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Chinese Cars Are Blocked In America, But Their Parts May Be Next
China Dominates Parts Supply Chains "Made in China" may be one of the most common pieces of printed literature in the world right now. Even if it was assembled in the good ol' U.S.A., what about the sum of its parts? What about Chinese-made American-branded cars from General Motors' portfolio? Or perhaps the OEM or replacement parts that come from China that are circulating all over the globe? American, Japanese, Korean, and European cars are in the U.S., but Chinese cars aren't, at least not the true Chinese brands. While Chinese car brands aren't available in the United States for now, the country's parts dominate the supply chains for pretty much any brand you can think of. You may not know it, but there are quite a few cars that are quantifiably Chinese in the United States, even if their assembly point of origin begs to differ. On the Flip Side Chinese automakers are nowhere to be found in the U.S. Sales reports, at least not for now. While BYD, Geely, and SAIC Motor are major players in China and throughout the rest of the world, the U.S. market has been noticeably resistant, with established players urging the American government to keep them at bay. On the other side of the coin, more than 60 U.S. auto suppliers are owned by Chinese companies. Things like airbags, auto glass, steering systems, suspension dampers, and more are more often than not sourced from China. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, "Chinese companies have amassed ownership stakes in about 10,000 suppliers in America, according to data, including stakes as small as 5%." Automotive industries dominated by China include electric-vehicle battery manufacturing. CATL is one of the largest battery manufacturers in the world, and it said that U.S. automakers continued to turn to it even after tariffs. CATL Eliminating Chinese Parts U.S. lawmakers have recently been considering eliminating Chinese parts from the supply chain. A U.S. Senate bill was filed that would ban Chinese-made cars and safety components, which include airbags and seatbelts. The WSJ also reported that more than 50 House Republicans urged the Trump administration to "block Chinese automotive and battery companies from manufacturing in the U.S." Doing so would put domestic industries at risk, prompting the U.S. government to urge automakers to de-emphasize the use of Chinese parts in their vehicles. On top of that, the letter urges the current administration to "reject any attempts by China to establish vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in the United States, or the broader North American market." Brands like Tesla have started requiring their suppliers to exclude China-made parts and components in their U.S. manufacturing operations. Meanwhile, GM's CEO, Mary Barra, stated that the company had reduced its direct spending on Chinese parts for U.S.-made cars to less than 3%. The result is that GM will source locally-sourced parts from the country in which it builds its cars. MICHAEL MACOR/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images American Cars, Chinese Parts While Ford's CEO is urging the U.S. Government to keep Chinese cars out, the Blue Oval remains open to the idea of allowing Chinese automakers to build cars in the United States, which could also help it compete in Europe. While the current collaborative landscape isn't exactly cut-and-dry, the numbers the WSJ gathered tell a different story. The latest Ford Mustang GT uses a six-speed manual transmission sourced from China. Even some American brands, such as General Motors, show up to 20% Chinese parts in some of their cars. Ford's working with American lawmakers on the Chinese car bans, while GM reportedly declined to comment, according to the report. Given GM's manufacturing operations in China and its several brands with Chinese backing, its decision to remain quiet on the topic is expected. It's crazy to think that a few decades ago, Chinese auto part makers weren't taken that seriously. Once viewed as a cheaper, good-enough alternative, it now has established players trying to resist, while still buying parts from China for its cars. Ford View the full article
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Worsham, Pritchett, Hill, Stanton, And Harris Headline IHRA Spring Nationals Winners
The IHRA Spring Nationals put on one heck of a show despite challenging weather conditions. Here's a recap of all the action.View the full article
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Chevy Sonic Officially Returns As A Crossover
Another Small Car Returns TallerSince the start of the decade, demand for crossovers has been undeniable, so much so that several automakers like Ford have discontinued their sedan lineups in the U.S. Meanwhile, some brands have leaned on nostalgia by reviving old nameplates as crossovers, such as Mitsubishi with the Eclipse Cross – a move that can be good or bad, depending on the context. Over at Chevrolet, the Bowtie brand has debuted a new crossover called the Sonic, essentially reviving the nameplate from the subcompact hatchback/sedan that was axed in the U.S. after the 2020 model year. The new Sonic is now a subcompact coupe-style crossover that Chevrolet says has the potential to become one of the brand’s best-selling models, at least in the South American region. Chevrolet Brazil Sonic Goes SleekThe new Sonic has been introduced in Brazil with two trims: Premier and RS. Chevrolet customers may already know Premier as the more premium-looking trim, while RS is aimed at buyers who want a sportier appearance. Its coupe-like styling gives it a sleeker look compared with boxier rivals such as the Hyundai Venue. One of its standout features is the debut of the new-generation Chevrolet Intelligent Driving System, which is said to include improvements to its advanced driver-assistance features aimed at helping prevent accidents. Powering the Sonic is a 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-three engine producing 115 horsepower. That may not sound like much, but for a vehicle weighing 1,139 kg (2,511 lbs) and measuring 4.23 meters (13.9 feet) long, it should be sufficient. The setup also enables fuel economy of 14.8 km/L, or roughly 34.8 mpg, under Brazil’s Inmetro cycle. Chevrolet Brazil The Sonic Name Lives AgainChevrolet is offering the 2027 Sonic with a starting price of 129,990 Brazilian reals (about $26,500 at current exchange rates) for the Premier trim, while the RS starts at 135,990 reals (roughly $27,500). That undercuts the U.S.-spec Equinox, though Brazil’s different market conditions make the comparison less direct. Plus, the Equinox is a step up in the compact crossover segment. Given the U.S. market’s preference for larger vehicles, the Sonic seems unlikely to arrive stateside anytime soon. After all, Chevrolet already offers two subcompact crossovers in the U.S. – the Trax and Trailblazer – both of which are built in South Korea and exposed to import tariffs. Chevrolet Brazil View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article
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This Weird Electric Scooter-Type Thing Wants To Replace Your Car
Designed by former Pininfarina talent, the ANY LUV1 targets urban drivers looking for a car alternative with a scooter-type shape and function.View the full article
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New Lynk & Co 20 Might Be the Coolest Electric SUV America Won’t Get
Volvo and Geely’s Lovechild Launching Another SUVWhen Geely and Volvo teamed up in 2016 to launch Lynk & Co, it looked like another ambitious Chinese startup with a bit of Scandinavian influence. But after a few years, the brand has quietly become much more than that. We’ve spent time behind the wheel of a few Lynk & Co hybrids and EVs before, and the products are more than just decent. Some models actually feel more sorted than what you get from established brands. Unsurprisingly, there’s a strong Volvo influence throughout. Now, Lynk & Co is getting ready to add another model to its lineup: the all-electric 20. It just showed up in Chinese regulatory filings, which gives us an early preview of what looks like a direct competitor to compact premium SUVs such as the Lexus NX. Lynk & Co Lidar, Fresh Styling, and Plenty of PowerThe 20 goes head-to-head with the Lexus NX in terms of size, but Lynk & Co seems to be pushing the tech angle even further. Based on the filings, it’s already packing hardware that could leave some established luxury brands playing catch-up. The latest images show the Lynk & Co 20 with a refreshed look compared to the Z20 it’s built on. Up front, there’s a split-headlight setup joined by a light strip, and there’s even a bright yellow paint option that makes no attempt to blend in. The most obvious clue is the LiDAR sensor mounted on the roof. That suggests Lynk & Co is gearing up for more advanced driver-assistance and semi-autonomous features. Whether those systems will actually beat the competition is still an open question, but the hardware is already in place. Under the hood, there’s a single electric motor with 328 horsepower, paired to a lithium iron phosphate battery. Top speed is 125 mph, which is more than enough for a compact luxury SUV that will likely spend most of its time in city traffic. China's MIIT/Autohome America Probably Won’t Get It, but Canada MightThere’s still a strong chance the Lynk & Co 20 won’t make it to the US. Chinese EV brands are still running into political and trade hurdles in the US, and that doesn’t look like it will change soon. That said, North America isn’t completely off the table. Geely is already bringing China-made Lotus EVs into Canada, which could open the door for other brands in its group, including Lynk & Co. The Lynk & Co 20 would likely find buyers in North America. Compact luxury SUVs remain in high demand, and a tech-focused EV with Volvo-inspired engineering could appeal to those seeking something different from the usual German or Japanese options. China's MIIT/Autohome View the full article
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Kia’s Electric GT Could Finally Fill the Stinger Void
Kia’s lineup in the United States is on a roll, with the Korean marque shattering sales records almost every quarter. But there’s been a void ever since the fun but underrated Kia Stinger sedan was discontinued in 2023. Easily one of the most desirable Kia models, the Stinger boasted engaging rear-wheel-drive dynamics and an alluring design. No successor has arrived, but that could change in the not-too-distant future, as Kia plans to build a production version of the exciting Vision Meta Turismo concept first revealed last year. Kia Believes There’s Opportunity Beyond SUVs Kia Ever since the Vision Meta Turismo concept was revealed, its sporty proportions hinted at an electric revival of a sports sedan in the vein of the previous Stinger. That’s now more than a dream, as Karim Habib, Kia design chief, said such a flagship sedan is in the works—but only once its pricing becomes viable. "At this point, it is more strategic,” said Habib when asked by Autocarwhat’s stopping the company from putting the four-door GT into production now. “It's a pure EV and the price of doing a high-performance EV is what is slowing us down. Hopefully, the upward movement of EVs keeps going. I think there will be more openness to this [type of] car.” Kia Habib also spoke about Kia’s current success with SUVs, which he acknowledged as a positive. However, it doesn’t sound like Kia will follow brands like Buick and Lincoln by having an SUV-only lineup. "We have a small history of doing cars like the Stinger and that's something we don't want to give up on,” said Habib. “The Meta Turismo is our idea of a sports sedan for the gamer generation. A few years ago, we started thinking about what could we do beyond SUVs? We do produce and sell a lot of SUVs, which is good, but we also believe that there's more than that." Next-Generation Kia Design Kia The Vision Meta Turismo embodies the next chapter of Kia’s “Opposites United” design language. The stance is explicitly low and wide, hinting at a sporty performance character; the interior does the same, whereby the driver’s area has its own color scheme, which differs from the rest of the cabin. We expect elements like the dramatic glass roof with geometric panels to be toned down for production. Kia is considering implementing elements of the highly minimalist and tech-forward interior for production, too. There’s no word on the powertrain or technical specifications yet, but Kia has already produced the 641-horsepower EV6 GT, and we would expect the Stinger’s spiritual successor to be at least as powerful as that EV. Kia doesn’t have a performance division like Hyundai’s N, though, so this may be more of a rapid GT than a true track weapon. What It Means Kia If Kia was all about profits and sales, it would simply double down on SUVs. But this is a courageous brand with a sporting side, and recreating what the Stinger represented for a new generation will showcase that. The Vision Meta Turismo’s jaw-dropping design is a great starting point, but it may be a while before Kia can package it as a production model—and at a feasible price point. If Kia gets the recipe right, we could be looking at a formidable EV with the performance of a BMW i3 or Tesla Model 3 Performance. View the full article
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Honda's New and Updated ATV Lineup Is Here To Outlive Everything
Honda’s latest utility ATV range continues prioritizing durability and long-term reliability. Here's everything you need to know. View the full article
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Who slept worst last night: Connor Zilisch
The Watkins Glen weekend was full of highs and lows for 19-year-old Connor Zilisch. After leading the most laps in Friday's Truck race, he lost out to Kaden Honeycutt in overtime. However, he won Saturday's NASCAR O'Reilly race with a dramatic pass on Jesse Love in the final corner of the final lap. And then there's the Cup race. Zilisch entered the Glen outside the top 30 in points, and still ...Keep readingView the full article
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Randy Pobst’s Randit Suspension Overhaul: Episode 1 of 5 – His Bandit Trans Am Needs Some Love!
Randy Pobst can wheel a race car, and on too many occasions to count we’ve seen him do it. But he also enjoys a quick and fast street car which means that upgrades are often in order. In the video series starting below, we’ll see his 1977 Pontiac Trans Am get some suspension love. But don’t think that this is some old original worn out machine that is getting the upgrades so they can show a huge improvement. No, this car has had a bunch of work done to it to get it into ship shape, and now it’s time for more. More grip, more control, more adjustability, and above all else, more fun. Video Description: We recently heard our friend Randy’s 2nd Gen Trans Am was in need of a suspension revamp. That provided us a great opportunity to outline the features and benefits of our 2nd Gen F-body suspension systems. There’s a lot to cover, too much to include in one video, so in this first episode we outline the use case, and establish where Randy’s car is currently at by taking it out to a mock autocross track and seeing how quickly it could navigate the course. Enjoy this first episode, and make sure you keep an eye out for episode 2 where we disassemble the current setup and complete the upgrade to our complete Ridetech 2nd Gen F-Body (Camaro/Firebird) Suspension system. You can do that by making sure you’re subscribed and you click the bell icon so that you receive notifications when we upload new content. Product Links: Ridetech 2nd Gen GM F-Body Complete Coil-over Suspension (used on Randy’s Trans Am: https://ridetech.com/product/coilover… NOW AVAILABLE | Ridetech 2nd Gen GM F-Body front Subframe: https://ridetech.com/product/ridetech… The post Randy Pobst’s Randit Suspension Overhaul: Episode 1 of 5 – His Bandit Trans Am Needs Some Love! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article
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Ford Explorer Concept For Sale Hid The Third-Gen SUV In Plain Sight
The 2002 Ford Explorer was Rather InterestingMillions and millions of Ford Explorers have been made since 1990, and the first two generations were blockbuster hits. While not the first SUV, it certainly played its part in making the entire genre as big as it is today. The third-generation Explorer was a rather interesting model that bridged the past and present models. It still rode on a body-on-frame chassis, but it came with fully independent suspension at the front and rear. It was released in late 2001 for the 2002 model year and marked the Explorer's baby steps toward becoming a crossover. Ford The 2001 Explorer Sportsman ConceptWe can only assume that many design studies were made before we all saw the SUV that was practically everywhere in the early '00s. There was, however, a concept that teased the new look in a way: the Explorer Sportsman Concept. It's a bit of a forgotten concept now, but it did make big news back in 2001. It was shown at the 2001 North American International Auto Show alongside the Thunderbird revival, which later failed to meet sales expectations. So, what was the Sportsman Concept? Underneath its boxy exterior is the frame for the redesigned Explorer, so in a way, the all-new model was hiding in plain sight. According to Ford, the concept was made specifically for fly fishing. It's a pretty specific niche to target, but that's what Ford went with in the end. Then again, the company couldn't say it's the third-gen Explorer in disguise. Bring a Trailer It's Now For SaleThe very car that was proudly on display 25 years ago had ended up on Bring a Trailer. At the time of writing, the bid is $13,500, which is certainly much less than the amount Ford spent on building the car in the first place. An interesting, if largely forgotten, piece of history? You bet. It's worth noting that this isn't the first time this particular concept vehicle has been auctioned off. Back in 2010, it was sold for $49,500 by RM Sotheby's. It went up for sale again in 2014, and the hammer fell at just $15,675. Whoever bought it for nearly $50,000 in 2010 must've felt that massive loss. Bring a Trailer Not Road LegalTo whoever wins the auction, do note that the SUV is, sadly, not road legal. There are no certificates for it to be used in public, so, at best, it can be driven around private spaces. Yes, it's a moving and (mostly) functional car, so it has that going for it. According to the original description from 2001, it had a 4.6-liter V8 under the hood, but the reality is pretty far from that. Instead, there's a 2.0-liter 12-valve Mazda engine with half the cylinders. For all we know, it came from a fourth-generation 626, and don't expect it to go anywhere fast. Oh, and some of the features that made it idea for fly fishing aren't included in the sale, namely the original seatback-mounted fly-tying workstations. Also, there's no working speedometer and all you get it a static display. We're genuinely curious what it would take for it to be road-legal. As for the concept itself, some design elements did make it to various Ford SUVs in the 2000s. The sizable fender flares can be seen in the Explorer and Expedition, along with the chunky door handles. It didn't reach production, at least some its influences were applied later on. Ford Bring a Trailer View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article
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HIGH FLYING FORMULA OFFROAD RACING FROM ICELAND! THIS IS HELLA 2026, COURSE 1 ACTION
If you are new around there then you might not know that we seriously dig Formula Off-Road racing here at BANGshift.com. This is high flying, loud, and intense racing that involves what look to be impossible hillclimbs, usually on giant courses made from pea gravel or something similar. It’s intense, the cars often end up upside down or rolling over down a hill. They end up rightside up on their own sometimes, but regardless the action is fun and kind of nuts. These drivers do some stuff that I’m not sure most people could. Check it out below. Video Description: Formula Offroad Iceland, Hella 2026! Track 1 – All cars and action from Track 1 in first race of the season. This year Unlimited and Modified class race together but different points. Great action in Track 1 – Hope you like it FORMULA OFFROAD: One of the most extreme motorsport in the world, the Vikings are extreme crazy when comes to Formula Offroad. Formula Off road competitions have always been a great part of the Icelandic motor-sport and is well known all over the world. Formula Offroad began in Iceland on May 2nd 1965. It started with Willys jeeps and now we have these extreme special built Offroad cars that can climb almost everything. In 1990 Formula Offroad started in other nordic countries. Today we have races in Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Hope you will enjoy this extreme motorsport that Formula Offroad is. Extreme Hill Climbing, hydroplaning, rollovers and jumps. Enjoy! Thank you. Jakob C – www.facebook.com/jakobcoffroad Jakob C – www.instagram/jakobcoffroad High-powered machines tackle steep, rocky terrain in this intense competition. Drivers push their customized vehicles to the limit against gravity and challenging obstacles. The post HIGH FLYING FORMULA OFFROAD RACING FROM ICELAND! THIS IS HELLA 2026, COURSE 1 ACTION appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article
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Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI Could Become More Powerful Than A Golf GTI
The ID.Polo's Time to ShineFor the longest time, it was the Golf that got most of the sweet high-performance treatment from Volkswagen. There have been countless over the years, and we're not just talking about GTIs and Rs. As for the Polo, there have been few and far between. Some shining examples include the GT and G40, and let's not forget how it bagged four straight World Rally Championship titles for Volkswagen. Given its success in motorsport, one would think there would be a turbocharged all-wheel-drive model in the same vein as Toyota's small and spicy GR Yaris. The ID. Polo made its world premiere recently, and a few impressions of the GTI version have been made as well. This time around, it seems the subcompact hatchback is finally getting more attention on the performance front. That's because the company has confirmed an even hotter version. Volkswagen Coming Soon: The ID.Polo GTI 'Clubsport'Autocar wasn't just able to have first dibs on the ID. Polo GTI, the British publication, also managed to scoop an incoming model that will sit above it. As confirmed by Florian Umbach, the head of vehicle dynamics for Volkswagen, the company is prepping an even hotter version of its latest subcompact EV. The engineer was quoted as saying, "We are working on something. There is certainly more peak power that we can find from the motor and battery hardware that we have and more torque that the front axle could handle also. There is clear potential." There is no official name for it yet, but Autocar has given it the tentative name 'Clubsport'. Historically, that has been reserved for more track-focused versions of the Golf GTI, sitting between the standard hot hatch and the R. Volkswagen What to ExpectThat wasn't the only thing mentioned in the report. It was also said that power could rise to as much as 280 hp (or more), making it more powerful than a regular Golf GTI. For reference, the ID. Polo GTI makes 223 hp and 214 lb-ft, all of which are sent to the front wheels. Hyundai must have done something really well for more automakers to develop their own simulated manual modes. Volkswagen will be no exception, as it will deliver "a similar kind of paddleshift power delivery that the Hyundai N cars have." The additional power will be care of a software upgrade, and there will be piped-in sounds to a more enhanced experience behind the wheel. For now, there is no exact launch date for the so-called ID. Polo GTI Clubsport. That said, we'll have to wait for the regular GTI to make its world premiere before we start counting down the days until the hotter version's premiere. Then again, Volkswagen could surprise us all by launching the GTI and 'Clubsport' at the same time. Wilco Blok/Instagram View the full article
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Car Show Video From The 13th Annual LoneStar Deluxe Hot Rod and Music Festival in Texas City TX
Our friend John Jackson is back at it with more cool video from another great Texas car show, and this time it’s got a twist. This is the 13th Annual LoneStar Deluxe Hot Rod and Music Festival in Texas City, Texas and the video below shares a ton of cool cars and trucks and more. You’ll dig it and we want to know which cars and trucks you see in the video are the ones you would most like to see in your garage or driveway. Let us know in the comments below. Video Description: The Ultimate Day Out in Texas City! Lonestar Deluxe 13 Recap: We loaded up and made the haul from Burnet down to Texas City for one of our favorite stops on the calendar: the 13th Annual Lonestar Deluxe Hotrod and Music Festival. This isn’t just a car show; it’s a full-blown takeover of downtown Texas City, centered around the iconic Showboat Theatre Pavilion. In this video, we’re hanging out with our good friend Sam Navarro and taking in a massive field of high-dollar customs, traditional leads and sleds, and raw muscle cars rolling through the historic streets. Featured in this video: The Big Reveal: We were on the ground for the official debut of Kerry Cooper’s stunning custom Panel Truck. This build is a masterclass in craftsmanship, and it rightfully walked away with the Best of Show honors. A Surprise Win: Our very own 1964 Corvair Van got some unexpected love! A huge shoutout to the Rebel Relics Car Club for choosing our van as their “Club Choice” of the show. The Scene: Beyond the chrome, we’re checking out the incredible food trucks, browsing the vendors, and catching the live bands that kept the energy high all day. Feeling the Heat: You won’t want to miss the legendary (and brutal) hot pepper eating contest—things got a little wild under the Texas sun! If you love traditional hotrods and high-end kustom kulture, this is the episode for you. Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to the Channel for more from the car show scene! Thanks for Watching J.J. The post Car Show Video From The 13th Annual LoneStar Deluxe Hot Rod and Music Festival in Texas City TX appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article
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Australian Honda Riders Can Get a Free 6-Year Warranty. Are You Listening, America?
Australian Honda just announced that it's extending its 2-year factory warranty to a 3-year warranty, which can be extended for a further three years if certain criteria are met.View the full article
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Ford’s New Crash Avoidance Idea Works Even When Parked
Collision Avoidance Systems Are Already Smart, But Ford Wants MoreCollision avoidance tech has quietly become one of the most important safety features in today’s cars. When it works, it can mean the difference between a close call and a costly accident. Most brands now offer some version of automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, or evasive steering—either standard or as an option. Ford, however, appears to be exploring something more advanced. A newly published patent discovered by Road & Track reveals that the Blue Oval brand could be working on a system that could avoid collisions even while the vehicle is parked. Filed in 2023 and officially published last week under patent number 12617393 (look it up), the document outlines a predictive crash-avoidance system that goes beyond the usual “see obstacle, hit brakes” approach. USPTO Predicting Danger Through a Myriad of SensorsThe patent describes a web of sensors – radar, LiDAR, cameras, and ultrasonic – constantly watching the car’s surroundings. Ford calls it a 'virtual sensing grid,' tracking movement around the vehicle in real time. Here’s the twist: the system isn’t just reacting to what’s happening now. It tries to guess where another car is headed next. If it senses a crash is likely, it figures out the best move to get out of the way. That could mean braking, steering, accelerating, or all three at once. In Ford’s examples, the car is parked when it spots another vehicle coming in at an angle. The system predicts the path and decides if nudging forward, back, or even sideways could help avoid or soften the hit. Other diagrams show the car reacting to traffic moving around it, even while it’s standing still. The system can weigh threat levels and pick the safest escape route based on what’s happening nearby. In short, it’s more like a defensive driver making a split-second move to avoid trouble. USPTO How It Differs From Today’s SystemsMost current systems have one job: stop the car before it hits something. That’s why automatic emergency braking is the star of today’s safety tech. Even the ones that can steer usually just help you dodge what’s right in front of you while moving. Ford’s idea goes further. Instead of just stopping, the system looks for the safest way out based on what’s happening around the car. It could even move itself while parked or unattended if it senses a crash coming – at least in theory. Of course, a patent doesn’t mean you’ll see this in production Ford vehicles anytime soon. Automakers file plenty of ideas that never make it to production. However, Ford’s latest concept hints at a future where safety systems act more like human instinct than just another set of sensors. USPTO View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article
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This EV Trike Can Hit 75MPH, But You Have to Pedal It
Imagine going highway speeds, steering with a joystick, but pedaling all the way. That's what this French company, Vigoz, envisions for the future.View the full article
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2027 Chevrolet Corvette Gets New Engine And Pricier Carbon Fiber Options
America's Sports CarThe Chevrolet Corvette is a true American automotive icon, having started out as a sports car and quickly becoming a supercar challenger. What has always been the Corvette's calling card is its power, simplicity, and overall affordability against the European competition. 2027 marks a new milestone for the current C8-generation Corvette. GM is updating the model as a mid-cycle refresh, with some notable changes and, interestingly, price differences for certain options. Chevrolet Mid-Life RefreshThe C8 has been on the market for 6 years now, debuting in 2020. A major change for the 2027 model year is the introduction of a new motor, a 6.7-liter V8 LS6 small block, replacing the iconic and trusty 6.2-liter V8 LT2. Another major development for 2027 is the reintroduction of the Corvette Grand Sport. Apart from a new engine and a new variant, Chevrolet is also updating the pricing for factory- and dealership-installed options. According to GM Authority, while most price changes have trended downward toward affordability, other optional extras have jacked up the price. Most of the price increase is due to the carbon fiber equipment and exterior appearance package. One major aesthetic price jump is the Color Combination Override Option, which was previously priced at $625 and will increase to $1,495, representing a $800 increase. This option allows owners to mix and match interior and exterior colorways that aren't available as standard. For the carbon fiber bits, the 2027 ZR1 and ZR1X Carbon Aero kits will increase to $12,995, a $2,500 increase. While the new carbon alloy wheels will now set you back $15,995, up by $2,000. Lastly, the ZR1 ZTK Track Performance Package will go up by $1,600. Chevrolet Up and DownOther notable options have also increased in price for 2027, such as the Level 2 Carbon Fiber instrument panel trim, which rose by $300, and the Carbon Fiber Surround Cluster, now up by $295. Next up, the Front Lip Adjustable Height With Memory System goes up by $400, bringing the total to $2,995. Despite the price increases, there are other listed options that offer lower prices, notably the bright polished aluminum wheels, which are now $300 less, totaling just $4,395. Black wheel locks drop from $175 to $105, and the front dark stealth crossed-flags emblem drops by $25. View the full article
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VIDEO: The Truth About Cheap Café Racer Project Bikes
Building a café racer is one of the most rewarding motorcycle projects an enthusiast can take on. But before the grinder sparks fly and the custom parts catalogs start filling your browser tabs, there’s one question every builder eventually faces: is it cheaper to start with a wrecked non-runner or spend more on a fully running bike? At first glance, the answer seems obvious. A rough, crashed, or partially dismantled motorcycle can often be bought for a fraction of the […] The post VIDEO: The Truth About Cheap Café Racer Project Bikes appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article
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Arai’s Limited-Edition AI Ogura Trackhouse Replica Helmet Hits Stores This August
Arai is releasing a limited-edition RX-7X Ai Ogura Trackhouse replica helmet this August, but there's no official word on whether it'll come to the US.View the full article
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There's An Unofficial Update on Kawasaki's Teryx H2 Recall. Maybe an End In Sight?
Here's all the latest information on Kawasaki's ongoing Teryx H2 side-by-side CVT recall and stop/sale order. View the full article
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Winter Storm Warning: 13 Inches of Snow with 90 MPH Winds Doesn't Quit This Week
Storm Continues Through TuesdayThe Pacific system that pounded the coast this weekend is not finished. Heading into Monday, the National Weather Service in Anchorage confirms the original storm is still spinning, while a second cyclone closes in from the west. Forecasters expect another 24 to 48 hours of mountain snow, heavy coastal rain, and gusty winds. In the discussion issued at 4:11 PM AKDT Sunday, forecasters describe "a large, negatively tilted upper level low" continuing to rotate across the Southwest. A separate marine forecast for Valdez adds the new piece: "A front extending from a 982 mb Bering Sea low 35 nautical miles northeast of Saint George Island will move into the southwestern Gulf of Alaska Tuesday afternoon." By Monday, the two systems will "begin to interact, spiraling around and inwards towards each other in what's called the Fujiwhara Effect," per the same NWS discussion. The combined low will be centered over the Pribilof Islands by Tuesday afternoon, pushing the worst weather toward Kodiak and the southern Alaska Peninsula. What to ExpectWind gusts: 40 mph in Kodiak Island Monday night, 30 mph along Turnagain Arm on Tuesday, 25 mph in Whittier and ValdezSnow: Wet snow possible in Anchorage and Mat-Su before precipitation clears overnight; rain switching to all snow in Valdez after 10 PM Tuesday; continuing blowing snow on the Arctic CoastMixed precipitation: Rain and snow across Southcentral Alaska, with isolated graupel reported in the Southwest InteriorRoad icing: Wet snow may refreeze overnight in Southcentral, with black ice possible on Anchorage, Mat-Su, and Turnagain Arm roads early MondayA Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Point Lay on the Arctic Coast, where blowing snow has reduced visibility to a half mile or less. Driving Safely Through the StormDrivers face wet snow in the mountains, 40 mph crosswinds along the coast, and overnight refreeze on Southcentral roads. The hazards vary by location, so does the response. For snow and ice, use 3PMSF rated winter tires with tread depth of at least 4/32 inch. Increase following distance significantly on snow covered roads, and be especially cautious on predawn ice around Anchorage and Mat-Su as wet snow refreezes. Conditions can shift between rain, slush, and packed snow within a few miles on the Seward Highway and through Turnagain Arm. For high winds, expect a noticeable push on trucks, SUVs, and other high profile vehicles at 40 mph, particularly on exposed coastal segments around Kodiak. Slow well below posted limits, keep both hands on the wheel, and avoid cruise control when traction is compromised. EV drivers should plan for reduced range. AAA testing has found that cold weather can cut EV range by an average of nearly 40 percent due to slower battery chemistry and energy spent on cabin heat. Preconditioning the car while plugged in and using seat heaters instead of full cabin heat helps recover some of that range. For vehicle setup, Autoblog's guide to the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving covers all wheel drive systems, snow modes, and cold weather usability. EV owners can find more cold weather tactics in how to get the most range from your EV when the temperature drops. Pack a winter emergency kit per NWS winter weather safety guidance, and check the Alaska DOT 511 system for current road conditions. What's NextNWS forecasters expect a second wave to track toward the northern Gulf and Alaska Peninsula later this week, bringing more precipitation Friday and Saturday. Heavy mountain snow is expected through the latter half of the week, with significant accumulations likely in favored terrain into the weekend. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article
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Hafizh remains perfect as Epis makes ground at ARRC Buriram
Hafizh Syahrin remained unbeaten in ASB1000 at Buriram, while Lachlan Epis delivered a strong Australian result with fourth in Race Two. The post Hafizh remains perfect as Epis makes ground at ARRC Buriram appeared first on MCNews. View the full article
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Honda hits hard at Gillman as Webster, Larwood and Fisher top ProMX podiums
Kyle Webster took a narrow MX1 overall win from Jed Beaton at Gillman, as Honda Racing Australia also swept MX2 and MX3 with Alex Larwood and Heath Fisher. The post Honda hits hard at Gillman as Webster, Larwood and Fisher top ProMX podiums appeared first on MCNews. View the full article
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ZXMOTO appoint UMI as Australian distributor
ZXMOTO joins Urban Moto Imports in Australia, bringing with it recent World Supersport success after Valentin Debise won both Portimão races on the 820RR. The post ZXMOTO appoint UMI as Australian distributor appeared first on MCNews. View the full article
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MotoGP riders and Team Managers reflect on the French GP
MotoGP 2026 Round Five – Le Mans Jorge Martin – P1 “I am truly happy. At the start, I didn’t think I’d be able to battle for the win, but I never let up. Aprilia is giving me what I need and my confidence is growing day by day. Now it is important to continue […] The post MotoGP riders and Team Managers reflect on the French GP appeared first on MCNews. View the full article