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Kyle Larson led a JR Motorsports 1-2 at Texas Motor Speedway, winning Saturday's NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race over Justin Allgaier. JRM drivers have managed to win seven of the first 12 races to open the 2026 season. This is Larson's 19th career NASCAR O'Reilly Series win and his third at Texas. Sam Mayer finished third, Brent Crews fourth, and Parker Retzlaff fifth. Sheldon ...Keep readingView the full article

Honda had a standout April 2026, posting strong overall sales and setting a new benchmark for hybrids. With a balanced lineup and consistent performers across key segments, the brand is clearly getting the fundamentals right. Even its niche seller, the Prelude, had its best month yet, outperforming its monthly target. Strong Sales and Record Hybrid Demand Honda Honda’s April performance paints a confident picture. The company moved 125,571 units in the US, a 1.6% year-over-year increase, while hybrid models surged past 40,000 units, setting a new April record. While fully-electric vehicles were the driving force behind the company's first-ever loss last year, hybrid models are becoming central to Honda’s success. The CR-V led the charge with 42,677 units, remaining one of the best-selling SUVs in the industry. The Civic followed with 25,040 units, while the Accord added 16,071 units, both enjoying their strongest months in recent years. In short, Honda’s core formula of efficient, practical vehicles is working exactly as intended. Surprising Prelude Sales Honda The Prelude isn't meant to sell in large quantities. Honda aims to sell between 3,000 and 4,000 Preludes during 2026, and strives for an average of 300 units per month. Honda sold 357 units in April – its best month yet – and is up 27.5% from March. Year-to-date, the Prelude sits at 1,152 units, averaging 288 models per month thus far. Related: Honda Prelude Sales Are Neck and Neck With Subaru BRZ The Prelude Problem Honda The days of owning multiple cars for different occasions are long gone. And Honda’s April results showcase exactly that. SUVs and practical sedans continue to dominate, and due to rising fuel costs, hybrids are gaining ground quickly. As for the Prelude, the market size isn't as large as it was. And that's exactly why Honda is keeping production volumes low, marketing it as a niche coupe. That said, the lack of a manual gearbox, 200 hp, and starting MSRP of $42,000 makes it an especially tough sell in a value-conscious market. View the full article

Honda had a standout April 2026, posting strong overall sales and setting a new benchmark for hybrids. With a balanced lineup and consistent performers across key segments, the brand is clearly getting the fundamentals right. Yet beneath those headline numbers lies a clear outlier: the Prelude, a car that looks the part but fails to deliver where it matters. Strong Sales and Record Hybrid Demand Honda Honda’s April performance paints a confident picture. The company moved 125,571 units in the US, a 1.6% year-over-year increase, while hybrid models surged past 40,000 units, setting a new April record. While fully-electric vehicles were the driving force behind the company's first-ever loss last year, hybrid models are becoming central to Honda’s success. The CR-V led the charge with 42,677 units, remaining one of the best-selling SUVs in the industry. The Civic followed with 25,040 units, while the Accord added 16,071 units, both enjoying their strongest months in recent years. In short, Honda’s core formula of efficient, practical vehicles is working exactly as intended. Even at Its Peak, the Prelude Still Falls Short Honda The Prelude tells a very different story. Honda sold just 357 units in April, technically its best month yet, and up 27.5% from March. But looking at the bigger picture, that heading quickly fades under scrutiny. The Prelude accounted for just 0.28% of Honda’s total April sales. Put into perspective, even the slow-selling Ridgeline reached 3,602 units, while the Passport managed 5,447 units. More telling still, the aging Mazda MX-5 Miata outsold it by a wide margin, posting 1,163 units in the same month. Year-to-date, the Prelude sits at 1,152 units – still less than the Miata's April sales. Honda’s Success Makes the Prelude’s Failure Clear Honda Honda’s April results highlight a clear shift in buyer priorities. Hybrids are gaining ground quickly, helped by rising fuel costs, while SUVs and practical sedans continue to dominate volume. With that in mind, the Prelude’s struggles are easier to understand. It skips a manual gearbox, offers just 200 hp, and starts at $42,000, making it a tough sell in a value-conscious market. While the Prelude name carries nostalgia and the design draws attention, the overall package falls short. In a month where Honda had tremendous sales success, their "sporty" coupe stands out as the exception. View the full article

The Powertrain That Refuses to FadeThere has been a surge of large electric vehicles entering the market, including three-row SUVs and workhorse pickups such as the TeslaCybertruck. But with heavy high-voltage batteries affecting weight, range, and towing performance, big EVs are not always the simplest answer for long-distance hauling, leaving room for a good old diesel powertrain. In a recent press release, General Motors’ Duramax Assistant Chief Design Engineer John Barta highlighted the driving characteristics of the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine. While EVs are known for instant torque, the Duramax delivers strong low-end torque at low rpm, improving towing and hauling capability without requiring much effort. “We get 95 percent of the maximum torque at 1500 rpm, without the engine screaming, without high rpms. It feels great. It’s great for driving around town without having to race the engine from Point A to Point B,” Barta said. GM Still Doing the Heavy LiftingThe Duramax inline-six delivers 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, edging out the optional 6.2-liter V8's 460 lb-ft figure. But with hybrids gaining momentum, diesels are no longer as relevant as they once were, especially in the U.S., where they are now largely limited to truck-based vehicles. Still, the Duramax is equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation system designed to help reduce emissions. In addition to strong low-end torque, the Duramax also offers competitive range. The 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD equipped with the engine returns an EPA-estimated 624 miles of highway range. By comparison, the Silverado EV offers up to 493 miles of EPA-estimated range, the longest of any electric truck in the U.S. market. What this translates to in practice is fewer fuel stops on long drives, while many EVs still require more time plugged in at a charging station. “This engine is great for anyone who has a moderate-sized RV or another similar trailer, or someone who likes to take road trips,” the GM executive said. GM Diesel Stays in PlayThe 3.0-liter Duramax is available across several GM models, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, and Suburban, as well as the GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL. Reports suggest that the next-generation Silverado and Sierra, which could start production in October 2026, may carry an updated version of the Duramax engine, reflecting GM’s continued investment in diesel powertrains amid the industry’s broader shift toward electrification. GM View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Denny Hamlin said it was a 'knee jerk reaction' when he tweeted out a frustrated response on Thursday evening to Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson’s commentary about the ongoing lawsuit brought forth by Joe Gibbs Racing. Even though it was an emotional response, Hamlin also concedes that he logically feels this way too, as it is a matter of business principle to him as a Joe ...Keep readingView the full article

Last weekend, Carson Hocevar earned his first NASCAR Cup Series win at Talladega. A few days later, he led a Spire 1-2 to win Friday's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Texas. And now, he just earned pole position for the Texas Cup race in another Spire 1-2, beating teammate Daniel Suarez by just 0.003s. This is the first time Spire Motorsports locked out the front row for a Cup Series ...Keep readingView the full article

Both Bubba Wallace and Austin Dillon will start Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race from the rear of the field after some practice drama. In Group A, Dillon only ran three laps before taking his No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet back to the garage. He reported that the engine started making a strange noise, and he had no pace. His fastest lap was a 29.988s, a full 1.4s off the fastest time ...Keep readingView the full article

The VW Onsabrück SagaA few months ago, it was reported that a state-owned Israeli defense company had set its sights on Volkswagen’s assembly plant in Osnabrück, Germany. The firm in question was Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and it’s responsible for building components for the Iron Dome, among other things. The previous report stated that the plant will build vehicles used to transport artillery and power systems for the Iron Dome. However, an update from Reuters has claimed there are now advanced talks between Volkswagen and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. At the time of writing, the two companies declined to comment regarding the matter. Volkswagen What the Onsabrük Plant MadeIf you, at some point, bought a convertible Volkswagen product within the last 70 years, chances are it came from Onsabrück. The current site was once Karmann, but when the company went bust in 2010, VW bought the facility to build some of its models over there. Some historic vehicles built there include the Karmann Ghia, Beetle convertibles, several generations of Golf Cabriolets, and even some top-down Audis. Other models of interest include the first two generations of the Scirocco, the Corrado, and the Audi RS4 Cabriolet. BMWs, Fords, Nissans, and even Merkurs were built there at some point, so the plant was buzzing with activity at some point, and not just from Volkswagen. Under VW ownership, the Onsabrück plant assembled the XL1 and Arteon Shooting Brake, as well as the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, Cayenne, and Skoda Karoq, to name a few. These days, however, it only builds the VW T-Roc Convertible, and that model will be discontinued by 2027. It’s precisely for that reason that VW is reportedly considering other uses for the facility. Volkswagen From Cars to Arms?As mentioned, it was initially reported that military vehicles and Iron Dome components would be made in the plant. However, the more recent Reuters story also mentioned missile components, such as motors and propulsion systems. Mind you, it won’t be making the explosive bits, but it’s still for missiles, nonetheless. Should Volkswagen accept Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ offer, it would help the German automaker secure a much-needed cash injection. At the same time, there’s hope of saving all 2,300 jobs currently on the site. That said, the Reuters report adds that the German government wants full control over defense projects within the country and that the technology used should remain within its borders. That could mean the difference between the deal pushing through or being called off. Volkswagen View the full article

Playing Mind GamesSpeed limit rules can vary depending on road design and time of day, such as during school hours. That makes it important, especially for travelers, to keep an eye on road signs and posted speed limits to avoid tickets that can be costly and time-consuming to deal with. Those visiting Wisconsin may need to take a second look after Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste posted a speed limit with a decimal point: 17.3 mph, to be exact. Rounding it to a whole number might have been simpler and easier to read, but grabbing drivers' attention appears to be the point. In a Facebook post, Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste said a decimal-point speed limit “makes you pause. It makes you look twice.” It’s also intended to keep drivers on their toes and break them out of the “autopilot” mindset that can set in on familiar routes. A Solution for a Specific ProblemThe waste management facility also explained that the area is regularly used by haulers, contractors, and residents, which is why a speed limit, particularly an eye-catching one, has been posted. The decimal point clearly separates 17 and 3, reducing the chance that drivers might mistake it for 173 mph, though that reading would be absurdly high at more than twice the typical highway speed limit. The Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste road is not a typical public roadway, but a road within a county-operated recycling facility where the site can post its own rules, including this decimal-point limit. As such, it’s unlikely to be adopted on a wider scale, especially on busy public highways. Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste/Facebook Safety Is the PointBusier public highways, however, do not need gimmicks like this for enforcement because they are more heavily monitored and regulated. In Colorado, for instance, a speed camera system calculates a driver’s average speed over a particular stretch of road, meaning slowing down at one specific point may not be enough to avoid a ticket. Illinois is also considering a proposal that would require certain repeat speeders to install speed limiters in their vehicles, presenting another unusual way to enforce speed limits. But whatever these traffic-safety measures look like, the common denominator is the same: keeping everyone safe. As Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste put it, “We want every single person to have a safe visit and make it home at the end of the day.” Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste/Facebook View the full article

Working with the PentagonThe Ford Motor Company has a long history of building military vehicles, but it might be producing them yet again should plans with the U.S. government push through. CEO Jim Farley has indeed confirmed that the automaker is in early talks with the government about defense projects, as reported by Bloomberg. Farley was quoted as saying, "We are in early discussions with the U.S. government on some defense-related projects," during an earnings call on April 29, 2026. No other specifics were given at the time of writing. Will Oliver/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images A Colorful HistoryThe military and Ford have a history together, dating as far back as World War 1 with Model T-based transporters and ambulances, as well as building engines for the war effort, among other things. Ford was also one of the biggest contractors in World War 2, supplying vehicles on both fronts. On the Allied side, there was the Willow Run B-24 bomber, the GAA engine that powered one of the many M4 Sherman tank derivatives, and the GPW Jeeps. More recently, however, Ford isn't specifically building vehicles for the front lines. There are, however, Super Duty-derived models that have either been converted for light military duties or outfitted by defense contractors outside of the company. Maximizing Unused CapacityMind you, Ford wasn't the only manufacturer that the government spoke with regarding the matter. It wasn't that long ago when the government also approached other American automakers about using unused capacity to build vehicles for the military. So, does this mean Ford will be building tanks and other weaponized vehicles as soon as the ink dries? Well, we wouldn't jump to that right away. According to CEO Jim Farley, the company will, at the very least, play a role in sourcing materials used in semiconductor manufacturing. It's unknown exactly when vehicle production will begin, but that will depend on the outcome of future talks. Ford View the full article

When Porsche Goes ArtisticA number of unique Porsche 911 designs have emerged through the automaker's in-house customization programs, but this latest creation from Japan may be among the most distinctive yet. Dubbed the 911 GT3 Artisan Edition, Porsche draws on traditional Japanese craftsmanship – particularly Edo Kiriko glasswork and indigo dyeing - for this limited-run model. The 911 GT3 Artisan Edition is created by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur for the Japanese market, even though it is left-hand drive. It may not be available elsewhere in the world, but it reflects a level of detail that enthusiasts can appreciate globally. After all, if the standard 911 GT3 already commands attention, this limited-run edition adds another layer of craftsmanship and exclusivity. Porsche Japan Design That FlowsThe base color is white, accented by varying shades of blue that become more prominent toward the rear half of the car. The rear wheels, which are 21 inches in size (paired with 20-inch fronts), also feature aerodiscs with blue detailing not found on the front wheels. Porsche says the blue accents running from the front fenders to the rear are meant to represent the flow of air and time. The blue motif carries over into the interior, appearing on the dashboard, door panels, and seats. No powertrain details were disclosed, but the stock 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six is likely unchanged. If so, output should remain at 502 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, enough for a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph. The car is more than just a pretty face, though. It comes with the Manthey Kit, which includes optimized aerodynamic bodywork and four-way adjustable coilover suspension developed at the Nürburgring. In short, the package is designed to sharpen the car’s track performance. Porsche Japan The Value Is in the DetailsThe 911 GT3 Artisan Edition is limited to 30 examples, marking the 30th anniversary of Porsche Japan while also reflecting the architectural philosophy of Porsche Experience Center Tokyo. While pricing wasn't disclosed, the 911 GT3 already starts at around $235,000 in the U.S. With the Manthey Kit, which can add a substantial premium, and the limited-edition production run, the Artisan Edition is expected to command a much higher price. Porsche Japan View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Broader ApproachLexus says the hybrid version of the eighth-generation ES is on track for its expected June arrival, when it will join its all-electric variants and give the nameplate a multi-powertrain approach on a single platform – a first for the brand. That creates a unique proposition in the luxury segment, giving buyers a broader range of electrified options within a single model line. The hybrid ES 350h sits in the middle of the range, between the all-electric ES 350e and ES 500e. It also gains the automaker’s sixth-generation hybrid system and, for the first time, is offered with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option – an addition that could prove important as the nameplate effectively becomes the brand’s flagship sedan with the LS set to be discontinued after the 2026 model year. Lexus What’s Under the HoodThe hybrid system consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric starter-generator and a motor-generator integrated into an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels – a layout similar to the previous ES 300h. For this model year, however, output rises to a combined 244 horsepower for both FWD and AWD models, despite the latter adding a 54-hp motor at the rear axle. In terms of fuel efficiency, the hybrid powertrain, which benefits from a new multi-hole direct fuel injector and variable cooling system, returns an EPA-estimated 46 mpg combined. That figure drops to 44 mpg with AWD due to the added hardware and weight, but the numbers remain competitive for a midsize sedan, especially amid elevated gas prices. The all-electric variants, meanwhile, offer EPA-estimated driving ranges of 307 miles for the ES 350e and 276 miles for the ES 500e. Lexus Pushing the ES ForwardThe ES 350h may share the same platform as its EV counterparts, but it features subtle design differences, including an upper front air intake in the bumper that directs airflow to the combustion engine. The EVs, meanwhile, add a power-opening charge port door on the front passenger-side fender. Lexus offers the ES 350h Premium with a starting price of $51,095, including destination, while the range-topping ES 350h Premium+ AWD begins at $57,295. It is now assembled at Toyota Motor Kyushu in Japan, as Toyota’s Kentucky plant shifts its focus to producing hybrids like the RAV4 Hybrid and future all-electric models. Lexus View the full article

An All-Electric Three-Row SUV On May 6, 2026, Lexus will unveil a new three-row all-electric SUV. Based on the Toyota Highlander EV, we can expect something familiar but with a Lexus touch. While the brand hasn't announced anything yet, as far as we were able to dig up, the new model will likely be called the Lexus TZ. If you put two and two together, another Lexus vehicle that's somewhat similar in its package is the Lexus TX, and since this is a three-row vehicle based on the Highlander EV, it could very well be the case. Lexus posted a teaser for its new three-row SUV on social media, only showing its silhouette, but we already have a rough idea of what it looks like. SH Proshots/Autoblog What To Expect With the new Lexus TZ, one can expect a couple of things based on what we know so far. First, it will slot alongside the Lexus TX. Next, it will closely follow the Toyota Highlander EV and be about 200 inches long, with a wheelbase of 120 inches. Of course, it being a Lexus, you can expect a premium touch when it comes to the interior, plus a nice and large 14-inch infotainment display, perhaps the same one that's also found in the Highlander EV. Side-by-side, the new Lexus three-row SUV's silhouette looks very similar to the Toyota Highlander EV's. The roofline sorta gives it away to an extent. From what we were able to gather, the new Highlander could come in two trim levels: the TZ450e and the TZ550e, which were uncovered in 2023 as trademark filings with the European and British Intellectual Property Offices. Cole Attisha 450e vs 550e You can expect two power figures for this model: 338 horsepower for the 450e and 420 horsepower for the 550e trim, with the former also powering the AWD variant of the Highlander EV. Plugging that in, we can deduce that the new TX will have a battery pack of up to 95.9kWh. In the Highlander EV, that's rated for about 320 miles of range. Based on all of this, we can conclude that the new Lexus TZ could be a model to watch in its segment. Rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and EV9, among others, might have to watch out. Based on this, we could be looking at a price tag starting around the $ 50,000 mark. Finally, there is a good chance this model will be produced at Toyota U.S.A.'s Kentucky assembly line, a factory that also builds the Toyota Highlander EV. Could we also see this model as a reverse-import for Japan? Toyota Japan only has to ask. 2027 Toyota Highlander EV Cole Attisha View the 16 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Santa Pod’s National Street Rod Association Nostalgia Nationals are live right here! And thanks to the awesome streaming team at Santa Pod, you can watch live from all over the world for free. You are in for some great Gasser action and more this weekend, so tune in and watch. Of course they are waaaaay across the pond from us so it’s 6 hours ahead there. Don’t fret though if you miss it live, because you can watch all the replay action below as well. The post FREE LIVE DRAG RACING LIVESTREAM: Here Are The NSRA Nostalgia Nationals 2026 LIVE From Santa Pod! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

In the world of full-size pickup trucks, the Ford F-150 still rules on the sales charts. Its American rivals, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500, are next in line, leaving the Toyota Tundra to live in their shadow. This isn’t necessarily a reflection of the Tundra being inferior, but rather, it has to do with the intense brand loyalty of America’s pickups. But when it comes to safety, which crew cab is better: The class-leading F-150 or the underrated Tundra? The latest ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) will help us answer that question. Related: Ford F-150 Vs. Chevy Silverado 1500 Vs. Ram 1500: Which Pickup Is The Safest? Crashworthiness: Ford Falls Short in One Major TestIn the crashworthiness category, the IIHS conducts the small overlap front test, moderate overlap front, and side test. The first two evaluate a vehicle’s crash safety when striking an object with the front corner and in an offset crash with another car. For the side test, the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants when struck from the side is analyzed. In all tests, vehicles receive a rating of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. Here’s how the two trucks compared. Toyota Tundra Ford F-150 Small Overlap Front Good Good Moderate Overlap Front Good Poor Side Good Good The only Poor rating applies to the F-150 in the moderate front overlap test, where there was an elevated risk of head, neck, and chest injuries for passengers seated at the back. This is a weak spot for many pickup trucks, but the Tundra bucks the trend with a Good score. In fact, other than the TeslaCybertruck, the Tundra is the only full-size pickup to achieve an IIHS Top Safety Pick award for 2026. Related: Tesla Cybertruck Vs. Rivian R1T: Which Electric Pickup Is Safest? Crash Prevention: Mixed Results For Both Ford Motor Company Toyota Crash-avoidance technologies have improved dramatically in recent years, with even the cheapest subcompact models coming with a suite of features that can help you avoid a collision. In this category, the IIHS tests for crash-avoidance at various speeds between two vehicles as well as a vehicle and a pedestrian. The headlights are also evaluated for effectiveness with both low and high beams. Toyota Tundra Ford F-150 Headlights Good (LED projector); Acceptable (LED reflector) Good (LED reflector); Acceptable (LED projector) Crash Prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle) Not Tested Poor Crash Prevention (pedestrian) Acceptable Good The results here are a total mixed bag. While the Tundra hasn’t yet been tested for vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention, the Ford’s optional system was rated as Poor. It failed to avoid a collision with a car and motorcycle on four occasions, and often didn’t provide the driver with a timely warning. However, the Ford achieved a higher rating for pedestrian crash prevention, where it was better at warning the driver of a pedestrian in low-light conditions. However, the Ford’s Poor rating in the vehicle-to-vehicle test again sees it rank second to the Toyota. Related: The $52,000 Question: F-150 vs Silverado 1500 vs Ram 1500 vs Toyota Tundra Final Verdict: Toyota Is The Safer Truck Toyota Overall, despite not being evaluated for one crash-prevention test yet, the Tundra is rated as safer overall than the F-150. It avoided Poor scores completely, while the Ford had two Poor scores. The Tundra is also the only gas-powered pickup to earn a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS—and that includes midsize and compact pickups. The Ford remains the best-selling truck in its class, thanks to high brand loyalty, a massive range of trims and powertrains, and everything from affordable workhorses to the high-performance Raptor. But where safety is concerned, it’s not as secure as the Toyota. View the full article

When BMW revealed its new 2027 7 Series luxury sedan, one sentence from the press release stood out: "The new BMW 7 Series embodies the specific interpretation of the new BMW design language for the luxury segment." In other words, BMW was saying that the looks of its biggest, most prestigious, and costliest models would have a specific look, one that would differ from but still be related to the styling of the all-new iX3 crossover and i3 sedan. Basically, the way the 7 Series looks would not be unique to that model, and while the replacement for the XM may be a beneficiary, spy photos of the next iX7 indicate that the three-row SUV will be next in line to benefit from the new look. With that in mind, we've generated some renders of how 7 Series styling may translate to a taller vehicle like the X7. 2027 BMW X7: A Taller 7 Series Sebastian Cenizo/ChatGPT Like the G70 7 Series LCI, we expect the kidney grilles of the 2027 X7 to be slimmed down and more angular in shape, creating a sharper look. The upper DRL elements will likely be available with crystal glass elements, and below them, the horizontal headlights will become vertical, hiding within a blackened intake area. To show familiarity with other Neue Klasse-inspired BImmers, the hood will likely have two clearly defined bulges to create a valley within which the new matte-finished BMW roundel will sit. Related: 2027 BMW M5 Wagon Hits the Nürburgring with A Stylish New Look Further back, flush-fitting electric door handles are a given, and at the back, we expect the relatively compact taillights of the current G07 X7 to be ditched, with longer, more stretched-out clusters filling the rear end and making the vehicle look wider. These will almost certainly be inspired by those on the 7 Series facelift, again with a subtle recess for the roundel to be flanked by. The overall profile and shape of the vehicle will not change, but the interior will be a completely different proposition, and the expansive Theater Screen from the 7 Series may be offered. 2027 BMW X7 Interior Set for Radical Transformation Sebastian Cenizo/ChatGPT Like the S-Class rival, the X7 interior will adopt the Panoramic Vision iDrive system, with a long, narrow screen running along the base of the windshield. No screen will sit directly behind the steering wheel, which will be redesigned and have four spokes. In the middle of the dashboard, BMW's "free-cut" touchscreen display will handle infotainment with the help of AI. The new 7 Series gets a 14.9-inch passenger display as standard, and it's unclear whether the X7 will get this, but it wouldn't surprise us; BMW recently told Autoblog that its Executive Lounge option (with two reclining second-row seats) and the optional 8K 31.3-inch display might make their way from the 7er to the X7 soon, too. It's possible that these luxurious upgrades and the Skylounge LED roof could also appear in the replacement for the XM and/or the new Alpina models, the first of which will be the 7 and X7. We'll have to wait a while for more info, though, as the updated X7 is only coming next summer. BMW View the full article

If you’re on a tight budget but determined to buy something new you might get lucky and still find a Nissan Versa on your local dealer lot. The last new vehicle available in the U.S. for less than $20,000, the Japanese automaker decided to pull Versa from production late last year, pointing the finger at the Trump administration’s tariffs on imported autos which would have driven the price out of reach of most buyers. At a time when average transaction prices – factoring in MSRP, options and discounts – are nudging a record $50,000, the number of affordable automobiles has dwindled down to a precious few, less than a score of options under $30,000. And a number of those may soon vanish, industry insiders warn, in large part due to not only those tariffs but the administrations plan to renegotiate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. N That trade deal means a number of low-priced models have been able to benefit from lower production costs – particularly in Mexico – and then enter the States duty free. With the USMCA now up for renegotiation, however, that may not be the case much longer. A new report says several manufacturers have told the White House they might be forced to drop base models entirely since tariffs would price them out of reach for entry buyers. Shifting production to the States would likewise raise costs too high. Related: Ford’s CEO Warns Trade Uncertainty Could Make Cars Even More Expensive The Last of a Dying BreedAverage transaction prices, or ATPs, have been running around $50,000 in recent months, according to Kelley Blue Book. The average auto loan is now $806 a month, with a record number of buyers topping $1,000 and stretching payments out for as much as 84 months, according to J.D. Power. Gabriel Ionica That’s driven millions of Americans out of the new vehicle market. Some buyers are still determined not to go used, however, and the Nissan Versa was, for them, a popular pick until recently. Equipped with a manual transmission, it started at just $17,190, the last product on the market with an under-$20,000 MSRP. The closest you now can come is the 2026 Kia K4 LX starting at $23,535, including destination fees. The Nissan Sentra S is next on the list at $23,845, followed by the Hyundai Elantra SE at $23,870. But how long they’ll be around is far from certain. Tariffs are “killing our affordable cars,” Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier told the Wall Street Journal. The WSJ also noted that a group of foreign automakers have tried to sway the White House by warning its policies – and the threat of dumping the USMCA – could wipe out the affordable automobile segment entirely. What Models Are at Risk? Cole Attisha It’s not just Mexican-made products that could go away, according to Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting for AutoForecast Solutions. The endangered species list also includes a number of models from South Korea. Among the most at-risk models: The Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore GX crossovers, both imported from Korea;The Mexican-made Mazda CX-30 and Nissan’s Sentra and Kicks models;Several products from the Hyundai Motor Group, including the Mexican-made Hyundai Accent and Elantra, as well as the Kia K3 and K4, the latter being their largest-selling U.S. model.There are still other low-cost models that, at the very least, likely to remain in production but at significantly higher prices, said Fiorani. That includes the Mexican-made Ford Maverick, the Detroit automaker’s base product line. The current sticker price could go up “dramatically,” depending upon how USMCA negotiations turn out, he told Autoblog. “But I can’t imagine Ford pulling it from the market” because of the high volume of Maverick sales. Between a Rock and a Hard PlaceOn Wednesday, Ford CEO Bill Ford praised the president’s push to increase U.S. manufacturing. But the executive has also expressed concerns about the administration’s frequent policy shifts. . “We can adapt to almost anything except uncertainty. And unfortunately, where we are right now is there’s nothing but uncertainty,” Ford Chairman Bill Ford said regarding Trump automotive trade policies during the Mackinac Policy Conference on Michigan’s Mackinac Island in May 2025. Some of the biggest uncertainties center around trade policies, and a number of manufacturers have expressed concerns that changes to the USMCA could disrupt the decades-long evolution of the industry’s North America manufacturing network which sprawls across the borders between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For his part, White House spokesman Kush Desai insisted the administration is ready to provide “breathing room” to help automakers adapt to what’s coming. But, he stressed, “Automakers who want to sell to American drivers need to come to terms with the need to reshore their manufacturing back to the United States.” The challenge, industry officials have warned, is that such a shift is likely to drive up prices and, in turn, drive down sales. If that happens it could defeat the White House goal by reducing U.S. jobs. View the full article

The National Off-Road Racing Association has been putting on races since 1967 and is known for their Baja race that is a little less hardcore than SCORE’s BAJA 1000. Not that the racing isn’t fast, furious, and series, but NORRA allows for older desert off-road machines and has a bit of a nostalgia vibe going on. There is no shortage of racing action this weekend, and we’re so thankful for the free livestream they are putting out thanks to the folks at King of the Hammers. Check it out and let us know what you think below, because we’ve got a week of this racing action! The post NORRA Baja Livestream: The National Off-Road Racing Association Takes On The Mexican Desert appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The Ultimate R34 Skyline GT-R CollectionThe craze continues as Broad Arrow's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction will welcome what is possibly the "ultimate" Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R collection. Five cars, all of which are special, in a rare specification, and in elite condition, are expected to fetch more than $3,000,000 (€3,000,000 optimistic), according to the organizer's estimates. All of these vehicles are R34s, the last generation before a short hiatus that birthed the R35 GT-R. While we're sitting waiting for the R36, the R34's notoriety is as high as ever. All of these cars are offered without reserve, and as a bonus, joining these vintage Nissan Skylines are a pair of Honda NSXs, an NA1 and an NA2, in Type S and Type R trims, respectively. Now bear with me as we take a walk through the history books, in order of estimated price. 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R in Midnight Purple II) Broad Arrow Auctions View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R (Estimate $380,000 to $470,000) A "no-spec" Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R might be worth something, but finished in the factory Midnight Purple II that features a color-shifting coat, and you have yourself a bona-fide collector's item. This particular example doesn't feature a spec and was registered in early 2000, but it's had no expense spared on its restoration. It's also the most heavily modified R34 of the bunch, and it makes over 690 horsepower from a stroked 2.8-liter version of Nissan's legendary RB26. Modifications to this GT-R were done by Hosaka Tuning Factory, and it features a GReddy turbocharger, 18-inch Nismo LMGT4 wheels, a GT limited-slip differential, among plenty of other things. It's restored, ready for auction, and it's sure to be the most standout unit at the auction thanks to that delicious Midnight Purple II paint. It's run a total of 26,952.5 miles (43,376 kilometers), all of which are considered to be from long-term Japanese ownership. Broad Arrow Auctions 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II Nür (Estimate $440,000 to $530,000) This is the quintessential R34 GT-R, the V-Spec II Nür. It's the most famous R34 Skyline GT-R spec, and it served as the final iteration of the Japanese legend before its discontinuation. The 'V' in V-Spec stands for victory, and the "Nür" in the name stands for the Nürburgring. Compared to the M-Spec, the V-Spec prioritized performance and was designed as a track-focused spec for enthusiasts. Fun fact: the Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R was the only generation of Godzilla to receive two iterations of Nissan's V-Spec ideology, with the second being the last and ultimate specification that you could get straight from the factory. On top of its rare spec, this example is finished in JWO Millennium Jade, a rare color with only 156 known examples ever produced. This V-Spec II Nür also comes with a racing-derived N1-specification engine that uses larger, more durable turbochargers, bringing the power up to 325 horsepower from the factory. On top of that, there's also a factory-installed carbon hood with the iconic NACA duct, plus stiffer suspension, gold valve covers, and a speedometer that went up to 186 miles per hour (300 kilometers per hour). Broad Arrow Auctions 2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R M-Spec (Estimate $530,000 to $704,000) M-Spec stands for "mature" according to Nissan's GT-R Spec nomenclature. The M-Spec adopts a more grown-up approach to its specifications, with grand touring, comfort, and driving enjoyment at the top of its priorities when it was conceptualized by Nissan. What sets the M-Spec R34s apart from the rest of the lineup is its focus on grand-touring. The M-Spec package is more than just leather seats; it also features heated front seats, special "Ripple Control"- tuned suspension dampers, and a special color. The other reason M-Specs fetch high values at auction is that only 366 examples were ever produced. This particular one is finished in the spec-exclusive Silica Brass, with a black leather interior package. Only 122 of 366 units in the R34 M-Spec production run were painted, Silica Brass. Mileage figures for this example are 14,291.5 miles (23,000 kilometers), and they appear on an ultra-rare Nismo gauge cluster. It's been cared for throughout its 23-year ownership, making it appear to be a one-owner car. Broad Arrow Auctions 2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II Nismo S-Tune (Estimate $590,000 to $820,000) Alongside the M-Spec GT-Rs were the top-dogs, the V-Specs. As the lineup went, you were given three options: just go for it with the no-spec, go for maturity with the M-Spec, or go for victory with the V-Spec. However, if you wanted more, the Nismo Omori Factory had a few ideas. The S-Tune was a program offered by Nismo for GT-R owners. This particular example started its life as a V-Spec for 1,878 miles (3,023 kilometers) before being handed over to the Nissan Omori Factory for an S-Tune Package. If you didn't know, the 'S' in S-Tune stands for Street. Nismo only officially converted 14 GT-Rs into S-Tunes, making this one of the rarest examples ever. Its pedigree is also well-documented, with complete papers signed off by the engineers at the Omori Factory. What makes this particular example so special is its documentation, which reveals that it's the second-ever S-Tune to come out of the Nismo Omori Factory. When Nissan first launched the program, the Z-Tune was by far the more exclusive package available to owners, requiring screening and a ground-up rebuild. Meanwhile, the S-Tune program was (ironically) more accessible, with its parts available from dealerships at the time. With that, we get 394 horsepower, a full catalog of Nismo parts, and documentation and new stampings that are logged and verified by Nissan themselves. This particular example was sold and driven for three years from 2001 to 2004, logging its first 1,878 miles, and then was submitted for an S-Tune conversion in 2004. From there, the vehicle logged an additional 6,820 miles (10,977 kilometers), as recorded by its odometer. Broad Arrow Auctions 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R CRS by Nismo (Estimate $820,000 to $1,000,000) This is a Clubman Race Spec, otherwise known as CRS. Nismo launched this restoration program back in 2013, and it currently involves a screening process that has approved fewer than 20 GT-Rs for work at the Omori Factory. According to its listing information and vehicle history, this GT-R was delivered to its owner in July 2022 and took a full year to complete its restoration. From the CRS program, it comes with Nismo Omori Factory-quality, a full top-down disassembly and rebuild from chassis to engine and interior, and pretty much every single Nismo part ever made for the R34 GT-R, including the carbon fiber bodywork. The engine is a Nismo F-Sport R engine, a modern take on the RB26 that has been stroked up to 2.8 liters and produces 493 horsepower. On top of that are other parts, such as a Nismo sports radiator, an NE-1 muffler kit, and a set of Nismo dampers, which enhance its handling characteristics. The rest of the CRS package includes an R-Tune carbon fiber hood, forged aluminum Rays Engineering wheels, R35 GT-R Brembo brakes, and other Z-Tune body upgrades. There is also a Nismo instrument cluster with a working Multi-Function Display. The exterior is also finished in the exclusive Omori Factory color, Gunmetal. Broad Arrow Auctions Not Done Yet: Two NSXs Apart from the GT-Rs, there are also two other Japanese legends joining the Skylines on the block, and that's a Honda NA-1 NSX Type-S and a Honda NA-2 NSX Type-R. The Type R will undoubtedly get a lot of attention at the auction, but we also can't deny that the Type S is a rare breed of NSX with only 209 units ever produced. It's finished in Honda's Monte Carlo Blue paint and comes with a titanium exhaust, allowing its 3.2-liter V6 to sing as it rows through its six-speed manual gearbox. The NSX-R is definitely rarer, with only 140 units produced by Honda, and it's finished in Championship White, along with a red Alcantara-clad interior. What makes this particular unit so special is that it underwent Honda's NSX Refresh Plan in 2023. All of these cars will be presented at Broad Arrow’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction happening from May 16 to 17, 2026, at Lake Como. 1999 Honda NSX Type S Broad Arrow Auctions View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Here’s gallery #3, and if you missed the photos we already posted, use the link below to check them out too. (Photos by David Whealon) The PDRA East Coast Nationals at GALOT Motorsports Park were some badass drag races and for good reason. This is one of the coolest dragstrips in the country, and when the PDRA is in town the crowds are always great. With Pro Nitrous, Pro Boost, Pro Street, and more, there is no shortage of great racing action for the fans to see. Lucky for us, David Whealon was on hand shooting photos like a madman, so that we have galleries to share with all you BANGshifters. Check them out below. We have several galleries to share, so click on any photo below to make them bigger so you can scroll through the slideshow. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED OUR PREVIOUS PDRA PHOTOS The post Our 2026 PDRA East Coast Nationals Photos Keep Coming! Big Power, Big Smoke, And A Big Show At GALOT. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Here we go. The 2026 IMSA Racing season is in full swing and this weekend the series is visiting Laguna Seca, one of the most famous race tracks in the country! We’re talking the Michelin Pilot Challenge, Lamborghini Super Trofeo, Mustang Racing and so much more! Check all the action out right here! The post FREE LIVE IMSA RACING FROM WEATHERTECH RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA! Michelin Pilot Challenge, Mustang Challenge, Lamborghini Super Trofeo, And More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It’s time for more road racing in Croft! This weekend has the British Automobile Racing Club back at it again with fun racing action at Croft Circuit just outside of Darlington in the Northern UK. The weather is good, the racers and fans are out in droves, and we’ve got the BARC LIVESTREAM below. Check it out and let us know what you think about all this fun racing action! The post Road Racing Livestream From Croft In The UK: The British Automobile Racing Club At Croft Circuit LIVE May 2-3 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Here we go again! We’ve got GT World Challenge Racing going on live right here from the UK! We dig road racing and who doesn’t love the World Challenge series? This weekends racing is coming to you live from GT World Challenge Europe at Brands Hatch in England where the action is going to be hot and heavy this weekend! The post FREE LIVESTREAM: GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS 2026 At Brands Hatch appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

CX-5 And CX-50 Have Different BuyersThe 2026 Mazda CX-5 went on sale earlier this year, introducing fresh styling, a more spacious interior, and a new touchscreen to replace the old rotating knob infotainment system. Mazda's third-generation CX-5 sells alongside the similarly-sized CX-50 crossover, which has been in production since 2022. It may seem counterintuitive to sell two vehicles in the same competitive segment, but Mazda customers and dealerships don't see it that way. Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article "It's such a big segment and we were seeing different customers wanting different things. The outdoor trend was gaining popularity, and that is where the CX-50 idea came from," explained Jannice Jacobson, Sr Mgr, Strategic Planning & Integration during an interview with Autoblog. "[The CX-50 is] more wagon-like with a lower stance to create a distinctive differentiated positioning versus the CX-5, which was more mainstream," she added. CX-50 Steals Premium Shoppers Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Mazda has noticed that despite having similar entry prices - the CX-5 starts at $29,990 and the CX-50 starts at $29,900 - they are not cannibalizing each other. In fact, the CX-50 saw its strongest sales year ever in 2025 (110,345 units), while the CX-5 finished even stronger (136,335 units). "They still offer their own values and can coexist," Jacobson said. "We're getting early feedback from dealers and they have no issue. Customers see the difference between the two vehicles." Jacobson even pointed out that CX-50 customers tend to come from different demographics than CX-5 buyers, on average. "CX-50 attracts more premium intenders and younger, more affluent males versus the CX-5," which skews more female, she revealed. "CX-50 does also get cross-shopped with more premium brands." At the upper trim levels, the CX-50 is quite luxurious with heated and ventilated seats, heated rear seats, and premium design. It is also among the last vehicles in its segment to offer a turbocharged engine option, which produces 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gasoline. "Design, craftsmanship, and performance; those are the three things premium buyers cite as their top purchase reasons. The CX-50 is able to offer that," Jacobson said. "Performance is probably the reason a lot of premium intenders consider CX-50." Competing With 4Runner And RAV4 Mazda CX-50 Mazda View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Perhaps more surprising than to hear that CX-50 steals sales away from premium brands, Autoblog learned that many customers cross-shop it with "outdoorsy" models like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. "In terms of mainstream segment, the CR-V, RAV4, and Tucson are the more prominent competitors. The CX-50, naturally, just being in the CUV segment, will be cross-shopped with these big players," Jacobson told us. "At the same time, CX-50 gets cross-shopped more with outdoorsy models like the Outback, Bronco, Wrangler, and 4Runner. Vehicles that show more capability and active lifestyle." While the CX-50 Meridian Edition looks more rugged than a standard model or any CX-5, it's not exactly a body-on-frame Wrangler or 4Runner rival. It's much closer to a RAV4. "People don't necessarily buy things that they need, there's a lot of emotion in all of these purchases," Jacobson elaborated. "It's what they want their image or lifestyle to be, but then reality hits." The CX-50 may not make it up the Rubicon trail, but perhaps buyers decide they will never tackle it, so that doesn't matter, so it fits their needs better than a 4Runner. CX-5 Fills The Core 2026 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Toyota RAV4 Mazda/Toyota View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The CX-50 has introduced a new audience in the CUV segment for Mazda, but the CX-5 still serves a crucial role as the company's bestseller. While the CX-50 had immense success in 2025, it was still bested by the more mainstream CX-5, a vehicle that had already been on the market since 2016 and was last facelifted in 2021. "Our intent is to sell more than 200,000 units in the CUV segment. But we want both models to be successful in their own right. If you look at customer potential, the CX-5 being more mainstream, we expect it would capture more buyers because the appeal is larger; it appeals to broader customers in terms of product attributes and values. CX-50 is more targeted, intentional, and purposeful," Jacobson detailed. "You would expect the CX-5 would always be the more volume player but it depends on the cadence, of when these models come out," she added. Mazda will introduce a CX-5 Hybrid in 2027, which should help it compete against popular competitors like the CR-V and RAV4. With the CX-50 Hybrid accounting for over 37% of all CX-50 sales last year, we imagine the hybrid powertrain will act as a major boost for CX-5 sales when it arrives in 2027. View the full article

We’ve got GT World Challenge Racing going on live right here, and not only can you watch the entire race but also live feeds from inside specific racecars. Check out the 34 car race and let us know what you think. We dig road racing and who doesn’t love the World Challenge series? The post GT World Challenge Asia 2026 LIVESTREAM: Watch Race 1 and 2 From Mandalika Right Here! Sports Car Road Racing Action. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article