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Before recording his Actions Detrimental podcast each week, Denny Hamlin goes back and reviews the race broadcast for the stories of the week, and that means sharing a frustration with race fans from this past weekend at Watkins Glen International. All the missed crashes and incidents. Read Also: NASCAR CupThe wild NASCAR Watkins Glen moments viewers never saw on ...Keep readingView the full article

Honda Motor is staring down a financial hole it has not seen in nearly seven decades. The company is set to report an operating loss of around 400 billion yen ($2.55 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 2026, as per Reuters. It will mark its first operating loss since going public in 1957. To put that in perspective, the previous fiscal year delivered an operating profit of 1.2 trillion yen. The size of Honda's operating loss would be the second largest among Japanese automakers, trailing only Toyota's 461 billion yen loss during the 2008 to 2009 global financial crisis. Honda bet heavily on electric vehicles, and that bet went badly wrong. Honda View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The EV Pivot That BackfiredHonda cancelled its entire North American EV programme and 0 Series rollout, triggering up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) in losses. The cancelled programme included multiple near-production EV models and retooled Ohio facilities already ramping for launch. In China, newer EV manufacturers with faster development cycles and stronger software capabilities outcompeted Honda, which was unable to deliver products that offered comparable value for money. Combined with Ford's $19.5 billion write-down and General Motors' $7.6 billion in EV-related charges, the industry's collective retreat from battery-electric vehicles now totals roughly $67 billion. Honda View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What Comes NextHonda is not abandoning electrification, but it is dramatically slowing the pace. Instead, hybrids are getting the resources that were once earmarked for pure EVs. Honda plans to launch 13 next-generation hybrid models globally over a four-year span starting in 2027. In the US, where hybrid sales have been a genuine bright spot, Honda's electrified lineup represented nearly a quarter of Honda's American auto sales in 2024. That number is only expected to grow. Honda's full strategy will be laid out at its May 14 earnings briefing, but the direction is already clear. Hybrids now. EVs, eventually, and on Honda's terms. View the full article

The first product from the new low-volume Mythos division of Mercedes is almost ready to be unveiled, with AMG sharing a batch of new images of the CLE-based super sports car on Instagram. Still clad in a geometric camouflage wrap but with the body looking close to production-ready, these images give us a closer look at some of the aerodynamic elements that will make this V8-powered monster a true 911 GT3 RS rival. Unlike the Porsche, this coupe won't make do with just 518 horsepower, though. If reports out of Germany are to be believed, this M4 killer will make up to 646 hp. Wide Body and Extreme Aero for AMG Mythos mercedesamg/Instagram View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The images AMG shared show a new front fascia that is far more aggressive than any we've seen before, with large lower side intake openings on either side of a pair of intake scoops within the AMG grille. That grille now has long vertical vanes that are far more aggressive than those on test mules our spies have come across, and the fascia itself extends beyond the headlights and into the widened fenders. These front fenders also have large louvers in them to reduce front-end aerodynamic lift, though the existence of rivets surrounding both these vents and the AMG grille confirms that this isn't the final form. It's also worth noting that a prototype our spies saw previously had a much deeper front splitter, though the one depicted here is far from small. Higher up, the hood appears to be vented, much like that of the upcoming AMG GT Black Series. Related: Mercedes Is Recalling Thousands of Sedans, Crossovers, Coupes, and Convertibles At the back of the car, the widebody treatment continues into the rear haunches, again with recesses around the light clusters. The rear bumper has more gaping holes, and lower down, there's a prominent diffuser with an F1-style vertical reflector. We can't see the tailpipes in the image provided, but we can safely assume there'll be four of them. The real party piece sits atop the trunk as a huge dual-element wing with large endplates and manual adjustability. We don't see any actuators, so this won't have a DRS function like a GT3 RS, but the wing is similarly sizable, so it should vie for lap record honors at a few circuits. AMG Mythos Coupe Will Be Highly Exclusive mercedesamg/Instagram View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Already back in 2022, Mercedes was saying that Mythos products would be even more exclusive than those with Maybach badges, and the report that claimed a 646-hp peak output (from a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid) also claimed that there would only be 30 units produced for the entire global market. Fortunately, that report came off the back of a preview given to U.S. and Canadian dealers, so we can be sure that this product will be offered in North America. With summer fast approaching and Mercedes sharing these new images, we expect a reveal within the next couple of months. If not, definitely by the end of the year. View the full article

Volkswagen Group’s Scout Motors is considering a potential stock market listing or strategic asset sales, the CEO of the U.S. electric truck brand said in an interview with Germany business daily Handelsblatt. Scott Keogh admitted that Scout is exploring new funding options and noted that the brand was designed from the outset to pursue a potential stock market listing or to allow strategic investors to take a stake. Outside Capital "An Option That Is on the Table": Scout CEO Scout Motors The executive noted that Scout was deliberately set up as a standalone entity, with outside capital seen as “an option that is on the table.” Keogh pointed to U.S. investment funds focused on what he called the country’s “industrial renaissance” as potential Scout investors; he didn’t name any such funds, though. Volkswagen Group’s main goal with its new U.S. brand, which it resurrected after acquiring International Trucks’ parent company Navistar in 2021, is to increase its small U.S. market share by gaining a foothold in the high-volume and high-margin truck and SUV segment. However, there are growing internal doubts over the opportunity of launching a new electric unit at a time when EV demand is dwindling in the United States, Handelsblatt reported. That said, Keogh has defended Scout’s bet on robust battery-powered trucks and SUVs like the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV, especially the gas-powered range-extender versions that were first announced in October 2024. While they weren't part of the original plan, they have attracted 87% of the total number of over 170,000 pre-orders as U.S. demand for hybrids has remained strong. Keogh also noted that the business case for Scout’s flexible platform may be greater than just Scout’s own pickup and SUV, with the executive adding that an Audi model built on the same architecture is a possibility. Is VW Eyeing a Rivian-Like IPO? Scout Motors As Automotive World points out, it looks like Volkswagen is taking a page from Tesla’s and Rivian’s book by taking Scout Motors public and pitching it as a high-valuation EV startup. Basically, VW may be trying to replicate the successful initial public offerings of Tesla and Rivian, which managed to achieve market capitalizations far higher than the actual value of their businesses at the time of the IPOs. However, it remains to be seen if that's a realistic target at a time when the U.S. EV market is in decline. Rivian's IPO, for example, took place at the height of the EV boom in 2021, raising $11.8 billion for the company. Additionally, by positioning Scout Motors as a separate unit, VW would be able to shield itself legally from the dealer franchise disputes stemming from the direct-to-consumer sales model adopted by the truck and SUV brand. Scout is facing lawsuits in several U.S. states because of its plan to sell its products directly to consumers, bypassing VW’s traditional franchised dealership network. Scout Motors View the full article

A Corolla Cross Built for Beach DaysWhat’s not to like about the Toyota Corolla Cross as a family vehicle? It is less expensive than the more popular RAV4 and delivers strong fuel economy, with the hybrid version rated at 42 mpg combined. A Japanese interior supplier, however, thinks it can be made even more versatile with a concept called the Weekend Coast, which essentially turns the cargo area into a mini lounge. According to Carscoops, the company behind this creation is Hayashi Telempu, an interior supplier that works with several automakers, including Toyota, Ford, and General Motors. The concept features retractable seats and a footrest, allowing occupants to sit behind the Corolla Cross when the tailgate is open. It is an ideal setup for a day at the beach, as suggested by the Weekend Coast name and its colorway. Hayashi Telempu The Coastal Theme Goes All InThe colorway uses white as the base, with light blue accents on the seats and two-tone exterior paint. Given the reupholstering and the additional seating built into the cargo area, it likely will not be cheap, though the company has reportedly not released pricing yet. The Weekend Coast was showcased at the Field Style Tokyo Show in Japan, offering a custom interior for customers who want something different. It is a compelling addition, especially for those who frequently take trips to the beach. For city dwellers, however, the appeal may be less obvious. Still, the event could help the company gauge what consumers actually need – or whether they see value in the idea at all. Toyota Getting Even More Adventure-OrientedBoth the Japan- and U.S.-spec Toyota Corolla Cross ride on the same platform, though they are packaged differently. The U.S.-spec model leans toward a more rugged appeal, reflecting the market’s strong preference for SUV-like styling. In a way, that complements the Weekend Coast concept – not necessarily because of its design, but because of its added functionality, especially for weekend trips and outdoor use. However, the report did not mention availability yet, though interested Corolla Cross owners may want to keep an eye out for it. For reference, the Corolla Cross starts at $25,235 excluding destination fees. The crossover also received a facelift for the 2026 model year, while rumors suggest it could become hybrid-only by 2028. Toyota View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

With average gas prices in the country in the $4.50 range today, it’s no wonder folks are trying to get better gas mileage right now. For many of the drivers across the country it is going to depend on what you drive as to how much mileage improvement you can see with some of these tips and tricks. If you drive a truck, like jillions of other Americans that have no need for one, then making improvements of just a couple miles per gallon can have a big impact on the percentage of gain you get from some of these. While someone that drives a car or truck that actually gets decent mileage already might only see a couple percent gain with the same actual mileage improvement. So what things really work when it comes to increasing mileage? There are a lot of different products and practices that will make a difference, but how much is that difference? Watch the video below and see what it takes to make a 22.4% increase in gas mileage. Video Description: Fuel-saving devices were tested to see whether they actually improve fuel efficiency across multiple drives and several different vehicles. We also installed and tested a high-flow exhaust system and a cold air intake system, then compared those results against common MPG claims. Other fuel-saving methods were analyzed as well, including inflating tires to the maximum recommended pressure and slowing down to improve fuel economy. The goal was simple: find out what really works, what barely helps, and what might just be a waste of money. Products Tested: High Flow Exhaust, Cold Air Intake, SUPERCHIPS FLASHPAQ Tuner, Ferox Fuel Additives, Obdiicats, Turbonator, ecoOBD2, nitroOBD2, and the NeoSocket. I purchased all the Fuel Saving Devices to ensure an unbiased review. So, thank you for supporting the channel. The post Did Project Farm Really Improve Gas Mileage by 22.4%! Don’t Get Scammed and Do What Works! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Audi pulled the plug on the Audi R8 in 2024, but the German brand is not ruling out a return just yet. According to Rolf Michl, the idea of a new halo supercar is still alive behind closed doors. If it returns, it could once again share its foundations with a Lamborghini. That said, a revived R8 would need to make financial sense in an increasingly difficult automotive market. A New R8 Must Be Profitable Audi Speaking to GoAuto, Michl explained that modern performance cars can no longer exist purely as halo cars. Development costs, tightening emissions regulations, changing buyer demands, and the rapid shift toward electrification mean every vehicle now needs to make financial sense. “In really challenging times, every car has to be a business case,” Michl said. “It wouldn’t make sense just to calculate a brand-levering effect.” We are already seeing this strategy reshape its lineup, with Audi axing smaller models like the Audi A1 and Audi Q2 to make room for higher-margin EVs. With BMW outselling Audi in the US, pressure is mounting on the brand to strengthen both profitability and brand appeal. Fortunately, Audi already has an obvious blueprint for a third-generation R8. Just like previous generations shared their underpinnings with Lamborghini models, a next-generation R8 could borrow from the new Temerario. That plug-in hybrid setup pairs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with three electric motors to produce a combined 677 kW (908 hp). Why A Hybrid V8 R8 Wouldn’t Be A Bad Thing Cars and Bids Some enthusiasts were disappointed when Lamborghini replaced the Huracan’s naturally aspirated V10 with a hybrid V8 in the Temerario, despite its 10,000 rpm redline. However, the same criticism may not apply as strongly to the R8. The original R8 launched exclusively with a V8 engine, while the V10 arrived three years later. In many ways, a V8-powered successor would actually reconnect the R8 with its roots rather than move away from them. Audi also appears convinced that hybrid powertrains remain the sweet spot for modern supercars. “With a hybrid car, you still have the sound… but you still have the electrical part, and the benefits from it,” Michl explained. Audi’s Concept C Won’t Replace The R8 Audi Audi’s upcoming Concept C sports car is expected to enter production in 2027, but it is unlikely to serve as a spiritual successor to the R8. The Concept C will be fully electric and positioned somewhere between the old TT and R8 in both size and performance. If Audi eventually revives the R8, it would once again become the only one of Germany’s major luxury brands with a true mid-engined supercar on sale. With Audi focusing on compact EVs and larger SUVs nowadays, a hybrid R8 halo car could be exactly what the brand needs right now. View the full article

LB-Figthers Design In the JMSDF-MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day 2026, which happened on May 3, 2026, Liberty Walk Kato unveiled a newly-built Dodge Challenger for the occasion. It features a fighter-jet-styled livery paired with a Liberty Walk wide body kit and fitted with custom LB Works x AME wheels and wrapped in Yokohama Advan Tires. Parked and photographed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, the venue served as the perfect backdrop for Kato-san's latest project, which also features custom parts, wheels, and a wrap you could probably take inspiration from. The kicker here is that Liberty Walk hasn't yet listed this version of its Challenger wide-body kit on its website, but it does have the older version up for grabs, priced at $5,780 for the full kit. Custom Wheels The wheels alone are something that you won't easily find in either brand's catalogs. AME Wheels has been a consistent partner of Liberty Walk throughout the years, designing, developing, and producing custom forged three-piece wheels to fit LB's wild designs and custom big brake kits. You can also see two companies at work on other projects, such as the convertible R35 GT-R, the Meiji FD3S, and the LB40 AZ-1, to name a few. With that partnership, Liberty Walk's team can make its creations fit perfectly and then some. Liberty Walk View the 13 images of this gallery on the original article Custom Body Kit As usual, Liberty Walk has a knack for cutting into cars, some of which are the most expensive exotics that the world has seen, other American muscle cars, and others are obscure kei cars that are made to look like exotics. In any case, the wild world of LB knows no bounds when it comes to what can and cannot be cut into, and this Dodge Challenger is no exception. From the front, to the sides, and the back, we get full widebody coverage on this muscle car. Fender flares house the aggressive LB x AME wheels, while the front of the car features a cool front splitter that differs from the one Liberty Walk advertises on its website. It's probably a new product from the brand, but other stuff, like the rear spoiler, is reused from the standard kit. Wrapping around the wide body is a signature custom livery, inspired by fighter jets. You can see how Kato-san took the idea of a worn fighter and ran with it on its new Challenger. A matte finish with a faux patina on all the rivets gives the car the impression that it's been through a few dogfights. Arrows and triangles guide your eyes around the vehicle, pointing to key elements like the wheels and fenders, and create a nice effect throughout. Plus, the other partner cars to this Challenger are a Corvette C8, a GT-R, and a trailer truck, all adopting the same LB Fighter look. Finally, the world-famous Liberty Walk Ferrari F40 also made an appearance at this event. Liberty Walk View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Denny Hamlin was surprised that NASCAR issued a $50,000 fine and 25-point penalty to Ryan Preece, and believes it should be overturned or reduced on appeal, but also concedes from experience that the deck will be stacked against them. Preece was issued the penalty because the Sanctioning Body believed there was intent based on what the driver said over the radio, supplemented by SMT data ...Keep readingView the full article

Round 2 of the FIA World Endurance Championships was held at SPA, aka Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, and did not disappoint. This is an epic race track, and the action here is always great, and this series is fun to watch. Check out all the racing action highlights in the video below and let us know what you think. Video Description: The race highlights of the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps 2026, round 2 of the FIA WEC. The official YouTube channel of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The FIA World Endurance Championship is the world’s premier international sportscar championship, contested over eight rounds across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. With multiple cars across two categories (Hypercar and LMGT3) all on track at the same time, the WEC is a sports car extravaganza that offers action, overtakes, excitement and entertainment for fans worldwide. Watch FIAWEC+ here: https://plus.fiawec.com/en/login. Your global home of live and on-demand coverage for the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, the European Le Mans Series, and the Michelin Le Mans Cup. Watch every FIA WEC race, wherever you are in the world. The post FIA World Endurance Championships Highlights From TotalEnergies 6 Hours of SPA – Wheel To Wheel Racing Action appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Toyota's bZ3X has had a year that most automakers would kill for. Launched in China in March 2025 under the GAC-Toyota joint venture badge, the compact electric SUV crossed 80,000 deliveries within its first year on the market. Since September 2025, it has held the top sales position among all joint-venture new energy vehicles in China, a run now stretching seven consecutive months. In April 2026 alone, it moved 10,027 units, a new monthly record. Who Is GAC-Toyota, and Why Does the Label Matter?In China's EV landscape, automakers are sorted into two very different buckets. Domestic brands like BYD, Geely, and Xpeng operate without a foreign partner and dominate the new energy vehicle market. BYD alone commanded around 29 percent of China's NEV market share in 2025. Joint-venture brands, by contrast, are foreign automakers paired with a Chinese state-owned company, and they are tracked separately because the competitive dynamics are completely different. GAC stands for Guangzhou Automobile Group, one of China's largest state-owned car manufacturers. Its partnership with Toyota, GAC-Toyota, has been selling vehicles in China for over two decades. But in a market where domestic brands are widening their lead every quarter, simply being Toyota is no longer enough. The bZ3X is the joint venture's badge-engineered answer to that pressure, based on the GAC Aion V and outselling it in GAC's home market. GAC What the bZ3X Actually IsThe bZ3X is roughly RAV4-sized, and it comes loaded. Seven trim levels, a 14.6-inch floating infotainment screen, 32-color ambient lighting, and Toyota's first integration of the Momenta 5.0 driver assistance system. Two battery options cover ranges of 267 miles and 379 miles on the CLTC cycle. Pricing starts at 109,800 yuan, around $15,000, with a limited offer price of 99,800 yuan, or roughly $14,500. For reference, Toyota's flagship bZ7 EV starts at just over $21,000 and is set to break some records all of its own. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What Americans Will Actually PayThe bZ3X will not come to the US. It is made in China, which rules it out immediately under current tariff structures. Toyota does sell EVs stateside, but the price gap reality is jarring. The 2026 Toyota bZ starts at $34,900, and the C-HR at $37,000. And while both are solid EVs, neither is a $15,000 electric SUV. View the full article

This is a cool episode of Capturing Car Culture if you are like us and love to see factory and how its made videos. I’ve been on several automotive assembly plant tours and can tell you that regardless of what they are building it is fun to watch. But this assembly line and area are a bit different than the norm, because rather than spending seconds per station, these cars are being built to go fast and that means putting them together slowly. The GR line of Toyotas are special built performance vehicles, and while most folks probably think they just take an off the line Yaris or Corolla and slap a few extra parts on, that is NOT the case. In fact, these cars get more welds, more structural adhesive, and a bunch of upgraded parts and that means these cars start off as parts that come together into a GR Corolla or Yaris, not a production car that gets modified. In typical Larry Chen fashion, you’ll get access you wouldn’t otherwise have and as always he delivers the scoop. Check it out below. Video Description: For the first time, Toyota has allowed cameras inside the Toyota GR factory, giving you an exclusive look at how every GR model is prepared, assembled, and tested before release. The plant relies more on human craftsmanship than robotics to ensure the quality and consistency expected from Gazoo Racing. Larry is also given an impromptu ride in a prototype mid-engine Toyota GR Yaris on Toyota’s private test track. He even gets access inside the MN Garage, an area not even most employees are allowed to visit. A true look behind the curtain and a rare insight into Toyota’s passion for motorsport. Get a Quote Today: http://hagerty.com The post Capturing Car Culture With Larry Chen: First Cameras Allowed in Toyota’s GR Factory: Minimal robots & More Humans appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Shane van Gisbergen is now the winningest driver in Trackhouse Racing history, surpassing Ross Chastain with his seventh career win -- all on road courses. It's truly incredible to see just how unbeatable the three-time Supercars champion has been over the past two years, even with how close the field is in modern NASCAR. He has only last one of the last seven road/street course races, and ...Keep readingView the full article

The number of medium-duty commercial trucks available in the U.S. will get smaller this fall as Chevrolet will discontinue its line of Silverado 4500 HD, 5500 HD, and 6500 HD models. Production of Silverado medium-duty Class 4, 5, and 6 commercial trucks, which are co-developed with the International CV Series trucks, will reportedly end on September 30 at International Trucks’ plant in Springfield, Ohio, according to TFL Truck. International Trucks Will Build GM's Medium-Duty Only Until September Chevrolet A report from Transport Topics notes that GM did not renew its contract with International (formerly Navistar), which was signed in 2015. As a result, the factory will also stop making International CV Series trucks on September 10, since most of the factory’s capacity was dedicated to Chevrolet Silverado MD trucks. This was a major factor in International selling the Ohio factory to Canadian defense contractor Roshel on March 30. The obvious question here is why GM opted not to renew the contract with International Trucks, and dwindling sales are the most logical answer. Chevrolet sold just 1,273 Silverado MD trucks in the first quarter of 2026, down 37.4% over Q1 2025. For comparison, Ford sold 2,331 F-650 and F-750 trucks in the first quarter of this year, according to TFL Truck. Chevrolet The Chevrolet Silverado 4500 HD, 5500 HD, and 6500 HD trucks are powered by a Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 rated at 350 horsepower and 750 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an Allison six-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is available, as well as a choice of regular cab, double cab and crew cab configurations with wheelbases ranging from 165 inches to 243 inches. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ranges from 14,001 to 16,500 pounds for the Silverado 4500 HD, 17,500 to 19,500 pounds for the 5500 HD, and 21,000-23,500 pounds for the 6500 HD. Chevrolet Will Continue Offering the Isuzu-Developed LCF 3500, 4500, and 5500 It’s worth noting that after production of the Silverado MD line ends in September, GM won’t be left without a medium-duty truck. As part of the long-standing commercial vehicle partnership with Isuzu, GM will continue selling the Chevrolet Low Cab Forward (LCF) Class 4, 5, and 6 trucks. Those include the LCF 3500, 4500, and 5500 models, which are rebadged versions of the Isuzu N-Series, and the heavier duty LCF 6500XD and 7500XD, which are rebadged Isuzu F-Series trucks. As for International Trucks, it won’t remain without medium trucks on sale after the discontinuation of its CV Series, as the company’s MV Series will remain available in the Class 6 and 7 segments. View the full article

When the Indian Scout first rolled out in 1920, it didn't just move people—it started a revolution. Designed by Charles B. Franklin, the original Scout was a marvel of low-slung agility and reliability. Fast forward nearly a century, and under the stewardship of Polaris, the modern Scout has returne... View the full article

Summit Motorsports Park hosted the inaugural Turn & Burn drag-and-drive. We've got the event recap that features all the winners. View the full article

Monday marks the one-year mark since Kyle Larson last won a NASCAR Cup Series race, a triumph that came on May 11, 2025 at Kansas Speedway, and the Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 team is still working through things early this season too. Larson finds himself eighth in the championship standings, needing to be within the top-5 by the end of the regular season to be a bonafide championship ...Keep readingView the full article

What do a Harley Sportster, a war-issue Triumph and a trio of Royal Enfields have in common? Seemingly not much, but something about each of these bikes stuck out to our readers, making them our most-viewed custom motorcycles of the month, and we would never argue with y’all. Obviously, it... View the full article

The First Ford Ride for Some AmericansFord recently claimed that 53% of emergency vehicles nationwide wear a Blue Oval badge. That underscores the need for reliable, purpose-built vehicles that can serve the public in critical situations, especially when some are used to respond to childbirth emergencies – and when some babies are even born inside Ford vehicles. The Dearborn-based automaker said thousands of Americans are born inside ambulances each year, including Christie’s daughter, whose place of birth was later listed simply as “ambulance.” The company said its emergency-vehicle presence reflects the trust it has earned and the responsibility it takes seriously. Built for the Toughest CallsFord offers several vehicles for emergency-response use, including the F-Series Super Duty and the larger F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks. The F-750 is the largest of the bunch, making it well-suited for large ambulance upfits that require more rear cabin space for medical crews, equipment, and patients. Ford These models can be ordered in chassis cab, stripped chassis, or cutaway configurations, giving upfitters greater flexibility when building emergency-response vehicles. The automaker also offers the 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 across several heavy-duty applications, including a High Output version in Super Duty pickups that produces up to 1,200 lb-ft of torque for heavy hauling and towing. Ford’s emergency fleet presence goes beyond ambulances, too. Other models are used in public-safety roles, including Broncos deployed for search-and-rescue operations. The Ford Transit is also a practical option for agencies needing generous interior space, though it is not as heavy-duty-oriented as the brand's pickup-based alternatives. In the press release, Rich, a firefighter and EMS worker, said, “It was absolutely amazing. Such a cool thing to be a part of – to know that you helped bring a life into the world.” Ford Rewards for the Front LineFord also offers a First Responder Recognition Program, which gives eligible first responders a cash reward toward the purchase or lease of select new Ford or Lincoln vehicles. Buyers need to verify their status through ID.me, receive a certificate, and use it with a participating dealer. Beyond emergency vehicles, Ford may also be eyeing the military sector again. CEO Jim Farley reportedly said the company is in early talks with the U.S. government on defense-related projects, though no specifics have been announced. The brand has historical ties to military production, including Model T-based transporters, ambulances, and engine manufacturing for military use. Ford View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Honda HRC will chase a fifth consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victory with Takumi Takahashi, Johann Zarco and Jonathan Rea aboard the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. The post Honda confirms star-studded Suzuka 8 Hours line-up appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Icons of the ‘70sThe '70s produced some of the most iconic cars ever made, including the Lamborghini Countach – the poster car that hung on countless bedroom walls – and the Ferrari Dino 246. The decade also gave rise to infamous machines like the Porsche 930 Turbo, nicknamed the “Widowmaker” because some drivers struggled with its turbo lag and unforgiving handling characteristics. With so many legendary nameplates emerging from that decade and so much time having passed, it is easy to see why some great cars have been overlooked. Arguably, the Alfa Romeo Montreal belongs on that list. It was priced in the same premium territory as the Ferrari Dino 246 when new, but depreciated far more – partly because it did not wear a Prancing Horse badge. Now, one example is up for grabs on Piston Heads. PistonHeads Before the Giulia, There Was ThisThe Alfa Romeo Montreal debuted at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show and was designed by Marcello Gandini, the same designer behind the Lamborghini Countach. This particular MY1975 example is finished in Arancio Miura, a color believed to be a nod to the Lamborghini Miura. But perhaps its most interesting feature is the cross-plane V8 with a dry-sump setup, related to the original Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale – not the recent revival model. Paired with SPICA fuel injection, the engine produces 200 horsepower, which may not sound like much by today’s standards, but in the 1970s, that put it in the same ballpark as the Ferrari Dino 246 and, considering emissions-era detuning, some versions of the Chevrolet Corvette C3. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed ZF manual gearbox with a limited-slip differential. PistonHeads Ferrari Money Then, Not NowThis Montreal is listed at £84,995, or approximately $115,000 at current exchange rates. The car reportedly had only one registered owner, an academic from Austria, and shows 54,300 miles. It also comes with a collection of invoices documenting maintenance and has recently undergone “thorough recommissioning work.” The only downside for interested U.S. buyers is that the vehicle is currently located in the U.K. For newer Alfa Romeos, there are the Giulia, Stelvio, and Tonale. However, the performance-oriented Quadrifoglio variants – seen as alternatives to BMW M models – are no longer available stateside as the Giulia and Stelvio prepare for major overhauls expected sometime around 2028. PistonHeads View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

There's no doubt that Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen was fairly calm, as only one driver failed to reach the checkered flag and 32 of 38 starters finished on the lead lap. There were only two natural cautions -- one for flying debris from the infield, and another for a tire carcass at the side of the track. But there were several moments that the TV coverage either missed ...Keep readingView the full article

Nobody knew exactly what to expect when the BMW Group assumed ownership of Alpina, but we now know when we’ll get our first clear glimpse of BMW Alpina’s future. On May 15, the Vision BMW Alpina will be unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. The company also shared a teaser image and video of this model, which seemingly has the proportions of a large coupe like the 8 Series. Given that the standard BMW 8 Series has been discontinued, a flagship coupe of this kind could be the perfect way to kick off the BMW Alpina era. Not Just A Fancier BMW The teaser image suggests a vehicle that won’t share its basic lines with any other BMW currently in production. It appears to have a tall front fascia, a long, flowing roofline, and a unique rear lighting signature. Two or four doors are possible, but BMW concealed just enough in the teasers to make it hard to tell. The “Vision” part of the name strongly suggests this will be a concept, but a production version is likely. Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como is a telling location to reveal the new car, as the event is often associated with concept cars specifically centered around dazzling design. It suggests the Vision BMW Alpina will be an object of desire first, with its undoubtedly impressive performance credentials possibly taking a back seat at the event. Alpinas have traditionally been the perfect blend between standard BMWs and hardcore M cars. We anticipate a vehicle with no shortage of speed but with more of a bias towards comfortable, cross-country trips than the canyon-carving capabilities of an M car. High-End Underpinnings BMW Alpina Another sign that this will be an 8 Series-sized vehicle came a few months ago, when BMW Group R&D boss Joachim Post said the first new Alpina models would be based on the 7 Series and X7. In other words, they’ll be larger, lower-volume models with high price tags but the very best in technology, comfort, and performance from the BMW Group. The coupe-style concept, then, will likely have 7 Series underpinnings. This also opens the door for an electric Alpina coupe, since the 7 Series is also offered as the electric i7. Launching this new Alpina era with an electric powertrain may be a bit hasty, though. It’s more likely that a larger coupe of this kind will have a specially tuned version of BMW’s turbocharged V8. BMW Alpina teased its iconic quad elliptical exhaust earlier this year, further bolstering hopes that a big V8 powers the concept. Autoblog’s Take BMW Alpina Alpina made a name for itself by releasing refined, powerful versions of already iconic BMW sedans and coupes in the 1980s and 1990s. It’s appropriate, then, that the new era is starting off with a coupe or gran coupe of sorts. We expect the Vision BMW Alpina to adhere to trademarks of the brand, from fine craftsmanship to effortless performance—and an exclusive design that distances it from regular BMWs. All will be revealed later this week. Related: As BMW Takes Over Alpina, These Cars Defined the Brand View the full article

2023 Daytona 500 champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has agreed to a multi-year contract extension with Hyak Motorsports, keeping him as the driver of the No. 47 Chevrolet. “Ricky has been a huge part of what we’re building at Hyak Motorsports, and we’re proud to continue this partnership for years to come,” said Gordon Smith, owner of Hyak Motorsports. “He brings experience, leadership ...Keep readingView the full article

Bobby Dodrill was unhurt after a violent crash in his four-wheel-drive “Miss Misery” C10 during Battle For The Thrones at U.S. 60 Dragway.View the full article