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Project 508 is in full swing and we are super excited about what is going on with this machine. We’ve got another couple videos to share below and will be bringing you more in the coming weeks as well. This drag and drive Camaro project sure has go some seriously sick fabrication going on. In this installment we’ve got video showing the new wishbone, rockers going into to tie into the chassis, and more. I love new drag and drive builds, and because I’m going to Sweden this year for Street Week I am really excited that this new drag and drive build is being built at Auto Cut in Stockholm by Martin Lundqvist Racing Fabrication. This is going to be something special. Because they are in Sweden, they aren’t talking much in these videos and what they are say you probably won’t understand. We would crank up the Closed Captioning for the subtitles, but that wasn’t an option. We know this was a drag car in it’s former life, and it’s going to be ultra cool when it’s done. While they aren’t scrapping the entire car to start new, they are replacing a whole hell of a lot of this car. We can’t wait to see it coming together, because they are doing some really cool stuff with the Auto Cut cnc machines and water jets. This is some special stuff. Check it out. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED THE OTHER VIDEOS The post Chassis, Suspension And Rocker Work On The Martin Lundqvist Racing Fabrication Swedish Drag and Drive 1969 Camaro Project! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

John Jackson is back at it, this time in our home state of Texas as he visits the Rio Grande Valley for the Rio Heat Show. And not only did he capture awesome cars and custom trucks, but also made a visit at a couple of really good BBQ spots. Check it out if you like cars and smoked meat! Video Description: Rio Heat Car Show & Texas BBQ Tour: Mercedes, TX Join us for an epic weekend in the Rio Grande Valley! We headed down to the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds in Mercedes, Texas, for the high-energy Rio Heat Car & Truck Show. After missing the Estos Vatos Car Club show in Laredo back in April, we knew we had to make the trip to catch up with the crew and see some of the cleanest builds in South Texas. From slammed trucks to classic lowriders, the RGV scene did not disappoint! Beyond the Car Show: Boots & BBQ We made the most of our time in Mercedes by diving deep into Texas culture: Rios of Mercedes Handmade Boots: We got an exclusive look at the legendary craftsmanship of Rios of Mercedes. They’ve been hand-making premium boots since 1853, and seeing their process in person was a masterclass in Texas heritage. The Ultimate BBQ Run: You can’t visit the RGV without hitting the Texas Monthly Top 50 list. We stopped at both Teddy’s Barbecue and GW’s BBQ. If you’re a fan of authentic Texas brisket and ribs, these two are absolute must-visits. Thanks as Always for taking the time to to watch our videos. JJ The post Rio Heat Show: John Jackson Heads South for the Loudest Show in the Rio Grande Valley! Plus BBQ Joint Visits! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Former road racer J.R. Osborne's ride is wild. He's partnered with FFRE to create a unique Coyote-powered Pro Mod Mustang.View the full article

The Norton Manx R is a 206 hp, 1200 cc V4 superbike built in the UK under TVS ownership. But this is more than a new-bike launch; it is Norton’s first serious credibility test after a troubled recent past. The post Norton Manx R is the V4 superbike that has to make Norton trustworthy again appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Le Mans has no shortage of storylines for MotoGP in 2026. Aprilia arrives as the form factory, Ducati needs to answer back, Jonas Folger returns for Tech3, and Jack Miller heads back to a circuit with deep Australian history. The post French MotoGP preview: Aprilia leads, Miller returns to happy hunting ground appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The North West 200 returns this week with Glenn Irwin back, Davey Todd ruled out, Michael Dunlop’s plans still under watch, and Josh Brookes and David Johnson carrying Australian interest. The post 2026 North West 200 Preview | Brookes and Johnson headline Aussie interest appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

NASCAR has taken action against Ryan Preece following the incident between him and Ty Gibbs on Sunday in the Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. Preece, the driver of the No. 60 RFK Racing Ford, was issued a $50,000 fine and the deduction of 25 driver points under Sections 4.3 and 4.4.A in the NASCAR Rule Book, which detail ‘wrecking or spinning another vehicle, whether or not that ...Keep readingView the full article

The Revuelto EvolvesWith the Lamborghini Revuelto now about three years into its lifecycle, it seems about time for new variants to emerge, with an SV reportedly next in line. In a video shared by Varryx, what appears to be a Revuelto SV was spotted testing at Imola Circuit in Italy, suggesting its arrival may be near. Changes to this Revuelto prototype are still hard to pin down, especially since it wears red camouflage with a warning label that reads “Attenzione: Macchina Veloce,” or “Attention: Fast Car” in English. That is the same covering seen on a Revuelto prototype testing at the Nürburgring in Germany last month. Automakers can also still make final changes to vehicles under development, but one major clue that this could be the SV is the addition of what appears to be a fixed rear wing. That sets it apart from the standard Revuelto, which uses an active rear spoiler instead. Built for the TrackA rear wing would add downforce at the back, helping keep the rear wheels planted and improving cornering speed. That’s why track testing is important, as it helps ensure the vehicle is more performance-focused than the standard model. In the SV variant of the Revuelto’s predecessor, the Aventador, Lamborghini reduced weight with carbon fiber, so a similar approach could be expected for the Revuelto SV as well. A more extreme SVJ variant could also be in the pipeline, as seen in the Aventador, but for now, the focus remains on the SV. Reports suggest the Revuelto SV could make around 1,200 horsepower from the same 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 paired with three electric motors. That would be roughly 200 horsepower more than the standard model. Some even speculate that the powertrain could be revised to produce as much as 1,400 horsepower. For reference, Lamborghini’s most powerful factory-built model is the Fenomeno, which makes around 1,065 horsepower. Varryx/YouTube What Else Is ComingSpeaking of the Fenomeno, a Few-Off model based on the Revuelto, Lamborghini could reportedly unveil a Fenomeno Roadster sometime this year, potentially beating the Revuelto to an open-top version. A new Urus Performante is also expected, and that speculation was further fueled by a camouflaged test mule running alongside the Revuelto SV at the same track. As for the Revuelto SV, reports suggest it could debut at Monterey Car Week in California in August 2026. Varryx/YouTube View the full article

Almost 60 years This Shelby owner is one loyal fellow. From buying this Shelby Mustang GT350 from the dealer, all the way until today, he tells us a story of man and machine, an unfathomable love and loyalty throughout the years, and proof of just how long a car can last you if taken care of and given that extra bit of love. Heart and Horsepower interviewed Mike "Big Foot" Russell, the one and only owner of this 1967 Shelby GT350. His ownership proves that ownership can span decades, generations, and countless miles. What's most impressive about his experience is that his car isn't kept in a vacuum-sealed garage. It's not a project, nor is it a restored piece of American automotive history; it is an all-original, unrestored, and driven vehicle that's stood the test of time (save for one or two things). Heart and Horsepower The Beginning: June 15, 1967 This GT350 came into Russell's ownership nearly 60 years ago, and was bought right after he graduated from Air Force pilot training. There was a program that allowed him to make his purchase back then. The history of the Shelby GT350 is rooted in Ford's push to go racing back in the 60s. Without a doubt, the effort did make an impact on Russell, who quoted Lee Iacoca in the interview: "Race on Sunday, sell on Monday." Iacoca's pitch to Henry Ford II led to the integral partnership with Shelby American, which birthed the Le Mans-winning Ford GT40, the GT program for the Mustang, and the rest, as they say, is history. Heart and Horsepower Undoubtedly a Shelby Shelby American went racing, and that also affected Russell. "Everybody in the world can buy a Corvette; not many people can handle a Shelby." While modern Shelby GTs can make upwards of 700 horsepower, the 1960s weren't as fast. Russell's GT350 was making "modern" levels of horsepower back then. On its own, the GT350 would make around 306 horsepower with Shelby American's touch. However, this particular Shelby GT350 has the factory supercharger installed, and it is one of only 40 known 350s to come with it. The addition of a supercharger brought his Shelby up to 390 horsepower, but he claims a dyno tune netted him 410 horsepower. This cements the fact that even back then, Shelbys were crazy. Carroll Shelby would be proud to know that his signature is affixed to this GT350's dashboard. This isn't a museum piece, nor is it a garage decoration; it's a real driver's car. With 92,500 miles and counting, Russell's GT350 boasts one of the highest mileages we've seen from a car of this vintage and pedigree. Heart and Horsepower Signed by Carroll Shelby Himself Now, all of that performance would mean nothing if it wasn't wrung out from time to time, right? That's exactly why Russell continues to drive the car today, not just on the road, but also during track days. Yes, sir, this pony doesn't stay in the stable. It's a perfect example of what a Shelby should be. In fact, 25,000 of the miles were put into this car within the first year. Two years into ownership, the GT350 served as Russell's wedding car with his one and only wife of 58 years. His ownership spanned the entire length of his marriage and his kids' lives. In 2003, Carroll Shelby, who was already in poor health, battling heart problems throughout the remainder of his life, was at the same event that Russell was with his GT350. After "twisting a few arms," Russell eventually got Shelby to sign his car. Heart and Horsepower The Future Russell has no plans to sell this GT350, and he still plans to drive it. He would like it to stay in the family; however, he's been toying with the idea of selling the car to a museum after his death. For the future, Russell feels honored to be considered worthy of being approached by a museum and to park his car right next to Shelby's original 289 Cobra. I highly recommend watching the whole video to get the full story from his interview. It's a great watch, and one that is sure to tug at your heartstrings ever so slightly. View the full article

Euro StangThe 1960s were the era of the muscle car, started and brought to international acclaim by the first-generation Ford Mustang. At first, the Mustang dominated the American landscape, selling quicker than anything ever, which then drew interest from foreign markets. Back then, it wasn't as easy as it is now to just send a model to another market; supply was tighter, and there was more competition. In Europe, Ford wanted to sell the Mustang because it was winning races there, but something prevented it, leading to a very rare model. Bring-a-Trailer View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Ford T5 CoupeWhen the first-generation Mustang debuted in 1966, despite low demand in Europe, Ford sold the Mustang in France, the UK, and Germany. The last country on that list is the reason this is not a Mustang. German truck maker Krupp owned the Mustang trademark in Germany and wasn't about to let up when it came to allowing Ford to use it. This led Ford to rename it T5 in Germany and remove the Mustang badges from the car. We don't think this would have affected sales too much, since the T5 is unmistakably a Mustang without being called one; it has the same design and still retains the galloping horse logo. One rare and very well-restored example is up for auction on Bring-a-Trailer, a black-on-tan combination with just about 29,000 miles on the clock. According to the listing, this car is believed to be the last T5 coupe produced and is the only one finished in black from the factory. Powering this car is the legendary K-code 289ci V8, which makes 271 hp and is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. Another unique feature for the T5 Coupe is the speedometer; since the United States and Germany use different measurement systems, this car has a special speedometer that now indicates metric measurements. Bring-a-Trailer View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Coming HomeThis car was imported to the United States in 1981 and restored in 2007 by The Mustang Shop in Arizona. It then changed hands to its current owner in 2010, and in 2023, the car underwent an extensive service. The carburetor and radiator were rebuilt, then just last March 2026, the brakes were overhauled and valve cover gaskets replaced. Bidding ends in two days, and the current price is just $29,750, which isn't bad for something this interesting and well preserved. Bring-a-Trailer View the full article

Not Your Usual Garage GuestJay Leno has long featured all kinds of incredible cars, from classics like the recently showcased 1930 Packard 734 Speedster to one-off builds. But his latest feature is not exactly an everyday sight. Leno welcomed General Motors President Mark Reuss and Cadillac’s Formula 1 car, which should be the most expensive Cadillac in the garage, with F1 cars costing tens of millions of dollars. The two kicked things off with perhaps the most obvious question: why not Corvette? After all, GM already offers a customer racing program with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R, which competes in major series such as the World Endurance Championship (WEC). But Reuss noted that Cadillac is in the middle of a renaissance, and the brand’s link to innovation fits F1, often called the pinnacle of motorsports. A Steep Learning CurveAs one of F1’s newest entrants, Reuss acknowledged the challenge of building a car from the ground up. The sport also introduced new engine regulations in 2026 with a heavier focus on electrification. While GM has plenty of experience in that space through EVs such as the Cadillac Celestiq and Chevrolet Silverado EV, F1 presents a far deeper and more specialized challenge – especially against legacy teams like Ferrari and McLaren. For now, Cadillac relies on Ferrari power units while GM develops its own. That makes the timing interesting, especially with reports that V8 engines could return to the sport around 2030 or 2031. Aside from brand exposure, Cadillac can use racing data to help develop its road cars. In fact, the luxury marque recently unveiled the CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series, the most powerful Blackwing yet at 685 horsepower and limited to just 26 units. It will be interesting to see what future Cadillac projects F1 could inspire, especially with cars like the Mercedes-AMG One, which uses an F1-derived engine, dominating the performance world. Jay Leno's Garage/YouTube Experience Shapes the CarOf course, Reuss did not spill everything. When the talk turned to engine complexity, aerodynamics, and weight, some details stayed off the table, because in F1, giving too much away can give rivals an edge. The Cadillac F1 team currently fields Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. While both have often been seen as number-two drivers throughout their careers, they bring valuable veteran experience – something a young team needs for consistent, reliable feedback. Through the first four races of the 2026 season, however, Cadillac has yet to score its first point. But expectations are likely modest in its debut season, and Jay Leno may have summed it up best for American fans, seeing the brand on the grid. “So proud as an American to see an American team. I really get that pride. It’s really exciting to see,” Leno said. Jay Leno's Garage/YouTube View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

When rain set in after round one of eliminations at Mike Beland’s Cash Days 4, the party simply moved under awnings and into trailers until the bad weather subsided. Karaoke was sung (was that really singing?), shots were drank, and good cleanish fun was had by all. And when the sun shown again Sunday on Shelby, North Carolina’s Shadyside Dragway, hangovers were hydrated, turbos were spooled, and rubber was burned. THE hot event on the gasoline-burning, Harley-Davidson, motorcycle drag racing calendar ran on and its $25,000 cash payday distributed – mostly to two legends of the Grudge game. Pro Bagger and Street Bagger For the two top tier Pro Bagger and Street Bagger classes, Cash Days 4 looked much like a repeat of 3. At the end of the day, “Burnout Bruce” Emanuel was sitting on “Boosted Bob” and “Trailer Park” answering a thick phone made out of cash. The Pro Bagger field boiled down to Emanuel on “Boosted Bob” and Khole Sellers from Gforce Racing. Sellers got an .056 to .101 jump at the tree, but (let’s change the name a bit here) “Bruceted Bob” drove around 5.02 at 152 mph to 5.30 at 139 for the win. It was Bruce vs. Tony Boone in the Street Bagger final, and once again, Emanuel and “Trailer Park” took the win. “Always an honor to run against Bruce Emanuel,” said Boone. “First off, thank you to God for blessing me with the talent, strength, and opportunity to do what I love,” said Bruce. “Big shoutout to A1 Cycles for another successful race – Cash Days 4 was one to remember. I was able to take home the win in the biggest Harley Bagger grudge race of the year against a strong team at All American Cycles. Then doubled up and got it done in two Pro classes – winning Pro Bagger with the event’s quickest and fastest pass on Boosted Bob, and also bringing home the Street Class win on Trailer Park. “None of this would be possible without my sponsors,” Bruce added. “Trailer Park Motorsports, Moonshine Harley-Davidson, Moonshine Horsepower, Vance & Hines Motorsports, and GRC Crankshafts. I appreciate everything y’all do. Special thanks to my best friend and the best builder/tuner in Harley Bagger racing, Cullen Gillis – couldn’t do it without you. Appreciate all the sponsors for the payouts, the staff for putting on a great event, all the spectators who came out and showed love, and Eddie Reed. We’re just getting started.” True Street Bagger Always displaying a much more quiet and humble persona in person than he does online, Bruce had a premonition that he wouldn’t sweep all three bagger classes this year. Sitting on last year’s winner “Moonshine” in the now sun-drenched lanes before the start of round two of True Street, he said, “There’s a lot of riders in this class this year.” And one of them was his teammate. “Dez is a good rider.” True enough, Bruce lost to Dez Cue on “Noisey Boy” in the semis when “Moonshine” failed to grab third gear. “Had an .050 light to his .146,” reported Bruce. “Yep, I had a chance to sweep it again. Missed a shift. We gonna replace the transmission.” Dez then had wheelie masterblaster Desmond “Kill Bill” Spaulding on the Hawes Racing Bike in the final, and this time it was Kill Bill with the win. “I think my closest round was probably the finals against Dez,” said Kill Bill. “It’s just a lil’ True Street Road King from Hawes Racing. It’s a lil’ different from riding the Grudges sportbikes that I’m used to and known for riding, but it’s definitely just as exciting and competitive as the Grudge sportsbikes. “I would like to thank Hawes Racing for reaching out and giving me an opportunity to try something different, also giving me an amazing bike to compete with. Would also like to think the guys that put on the event. Not sure of everyone’s name just yet, but it was amazing event.” Non-Bagger No one’s yet caught up to Jason Crisp’s new-for-last-year build, as he again won Non-Bagger. He even raced the same final round opponent: A1 employee Andrew Hefner. Crisp took the tree with an .035 to Hefner’s .067, and ran a 5.53 at 126 mph to Andrew’s 5.71 with a turbo-pumped 132 mph trap speed. “We pretty much showed up with the same bike from last year,” said Crisp. “Made a few small changes and hoped for the best, as we hadn’t done any testing prior to Cash Days. I was pretty consistent low 5.5s and knew if anyone was gonna beat me, they’d have their work cut out for them. “I want to thank my wife and son for their help all weekend, and my father for the help building and maintaining it.” ET Bracket Race Robbie Bryant took out Cash Days 3 Gamblers Race winner Byron Cass in the ET Bracket Race final. “It was my first time coming to this event,” said Bryant. “My nephew and I were supposed to be in Maryland for the XDA race, but it was canceled due to rain. We had looked Friday for somewhere that was racing because we were itching to get on our motorcycles. We found out Shadyside had an event going on so we hooked up to the trailer and headed out at 11:45 pm Friday to make the four and a half hour trip. “The racing on Saturday was fast paced. Made it down to 12 motorcycles before the rain came and the race was canceled till Sunday. “Sunday afternoon came and we went back to the lanes to pull chips and see who would race who. This chip draw came with controversy on how things were done on bye runs. My nephew should’ve had the bye run being he had the best light the round before on Saturday. They don’t do that there, they put a bye chip in the bag and if you’re lucky enough to get that chip you have a free pass to the next round. Everywhere else we race the person that gets the bye is the person who did their job and cut a good light on the tree. “My nephew Wesley and I pulled each other for the third round and we are riding the same motorcycle. Since it was my motorcycle, Wesley let me get a free pass into the next round. I ended up going on to win the event. “This is my second time at Shadyside and my second win at that track. My first win there was at the Hogs Gone Wild event a few years back. All in all I had a good weekend of racing and I’ll probably be back to see if I can take another win at Shadyside.” Gamblers Race Cass also runnered-up in Friday night’s Gamblers Race, with Bryce Creek taking the win. “After three years in a row of being put out in the finals or semifinals by Byron Cass, I finally got it done Friday night in the ET Gamblers Race in the finals against him,” said Creek. “I ran a 7.07 on a 7.05 dial against his breakout 5.91 on a 5.97 dial. It was a reaction time win! DFH (that’s Donnie F*****’ Huffman) always pounded in my head ‘Don’t be late!’ and it shows. “Thanks to all of our season sponsors: Man O’War Harley-Davidson of Lexington, Kentucky, Metal Supermarkets of Lexington, 317 Cycles, All Pro Contractors, Huffman Performance & Service of Lakeland, Florida, and R&R Cycles of Lakeland. “Cash Days 4 was a success for Shadetree Racing. See you all in the lanes at a track near you!” Shutdown Area Rain didn’t stop the wild-style events of the Old Town Revival (OTR) Spring Fling. The Minibike Misfits races, Hippy’s Minibike Hillclimb, Rebel Spirit Burnout Pit, WIFMIX Freestyle Stunt Shows, Hot Rod Row, Run What You Brung, and live music just got sloppier and more fun than ever. “Even though the rain came through Saturday afternoon, we still had a great night and finished up strong Sunday,” said promoter Beland. ‘Nothing can stop the highest paying, lowest cost race of the year! Cash Days 5 is booked for 2027 so don’t miss it! The only way to lose is to stay home!” This story was originally published on May 5, 2026. The post Grudge Legends Score Cash Days 4 Bagger Wins at Shadyside Dragway first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Ron Capps has earned another honor. Capps will be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Class as a part of the 2027 class. View the full article

Joe Gibbs Racing is asking the Western District of North Carolina and the Judge (Susan C. Rodriguez) overseeing the case to allow an amended refiling of its lawsuit against Chris Gabehart and Spire Motorsports. This second proposed amended lawsuit now claims that the success Spire has obtained this season in the NASCAR Cup Series is a result of hiring Gabehart as ‘Chief Motorsports ...Keep readingView the full article

Leaf Racewear & Safety Equipment will return in 2026 as the preferred and official uniform supplier for the Quick 32 Sportsman Series. For over 42 years, Leaf Racewear & Safety Equipment Inc. has been a trusted name in motorsports safety. The company manufactures and distributes a wide variety of premium racewear, including fire-resistant driver suits, undergarments, gloves, shoes, racing helmets, seat belt harness systems, and custom sublimated crew shirts to racers worldwide. “From the beginning, Colin Grandy and Leaf Racewear & Safety Equipment have always been one of the first to offer support for our drag race series,” explained Bruce Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations for the Series. “Quality, innovation and confidence, that is Leaf Racewear.” Leaf Racewear products meet and exceed SFI 3.2A/1, SFI 3.2A/5, and SFI 16.1 safety standards, ensuring drivers are equipped for nearly every form of racing, including stock cars, drag racing, sprint cars, karting, off-road, boat racing, and monster trucks. “Leaf Racewear is committed to delivering exceptional value through superior craftsmanship, continuous innovation, tailored solutions for individuals and teams, and prompt, professional customer service. Whether you are a weekend racer or a seasoned professional, Leaf Racewear is here to fuel your passion with confidence on and off the track,” stated Colin Grandy. “These suits are custom-designed and made for drag racing.” Contact Leaf Racewear & Safety Equipment Inc. at 1 (800) 731-7735 or visit www.leafracewear.com. The Quick 32 Sportsman Series will join the John Scotti Canadian Championship Series during the NHRA National Open double-headers at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario. Events are scheduled for Victoria Day Weekend, May 15-17, and Labour Day Weekend, September 4-6, 2026. Visit facebook.com/quick32 for more information and event updates from the Quick 32 Sportsman Series. This story was originally published on May 5, 2026. The post Leaf Racewear & Safety Equipment Returns as Official Uniform Supplier for Quick 32 Sportsman Series first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

In addition to his full-time NASCAR Cup Series schedule, Carson Hocevar will also chase points in the FloRaing Night in America Dirt Late Model championship this summer. The FNIA series is a star-studded midweek Super Late Model championship that avoids conflicts with both the World of Outlaws and Lucas Oil Dirt late Model Series for 11 races at 10 venues to air on streaming platform ...Keep readingView the full article

Josh Williams was initially slated to drive the No. 92 DGM Racing Chevrolet in this weekend's NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) race at Watkins Glen International. Williams has been driving the car in every NASCAR O'Reilly race this year (but DNQed at COTA and Phoenix), and sits 28th in the standings. However, DGM announced on Tuesday that Williams will not be driving the car at ...Keep readingView the full article

Honda’s transverse-twin has always lived on the fringes. Launched in 1978, the CX500 paired a liquid-cooled V-twin with shaft drive and a reputation for durability that bordered on agricultural. It was never conventionally pretty, never especially fast, but the 80-degree mill had serious novelty and... View the full article

Melling Engine Parts proudly announces its 80th anniversary as a family-owned leader in the automotive aftermarket industry. Since its founding in 1946 by George Melling Sr. and his son Ben, Melling has been committed to delivering high-quality engine components that keep vehicles running strong. What began with precision oil pumps for older vehicles has grown into a global brand offering thousands of aftermarket and performance engine parts across 27 product lines and over one million applications. This milestone reflects eight decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and dedication to customers and partners worldwide. “We are beyond grateful to welcome in 2026 and the 80th year of Melling Engine Parts,” said Mark Melling, President and CEO. “80 years of family-owned business is not just a testament to current Melling employees, but those that have gone before. I am extremely proud of the work our team has done to get us to 80 years of service, and we are looking forward to celebrating many more anniversaries to come. We are a family business, and with the fifth generation joining the business this year we plan to continue the legacy for decades to come. Thank you to our vendors and customers that have made it possible for us to achieve such a meaningful milestone!” Brendan Melling, representing the next generation, added: “This is an exciting time for me to join the family business. I look forward to celebrating the 80th year of service with Melling enthusiasts and continuing the Melling name in the automotive industry. 80 years is incredible, and I look forward to being on board for 100 years!” As Melling celebrates this historic milestone, the company remains focused on innovation and customer service. Follow our journey throughout 2026 as we honor our past and share what’s next for Melling Engine Parts. For more information, visit melling.com/who-we-are/ or follow us on social media atMellingEngineParts or mellingperformance. This story was originally published on May 5, 2026. The post Melling Engine Parts Celebrates 80 Years of Excellence in the Automotive Industry first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The electric vehicle revolution was supposed to conquer the elements; instead, the elements conquered it. The industry has spent billions optimizing aerodynamics and fast-charging curves, but the latest data from the AAA exposes a significant problem: electric and hybrid vehicles are still fundamentally failing the temperature test. General Motors AAA Temperature StudyIn an expansive May 2026 study, AAA engineers strapped modern electrified powertrains to climate-controlled dynamometers - simply put, automotive treadmills operating in extreme temperatures ranging from 20°F to 95°F. The results shatter the narrative of consistent range and robust drivetrains. While automakers have successfully engineered a defense against summer heat by using advanced liquid cooling and heat pumps, the cold weather penalty remains significant. When the mercury drops to 20°F, electric vehicles lose an agonizing 39 percent of their driving range and suffer a 35.6 percent collapse in overall efficiency. For the everyday commuter, this is not merely a logistical headache; it is a direct financial penalty. AAA calculates that winter EV operating costs surge by $32.11 per 1,000 miles when charging at home. If a driver is forced into the wild to rely on public charging infrastructure, that cold-weather penalty skyrockets to an extra $76.93 per 1,000 miles. General Motors Hybrids are not immune to the freeze. Vehicles utilizing internal combustion engines alongside battery packs saw fuel economy plummet by 22.8 percent at 20°F, adding an extra $28.44 per 1,000 miles to the operational burn rate. However, because hybrids can harvest engine heat to warm the cabin, their drop in efficiency remains far less catastrophic than their fully electric counterparts. Does the EV Buyer Care?According to AAA's accompanying survey data, 35 percent of prospective buyers are currently pivoting toward hybrid platforms. If you live in a region that regularly sees winter weather, the EPA-estimated range is hugely inaccurate. Until industrial battery chemistry can robustly withstand the elements, buying a modern BEV means accepting that nearly 40 percent of your range—and a larger chunk of your wallet—will simply vanish into the cold. View the full article

Turning Up the Volume AgainAfter Formula 1 switched to hybridized V6 engines in 2014, fans complained about the loss of the thrilling sound produced by the old V8s. With all the talk around sustainability and emissions, engines with more cylinders seemed unlikely to return to the grid. But that could change, as Reuters reported that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said a switch back to V8s is expected by the end of the decade. The return to V8s would likely be made possible by sustainable fuel, one of the main targets of the 2026 engine regulations. But according to Ben Sulayem, electrification would play a smaller role, marking a major contrast with the current hybrid system, which delivers a near 50-50 split between the combustion engine and the motor-generator unit, or MGU-K. Formula 1 The Path Back to V8sThe next regulation cycle is currently set to run until 2031, which could mark the return of V8s to Formula 1. However, the FIA president said that if a supermajority – four of the six manufacturers – votes in favor, the switch could happen a year earlier, in 2030. “It's coming. At the end of the day, it's a matter of time,” he said. For American fans, this could be an interesting development, especially with General Motors, through Cadillac, now part of Formula 1 as the 11th team. It is safe to say V8s are GM’s wheelhouse, with that configuration powering some of the company’s most iconic performance nameplates, including the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro. Ford is also back in the sport, though only as a technical partner of Red Bull Racing. Cadillac currently uses a Ferrari powertrain, but it will eventually develop its own. Other power-unit manufacturers include Audi, Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Honda. Formula 1 More Than Lap TimesOutside of motorsports, a switch back to V8s could also help participating automakers further develop V8 technology for road-going models. After all, beyond the glory of podiums, automakers have long used racing to gather data from tracks around the world and apply those insights to improve the cars they sell in the market. For instance, the Mercedes-AMG One uses a 1.6-liter V6 hybrid engine directly derived from F1. That likely helped the hypercar secure the fastest lap time for production cars at the Nürburgring in Germany, widely considered one of the ultimate proving grounds. The Ferrari 296 GTB also shows how the Prancing Horse brand has brought V6 hybrid performance into a road-going supercar. As such, if a switch to V8s does happen at the end of the decade, it would also be interesting to see what types of new road-car projects it could inspire. Formula 1 View the full article

EV Profits Still Playing Catch-UpIt’s no secret that automakers are barely making a profit on electric vehicles, with Ford even ending production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning. But they still have to build them for a range of reasons, including regulatory requirements. At Volkswagen, the company admitted that there is no profit margin parity between EVs and combustion cars – at least not until the next-gen SSP architecture arrives. According to Automotive News, Volkswagen’s EV models deliver only 70% to 80% of the margins of comparable combustion models. Hypothetically, if a gas-powered T-Cross generated $10,000 in profit, a comparable EV on the current MEB platform would make around $7,500. The Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which has been delayed from its original 2026 target, is seen as the key to closing that margin gap, though it reportedly will not arrive before the end of the decade. Volkswagen The Cost Problem Behind the PlugSome of the factors behind Volkswagen’s lower profits on current EV models include high production costs. At the same time, European Union emissions rules are adding pressure, with penalties reportedly expected to amount to 400 million to 500 million euros annually ($467 million to $584 million at current exchange rates) from 2025 through 2027. These factors force Volkswagen to make trade-offs between EV volumes and CO2 fines, according to Volkswagen Group CFO Arno Antlitz. In addition, while the German marque is showing positive signs in the European EV market, it is struggling elsewhere, notably in the U.S. In the first quarter of 2026, the company’s U.S. EV sales dropped 80% compared with the same period last year, while sales in China plunged 64%. Currently, the ID.4 and ID. Buzz are the only models sold stateside, with the latter even skipping the 2026 model year reportedly to prepare for a “MY27 transition.” Volkswagen VW’s Next Big BetOnce the SSP arrives, it will replace current platforms such as MEB, MEB Plus, and PPE, the latter of which is used by high-end models like the Porsche Macan. The platform will also be integrated with Rivian’s electronic architecture for more advanced onboard software capabilities. For now, Volkswagen will try to boost profits by selling affordable EVs in Europe, including the ID. Polo, which starts at 24,995 euros, or approximately $29,000. None of VW’s new small, affordable EVs are expected to arrive in the U.S., given the market’s preference for larger vehicles, so American buyers will have to make do with the ID.4, which starts at $45,095, excluding destination fees, as the company continues to navigate tariffs. Volkswagen View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Ram Doubles Down on Active Aero for PickupsLast year, Ram quietly introduced a truck bed cover designed to improve aerodynamics. At first, it seemed like one of those clever ideas that rarely make it past the drawing board. But it seems like the automaker is quite serious about it. Ram has filed a new patent, and this version looks more refined than before. Spotted first by CarBuzz, the application was filed with the USPTO in October 2024 under patent number 20260116479 (you can look it up yourself) and published last week. Clearly, Ram is still working on the concept instead of letting it fade away. USPTO A More Complex Take on the Same IdeaThe first version was a straightforward adjustable bed cover, but his new patent takes things up a notch. From the diagrams and descriptions, the setup now includes linkages, arms, and a frame that lets the cover tilt up behind the cab. Rather than lying flat like a typical tonneau, the cover can be tilted up. It acts more like a ramp, channeling air from the cab over the bed. The idea is to reduce the turbulence that usually forms in an open pickup bed, which adds drag. What’s interesting is how the mechanism actually works this time. The cover uses several slats, much like a roll-up tonneau, but they’re mounted on a movable frame. Side linkages and supports handle the shifting, so the cover can go from flat to angled as needed. Compared to the first patent, this setup is less of a bolt-on accessory and more of an active system. It shows Ram is taking active aerodynamics seriously, not just tweaking what’s already out there. USPTO Still a Long Way From Your DrivewayThere’s a real-world benefit here, at least in theory. A tilting tonneau that smooths airflow could improve fuel economy or add a bit more range to electric trucks. That matters more as pickups go electric or have some form of electrification like the upcoming range-extended Ram 1500 REV, since drag becomes a bigger deal at highway speeds. But like most patents, this doesn’t guarantee we’ll see it on the road. Automakers often file for ideas that never make it to production, whether because of cost, complexity, or not enough real-world payoff. Still, the fact that Ram keeps refining the idea means it’s not off the table yet. Maybe it becomes a production feature or maybe just an accessory. Or maybe it will fade away. For now, it’s proof that even the basics of a pickup bed are still up for reinvention. USPTO View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Moser Engineering is making rearend upgrades easy. Moser Engineering is offering free assembly of its MusclePak rearneds in the month of may.View the full article

And the Survey Says... Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will continue to be offered in the Cadillac Lyriq, despite GM's push to remove the features from its cars in the near future. This includes wired and wireless iterations of the popular smartphone pairing software. According to GM Authority's sources, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are often cited as "must-haves" in vehicle infotainment systems. Considering the backlash the brand faced in 2023, when it first announced its decision to phase out third-party smartphone mirroring in favor of its Google-Built-In infotainment ecosystem, this is good news for shoppers still considering the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq. Kristen Brown What's the Catch? Well, that means that the Cadillac Lyriq will stand as an outlier in the GM lineup. The all-electric crossover will allegedly be the last GM EV standing with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The decision was made in contrast to GM's broader push for its new infotainment ecosystem. Earlier this year, models like the GMCHummer EV dropped the feature entirely, introducing a new infotainment experience. Weirder still is that the tried-and-tested smartphone pairing features are also disappearing from the Chevrolet lineup, with GM Authority reporting that the Chevrolet Silverado EV's top-spec trim doesn't support either Apple or Android pairing; however, the base models remain compatible. With that being said, the consumer vote is winning at least for the Lyriq, but for how long? Considering that the Cadillac Lyriq is a high-end EV, the fact that GM is bending a little to the consumer vote doesn't mean that it's going to roll back its decision, at least not yet. That may not last for long as the brand has grand plans to offer a "better" infotainment and ownership experience. The move is in consideration of new driver assistance features that will be integrated with navigation and will be fully independent of smartphones. Cadillac Why is the Lyriq an Exception? Looking at Cadillac's lineup, the Lyriq is a critical model for the brand's push towards electric vehicles. The mid-size Luxury SUV starts at over $58,000, putting it in contention with other luxury vehicles, all of which offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. It's in a very popular segment now, which means that it may actually hurt the brand if it didn't have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Brands like Tesla, on the other hand, seem to be doing fine without it, but brands like Lucid are installing these pairing systems and calling it an upgrade. Another question is, "Is there something that GM sees that we don't?" Considering how smartphone pairing is simply a handshake between your smartphone and your infotainment screen, it doesn't leave much room for you to access the rest of the car. If you use the system, you can display a map, an app, or play a song; however, to access a setting or two, you'll have to exit it and go into the vehicle's settings, and when it comes to EVs, a lot of stuff tends to be buried behind glass. Tesla's a prime example, opting for native apps over smartphone pairing, but that might not be everyone's cup of tea to begin with anyway. For right now, however, people are still voting in favor of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Why reinvent the wheel, right? Although considering the state of the auto industry now, even the wheel isn't exempt from reinvention. The 2027 Cadillac Lyriq will still have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for now, but for how long? Cadillac View the full article