StreetNewsReporter

In the world of custom motorcycles, few machines capture attitude and craftsmanship quite like the BMW R100 café racer created by Roughchild. Built with a rebellious “punk rock” brief and transformed from a worn-out project into a stunning blacked-out masterpiece, this BMW airhead is more than just another custom build—it’s a deeply personal machine with soul, aggression, and purpose. The story behind the bike makes it even more meaningful. The owner brought the motorcycle to builder Rob of Roughchild after […] The post BMW R100: The Punk Rock Café Racer Built by Roughchild appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Watkins Glen International hosts the 12th round of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season, and will feature all three national divisions and the ARCA Menards Series from Friday through Sunday. This is also the earliest the track has ever appeared on the NASCAR schedule. Will Shane van Gisbergen go back-to-back, or will another driver capture the checkered flag at The Glen? Here's all some major storylines ...Keep readingView the full article

(Photos by David Whealon) – It was a cool, fast, and adventurous weekend for the stars of the NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lucky for us, we have great photos from our dude David Whealon who was on hand shooting all kinds of race cars, from nitro burners to door cars and everything in between. He was on hand for the first running of the Outlaw Street class as well, so we’ve got those photos for you to check out too! David Whealon shot these images and there are some stunners in here. From the four wide launches to the tight shots of funny cars and dragsters rocketing off into the night, if you dig drag racing, you’ll dig these photos. We’ll have even more galleries coming over the next few days, so stay tuned in to see more! The post We’ve Got NHRA Four-Wide Nationals Action Photos From Zmax In Charlotte: 4-Wide Drag Racing Is Right Here! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Ian Hutchinson just made his debut for the new RST team and unveiled the updated RST V4.2 D3O Airbag Leather Suit and Pro Series gloves ahead of the Isle of Man TT. The same gear can be yours, and it's not even that expensive.View the full article

For some reason, automakers believe that pumping fake, synthesized gas engine sounds through the speakers somehow increases the appeal and driving engagement of their electric vehicles. It’s quite telling that pure-play EV companies, such as Tesla, Rivian and Lucid, do not offer artificial gas engine sounds in their vehicles; legacy automakers are the ones that have started this trend. The reasoning behind it is that fake engine sounds replace the emotive feedback of combustion engines and help bridge the gap for buyers transitioning from gas vehicles. Whether that’s accurate or not, it’s for buyers to decide, as in the end, it all comes down to personal preference. But while artificial gas engine sounds seem reasonable to have in a performance EV like the Dodge Charger Daytona, it looks like Lexus is trying to “democratize” that feature and offer it in EVs that have no performance credentials whatsoever. Just What Your Fancy Lexus 3-Row Electric SUV Needed https://www.youtube.com/live/BKB-OoniEVc?si=SOMeb79pybbX8Gvl&t=1093 During the presentation of the all-new Lexus TZ three-row electric SUV earlier today, Toyota Motor Corporation’s Chief Branding Officer Simon Humphries revealed a surprise feature of the vehicle: a sound simulation feature that imitates the legendary Lexus LFA’s V10 engine note and gearshifts of the 6-speed automated sequential gearbox (the video above offers a snippet from the 18:38 timestamp). “And it's not only in the way it moves, but in the way it sounds. With the paddles, interactive manual drive adds a familiar note and a little mischief,” Humphries said on stage as the sound of the LFA’s V10 engine started to be heard. “Yes, the Lexus LFA V10 sound simulation available on-demand: the perfect match for effortless lane changes,” he added. While no gearhead will ever criticize the engine note of a Lexus LFA, its presence in an all-electric, three-row SUV is sure to raise some eyebrows. Is it necessary? Obviously not. Does it sound good? Well, yes, but will a gimmick like this ever trick anyone into thinking that they’re driving a V10-powered supercar while riding comfortably with five other passengers in the cabin? Of course not. Thankfully, You Can Turn It Off Lexus To Lexus’ credit, the Active Sound Control (ASC) system, which mimics the LFA’s V10 sound through the speakers, is an on-demand feature that can be turned on or off from the menu. That said, it’s quite a silly feature on a luxury electric SUV that focuses on cabin comfort and is described as Lexus’ quietest SUV yet. Well, now we know what the all-electric Lexus LFA's fake engine noise will sound like. Besides the LFA V10 note, the TZ's ASC system can also produce synthesized soundscapes tied to throttle inputs, including “musical chord sequences,” according to Lexus. Performance-wise, the 2027 Lexus TZ does 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds, which is not bad at all for a three-row EV, but cannot compare to the LFA’s 3.7-second sprint. At least it’ll sound (almost) the same when you floor it. Lexus View the full article

After surviving one of the harshest winters in recent memory, Polish builder and rider Ryszard Metrak finally rolled his heavily customized BMW K1100LT café racer out of the garage for its long-awaited first shakedown ride. Once a touring-focused BMW K1100LT, the machine has been reimagined into a sleek café racer that still retains the iconic character of BMW’s legendary K-bike platform. After months of wrenching through brutal Polish winter conditions that dropped as low as -20°C, the bike was finally […] The post First Ride Chaos: BMW K1100LT Cafe Racer Shakedown Ends in Mechanical Disaster appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

The 2027 Kawasaki Mule SX range keeps things simple with a 401cc engine, compact sizing, and real work-ready capability.View the full article

Here’s our 4th gallery from Mike Brooks coverage of the Run to the Sun car show in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. If you missed the previous galleries, use the link below to check them out too. (Photos by Mike Brooks) The Run to the Sun car show in Myrtle Beach South Carolina celebrated it’s 37th anniversary this year and as usual had a sellout crowd. This show sells out every year, and features some awesome Pre-1990 muscle cars, hot rods, street machines, and trucks. It’s a special event, that’s for sure, and when the weather is great like this year it is hard to beat. Longtime contributor Mike Brooks was on hand and snapping photos to share with all you BANGshifters, and you can check them all out below. One of the things we like about this show is the variety of cars and trucks. Lifted, lowered, customs, classics, it’s all here. Check them out. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTOS WE ALREADY POSTED FROM THE RUN TO THE SUN The post Run to the Sun 2026 Car Show Photos: Here’s Another Gallery from the 37th Annual Run to the Sun Car Show Custom Cars, Trucks, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, And More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Mercedes-Benz has officially opened the order books for the all-electric C-Class in Europe, giving buyers their first look at pricing for the brand’s new luxury EV sedan. While BMW has yet to officially reveal pricing for the upcoming i3 sedan, Mercedes’ online configurator already shows the electric C-Class can climb well beyond $110,000 when heavily optioned. Electric C-Class Starts At Around $80,000 Mercedes-Benz The new Mercedes-Benz C 400 4MATIC starts at €67,711 in Germany, including VAT, or roughly $80,000 at current exchange rates. For now, buyers only get one powertrain option: a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup producing 482 hp. Mercedes claims the sedan can sprint from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in four seconds flat while delivering up to 473 miles (762 km) of WLTP-rated range. The all-electric C-Class is available in three trim styles. The standard Avant-Garde model serves as the entry point, while the AMG Line package adds a sportier appearance for an extra €3,451 ($4,047.85). Above that sits the AMG Line Plus trim at €7,556.50 ($8,863.40), which also bundles in the Night Pack. Mercedes also gives buyers plenty of room for customization, offering 10 exterior paint colors and 10 wheel designs up to 20 inches in size. On the company’s German website, the C 400 4MATIC is already available to lease from roughly €470 per month, or about $550. Options Can Push The Price Beyond $110,000 Mercedes-Benz Like many modern luxury cars, the options list is where pricing escalates quickly. The Premium Plus Package with Digital Extras costs €11,543 ($13,539.36) and adds features such as the MBUX Hyperscreen, Burmester 4D surround sound system, illuminated panoramic roof pattern, and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. Choosing optional extras individually isn't cheap either. The SKY CONTROL panoramic roof costs €1,249.50 ($1,465.60) and can switch from transparent to frosted at the touch of a button. Meanwhile, the 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen alone adds another €1,487.50 ($1,744.76). Select nearly every available option, including rear-axle steering, AIRMATIC suspension, AMG Line Plus, and the major digital packages, and the total rises to €95,838.14 ($112,413.35) including tax. That still excludes extras like winter tires or home charging equipment. What Could The Electric C-Class Cost In America? Mercedes-Benz Mercedes has not confirmed official US pricing yet, but considering the electric C-Class costs just €1,000 ($1,173.15) less than the outgoing Mercedes-Benz EQE in Europe, we reckon it'll cost about the same as an EQE, which carries an MSRP of $64,950 in the US. If that proves accurate, the C-Class EV would arrive in America in early 2027, positioned against rivals like the Lucid Air and most likely, the BMW i3. And once buyers begin adding expensive option packages, the electric C-Class can quickly creep into S-Class pricing territory. View the full article

The S58 inline six-cylinder engine in some of BMW’s most engaging M cars needs no introduction. Produced since 2019, this charismatic turbocharged mill has powered everything from the M2 to the M3, M4, and even the mighty BMW 3.0 CSL. But performance engines like this one are threatened by ever-stricter emissions regulations. BMW knows how important six-cylinder power is for these M cars, though, so it will be introducing a revised version of the S58 in mid-2026 that meets the European Euro 7 standard and boasts better efficiency—without affecting power and performance in any way. Related: The 7 Best BMW Engines of the 21st Century M Ignite Pre-Chamber Ignition System BMW Known as the “M Ignite” system, the innovative design update is based around a new pre-chamber in the cylinder head. Connected to the cylinder’s main combustion chamber by overflow openings, the pre-chamber has its own spark plug and ignition coil. Effectively, this means the engine has two ignition systems. “At low and medium revs, the conventional spark plug in the main combustion chamber fires before the spark plug in the pre-chamber,” says BMW M. “At higher revs and loads, the pre-chamber ignition takes over the lead role. In this process, a part of the fuel-air mixture, which is channeled into the pre-chamber through the openings, is ignited there. The flames generated as a result then exit the pre-chamber at around the speed of sound.” BMW BMW Following this, “ignition jets” ignite the mixture in the main combustion chamber, which occurs above the piston at multiple points at the same time. This leads to much higher combustion speeds. Furthermore, BMW has added new exhaust gas turbochargers with a variable turbine geometry—a first for the S58. If you’re worried that these changes will affect the engine’s soundtrack, think again. BMW M claims that the dual ignition systems actually create a throatier sound at high revs, which you can listen to here. Track Days Just Got More Affordable BMW Heavy loads and high revs typically have a drastic effect on the gas mileage of turbocharged cars. This will be obvious in a track environment, where your M2 or M3 will use a lot more gas. However, BMW says the M Ignite system will result in substantially lower consumption under high load. While few specific claims were made, the company published a figure for the M2 of 10.2 liters per 100 km, which translates to 23 mpg. The current M2 gets 19 mpg combined, so if the 23 mpg is a combined figure and based on EPA standards, that would be a noticeable improvement. More realistically, a 1 to 2 mpg improvement is on the cards. “With M Ignite, we are transferring combustion engine technology from motorsport to our high-performance road vehicles,” said Alexander Karajlovic, Head of Development at BMW M. “With M Ignite in the S58, we are offering our customers a purist combustion engine without hybridization that meets our high standards for an M powertrain.” The M3 and M4 will be the first models to benefit from the upgraded S58 engine in July 2026. A month later, the M2 will receive the new M Ignite system. All will have the same 3.0-liter displacement and power outputs as the existing models. What It Means BMW Mercedes-AMG found out the hard way that simply moving to a smaller-capacity, hybridized setup to achieve better emissions wasn’t the solution fans wanted for models like the C63, which had always had a V8. Rather than go the same route, BMW has re-engineered its classic straight-six for another generation, while retaining the character of these smaller M cars. BMW M boss Frank van Meel promised that keeping the six-cylinder and V8 M engines around was a priority, and the new M Ignite system shows he’s making good on that. Related: BMW M Will Do Anything To Keep Straight-Sixes Singing And V8s Roaring View the full article

There's a new report that, after Liberty Media's takeover of MotoGP last year, that it may be looking to put Red Bull Racing's former team principal, Christian Horner, in as CEO for the motorcycle racing series. View the full article

From Eddie Bauer to...Carhartt?It's safe to say that the Ford and Eddie Bauer collaboration has been one of the most popular tie-ups between a car manufacturer and automaker. The cross-branding partnership ran from 1984 to 2010, and Ford hasn't had a clothing partner since. This year, however, things are about to change. For the 2027 model year, the Super Duty pickup gains a new special edition, the Carhartt. Yes, that Carhartt, and with that, Ford goes from partnering up with an outdoor brand to a company that's best known for work wear. Ford The Super Duty CarharttUnlike Eddie Bauer Fords, which served as the top-of-the-line models back in the day, the Carhartt is more of a special package. It's available for the Super Duty XLT Crew Cab, specifically single-wheel versions with four-wheel drive. Interestingly, it's the first time the Super Duty gets an apparel collab, as the truck was never offered with an Eddie Bauer version. Ford says this package is 'centered in function, not decoration,' although the results of the tie-up are made clear the moment you take a look at it. There are Carhartt logos on the fenders, along with textured graphics on the doors and tailgate to let everyone know that this is a different kind of Super Duty. Those graphics are also said to offer a layer of protection from dirt and other road debris. Other exterior upgrades? There's a spray-on bedliner that's adorned with a Carhartt logo, and the matte black grille is another touch to this model. Those wheels are worth talking about, too, as they're exclusive to this model and we're willing to bet those will be worth a pretty penny someday. Ford Of Course, It's Got Carhartt Threads InsideInside, the seats are trimmed in Carhartt fabrics, so you can bet that they'll be hard-wearing. At least, that's what we expect given the brand's reputation for its workwear. There are triple-stitch patterns on the seats and on the door trims. As for the fabric used, Ford says it's drawn from Carhartt's latest tool bag. Further emphasizing this tie-up are embossed logos on the headrests and on the map pockets at the backs of the front seats. The heavy-duty rubber floor mats also get Carhartt logos. Ford Will There Be More Ford-Carhartt Models?Ben Ewy, Carhartt's vice president of global product design, said: "Both brands are coming to life in a bigger way with us coming together." While it's not a confirmation of further collaborations, there is a glimmer of hope that it will happen should it prove successful. In the meantime, it's reserved for the Super Duty, and we have to say it's pretty fitting for the supersized pickup. Of course, an F-150 or Expedition Carhartt edition would be neat. Ford View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A dramatic fusion of engineering theatre and collectible design, the Lotus C-01 remains one of the most visually arresting motorcycles of the modern era. Conceived by Lotus Motorcycles and styled by renowned automotive designer Daniel Simon, the C-01 blurred the line between superbike and rolling sculpture, with production limited to approximately 100 units worldwide. Developed by German race constructor Kodewa in partnership with motorcycle engineering specialist Kalex under the licensed Lotus name, the C-01 paired futuristic aesthetics with serious mechanical […] The post Bike of the Day: 2015 Lotus C-01 appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

The new QJ Motor SRK 600 RS sits in the sweet spot between beginner bikes and high-performance sportbikes.View the full article

Sum Of All PartsThere are many parts that make up a car; each needs its own maintenance to ensure it operates well under any conditions. A vital part is the braking system, which relies on accredited and tested brake fluids to ensure that the car's braking performance is as consistent and dependable when needed. When the brakes are compromised in any way, braking or slowing the car down will not be as easy or safe as it should be. GM is issuing a recall on brake fluid that seems to affect the system as a whole. GM ACDelco Brake Fluid RecallAccording to a report by GM Authority, General Motors has issued a recall for a specific type of brake fluid. The recall is for ACDelco's GMW DOT 3 brake and clutch fluid. This was after federal regulators from the NHTSA found visible sediment, which they determined could reduce braking performance. The total recall amounts to 40,440 containers of the brake and clutch fluid. The part number is also listed as 19353126 and was produced between October 19th, 2022, and December 28th, 2022. An issue first came to light on August 7, 2025, coming after GM was notified by the NHTSA that samples of the affected brake fluid had failed the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 116. It was a routine safety test conducted by a third-party laboratory in June 2024. GM immediately opened an investigation into the matter. During the investigation, GM tested the unopened brake fluid samples. It was determined that these samples did, in fact, confirm the presence of a sediment. Furthermore, GM found the cause of the sediment: the product of two additives added to the fluid itself,a not external contamination. Cause UnknownWhile it was determined which brake fluid additive caused the sediment, the specific reason why these additives performed that way remains unknown to GM, even after the investigation and testing. Both the NHTSA and GM note that sediment can compromise brake performance, increasing the risk of an accident. On May 6, dealers were notified of the recall, while direct buyers will receive their notice by June 8. Instead of replacing the fluid, GM will reimburse the dealerships and the direct buyers of the affected fluid. View the full article

Thursday at the North West 200 was overshadowed by tragedy before the evening qualifying programme finally ran, with Dean Harrison, Michael Dunlop, Peter Hickman and Alastair Seeley ending up fastest across the main classes. The post North West 200 qualifying: Harrison takes Superbike pole after sombre Thursday appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The post Royal Enfield | Hunter 350 Tokyo Black – Now Available appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Motorcycle Recall Notices Harley-Davidson Softail Recall Recall number – REC-006594 Campaign number – 0192 Original published date – 23 April 2026 Supplier details – Harley-Davidson Australia Pty Limited Contact name – Harley-Davidson Dealership Contact phone – 02 9886 0600 Contact email – [email protected] Contact website – https://www.harley-davidson.com/au/en/index.html Harley-Davidson Softail Variants 2025 – FLHC, FXBB, FXLRS, […] The post Recall Round-Up: Harley Softail, BMW K 1600 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

If there’s a place where horsepower meets heart, it’s the annual Truckin’ For Kids Charity Show & Drags – and the 45th edition didn’t lift. It stood on the diesel pedal and never looked back. Held May 2-3 at Famoso Dragstrip and presented by 10-4 Magazine, the Bakersfield staple once again proved that big rigs, big smoke, and big speed can drive an even bigger purpose. With all net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s Hospital in Pasadena, the weekend blended show-and-shine polish with full-throttle action down the quarter-mile. Sunday’s dragstrip program brought the noise. Diesel trucks stormed the historic Famoso surface, laying down thick clouds of smoke with burnout displays that had the crowd leaning on the fence. These weren’t just parade laps – these were full-send passes from machines built to work hard and play even harder, putting torque and attitude on full display. Then came the fire. Two jet cars lit off and turned the volume to max, ripping down the strip in a pair of flame-throwing exhibition passes that shook the ground and snapped every head in the house. It was pure sensory overload – heat, sound, and speed – exactly the kind of show that’s become a signature of Truckin’ For Kids. While the on-track action delivered, the mission remained front and center. Event organizers estimate this year’s event will generate between $65,000 and $70,000 for Shriners Children’s Hospital in Pasadena. From chrome-heavy show trucks to smoke-filled dragstrip action, Truckin’ For Kids once again proved it’s more than just an event – it’s a movement. One where diesel power meets generosity, and every pass down Famoso’s quarter-mile helps push something far more important across the finish line. This story was originally published on May 7, 2026. The post Diesel Thunder and Jet Fire: Truckin’ For Kids Delivers Power and Purpose at Famoso first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

A fatal head-on crash on I-70 westbound in Washington County, Pennsylvania closed about five miles of the corridor for three hours today, Thursday, May 7, 2026, and the highway is still running on a single lane. Pennsylvania State Police say a Ford Focus crossed the grass median near mile marker 10.5 in Buffalo Township at 1:22 PM EDT and collided with a westbound tractor-trailer. What HappenedTime and location: 1:22 PM EDT, mile marker 10.5, Buffalo Township between Pittsburgh and the West Virginia state lineVehicles: Ford Focus eastbound, tractor-trailer westboundMechanism: Median crossover into oncoming westbound trafficOutcome: Ford Focus driver pronounced dead on scene; tractor-trailer driver treated for minor injuriesClosure: I-70 westbound between Exit 11 (Taylorstown) and Exit 6 (Claysville)Detour and Corridor StatusPennDOT routed traffic onto Route 40, the parallel two-lane that traces the original National Road through Claysville and Taylorstown. The detour adds roughly 20 minutes off-peak and significantly more under truck load. This stretch of I-70 carries heavy Pittsburgh-to-Wheeling freight and runs without cable median barrier, which PennDOT District 12 has flagged in prior corridor safety reviews. Single-lane operation continues through the evening commute. Live status is on 511PA. Median Crossovers and Driver SafetyMedian-crossover crashes are among the deadliest on rural interstates, and head-on impacts at highway speed routinely exceed survivable forces even with modern airbags and crumple zones, particularly against a fully loaded semi. Lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning cut median departures by roughly half in IIHS testing, and body-on-frame trucks and SUVs measurably outperform unibody sedans in cross-over impacts. TimingWestbound I-70 reopened to a single lane at 4:25 PM EDT and the corridor is expected to stay restricted through the evening as state police complete reconstruction and the coroner's office concludes scene work. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

NASCAR's decision to move Watkins Glen to the spring will not last, as the historic road course confirmed plans to move the Cup date to the fall in 2027. WGI will be part of the Chase for the Championship, and unless there is a dramatic change to the schedule, it will likely be the only road course in the Chase. This year, there are no road courses in the ten-race Chase after the Charlotte ...Keep readingView the full article

‘Doorslammer’ is a drag racing term for a full-bodied car with functioning doors – in other words, your bog-standard saloon. Yet nothing is remotely bog-standard about the ‘saloon cars’ heading to Santa Pod Raceway from across Europe this month for the venue’s annual big-money bonanza shootout, THE DOORSLAMMERS – powered by FuelTech. Yes, they all have roofs and doors, sprung chassis too, but that’s where resemblance ends. A £100,000 prize pot beckons, ‘powered by FuelTech’, the Brazilian/American manufacturer of high-performance engine management and motorsport electronics systems which makes its debut as supporting partner to the event. FuelTech also sponsors the Motorsport UK British Drag Racing Championship and the championship’s 250mph, V8-powered Pro Modified cars will be prominent among the heavyweights in THE DOORSLAMMERS’ premier VP Racing Pro Doorslammer division. Unlike regulated championships, however, THE DOORSLAMMERS is an outlaw event, a high-performance free-for-all. If racers want to pep up their motors, twist up their turbos, in pursuit of the big payout, they can. In another detour from rulebook standards, qualifying results do not determine pairings on an eliminations ladder. Instead, pairings are drawn at random for each round, piling on the instant knockout drama. Yet drag racing does not only revolve around thumping V8s. Europe’s potent quarter-mile menu offers many different flavours. THE DOORSLAMMERS features seven other classes: Turbosmart Pro Street; True Street; Coated Race Bearings Front-Wheel Drive; Four-Cylinder; Tom Wrigley Performance Five/Six-Cylinder; Jeff Bull Race Engines 7.60 Heads-Up; and Williams Bros Big Bracket. Plus, there’s a selection of Scandinavian Top Doorslammers showcasing their own racing style over the eighth-mile. Entries range from the Nordics to the Baltics, Poland to Portugal, and even out to Bulgaria. A wealth of multi-cylinder and FWD ingenuity and innovation exists in Eastern Europe, often overlooked in drag racing’s conventional western scene, and THE DOORSLAMMERS is a beacon for racers eager to swap bumpy airfield runways for Santa Pod’s pristine, championship-quality concrete. Rules governing the Turbosmart Pro Street and True Street classes sound unlikely in such company, but they demand proof of MOTs and road tax. Participating vehicles are indeed road-legal. Meanwhile the Jeff Bull Racing Engines 7.60 Heads-Up class is open to track cars racing on a 7.60-second index and the Williams Bros. Big Bracket is a catch-all for entrants dialling in between 6.99 and 11.99 seconds. THE DOORSLAMMERS Powered by FuelTech takes place from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th May 2026 at Santa Pod Raceway, NN29 7XA, and shares the weekend with the Volkswagen festival VW Breakout. Tickets are bookable only online or by phone – visit https://santapodtickets.com/p/thedoorslammers or telephone the Box Office at 01234 782828. Full event information can be found at https://santapod.co.uk/events/doorslammers/. The post £100K beckons Europe’s fastest door cars to Santa Pod’s DOORSLAMMERS first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

I look at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall portal every day to see what's gone wrong with the cars sold in America, and things are not looking good for Ford. At the time of writing, the NHTSA site shows that Ford has already issued 34 recalls in 2026, almost triple the next worst offender. For the record, General Motors, Chrysler, and Toyota take up the next three spots on the list with 12 recalls each, followed by Hyundai with 10 recalls and Volkswagen with nine. After Ford claimed an unwanted record by issuing 153 recalls in 2025, almost doubling the previous record held (77 recalls) by GM since 2014, one might have expected 2026 to be better, but it may actually get worse. Ford Has Already Recalled Almost 10 Million Cars in 2026 Ford Over all of last year, Ford recalls impacted almost 13 million vehicles, but according to new analysis by Motor1, the Blue Oval is already well on its way to beating that number, with its 34 recalls so far impacting a whopping 9,812,890 vehicles, and we're barely more than a third of the way into 2026. The biggest recall so far affects 4.3 million pickup trucks and SUVs that have a software error, which could cause the trailer brakes and exterior lights to stop working. While this is an admittedly simple issue that is being resolved via an over-the-air software update, it's still concerning that so many vehicles can be rendered noncompliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Other recalls have not been so simple. Related: Ford Gave Us an Inside Look at Its Plan to Build $30,000 EVs Roughly 180,000 Broncos and Rangers were recalled last week for loose front seat height-adjustment pivot link bolts, and in March, Ford recalled thousands of Super Duty pickups for failing high-pressure fuel pumps. More recently, Ford recalled some 422,613 pickups and SUVs over faulty windshield wiper arms, and the Bronco Sport and Maverick were recalled last month due to airbag-related issues. Ford Says Recalls Are a Good Thing Ford Ford's troubles have attracted plenty of media attention, but the automaker says that these recalls should be viewed as harbingers of future quality improvements. Ford says it's more than doubled its team of safety and technical experts over the last two years and put its critical systems through much tougher tests to find problems before vehicles are shipped to customers. Of the vehicles that do reach the road, Ford says it has chosen to recall vehicles early instead of waiting for real-world issues to become impossible to ignore. The Blue Oval is also working to make same-day repairs easier to achieve. Back in 2022, Ford CEO Jim Farley told engineers that fixing quality was his number 1 priority, but that seeing the fruits of these efforts would "take several years." It's been a few years since he made that statement, and Farley said in late 2025 that powertrain durability is now "competitive with Toyota." Based on the way 2026 is going, however, Ford still has a long way to go. View the full article

New EraMuch has been said about BMW's renewed plans for electrified mobility. Neue Klasse models are touted as the brand's definition of what the next era of EVs should be, and the first car comes off strong right out of the gate. The iX3 is the first car in the Neue Klasse line that will eventually expand; it already draws a lot of attention for its design, capabilities, and price. On paper, the base price is very competitive, but we decided to find out how expensive the iX3 can get. Build Your iX3To see just how expensive the iX3 can become, we played around with BMW USA's configuration/builder function. Before we get into the details, the listed MSRP of the 2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive is $61,500 (before destination charges). That price, as mentioned, is very competitive, with most competitors costing a few grand more, with the Tesla Model Y Performance, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Cadillac Lyriq as the only models that cost less than the BMW. Before anything else, you immediately choose which BMW iX3 variant you want; the most expensive is the M Sport pack, which adds $4,000 right off the bat. Things continue to add up from there: the Frozen Space Silver Metallic paint is $3,600, and the 22-inch rims are $3,500. Inside, there are also top-dollar add-ons; the Black BMW Individual Interior Design with Leather is $1,500. After the interior page, you'd think you'd almost be done configuring your iX3, but wait, there's much more. The final two pages feature a mix of smaller but equally pricey options; prices range from $250 for floor mats to $2,500 for the Driving Assistance Professional Package. As you round out your build, you will need to choose your aftersales package; BMW Ultimate Care +4 provides an additional 4-year coverage of up to 89,000 miles beyond the free 2-year coverage, at a cost of $2,749. Last but not least is the $1,350 destination and handling fee. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The Cost Of IndividualityWhile it's fun to dabble in customizing your own iX3, the total price we got for our fully loaded version is $87,879, a full $26,379 just for optional extras. Obviously, we went overboard with the specs. You can still build your iX3 to a reasonable spec, with just the essentials and a few "indulgences." We expect many people to be playing around with the configurator, given that sales of the iX3 are rising and even competing with the X3 model, according to BMW's Q1 sales report. View the full article

NHRA officials are excited to announce that newly-reopened Thunder Road Raceway has joined the NHRA Member Track Network in NHRA’s West Central Division (Division 5) Located in Sturgis, S.D, Thunder Road Raceway is preparing for an exciting new chapter as the historic facility, which closed in 2023, has reopened under new ownership and management, bringing 1/8-mile drag racing back to the Black Hills region for the 2026 season and beyond. Formerly known as Sturgis Dragway, the facility first opened in 1987, originally serving as a racing destination during the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The track is in the middle of significant updates and renovations under the leadership of William Lippold and Scott Flockhart, with day-to-day operations led by Jene Hammond. With a shared vision focused on long-term growth, racer experience and community engagement, the new team is committed to restoring and elevating the facility’s presence in the region. “Although I grew up at Bandimere Speedway, my second home track has always been Sturgis Dragway. Its closure in 2023 left a real void in our racing community,” said Jene Hammond, Operations Manager for Thunder Road Raceway. “Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers and the racing community, we now have the opportunity to bring it back. Being part of this effort and giving back to a place that means so much to me is incredibly special. This marks a new chapter for both the track and the city of Sturgis.” The revitalized 1/8-mile facility will host a variety of racing programs, including the popular Summit E.T. Series, presented by Hoosier, alongside additional events designed to serve both seasoned competitors and new racers entering the sport. As final touches continue, the team is working to finalize plans for a full season of competition and events, youth programs and education, signaling a strong return for one of the region’s most recognizable racing venues. With a renewed focus on safety and accessibility, the track aims to provide a welcoming environment for both racers and fans. Thunder Road Raceway is also expected to play a key role in supporting regional motorsports and motorcycle culture, offering opportunities for community involvement and continued growth of grassroots drag racing in South Dakota and the surrounding areas. “This project is a testament to the strength and passion of the Sturgis drag racing community,” said Nick Duty, NHRA West Central Division Director. “The group behind this effort refused to let the facility sit idle. They’ve taken on the challenge of revitalizing the track with the right priorities in mind — serving racers and fans. We’re excited to welcome Thunder Road Raceway back into the Division 5 family.” For more information on NHRA, including the full 2026 schedule, visit www.nhra.com. The post Thunder Road Raceway Set to Join NHRA Member Track Network first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article