StreetNewsReporter

The Southeast Gassers Association is heading back to Bama. The top gasser series will visit Holiday Raceway for the Bama Brawl. View the full article

Richard Rawlings is selling his Can-Am Maverick X3, and the auction has no reserve, so go on, place your bid!View the full article

Jeep established an indomitable reputation for building capable off-road SUVs with the original CJ and subsequent generations of the Wrangler. In 2003, the automaker elevated that perception with the even more capable Wrangler Rubicon. It was upgraded with purpose-built hardware straight from the factory, transforming the SUV into the ultimate adventure vehicle. Around 23 years later, Jeep has just hit a major sales milestone for Rubicon-badged models—including the Gladiator Rubicon—with one million units sold globally. Here’s how the Rubicon Jeeps became off-road icons. The Gold Standard For Off-Road Performance Stellantis The original Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was named after the Rubicon Trail in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Based on the TJ generation of the Wrangler, the first Rubicon model introduced the following equipment and upgrades: Tru-Lok locking differentialsRock-Trac 4:1 transfer caseHeavy-duty underbody protectionThese features, together with 32-inch BF Goodrich mud-terrain tires, made for a formidable off-roader that was a significant upgrade over the regular Wrangler. This first Rubicon was equipped with the legendary 4.0-liter AMC straight-six engine, whereas today’s version uses a smaller 3.6L V6. Jeep continued improving the Rubicon through the years, eventually adding disconnecting sway bars, superior recovery hardware, and brake traction control. Stellantis “Reaching one million Jeep Rubicon vehicles sold is a powerful testament to the passion of our owners and the unmatched authenticity of the Jeep brand,” said Bob Broderdorf, CEO, Jeep brand. “For decades, Rubicon has represented the purest expression of Jeep off-road capability. That legacy has been shaped not just by our engineers, but by the global community of off-road enthusiasts who push these vehicles to their limits and inspire us to raise the bar.” Related: Jeep Wrangler Reliability: What 10 Years of Data Actually Says Today’s Rubicon: Off-Roading Perfected 2026 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon Stellantis View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Jeep says the Wrangler Rubicon is the best-selling open-air vehicle in America today, despite the emergence of newer rivals like the Ford Bronco. It comes with a broader selection of off-road modes, an available best-in-class crawl ratio, and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. The Gladiator Rubicon is no less capable and is the only Trail Rated pickup truck. It has an even better towing capacity of up to 7,700 lbs. The cheapest way into a 2026 Wrangler Rubicon is by way of the two-door model, which starts at $45,815 for the six-speed manual model. For an extra $2,995, it can be equipped with the Xtreme 35-Inch Tire Package, which adds 35-inch tires, a 4.56 rear axle ratio, a Jack Spacer by Mopar, and more. The Gladiator Rubicon is priced from $52,520, but it can cost over $60,000 with enough optional extras. Final ThoughtsAlthough over 20 years have passed since the first Wrangler arrived on the scene, much has remained the same. The modern version still has a naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engine, a manual gearbox, Dana 44 axles, and a 4:1 ratio transfer case. The 2026 model has far more amenities, but it still has that classic, boxy Jeep look, inside and out. Just as Mazda has managed to keep the MX-5 recipe the same for decades, Jeep hasn’t messed with the Rubicon formula, which has been the key to the off-roader’s tremendous sales success. View the full article

Thieves broke into the Norfolk Motorcycle Museum and stole two vintage 50cc two-stroke motorcycles. But the interesting thing is what they left behind.View the full article

When engineering discipline collides with sculptural imagination, the result is this one-off BMW R 1250 R reinterpreted by Estonia’s acclaimed Renard Speed Shop for the 2021 World Championship of Custom Bike Building. Built on the foundation of the refined BMW R 1250 R platform, this machine transcends its roadster origins and enters the realm of kinetic art. At its core sits BMW’s 1,254cc air/liquid-cooled flat-twin engine, delivering its signature blend of torque-rich responsiveness through a six-speed gearbox and shaft final […] The post Bike of the Day: 2019 BMW R 1250 R Renard Speed Shop appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Evacuations can be hectic. They can also be dangerous for those driving the equipment needed, which is why Polaris and defense group, Forterra, have designed the CASEVAC, an autonomous side-by-side built to get wounded soldiers and civilians out in a hurry.View the full article

Another Recall, Different ProblemNot long ago, the Jeep Wagoneer S was recalled for a tailgate problem that could detach without warning. Now, Stellantis is issuing another recall for the same model, this time alongside the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona. This time, the issue isn’t about a physical part failing. Instead, it’s about the instrument cluster – the main screen behind the tiller. While the last recall was about a part that could fall off, this one is about what drivers can or cannot see while driving. At first, this might not sound as serious as a tailgate coming loose. But in reality, it affects how drivers keep track of what’s happening with their vehicle. Chase Bierenkoven What Goes WrongAccording to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall covers 20,271 vehicles in total. That includes 11,743 units of the 2024–2025 Wagoneer S and 8,528 units of the 2024–2025 Charger Daytona EV. The problem is that the instrument cluster can stop working. When it does, important warning lights and indicators disappear – including those for brakes, stability control, tire pressure, and even which gear you’re in. Stellantis found the issue to be a software fault in the instrument cluster. The automaker began investigating it in March 2026 after reports of blank displays. By April, it was confirmed that some vehicles may fail to meet safety standards because drivers weren’t getting the right warnings. The main risk isn’t that a system stops working, but that the driver won’t know if something goes wrong. Without warning lights, you could be driving with a problem and not realize it. That lack of information makes it more likely for something to go wrong, especially if it involves brakes or stability control. Kristen Brown What Owners Should DoThe fix is simple: Stellantis will update the instrument cluster software. No parts need to be replaced, so the repair should be quick. Dealers will receive recall information by April 30, 2026, and owners should receive notifications starting May 21. The update will be free once it’s ready. For now, owners should watch for any problems with their displays. If the screen goes blank or the warning lights don’t appear, the vehicle may be affected by the recall. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Keeping up with your race car's maintenance schedule is important. Here's how you can service a Meziere electric water pump.View the full article

Forecast totals for the Pikes Peak summit reach as much as 35 inches over three days, though the official Winter Storm Warning for the broader Rampart Range zone covers 8 to 16 inches. Late April normally means the snow tires come off. This week, southern Colorado and northern New Mexico get the opposite, and the timing is awkward in a specific way. The storm hits the higher elevations first, then the snow level drops to 7,500 feet by Friday morning behind a cold front. Roads that look wet at 6 p.m. Thursday could well be fresh ice by sunrise. If you're crossing I-25 at Raton Pass, the I-70 ski corridor, or any of the southern Colorado mountain passes, avoid the overnight window Thursday into Friday — that's when conditions will be at their worst. Leave Thursday afternoon to get ahead of it, or hold off until Saturday. Everything else is secondary. I-25 and Raton PassIf you're driving I-25 between Trinidad and Raton tonight, the question isn't really whether the road gets bad, it's when. Raton Pass sits at 7,834 feet, and the snow level is forecast to drop to exactly that elevation by Friday morning. So the transition from rain into accumulating snow lands somewhere in the small hours, on the most important freight corridor between Denver and Albuquerque. NWS Albuquerque has the warning running from 3 p.m. Thursday through midnight MDT Friday. 2 to 8 inches between 7,500 and 9,500 feet, 8 to 14 inches above. They're explicit about chains being likely necessary, which is unusual for late-April language out of that office and is worth taking seriously. The same alert covers the Sangre de Cristos on the New Mexico side and the Johnson and Bartlett Mesas, so US-64 east of Taos is in the same forecast. I-70 Mountain Corridor: Eisenhower Tunnel, Berthoud Pass, and the Ski AreasThis is closing weekend at Arapahoe Basin, so whatever else is happening with the storm, that's the context for the I-70 traffic this week. Full lots, full lifts, and a lot of vehicles moving west out of Denver who have already committed to the trip. NWS Boulder has the entire mountain corridor under Winter Weather Advisory through 6 a.m. Friday, with 5 to 13 inches expected and the heaviest amounts in the Front Range Mountains south of I-70 and the Mosquito Range. Eisenhower Tunnel at 11,158 feet is the usual choke point and will be again. Berthoud Pass on US-40, the alternate route to Winter Park, runs higher and gets there first. Rocky Mountain National Park is fully inside the advisory zone, which is its own headline given the spring opening calendar. The named locations in the bulletin read like a Colorado ski-area itinerary. Breckenridge, Winter Park, Fairplay, South Park, Cameron Pass, Willow Creek Pass, Lake George, Mount Blue Sky, the Indian Peaks, the Medicine Bow Range, the East Slopes of the Southern Gore Range. NWS Boulder calls out the Thursday evening commute specifically. That's the window where the conditions and the volume of traffic collide. The picture extends further south through NWS Grand Junction, which has Winter Storm Warnings across the San Juans (Telluride, Pagosa Springs, Wolf Creek Pass) and advisories around Aspen and Vail Pass. Sangre de Cristo and the Wet MountainsLa Veta Pass on US-160 is the only sensible way from I-25 at Walsenburg into Alamosa and the San Luis Valley if you don't want to go all the way up through Salida. Poncha Pass on US-285 is the alternative, and it isn't much better. Both are inside the NWS Pueblo Winter Storm Warning that covers the Sangre de Cristos and Wet Mountains through midnight MDT Friday. 8 to 16 inches across the range, concentrated on the east-facing slopes. Cuchara, Spanish Peaks, Blanca Peak, and Stonewall round out the included passes. Down in Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, the Wet Mountain Valley itself sits below 8,500 feet and runs a separate advisory through Friday noon for 3 to 7 inches, with more on the eastern side as you climb back toward the higher terrain. Whether the forecast verifies on the higher end is another question. The Pueblo office tends to verge cautious, which makes this one worth taking seriously. Pikes Peak and Colorado SpringsThe official Winter Storm Warning for Teller County and the Rampart Range matches the Sangre de Cristos at 8 to 16 inches, holding until noon MDT Friday. Point forecasts for the summit of Pikes Peak itself, above 14,000 feet, run as high as 35 inches over three days. That's a peak-elevation projection, not a warning-zone average, but it's where the "three feet of snow" headlines elsewhere are coming from. Take it for what it's worth. For drivers, the relevant stretch is US-24 between Colorado Springs and Woodland Park, plus the climbs out of Manitou Springs. There's a brief lull early Thursday before intensity builds again through the day. Front Range Foothills, Boulder, DenverThe Boulder advisory zone reaches well east of the high peaks. The Front Range Foothills from Fort Collins down through Boulder and Castle Rock all sit on the edge of the advisory, with Denver metro itself right at the boundary. The Thursday evening commute is the affected window, and anyone heading west out of Denver toward the ski areas climbs straight into the worst of it within thirty minutes. Mosquito Range and CO-91A Pueblo advisory covers the Western Mosquito Range and the higher elevations of Lake, Chaffee, and Fremont counties, including Climax. CO-91 over Fremont Pass, between Copper Mountain and Leadville, sits in the middle of it. 5 to 10 inches through Friday noon. If your trip splits between the I-70 ski corridor and the Buena Vista or Leadville side, that's mountain-pass conditions on both ends. What's Not in This StormThe northern edge stays out of southern Wyoming. NWS Cheyenne has nothing more than a Special Weather Statement around Medicine Bow, so I-25 north of the state line and I-80 across southern Wyoming are clear. South of Raton, the same low-pressure system is producing rain rather than snow across the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles. NWS Amarillo is calling for half an inch or more around Amarillo and Hereford. Useful context for I-40, but not a winter-driving story. Freeze Warnings in parts of Utah and southeastern Idaho cover overnight cold, not snow on the roads. Getty Images Before You DrivePikes Peak and the I-70 corridor advisories lift Friday morning. Sangre de Cristo and Raton warnings hold through midnight Friday night. By Saturday this is mostly gone. Call 511 in whichever state you're driving. For Colorado, use cotrip.org, for New Mexico nmroads.com - both faster than anything else for road conditions. Chains belong in the vehicle if you're crossing Raton, La Veta, Poncha, Wolf Creek, Eisenhower, Berthoud, or Vail tonight. The snow-level drop is what catches people. Wet pavement at 7,500 feet on Thursday evening is ice by Friday morning, and the bridges and overpasses on the lower-elevation approaches get there first. Why both interstates are taking the same hit on the same night, the storm doesn't care to explain. Friday afternoon most of this clears. The overnight window is the part that takes some thought. View the full article

In March of this year, we learned Ferrari was working on an even sharper-handling version of the Purosangue. Already an extraordinary sports car in SUV drag, the Purosangue is now available with a new Handling Speciale configuration. Available on request, the package retains the 715-horsepower output of the V12 but enhances the vehicle’s responses, the sound of the already explosive engine, and the handling characteristics. There are also a few new styling flourishes to distinguish this sportier Purosangue from the standard model. The Sportiest Purosangue Yet Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale Ferrari View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Ferrari started by revising the calibration of the active suspension and claims a 10% reduction in body movements. This makes the SUV feel more compact, with keener changes of direction on twisty roads. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission remains, but the shift strategies have been tweaked for quicker responses, especially in Race and ESC-Off driving modes. At medium to high engine speeds of above 5,500 rpm, manual shift modes are more intense, and this is complemented by changes to in-cabin sound from the naturally-aspirated V12. Ferrari says the mill is now more pronounced when starting up and under acceleration, which is hard to believe if you’ve heard a “regular” Purosangue being manhandled. Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale Ferrari View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article As mentioned, the 6.5-liter V12 still produces 715 hp and 528 lb-ft of torque. It has a claimed 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of around 193 mph. Like its performance specs, the dry weight of 4,482 pounds is unchanged with the Handling Speciale configuration. To make this particular model stand out, Ferrari has added exclusive wheels with a new diamond-cut finish, along with carbon-fiber side shields, matte black exhaust tips, a Prancing Horse emblem in black at the back, and a satin-finish Ferrari script and interior plaque. Related: Ferrari Purosangue Looks Hot with Subtle Carbon Fiber Shower Pricing and Availability Ferrari Ferrari remained tight-lipped on pricing or availability for the Handling Speciale version of the Purosangue. The standard model already starts at almost $430,000, and it’s easy to imagine this package will add at least another $40,000 to $50,000 to that bill. With a few other extras, this could easily end up being a $500,000 SUV—that would still make it a bit of a bargain next to the even pricier Ferrari Luce. We expect it'll arrive later this year as a 2027 model. Nothing else has been shared about this latest Ferrari, but it’s guaranteed to be one of the most thrilling ways to get four people from point A to point B. There are no real rivals for the Purosangue; the Lamborghini Urus is similarly overtly sporty but far cheaper, while the price-competitive Rolls-Royce Cullinan doesn’t have a sporty bone in its opulent body. The Ferrari stands alone in the upper echelon of sporty SUVs, and the new Handling Speciale builds upon an already mighty performer. View the full article

Supercars do get stolen. But a Koenigsegg One:1? That is almost unheard of. The disappearance of one owned by former Formula 1 driver Adrian Sutil is no longer just speculation. New details shared by VFTE confirm that the Swedish hypercar is now part of a worldwide search, with Interpol's help. What makes this case even more unusual is the chain of events that reportedly led to the Koenigsegg leaving Sutil’s possession in the first place. A $22 Million Megacar Vanishes Instagram @hypercars_off According to VFTE, Sutil’s One:1, identified as chassis #7107, has been missing since January 2026. Investigators believe it was moved out of Monaco, with possible links pointing toward Eastern Europe or Russia. With only seven units ever built, the One:1 is instantly recognizable, especially in this specification with its clear carbon fiber body and China Pink accents. The car’s name comes from its 1:1 power-to-weight ratio, pairing 1,360 horsepower with a 1,360 kg (3,000 lb) curb weight. That combination is why Koenigsegg called it the world’s first ‘megacar’.” Valuing something this rare is difficult, but VFTE estimates its value at around $22 million. What Led to the Disappearance Instagram @hypercars_off A January 2026 report from Auto Motor und Sport provides important context. According to the publication, multiple vehicles were removed from Sutil’s Monaco garage after his family was allegedly threatened. His lawyer claimed a caller, who said he was connected to the Wagner Group, warned that the cars would be collected regardless of resistance. Shortly after, several individuals reportedly arrived and took a number of high-value vehicles under pressure. The list is said to include the One:1, along with other notable models such as a Koenigsegg Regera and a Mercedes-Benz 600 Saloon once owned by Elvis Presley. Nowhere to Hide Instagram @hypercars_off Stealing a car like the One:1 is one thing. Moving it on without being noticed is another challenge entirely. Its rarity and distinctive appearance make it incredibly difficult to sell through conventional channels, making private deals or long-term concealment the most likely. Authorities in Germany and Monaco are continuing their investigation alongside Interpol, treating the case as part of a broader, organized operation. For now, one of the most exclusive hypercars ever built remains missing, and the possibility of it vanishing for good remains very real. View the full article

CFMOTO 800MT-ES CFMOTO’s burgeoning adventure-touring line-up grows with the new 800MT-ES, giving Australian riders yet another choice in this highly popular segment. Almost a decade after the 650MT first gave CFMOTO a presence in the parallel-twin adventure-touring space, the Chinese brand’s local line-up has grown quickly. The 800MT family followed in 2022 across Sport and […] The post CFMOTO 800MT-ES lands with electronic suspension, luggage and sharp pricing appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Akrapovič has launched a Grade 5 titanium adventure footpeg set for selected ADV models, with Australian pricing listed at $399 and fitments covering BMW, Ducati, Honda, KTM, Triumph, Yamaha and more. The post Akrapovič launch new titanium lightweight adventure footpegs appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

When Takuya Aikawa of SURESHOT unveiled “Magami” at the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show, it represented a surgical reconstruction of the Buell S1 White Lightning. Named after a Japanese wolf deity, the Magami addresses the inherent mechanical limitations of the original chassis while elevating the platform to world-class performance standards through advanced metallurgy and custom geometry. Aerospace Metallurgy: The 7N01 Frame The structural integrity of the Magami relies on a hybrid frame utilizing 7N01 aluminum alloy. This material is primarily […] The post “Magami” Buell White Lightning by SURESHOT appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Kevin Harvick says he heard enough from the NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway earlier in the month to know that Jim Pohlman and Kyle Busch was not going to work out. And to wit, despite scoring the first top-10 of the season together at Talladega on Sunday, Richard Childress Racing made a crew chief swap for the two-time Cup Series champion this week with Andy Street returning ...Keep readingView the full article

Volkswagen’s new generation of electric vehicles is here and it all starts with this, the all-new ID. Polo subcompact hatchback. By using the well-established Polo name VW is hoping consumers will warm up to the new EV more easily, but if that doesn’t do the trick, the pricing most likely will. That’s because the ID. Polo will be the brand’s cheapest EV yet with a starting price of 24,995 euros (approximately $29,250) in Germany. Another reason to like the new ID. Polo is the new “Pure Positive” design language, which the new EV inaugurates. Highlights include the “friendly face” that’s almost identical to the ID.2all concept that previewed the ID. Polo in 2023, a dynamic profile with muscular wheel arches, hidden rear door handles and a C-pillar inspired by the first-generation Golf, and a sporty rear end featuring a horizontal light bar and a diffuser-like element integrated into the bumper. The Most Grown-Up VW ID Model Yet? Volkswagen View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article As far as the dimensions are concerned, the ID. Polo bridges the gap between the subcompact and compact hatchback segments. It’s 159.4 inches long, 71.5 in wide, and 60.2 in high, with a wheelbase of 102.3 in. Factor in the more efficient packaging enabled by the MEB+ dedicated EV platform, and the ID. Polo’s passenger space and cargo volume are comparable with a Golf rather than a Polo. For example, the trunk can accommodate 15.6 cubic feet with all seats in place—25% more than the current gas-powered Polo—or up to 43.8 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down. View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article Inside the cabin, the big news is the return of physical buttons and switches on the multifunction steering wheel and center console following significant customer backlash over the touch-sensitive sliders used in the ID.3, ID.4 and Mk8 Golf, as well as the over-reliance on touchscreen controls. The ID. Polo features a standard 10-inch Digital Cockpit and a 13-inch tablet-like center touchscreen powered by the new Innovision infotainment system. Another throwback to the Mk1 Golf is the “retro display” feature of the digital cluster which brings back the look and feel of the iconic model. The center screen features permanent shortcut buttons at the bottom for the climate control system and heated seats, some of which are doubled by physical switches placed under the central air vents. VW claims the controls are “clearly designed and ideally accessible.” Two Battery Choices Offering Up to 282 Miles of Range As Volkswagen’s first model based on the MEB+ platform, the ID. Polo brings a lot of improvements, including in terms of range, software and capability. The vehicle will be available with a single-motor FWD powertrain with three output levels: 114 hp, 133 hp and 208 hp. The entry-level and mid-range versions will feature a 37-kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery pack enabling a range of up to 204 miles (WLTP). The top version gets a bigger 52-kWh NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) battery that enables a range of up to 282 miles. Charging the smaller battery from 0 to 80% takes about 23 minutes at DC fast-charging stations, while the bigger pack takes 24 minutes. Volkswagen The MEB+ platform and new software also enable the ID. Polo to offer features like the optional Connected Travel Assist Level 2 semi-autonomous system with automatic traffic light recognition, which supports assisted longitudinal and lateral guidance and also reacts to traffic lights. Additionally, one-pedal driving comes standard, as does the bidirectional charging, more specifically a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function that turns the vehicle into a mobile power source (up to 3.6 kW) for devices such as e-bikes. New Equipment and Tech from Higher Segments Volkswagen View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The ID. Polo will be offered in three trim levels—Trend, Life, and Style—with the entry-level one offering 90 kW DC fast-charging, Side Assist and Lane Assist systems, LED headlights, multifunction steering wheel, automatic air conditioning and more. The standard equipment becomes more sophisticated as you climb the trim ladder, with the Style trim offering features like IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights with LED light strip, 3D LED taillights, illuminated VW logos front and rear, and improved ID.Light interior LED light strip that provides visual cues for navigation, safety, and charging. Optional features include a 425-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, a panoramic glass roof, a pneumatic massage function for the 12-way adjustable front seats, and the Park Assist Pro with remote control and memory function, among other goodies. Pre-sales of the VW ID. Polo have already begun today in Germany with the Life trim with 208 hp and 52 kWh battery, which is priced from 33,795 euros (about $39,500). The cheaper Trend trim will follow in the summer. Unfortunately, VW has no plans to bring the ID. Polo stateside. View the full article

The NASCAR Cup Series television ratings for the race at Talladega Superspeedway were slightly down year-over-year. The race, once again aired live on over-the-air FOX, earned an average of 3.967 million viewers on Sunday according to the Nielsen Big Data + Panel metric used since last year. This is down from the 4.041 average in 2025, which was also on FOX. The 2026 race was won by Carson ...Keep readingView the full article

Toyota builds everything from lightweight sports cars like the GR86 to everyday staples like the Camry. But at Field Style Tokyo 2026, the focus shifts away from flashy concepts like the Celica Sport and toward something more grounded. Instead of headline-grabbing show cars, its Land Cruiser Base division is bringing two one-off SUVs, both named "Urban Style," that explore how these icons can be reimagined for city life. Heritage Icon Reworked: Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Toyota The first concept taps into nostalgia. Finished in beige with paint-matched wheels, it keeps a clean, utilitarian look, while subtle black and grey side stripes nod to 1980s design cues. And it still looks every bit like a go-anywhere machine, especially with its chunky all-terrain tires. For American buyers, this one carries extra intrigue since variants like the 70 Series, including the closely related 79, are not sold in the United States. Modern, Moodier Take: Toyota Land Cruiser 250 Toyota The second concept moves in a different direction. Based on the Land Cruiser 250, also known as the Land Cruiser in the US and the Prado in other markets, it adopts a matte gray finish contrasted with gloss black elements along the roofline and trim. And dark-finished 20-inch wheels complete the look. With Toyota already indicating plans to extend flagship model life cycles to nine years, the 250 will likely stick around for some time. Concepts like this hint at how owners might personalize their SUVs over that longer lifespan. The Bigger Picture Toyota Toyota has not outlined any mechanical upgrades, and the interiors remain under wraps. And since neither model will be mass-produced, that suggests both builds are design studies. Even so, they serve a clear purpose. Toyota wants to remind you what the Land Cruiser Base department is capable of. Land Cruiser Base builds off-on exhibition cars like these, but also manufactures parts for discontinued Land Cruiser models and other customization parts. It forms part of the GR Heritage Parts program that manufactures parts for other older, beloved Toyota models, like the Mk4 Supra and AE86. View the full article

Hyperscreens Are Here to StayFor those hoping that Mercedes-Benz would dial down the Hyperscreen over time, we have bad news for you. The German automaker is sticking to its guns when it comes to that matter, so don't expect simplified interiors from the brand any time soon, or ever. Autocar recently spoke to Mathias Geisen, Mercedes-Benz's head of sales and marketing, regarding the matter. If anything, it's set to double down on the whole thing, and we wouldn't be too surprised if we end up with glass cockpits instead of dashboards in the future. Mercedes-Benz What the Sales and Marketing Chief SaidAccording to the source article, the touchscreens will showcase their 'digital craftsmanship,' and that Mercedes-Benz's current sales and marketing chief is, indeed, a big fan of the screens. "I always refer to my phone: for the last 20 years it basically looks the same, but the magic happens behind the screen, and this is why we are big believers in those screens," said Geisen. It's a stark contrast to Volkswagen's approach to digitalization, further highlighting the crossroads that the German auto industry is facing at the moment. Geisen also said, "We [Mercedes-Benz] have the highest-craft machine in the interior, in look and feel and materials, but we make sure that this overall experience seamlessly blends into what you do on the digital side." He further added that these screens add a touch of personalization with the ability to change themes and wallpapers uploaded into the infotainment system, adding to the physical personal touches that one can put on the car, in this case, the C-Class EV. Mercedes-Benz ConsolationThat said, Mercedes-Benz isn't being deliberately obtuse; there are customer clinics that have requested bringing the buttons back, so the company did just that. Mind you, the company isn't giving us a whole heap of them, but at least some basic functions won't be buried in the massive touchscreens. In the case of the electric C-Class, there is a rocker switch and a scroll wheel on the steering wheel, but there are still a fair degree of capacitive touch panels on it. There is, however, a small row of buttons on the high-set center console, namely for the drive modes, exterior cameras, microphone, and another scroll wheel for volume. Expect the next generation of Mercedes-Benz models to adopt a layout similar to that of the new C-Class EV, as well as the CLA and GLB. The gas-fed (facelift) version of the C-Class is coming soon, and don't be shocked when you're greeted by a face full of screens. Mercedes-Benz View the full article

Nitro Funny Car driver Spencer Hyde is set for a rare double-duty weekend at South Georgia Motorsports Park, competing in both his Jim Head Racing Nitro Funny Car and Stan Shelton’s ’67 Mustang Pro Mod in a substitute-driver role. It has been a long time – if ever – since a nitro driver has taken on two very different horses in the same weekend, but Hyde will do exactly that in Valdosta. From the raw power and precision of a Nitro Funny Car to the fierce, unpredictable world of Pro Mod racing, Hyde’s weekend is shaping up to be one of the most unique storylines in the pits. Hyde will step into Shelton’s Mustang after Shelton became unavailable due to a family obligation. For Shelton, the decision came down to confidence, composure, and proven Pro Mod experience. “Unfortunately, I’m not able to be behind the wheel this weekend, but I wanted to make sure the car was put in the right hands,” said Stan Shelton. “Team Shelton Motorsports has been working hard to continue improving our program in NHRA Pro Mod, and missing a race with one of our cars was not an option. We are thankful the class has a substitute-driver platform in place for situations like this. “Spencer is not just a talented driver; we consider him a friend and a fierce competitor. He brings a level of energy and enthusiasm that matches our team’s dynamic perfectly. He may drive a Nitro Funny Car, but he has Pro Mod blood running through his veins. “I would also like to thank Jim Head for allowing this opportunity to happen,” Shelton added. “We would like nothing more than to see Spencer double-fisting two Wallys on Sunday – one in Nitro Funny Car and one in Pro Mod.” Hyde’s double-duty effort will give fans at South Georgia Motorsports Park a unique opportunity to see one driver compete across two dramatically different platforms in the same weekend: a Nitro Funny Car and a Pro Mod ’67 Mustang. The Shelton team will continue working through its normal race-weekend program, with Hyde joining the effort as the substitute driver for the Valdosta event. Kevin Rivenbark will also wheel the team’s second entry, the ’71 Ford Mustang. Fans can catch Team Shelton Motorsports and NHRA Pro Mod in action this weekend at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Valdosta, Georgia. This story was originally published on April 29, 2026. The post Spencer Hyde Set for Rare Double-Duty Weekend at South Georgia Motorsports Park first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Loss of SteeringA vital part of driving is steering, so when an owner/driver experiences a loss of that ability, panic and safety ensue. There are multiple reasons a loss of steering might occur, ranging from a system issue to a software glitch. Tesla is no stranger to owner complaints about various issues pertaining to its cars. In the case of two unlucky 2023 Tesla Model Y owners, the issue arose from something far more alarming. According to these owners, their Model Y's steering wheel came completely off, leaving them without the erm... ability to steer. An Investigation was opened to get to the bottom of it, and it's now closed. Zac Palmer End-of-Production-Line RepairsThe NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) was the department responsible for determining what went wrong with these two cars. According to the report, two cars experienced the detachment of the steering wheel from the steering column while in motion. The initial investigation revealed that both cars were delivered to the owners without the retaining bolt used to secure the steering wheel to the steering column. ODI further found that the main cause of the failure in both 2023 Model Ys was end-of-production-line repairs (rectification) requiring removal and reinstallation of the steering wheel before release from the factory. Rectification is a production process done outside of the assembly line. Manufacturers often do this to repair any defects found prior to the vehicle's release from the factory. Since it happens outside of the production line, the standard quality control safeguards aren't used. This can lead to incorrect or incomplete repairs. Following the investigation's findings, ODI requested additional data on cars built in the same facilities and time period to assess just how widespread the issue is. This included production data, steering wheel detachment reports for all MY 2022 – 2023 Tesla models, the number of vehicles undergoing end-of-line steering wheel removals/reinstallations, information about Tesla’s procedures and process controls pertaining to this activity, and Tesla’s assessment of the alleged defect. Zac Palmer Isolated IssueAfter reviewing all the data provided by Tesla, the ODI has concluded its investigation of the specific issue. The report details the following: No additional related incidents have occurred in the subject's cars or other vehicles. The cars that suffered the issue were used for fewer than 400 miles, so any other new incidents should have occurred by now.Any rectified Model Ys built after January 2023 did not exhibit the same issues.Tesla has already applied better rectification protocols to address the previous errors. View the full article

Built on InnovationSaab was one of the most innovative automakers that didn’t survive to the present day. While the Swedish marque is often remembered for later models like the 9-3 and 9-5, it also helped pioneer the practical use of turbocharging in everyday cars. There were likely other projects that never made headlines, including one in which Saab developed a unique V8 engine. According to a report from The Autopian, General Motors shelved that powertrain in favor of its own V6 engine. It is unclear whether the scrapped V8 would have made Saab more appealing, especially since it was reportedly intended for the U.S. market, but it is still worth revisiting today, given that the brand was best known for inline-four engines. The Twin-Four ExperimentThe V8 project was intended for the Saab 9000 midsize luxury sedan in the 1980s, when the model was designed to help the brand gain traction in the U.S. market. The engine was created by joining two Saab inline-four engines into a single 4.0-liter V8 with a 90-degree layout dubbed “Twin Four.” No turbochargers were fitted due to packaging limitations, but output was reportedly around 230 horsepower, which was said to be enough for the chassis. General Motors stepped in in 1989, acquiring a 50% stake in Saab to form Saab Automobile AB. But instead of funding Saab’s V8 development, which was backed by 65,000 km (40,389 miles) of testing for the prototype car, GM chose to use its own powertrain. The 9000 received a 3.0-liter GM V6 for the 1995 model year, before the nameplate was succeeded by the 9-5 in 1997, though production ran until 1998. Saab The Turning PointGM took full control of Saab in 2000, but the company was hit hard by the 2008 financial crisis, forcing it to cut underperforming brands – a move that also led to the demise of Pontiac and Saturn. Saab was sold to Spyker Cars in 2010, but its attempted rescue later collapsed after GM blocked a deal with Chinese investors over concerns about its technology being shared with Chinese companies. The report stated that only five complete engines were built, with the sole Saab 9000 V8 prototype residing in the Uusikaupunki factory museum in Finland. It remains in running condition, but that is likely as far as the engine will ever go. Saab View the full article

This is so awesome! The Monaco Historic Grand Prix is one hell of an event, and it’s back after a few years off! If you dig old race cars, you are going to love this. And the way that it is organized at Monaco is something special. They organize the F1 races based on years, and they livestream the entire weekend. We shared the livestream already, and if you missed it then use the link below. But if you just want to see the independent races, we’re going to share those as well, and the first one is down below. This is the 1966-1972 Formula 1 race and just look at how sexy these race cars are! Video Description: Monaco Historic has returned! It’s been a couple of years since we experienced the magic of historic racing around the streets of Monaco, but it’s just as evocative as we remember. Time to enjoy a full race of 1966-1972 Formula 1. The post Watch The Entire 1966-1972 Formula 1 Race at the Monaco Historic Grand Prix 2026. Epic Sexy Vintage F1 Cars Racing. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Hyundai has given its flagship sedan a fresh update, refining a nameplate many American buyers may not even realize still exists. Known today as the Grandeur and previously sold globally as the Azera, this full-size luxury sedan shares similar DNA with the Kia K8, and it targets the same segment as the Genesis G80, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It may not be sold in the U.S. anymore, but it reminds us just how far Hyundai has come. The brand is even doubling down on design, recently bringing in Brad Arnold as Chief Designer for North America. 2027 Hyundai Grandeur Facelift: What’s New Hyundai This latest refresh arrives about three and a half years after the seventh-generation Grandeur first launched. Hyundai keeps its heritage-inspired look, with the thinner light elements and a longer front end giving it a sharper, more modern face, which Hyundai calls the "Shark Nose". Details like the C-pillar opera glass and frameless doors remain from the original 1986 model, helping the car stand out without losing its identity. There is also a new Artistic Burgundy color available to add a bit more flair. Step inside, and the cabin continues to focus on comfort. The wraparound layout feels lounge-like, with soft materials, ambient lighting, and rear seats that recline at the push of a button. It is clearly designed with passengers in mind, not just the driver. We're glad to see automakers still building big sedans like this in a world dominated by SUVs. 17-Inch Infotainment Screen and OTA Updates Hyundai Technology is where the biggest changes happen. The Grandeur now adopts Hyundai’s new 17-inch Pleos Connect infotainment system, powered by Android Automotive OS. This is part of a bigger push across the lineup, with models like the IONIQ 3 also getting the same system. While physical buttons remain, the large touchscreen is still central to how the car functions, handling functions like adjusting the air vents. A new sunroof has been added, which can switch between transparent and opaque by the press of a button, and the Artisan Burgundy color is available for interior finishes, too. Furthermore, the system supports better voice commands, built-in apps, and wider over-the-air updates. These updates now go beyond navigation, covering key systems like suspension, powertrain, and driver assistance tech. Features like Digital Key 2 and a fingerprint scanner add another layer of convenience, letting drivers unlock, start, and even pay for services like tolls and fuel via Hyundai Carpay without a traditional key. Luxurious Ride and Hybrid Power Hyundai Beyond the screens, Hyundai has not forgotten what matters in a luxury sedan. The Grandeur continues to offer a smooth ride thanks to features like electronically controlled suspension that reads the road ahead. Multiple powertrain options remain, including gasoline, hybrid, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) variants. While Hyundai is busy developing a new N engine for its performance cars, it clearly hasn't put luxury on the back burner. View the full article

The premier gasser drag racing of the Southeast Gassers Association drives forward into the heart of Dixie for race two of 2026. It has been almost five years since the last SEGA championship race was contested in the state of Alabama. A first-ever visit to Holiday Raceway in Woodstock, AL, will host the SEGA action that is The Bama Brawl presented by Superior Performance Transmissions. The last SEGA visit to Alabama was at Lassiter Mountain Dragway. This time, Holiday Raceway will play host. It is a long-awaited inaugural event as the weather hindered visiting the location in 2025. Though the weather didn’t cooperate last year, Holiday Raceway itself fits nicely into the line-up of SEGA-visited tracks. The dragstrip has a history dating back to 1968 and is a family-owned and operated facility. With SEGA at Holiday Raceway, fans will be able to enjoy a nostalgic gasser holiday at the dragstrip. NASCAR had the Allisons, Bonnett, and Farmer making up their Alabama Gang. SEGA is no different, having its own Bama Bunch, who are some of the toughest and winningest competitors in gasser competition. Dean, Oden, and Rainwater are some of the fiercest and feared racers in SEGA with numerous championships to their credit. From Super Stock to A/Gas, in each SEGA championship category, Alabama is represented. The Bama Bunch intends to hold the line in their home state. The Bama Brawl for 2026 will ring the bell for action on Friday at 5:00 PM Central with a SEGA-only test and tune (gates open at 4 PM CT – $20 admission). Saturday has qualifying scheduled for 1:00 PM Central with championship eliminations to follow (gates open at 11 AM CT – $25 admission – $35 weekend pass). Southeast Gassers Association competition will go through heads-up eliminations to the point of crowned event champions during an authentic 1960s racing experience. Can the Bama Bunch sweep all the championship categories? Or do out-of-state SEGA competitors claim the prize of event champion at this inaugural Holiday Raceway event? For more information, you can visit www.southeastgassers.com or www.holidayraceway.com – also check out the social media outlets for both the Southeast Gassers Association and Holiday Raceway on the major platforms such as Facebook. This story was originally published on April 29, 2026. The post Southeast Gassers Association Returns To Alabama For The Bama Brawl At Holiday Raceway first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article