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Racing Electronics, the longtime trusted two-way radio communication provider for many of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ top-tier teams, has teamed up with Ron Capps Motorsports for the 2026 season. As the official radio supplier of the championship-winning organization, Racing Electronics supplies radios, headsets, helmet and car wiring kits, batteries, and chargers to Ron Capps and his NAPA Auto Care Funny Car team along with the Carlyle Tools Top Fuel team and rookie driver Maddi Gordon. The organization also benefits from Racing Electronics’ on-site trackside service offerings. When racing at extreme speeds exceeding 330-mph, clear communication between driver and crew chief is essential, particularly when unexpected issues arise during a run. Thanks to Racing Electronics, Ron Capps Motorsports can head to the starting line with added confidence knowing its drivers and crews have dependable communication systems in place when they send their cars hurtling down the 1,000-foot stretch of the dragstrip in less than four seconds. “For years, we’ve used Racing Electronics, but now we have an official partnership in place and that’s one of the benefits of going to shows like SEMA and PRI,” said RCM team owner Ron Capps. “With the expansion to a two-car team and bringing in a new driver like Maddi, it’s essential for us to have great radios. It gives me great comfort to know that we can hear Maddi on the radio, clear as day, communicating back to the crew chiefs, and vice versa. For me as a driver, it’s nice because I’m able to hear what Guido (crew chief Dean Antonelli) and the guys want me to do, or I can tell them if I think somethings wrong or feels off. Without that crystal clear communication, things could get pretty dicey, especially at those speeds.” As the official radio supplier of the two-car team, the ubiquitous red-and-black ‘RE’ logos appear on both RCM entries. Capps and Gordon are also scheduled to make appearances at the Racing Electronics midway display during NHRA national events, as well as the PRI and SEMA trade shows. “We are very proud to announce our new partnership with Ron Capps Motorsports,” said Kevin Hughes, Racing Electronics Vice President of Motorsports Services. “To be associated with a respected veteran in Ron Capps and an up-and-coming superstar in Maddi Gordon is very exciting and gives us an incredible platform to showcase our professional products in the harsh environment of NHRA Drag Racing. Ron and Maddi are exactly the type of ambassadors for drag racing we want to represent the Racing Electronics brand.” Ron Capps Motorsports will return to competition May 15-17 at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway near Joliet, Ill. The post Racing Electronics Becomes Official Radio Supplier of Ron Capps Motorsports first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Iran Conflict Is Now Making Cars More Expensive TooThe Iran conflict is now hitting the auto industry far beyond fuel prices. According to a report from Nikkei Asia, aluminum prices in Japan have jumped more than 20 percent since late February amid major disruptions to supply chains across the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz remains heavily affected, making exports difficult, while some regional smelters have reportedly suffered damage during attacks. That matters because aluminum is everywhere in modern cars. Wheels, body panels, and especially EVs rely heavily on the lightweight metal to improve efficiency and range. Secondary aluminum alloys used in engine components are also reaching record highs. If the disruptions continue, analysts believe automakers may soon pass those higher costs directly to buyers starting next year. BMW Your Next Car Might Cost More Because Of Plastic And SteelPlastics are getting hammered, too. Major suppliers in Japan have raised prices for polyethylene and polypropylene by roughly 30 percent as oil-linked feedstock costs continue climbing. These materials are essential for dashboards, trims, bumpers, and countless other parts found in modern vehicles. Many suppliers reportedly accepted the increases immediately just to secure enough inventory. Rubber and steel prices are rising simultaneously. Tire manufacturers are already preparing for higher prices for synthetic and natural rubber, while steelmakers like Nippon Steel and JFE Steel announced price hikes of around 10 percent beginning this month. Higher electricity, labor, and shipping costs are adding even more pressure. Industry analysts warn that if shortages persist, vehicle prices could rise by as much as $600 to $1,000 per vehicle. Getty Images Even EVs Are No Longer Safe From The Oil CrisisEven if tensions in the Middle East ease soon, experts say it could take months before shipping routes and energy markets fully stabilize again. The current spike in material prices is already creating fears of long-term supply shortages across the industry. In a worst-case scenario, some economists warn production itself could slow down if automakers cannot secure enough raw materials. Ironically, rising gas prices are helping EV demand rebound as buyers look for cheaper alternatives to fuel. But EVs rely heavily on aluminum, plastics, and other lightweight materials that are now becoming more expensive. If this trend continues, even electric cars could soon see higher sticker prices. What started as a fuel crisis is quickly becoming a full-scale manufacturing problem for the global auto industry. Tesla View the full article

GM’s Transmission Troubles ContinueGM’s 10-speed automatic transmission just can’t catch a break. Back in February, the company widened an earlier recall to cover thousands more trucks and SUVs, all because of a fault that could lock up the rear wheels on the move. It’s another headache for a gearbox that’s already drawn years of complaints from owners. Now there’s a new class-action lawsuit in California. The claim? That GM kept selling vehicles with these transmissions even though it already knew about the problems. GMC What the Lawsuit ClaimsFiled in the Northern District of California, the class-action lawsuit comes from a group of owners who say GM broke state and federal consumer protection laws by not telling buyers and lessees about the transmission issues. The complaint covers a range of Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac models with the 10-speed auto. Owners say the gearbox can hesitate, slam into gear, or act up without warning. The suit points out that GM has already issued service bulletins and recalls for this transmission, but the plaintiffs say those fixes didn’t solve the bigger design problem. Instead, they argue GM kept selling these vehicles while buyers stayed in the dark about the risks and possible repair bills. Right now, the lawsuit covers California owners and lessees, but these cases sometimes grow if more people step forward. What Happens NextSo far, GM hasn’t commented on the lawsuit. The case is still in its early stages, and it could be months before a judge decides whether it moves forward as a class action. The plaintiffs want GM to pay for repairs and other losses, and they’re also pushing for changes in how GM markets or sells vehicles with this transmission. Stepping back, when a 10-speed works, it’s great. But when problems arise, repairs get expensive fast, and owners lose trust. It’s also worth watching how Ford handles this (or if there's an oncoming lawsuit waiting), since it co-developed the transmission with GM. Chevrolet View the full article

North American sales are up for Harley-Davidson, and Latin American sales are slightly up. But EMEA and Asia Pacific sales were down year on year. And profits are worse. View the full article

This 1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago presents a compelling reinterpretation of Yamaha’s early V-twin cruiser, transformed under current ownership into a sharply executed café racer–bobber hybrid. Acquired by the seller in 2017, the bike has undergone a comprehensive cosmetic and mechanical overhaul, balancing vintage character with modernized performance and handling. The visual identity is defined by a powder-coated black frame and a reshaped silhouette, highlighted by a Yamaha XV750 Virago–sourced fuel tank refinished in black and satin gray with hand-applied white […] The post FOR SALE: Modified 1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Everybody loves a hardcore Volkswagen Golf, and the latest is designed to seek blood at one of the most demanding racetracks in the world: the Nürburgring. Volkswagen has revealed a show car previewing its radical new racer that will race at the 2027 24 Hours of Nürburgring, and the interesting thing about this car is that, like the Golf R you and I can buy and drive, this will send its power to all four wheels. To help achieve that goal and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the R brand, the Volkswagen R division is teaming up with Max Kruse Racing, helping reinforce the idea that 'R' is derived from 'racing.' VW Keeping Golf R 24H Powertrain Under Wraps Volkswagen View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Golf R 24H, as it's officially known, takes over from the Golf GTI Clubsport, which took part in endurance racing for the last three years. Clubsport was an ideal name since the GTI Clubsport S smashed the lap record for front-wheel-drive production cars at the Nürburgring in 2016, but the memory of that has long faded, and the Honda Civic Type R is the current FWD king of the 'Ring. The vehicle in these images is just a show car meant to whet our appetites, with Head of Volkswagen R Reinhold Ivenz saying, "Even though we don't want to reveal much about the technology yet, fans of the 24h Nürburgring can look forward to the most spectacular Golf R to date." So what do we know? Related: Volkswagen Golf Goes Full Hybrid—And You Don’t Need to Plug It In Well, like all racing cars, aerodynamics and mechanical grip are equally important to a powerful but reliable powertrain, and this show car has a gargantuan front splitter complemented by dive planes/canards on the front end. The widened body, with vents above and behind the front wheels, enables a wider track and the fitment of seriously meaty rubber. This widebody treatment continues in the sills, where a single exhaust outlet on the right-hand side of the vehicle lets the engine breathe, and into the rear wings, which also have vented arches. More bodywork extends out of the rear fenders to direct the airflow, working in tandem with a huge top-hung rear wing extending out of the rear windshield area and a massive diffuser under the bumper. The question is, does this herald anything viable for mainstream production? What We Know About the Golf R's Future Volkswagen View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Volkswagen had at one point intended for the R division to go all-electric, but such statements have been retracted, with VW saying both GTI and R performance badges will stay gas-powered into the next decade. There have also been reports from the U.K. that the 2027 Golf R will get the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine from the Audi RS 3 as an ultimate send-off for the eighth generation of the hatchback, but given Volkswagen's emissions concerns, that may not be feasible. Then again, such a product would have little trouble meeting regulations in America. Whatever happens, the ninth-generation Golf is already in development and should bring back styling cues from the mid-2000s. Hopefully, that Golf is popular enough to warrant hardcore variants with more than just a minor horsepower bump, gloss black accents, and an Akrapovič exhaust. Volkswagen Volkswagen View the full article

As NHRA continues the yearlong celebration of its 75th anniversary, the stars of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series return to Route 66 Raceway for the fan-favorite Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK on May 14-17. Route 66 Raceway and its stadium-style facility have been a must-see stop on the NHRA tour since the series’ return in 2023. The venue has produced several memorable moments, and this year’s 26th annual event promises to again deliver an epic show from NHRA’s biggest stars and their 340-mph, 12,000-horsepower nitro machines. This year’s annual visit to Chicago – serving as the sixth of 20 races in 2026 – will continue the season-long celebration of NHRA’s 75th anniversary. As part of the celebration, fans can expect a variety of highlights at Route 66 Raceway, including: An appearance from NHRA legend and Chicago native “The Greek,” Chris Karamesines, as NHRA honors his long career and accomplishments. Karamesines will also be featured on the unique commemorative ticket for the race. Fans can scan the on-site signs at the track to purchase the commemorative ticket, which will be distinctive to each event. On Sunday, the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a free, limited-edition NHRA can cooler. A new-look Nitro Mall, special 75th anniversary displays and more. Last season, Tony Stewart (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) claimed wins at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK. This year’s race will again feature the popular Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday, offering competitive racing for fans during qualifying. This year’s event will again be broadcast on FS1, with final elimination coverage on Sunday, May 17, beginning at 5 p.m. ET. Motorsports legend Tony Stewart won his second career NHRA Top Fuel race last season, defeating Justin Ashley in the final round. Stewart claimed NHRA’s first regular season title last year and is off to a hot start in 2026 after winning in Pomona. Other winners this season include Josh Hart and Shawn Langdon, while reigning world champ Doug Kalitta has three wins from Route 66 Raceway. Chicago native and eight-time world champion Tony Schumacher has five. Last season, Jack Beckman took his PEAK Chevrolet SS Funny Car for John Force Racing to the winner’s circle at his sponsor’s race. It was Beckman’s second win at Route 66 Raceway, defeating back-to-back Car world champion Austin Prock. The category has again been very competitive in 2026, with multi-time champs Ron Capps and Matt Hagan getting early wins, and Chad Green winning his second consecutive Gatornationals. Pro Stock returns to Chicago in 2026 during NHRA’s milestone year. Reigning champ Dallas Glenn and KB Titan Racing teammate Greg Anderson continue to dominate, along with Gainesville winner Matt Hartford. Others to watch include Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield and Greg Stanfield. Two-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champ Gaige Herrera has yet to lose a round at Route 66 Raceway. Last season, he won his third consecutive race, defeating rival Matt Smith. Herrera won seven races last season, but it was his teammate, Richard Gadson, who earned the world title. Gadson opened 2026 with a win, while other marquee names include Angie Smith, Steve Johnson, Chase Van Sant and John Hall. The event will also feature competition in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, along with the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown. Race fans in Chicago can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will feature two rounds of qualifying at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. CT on Friday, May 15, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 16 at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. CT. Eliminations will begin at 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday, May 17. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday and Saturday at 11:30 p.m. before eliminations coverage at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday. To purchase tickets to the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK on May 14-17 at Route 66 Raceway, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, including the full 2026 schedule, visit www.NHRA.com. The post NHRA Roars Into Chicago at Fan-Favorite Route 66 Raceway for Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Here in 2026, pure EV motorcycles have size and energy density constraints that limit their capability. But what if that could change?View the full article

Trouble Before TakeoffJust as Audi looks to strengthen its U.S. lineup with the first-ever Q9, the Trump administration has threatened to raise tariffs on imported vehicles from 15% to 25%. According to Reuters, Audi said the policy change would place a “significant burden” on its U.S. operations, especially since the Q9 is built at its Bratislava plant in ⁠Slovakia. The Q9 is an upcoming full-size luxury crossover that would indirectly take over the outgoing A8’s role as Audi’s flagship model. Its larger size is aimed at meeting U.S. demand for bigger vehicles while taking on rivals such as the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The problem is that both competitors are built in the U.S., shielding them from the import tariffs the upcoming Q9 could face. SH Proshots/Autoblog Audi’s Localization ProblemAudi has long been in talks with parent company Volkswagen about possible U.S. production. Previous reports suggested the Q4 e-tron could be built at VW’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, while the upcoming Scout plant in South Carolina was also considered. So far, neither plan has materialized, and Audi noted that its U.S. lineup would continue to face challenges without some form of support. “Without political support in the form of subsidies, tariff reductions, or similar measures, it will be difficult,” said Audi finance chief Juergen Rittersberger. Considering the current circumstances, it may be high time for Audi to come up with solutions. In 2025, the German luxury brand delivered 164,942 vehicles in the U.S., a 16% decline from the previous year. Meanwhile, BMW sold 388,897 vehicles, while Mercedes-Benz was not far behind at roughly 304,000 vehicles, excluding vans. SH Proshots/Autoblog The Clock Is TickingWhile the Q5 – which is built in Mexico – will likely remain Audi’s volume seller, the addition of the Q9 could bring more attention to the brand. There was even a trademark filing for an SQ9, which could point to a performance version of the model and potentially attract enthusiasts. Audi has not disclosed the exact arrival date for the Q9 this year, though it would mark the nameplate’s debut before sales begin in other global markets. As big of a deal as that may be, the company still appears to have more work to do behind the scenes, especially with higher tariffs looming. CarPix View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The BMW Group has just released its quarterly statement, reflecting the company’s global performance over the first three months of 2026. Some aspects of it come as little surprise, such as a 20.1% overall decline in EV sales relative to 2025. This trend has been mirrored by many other automakers. BMW’s overall sales also declined, with nearly all models selling fewer units than a year ago. However, the X3 jumped out as a bright spot for the automaker, with an overall increase in sales and a surprising percentage of those being for the new, fully electric iX3. Let’s take a deeper dive into the numbers. X3 Lineup Puts in Strong Showing BMW In Q1 2026, BMW sold 496,006 vehicles globally, excluding sales of Mini and Rolls-Royce. Sales of all models were down besides the Z4 (+4.9%) and X3/X4 (+8.9%). BMW groups similar models together, so X3 and X4 sales are reported as a combined figure. However, it’s well-known that the X3 is the more popular vehicle, so it will have accounted for the majority of the 77,500 units sold between the two. BMW But what’s even more interesting is the fact that over half of all current orders for the X3 are for the new, all-electric iX3. They may share the ‘X3’ badge, but these are two vastly different vehicles. The newer iX3 was the first EV from BMW’s Neue Klasse lineup and introduced a new design language and control interface for the brand. The fact that orders for this model already exceed those of the normal X3 is significant. The X3 has been one of the company’s most popular individual models for years now, but there are signs that its electric sibling could overtake it globally. The iX3 has not yet arrived in the U.S., so once sales begin here, expect this EV’s strong start to be further bolstered. In the U.S. specifically, BMW sold 17,767 X3s in Q1, so it will be fascinating to see how those numbers will be impacted by the arrival of the iX3 later this year. Related: BMW Had a Great 2025 by Breaking Yet Another US Sales Record Larger Electrified BMW SUVs See Steep Declines 2026 BMW iX BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The iX3 may be off to a great start, but the same can’t be said for the brand’s larger electrified SUVs. The company sold 6,319 iX models in Q1, a year-over-year drop of 20.3%; it doesn’t help that the iX will be discontinued in the USA. The XM plug-in hybrid has never sold as strongly as expected, despite being the brand’s SUV performance flagship. Only 1,458 of these were sold in Q1, down by 17.6%. At a starting price of around $60,000, the new iX3 is far cheaper than both these options, which broadens its appeal considerably. Elsewhere in BMW’s lineup, the 3 Series and 4 Series accounted for the most sales at 103,814 units, but this was down by 11.8%. They were followed by the X1/X2 SUVs on 101,831 combined units, down by 4.4%. Overall, BMW sold 4.6% fewer vehicles over this period than it did last year. The U.S. market was slightly more resilient, with a 3.9% drop in sales. Related: BMW Hits 2-Million EV Milestone, But Later Than Planned What It Means BMW The X3 has often been the best-selling global model for BMW over the last few years. The fact that BMW is presently receiving more orders for the iX3 than the normal X3 is massive, and underscores how pivotal the first Neue Klasse model is for the brand. If the EV market once again stabilizes after a chaotic few months—which is expected as high gas prices motivate more people to switch to electric propulsion—the iX3 could become one of BMW’s most significant cars in the second half of this decade. View the full article

BMW has been building or working with motorcycle helmet manufacturers for over five decades, and is celebrating that anniversary in true BMW fashion. View the full article

"New Tahoe Leaks" Yet another GM vehicle issue has surfaced. After purchasing a brand-new Chevrolet Tahoe from the dealership, this owner experienced a unique feature: water cooling for the dashboard and infotainment system. Jokes aside, a video was posted on X, featuring a Tahoe leaking all over the dashboard and center console. The footage was captured on the owner's smartphone and shows a stream of water dripping from the headliner around the rear-view mirror while the car was driving down a residential street. It wasn't just a slow drip, but a steady stream of water. It is perhaps a little damaging to the Tahoe's reputation, being one of the more reliable SUVs on the market. This is a brand new Tahoe. They must have bought the zen version with the water feature meant to keep you from getting road rage. 😆 pic.twitter.com/ZX608jGeWH — Suzee Q (@SusieM414141) May 2, 2026 The Potential Cause The cause of the issue hasn't been identified yet, and based on the post, it's unclear whether the owner has been able to resolve it. We can infer that one of the weather strips in the sunroof or perhaps the roof's drainage system may be compromised. Since it is a brand-new car, it's likely a quality-control issue, manufacturing defect, or improper assembly. It turns out, the poster, Suzee Q, attracted other commenters to share their thoughts. Another commenter shared his Hummer EV leaking from the roof, with the issue traced back to the T-tops. Another commenter also cited the Blazer, which happened three weeks after purchase. The most likely cause is perhaps that the drainage tube wasn't connected or got disconnected. Modern SUVs have tubes that run down to the wheels to ensure rainwater is evacuated. Either that, or the water seals were improperly installed, causing water to leak through the roof and slosh about in the headliner. Chevrolet Making Light of the Situation While many people may start shaking their heads in disbelief, or scratching their scalps trying to get the issue fixed, other commenters asked if "the added waterfall feature extra?" Others were cursing Chevrolet, while others still were quick to share their experiences. Another commenter who experienced a similar issue had to return to the dealer three times before the issue was fully resolved. Another, still, stated that they bought a GMC Denali instead. In related news, earlier this year, GM issued a recall of several of its SUVs due to a transmission issue, with the Tahoe among the models affected. While that affects 43,000 vehicles, the water leak seems to be a relatively isolated case. Chevrolet View the full article

In a move that serves as both a nostalgic nod and a high-performance evolution, Triumph Motorcycles has officially pulled the covers off the 2026 Speed Twin 1200 Café Racer Edition. With only 800 units available worldwide, this limited-run machine is poised to become the new crown jewel of the Modern Classic range, bridging the gap left by the legendary Thruxton. A Focused Silhouette The transformation begins with a fundamental shift in rider geometry. Replacing the standard bars are […] The post Triumph Unveils the Speed Twin 1200 Café Racer Edition appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

It’s time for some more big money bracket racing and that means not one, but TWO $50,000 races going on this weekend in St. Louis! Racers across the mid west get ready, it’s time for another edition of TB Promotions Twin 50’s! Set against the St. Louis skyline and just across the mighty Mississippi from the famed Gateway Arch, sits World Wide Technology Raceway. The facility will once again host the Twin 50’s with racers from across the nation in attendance. Video Description: Part of the Ultratech Championship Points Series — Race #1 Two $50,000 wins up for grabs — Friday AND Saturday! WEDNESDAY — Get’M 64 Car Shootout 32 Door / 32 Dragster | Win $10,000 | Entry $500 THURSDAY — Ezell/Rizzoli’s Warm-Up Win: 2026 Complete Roller | Runner-Up $5,000 | Entry $250 FRIDAY — $50,000 To Win Runner-Up $10,000 | Semi $3,000 | 7th Rd $1,250 | 6th Rd $1,000 | 5th Rd $750 | 4th Rd $500 | 3rd Rd $250 Re-Entry: $250 (1st Round Only) SATURDAY — $50,000 To Win Runner-Up $10,000 | Semi $3,000 | 7th Rd $1,250 | 6th Rd $1,000 | 5th Rd $750 | 4th Rd $500 | 3rd Rd $250 Re-Entry: $250 (1st Round Only) Jr. Dragster Shootout (Fri-Sat) Win $500 | Runner-Up $100 | Only 16 Entries SCHEDULE Tue May 5 — Stacking 5PM at 1905 Collinsville Road Wed May 6 — Gates 12PM | T&T 3-8PM | Mickey Thompson Try & Buy | 64 Car Shootout 7PM Thu May 7 — Time Runs 10AM | Round 1 Manhattan Collision Ezell Warm-Up | Round 1 Ezell Race Cars to follow Fri May 8 — New Entry Time Run 8AM | Round 1 Manhattan Collision Center $50K to follow | Laris Appreciation Dinner 7PM Sat May 9 — New Entry Time Run 8AM | Round 1 Moser Engineering $50K to follow Sun May 10 — Travel / Rain Date if needed. The post FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: It’s Time For The Twin 50’s Big Money Bracket Races In St. Louis! Wednesday 64 Car Shootout appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

These days, there are countless restomods out there that seem to be more of a reflection of the builders' vision than an enhancement of that of the original designer, and plenty of them are far removed from the cars upon which they are based. But Dutch outfit Autoforma has done something completely different with its new, one-off Audi TT restomod. Instead of modernizing the Mk. 1 TT with LED lighting, a big infotainment screen, and a five-cylinder turbocharged engine, Autoforma has restored the TT to its original form, adding only the subtlest of tweaks while staying true to the Audi TTS concept that first appeared in 1995. Autoforma Brings Concept Car Looks to the Real World Autoforma View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article When the production TT launched in 1998, it had a slightly fussier design than the original concept, and as slight as those changes were, Autoforma's take on the roadster effectively undoes all of them, creating a cleaner, purer expression of the Bauhaus-inspired two-door. At the front, the lower intake grilles are narrower and more square, and in the middle of the vehicle, the fabric soft top has been deleted, replaced instead by a composite panel that sits flush with the rear deck. Further back, the spoiler that was added to the TT shortly after launch has been removed. Audi added this aero device as part of a recall to help improve the handling, as early TTs suffered from severe high-speed instability and rear-end lift, typically inducing liftoff oversteer at speeds above 80 mph. Autoforma has not alluded to the aerodynamics of the rounder design, but we assume the owner won't be driving this one-off too often or too quickly. Autoforma View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Elsewhere, the suspension has been lowered, and though the wheels are stock, the track has been widened, so handling should be improved, at least at lower speeds. New vents on the front fenders hide the turn signal indicators behind fine mesh, but on one side of the vehicle, this area is usually occupied by the windshield washer fluid reservoir, so the tank has been relocated to the already small trunk. The side skirts have also gained subtle intake elements adorned with torx screws, and smaller, motorsport-inspired wing mirrors now reside on the A-pillars instead of the doors. While some might dislike the exposed hardware, the interior of this generation of Audi products had plenty of similar industrial design elements, like the gas filler cap, interior air vents, the ring on the steering wheel, and the gear lever base and knob. Baseball Glove Interior Was a TT Highlight Autoforma View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article When the TT was on sale, it was available with a baseball glove-inspired upholstery option, and this restomod has a similar theme, complemented by a wood-rimmed steering wheel and a wooden gear knob. Little else has changed, but that's what the commissioning owner wanted. That owner is Dutch eyewear and interior designer Jos Baijens, who was one of the first people in Holland to own a TT in 1998, and he is said to have helped co-design the end result. Another interesting tidbit is that the standard TT used for comparison in these images is owned by car designer Niels van Roij, whose company owns Autoforma. He's been responsible for stunning sooting brakes like the Rolls-Royce Wraith-based Silver Spectre. Related: Audi's Next RS Model Is Doing Things Differently It's wild to think that the TT, one of the most futuristic and snazzy designs of the turn of the millennium, is now old enough to become a restomod appreciated for its simple aesthetics. In its heyday, it was sometimes derided as too soft and too chic, and then it was so popular that nobody batted an eyelid seeing one on the road anymore. Audi tried to recapture that magic with the second- and third-generation TTs, but in hindsight, the original is the only version truly worthy of being called "iconic." As demand for small coupes fell, the TT was killed off after the 2023 model year. Will the production version of the Concept C, a vehicle that will effectively sit between the discontinued R8 and TT, garner similar praise? We'll know eventually; production is scheduled for next year. Autoforma Autoforma Autoforma Autoforma Autoforma Autoforma Autoforma Autoforma Autoforma View the full article

Cameo appearances from past racers and the unofficial mid-season testing of materials and components has come to an end for MotoGP, as the sport moved to ban wildcards and more. View the full article

Recovery PainsOn the one hand, Nissan's outlook appears more positive. There's a slew of all-new models coming in, and the company is doing all it can to regain its mojo. It's safe to say that the U.S market is very excited for the return of the Xterra and several more truck-based models. Over in Japan, the reboot of the Skyline is still stirring up a good amount of buzz. Let's not forget the all-new Rogue that's already been revealed, and Europe can look forward to the redesigned Juke. But with recovery comes pain and sacrifices, and Nissan isn't spared from that. The company had previously announced job cuts and cost-saving measures, and it has reached a point where it has sold and leased its global headquarters in Yokohama. While its future does look brighter than it did a year or two before, Nissan still has to tighten its belt to invest in the future. Leroy Marion/Autoblog Streamlining European OperationsAs reported by Reuters, Nissan is trimming its operations in Europe. It's part of the company's restructuring efforts that kicked off in late 2024. In this case, the Sunderland assembly plant in England will be consolidated from two lines to just one, and about 900 jobs across the continent will be slashed. Per a company statement, "We have been taking decisive actions to ⁠enhance performance and create a leaner, more resilient business that adapts quickly to market changes." The Sunderland plant currently builds the Qashqai, Juke, and Leaf for the European market, and is Nissan's sole production facility on the continent. There are, however, parts manufacturing plants in Spain. As for layoffs, there will be none for plant personnel. Reuters reports that the cuts will be for 'white-collar and warehouse roles.' The news agency mentions that about 500 of the redundancies will be in the Spanish operations. Nissan Talks with China's CheryNissan has been in talks with Chinese automaker Chery regarding manufacturing. Earlier this year, Nissan agreed to sell its manufacturing facility in South Africa to Chery. Chery also acquired another former Nissan vehicle assembly plant in Spain to circumvent tariffs being imposed on imports and establish a greater presence in Europe. More recently, there has also been the possibility of a partnership between the Chinese company and the Japanese to maximize the use of the Sunderland plant. That said, nothing has been set in stone just yet, and The Financial Times said that Nissan is open to other car companies using its second assembly line in England. Nissan View the full article

Hands-on and handmade beats the hell out of push-button AI slop every day, 365 days of the year, 7 days a week, and it's how we save ourselves.View the full article

Chrysler revealed a heavily restyled version of the Pacifica minivan earlier this year, but there was one problem: pricing. Not only was the base trim significantly more expensive than rivals like the Kia Carnival, but most of the popular mid-range trims were also pricier than equivalent rival models. Chrysler has wasted no time in responding to the criticism as the 2027 Pacifica begins shipping to dealers, with price decreases simultaneously announced for five trims. Here’s a look at how much you’ll pay for what was the best-selling minivan in the country last year. Cheaper Pacifica Pricing Stellantis First, we’ll start with the bad news. The base Pacifica LX with front-wheel drive still starts at $41,495, excluding a destination charge of $1,995. This model effectively replaces the outgoing Voyager, but still looks expensive next to the cheapest Kia Carnival ($37,390). The news is better from there, though. Here’s a look at original 2027 pricing alongside the new price cuts. Trim Original Price Price Decrease New MSRP LX FWD $41,495 N/A $41,495  Select FWD $44,545 $1,000 $43,545  Select AWD $47,890 $1,350 $46,540 Limited FWD $49,705 $1,710 $47,995 Limited AWD $53,050 $2,060 $50,990  Pinnacle FWD $54,910 N/A $54,910  Pinnacle AWD $58,255 $350 $57,905  The well-equipped Limited with all-wheel drive receives the largest price cut, at $2,060. Together with the Select, these are two of the most popular trims, so Chrysler has applied the price cuts where they matter most. “When we revealed the newly refreshed Pacifica at the New York International  Auto show last month, we said we were going to continue to push boundaries and do the unexpected,” said Matt McAlear, Chrysler CEO. “This new lower pricing strategy is just the start as we continue to find ways to make it easier for customers to make the Pacifica a trusted member of their families.”  Chrysler has also dropped the cost of the optional Safety Sphere package from $1,715 to $1,320. Available on Limited models, this package adds features like a 360-degree surround-view camera, front/rear parking assistance with stop, and Turn Signal-activated Blind-spot View. Familiar Powertrain and Flexible Seating 2027 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle featuring Uconnect Theater Group Stellantis View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article All Chrysler Pacifica variants have the same 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that produces 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The previous plug-in hybrid version of the minivan has been discontinued, so if you want a more efficient minivan, consider a Toyota Sienna. The Pacifica can seat up to eight occupants on Select trims, but most offer seating for seven. All variants get Chrysler’s clever Stow ‘n Go seating system, allowing the second- and third-row seats to quickly be folded into the floor when you need to transport larger, bulkier items. The Pinnacle trim is by far the most luxurious, with a new Blue Agave Nappa leather interior with copper accents lifting the ambiance. What It Means Stellantis Chrysler needs the 2027 Pacifica to perform as well as the outgoing model. It’s the company’s sole offering in the United States, so the initially high pricing risked losing customers to rival brands, especially since minivans have seen an increase in sales over the last year or so. The bigger concern is Chrysler’s overall future, as it was conspicuously not mentioned as one of the priority brands for Stellantis in a recent report. There’s still no sign of any new Chrysler models, raising fears that the refreshed Pacifica could be the last gasp from a once-treasured American auto company. View the full article

The Combat Motors F-117 Fighter is a bold exercise in mechanical minimalism and uncompromising engineering, a limited-production machine that blurs the line between industrial sculpture and high-performance motorcycle. Conceived as the evolution of the P-51 Combat Fighter platform, it embodies Combat Motors’ philosophy of raw, exposed functionality paired with meticulous craftsmanship. At its core lies a formidable 1,917cc (117ci) 56-degree air-cooled V-twin, delivering 140bhp at 5,100rpm and an immense 160 ft-lb of torque at just 2,000rpm. This low-end torque bias defines […] The post Bike of the Day: 2023 Combat Motors F-117 Fighter appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Have you ever walked into someone’s shop or garage and seen a tool that got you excited because you realized it is something someone customized? I’ve done it too many times to count, and am always interested in seeing why someone modified their tools in a particular way. Sometimes it is obvious, but other times not so much. But when Jason from Fireball Tools put out this latest video, showing him bringing one of their fab tables and a stand up drill press together, I knew this one was going to be good. In fact, I’m a little disappointed that I never thought of it myself. I can’t even tell you the number of times when having a big table to clamp something down would have meant I could use my drill press rather than a hand drill or something sketchy. If you can’t wrap your head around why this works, check out the video below and you’ll see just what Jason is doing to pull this off. Video Description: Head over to the Fireball Forum to drop your ideas for future tests in the comments, or to join the discussion: https://fireball.discourse.group/ Today, I am combining my drill press with a Fireball Welding Fixture Pro Table Kit. I am tricking it all out with a Sidekick Vise and a comfy seat to make this the ultimate drill press station. I will walk through, step-by-step, how to install all the pieces so you can make your own custom station at home! And check out the Fireball Pro Table Kit and all the other tools used in this video right here at: fireballtool.com https://www.fireballtool.com/products… The Fireball Welding Fixture Pro Table Kit is the best DIY table. The Fireball Welding Fixture Pro Table Kit is the easiest self-assembly table. The Fireball Welding Fixture Pro Table Kit is the ideal table for your drill press. #fireballtool #workshoptools #machinist The post Drill Press Meets Fab Table: Jason From Fireball Tools Built the Drill Press He’s Always Wanted! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Harley-Davidson's sales have been in freefall for decades now, as older generations stopped buying new motorcycles, and younger generations don't want or can't afford the Motor Co.'s offerings. So color us surprised when the new CEO announced his intent to quadruple profitability in less than five years. View the full article

AMG's Course CorrectionFor years, AMG became known as the car company that made wheeled equivalents of sledgehammers. Back then, its cars were loud, brash, and unashamedly unruly. Forget lap times, AMG was about roasting tires and hooliganism, a stark contrast to its rivals. More recently, however, AMG had toned down a fair bit. Sure, the cars made the power, but we have to admit that the flair and the magic that defined it took a back seat. That was further emphasized by C63 with its four-cylinder plug-in hybrid arrangement, and it failed to resonate with buyers. Thankfully, Mercedes-Benz and AMG are taking corrective measures, at least in the powertrain department. Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz said it would fit inline-sixes into its compact models. Now, AMG promises the return of more V8s. The AMG Boss Confirmed itIn a sit-down with Car, the CEO of Mercedes-AMG, Michael Schiebe, confirmed that the company will roll out new combustion-powered models and promised to be 'more AMG than ever before.' And yes, folks, the V8 comeback has been confirmed by the executive. "At the end of the year, you’ll see the V8 coming back to AMG. We will launch it again with SUVs, but other cars will get it too," said Schiebe to Car. It's likely that AMG will work its magic on the flat-plane crank V8 that was recently introduced in the new S-Class, and we expect great things from that. SH Proshots/Autoblog What Cars Will Get the V8?For now, the executive isn't saying what specific models will get the new AMG-tuned V8 engines. Given that SUVs will get it first, there's a good chance that the facelifted versions of the GLE 63 and GLS 63 might be the first beneficiaries of that flat-plane crank V8. As for the other cars, we're keeping our fingers crossed that V8 power will return to the E-Class and revive the E63 nameplate. Currently, the E-Class is not available with an eight-cylinder engine, and it would be great if it returned. At the same time, we're hoping we get a V8 in the C-Class once more. Besides, the company promised that it wants to be 'more AMG than ever before.' Car also hinted that AMG will make special models unique to the brand. Of course, there's the SL and GT, but there may be more on the way. One model we can confirm is the more hardcore version of the CLE that will be the second vehicle in the company to wear the Mythos badge. We're hoping for more, of course, and we saw it's a step in the right direction for the sport-luxury brand. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the full article

It's tough not to associate news about Volkswagen and emissions with the Dieselgate scandal, but on the latest occasion, the automaker may be in trouble with the authorities for reasons that are not its own making, at least not directly. As reported by Motor1, Volkswagen could be forced to pay as much as $1.75 billion in fines because its EVs haven't been as popular as necessary for the automaker to meet overall emissions targets, and that leaves VW in a serious predicament. It needs to sell EVs to bring down fleet emissions levels and avoid hefty fines, but it also needs to sell its more profitable combustion-powered vehicles to make money. The more of the latter that leave dealer floors, the more CO₂ emissions levels continue to rise, and as a result, the more VW may have to pay. VW Needs to Sell More EVs Than There Are Buyers Volkswagen Volkswagen Group Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer Arno Antlitz said during the automaker's first-quarter earnings call that the conglomerate could have to pay up to €1.5 billion (or roughly $1.75 billion at current exchange rates) for exceeding emissions targets during 2025-2027, despite the impending arrival of the recently revealed ID. Polo and a smaller, more affordable EV due next year. "€300 million–€400 million, €400 million–€500 million CO₂ cost per year. Basically, almost €1.5 billion for the three-year period," said Antliz. Volkswagen says its current-generation EVs generate up to 30 percent less profit than gas cars, and the difference is not likely to be made up until the Scalable Systems Platform launches later in the decade. The Volkswagen Group says it would need to sell more electric cars than the natural demand in Europe is, and with constant pressure from Chinese automakers offering remarkably good alternatives, it's doubtful that a sudden increase in EV interest would make enough of a difference, unlikely as that may be. Still, Europeans' appetite for EVs is steadily growing, with demand up 11.5 percent compared to Q1 2025. What does all this mean for American cars? How VW's EU Emissions Issue Could Impact America Volkswagen For the time being and the foreseeable future, there's unlikely to be any discernible difference in how Volkswagen operates in America, but that may change. With VW Group set to pay up to half a billion euros in fines over just three years, the precipitous situation of the automaking group following its disastrous attempt at beating rivals to EV supremacy with its Cariad division, recent production cuts, and now the possibility of introducing Chinese-made EVs in Europe, things are not looking good. This kind of strife may lead to cost cuts and price hikes, and these could further impact VW's reputation, which is already far from the heights of the Ferdinand Piëch-led glory days. But if the ninth-generation Golf is as promising as it sounds, and if both combustion-powered and all-electric arrivals are desirable, VW may be able to stomach the costly fines without impacting the end products negatively and come out on the other side of the decade ready to be a global force once more. View the full article

If you are fired up about the 2026 IHRA Outlaw Nitro season, you are not alone! The first two events of the year have been awesome, and this weekend is going to be race #3 from Darana Raceway National Trail! Teams are fired up and ready to rock and roll, but there are plenty of them that haven’t been on the track in months and that means there are plenty of teams that were interested in testing. Thankfully, our friend NC Promoder has been on hand all week long with testing highlights and livestreams. So check out all of the testing action below, with the oldest video at the bottom and the newest up top. The post Free Drag Racing Livestream: Wednesday Testing from the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Nationals at Darana Raceway in Hebron Ohio appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article