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Kyle Ryde left Donington Park with the BSB points lead after a Sunday double, while Scott Redding claimed his first win of the season and the support classes produced photo finishes, new-class machinery interest and strong Australian angles. The post Ryde reigns at Donington as BSB support classes deliver photo finishes and new-class intrigue appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Nicolo Bulega completed his fifth WorldSBK hat-trick from five rounds at Most, beating Iker Lecuona again as Ducati’s unbeaten 2026 run continued. Valentin Debise doubled up for ZXMOTO in WorldSSP, Oli Bayliss returned to the podium, and Antonio Torres won a chaotic WorldSPB Race 2. The post Fuel cut fails to slow Ducati as Bulega romps to another hat trick – Bayliss on WorldSSP podium appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Derek Menholt became the first two-time winner of the season in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports, driving past Jason Collins in the final round on Sunday at Route 66 Raceway as part of this weekend’s Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK. It marked the fifth of 11 races during the 2026 season and this weekend’s event was powered by ProFlow Pumping Solutions. Menholt was one of four drivers who had won already this season, but he is now the first to win twice, thanks to a run of 5.692-seconds at 250.23 mph in the championship round. Collins left first with an incredible .004 reaction time, but ran into trouble and Menholt, who posted a strong .012 time on the starting line, drove right past with his best run of eliminations. It was a marquee matchup between the top two qualifiers in the category this weekend, with Menholt, who qualified No. 1 with a 5.667 at 250.92, going back into the points lead. He won the opener in Gainesville and is now back on top, though he knows it’s going to be a tight championship clash the rest of the season. “It’s going to be a battle all the way to the end,” said Menholt, who now has three career NHRA Pro Mod wins. “Jason has made a big run in the past three races and there’s going to be a lot of guys coming for us, but this one feels good.” To reach the final round, Menholt got past Alex Laughlin, reigning world champion J.R. Gray and Justin Bond, who is now second in points. Racing for just the third time in NHRA Pro Mod, Collins, who won the previous race in Valdosta, advanced to his second straight final round with victories against Kevin Rivenbark, Mike Stavrinos and Billy Banaka. The JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports closes out its regular season on June 12-14 as part of the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tenn. The post Menholt Takes Points Lead With JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Series Win in Chicago at Race Powered by ProFlow Pumping Solutions first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon rolled to his second straight victory, defeating four-time world champion Antron Brown in the final round on Sunday to close out the 26th annual Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK at Route 66 Raceway. Chad Green (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the sixth of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Langdon went 3.775-seconds at 335.90 mph in his 12,000-horsepower Kalitta Air dragster to get past Brown, who went up in smoke early in the run. It is the 25th career win for Langdon, who extended his points lead and knocked off Shawn Reed, teammate Doug Kalitta and Josh Hart to reach the final round. The weekend started as a struggle for Langdon and his Kalitta Motorsports team, but they put together a solid run to close out Saturday and win the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. That momentum continued through four rounds on Sunday and it continues a remarkable first six races for the past world champion, who has already picked up three wins this season, qualified No. 1 twice and made the fastest run (345.00 mph) in NHRA history. “We definitely had a big turnaround from qualifying,” Langdon said. “Brian (Husen, crew chief) realized that we had to tame some things down in the car. Having to run Doug second round wasn’t ideal, but at the end of the day, we had to get some information for our car and make a good run, and then from there, today was a little bit tricky. “First round was really good and then just with the clouds coming in and out, there were just a lot of last-minute changes. Brian’s gotten really good lately, just off of his gut feeling, making those last-second little changes, but I could tell that they had two different game plans, and one was when the sun was out and one for when the cloud cover was there. They were able to adapt when they needed to and provided a great race car for four rounds.” Brown reached his first final round of the season and 145th in his career thanks to round wins against T.J. Zizzo, rookie Maddi Gordon and Leah Pruett. Kalitta remained second in points, 54 behind his teammate Langdon. Funny Car’s Chad Green continued to build his championship contender case on Sunday in Chicago, slipping past Alexis DeJoria in a thrilling final round duel with a run of 3.945 at 324.75 in his 12,000-horsepower Bond-Coat/bproauto Ford Mustang. It’s Green’s second win in the first six races of the 2026 campaign, putting the Texan fourth in points and right in the thick of the championship battle. On Sunday, he was again consistent against a loaded field, defeating Valdosta winner Jordan Vandergriff, Ron Capps and back-to-back world champion Austin Prock to reach the final round. Green and DeJoria put on a remarkable side-by-side show in the finals, but Green had enough for the slim wire-to-wire victory, joining Capps as the only two-time winners in the class thus far in 2026. “The whole team aspect of this sport doesn’t get enough recognition. This is 100 percent a team sport, just like football, basketball and any of those other sports,” Green said. “The driver, they get a lot of the fame and glory, but to be honest, what these guys do is just incredible. To go out there and turn on four win lights on a Sunday is so difficult. These guys have to do everything perfectly every round, and we have to go out there and beat the best guys out there doing it. So, I can’t say enough about the team. “(Alexis) is driving a John Force car, and that was a dang good race. I never saw her during the race. When the win light came on, I thought, ‘Oh, she probably had problems or something,’ but then I looked at the time slip, and man, she was right there with me.” DeJoria continues to build on her solid season in a class filled with contenders, picking up her second runner-up of the year after round wins against Spencer Hyde, Dave Richards and four-time world champion Matt Hagan. She’s sixth in points, as Capps and J.R. Todd leave Chicago tied for the points lead, with Hagan nine points behind. In Pro Stock, Aaron Stanfield snapped KB Titan Racing’s undefeated streak in 2026, picking up the first win of the season for Elite Motorsports when six-time world champion Greg Anderson went red in the final round. Stanfield went 6.595 at 208.46 in his Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance/Janac Brothers Racing car, winning for the first time since 2024. KB Titan Racing had won the previous 10 races dating back to last year, but the tide seemed to turn in Chicago this weekend. Erica Enders qualified No. 1 and won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday, and Stanfield rolled to his 15th career win on Sunday. He defeated Matt Hartford, teammate Jeg Coughlin Jr. and then his father, Greg, to reach the final round and took advantage of Anderson leaving well early in the championship round. Stanfield now sits sixth in points as he hopes this keys a strong turnaround for his team and all of Elite Motorsports. “Our team’s definitely been waiting on this moment for a pretty good while. It’s the best feeling you can get out here when you see that win light come on in the final round,” Stanfield said. “We had a great weekend and a great day today, and kind of had some luck roll my way in that final round. We felt like we had something in South Georgia, but the racetrack was a little tricky, so we really didn’t get to see it there. “I think we saw it this weekend with a combination of KB being a little off. I think these guys have been working really, really, really hard. I think we’re going in the right direction and I felt very focused today.” Anderson reached the final round for the third time this year and the 195th time in his career after taking down his son, Cody, Matt Latino and Enders on Sunday. Dallas Glenn stayed in the points lead, 29 ahead of Anderson. Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Matt Smith continued his hot streak on Sunday, but not in the way he wanted, defeating his wife, Angie, when her bike broke on the starting line. Matt cruised to the win with a run of 6.835 at 185.41 on his Denso Auto Parts Buell, as the six-time world champion won his second straight race. To win for the 44th time in his career, Smith defeated Jianna Evaristo, Gaige Herrera, who was previously undefeated at Route 66 Raceway, and Brayden Davis to reach the final round. An exciting side-by-side race was he planned against his wife in the championship round, but her bike went silent when the light turned green, giving Matt the win and sending him to second in points. “I wanted a fair race. I wanted a good race, just like when we ran each other for the 2Fast2Tasty Challenge,” Smith said. “She had the best bike this weekend, but it just wasn’t meant to be for some reason. She’ll get it in Maryland. I feel confident that we will get things under control for her bike and get it back because everybody here knows that she had the best bike.” Angie, who qualified No. 1, was denied her first win in nearly four years. She advanced to her 12th career final round after knocking off Chase Van Sant and reigning world champion Richard Gadson, who remained the points leader. The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to action May 29-31 with the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS at Maryland International Raceway in Mechanicsville, Md. This story was originally published on May 17, 2026. The post Langdon, Green, A. Stanfield, and M. Smith Roll to Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals Wins first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Sunday at Dover Motor Speedway would have been a fine race if it were not weighted by the expectations of the All-Star Race name. This was the first race at The Monster Mile with the increased horsepower and reduced downforce package. Combined with a light application of resin from top to bottom and the use of a tire dragon all weekend, this was the best racing product at Dover in the five-year ...Keep readingView the full article

Manuel Gonzalez strengthened his Moto2 title charge with victory at Catalunya, while Máximo Quiles went full “killer mode” to win a last-lap Moto3 thriller. The post Gonzalez extends Moto2 lead as Quiles steals Moto3 Catalunya win appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Fabio Di Giannantonio led a Ducati 1-2-3 in a chaotic Catalan GP that took three starts, injured Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco, then had post-race tyre-pressure penalties rewrite the podium. The post Di Giannantonio wins chaotic Catalan MotoGP as penalties reshape podium appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Sunday marked the 67th time that Denny Hamlin has won a race in the NASCAR Cup Series but not all of them have counted. The official tally is still at 61, even after a career that includes four victories in The Clash/Shootout, and now his second in the All-Star Race, but he really resents this one not counting. He’s counting! “This one doesn't count,” Hamlin said with a laugh after ...Keep readingView the full article

2026 Progressive American Flat Track Round Six – ThrottleFest, Budds Creek Half-Mile Tom Drane had a disappointing weekend at the inaugural Throttlefest Budds Creek Half Mile, having to settle for fifth as Kage Tadman powered to Singles victory ahead of Tarren Santero for a Honda CRF450R 1-2, with Husqvarna mounted Chase Saathoff third. In SuperTwins […] The post Drane retains Singles lead despite fifth at Budds Creek Half-Mile appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Lamborghini at 63Lamborghini celebrated its 60th anniversary, er, three years ago. Still, we think it's a brand worth talking about. While it seems that Lamborghini is at an all-time high, it wasn't always that way. Those well aware of the brand's history would know that it went through a period of uncertainty, and it took a while to achieve lasting stability. With that, we're listing down the cars that got things started for Lamborghini, brought it back from the brink, and made it as strong as it is today. Kyle Edward 1. Lamborghini MiuraWhat? No 350GT? Yes, it's a significant car, and without it, Lamborghini wouldn't even exist. But while the 350GT started it all, it's the Miura that effectively sealed the company's fate as builders of supercars. Heck, it practically defined the genre in the first place. Had it not been made, Lamborghini might have been makers of GTs instead. And to think Ferruccio was initially skeptical about the whole idea of the Miura in the first place. Thankfully, he relented and let Giampaolo Dallara, Paolo Stanzani, and test driver Bob Wallace work on project L105. Placing that Bizzarini V12 in the middle, rather than at the front, would prove crucial, and the body draped over its lightweight chassis was a stunner. The rest, they say, is history. Lamborghini 2. Lamborghini CountachAdmittedly, another obvious answer, but no 'Greatest Lamborghinis' list wouldn't be complete without it. Making a follow-up to the Miura was always going to be a tough ask, but if there was one man up for the task, it's Marcello Gandini. Besides, he already did the Miura, and in one fell swoop, he again defined the supercar for a new decade. Whether you like the clean lines of the original 1974 model or the kitted-up one from the '80s, the Countach grabbed attention wherever it went. Never mind the fact that it was also the ultimate form-over-function car; its shape would eventually define Lamborghini's succeeding flagship supercars. From the Diablo that succeeded it, to the current Revuelto, we can still see some elements that first appeared in the Countach. Lamborghini 3. Lamborghini DiabloThe Countach was a grand representation of the hedonistic '80s, but the reality was that Lamborghini wasn't in rude financial health. It had already survived bankruptcy in 1978, and the company did just enough to stay alive. However, by 1987, the company was sold to Chrysler to keep the lights on. With that, the Diablo did a massive part in keeping Lamborghini afloat in the '90s. Despite not having the financial security, the company still managed to make the Diablo a truly wild ride that would make its predecessors proud. The name was fitting, too, as early models didn't get anti-lock brakes or all-wheel drive. Lamborghini was then sold by Chrysler to a Southeast Asian consortium in 1994, but the Asian Financial Crisis dashed any hopes of further developments. But despite all of that going on in the background, the Diablo helped Lamborghini soldier on long enough for it to be bought by Audi, bringing us neatly to our next car. 4. Lamborghini MurciélagoAudi purchased Lamborghini for a mere $110 million. With an influx of cash, the Diablo received even more updates to keep it afloat until its successor launched. There were initially worries that it would be toned down, but by the standards of the 2000s, the Murcielago wasn't as diluted as those fears suggested. If anything, it was the bridge between the classic and modern Lamborghinis of today. It was the first model without any input from Marcello Gandini, but designer Luc Donckerwolke drew enough inspiration from the legendary designer's work. He effectively brought the brand into the new millennium, and its design reflected the company's newfound confidence under new ownership. The recipe remained the same under the new management, and it's great that Audi didn't try to mess with it. With 12-cylinders, lots of horsepower, neck-craning looks, and unashamedly attention-grabbing, the Murcielago made its ancestors proud. Oh, and it's the last flagship Lambo you could still get with a manual. Cars & Bids 5. Lamborghini GallardoLamborghini tried for the longest time to make junior models to complement its 12-cylinder supercars. Many have failed, and the company has paid dearly. Unless you're deep into the company's history or old enough to remember, models like the Islero, Jarama, and Silhouette will likely draw blank stares from casual observers. But that all changed in 2003 with the introduction of the Gallardo. Initially penned by Fabrizio Giugiaro through the Cala concept, the final design was executed by, you guessed it, Luc Donckerwolke. While it follows the form of its big brother, the Gallardo looks unique enough to stand on its own. With its 5.0-liter (later, 5.2-liter) V10, it was the first non-V12 Lamborghini product after 15 years. The lower entry price drew crowds (relatively speaking) to Lamborghini showrooms and finally proved that the company can successfully make two cars at the same time. The Hot Take Nobody Asked ForDespite trials and tribulations, it's the V12 supercars that stayed strong for Lamborghini. The world wouldn't be the same without these, and Sant'Agata Bolognese wouldn't be a tourist destination for car lovers everywhere. Of course, we should also credit the Gallardo and its successors for the company's success. That said, Lamborghini achieved even greater financial security the moment it rolled out the Urus. Like it or not, it pumps money for the brand, although admittedly at the cost of some identity. Without it, though, the Italian automaker might not be able to continue building the supercars we love thanks to the piles of cash it brings in. Does it deserve to be one of the greatest Lamborghinis of all time? That's hugely debatable, but we can't ignore its sales. Exotic Car Trader View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The American industrial complex is getting a military makeover. Facing a massive bottleneck in domestic military manufacturing, the Pentagon has launched high-level talks with Detroit’s automotive heavyweights—including Ford’s Jim Farley and General Motors’ Mary Barra. The mandate from Washington is simple: it’s time to see how civilian automotive platforms, assembly lines, and factory floors can backstop the nation's heavily strained defense base. GM Defense Humvee 2.0From an automotive perspective, the most relatable piece of this strategy is the race to build the next-generation troop carrier. General Motors is currently a frontrunner to compete for a massive U.S. Army contract to develop a modern successor to the aging Humvee. GM already has skin in the game through its GM Defense division, which manufactures the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV)—a rugged, open-air troop mover built right on top of a modified midsize Chevrolet Colorado truck chassis and powered by a commercial Duramax turbo-diesel engine. While the iconic Humvee has been a military staple since the 1980s, the Pentagon is looking to leverage Detroit’s modern modular manufacturing to build lighter, smarter, and more cost-effective battlefield transport. Defense officials are looking past the showroom and straight at the factories. With GM’s domestic plant utilization sitting at roughly 72 percent, the Pentagon is asking if this excess capacity can be reallocated to pump out tactical hardware, drones, and high-tech components. GM Defense Is America Postured for War?Unlike the total production freezes of the 1940s, the government isn't halting the manufacturing of family SUVs or pickup trucks. Instead, the goal is to weave military contracts directly into existing, highly efficient automotive supply chains. It is a modern reboot of the old "Arsenal of Democracy" playbook, aiming to prove that the same engineering prowess that builds America's favorite daily drivers can rapidly pivot to secure national defense. The transition will require stripping away layers of government red tape and specialized tooling and machinery. However, as Washington pushes for a historic $1.5 trillion military budget to replenish depleted tactical stockpiles, Detroit is uniquely positioned for a massive payday. For American readers, it means the next era of defense innovation won't just come from traditional aerospace labs—it will be engineered by the same hands building the trucks in your driveway. View the full article

Trouble In 4xe LandThe reliability concerns surrounding the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain have haunted some Jeep owners, and this case reported by StacheD Training shows why. This Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe owner was left dealing with a financial burden after her vehicle experienced thermal runaway, and now, neither Stellantis nor her insurer, State Farm, appears to be giving her an easy time. StacheD Training shared a video of the parked Grand Cherokee 4xe releasing smoke as the thermal runaway unfolded on February 21, 2026. The owner stepped out of her home, inspected the situation, and eventually called 911, prompting a response from two fire stations and a Hazmat unit. First responders disconnected the electronics and moved the vehicle away from the home as a safety measure. She also called AAA and her insurer for towing, but the latter reportedly arrived only the next morning. The Total-Loss DebateStellantis told the owner it could repair or replace the defective part under warranty. That may sound like a fix, but for a defect of this magnitude, some could argue that a total loss would make more sense, as damage from thermal runaway could create long-term reliability concerns. Of course, repairing the vehicle would be less expensive than replacing it entirely. Meanwhile, the insurer denied the insurance claim, maintaining that the issue was a manufacturing defect and therefore not covered under its policy. However, the incident may not fall entirely on Stellantis and the insurer. The owner was allegedly contacted a few weeks before the incident to have the high-voltage battery replaced, but she could not bring the vehicle in because of her work schedule. She also charged the vehicle despite recall guidance for more than 320,000 4xe models instructing owners not to charge them. Jeep The Bills Kept ComingWhatever the interpretation of this situation may be, it is undeniable that the owner was left dealing with costly expenses, paying for a vehicle she could not even drive while also covering the cost of a rental vehicle out of her own pocket for months. Incidents like this continue to raise questions about whether some electrified systems are being pushed to market to comply with stricter emissions regulations before all long-term reliability concerns are fully addressed. For now, the 4xe name remains part of Stellantis’ portfolio, though the plug-in hybrid models were reportedly phased out in North America beginning with the 2026 model year. Jeep View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Getting Smarter About AerodynamicsMost cars get aerodynamic add-ons for one of two reasons: performance or efficiency. Sports cars use splitters, wings, and diffusers to stay glued to the road at speed. But for hybrids and EVs, it’s all about squeezing out more range by cutting drag wherever possible. Apparently, one of the latest vehicles to receive an active aerodynamic trick is also one of the world’s best-selling SUVs: the new-generation Toyota RAV4. Hidden under the RAV4’s front bumper is a small but clever setup called Active Front Spats, developed by Toyota and Aisin. They look like simple panels in front of the tires, but their job is to manage airflow around the wheels – one of the trickiest spots for aerodynamics on any car. Aisin The Aero Bits Hide Themselves Until They’re NeededThe concept isn’t new – front air spats have been around on fuel-saver cars for a while. The catch is that SUVs need more ground clearance, so big fixed spats aren’t practical. Toyota’s answer for the RAV4? Make them move instead of keeping them fixed. According to Aisin, the Active Front Spats automatically retract and deploy depending on vehicle speed. At low speeds or while stopped, the spats stay tucked behind the bumper. That helps preserve ground clearance and approach angles, which matter more in urban bumps or light off-road situations. When you pick up speed, the system drops the spats down using a special linkage. With the panels out, airflow around the front wheels is tidied up, helping cut drag. It might seem like a small thing, but air swirling around spinning tires is messy business. Controlling that flow can actually make a real difference in efficiency, especially for taller SUVs that fight more wind than sedans. Active aero like this is showing up more in sports cars and EVs, but seeing it on a mainstream SUV like the all-hybrid RAV4 is a sign of where things are headed. Carmakers are now chasing every little efficiency gain, not just bigger batteries or engine tweaks. Aisin View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article For Now, It’s Only Available On North American ModelsAisin confirmed that the Active Front Spats make their production debut on the North American-spec Toyota RAV4. There’s no word yet on whether other markets will receive the same system, or if it’ll eventually spread across Toyota’s SUV lineup. It’s the kind of advanced feature most owners won’t even spot unless they’re peeking under the bumper. But it shows how even everyday SUVs are adopting tech once reserved for performance cars. Toyota View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Denny Hamlin now has two wins in NASCAR's All-Star Race, taking victory in a chaotic race at Dover's 'Monster Mile.' He will be awarded the $1 million prize. He started from pole position, and led 103 laps. His Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe finished second after leading 61 laps, and Legacy Motor Club's Erik Jones completed a Toyota 1-2-3. Austin Dillon finished fourth, Connor ...Keep readingView the full article

New Era Raging BullsLamborghini has always been a brand with an air of flair and drama. As a supercar maker, it prioritizes extreme-looking cars backed up by extreme performance. Having been in the business for so long, it has also gotten used to going with the trend without sacrificing what makes Lamborghini unique. With electrification a main consideration for modern mobility, Lambo adapted by introducing the new era of its supercar lineup. The Revuelto and Temerario take the tried-and-tested recipe and add a dash of electrification. The question now is, which is faster between the two in a straight line? Bull RunYou might think the answer to that question is easy, considering that the Revuelto on paper is the halo model complete with an electrified V12, while the smaller (but newer) Temerario has to make do with a V8 hybrid. However, if you watch Carwow's simple drag race video, you'll be in for a shock based on the results. Let's first talk about the key differences between the Temerario and the Revuelto. The former is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors, making 920 horsepower and 538 ft-lb of torque. The latter uses the signature Lambo 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12, coupled with three electric motors, to produce 1,015 hp and 783 ft-lb of torque. That's an almost 100 hp difference. Official 0-60 mph times are very close; the Revuelto can do it in 2.5 seconds, and the Temerario is listed at 2.7 seconds. One big factor in true speed and performance is the weight of the vehicles themselves. According to Lamborghini, the difference between the Revuelto and Temerario is only 121 lbs, with the heavier car being the Revuelto. However, according to Carwow, the actual difference is a huge 181 lbs, which could impact the race results. YouTube/Carwow View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The ResultsThe first race was a standard "off-the-line" drag race to set expectations, and the results already boggle the mind. The slower, smaller-engined Temerario handily took the first race win with the Revuelto close behind. For the sake of the experiment, they did rolling starts for the next few races, which flipped the results in favor of the more powerful Revuelto. However, when they went back to the off-the-line races, the Temerario beat the Revuelto 3 straight times. Granted, the races were close, but it seems the Temerario is a lot quicker than Lamborghini is letting on; in fact, during Carwow's testing, it matched the Revuelto's 2.5-second 0-60 mph time. YouTube/Carwow View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The RivianR2 configurator is now officially live, and amongst the possible options and features, one particular line-item stands out: the option of a space-saving spare tire is a $755 optional extra. Being positioned as a premium electric adventure brand, Rivian has a reputation for rugged, tech-forward, and luxurious design, setting itself apart from the curvaceous and sleek appearance of most other EV manufacturers. Rivian also stands out as being one of the few manufacturers offering a spare wheel on a new car in 2026. Rivian No More Spare Wheels?Across the industry, few new vehicles are sold with full-size spare wheels. Instead, new cars tend to be offered with inflation kits, giving you just enough time to make it back home or to the nearest tire shop. Space-saver spare wheels are a luxury. Tesla's model Y, the segment sales leader, does not come with a factory spare wheel at all; buyers only receive an inflation kit - the Ford Mustang Mach-E offers the same. Hyundai's Ioniq 5 and Kia's EV6 offer a puncture sealant and air compressor. Rivian View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article As for more rugged competition, Jeep's upcoming Recon, GMC'sHummer, and Land Rover's PHEV Defender - all come with tialgate-mounted full-size spare wheels, and do not cost extra. One could argue that this is because they are purpose-built off-roaders, while Rivian expects the R2 to be used off-road only occasionally. Tiring TransactionsJust like video games, automobile-related microtransactions are the norm these days. Ranging from software subscriptions for additional features, to spare wheels on new vehicles, which used to be standard equipment not too long ago. Rivian knows that $755 for a safety net may not sound too bad to buyers and is banking on its adventure-oriented demographic willingly paying this tiresome spare-tire tax. View the full article

50 Years of Honda AccordWhile the Civic expanded Honda's horizons worldwide, it was the Accord that helped the brand make a huge impact on America. It made its world premiere on May 7, 1976, as a compact hatchback, with the sedan added in 1977. Since then, it has become a firm favorite, even becoming America's best-selling car from 1989 to 1991, and again in 2001. 11 generations have been built since then, and even if midsize sedan sales are no longer as strong as they once were, it's impossible to imagine Honda without this model. That said, there were interesting models that never made it to the U.S, so for its 50th birthday, we'll check out the ones that never crossed the Pacific and the Atlantic. Honda 1994 to 1997 Accord SiRUnless you're well and truly into your Hondas or Japanese motorsport, the fifth-generation Accord had a stellar racing career. It bagged back-to-back titles in the Japanese Touring Car Championship in 1996 and 1997, and secured loads of wins throughout its years in competition. This generation also brought in a true sporty variant in the form of the SiR. Available in sedan, coupe, and wagon body styles, it came with a sporty yet subtle set of exterior and interior upgrades, as well as a more buttoned-down suspension and a manual transmission option on the sedan. But the highlight here was the revvy 2.2-liter VTEC engine with twin cams, pushing out 190 hp and 152 lb-ft of torque, making it far quicker than the 2.7-liter single-cam V6 that the U.S got. The sad part was that America could've gotten the SiR, as the coupes and wagons were actually built in Ohio and imported to Japan. Honda 1998 to 2002 Accord WagonThe sixth-generation Accord is offered in three distinct versions for specific markets. The U.S., along with most of the world, ended up with the largest version. The European model, which we'll get to a little later, was based on a heavily refreshed version of the Honda Ascot Innova that also served as the fifth-generation Euro Accord. The version specific to the Japanese version looks similar to the U.S./rest of world model, but it's a unique platform for its home market as it was shorter and narrower than the one we're all familiar with. That meant the 1998 to 2002 Accord Wagon was strictly a Japan-only affair. Given that the previous generation Accord Wagon/Aerodeck barely made a blip outside of Japan (thanks, SUVs), the long roof version never made that trip across the Pacific, or any ocean, for that matter. It's a handsome-looking wagon, we think, although we'll admit that it probably wouldn't have sold in big numbers abroad. It could've had potential in Europe, though. Speaking of which... Honda 1998 to 2002 Accord Type REurope had its own take on the Accord from the late-'90s to early-'00s, and that resulted in the one and only time the midsize sedan officially wore a Type R badge. It was also the only Type R to never be officially sold in Japan. So, what did the Accord Type R have? It came with a 2.2-liter twin-cam VTEC engine that produced 209 hp and 164 lb-ft. It was then paired with a close-ratio five-speed manual, and also came standard with a helical Torsen LSD. A more aggressive suspension setup was also part of the package, along with a quicker steering rack, Recaro seats, a Momo steering wheel, and, in true Type R fashion, an aluminum shift knob. Most came with a shouty rear wing, but we say it looks cleaner without it. Honda 1998 to 2008 Accord Euro ROkay, we're cheating a little bit here as we're putting two generations together. But that's because we think both generations of the Accord Euro R are well worth mentioning here. The first Euro R was based on the Japanese-market Accord from '98 to '02 and came with a 2.2-liter VTEC engine with dual overhead cams. While identical to the European Type R of the same era, it produced more power at 217 hp. It also came with a five-speed manual transmission, a helical Torsen LSD, Recaro seats, and firmer suspension. The second Accord Euro R was based on the 2002 to 2008 Japanese and European-market model. Of course, America got the tamer version in the form of the first-generation Acura TSX. One can say that this was the 'mature' Type R, as it used the same 2.0-liter twin-cam VTEC engine from the Civic and Integra Type R. Output was the same as those cars, rated at 217 hp and 152 lb-ft. This time around, it came with a six-speed manual, plus all the goodies applied to the previous model. We can't help but wish Acura applied the chassis tweaks, as well as the exterior and interior upgrades, from the Euro R for the American market. Honda 2008 to 2015 Accord i-DTECAdmittedly, the U.S. (and Canada) probably got the best version of the JDM/Euro eighth-gen Accord. The second-generation Acura TSX was the only iteration that was available with a V6 engine, something the rest of the world couldn't get. Still, we think the diesel-powered versions are worth a mention. Honda built diesel Accords primarily for the European market, and the i-DTEC version was the most polished. Granted, it's not quick, as its 2.2-liter lump only made 148 hp and 258 lb-ft, but what it lacked in outright speed, it made up for in MPGs. It could get up to 53 MPG in official literature, and hypermilers could easily stretch that to 60 MPG. Couple that with a 17-gallon tank, and you can get well over 600 miles on a single fill-up. There was also a more powerful version with 178 hp and 280 lb-ft, although fuel consumption takes a hit. Honda Honda View the 12 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Introduction to Suzuki Dirt Bikes When it comes to off-road riding, Suzuki dirt bikes are widely recognized for their strong performance, durability, and rider-friendly design. Suzuki has built a solid reputation in the motorcycle industry over many decades, offering machines that are suitable for both beginners and professional riders. These bikes are commonly used for motocross racing as well as trail riding on rough terrain. The main strength of Suzuki dirt bikes lies in their balanced combination of power, control, […] The post Suzuki Dirt Bikes: A Complete Guide to Performance, Models, and Buying Tips appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Photos by Brian Losness and Kim Fuller) (Words by Darr Hawthorne) • When a racetrack carries the legacy of the 55th NAPA Ignitor, Idaho’s first 2026 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series Nitro Funny Car event at Firebird Raceway, it naturally attracts the sport’s top racers. This year’s edition is no exception, once again bringing the best in nitro funny car racing to Boise. As the Northwest’s longest-running major drag race, the Ignitor is rich in history and tradition. The event debuted in 1971, when legendary driver Don Prudhomme captured the inaugural title in his iconic Hot Wheels Barracuda. Since then, the Ignitor has remained one of the region’s premier drag racing events and a cornerstone of the late Bill New’s Firebird Raceway legacy. This weekend has shown that the well-maintained drag strip surface can take the horsepower with Canadian Nathan Sitko (above) running a solid 5.539 elapsed time at 259.86 MPH in the Ryan Hodgson tuned Bubble-Up Firebird, leading qualifiers. Close behind was Shane Westerfield’s 5.543 ET at 263.20 MPH in the Bardahl-backed Austin & O’Brien Camaro. Returning after sitting out the season opening Good Vibrations March Meet is Tim Boychuk in his new Happy Hour Barracuda-bodied funny car at 5.632 at a whopping, track record-setting 264.70 MPH for Top Speed of the meet, so far. The beat goes on after longtime crew chief Twig Ziegler has retired. In her Boise debut is nitro funny car rookie Eily Stafford, driving Don Nelson’s California Hustler ’78 Firebird tuned by Dale Murray. Murray has Stafford’s ride thumping with much improved 60-foot times and solid 206.13 eighth-mile MPH, qualifying fourth with 5.636 ET at 258.62 MPH. Sunday eliminations begin at Noon and as of this report, with temperatures in the low 60’s and high winds, the Ignitor will be shortened to 660-foot racing. Sitting fifth is Hawaiian Derrick Moreira, driving his Nitro Junkies Camaro with a 5.658 ET at 257.38 MPH. Driving Eddie Knox’s Problem Child Camaro is Todd Plate running a solid 5.668 ET at 242.58 MPH, sitting sixth. March Meet Champion Michael Peck, in his family’s Instigator ’70 Camaro, ran 5.677 ET at 258.27 MPH for seventh. Southern California’s Jerry Espeseth in his Atlas Testing ’73 Camaro rounds out the filed in eighth with a 5.824 at 246.17 MPH with Brad Littlefield tuning. A ninth funny car had entered; however, it is now parked. The Bartone & Lebor Mustang, driven by Kris Krabill was withdrawn and loaded back in the trailer, after making a successful Thursday test session. We’ll have Final Round results from the Firebird Raceway 55th NAPA Ignitor nitro funny cars up this week! CHECK OUT PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE BOISE IGNITOR The post Nitro Funny Car Qualifying Sets Records At Firebird’s 55th NAPA Ignitor appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

On the second lap of the NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover, a massive crash unfolded at the back of the field as drivers scrambled to make up ground. Ryan Preece was on the outside of a three-wide situation, battling with Todd Gilliland and Kyle Larson. Preece and Gilliland touched, and all three cars got tangled together. A multi-car crash ensued, and Preece backed into the Turn 1 wall at a ...Keep readingView the full article

The Crown Jewel Test DriveMonaco is known as a small country with no personal income tax, making it a magnet for the ultra-wealthy. For car enthusiasts, it is also home to the Monaco Grand Prix, one of Formula 1’s most historic races. That is why Jaguar’s visit to the country to build hype for the Type 01 seems appropriate, especially as the upcoming model is touted as a car that will drive “like no other electric car.” For the uninitiated, the Type 01 will be Jaguar’s first car under its renewed strategy focused exclusively on EVs. The luxury four-door GT is expected to feature a tri-motor setup capable of delivering more than 1,000 horsepower, essentially making it the most powerful Jaguar ever on paper. That powertrain stretched its legs around the Monaco Circuit, with the EV wearing a distinctive camouflage wrap covering what the automaker calls a “modernist” design. Jaguar More Than a Publicity LapJaguar’s trip to Monaco is about more than capitalizing on the Monaco E-Prix. The automaker won the 2024 ABB FIA Formula E Teams’ World Championship, giving it valuable racing learnings and experience that could feed into the development of the Type 01. Other notable brands that use Formula E racing to develop EV technology include Nissan and Porsche. “To achieve our vision for Type 01, we not only harnessed our Formula E know-how but also embedded the competition mindset of Jaguar TCS Racing in our engineering teams,” Rawdon Glover, Jaguar managing director, said. As for the nameplate, “Type” has long been part of Jaguar’s nomenclature, as seen in iconic models such as the E-Type, which Enzo Ferrari once called the most beautiful car ever made. The “0” represents electric propulsion and zero tailpipe emissions, while the “1” signifies the first model under Jaguar’s rebranding. Jaguar Big Electric GambleThat said, the Type 01 appears to be a crucial release, especially as Jaguar Land Rover continues to work through financial challenges. So far, early media impressions have been positive, which could prove important as the Type 01 enters a market where expensive EVs like the Lucid Air have proven difficult to sell. Jaguar will reveal the Type 01 later this year, with prices reportedly starting at around $150,000 to $160,000. Jaguar View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The International Hot Rod Association’s Offshore Racing Series 2026 season is in Cocoa Beach today, and features big speed from giant offshore boats and more. You can watch all the Day 2 action LIVE right here thanks to the IHRA YouTube channel livestream. So pull up a chair, get yourself something nice to drink, and check out all the racing action that is going on Saturday and Sunday! Video Description: Thunder on Cocoa Beach brings the IHRA Offshore Racing Series to Florida’s iconic Space Coast for one of the most anticipated powerboat events of the year. Set against the backdrop of Cocoa Beach’s shoreline, this three-day spectacle delivers world-class offshore racing as the fastest boats in the sport battle it out just offshore in front of thousands of fans. With premier classes reaching speeds of 175+ MPH, the action is fast, loud, and impossible to ignore. The post Offshore Powerboat Racing Livestream: The IHRA Offshore Powerboat Series Thunder On Cocoa Beach – Sunday appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The BMW S55 Usually Has a Pretty Good ReputationThe BMW S55 engine has earned its fans, and it’s easy to see why. This twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, found in the F80 M3 and F82 M4, is often called one of BMW M’s more reliable modern engines – if you keep up with maintenance. Out of the box, it puts down 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Even better, it can take a fair bit of tuning abuse before your wallet starts sweating. That said, the S55 is a tuner’s dream. Bolt-ons, bigger turbos, ethanol mixes, wild ECU tunes – these cars see it all, and many keep running strong for years. But even the S55 has its limits, especially if you ignore maintenance or brush off warning signs. Not every engine gets an easy life. A recent I Do Cars teardown showed exactly what happens when a small problem is left to spiral into a full-blown disaster. This particular engine came out of a 2015 BMW M3. From the first turn of the wrench, it was clear: something had gone seriously wrong inside. The Damage Started Bad and Somehow Got WorseEven before cracking it open, the clues were there. The engine wouldn’t turn over like it should. A few spark plugs were missing. One cylinder looked suspiciously wet. Rust and moisture in the ports hinted that this S55 had spent some time outside after it died. Then things got ugly as soon as the valve cover came off. Multiple intake cam caps were shattered – some of the worst valvetrain carnage the host had ever seen. The S55’s Valvetronic system puts a lot of spring pressure on the valvetrain, and once oil stopped flowing, the camshaft just started eating into the cylinder head. As for the oil filter, metallic bits everywhere, including copper-colored shavings that usually mean bearing failure. At this point, it was obvious the damage went way beyond the top end. Digging deeper, the real culprit showed up: cylinder six had a rod-bearing failure of the worst kind. Bearing material had spread through the oil system, contaminating almost every part that needed lubrication. Things got so hot that plastic parts inside the oil pan actually melted. Surprisingly, the pistons and valves weren’t smashed up as you’d expect from a failure this bad. Instead, the engine just slowly tore itself apart from oil starvation and heat, bit by bit. I Do Cars/YouTube View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Modern Performance Engines Still Need AttentionWhat’s wild is this probably didn’t happen all at once. As I Do Cars pointed out, the damaged cam journals and broken cam caps indicate the engine kept running for a while after oil pressure began to drop. That’s the uncomfortable truth here. Modern performance cars warn you about almost everything. Knocks, low oil pressure, rough running, weird vibrations – you usually get plenty of hints before things get this bad. This teardown makes it clear: someone kept driving this BMW M3 long after the trouble started. If you own an S55, the advice hasn’t changed. Stay on top of oil changes. Watch your oil pressure and temps. Don’t ignore weird noises just because the car still moves. Rod-bearing wear is always something to watch, especially if you’re running more power than stock. The surprise? Even after all this carnage, some good parts survived, such as the block, a few pistons, and the oil pan and injectors. But the cylinder head? That one’s done for good. I Do Cars/YouTube View the full article

It Started as a Joke Dubbed as the fan-favorite on the Nordschleife, BMW's 2025 April Fools' Joke has just entered into the history books as probably one of the best jokes ever made – and raced. Fans asked, BMW delivered, and M Motorsport should be extremely satisfied with the result. This year's 24h of Nürburgring was rather star-studded with four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen on the grid. He did well, leading the pack for most of the 24 hours and racing alongside a fellow Mercedes team member in the No. 80 car. Unfortunately, a late race retirement forced his team to hand over P1 to a fellow Mercedes-AMG team, which held the position all the way until the end. Congratulations to them. Even with the extra star power on the grid, our eyes were securely glued on the M3 Touring. While it might have looked funny and out of place at the start, by the end of the race, nobody was laughing at it anymore. Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing #3 Verstappen / Auer / Gounon / Juncadella (Mercedes-AMG GT3) 24h Rennen View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Leading The Pack, Momentarily In the earlier parts of the endurance race, notably between the 4th and 7th hours, it was still anyone's race. The grid was clearing up due to some oil spills and accidents. Notably, Manthey Racing crashed out early, along with a few other top bets, which blew the doors wide open and opened up top 10 spots for Mercedes-AMG Verstappen, Mercedes-AMG Team Ravenol, Walkenhorst Motorsport, ROWE Racing, and BMW M Motorsport, among others. Several yellow flags in the first hours of the 24 caused cars to bunch up together. Some rivals pitted early, allowing BMW M Motorsport and the two Mercedes AMG GT3s to duke it out in an epic five-lap dog fight. In this stint, the M3 Touring 24H was being piloted by Connor de Phillippi. His rivals, Jules Gounon and Fabian Schiller, were in the two Mercedes GT3s. Hot on P1 and P2's heels, Phillippi pushed the M3 Touring 24H to its absolute limits, giving the Mercs a run for their money. Gounon looked like he was getting shaken by the estate-turned-race car, as he was the meat in the sandwich, left to defend against the BMW wagon. In the fifth lap of their exchange, Phillippi was handed a break, as traffic appeared over the horizon in front of Gounan, effectively blocking the Mercedes-AMG from accelerating, and giving Phillippi P2. Not long after, Phillippi secured the lead after he caught Martin napping in the lead. For a brief moment, BMW M Motorsport was leading the 24h of Nürburgring, and it was beautiful. However, it lasted for only a moment as the BMW M3 GTR Touring had to pit right after and serve a 45-second penalty. #81 Klingmann / de Wilde / de Phillippi / Verhagen (BMW M3 Touring 24h)24h Rennen A New LegendEven with the ill-timed strategy, the rain and tire change, and a bit of contact, the M3 Touring 24H still led its SP-X class, was still causing problems for other class leaders, and was causing a stir in the overall rankings, trading with 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th places and so on, but never dropping out of the top 10. Also, its fastest lap time it logged during the race was 8:13.580. In the end, BMW M Motorsport's M3 Touring 24H will go down in history as one of the most epic April Fool's jokes ever made, driven, and raced. It's now a Nürburgring 24h 5th Overall Finisher, SP-X Class Champion, and absolutely isn't a joke. In an interview, Andreas Roos entered the booth to give the announcers a few more details about M's GTR Touring project. In 2025, BMW pulled off the joke of the year, and fans loved it. The M Division laughed, but realized that they were "in the shit" now that fans were dead serious and clamoring for an actual racecar. BMW M pushed forward with the project without BMW's permission. The saying, 'it's easier to ask for forgiveness rather than permission,' was thrown around in the commentator's booth. Roos then said that he eventually had to reveal the M3 Touring 24H to his boss and the drivers who would be piloting this car at the Nordschleife. The reception was great, and the team was on board. BMW based the M3 Touring 24H on its existing M4 GT3 EVO. It produces 590 horsepower and took just 8 months to develop. #81 Klingmann / de Wilde / de Phillippi / Verhagen (BMW M3 Touring 24h)24h Rennen More Races for the M3 Touring 24H? The ADAC Ravenol 24h Nürburgring 2026 may be one of the only races that this car can compete in. The fact that it is a wagon doesn't do it any favors when it comes to homologation and race regulations. Roos stated in the same interview that the M3 Touring 24H was a one-off, and its qualifications in other racing series are limited. IMSA is one of the races that requires two doors, not five, among a bunch of other things. On top of that, a Redditor caught some of the announcers discussing the car later in the race, stating that the M3 Touring 24H was funded by an investor and would be kept by him afterward. Nobody can yet confirm the identity of this mysterious figure. If you didn't see the M3 Touring 24H's epic run on the Nordschleife, you may never see it again in another race like this one. Talk about quitting while you're on top. Regardless, congratulations to BMW M Motorsport, its race team, Connor De Phillippi, Ugo de Wilde, Jens Klingmann, and Neil Verhagen for running the race to the end for the fans. #81 Klingmann / de Wilde / de Phillippi / Verhagen (BMW M3 Touring 24h)24h Rennen View the full article

In the stratosphere of ultra-high-net-worth luxury, true exclusivity is no longer defined by six-digit price tags or bespoke paint samples. It is defined by permission. With the introduction of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S680 Guard, the German automaker is shifting from a traditional luxury manufacturer to an elite, geopolitical gatekeeper. Money alone will no longer get you the goods; you now have to pass a background check. Mercedes-Benz Who Can Buy One?According to Saša Zejnić, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard Communications Officer, Mercedes is implementing a strict vetting process to determine who is "worthy" of their mobile fortress. The most jarring restriction? If you live in the United States or China, you are automatically off the list. Blacklisting two of the world’s largest superpower automotive markets highlights the shifting landscape of global security. In an era of intense trade embargoes and rising political volatility, a vehicle with classified ballistic protection is treated less like a luxury sedan and more like controlled military technology. To sell one, Mercedes must navigate a minefield of international sanctions, ensuring the car never inadvertently crosses hostile borders. Mercedes-Benz Yet, legal compliance is only half the battle; the other half is brand preservation. The S-Class has a long, complicated history as the preferred transport for controversial political regimes, dictators, and underworld figures. By aggressively gatekeeping the 2027 Guard, Mercedes is actively trying to rewrite that narrative. The mysterious background check ensures the vehicle protects the "right" people, insulating the tri-star badge from PR nightmares. For those who pass the background check, the rewards are immense. The Guard has quietly become the ultimate automotive "secret menu." Mercedes refuses to publicize base pricing, production volume, or manufacturing timelines. The option sheet is entirely classified, allowing buyers to configure the sedan as an invisible civilian cruiser or a full "authority" vehicle rigged with integrated blue lights and sirens. Mercedes-Benz What the S-Guard Stands ForPerhaps the greatest prize for automotive enthusiasts is hidden under the reinforced hood. The Guard is now the only variant featuring the twin-turbo V12 in the facelifted S-Class lineup, without stepping up to Mercedes-Maybach variants. The 2027 S-Class Guard represents the pinnacle of modern asset protection, but its true fascination lies in the psychology of its rollout. By treating a sedan like a classified state asset, Mercedes has created the ultimate status symbol: a vehicle that proves you aren't just incredibly wealthy, but globally cleared. View the full article