different. Overall, it’s a vastly more elegant car than the BMW it’s based on. Highly Customizable Bovensiepen Zagato Bovensiepen View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Customers spending over $400k on a coachbuilt car expect to be able to personalize it to suit their tastes, and the Bovensiepen Zagato’s configurator shows just how far you can go. There are metallic, Individual, and Bovensiepen "Paintwork on demand" options for the exterior. Some of the most vivid shades include Speed Yellow, Volcano Red, Rosso metallizzato, and Azzurro California. Various diamond-cut wheel options are available, as are several brake caliper options, including milled Bovensiepen script in the color of your choosing. Bovensiepen Zagato Bovensiepen View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article The interior is clearly inherited from the M4, but materials are significantly upgraded—that comes as no surprise, since Bovensiepen was founded by the sons of Alpina's founder, and Alpina BMWs have always been a step up in quality. Merino leather is standard, with Lavalina leather in colors like Mugello Red, Verde Heritage, Birch, and Heaven (blue). The color you choose extends to the roof pillars, shift lever, and door panels. Although generally well-equipped by default, Bovensiepen allows you to add the following extras: Carbon PackageLuggage area and floor lining in AlcantaraEngine Compartment PackageLavalina steering wheel with thin rimThese options are in addition to standard items like Comfort Access, electric front seats with heating, an Alcantara headliner, a driving assistant, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine has been tuned to make 602 horsepower, enabling a 0-62 mph time of 3.3 seconds—so this high-end coupe will outsprint every normal M4. Final Thoughts Bovensiepen With gorgeous looks, the proven M4 base, high exclusivity, and potent performance, the Bovensiepen Zagato is one of the most desirable coupes in the world. Its price puts it into a league with the likes of Rolls-Royce, but it’s really competing with rarities in the coachbuilt world. For the 99 lucky customers who can afford one, it’s a car that should be as good to drive as it is to look at, and it'll likely still be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars years from now. View the full article

Four-time Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan has been part of some of NHRA’s most memorable moments. Near the top of that list is his historic 3.99-second run at zMAX Dragway in 2011 and at this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, Hagan returns to Charlotte with what he hopes is another thrilling weekend in his 12,000-horsepower Dodge//SRT Hellcat. “I remember making that 3.99-pass,” said Hagan. “It was at night. We had been saving some parts and pieces towards the end of the season and so I knew that we had some good stuff on the car. It was one of those things where it was night and it was cool, where you could see your breath. You always get those feelings when your crew chief kind of looks at you in there at you and before he turns the knob and walks away, like, ‘hold on, bud.’ “That’s what’s really cool because it has stuck with me. To break into the 3.99-range in 1,000-feet, that was really cool, especially to do it at Charlotte.” Hagan is a veteran within the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series ranks and is the only active Funny Car driver with four world titles. Hagan has 56 career wins to his impressive credit, with four coming at zMAX Dragway. After winning two weeks ago at the Winternationals in Pomona, Hagan is riding that momentum to the “Bellagio of Dragstrips” for this weekend’s 16th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. “Winning in Pomona was great. Then you come into Charlotte, it’s my home track. It’s just such a great place. The Smith tracks, they’re always just top-notch. I mean, and the facilities are great. The fans are great,” Hagan said. The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals is this season’s sole four-wide event. Fans will witness four nitro-burning machines racing simultaneously, showcasing nearly 50,000-horsepower at once while reaching speeds of more than 340 mph. This year’s visit to Charlotte will also continue the season-long celebration of NHRA’s 75th anniversary, where fans can expect multiple highlights at zMAX Dragway, including: An appearance from NHRA’s four-time Funny Car world champion Hagan, as well as NHRA legends Darryl Gwynn and Frank Manzo. On Sunday, a free, limited-edition NHRA schedule magnet will be given to the first 5,000 fans in attendance to take in eliminations. A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and much more. Last season, Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) claimed victories at the famed facility. This season’s race will once again be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 26. With the 75th anniversary season underway, NHRA added 25 additional drivers to the Top 75 Drivers list. Joining this year’s class of additions was Hagan. With his record-breaking passes, wins and four world titles, Hagan was a natural addition to the prestigious list of past and present NHRA legends, and he’s thrilled to celebrate that prestigious honor this weekend in Charlotte. “When you say ‘legend,’ I don’t even consider myself in that category. I just feel like how lucky am I? All these things came together, and right place, right time, and here we are,” Hagan said. “I never really dreamed of sitting out here doing this as a profession and it’s just something that kind of happened, and here we are now. But at the end of the day, what an honor. To win a couple of championships with different crew chiefs, and a handful of different guys along the way, and to still be able to be out here doing what we do is awesome.” Last season, Langdon added his name to the NHRA history books when he won NHRA’s 1,000th Top Fuel race. Langdon has already visited the winner’s circle in 2026 when he won in Phoenix. Others to look out for in Charlotte will be Gainesville winner Josh Hart, reigning world champion Doug Kalitta and seven-time Charlotte winner Antron Brown, as well as Leah Pruett as she returns to full-time racing. Dallas Glenn powered his way to his first Pro Stock world title in 2025 and won last season’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals when he defeated KB Titan Racing teammate and six-time champ Greg Anderson, 2026 Gainesville winner Matt Hartford and Eric Latino. Pro Stock Motorcycle returns in Charlotte after last racing at the season opener in Gainesville. Six-time world champ Matt Smith won at his home track last season when he defeated reigning world champ Richard Gadson, two-time champ Gaige Herrera and veteran Steve Johnson. Gadson opened 2026 with a win and will face off against the likes of Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo, John Hall and Chase Van Sant. The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will also feature the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown. The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will see the debut of the new Right Trailers Outlaw Street Series is an exciting new showcase for 2026 and will feature 10 drivers, with three rounds of qualifying over the course of Friday and Saturday in Charlotte, followed by semifinals and finals on Sunday at zMAX Dragway. Fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions and much more. Race fans in Charlotte can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:15 and 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 24 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 25 at 12:30 and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 26. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 7 p.m. ET on Friday and 11:00 a.m. ET on Sunday with eliminations action at 7 p.m. ET to follow. To purchase tickets to the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, please visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 800-455-3267. For more information about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com. The post Four-Time Funny Car Champion Matt Hagan Returns to zMAX Dragway to Add to His NHRA Legacy first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Smart brand it going back to its origins with the Concept #2, which previews the successor to the ForTwo electric microcar that went out of production in March 2024. An electrified vehicle joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and China’s Geely Holding Group since January 2020, Smart has expanded a lot in recent years in segments where not many people expected to see it. Smart is now selling vehicles like the #1 subcompact electric crossover, #3 compact electric crossover and the #5 midsize SUV, which offers both electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains. On top of that, Smart has just unveiled the #6 EHD, its first-ever sedan, on the eve of Auto China 2026 in Beijing. The Smart ForTwo Is Back, Long Live the Smart #2 Smart Europe But with Concept #2, Smart its returning to its roots, previewing the next-generation ForTwo two-seat microcar, which will have its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026 as the Smart #2. Until then, Smart is offering a taste of its reinvented two-seater city car with the Concept #2, which debuted at the Global Brand Event 2026 in Beijing today. Styled by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team, the Concept #2 clearly looks like an evolution of the third-generation ForTwo, which is probably a good thing because people will instantly recognize it. Smart Europe The concept adopts a “Function becomes Fashion” design philosophy, with highlights including the generous volumes, two-tone finish combining matte white and warm gold, and fine leather details including the grille straps and door handles. Obviously, those are just for show and we seriously doubt they’ll make it to the production version—including the concept wheels. “The Concept #2 combines the creativity and passion of our Mercedes-Benz design team and provides a clear vision of the future qualities of the smart #2,” said Wolfgang Ufer, CEO smart Europe. “It is a vehicle shaped by the way European smart customers truly live and move — effortless, agile and efficient.” Up to 186 Miles of Range and 20-Minute DC Fast Charging Time Smart Europe Beyond the flashy elements, Concept #2 represents an accurate preview of the ForTwo successor. It adopts the nameplate’s pure and compact silhouette measuring just 2,792 mm (110 inches) of total length, which is partly made possible by the signature “wheels-at-the-corners” setup. Compared to the previous Smart ForTwo, the concept is almost 4 inches longer, which suggests it will have more interior space. No photos of the cabin have been released yet, though. Smart says the Concept #2 also showcases “unmatched agility” thanks to a tight 6.95-meter (22.8-ft) turning circle, which should make city maneuvers a breeze. The upcoming Smart ForTwo will be based on the all-new, self-developed proprietary Electric Compact Architecture (ECA), which the company says it will set new standards for modern electric performance. Smart Europe Smart estimates a driving range of nearly 300 kilometers (186 miles) on the WLTP cycle and a 20-minute DC fast charging time from 10% to 80% state of charge. That means the production model will have double the range of the previous Smart EQ ForTwo, which was rated at 80-100 miles (WLTP). Concept #2 also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities that will likely make it to the production model. If you’re excited about the upcoming Smart ForTwo—which may end up bearing the Smart #2 name if the brand's current model nomenclature is kept—you should know that it won’t come to the US. The Smart brand left the US market after the 2019 model year and chances of it going back are very slim given that all its vehicles are made in China. European markets will get the new Smart, though. 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 – $15,000 Wednesday appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Not many models are more important for Lexus in the U.S. than the NX crossover. In the first quarter of 2026, Lexus sold 13,219 of them, behind only the larger RX. With that in mind, news of an upgraded NX will always get the attention of fans of the brand. The 2027 model has been captured in new spy shots—at the Nürburgring, of all places. No, this doesn’t mean we’re getting a high-performance, corner-carving “F” variant of the NX; the company was also seen testing a new three-row electric crossover called the TZ at the famous circuit. It’s the updated NX that’s expected to sell in higher numbers, though. 2027 Lexus NX Design Updates 2027 Lexus NX spy shot SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The 2027 NX isn’t expected to change drastically, but it will come with tweaks to its exterior design. Although most of these are partially concealed in the spy photos, we can expect new headlights with revised graphics, a different pattern for the spindle grille, and more pronounced air vents. At the back, Lexus has moved the reflectors higher up, tweaked the bumper, and changed the taillight graphics. These design updates are important, since the second-gen NX first went into production in 2021. No other changes are known at this stage, but we expect the usual upgrades that come with such a facelift. That could be new exterior and interior colors, infotainment updates, and possibly a reshuffling of trims and packages. The current NX is already one of the comfiest and well-built crossovers in its segment, and nothing is expected to change there. Will The Non-Hybrid Model Survive? SH Proshots/Autoblog Last year, Lexus discontinued the non-hybrid NX 250, leaving the NX 350 as the only non-hybrid NX model. In 2026 so far, just over 75% of all NXs sold have been hybrids or plug-in hybrids; the PHEV had its best start to a year ever. Since this car’s less fancy cousin, the platform-sharing RAV4, has already transitioned to a hybrid-only lineup, it wouldn’t be a shock if the 2027 NX does the same. Currently, you can get the NX with a 275-horsepower non-hybrid turbo-four, a 240-hp hybrid, or a 302-hp plug-in hybrid. The regular hybrid can get 40 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive guise and up to 39 mpg with all-wheel drive, far ahead of the non-hybrid’s 24 mpg. If the non-hybrid model falls away, Lexus could possibly fill that gap with a cheaper hybrid variant. Related: The 2026 Lexus NX Has Many Hybrid Trims, but Only One Is the Smart Buy What It Means SH Proshots/Autoblog Globally, luxury automakers saw an overall sales decline last year, but Lexus was an outlier and set a new record. Much of this has to do with strong sales of its SUV lineup in North America, and the NX is a key player in that mix. The 2027 NX will keep this momentum going, although it’s not known if this is a cosmetic facelift only or something more. Either way, it’s one of the top vehicles for buyers looking to step into the luxury segment for the first time. View the full article

Even motorcyclists are having a hard time filling up at the pump these days, but this new gas price tracker tool might save you some cold, hard cash. View the full article

A new report by a supposed whistleblower claims that Donut Labs' new solid-state battery and its specs "have not been achieved." And that the press and pomp and circumstance behind it are false marketing. View the full article

We run a lot of tool testing videos around here and many are expensive vs cheap tool comparisons. I’m not saying that every cheap tool is good, or that all expensive tools are overpriced, but I do know that it has never been easier to get good tools than it is today and luckily you can get those good tools at a variety of price points to fit your budget. But if you are like me, you want to know how those cheaper tools compare to the expensive ones. In this test video you’ll see a bunch of ratcheting wrenches, of all prices, going up against the expensive Snap-On ratcheting wrenches. How will they all compare? Which ones are junk and which ones are good? We’ll find out together below. Video Description: Are Snap-On’s ratcheting Xl double box end wrenches really the best? And if they are, are they worth the coin? We find out by adding some entrants to compare to those at various prices down the line. We do not accept any tools shown on the channel from any brand, nor do we take any sponsorships, partnerships, discounts, product placement deals, pre-market brand samples, money, items or compensation of any kind from brands, tool makers or otherwise in the planning or creation of these videos. The post Tool Testing: This $800 Snap-On Goes Up Against Every Price Ratcheting Wrenches To See Who’s Got The Best! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A $25M Bet on People Despite Whispers of DelaysScout Motors is pushing ahead with tangible, boots-on-the-ground investment, opening a $25 million training center in Blythewood in partnership with readySC. Located at the future production site, the facility is designed as the operational nerve center for onboarding, upskilling, and continuous workforce development as the brand ramps toward its long-promised manufacturing push. Scout is making it clear it wants a workforce fully prepared for modern, software-driven, and electrified manufacturing long before the first customer vehicle leaves the line. This comes as the company continues to invest over $2 billion into its South Carolina production hub, a site expected to generate more than 4,000 jobs. Executives are framing the training center as a long-term hedge against the industry’s growing skills gap, emphasizing sustainable, high-quality employment rather than short-term hiring bursts. Notably, this aggressive workforce buildout is happening despite persistent industry chatter suggesting Scout’s production timeline could slip to 2028, an allegation the company has yet to formally align with its public roadmap. Timing Raises Eyebrows as Financial Pressure BuildsFor all the optimism, the timing of this training rollout is curious, to say the least. Workforce pipelines are typically established years ahead of SOP (start of production), yet Scout is only now standing up a flagship training facility while simultaneously fending off reports of ballooning costs and delayed vehicle launches. That disconnect feeds into a broader narrative that the company’s execution cadence may not be as tightly controlled as its messaging suggests. Complicating matters further are mounting financial and legal headwinds. Reports indicate the company has already run significantly over budget, and legal challenges tied to its retail and distribution model are beginning to pile up. These pressures, combined with macroeconomic friction and the capital intensity of launching a clean-sheet automotive brand, create a scenario where even well-intentioned investments, like this training center, risk being interpreted as reactive rather than strategic. Scout Motors With Great Hype Comes Great Reality ChecksMake no mistake, demand signals for Scout’s upcoming vehicles are strong. Reservation numbers have reportedly surged well into the six-figure range, with a surprising majority skewing toward non-EV variants, underscoring a broader consumer appetite for simpler, rugged, and potentially more affordable vehicles. In that sense, Scout is tapping into a vein of nostalgia and practicality that legacy OEMs have largely abandoned. But translating hype into hardware is where the real challenge begins. Between shifting trade policies, localization pressures, and the sheer complexity of standing up a new manufacturing ecosystem, Scout is navigating a minefield. If anything, this training center is proof that building “simple” vehicles in today’s environment is anything but simple. The bigger question is whether these foundational investments will ultimately justify the delays, costs, and growing pains. If this is the price of bringing back honest, accessible trucks and SUVs, the market will decide if it’s worth paying. Scout View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Repurposing the FamiliarIt seems a new trend is emerging within the automotive industry, brands are using old or current nameplates and spinning them off into something new for certain markets. Some of these names come from familiar cars and, in some cases, are repurposed from long-dead models. Take the Honda Insight as an example, now revived as a Chinese electric crossover sold in Japan. Volkswagen has just made a move in that direction, taking the Jetta, a very familiar name for us in America, and giving it a new lease on life and a new identity. Volkswagen Rugged JettaThe 2026 Beijing Auto Show is happening now, China's main automotive highlight of the year. During this year's show, Volkswagen shocked the world by reintroducing the Jetta nameplate in a completely different form compared to what we know it for. Still sold as a sedan here in the US, China's new Jetta has been announced as a standalone brand rather than a single model. The Jetta X concept was shown as the brand's new foray and expansion into the EV market. Since this is just a preview, there aren't many confirmed details about the Jetta brand and models, but what can be confirmed is that the cars under Jetta will be New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), a reference to different electrified powertrains. The new Jetta brand is reportedly planning to launch four NEVs by 2028, with the first set to launch sometime this year. It's safe to assume that since the Jetta X is the first to make a public appearance, the first model might just be based on this concept. In terms of design, the Jetta X Concept succeeds in standing out from being just another Volkswagen. The X looks like its own design, taking on the boxy, rugged look of an SUV with modern touches, par for the course for most NEVs on the market. The interior is leaning more towards the minimalist design trend we're now seeing from most brands as well. Volkswagen HomegrownWe all know that China's domestic market is its own thing; such is the industrial capability that enables it to develop and build cars for its local market and for global markets as well. Since the Jetta exists in the U.S. still in its original form, it'll be highly unlikely that it will ever be sold stateside. However, most of the world no longer has the Jetta, and if VW wanted to expand its EV footprint, the Jetta brand could help it do so. Volkswagen View the full article

The new Caberg Tanami Carbon switches between on-road and off-road modes with magnetic vents and modular design. View the full article

Now offered for sale on Bring a Trailer, this 1974 Honda CB750 café racer began as a disassembled project acquired by the seller in December 2025 before undergoing a comprehensive custom build. The transformation included fresh paintwork, powder-coated frame and wheels, a rebuilt carburetor setup, and a fully overhauled electrical system, resulting in a clean, purpose-built machine with classic café racer attitude. Finished in a striking white over black color scheme, the fuel tank and café-style bump seat contrast against […] The post FOR SALE: 1974 Honda CB750 Cafe Racer appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

In January, Mercedes-Benz revealed the heavily revised 2027 S-Class, and it hasn't taken BMW long to respond with its most luxurious and technologically advanced car ever, the 2027 7 Series. Unlike Mercedes, which is still producing an electric alternative under a different name and with unique styling in the form of the quirky 2027 EQS, BMW is sticking with one design language for combustion, plug-in hybrid, and electric models, and while we hesitate to call it pretty, this new design language is subtly more appealing than that of the pre-facelift 7 Series. We'll start with the looks, but since BMW's press release is four pages longer than Mercedes-Benz's 22-page announcement, there's far more to the new 7 Series than immediately meets the eye. 2027 BMW 7 Series Styling: Monolithic, Not Messy BMW View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article While the previous iteration of the 7 Series seemed somewhat awkward and unresolved, the 2027 model has adopted Neue Klasse design to great effect, with a slimmer, less bulbous, and more vertical pair of kidney grilles, surrounded by Iconic Glow illumination and hiding the radar, camera, and other sensors, as well as the washer nozzles. The front lighting units remain separated between upper DRLs and lower headlight clusters, but these are more attractive, with the latter now vertically aligned and only using one projector per side. Optionally, crystal headlights with 12 crystal glass elements per light can be specified, and these get a darkened effect with the optional M Sport treatment. Are these necessary? No. Do they add to the feeling of opulence? Surely. Adaptive LED lighting with cornering is standard, and the lights provide welcome and farewell animations. As part of these animations, there is now what BMW calls a "ceremonial light carpet," projecting light from the door sills onto the ground so you don't get your expensive loafers wet in a puddle. BMW View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The shoulders of the car flow to the rear to accentuate length, below which new door handles appear in Satinized Aluminum or gloss black, the latter with the M Sport package. At the back, the taillights are longer and have chrome strips to further highlight their size, and at both ends, the lights flank a new, larger matte-finished BMW badge within a valley/recess. Opt for the M Sport treatment, and BMW adds darkened taillights, 21-inch wheels, dark kidneys, blue brake calipers, and special animations. An M steering wheel and black rear spoiler are also available with the M Sport Professional package, which also paints the calipers black. But ultimate elegance for the 2027 7 Series comes courtesy of a new BMW Individual dual-finish paint scheme, where the lower half of the car gets a matte finish, and the upper section gets a hand-applied metallic paint, with the two separated by a hand-painted Rolls-Royce-like "coach line." This 12-step process takes over 75 hours, or more than three days, to complete. BMW says this is six times longer than it takes to apply a normal paint finish, highlighting how the 7 Series is flirting with the ultra-luxury segment. Of course, paint is not the primary focus of luxury limo buyers; it's the interior experience. 2027 BMW 7 Series Interior: Tech Meets Luxury BMW View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The main attractions of the 7 Series are found in the back, where the 8K 31.3-inch Theater Screen resides below the Panoramic Skylounge LED roof with 40 diodes and a pattern that matches the quilting on the seats. The Theater Screen is now a full touchscreen and is controllable in function and tilt by the screens in the door cards. It also gains a camera to allow Zoom video conferencing and can accept HDMI inputs to allow you to connect your laptop. Because this TV-like display impedes the driver's rearview when deployed, the rearview mirror now doubles as a digital display for a camera on the rear parcel shelf. Below the screen, the headrests of the front seats now have illumination that forms part of the extensive ambient lighting setup, lighting that extends to the speaker grilles of the Bowers & Wilkins 18-speaker Surround Sound System. Optionally, this can be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos, double the speakers, and 1,925 watts of power. Four years of data are included with the car to allow easy access to the internet. BMW View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article To take full advantage of the experience in the back, buyers can spec the Executive Lounge option, which allows one to lie back at up to 43 degrees and includes an integrated leg rest for the occupant behind the front passenger. It also offers a heated armrest and an Alcantara-trimmed wireless smartphone charger, and BMW says that, while this tilts the front passenger seat forward, the driver can still see the wing mirror on that side of the car. Numerous interior options are available: M Sport with Merino leather in Black/Atlas Grey with optional M tricolor accents or BMW Individual Merino leather in Black, Mocha, Smoke White, or Tartufo. Bi-color options include Smoke White/Light Grey, Black/Dark Grey, and Caramel/Atlas Grey. The headlining comes in either Anthracite or Atlas Grey, with an Anthracite Alcantara also on offer. With the extended leather option, a new Adelaide Grey color is also available, and cashmere wool can be ordered for various sections of the upholstery. BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article BMW has also enhanced luxury and tech for those in front. While the AI-assisted Panoramic iDrive concept is familiar from the iX3 and i3, as is the four-spoke steering wheel, the 17.9-inch central touchscreen is here joined by a standard passenger display to allow the person riding shotgun to enjoy movies or other entertainment on a 14.6-inch screen. This automatically dims when there's no one sitting alongside the driver, and when there is, it has a shield function to prevent distraction. As standard, the front seats are ventilated and provide a massage function, and these functions are both available for the rear seats, too. The soft-close doors are smoother than before, and the automatic motors are now complemented by radar sensors to ensure the doors don't hit obstacles beside the car or open when another car or a cyclist is approaching. 2027 BMW 7 Series: Powertrains and Pricing BMW View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Two all-electric i7 models will be offered at launch: i7 50 xDrive with 449 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque (0-60 in 5.3 seconds, top speed of 130 mph) and i7 60 xDrive, with a maximum of 536 hp and 549 lb-ft (0-60 in 4.6 seconds, top speed of 149 mph). These will start at $106,200 and $124,700 (excluding $1,550 for destination), respectively, and the latter will offer over 350 miles of range from its 112.5 kWh battery. Recharging increases to a rate of 250 kW, enabling a charge from 10-80 percent in as little as 28 minutes through a standard NACS charge port. Adapters for other chargers will also be available. Those who prefer inline six-cylinder combustion power can choose from the 740 xDrive with a new turbocharger helping produce 394 hp and 398 lb-ft (0-60 mph in under five seconds and a top speed of 155 mph) or a rear-wheel-drive 740, whose acceleration figures have not been revealed. The regular 740 has a base MSRP of $99,800, while the AWD version starts at $102,800, again excluding $1,550 for destination. If you'd prefer a hybrid, the 750e xDrive is a plug-in entering production in the final quarter of this year with a 308-hp straight-six and a 194-hp electric motor, delivering a combined total of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. This will do the 0-60 sprint in approximately 4.6 seconds and will top out at 155 mph with the engine in play or 87 mph in EV mode. As this will only arrive next year, pricing is not yet available. Sometime next year, BMW will launch a V8-powered M Performance model, likely meant as a rival to the incoming Mercedes-AMG S 63. Conclusion: BMW 7 Series Levels Up BMW View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article BMW has refined the looks of its luxury limo to the point that one no longer needs to justify the purchase by focusing on the tech. Yet, the 7 Series has taken a clear step forward there, too, and with self-levelling air suspension that is joined by a system that decouples the connection between each axle's wheels to reduce body roll when driving in a straight line and maximize overall comfort, the experience will surely be serenely plush. Hand-applied paint over a meticulously hand-sanded body further speaks to how seriously the 7 Series is taking luxury, and while six figures is a lot of money to spend on a car, the pricing seems justified. This is close to Maybach levels of opulence in a remarkably intelligent package. Will it be enough for BMW to retain its luxury crown for another year? The fight is on. BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW View the full article

Waymo robotaxis get A LOT of bad press, from breaking traffic laws to scaring the life out of passengers with dangerous maneuvers. Many residents of the cities in which these autonomous cars operate have expressed irritation at the way the robotaxis can clog the streets, but Waymo is now using its network of self-driving cars to make the roads better for all users, reports Automotive News, by partnering with Waze to find and report potholes so that other drivers can avoid them and the authorities can do something about filling them. Google's Companies Come Together to Improve Road Network Waymo Waymo and Waze are both owned by Google parent company Alphabet, so a tie-up seems almost obvious. The pilot program will use Waymo robotaxis' sensors to identify potholes in and around the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles in California, Phoenix, Arizona, Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas. This data will be shared with local transportation departments through Waze for Cities, a system that provides traffic data with the purpose of informing smarter infrastructure decisions. These departments can also use the platform to notify drivers of traffic congestion, crashes, and hazards before other drivers do, also providing timely information on disasters and emergencies. As with other hazards on Waze, pothole alerts can be seen and verified by app users. Related: WATCH: Tesla Robotaxi Tells Passenger to Exit Car at 40 MPH San Jose, California, Mayor Matt Mahan said, "We're always looking for innovative ways to deliver better services for residents. We appreciate the collaboration with Waymo and Waze as we explore how technology can help identify issues like potholes faster so we can respond more efficiently." It seems to be working, as Waymo has reportedly identified approximately 500 potholes since the pilot program began. Waymo Still Has a Long Way to Go Before Widespread Acceptance Riley Walz While there are other positive stories about Waymo, like the time it helped get a pregnant woman giving birth in a robotaxi to the hospital before emergency services could get to her, surprise crashes are still happening. The company's self-driving taxis have also made headlines for being unable to close their own doors, and New York's governor blocked Waymo's rollout there, citing a lack of support for the program. Clearly, the country and the world at large need more time to warm to the robotaxi concept, but with Tesla making progress in this space, at least Waymo's ability to help maintain the road network is a valuable feather in its cap that Elon Musk's company cannot lay claim to. View the full article

O’Reilly Auto Parts puts on an annual meeting and convention that is attended by O’Reilly Auto Parts associates from all over the country each year and as part of that they also bring in folks who they partner with for events and such. Folks like Derek Bieri, David Freiburger, Alex Taylor, Brad DeBerti, and Rae Ripple among others. These events are big and they really put a lot of effort into making sure their associates have a good time while going through the training and other aspects of the event. But this year they went to another level and on a whim decided that Alex Taylor and David Freiburger and the gang would put an engine together for fun. This isn’t a precision engine build, but rather an assembly video, of a crate engine they got through O’Reilly Auto Parts. Check it out. Video Description: The crew is back together for a high-speed, low-precision engine build in Houston. Featuring David Freiburger, Brad DeBerti, Alex Taylor, Tate Morgan, and Ray Ripple, this 1967 327 engine get’s the “professional build” treatment. Despite using an impact where it doesn’t belong, the team manages to get the engine together for “shipping purposes”. Whether you’re here for the jokes or the actual mechanical breakdowns, remember: don’t try this at home! The post Engine Rebuilding 101 with David Freiburger, Alex Taylor, and More! O’Reilly Auto Parts Convention Fun! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Guruma’s 1000 RR mirrors QJMotor and MV Agusta influences but adds "AI-driven" rider assistance, and a bunch of other supposed tech features. View the full article

We’ve shared a couple of Lone Star Roundup videos so far, and can tell you that it was a heck of a show as usual. Because this show has gotten so big over the years it has turned into not only the main Roundup Show but also a bunch of pre-parties and night time cruises. There are people all over Austin and nearly every parking lot has got cool cars in it. Check out John Jackson’s video from Busty’s cool bar and jukebox. Video Description: #LonestarRoundup #BustysBar&Jukebox #Carshow #hangout Ok made another little quickie video of another awesome Lonestar Roundup Pre-Party. Went over to the Expo center and picked up my registration packet at 5 then drove over to Bustys for the first time ever. I gotta say this place rocks even if it wasn’t full of great hotrod people. The interior was kinda dark for filming so I couldn’t show you the little mini pony Miller Hi-Lifes they where handing out, or how awesome the Burgers where(Im going to come back just for food sometime) Hung out with the Guys from Los Cochinos tonight, and really miss some of the great Houston custom car people. I know this is a quickie, but Im sure my Lonestar Roundup video is going to be plenty long without all the parties. Pretty excited for the First day of Lonestar Roundup tomorrow Thanks for watching JJ ‪@NotStockPhoto‬ #Party #Carculture #hotrods #custom #Cruising The post Bustys Bar & Jukebox LoneStar Round Up Kick Off Party Video: Hot Rods, Customs, And More In Austin appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We’ve got some more cool video from Goodwood’s Member’s Meet 2026. This year the action was even better than ever, and the Touring Car race for the Win Percy Trophy was one of the best. Check it out below. The 83rd Members Meet at Goodwood was awesome, and thanks to the wonders of modern technology you got to watch it all LIVE for FREE! The Goodwood folks have really changed the world of motorsport over the years, with multiple events each year that really showcase the cars, the people, and the history behind motorsport in England and the world. The Member’s Meet is one of those events, and one that has been going on for more than 80 years now. This is Member’s Meet #83! Video Description: That is going to take some beating for the best action of the weekend… and it’s only the first race! The 2026 Win Percy Trophy started off with some incredible action with 9-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen battling it out for the lead, and the entertainment didn’t relent all race. After 20 mins of wheel-to-wheel paint-swapping racing, the finale was something out of Hollywood. Sit back and enjoy one of the great Goodwood races. #83MM #Goodwood #Touringcar #Finale #racefinish #FordEscort The post The Touring Car Race At The 83rd Goodwood Member’s Meet Could Be The Greatest Finish in Goodwood’s History! 2026 Win Percy Trophy Full Race appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The New Value EquationWith rising gas prices, hybrid cars have become even more appealing, as they typically consume less fuel than pure combustion alternatives. One of the benchmarks in the U.S. is the Toyota Prius, which delivers an EPA-estimated 57 mpg. The catch is that the Prius already starts at nearly $30,000, which can be considered expensive, especially when some cars like the Toyota Corolla still cost under $25,000. Over in China, however, Geely has just launched the Preface i-HEV, which notably delivers fuel economy of 3.98 liters per 100 kilometers, or about 59 mpg. According to Car News China, the hybrid model starts at just 107,700 yuan, translating to roughly $15,700 at current exchange rates. That makes it look like a very practical choice in today’s market, though it is worth noting that the figure is based on the WLTC standard, which typically returns more optimistic results than the EPA standard used in the U.S. Geely Betting Big on HybridsThe strong fuel-efficiency figures come from Geely focusing on refining hybrid technology rather than doubling down on PHEVs or EVs. In fact, the Chinese automaker, which owns brands like Volvo and Lotus, holds a Guinness-verified thermal-efficiency rating of 48.4% with its new i-HEV hybrid powertrain. The i-HEV features a 1.5-liter engine paired with an “11-in-1 hybrid-specific” electric motor, producing a combined 230 kW (308 horsepower). While its fuel-consumption rating is already a standout, especially now that gas prices have climbed past $4 per gallon, the Preface i-HEV can also run on electric power alone at speeds of up to 66 km/h (41 mph), which is said to be about 20% higher than what traditional hybrids typically manage. Geely Barriers at the BorderNow, despite more Americans showing a willingness to consider Chinese cars, as a study from AutoPacific found, these vehicles are unlikely to be available stateside. In response to Canada opening up to Chinese EVs under certain conditions, the United States has signaled that such vehicles will not be allowed to cross the border. Even Ford has said that their entry into the market would pose a threat. While the Preface i-HEV and other Chinese cars are not expected to arrive anytime soon, several notably fuel-efficient hybrids are still available in the U.S. Among them are the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid, which deliver EPA-rated fuel economy of 54 mpg and 51 mpg, respectively. What they still cannot match, however, is the same level of affordability. Autohome via Car News China View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The CFMoto 1000MT-X will arrive as the 2027 Ibex 950, long before the new KTM 990. View the full article

Honda and Curry Go a Long WayIt may not seem like it, but Honda has a rather amusing relationship with curry. Yes, as in the food item. For over 70 years, curry has been a staple in Honda cafeterias all over Japan. It's served every Friday because that was wash day (non-uniform wearing day) and there was no chance of staining the employees' white uniforms, which are still being worn to this day. Here's a random fun fact: 30% of Honda employees in Japan still go for curry, more specifically, curry udon. Now, all this food talk is making us crave some curry, so where are we going with this? Well, Honda has released a special edition 'Prelude-do Curry' food pouch, mainly to celebrate the Prelude's success in its home market. Honda What is Prelude-do Curry?Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the Prelude Spice Pork Curry. It's a limited-edition bit of, ehem, official merchandise from Honda. It was made in collaboration with a curry researcher named Ichijo Monko. Prior to the introduction of this item, Honda actually set up a pop-up curry shop in Shibuya, and it proved successful enough for the company to produce a take-home version. In Honda's own words, "the spices themselves are based on the driving philosophy of the Prelude's new technology," namely the S+ Shift Mode seen in the coupe. The S+ Shift Mode bit is one of three spice options you can add to the curry. Put in one kind of spice, and Honda calls it 'GT Mode'; add two, and it's 'GT x S+ Shift Mode.' Adding all three spice combinations puts the meal in 'SPORT x Honda S+ Shift Mode.' There's also a combination that puts it in 'Comfort x S+ Shift Mode' that dials back the heat levels. We're not making this up, folks. Oh, if you prefer your limited-edition Prelude as a car and not food, Honda recently introduced one for its home market. If you want a spicier version, there's J's Racing in Japan to take care of that. Honda JDM-ExclusiveLike many interesting things from Japan, this version of the (edible) Prelude is exclusive to the Japanese market. There's no mention of how long Honda will offer this curry pouch, but we reckon it probably won't be a permanent fixture in the company's catalog. Sadly, the pork cuts are not shaped like a Prelude, but it still looks like a pretty good meal. We're genuinely curious about it, and if we do get a chance to try it, we'll let you know, albeit at the risk of turning this site into FoodBlog. As for the price, it's ¥1,200 ($7.50) for a seven-ounce pouch, so it's still cheaper than buying one at a Japanese curry house. Who knows, if this product proves successful enough, maybe Honda will give us a take-out version of the curry udon it's been feeding its employees for over 70 years. We'd be totally down for that. Honda View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Ducati took advantage of an event at Misano to perform a shakedown of its GP27 on Pirelli tires. Here's what we can learn from the images.View the full article

Blending two legends into one unmistakable machine, today’s featured bike is a hand-built Triton café racer completed in 2020. Marrying a modified Norton slimline frame with a rebuilt 649cc parallel-twin engine sourced from a 1966 Triumph Bonneville, this custom creation embodies the spirit of vintage British performance with a purposeful, minimalist edge. Finished in a timeless black-and-gold scheme, the bike showcases clean, understated craftsmanship. Its bodywork sits over the reworked Norton chassis and includes stainless-steel fenders, a revised Norton Dominator […] The post Bike of the Day: “Triton” Cafe Racer appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article