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When a seasoned mechanic tells you the best Toyota you can buy right now is also one of the simplest, it's worth paying attention. The Car Care Nut, an experienced mechanic on YouTube, recently laid out his case for the 2026 Corolla Hybrid. His reasoning cuts through the noise of modern automotive marketing and lands somewhere surprisingly refreshing. In a market obsessed with turbos, direct injection, and screens that do everything except drive the car, the Corolla Hybrid quietly does the opposite. For a 2026 vehicle, it is almost aggressively uncomplicated. Toyota View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A Modern Hybrid With An Old-School EngineToyota made a significant move when it switched the Corolla Hybrid to the fifth-generation hybrid system in 2023. What they did not change is equally telling. The 1.8-litre 2ZR-FXE engine underneath has been around since roughly 2009, and Toyota has left it largely untouched. It runs port injection rather than direct injection, which keeps carbon buildup off the intake valves, a problem that plagues a huge number of modern engines, quietly killing engine life. There’s also no turbocharger to add a potential point of failure. It uses a single VVT-i and a design philosophy that prioritises longevity over headline figures. The same engine has powered the Prius, the C-HR Hybrid, and the Lexus CT200h, accumulating hundreds of thousands of real-world miles across multiple model lines. While there are no EGR problems to speak of yet with this engine, the EGR valve itself is now easier to access and replace on this updated model. Where Simple Becomes SmartThe fifth-gen hybrid system in the 2026 Corolla Hybrid brings real-world improvements. Longer electric range, smoother transitions, better battery utilisation, and a lithium-ion battery that makes the whole setup feel more refined. While not the quickest transmission, the e-CVT fitted is one of Toyota's finest transmissions. According to mechanics who work on these cars, it barely needs fixing. The shifter is also cable-operated, not electronic, which means you can still shift to neutral even if the battery dies completely. Some of the other changes are not likely to ever be noticed by buyers, but contribute to the overall longevity of the car. Like the fact that the catalytic converter sits in a less rust-prone position now. Adding to the list of why this seasoned service technician thinks it’s the best car Toyota makes in 2026, the Corolla Hybrid’s fuel economy sits close to 60mpg, while the interior keeps things honest with zero gimmicks. In an industry obsessed with reinventing the automobile every three years, the Corolla Hybrid succeeds by refining what already worked. View the full article

Chicago native TJ Zizzo and the Rust-Oleum-backed Zizzo Racing team turned in a memorable weekend performance at their home event, the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK, advancing into race day after qualifying No. 10 in a stacked Top Fuel field at Route 66 Raceway. Zizzo piloted the Rust-Oleum Top Fuel dragster to a strong 3.774-second pass at 331.61 mph during Friday night qualifying, securing the team’s spot for race day and once again proving why Zizzo Racing is regarded as one of the toughest part-time operations in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. In Sunday’s opening round, Zizzo squared off against four-time Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown in one of the most competitive matchups of the first round. Zizzo lost the starting line advantage over Brown, but he stayed in contention throughout the run before Brown narrowly drove around him for the win. “We gave Antron [Brown] a run for his money,” said Zizzo. “The car performed, and the driver did okay. Most importantly, besides giving Antron a run for the money, my dad left here with a smile. That’s always a positive in our book here at Zizzo Racing. Look around, we had fun. This is probably the most fun I’ve had at Chicago in a long time.” For Zizzo, the weekend represented far more than just on-track performance. Racing in front of family, friends, sponsors and hometown fans made the Route 66 event one of the highlights of the season for the Chicago-based driver, who is competing in a limited schedule during the 2026 season. Throughout the weekend, Zizzo hosted his annual Nitro Cakes pancake breakfast for fans and welcomed approximately 250 guests through the team’s hospitality and suite experience at the track.“We had roughly 250 people here,” said Zizzo. “We had a suite, we had the Kittie’s Warriors charity on the midway, we had hospitality and we had MTT Master Truck & Trailer RVs out here. We had so much going on and it was a blast.” The weekend also served as another reminder of the consistency and professionalism the Zizzo Racing operation has become known for despite its part-time schedule. “It’s always so cool to pull this car out, and out-qualify people who do this for a living,” said Zizzo. “When I go to other race shops to get advice or pick up parts, they say to me, ‘you guys are the best part-time team out there.’ And that’s an incredible thing to hear.” Zizzo was quick to credit his experienced crew for the team’s continued success against the sport’s full-time powerhouses. “My crew guys are the best,” said Zizzo. “And what they love is the nods they get from other teams, after we go out there and rip a good session. Those little nods that other teams give our team members are what keeps bringing them back. We go up there, we look professional, we act professional, and things work out in our direction most of the time.” Zizzo Racing’s next race will be the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals on September 2-7 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. To keep up to date on Zizzo Racing’s 2026 plans, follow TJ Zizzo on social media. And for tickets or more information on the NHRA U.S. Nationals visit www.nhra.com. This story was originally published on May 19, 2026. The post TJ Zizzo Keeps Busy and Positive During Hometown Race in Chicago first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

For full-time Chicago firefighter and Funny Car driver and team owner Chris King the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak was a solid start to his 2026 NHRA season. The independent team rolled into Rt. 66 Raceway looking to make four quality runs in qualifying, earn a spot in the 16-car field and represent their sponsors Howards Cams/Competition Products with strong runs on race day. King made the most of the three-day national event earning the No. 16 qualifier spot with a solid 4.142 second run at 266.79 mph pass. For his efforts he drew the No. 1 qualifier and defending event winner Jack Beckman. “We’re finally getting this car dialed in, and it’s only getting better,” said King. “This Howards Cam/Competition Products Funny Car is fast, but this chassis is older, the body is older, and those older technologies don’t like fast. Now we’re fighting old technology with power, and we’re trying to get that happy median going. (Crew chief) Bob’s (Peck) doing a great job at getting this thing caught up, we stretched out the clutch a little bit, and kind of reeled it in, and changed some weight and balance, and it responded. It still lifted the front end up, and it knocked a couple holes out, but it was trucking. It was a good run, and we’re very happy with it.” King and Beckman have a long history together and the first round had several interesting story lines. Beckman’s son Jason designed the livery on King’s 12,000-horsepower Nitro Funny Car. Beckman is a consistent supporter of King throughout the season, and the Funny Car drivers discuss the ins and outs of racing one of the toughest classes in motorsports on a regular basis. King was looking to make a strong showing in front of his Chicago friends and family while Beckman was looking to impress his hometown-based sponsor Peak with another national event win in their backyard. “I love racing Jack, because he’s a true professional, and he’s one of my best friends out here,” said King. “Jack’s one of my big supporters, and getting to race him, it’s all fun and joking and up front, but when the helmets are on, he wants to beat me, and I want to beat him. The minute we pull the cars off at the top end, we hop out of the cars and give each other big hugs and congratulations. We were talking about how fun that run was.” Both cars took off the starting line together with King grabbing a head start off the line. As they crossed the halfway mark Beckman began to pull away. At the finish line it was Beckman getting the win light with a quicker 3.945 second run in front of a respectable 4.233 second run.“I kept them honest, at least,” said King proudly. “I did everything I could do. We made a clean run that looked good. I left on him. He is with John Force Racing, and Jack is phenomenal driver. That car outperformed us, and I’m not mad about it. We ran a good lap, we looked good, the car felt good. We’re chasing some balance issues with the chassis. It still hiked the front end pretty good, so it probably made for a good video watching it, and it was fun to drive. I didn’t see him until the very, very end, which was kind of cool.” Prior to race day King spent Saturday morning with fellow Chicago-based driver TJ Zizzo serving Nitro Cake pancakes to fans. The fan interaction opportunity was part of a busy Saturday for King who was also a featured guest on the NHRA stage with Hannah Rickards talking about his racing journey and plans for the weekend to the fans in the NHRA pit area. Between qualifying runs King was on the rope line signing hero cards and Competition Products catalogues for fans. “It’s very cool being here, first, for the friends and family, but also for the fans,” said King. “The whole experience about being the hometown guy. When I was in the car, I heard them in Q4 saying, ‘Oh, Chris is probably gonna pull out of the lanes.’ I was like hell no we aren’t pulling out. We’re putting on a show. Our friends, our family, first responders, everybody’s here to see these Funny Cars go down the track. We’re going down the track. That almost bit me in the rear end, but it was a hell of a pass, a hell of a save, and I’m hoping it added to my street cred with my driving capabilities all weekend. This thing’s been hiking up the front, making exciting videos, and dancing around and hauling. I hope that people notice that just because we’re a small team, we belong here.” Overall, the weekend was a strong start for King, and he will head back to his shop with solid race data and a positive attitude for the rest of the season. King and the Howards Cam/Competition Products Funny Car plan to compete at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, June 26-28. This story was originally published on May 19, 2026. The post Chris King Makes Solid Start to 2026 Season in Chicago first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The New Cost of Going GreenThe days of receiving giant government checks just for buying a battery-powered vehicle are officially over. After abolishing federal EV tax credits last year, lawmakers are now aggressively shifting from promotion to taxation. According to Reuters, a new bipartisan proposal in the U.S. House, introduced by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair and Republican, Sam Graves, and Democrat Rick Larsen, aims to levy a flat $130 annual fee on electric vehicles to fund road repairs. Plug-in hybrids would not escape the dragnet either, as they face a lesser $35 annual charge. This legislation is part of a massive five-year highway reauthorization bill seeking $580 billion ahead of the September expiration of current funding laws. The rationale behind the move rests on the highway trust fund, which depends on fossil fuels. Most federal money for road repairs is currently raised through diesel and gasoline taxes. Because electric car owners never pull up to a conventional gas pump, they bypass this entire revenue loop while still putting miles on the tarmac. Under the new proposal, the government plans to dial up the pain by adding a $5 annual hike starting in 2029. This mechanism will eventually cap out at a hefty $150 yearly fee for pure EVs and $50 for plug-in models. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/Getty Images From Flat Fees to Tracked MilesWashington has long eyed battery electric drivers as an untapped reservoir for infrastructure cash. Some radical factions previously floated far more aggressive ideas to curb the shortfall. Republican senators proposed a staggering $1,000 annual EV tax to shock drivers into paying their share. Environmental groups like the Sierra Club have already weaponized their press teams against this latest bill. They argue that the policy is an irresponsible tax that simultaneously strips critical funding away from developing charging networks. Even advocacy groups like the Electrification Coalition point out that the average gas-powered vehicle contributes only around $88 annually in federal fuel taxes, making a flat fee fundamentally unbalanced. The conversation is also shifting toward alternative methods for monitoring and taxing vehicle usage. Rather than assessing a predictable flat fee, multiple states have toyed with transitioning to a pay-per-mile tax system. This distance-based taxation framework requires motorists to report their odometer readings or install tracking devices to pay for actual road usage. The U.S. Department of Transportation is also using this highway bill to target autonomous commercial operations. The legislation orders new performance-based safety standards for self-driving trucks and buses within two years. It establishes strict federal oversight that overrides state rules and mandates that autonomous school buses must retain a human operator. Kristen Brown Mixed SignalsThe automotive landscape has reached a frustrating tipping point for green mobility. Ever since federal tax credits were deleted, regional governments have tried and failed to preserve buyer incentives. California recently reversed its public pledge to revive state-level EV tax credits due to a bruising budget deficit. Governor Gavin Newsom blamed federal rollbacks but ultimately directed remaining funds into infrastructure rather than consumer pockets. This flip signposted a grim reality for automakers who relied on government subsidies to close the pricing gap with internal combustion cars. This nationwide policy pivot will inevitably slow the adoption of electric vehicles. Stripping away the carrot of tax credits and replacing it with the stick of mandatory annual fees destroys the financial incentive to go green. Consumers are highly price-sensitive, and rising ownership costs will push mainstream buyers back toward traditional combustion engines. The dream of affordable zero-emission transportation is dying a slow death under the weight of bureaucratic cash grabs. We are rapidly sliding backward into the old days when electric mobility was nothing more than an expensive luxury. View the full article

The Niagara Following a concept unveiling in 2023, Renault is moving forward with a new nameplate for its lineup. Dubbed the Niagara, it's part of the French automaker's futureREady strategic plan, which also involves launching 14 more new models outside of Europe by 2030. With the Niagara name, Renault seeks to convey strength, resilience, and an ability to withstand the elements. It also serves as an invitation to explore the great outdoors, says the brand. Sylvia dos Santos, Head of Naming Strategy at Renault, explained the name, stating that "Niagara is of Native American origin. It refers to the thundering sound of the water and to the immensity of the land. It suggests the grandeur, power, and robust strength of the elements while also inviting us to explore the great outdoors. It conveys the promise of a vehicle designed for both everyday use and trips away." Renault Debuting on September 10, 2026The new truck will be ready for launch soon. Targeted for a September launch, "the new pick-up consolidates our Renault range in Latin American countries. Versatile, spacious, and comfortable with strong styling, this pick-up will meet the needs of all our customers," said Jan Ptacek, Vice President of Renault's LCV Business Unit. For now, the brand is keeping quiet about its powertrain. Based on the 2023 concept, the Niagara was said to feature a 48-Volt Mild Hybrid system, but that remains unconfirmed at this point. Considering Renault's futureREady strategy, the company plans to rely on hybrid and electric powertrains moving forward, so possible candidates include Renault's mild hybrid, E-Tech hybrid, or E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid. In addition, Renault announced that the Niagara will be assembled at the Córdoba plant in Argentina, with availability in Latin America expected in late 2026. Renault More Details Apart from what Renault mentioned, the brand released a 10-second teaser video that reveals two details of the new pick-up's rear end. The first is a side shot of the taillights, featuring a geometric pattern lit by LEDs. Following that, a garnish joins the taillights together, and the shot ends with a debossed Niagara logo under the new Renault logo. On top of that, it appears that Renault will offer a matte paint job in the lineup. You can expect a design that's close to the concept. Several features match up, save for the light bar that stretches across the tailgate. Renault View the full article

Spencer Hyde, the Canadian driver of the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car, continued to build consistency this weekend at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK. The reigning NHRA Rookie of the Year made his best pass of the season during qualifying, earning him a solid No. 5 qualifying position in a stacked Funny Car field. “Three out of our four qualifying runs were handedly in the 3.9-second range, and when you can consistently make those quick A-to-B runs, that gives both the driver and team a lot of confidence,” said Hyde. “Now that we’re seeing more consistency, I’m hoping more personal bests will also be around the corner.”Hyde’s best pass of the weekend came during the third round of qualifying, a 3.930 second, 329.26 mph pass that was the quickest of the session, earning him three valuable bonus points. This run was also both the quickest and fastest of his 2026 season thus far. “That run felt really good, from my perspective in the seat,” said Hyde. “I was confident even before I read the time slip that it was our best run of the year. It was great to see that I was right. That run also made me excited because I knew the conditions of that run would be like E1 on race day.” The Chicago area race is the sixth of the season and is the beginning of summer racing. It was obvious to all the race teams why Chicago is called The Windy City, as they all battled the windy conditions throughout the weekend. In the first round, Hyde was up against No. 12 qualifier Alexis DeJoria, a driver he had a 2-1 record against in previous eliminations. “I’ve faced Alexis now a few times, and I know what to expect when it comes to her routine,” said Hyde. “I knew it would be windy, but that was an obstacle everyone in the class was having to deal with. I was optimistic going into the run, but we unfortunately overpowered the track with the tune up, and Alexis was able to get the best of me, even though I left on her. Now that we have a tied record, I look forward to our next matchup.” DeJoria went on to runner-up, making this the sixth race of the season where the driver who eliminated Hyde went on to either win the race or runner-up in the finals. Despite the early race day exit, Hyde is thankful for the continued support of his sponsors, including Hyde Construction, OUTLAW Light Beer and the Caine Group. “Our sponsors deserved better than what we were able to execute today,” said Hyde. “But we did make a lot of progress from a data perspective with the car this weekend, and I am looking forward to turning on more win lights for them when we head to another new track in Maryland in a few weeks.” Hyde and the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car will be back in competition in two weeks at the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS on May 29-31 at Maryland International Raceway. For this new national event, there will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, May 29 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, May 30. For tickets or more information on the Potomac Nationals visit www.nhra.com. This story was originally published on May 19, 2026. The post Spencer Hyde Gains Consistency in Chicago first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Volvo Says the EX60 Won’t Repeat Past MistakesThe Volvo EX60 is finally making its presence felt in the US, and the starting price is aggressive – lower than the BMW iX3 and not far off a regular gas XC60. However, after the software issues with the EX30 and EX90, we won’t be surprised if you’re wary. Volvo insists things will be different this time. Speaking to Drive, Volvo executives openly admitted the company struggled during the rollout of its earlier electric models. Lorina Gewargis, Product Manager for the EX60, said Volvo learned “tremendously much” from the EX90 and EX30, adding that the EX60’s software has been developed with far more stability and quality control in mind. The EX60 sits on Volvo’s new SPA3 platform, with overhauled electrical systems and Google Gemini AI baked in. Volvo says this setup lets the car’s systems and infotainment actually talk to each other, which should cut down on the bugs and hiccups that tripped up earlier models. Gewargis also pointed out that winning back customer trust is now a top priority. Volvo What Went Wrong With the EX30 and EX90Volvo’s last couple of EV launches were rocky. The EX30 drew flak for buggy infotainment, spotty keycard access, and some issues with the electric motor. The EX90 had it even worse, with software delays pushing the launch back by as much as nine months in some markets. According to Volvo’s Head of Product and Connected Experience, Anders Lindbom, the company simply underestimated how difficult the transition to becoming a software-defined car maker would be. He admitted Volvo “was not completely there in the first phase,” but said the company has since evolved its testing and validation process significantly. Volvo says it’s now running a much bigger automated software testing setup to catch bugs and integration problems earlier in the process. Lindbom explained that they’ve worked on making sure the car’s main systems and infotainment actually play nice together – something that clearly tripped them up with the EX30 and EX90. Volvo knows its reputation is at stake here. Lindbom said they’re being extra careful with the EX60, since earning back customer confidence is key if they want to keep growing EV sales worldwide. Volvo What Americans Can Expect From the EX60Volvo expects the EX60 to attract both loyal XC60 owners ready to go electric and newcomers who’ve been waiting for an EV in this size and price range. For a lot of buyers, the EX30 was just too small and the EX90 too pricey – so the EX60 could be the Goldilocks option. Volvo is also zeroing in on the three things that still make buyers hesitate about EVs: range, charging speed, and price.ty. Unlike some of Volvo’s other EVs that come from China, the EX60 is set to be built in Sweden. That could make a difference for American buyers who care about where their car comes from. As for whether the software finally delivers on Volvo’s promises, that’s something only real-world owners will be able to say. But at least this time, Volvo seems ready to own up to its past missteps. Volvo View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Driver Data BusinessAutomakers have long sold driver data to third parties for profit, though the practice has only recently come under greater scrutiny through lawsuits involving brands such as Toyota and General Motors. But it appears the approach may not continue, not only because of regulatory hurdles and growing backlash, but also since automakers are barely making meaningful profits from it anyway. For those hearing this for the first time, automakers argue that subscribing to their connected services means agreeing to the terms and conditions, which may include the sale or sharing of user data. Connected services include features such as navigation, location tracking, and vehicle diagnostics, all of which need data to function. That data is allegedly sold or shared with third parties, such as data brokers and insurance-related companies, potentially allowing insurers to raise or lower rates based on a car owner’s driving behavior. Chevy Not Exactly a Gold MineNow, Automotive News, citing Omdia’s latest Software-Defined Vehicle Survey, suggested that automakers are not seeing significant gains from selling customer data. Between 2020 and 2024, Honda reportedly earned just 26 cents per vehicle from driver data sales, while Hyundai generated about 61 cents per vehicle from 2018 to 2024. Instead of selling the data, the survey – which gathered responses from 559 auto industry professionals across seven markets, including the U.S. – suggested that automakers could see greater value by using it internally, particularly to improve advanced driver assistance features such as lane-keeping assist. That argument may hold up, as even affordable cars like the Nissan Sentra, which starts at around $22,000, already offer advanced driver-assistance features. Predictive maintenance is also seen as a strong source of after-sales revenue while helping improve customer loyalty. Chevrolet Connected Cars Aren’t Going AwayAmid the privacy concerns, General Motors and its connected service, OnStar, were prohibited by the Federal Trade Commission from sharing certain data with consumer reporting agencies for five years. However, the automaker continues to offer data-driven features, including Super Cruise, which provides functions such as hands-free driving. As cars become more advanced, with models like the Tesla Model 3 often described as software-defined vehicles, more data will inevitably be processed. The question now is how that data can be used properly without violating privacy rights. Lawmakers have even proposed systems that could prevent cars from starting if they detect that the driver is drunk. But if anything, this survey suggests that automakers may be heading in the right direction by using vehicle data to improve systems instead. Kyle Edward View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Final Evo It was a sad day for enthusiasts when Mitsubishi discontinued the Lancer Evolution, and it was even sadder when the automaker announced it would focus only on crossovers and more practical pursuits. The dream may still be alive, but the Japanese automaker hasn't been making any announcements, at least not yet. It's been more than a decade since the last Lancer Evolution rolled off American showrooms, and prices for the rally-bred sedan have noticeably increased. Chalk it up to nostalgia, or the sheer collector value of these cars. In any case, here is a 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition with only 722 miles on the clock. Bring a Trailer View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article One of 1,600 Bring a Trailer lists this 10th-generation Lancer Evolution on its website, and the current bid at the time of writing is $39,700. The car is tastefully modified and has a clean title. With so little mileage on the clock, this is essentially a brand-new vehicle that traveled through time and into the future, ready for a collector or owner who wants an Evo as fresh as this. Numbered 949 out of 1,600, this Final Edition Evolution was part of a last batch of cars destined for the U.S. market back in the 2010s. What made the Evolution 10 different from its predecessors was the brand's decision to ditch the legendary 4G63T in favor of the 4B11T. The engine is a 2.0-liter turbo that produces around 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and it is mated to a five-speed manual transmission with Mitsubishi's all-wheel drive system. I'd say that this car's lightly and tastefully modified with some choice parts. It has 18-inch XXR wheels in a decent spec, Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks, Brembo brakes, a Manzo exhaust system, an AMS Performance front-mount intercooler, an AMS downpipe, a Tial blow-off valve, an aftermarket intake, an Eonon head unit, and a pair of Evo-X-sourced Recaro front seats in black. Bring a Trailer View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article History and Sale The current bid is close to $40,000, which is about the same price the owner paid brand new. For now, it's a rather fair price, because not only do you get a car that looks like it's been preserved really well, but also that 722 miles on the clock is rare to see. The sticker of this car pins it at an MSRP of $39,195. Giving this a CarFax check, the report states it is free of accidents but shows at least one open recall. On top of that, the 8944 lucky buyer of this time capsule will also receive all stock parts, including the 18-inch stock Enkei alloy wheels, stock front seats, stock head unit, and all other factory components from when the car was new. If you're a fan of Evos, check this one out. At the time of writing, the auction is still live, but you have less than three days before it heads to its new owner. There's no telling how high this listing will go, but some estimates suggest it could reach as high as $70,000. Other generations of the Evo have gone for far more in the past, over the six-figure range. Bring a Trailer View the full article

Stricter = FailureThe Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is one of the most respected and trustworthy independent safety rating agencies in the world. In America, any IIHS rating can usually make or break a car in terms of sales, with more Americans taking their safety on the road more seriously. 2026 saw the IIHS update some of its grading and scoring criteria, which has divided the industry. Some brands and models have shown just how safety-oriented they are, while others have dropped down the order. The 2026 Toyota Corolla, a usually highly rated safe car, narrowly misses out on the Top Safety Pick award. It Only Takes OneOverall, the 2026 Toyota Corolla scored highly across almost all IIHS categories. The highest rating given by the agency is "Good," and the Corolla was able to score it for the Small Overlap Front Test, Side Updated Test, Headlights, Front Crash Prevention Vehicle-to-Vehicle, Front Crash Prevention Pedestrian, and finally the Seatbelts and Child Restraints. The IIHS points out that these new safety ratings apply to the 2020-2026 Corolla Sedan because the model was updated from the previous 2019 model. Where the current Corolla model fell short was in the Moderate Overlap Front Updated Test, where the rear passenger's chest and rear passenger restraints scored only a "Marginal" rating, one level higher than a "Poor" rating. As a result, the overall evaluation of that criterion was rated "Marginal," which means the 2026 Corolla is unable to earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Looking at the other results, during the Side Impact test, the Corolla received an "Average" rating for Torso safety for both the driver and the passenger. Despite this, the overall rating given was still a Good. YouTube/IIHS View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Crash Avoidance Crash avoidance for both cars and pedestrians is the main consideration in the IIHS's new grading system, and the Corolla scored Good across all driving conditions. Toyota's built-in collision mitigation system was effective at detecting cars and pedestrians at various speeds and under various conditions. YouTube/IIHS View the full article

A rare modern classic with collector-grade provenance, this 2022 Royal Enfield INT650 120th Year Anniversary Edition is currently up for sale on Bring a Trailer. One of just 60 examples allocated to the North American market, the limited-production model was created to commemorate Royal Enfield’s 120th anniversary, celebrating the marque’s 1901 founding in England with a uniquely finished and highly detailed interpretation of the beloved INT650 platform. Showing only 337 miles from new, this Anniversary Edition was originally delivered to […] The post FOR SALE: 2022 Royal Enfield INT650 120th Year Anniversary Edition appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

If you've used an OBDII device to make your car or truck more powerful by circumventing its emissions devices, you may soon be in big trouble. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has subpoenaed Apple and Google, ordering them to provide information on at least 100,000 users of the EZ Lynk Auto Agent app, reports Forbes. While this is intended as a means of ensuring there are consequences for those who break the law, albeit now only a civil violation rather than a criminal one, the DOJ's order raises privacy concerns. Two Sides to the EZ Lynk and DOJ Story Ford According to Forbes, a joint letter from EZ Lynk and the DOJ to the court argues the legality of releasing user data. EZ Lynk disputes the validity of the subpoenas sent to Apple and Google, from whose app stores the software was downloaded, and Walmart and Amazon, from where the OBDII dongles were purchased. Meanwhile, the DOJ says it needs access because its lawyers want to interview users about how they used EZ Lynk products so it can take matters further. "These requests for potentially hundreds of thousands of people's PII [Personally Identifiable Information] go well beyond the needs of this case and create serious privacy concerns," wrote EZ Lynk's lawyers. "Investigating this claim does not require identifying each person who has used the product." Related: Trump’s Gas Price Plan Could Help Drivers, But Not By Much Or For Long In retort, the DOJ's legal team claims that, by accepting EZ Lynk's terms and conditions, these users "no longer have a cognizable privacy interest as to that information." If the DOJ gets its way, it will get the identities, addresses, and purchase histories of all EZ Lynk buyers and users. Herein lies the biggest problem. DOJ Could Get Data of Innocent Users Ford While it's unlikely that a user would not know that it is illegal to activate emissions defeat protocols using EZ Lynk's technology, not all of its users have done so, and their data would be released to the DOJ, too. And as noted by The Drive, it's also puzzling that this is even a priority for the DOJ following the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to delay Tier 4 emissions standards until model year 2029, making good on Trump's commitment to less stringent fuel economy rules. Trump also pardoned a diesel tuner who was convicted of removing emission-regulation components from trucks, so asking for information on users who may or may not have done the same thing seems very odd indeed. View the full article

The 2027 Ducati 698 Mono Nera gets Ducati Quick Shift, Termignoni silencers, and wheelie assist to awaken your inner hooligan. View the full article

The first IHRA Triple Crown race took a hit from Mother Nature. The Maple Grove event has been postponed due to heavy rain.View the full article

While it's true that the Grom is easily one of Honda's more angular, Transformer-esque motorcycle designs, one color choice stands out.View the full article

A regional severe-weather outbreak that the Storm Prediction Center flagged at Moderate Risk verified hard across the central Plains and mid-Missouri Valley Monday, leaving 39 NWS tornado warnings, downed timber on feeder routes into I-70 and I-29, and a flash flood threat that carried into today, Tuesday May 19, 2026. Damage surveys are now underway in Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri as the storm engine shifts east toward the Ohio Valley. Peak Driving Danger WindowThe worst window for highway travelers was the 6 to 11 p.m. CDT consolidation phase Monday evening, when discrete supercells across central and northeastern Kansas collapsed into a north-south squall line that swept the I-70 belt with embedded 75 mph gusts and brief QLCS tornadoes across western Missouri and southwestern Iowa. What to ExpectTornado warning count: 39 NWS warnings across IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, and NE on Monday alonePeak wind gusts: Severe gusts over 50 knots measured along the squall line per the SPC mesoscale discussion, with sustained 60 to 75 mph corridors after darkWorst corridors: I-70 in central Kansas, I-29 from Topeka to St. Joseph, I-35 north of Kansas City, I-44 toward Springfield, I-80 across southwestern IowaConfirmed strong tornadoes: A classic stovepipe tornado in Richardson County, Nebraska; a tornado emergency in Pawnee County; structural damage south of Plattsmouth and in Belton, MissouriThe setup combined a sharpening dryline, a triple point in central Kansas, dewpoints in the upper 60s pushing north, and a 55-knot low-level jet feeding instability after dark. NWS Topeka and NWS Pleasant Hill issued back-to-back tornado warnings from mid-afternoon into the late evening as supercells trained over the same I-70 corridor. Road ConditionsHardest-hit segments overnight included Interstate 70 between Salina and Topeka, where an afternoon supercell carried a tornado warning across mile marker 229 east of Lincoln, Kansas. Secondary highways feeding I-29 north of Kansas City saw downed trees and power-line debris, with MoDOT crews clearing US-47 near Warrenton, Missouri before dawn. Drivers should still expect saturated shoulders and reduced visibility on overpass approaches today; check the MoDOT Traveler Information Map and KanDrive before heading out. Severe Storm Driving TipsTread depth matters as much in a downpour as a snowstorm: anything under 4/32" is marginal in flash-flood conditions, and 2/32" is the legal-but-not-safe floor. Hydroplaning can start near 35 mph on a worn tire, and the rear axle breaks loose first. Slow progressively, avoid hard braking, and ease off cruise control. Autoblog's primer on hydroplaning and wet-weather control and our breakdown of all-weather versus all-season tires cover vehicle setup in detail. If a tornado warning posts while you're driving, abandon the vehicle for a low-lying ditch away from the road; never shelter under an overpass. The NWS thunderstorm safety page lays out the specifics. Where the Storm Heads NextThe same frontal system that ignited Monday's outbreak is pivoting across the lower Missouri Valley toward the Ohio River Valley today. The SPC Day 2 outlook places a severe-weather corridor along the cold front from the Great Lakes south through the Ohio Valley and into the southern Plains, with damaging wind gusts and isolated large hail as the primary hazards. The WPC has Slight Risks of excessive rainfall over both the central Texas Hill Country and the Ohio River Valley. For drivers, the corridors to watch through Tuesday evening are I-70 east of St. Louis, I-44 across southern Missouri, I-64 through southern Illinois and Indiana, and I-40 between Little Rock and Memphis, with NWS St. Louis and NWS Paducah likely to drive the warning cadence as the dryline punches east this afternoon. By Wednesday the threat consolidates into a damaging-wind line across the Mid-South. View the full article

Pole Position, LiterallyAuction events are a big moment for many car owners, as all their hard work preparing their lots for sale finally comes to market. Unfortunately, one Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner saw that highly anticipated moment turn into a nightmare after the front end of their pony car was damaged. In a TikTok post by user mopar_keith, who was at Mecum Indy 2026 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, a red 1970 Mustang Mach 1 slammed into a pole with a crowd surrounding the vehicle. No one was injured, but the owner likely had a tough time dealing with the situation, as the damage may have complicated any potential sale. Even if it were still sold, its value would almost certainly be much lower. The Sound Nobody Wanted to HearThere is no clear explanation of exactly what happened. However, people can be heard in the video saying they heard a tire squeal and that the brakes were applied, though it seems to have been to no avail. Some speculated that a stuck throttle may have caused the crash. Jo Daddy's Garage / Facebook This particular example is based on the first-generation Mustang, featuring aggressive styling cues including rear window louvers. It was positioned as a high-performance variant of the nameplate, though still below the more extreme Shelby and Boss models, with the latter sold with a 7.0-liter V8 developed for NASCAR homologation. In terms of pricing, the Mustang Mach 1, like any used car, can vary depending on condition, engine, originality, and provenance. However, some driver-grade examples are listed at around $50,000. With the crash damage from the recent incident, its value could fall even further, even if it were meticulously repaired. That damage would be hard to hide now that the incident has been immortalized on the internet. Ford The Auction World Can Turn FastMecum Indy 2026 already concluded last weekend, with a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder topping the sale at $18,150,000, followed by a 2003 Ferrari Enzo at $10,230,000. As for the 1970 Mustang Mach 1, its true value may remain unknown for now. There is also a newer version of the Mach 1 based on the previous-generation S550, with a roughly similar average used-car price. The current-generation S650 does not offer a Mach 1 variant, though it does feature an expanded Dark Horse family, including the track-focused Mustang Dark Horse R. Ford View the full article

KTM refines its XC and XC-F cross-country bikes with Factory Racing-inspired updates and familiar race-ready performance.View the full article

No Excuses For SafetySometimes, car buyers are willing to put up with some compromises when it comes to the car of their choice. From time to time, we can overlook certain things, such as a lack of features, a slightly higher price, or even some quality concerns, as long as they fit our criteria. Safety is never worth the compromise; in this day and age, there is no excuse for a car not built to be able to keep occupants safe. This is even more important for models targeted for families, and it seems Honda missed that memo with the Ridgeline. Poor ScoreLet's first put things into perspective. The Honda Ridgeline has been around for quite some time now. The current model has been in production and sale since 2017, receiving minor updates here and there. Also, the IIHS has just updated its crash test scoring system and criteria for 2026, making them stricter and more stringent in certain aspects of road safety. With that out of the way, let's look at the updated score of the Honda Ridgeline based on IIHS's new safety test protocols. The good news is that, in the small overlap front test, the Ridgeline scored a lot of "G" or Good ratings, which also holds for side impact testing, and it even got a Moderate score for the headlights. That's basically where the positives end. When it comes to the testing of the updated Moderate Overlap Front test, things take a turn for the worse. The driver safety scores remain Good, but the rear passengers' head and chest scores are Poor and Marginal. According to the IIHS, the Moderate Overlap Front test revealed that rear passengers have an increased chance of getting head, neck, and abdominal injuries. YouTube/IIHS View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Poor Crash PreventionAnother aspect of the IIHS tests that was updated for 2026 is the crash-prevention criteria for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian collisions. When it comes to Front Crash Prevention, the Ridgeline's collision mitigation system was given a score of Poor. Even more alarming, it also scored a Poor for front crash prevention for civilians. The results show that the car failed to slow under different testing conditions, including different speeds and high-beam or low-beam usage, which could mean it probably crashed into the test dummy of a child or adult, as the IIHS tests. YouTube/IIHS View the full article

The Trump Administration had proposed running a portion of the border wall straight through Big Bend National Park, much to the opposition of nearly every Texan. And despite Customs and Border Protection saying they weren't going to, the contract had already been awarded. View the full article

Hyundai’s Fake EV GearboxHyundai’s simulated gear shift system has quietly become one of the more influential ideas in the EV space. What started as a quirky feature in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N turned out to be surprisingly convincing, adding fake shifts, simulated revs, and even drivetrain jolts that gave the electric hot hatch a more traditional performance-car feel. The idea worked so well that other brands started taking notes. Hyundai is also looking to bring this tech to more than just its N models, which shows the company sees simulated shifting as more than a party trick. The next step might be here already, thanks to a new patent filing. Filed with the US Patent Office in 2024 (patent no. 12624755 if you want to check), the document describes an 'electronic shift operation apparatus.' To put it simply, it’s a setup that uses sensors, springs, and magnets to copy the feel and movement of a real stick shift – without any actual gears underneath. CarBuzz was first to spot the patent after it went public last week. USPTO Simulated Gears, Physical FeelThe patent describes a shifter capable of moving through defined positions corresponding to gears, including reverse and neutral. Instead of using traditional linkages connected to a transmission, the setup relies on sensors and electronic inputs to determine where the driver intends to shift. Based on the patent, Hyundai has put in the work to make sure that the shifter would feel like an actual manual shifter, with springs, channels, and resistance in place. The goal, of course, is to give drivers the sensation of a real manual, even if the car is still a single-speed EV underneath. Some diagrams show the system can guide or even block certain shifts, depending on drive mode or what the car is doing. There are mentions of shift lockouts, automatic shifting, and software-controlled settings. Of course, just because there’s a patent doesn’t mean this will show up in showrooms. Automakers file plenty of ideas that never leave the drawing board. Sometimes it’s just to stake a claim before someone else does. USPTO Hyundai Isn’t the Only Automaker Thinking About Better EV Driving FeelManual-style controls in EVs are starting to catch on across the industry. Subaru previously explored the idea of fitting an electric vehicle with an actual clutch pedal, even though it wouldn’t operate a conventional gearbox in the traditional sense. Ford, meanwhile, has also patented alternative EV shifter concepts, including one that could control multiple vehicle functions beyond gear selection. That, err, shift says a lot about where things are going. For years, EVs were all about smoothness and simplicity. Now, as the market grows up, brands are seeing that drivers still want some involvement and a bit of old-school drama behind the wheel. Hyundai might be the first to make fake shifting actually fun, not just a gimmick. If this patent leads to a real product, EVs could soon offer a driving feel that’s even closer to the real thing – this time, not through paddles behind the tiller. USPTO View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

ABT Sportsline and MV Agusta teamed up for a 208-horsepower naked bike dripping in tuner-car influence.View the full article

Johann Zarco will wait a couple of weeks before surgery on knee ligament injuries sustained in the restarted Catalunya MotoGP race. The post Zarco facing delayed knee surgery after Catalunya MotoGP crash appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

GoPro hasn't been the market leader in action cameras since its heyday in the 2010s, and has suffered falling revenue, layoffs, and more in recent years. Now the company has said it's entertaining "inquiries" into whether it wants to sell the company. View the full article

It has taken me several days to be able to post something like this on BANGshift. Posting it the day we found out about the loss of our great friend would have been the smart thing for page views and likes and all the crap we unfortunately are measured on, but it just didn’t feel right. Hell, this weekend I spoke about Kyle at Holley’s LSFest Texas and couldn’t do it without getting choked up. Yesterday I spoke with Matt Frost and our conversation about Kyle featured several cracks of my voice and his. Kyle was a wonderful person that we are all lucky to have had in our lives, at whatever level you knew him. Here’s what I posted up on Facebook a couple days after he left us. By now it seems like the only thing anyone in our world is talking about is the loss of our dear friend Kyle Loftis. I met Kyle in 2005, about 2 minutes after arriving at KCIR for Drag Week and had never heard of him, 1320Video, or the blue truck that Jim Neuenfeldt owned and was setting the streets of Omaha on fire with. He recognized my car from the Hot Rod Magazine it was featured in that came out the day before, and we became fast friends, because I’ve never met a stranger and Kyle was an awesome human being. We would spend the next 21 years at races of all kinds, on the wall, on the side of the road, in gas stations, at rest stops, and also at the occasion historic site. In 2005, 1320Video was just a hobby thing for Kyle and it would be years and years later before he’d give up his day job to do it full time. I started BANGshift in 2008, and Kyle and I often talked about how our businesses grew up together. We shared advice, laughed a lot, and cried some too. He was there for many epic moments in our racing lives and I can’t thank him enough for the amazing images and video that he and his team created over the years. He captured so many wonderful moments with my late wife Daphne Reynolds, and the two of them had many laughs together. In 2017, we found ourselves in the Neuro ICU in Kearney Nebraska because of brain swelling on the final day of Rocky Mountain Race Week. While we were in the hospital, with Daphne in extreme pain and me working on a plan to get her back home to her surgical team, we got word that the entire 1320Video crew was in the lobby of the hospital waiting for us. When they finally wheeled us out of the hospital, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Kyle handed Daphne a stuffed Snoopy they had picked up on the way. I’ll never forget that, or the photos and videos that he would share not long after she passed away in September. Kyle was a wonderful human being and my heart aches with his loss. I am so sorry for Matt, Fred, Witty, and the entire crew. And I’m so sorry for his family outside of racing. Right now I’m going to remember the last big hug I got from him and the genuine love and laughter that came along right after as we talked about my 2026 travel plans. God Speed my friend. You will be missed and we love you. The post Remembering Our Friend Kyle Loftis – The Man Behind 1320video Will Be Missed More Than He Ever Realized appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article