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April 2025 was a month that reminded us why the custom motorcycle scene remains a hotbed of limitless creativity. From the workshops of Taiwan to the engineering hubs of Germany and the storied garages of England, the diversity on display was staggering. We saw the rise of the "super-kit" alongside ... View the full article

The Spring Fling at GALOT is LIVE right now with big money bracket racing going on through the weekend! If you want to see great drag racing action from one of the nicest dragstrips in the country, then you need to watch the free livestream below. Darana Motorsports Park, aka Galot, is home to the Spring Fling and this event promises some really hot action this weekend. That’s right, it is Spring Fling time and that means some of the hottest bracket racers in the country are going to be battling it out for big money at Galot where the Spring Fling is going on this weekend. Racing action starts Tuesday, right here and we’ll have all the action for you all the way through Saturday. The post FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: Big Money Bracket Racing From The 2026 Spring Fling at Galot – $40,000 Friday! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Tony Stewart Racing heads to North Carolina’s zMAX Dragway for this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals with sights set on the history books. Matt Hagan and the Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car team come in fresh off a win that moved them into a tie for first in the points standings, while Leah Pruett and her Dodge Top Fuel dragster sit fifth in points after a commanding start to her 2026 return. With his win at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California, the 1,000th NHRA Funny Car race winner, Matt Hagan and the Dodge//SRT Hellcat team extended the sport’s longest active winning streak to 14 seasons. This weekend they head to a track where Hagan’s already cemented his name in history. The four-time world champion will forever be known as the first driver to make a sub-four-second run in a Funny Car, and he did it at his home race track. “I remember making that 3.99-pass. We had been saving some parts and pieces towards the end of the season and so I knew that we had some good stuff on the car,” said Hagan of his 2011 3.995-second pass. “It was one of those things where it was night and it was cool, where you could see your breath. You always get those feelings when your crew chief kind of looks at you in there at you and before he turns the knob and walks away, like, ‘hold on, bud.’ That has stuck with me, such a special moment. To break into the 3.99-range in 1,000-feet, that was really cool, especially to do it at Charlotte.” Hagan, who calls Christiansburg, Virginia, less than three hours away, home, is looking for his fifth victory at the facility just outside of Charlotte. Overall, in 22 four-wide appearances, which includes events at zMAX Dragway and the no longer competed Las Vegas Four-Wide Nationals, Hagan has raced in the final quad 13 times with three wins and three runner-up finishes. Hagan’s fourth win at zMAX came the same weekend of his historic three-second pass. “Winning in Pomona was great. Then you come into Charlotte, it’s my home track. It’s just such a great place,” Hagan said. “The Bruton Smith tracks, they’re always just top-notch. The facilities are great. The fans are great. I’ve got a lot of family and friends coming out so we’re going to have a lot of support with us. I’m looking forward to it.” In Top Fuel, Leah Pruett is trying to become just the third woman to win in the four-wide discipline after six-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders and two-time Top Fuel champion Brittany Force. When Pruett, who is returning to competition after taking two years off to start a family, last competed in the Charlotte 4-Wide National event in April 2023, she qualified third and was runner-up to now two-time Funny Car champion Austin Prock. It was her first final quad appearance. “I feel pretty well prepared. Just because I’ve been to all the 4-wides watching, and I actually saw way more racing when I wasn’t in the car than I ever had before; up there waiting for Matt or Tony to run, and really watching what some of my competitors do: who likes to be in early, or who is the most versatile? I took the opportunity to educate myself more, but I also used to wear recording glasses a couple years ago and I have an album in my phone titled ‘race car glasses’ that I can look back on. So, I feel prepared, and the quicker you can feel prepared, the more confidence that can come,” Pruett said. “That’s the spot that I’m racing in right now. I’m looking forward to it. I know some racers hate it and there are racers like (husband) Tony [Stewart] who absolutely love it, but I fall in the category of, you have a situation, you can’t change the situation, what you can change is your attitude about it. We have a premier track ahead of us, premier racing ahead of us, we are able to adapt to any situation, and we have the ability to go very far at this race. To be honest, it’s only three rounds you have to win on Sunday. We can do that.” Through the first three races, Pruett has been a top three qualifier and picked up the No. 1 spot at the Pomona Winternationals. Her performance has carried over to race day with tow quarterfinal exits and a runner-up finish at her home race in Phoenix. Pruett might be fifth in points but she’s only 36 out of the top spot, 15 from third. Both Hagan and Pruett will have an opportunity to get race day ready with the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Saturday during qualifying. With the four-wide format, not only do semifinalist from the previous race get a rematch, but quarterfinalists as well. Competition at this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway begins with four rounds of qualifying Friday at 4:15 and 7 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Eliminations are slated for Sunday at noon. Television coverage of the event will be on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) beginning with qualifying shows Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at noon ET. Eliminations will air Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. The post Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett Looking to Make More History at NHRA 4-Wide Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series is pleased to announce Engineered Racing Services as the sponsor of the Bounty Hunter Award for the 2026 series events. A team that defeats the Saturday Quick 32 Sportsman Series winner on Sunday will receive a $150 Engineered Racing Services Gift Certificate, t-shirt and hat bonus. If a team wins both days, they will receive the bonus. The Quick 32 Sportsman Series will return to the John Scotti Canadian Championship Series during the NHRA National Open double-headers at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario. Events are scheduled for Victoria Day Weekend, May 15-17, and Labour Day Weekend, September 4-6, 2026. “The Quick 32 Sportsman Series (Top Dragster and Top Sportsman) attracts outstanding Canadian and American teams,” said Greg Wicklum of Engineered Racing Services. “We want and need those teams. They are second to none, first-class competitors, and it is only fitting to include them again to advance the Canadian Series.” The event includes two full days of qualifying and eliminations on Saturday and Sunday, with a Test & Tune session on Friday. “I have known Greg Wicklum for as long as I can remember. He gives back to the sport more than anyone else I know. Just go to the track, and you will see Engineered Racing Services everywhere,” said Bruce Mehlenbacher of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series. “The Quick 32 Sportsman Series is proud to have the support of Engineered Racing Services.” The John Scotti Canadian Championship Series at the NHRA National Open double-headers at Toronto Motorsports Park will feature classes such as the Quick 32 Sportsman Series (Top Dragster and Top Sportsman), Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series, Nostalgia Super Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, and Junior Dragster. Competitors can earn NHRA grade points, which help determine their eligibility for major NHRA events and give them a chance to win a Wally, the most prestigious trophy in drag racing. The post Quick 32 Sportsman Series Welcomes Engineered Racing Services first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The wildest spectacle in motorsports arrives this weekend at zMAX Dragway and the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports is ready to take part during this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. It’s the only four-wide race of the season in the NHRA Pro Mod category, as the unique format adds another level of excitement, as well as additional challenges for the loaded category. This weekend’s event is the third of 11 races in the category during the 2026 campaign and it is powered by Culp Lumber. “We’re proud to continue our support of NHRA Pro Mod at zMAX Dragway, a race we’ve been honored to sponsor since 2022,” said Amy Shelton of Culp Lumber. “As a third-generation company based in New London, motorsports has always been part of who we are. This event gives us a great opportunity to connect with our partners, showcase our business, and keep building lasting memories around Pro Mod racing.” Culp Lumber works closely with Stan Shelton and Kevin Rivenbark, and each is after the win in Charlotte this weekend. But it’s a loaded 23-car field in the class and throw in the four-wide element, it could be a wild three days at zMAX Dragway. Reigning world champion J.R. Gray won the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals a year ago, defeating a final quad that included Alex Laughlin, Billy Banaka and Mike Janis. Justin Bond is the most recent winner in the category, rolling to the victory in Phoenix and jumping to second in points behind only Derek Menholt, who picked up the Gainesville victory. The rest of the loaded field includes multi-time champ Rickie Smith, past champs Stevie “Fast” Jackson and Mike Castellana, and other standouts like Michael Stavrinos, Ken Quartuccio, Lyle Barnett, Sidnei Frigo and Mason Wright. It’s also a critical stretch in the class, as the race in Charlotte kicks off a stretch of three races over the next four weeks, taking the category nearly to the end of the regular season. The JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports features two qualifying rounds at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, and the final two qualifying rounds at 11:55 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The first round of eliminations is slated for 1:05 p.m. on Sunday. The first qualifying session of the day on Friday and Saturday, as well as the first round of eliminations, will be broadcast for free on NHRA’s YouTube page. To purchase tickets to the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, please visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 800-455-3267. For more information about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com. This story was originally published on April 24, 2026. The post JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Series Goes 4-Wide Racing at zMAX Dragway at Race Powered by Culp Lumber first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The G87 BMW M2 is no stranger to special editions, and the latest is the rarest yet, with just 10 units being produced—but America can't have any of them. It's called the M2 Coupe RR Edition, and it's been revealed by BMW South Africa alongside a new S 1000 RR M2 Edition and M 1000 RR M2 Edition. Yes, as strange as it sounds, BMW has created an M2 inspired by its superbikes and a pair of superbikes inspired by its compact sports coupe. Let's take a closer look. BMW M2 RR Edition Gets Updated Looks with Fresh Aero BMW All the M2s and all the liter bikes come with black paint and red accents, with the former finished in fan favorite Black Sapphire Metallic and the latter in a hue called Black Storm Metallic. The M2 RR Edition also gets a 20-millimeter drop thanks to M Performance suspension with red springs, bringing its 20-inch front and 21-inch rear M Performance wheels in Jet Black closer to the arches. The car also gains red inserts on its front and rear splitters, and both a roof spoiler and a wing on the trunk. To round the exterior treatment off, a specially developed Akrapovič exhaust has been produced, though there are no changes to the output of the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six S58 engine, which makes 473 horsepower. BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Inside, BMW has sadly elected not to fit the M Carbon bucket seats from the M2 CS, instead upholstering the standard perches in black and red leather with red contrast stitching, matching the noon marker and M buttons on the steering wheel. Perhaps as a nod to the feeling of freedom provided by a superbike, the M2 Edition RR also gains a sunroof, adding roughly 50 lbs of weight compared to the carbon roof. Finally, buyers will get to choose from either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, with five of each being offered. BMW's M2-Inspired Bikes Get Light Touches BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Like the M2 RR Edition, the S 1000 RR M2 Edition and M 1000 RR M2 Edition get Akrapovič exhaust systems but no extra power. The former adds to its sinister look with red-accented front fairings, a tinted windshield, an M-embossed seat, a red-accented passenger seat, and red-accented Design Option wheels. The latter is a little fancier, with red accents on its M Carbon wheels and tank, as well as red M front winglets that make the bike look ready for MotoGP. Pricing for the S 1000 RR M2 Edition is set at R406,950 (~$24,580), while the M 1000 RR M2 Edition will cost R882,100 (~$53,280). Pricing for the M2 Coupe RR Edition hasn't been revealed, but it probably won't be cheap. BMW View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

For more than two decades, Bugatti’s identity has been shaped under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group. That chapter has now officially come to a close, as Porsche has agreed to sell its stakes in Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group to a consortium led by HOF Capital. The End of a 28-Year Volkswagen Era Bugatti Volkswagen first brought Bugatti back to life in 1998, a few years after the EB110 was discontinued. Under VW ownership, the French hypercar maker delivered icons like the Veyron and later the Chiron, cars that redefined what hypercars could be. In 2021, Bugatti entered a new era with the creation of Bugatti Rimac, a joint venture designed to add electrification to the mix. Porsche held a 45% stake in the joint venture, along with a 20.6% share in the Rimac Group. Now, with both holdings sold entirely (for an undisclosed amount), the Volkswagen era is officially over. Control now shifts to Mate Rimac and a new group of global investors, effectively wiping the slate clean and setting the stage for a very different future. What Bugatti Looks Like Without Volkswagen Bugatti Whether Mate Rimac wants to admit it or not, Volkswagen’s engineering depth influenced Bugatti in more ways than many realised. One of the clearest examples came when Mat Armstrong uncovered shared components between the Chiron Super Sport and more mainstream Audi and VW models, highlighting just how interconnected the group really was. Without that ecosystem, will Bugatti continue sourcing components from the wider industry, or will Rimac push for more bespoke, in-house solutions? While the Mistral marks the final chapter of its W16 era, the Tourbillon gives us a taste of what's possible with Rimac's guidance. Its naturally aspirated 8.3-litre V16 engine, paired with three electric motors, produces a combined 1,775 hp and showcases just how impactful electrification can be. Porsche Refocuses as Bugatti Starts Over Porsche Recently, Porsche has seen quite a tough time, with operating profit collapsing by 92.7% to just $478 million in 2025, and its profit margin declining from 14.1% to just 1.1%. In response, Porsche AG CEO Dr Michael Leiters said that they "will focus Porsche on the core business," with their most recent announcement being the all-electric Cayenne Coupe. Stepping away from Bugatti will allow Porsche to focus its resources where they matter most As for Bugatti, though, this marks a hard reset. Without Volkswagen’s backing, there's no shared parts bin and no established formula they have to follow. What comes next will define the brand for decades to come, and for the first time in years, no one knows what comes next. View the full article

Before the EV EraThe Volkswagen Golf has played just about every role you can imagine: practical hatchback, hot hatch, diesel workhorse, plug-in hybrid, and even performance icon as the GTI and R. The next big leap is the all-electric ID. Golf, already teased as part of Volkswagen’s EV roadmap. But before the Golf goes fully electric, there’s one more chapter to add. Enter the new Golf Hybrid: Volkswagen’s first full hybrid take on its iconic hatchback. It lands alongside the T-Roc Hybrid and slots neatly between the eTSI mild-hybrids and the plug-in eHybrid models already on sale in Europe. The key difference is that you don’t need to mess with charging cables or wall boxes. Volkswagen says the idea is to deliver better efficiency without forcing owners to rethink their daily routines. Volkswagen How the New Golf Hybrid System WorksUnder the hood, you’ll find Volkswagen’s 1.5-liter TSI evo2 turbo four-cylinder, teamed up with two electric motors. One motor drives the front wheels, while the other acts as a generator. The result is a system that can quietly switch between electric-only cruising, series hybrid mode, or parallel hybrid drive, depending on what the road throws at you. In city traffic or at low speeds, the Golf Hybrid can glide along on electric power alone, with the gas engine taking a break. Step on the throttle or ask for more power, and the engine wakes up – not to drive the wheels directly, but to generate electricity through the second motor. Volkswagen calls this serial drive mode. Once you’re up to about 37 mph, especially out on highways or open roads, the system shifts to parallel drive mode. Now the gasoline engine takes the lead, with the electric motor stepping in to help during quick bursts of acceleration or passing maneuvers. A 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery sits under the rear floor, storing power for the hybrid system. Volkswagen will offer two output levels, though exact numbers are still under wraps. Drivers can pick between Eco, Comfort, and Sport modes. Volkswagen Why America Probably Won’t See ItThe new Golf Hybrid is scheduled to launch in Q4 2026, starting in Europe alongside the T-Roc Hybrid. It makes perfect sense there, especially as stricter Euro 7 emissions regulations approach and smaller hatchbacks need every possible efficiency advantage to stay competitive. For Volkswagen, this fills a key gap. If you don’t want a basic mild hybrid but aren’t ready for the cost or charging routine of a plug-in, the Golf Hybrid lands right in the middle. It’s less expensive than a plug-in, more efficient than a mild hybrid, and still feels like a Golf. If you’re in the US, don’t get your hopes up. Volkswagen dropped the standard Golf here after 2021, leaving just the Golf GTI and Golf R. With the regular hatchback gone, the new full-hybrid is likely to stay a Europe-only story. So for now, Americans waiting for an electrified Golf will have to sit tight and see what shape the future ID. Golf takes. Volkswagen View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Lamborghini is at the 2026 Milano Design Week, and it's made a splash with a new special-edition variant of its plug-in hybrid super SUV. Capped at just 630 units, the Urus SE Tettonero Capsule is the rarest version of the Urus yet, and it's also the most customizable, with more color combinations possible than ever before, though you can only have the roof in black because that's what the words tetto and nero mean. As with other Urus SE SUVs (at least until the next Performante arrives), the limited edition is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain delivering 789 horsepower to all four wheels, though with such fancy paints on offer, you may not want to test the top speed claim of 193.8 mph. Urus SE Tettonero Lets Creativity Run Wild Lamborghini View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The special-edition Urus SE is available with six paint finishes for the exterior: Arancio Xanto (orange), Bianco Asopo (white), Grigio Telesto (grey), and Viola Pasifae (purple). Those of you keeping count will note that I've only listed four colors so far, and that's because the last two, Giallo Tenerife (yellow) and Verde Mercurius (green), deserve a special mention since they've never been available for the Urus before now. The verdant shade is the same one the Lamborghini Temerario debuted in, and it shifts its hues as your vantage point or lighting changes. Nero Shiny (black) paint is applied, not just to the roof, but to the whole upper section of the bodywork and its spoiler, along with the exhaust tips. You also get access to a choice of wheels in 21-, 22-, or 23-inch diameters, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber, and the brake calipers come in six different colors that can be matched to external livery colors, which we get into next. Lamborghini View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article In terms of external accent colors, Sant'Agata offers Arancio Borealis (a different orange), Bianco Monocerus (a different white), Giallo Auge (a different yellow), Grigio Nimbus (a different grey), Rosso Mars (red), or Verde Mantis (a different green). You can also add the "63" logo (referencing the year of Automobili Lamborghini's inception) to the lower front doors. With more than 70 possible configurations, you can come up with a truly unique look, with or without carbon fiber for the front splitter, mirror caps, and rear diffuser. The configurator is already live, but before you head over there to stretch the bounds of taste, let's see what the Tettonero Capsule offers inside. Lamborghini's Tettonero Capsule Gets a Lavish Interior Lamborghini Inside, the passenger side of the dashboard gets a carbon fiber trim with a silk-screened printed logo of the Urus, along with another carbon fiber plaque celebrating a decade of the Ad Personam Studio, Lamborghini's in-house personalization department. Carbon fiber can also be added to the transmission tunnel, the instrument cluster, and the door cards, with upholstery in Dinamica leather and Corsa-Tex microfiber suede fabric. Lamborghini wants your interior to be finished in Nero Ade, or black, but you can choose from six contrasting colors that can be matched to the aforementioned livery options: Viola Acutus (purple), Bianco Leda (white), Giallo Quercus (yellow), Arancio Dryope (orange), Verde Viper (green), and Grigio Octans (grey). On top of that, another 12 colors can be chosen from when deciding on embroidery for the seats, headrests, and upholstery. Lamborghini View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Lamborghini hasn't revealed pricing, but you can be sure that something as low-volume as a 630-unit Lambo won't come cheap. We quite like the color combo of the example in the official images (which were shot at the Pirelli HangarBicocca, a Milanese institute focused on producing and promoting contemporary art, sited at a reconverted industrial plant), but what would your ideal spec be? Let us know below. Lamborghini View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

First Mild-Hybrid Outlander in the USEarlier this year, Mitsubishigave the Outlander PHEV a solid refresh – sharper front-end, cleaner cabin, and tweaks that kept it competitive with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson. The changes didn’t just update the look; they made the plug-in Outlander feel more refined and kept it right at the center of Mitsubishi’s lineup. Now it’s the regular Outlander’s turn. For 2026, Mitsubishi is rolling out the first mild-hybrid Outlander in the US, adding a 48-volt system to the standard model. It’s a move that bumps up efficiency without making buyers jump straight to a full hybrid or plug-in. This update helps Mitsubishi keep the Outlander in the game as electrification becomes the norm in this segment. The bigger story is that the automaker has managed to do it while keeping the base price at $29,995 – a number that still stands out in today’s market. Mitsubishi First Mild-Hybrid Outlander ArrivesThe big news for 2026 is under the hood: a Mitsubishi-designed 1.5-liter turbo engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. You can get it with either front-wheel drive or Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel drive. Aside from the new powertrain, Mitsubishi is keeping most of the upgrades from the 2025 refresh. That includes better seat materials, redesigned cupholders, a bigger center armrest, smarter phone charging spots, and more sound insulation. Higher trims add cooled front seats and your choice of an eight- or 12-speaker Yamaha audio system, depending on the spec. On the outside, the Outlander keeps its refreshed front end – new grille, bumper, and hood tweaks that help cut wind noise and tighten up the fit and finish. New 18- and 20-inch wheels update the look, and all the lighting is now LED, with smoked taillights for a bit more style. Mitsubishi is also adding a new LE trim for 2026, which sits between the ES and SE. It brings 20-inch black wheels, adaptive cruise, synthetic leather seats, a wireless charger, a multi-view camera, and a black headliner – all without bumping the price into premium territory. Mitsubishi Pricing Keeps It CompetitiveMitsubishi backs the 2026 Outlander with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and two years of limited maintenance. For buyers who care more about monthly payments than horsepower, that’s still a big deal. The pricing lineup is wide enough to cover both budget-focused shoppers and those looking for more features. Trim 2WD MSRP S-AWC MSRP ES $29,995 $31,795 LE $32,345 $34,145 SE $34,345 $36,145 SE w/ Tech Package $37,545 $39,345 RALLIART N/A $39,645 Trail Edition N/A $39,645 SEL $39,045 $40,845 SEL w/ Premium Package $42,095 $43,895 Black Edition $43,045 $44,845 Prices exclude $1,745 destination fee. With a starting price under $30,000, the mild-hybrid Outlander gives Mitsubishi something you don’t see much anymore: an electrified compact SUV that’s still within reach. Mitsubishi View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Built on the DAB 1α platform, the Brabus Urban E blends futuristic design culture with urban mobility technology. View the full article

At the Beijing Auto Show this week, Hyundai pulled the wraps off the Ioniq V, a China-exclusive all-electric liftback built in partnership with Chinese autonomous driving developer Momenta. But the car itself is almost secondary to what it represents. As part of a broader transformation, Hyundai plans to introduce 20 new models in China over the next five years, describing it as its most ambitious product expansion in the market to date. The rollout will cover the full spectrum of electrified powertrains, from battery electric vehicles and extended-range electric vehicles across midsize to large segments. The target is clear. Hyundai wants to sell around 500,000 cars a year in China by the end of the decade, which would roughly double China's current contribution to its global sales. China accounts for more EV sales than the rest of the world combined, making it the single most important battleground for any automaker. For Hyundai, China will become a proving ground for the software, battery tech, and design language that will inevitably filter into its US lineup. Hyundai A Decade of Decline That Made This NecessaryHyundai's China story over the past ten years is a cautionary tale about how quickly a strong market position can unravel. China once accounted for about 25 percent of Hyundai and Kia's combined global sales in 2016. That figure has since cratered to around 3 percent, with market share slipping from nearly 10 percent to just 1.6 percent. The trouble started with geopolitical friction and deepened as Chinese domestic brands accelerated their EV pivot, while foreign automakers were slowed by pandemic factory shutdowns. China has rapidly transitioned away from internal combustion engines, and brands like BYD have captured precisely the buyers that Hyundai once relied on. Slow localization and a late EV response left Hyundai exposed. The 20-model offensive, including plug-in hybrids to appeal to younger buyers, is an attempt to fix that. BYD The Design Language That Could Influence Your Next Hyundai EVTo that end, Hyundai has developed a China-specific design direction it calls Origin. It's a sharp departure from the retro aesthetic of its global Ioniq lineup. Hyundai's head designer Simon Loasby described the approach as being something entirely new, aiming for a powerful road presence and immediate visual impact. While the ‘Origin’ design language is China-specific for now, Hyundai has a history of letting regional experiments influence global styling. If it resonates, elements of this sharper, more aggressive aesthetic could find their way into future US-market EVs. Hyundai View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Diving deeper, partnerships with firms like Momenta aren’t just about Chinese consumers. They give Hyundai access to a faster-moving software stack that could shape future driver-assistance systems across markets. Ultimately, if Hyundai cannot compete on cost and scale in China, it becomes harder to subsidize aggressive pricing in the United States, where EV adoption is still price-sensitive. View the full article

Auto Fabrica takes the dependable Honda CB750 Nighthawk and transforms it into a striking neo-retro café racer with real performance intent. Built by brothers Gaz Muhare and Bjar Muhare, the project blends handcrafted artistry with modern engineering, resulting in a machine that feels both futuristic and timeless. Design Philosophy Originally known for its durability rather than excitement, the CB750 Nighthawk is reimagined here as something far more engaging. The goal was not to rely on nostalgia, but to create a […] The post Auto Fabrica’s Wild CB750 Nighthawk Transformation appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

JaguarLand Rover products have never had the most stellar reputation for reliability, and with a new recall for almost every SUV nameplate that the company sold or still sells in America, that reputation is hardly getting any better. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall affecting 170,169 mild-hybrid vehicles from nine model lines across a total of 35 products. In fact, the only SUV that JLR hasn't recalled is the electric I-Pace. It's a fairly serious recall, as it could lead to both a loss of drive power and exterior lighting, and we don't need to tell you why those two things happening at the same time could be particularly dangerous, especially at night. Worse still, there isn't yet a solution to the problem. JLR Recall Affects Loads of Luxury SUVs Jaguar Land Rover View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The recall has been issued because the DC-DC converter could fail, affecting the following vehicles: 2021-2022 Jaguar E-Pace (528 units)2021-2024 Jaguar F-Pace (4,449 units)2020-2024 Land Rover Defender (53,644)2021-2024 Land Rover Discovery (6,323 units)2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport (381 units)2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover (34,930 units)2020-2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (2,994 units)2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport (61,616 units)2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar (5,304 units)When an automaker issues a recall such as this, it will estimate a percentage of the recalled number expected to potentially have the problem, and this will often be a single-digit figure, but in this case, JLR estimates that every vehicle named in the recall report has a faulty DC-DC converter, a problem that has been plaguing the company's SUVs worldwide, not just in the U.S. Related: Jaguar Canceled Four New Cars Before Deciding to Go All-Electric JLR's Product Safety and Compliance Committee first reviewed this issue in September 2024 and concluded that, because symptoms progressed gradually, the fault did not pose an unreasonable risk to safety. More reports kept coming in, however, so a dedicated engineering task force was set up to investigate, though its efforts were stunted by JLR's massive cybersecurity failure last year. JLR continued work in November 2025, and in April, the NHTSA explained that it viewed this as a safety problem, not a customer satisfaction issue. So how do you know if your SUV or crossover has the fault? JLR Safety Issue Shows Several Warning Signs Land Rover View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article According to the NHTSA recall report, the problem is first revealed to customers through a red warning message that appears on the dash within 10 seconds of the converter's failure, telling them to stop safely because of an electrical fault. As the 12-volt system progressively loses charge, other warnings appear, including but not limited to warnings for failures of the lane-keep assist program, suspension, and stability control system. If the driver keeps going, the vehicle shifts into neutral, showing a gearbox fault on the cluster. JLR says the vehicle will stay on for a while, but then the center screen and the climate control both stop working. Finally, the engine shuts off, and ultimately, the battery becomes too depleted to maintain power to the exterior lighting systems. In other words, as soon as the first warning appears, owners of the affected vehicles should find a safe place to pull over as quickly as possible, or they could become stranded in the dark, becoming a hazard to themselves and other road users. Dealers will be notified on the 1st of May, but customers will only get an interim notification in June, and with the remedy still in development, JLR doesn't know when it will be able to solve the issue. Jaguar Land Rover View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

It's not the fun part of driving or riding, but it'll help you keep going out and having fun if you remember to check your tires regularly. As this story about a side-by-side flipping after a tire came off proves. View the full article

Now available on Collecting Cars, this eye-catching café racer is a professionally executed build based on the iconic BMW R65 platform. It draws power from a 650cc air-cooled flat-twin engine, paired with a smooth five-speed transmission, delivering a classic riding experience with a purposeful edge. The build showcases a cohesive and high-quality finish throughout. Matte black bodywork is accented by subtle white pinstriping on the fuel tank, while the frame, engine covers, and wheels are all powder-coated in black for […] The post FOR SALE: 1986 BMW R65 – Custom appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

A near-new Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, once owned by Dave Navarro, has sold on Cars and Bids for more than its original sticker price by $16,205. With just 250 miles on the clock, a rare four-seat layout, and a bundle of signed memorabilia, this example stands out even among modern power-hungry Shelby cars. Celebrity Ownership, Ultra-Low Miles Cars and Bids Cars and Bids Cars and Bids Finished in Dark Matter Gray Metallic, a final-year exclusive shade, this GT500 is essentially showroom fresh. Navarro, known for his work with Jane’s Addiction and Red Hot Chili Peppers, adds a layer of celebrity appeal that collectors value. Beyond that, the car’s rare four-seat configuration and color combination make it just one of 145 four-seat examples built to this specification. This GT500 is part of the S550-generation Mustang, representing the era when the GT500 sat at the very top of Ford’s muscle car hierarchy before the newer S650 era arrived and the GTD took over. Power, Provenance, and Added Value Cars and Bids Cars and Bids Cars and Bids Under the hood sits Ford’s supercharged 5.2-litre Predator V8, producing 760 hp, mated to a 7-speed DCT. That same engine family lives on in newer performance models like the Mustang Dark Horse SC. Originally carrying an MSRP of $86,545, this GT500 ultimately sold for $102,750. While its rarity and low mileage played important roles in that valuation, there's more to the story. Included in the sale were several signed items from Navarro, including a PRS SE Custom 24 electric guitar, a Black Kross case, and a Shelby plaque. A Deal, Despite The Premium Cars and Bids Cars and Bids Cars and Bids Interestingly, the final price still sits below market trends. According to Classic.com, the average 2022 GT500 has traded for $114,111 over the past year. That means the winning bidder secured a low-mileage, celebrity-owned example for roughly $10,000 under market average, with signed memorabilia included. While it still sounds absurd to pay over sticker price for a used Shelby Mustang, this might be one of the rare justified instances. View the full article

Tony Stewart Racing's Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett are ready for the 4-Wide Nats. Here's what they're bringing to zMax DragwayView the full article

More Power! It started with Teslas putting supercars to shame. Now, it's a whole industry-wide push to see whose grocery getter can make the quickest school run. Everything from electric off-roaders to BYD's latest flagship SUV already breaks the 600-plus-horsepower mark. So how does Porsche respond to that with their top-of-the-line flagship SUV? Well, it pushes four digits and sticks it to the other Chinese brands at Auto China 2026 in Beijing. At 1,140 horsepower, the new Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric makes going out with the family an exhilarating experience. Simply put, the highest trim level makes hypercar levels of horsepower, enough to really put a smile on your face and freak out whoever is brave enough to sit at the back, at least we assume it will. 2026 Cayenne Turbo Coupé Electric Porsche View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article A New Design With a roofline derived from its most storied nameplate, the 911, Porsche tacks on the coupe name onto the Cayenne Electric. This results in a sporty yet elegant silhouette that is unmistakably Porsche. Known as the "flyline," it gives the impression of speed while standing still, while paying homage to the model that made Porsche what it is today. The A-Pillar follows the same ethos as the rear, sweeping up and over the cabin in a way that only a Porsche can. Porsche also fitted the Cayenne Electric with an adaptive rear spoiler, which blends with the rest of the body lines when stowed away. On the move, it rises to reduce drag while going at speed. The front fascia is nothing too new; in fact, it takes many of its cues from the Macan Electric. This brings the new Cayenne electric in line with the rest of Porsche's electric offerings, and allows the German marque to spread its ethos across multiple premium segments. Porsche's Head of Exterior Design, Thomas Stopka, says that "precisely drawn lines, wide proportions, and high-gloss black side window strips form a design that exudes sportiness in every detail, extroverted and clearly positioned, the new Cayenne Coupe Electric is a sports car through and through." The new design also benefits the aerodynamics of the electric SUV. Porsche claims it has achieved a drag coefficient of 0.23, whereas the typical SUV comes in at 0.25. The result is a better efficiency boost of up to 11 more miles of range. In total, the new Cayenne Coupe Electric can go up to about 415 miles (669 kilometers) on a single charge, depending on the model. The Porsche Active Aerodynamics system also includes additional air flaps that improve cooling, and it works in tandem with the aforementioned adaptive rear spoiler. 2026 Cayenne S Coupé Electric Porsche View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article Power At launch, the all-electric SUV lineup will include three variants. In typical Porsche fashion, we will have the Cayenne Coupe Electric, Cayenne S Coupe Electric, and Cayenne Turbo Coupe Electric. At its base trim, we can expect 402 horsepower with the ability to overboost with Launch Control. With this, the base Cayenne Coupe Electric can achieve up to 435 horsepower, though momentarily. The rest of the lineup follows the same pattern, but with more and more power. The Cayenne S achieves up to 536 horsepower, and with overboost, it can make up to 656 horsepower. While the top-of-the-line Cayenne Turbo Coupe Electric produces 845 horsepower, with a peak overboost of 1,140 horsepower under maximum effort. For 0-60 miles per hour times, you're looking at about 4.8 seconds for the base, 3.8 seconds for the S, and 2.5 seconds for the Turbo. With 800-volt technology, Porsche can charge the car almost as fast as it goes. Sure, it's not as fast as other Chinese brands; however, it does get pretty quick, with up to 390 kW of charging via a DC fast charger. Given the right conditions, the model can even go up to 400 kW. The Cayenne Coupe Electric is also capable of charging via AC, with up to 11 kW using the vehicle's standard on-board charger and up to 22 kW for high-power AC connections. The 22 kW AC charger is an extra. 2026 Cayenne Turbo Coupé Electric Porsche View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article Additional Headlines On top of all of that, it's more or less the same story with other performance Porsche SUVs. You get adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard for the S and the Turbo variants, but the Porsche Active Ride suspension system is an optional extra, along with rear-axle steering. Other features include the Porsche Driver Experience with digital and driver-oriented elements, including a fully digital instrument cluster, central Flow Display, and a passenger display and AR heads-up display as an option. It's also good to know that Porsche keeps a number of physical controls in the cabin, even though this is quite an advanced and futuristic model with otherworldly levels of power. There is also a Coupe-specific option that buyers can tick: the Lightweight Sport package, which can reduce the car's weight by up to 38.8 pounds. Now, that might not seem like a lot, but it also pleases the eye, thanks to a lightweight carbon roof, a carbon insert, and 22-inch wheels with high-performance tires exclusive to the package. Also included are a lightweight Pepita-pattern cloth, the Race-Tex headliner, and open-pore carbon surfaces. Additional options for the lightweight sport package include black leather upholstery and a 2+1 rear seat system. Porsche View the 23 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

New York City holds more vintage iron than most riders realize. From the cafe racer world of Brooklyn workshops to upstate dealer lots the city rewards those who dig deeper. This guide covers every real channel. Salvage Auctions: The Fastest Path to a Cafe Racer Build Experienced riders know that abetter.bid gives buyers direct access to salvage auctions where cafe racer motorcycles move at real prices. The platform aggregates lots nationwide so a New York rider bids on a yamaha […] The post Where to Find Vintage Motorcycles in NYC: Auctions, Dealers, Hidden Gems appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

No More SpeedstersThis is it, we're in the endgame now. Gunther Werks is signing off on Porsche 911 Speedsters with its final and wildest build yet. Called "Project Endgame," it means more than just the ultimate; it also means the final rendition in the Gunther Werks Speedster program. For non-Porsche enthusiasts, Gunther Werks is a well-known brand that uses modern engineering and technology to recreate and reimagine classic 911s. When simply owning a Porsche isn't enough, the folks over at Gunther Werks can probably draw up a commission – provided you have what it takes to afford their work. Gunther Werks View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article The Endgame Gunther Werks made a name for itself with classic Porsches. Their Speedster builds are particularly popular. However, this is the final rendition of the Speedster program, which means it's far from an ordinary Gunther Werks project – not to say their other projects are lacking. Exquisite detailing and thoughtful modernization. While classic Porsche purists might scoff, it's hard to invalidate the time and effort that Gunterh Werks puts in. Starting with the exterior, while it is built on the bones of a Porsche 993, it wears modern aerodynamics in the form of wider wheel arches, a big wing, and LEDs all around, tying everything together. The exterior panels of Project Endgame are made from carbon fiber. Thanks to Gunther Werk's meticulous attention to detail, the brand claims that it's around the weight of a Toyota GR86, about 2,600 lbs (claimed figures, unsure if wet or dry), but just wait until we get to the power under the hood (trunk). It continues to the interior. Not a single stone was left unturned. Every part is in theme, from the seats down to the steering wheel. Thankfully, we don't see a digital display here because that might have taken things too far. Power comes from a flat-six, but it's not your typical Gunther Werks heart beating behind the driver. Instead of around 400-plus horsepower, which is about the sweet spot of these "wild" builds, Gunther Werks went all out and put a twin-turbo flat-six from Rothsport Racing that puts out a whopping 840 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque that revs out all the way to 7,500 rpm. Only the rear wheels are driven on this car, and all that power and torque courses through a six-speed manual transmission. Also, the intercoolers are plated in 24 karat gold, and while that may be an exercise in excess, gold actually helps bring intake charge temperatures down. This is the same engine that Gunther Werks used in its color-shifting 911 project, which also happens to make 840 horsepower. To fit all of this in, a lot of thought was needed. Guntherwerks had to extend the rear quarter panels of the 993 to accommodate the massive twin-turbo power plant. That, and make sure that its massive rear wheels fit. Gunther Werks View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article Bespoke While this will be the final project Speedster for Gunther Werks, Project Endgame is also the first car built under GWX, Gunther Werks' bespoke coachbuilding program. Under this, clients will be able to push the limits of personalization. "Project Endgame is unlike any Speedster we've built before, with every element precision-engineered and designed in absolute collaboration with the client. Even the most granular details were taken into account and refined," said Peter Nam, the boss and founder of Gunther Werks. Details such as the gold plating, not only on the intercooler, but also on the mirrors, headlights, and gear lever, are just some of the parts that the program can deliver. Because of this, Gunther Werks will continue to push the boundaries of opulence, detail, and bespoke craftsmanship in its future projects thanks to GWX. Gunther Werks View the 20 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Trickling DownOn the surface, Honda’s latest Civic update in Japan doesn’t look like a big deal. There’s a new e:HEV RS grade coming in June 2026, and pre-orders are already open. But the real story isn’t about the RS badge. The e:HEV RS badge isn’t new if you’ve followed the Civic in other markets. What’s worth paying attention to is what Honda is adding this time: the S+ Shift system, which first showed up in the Prelude hybrid coupe. If you’re looking for big visual changes, you won’t find them here. The updated Civic looks almost identical to the refreshed US model – no bold redesigns or obvious hints that this is the sportier version. The real changes are under the skin, and you’ll notice them most from the driver’s seat. Prelude Tech Finds Its Way Into the CivicHonda’s goal with the Civic e:HEV RS was to make it feel lighter and more precise, without losing the efficiency of the two-motor hybrid setup. The main change is the S+ Shift system, which is meant to make the hybrid more engaging from behind the wheel. S+ Shift doesn’t turn the hybrid into a manual, but it does try to mimic the feel of a manual. It tweaks the way the car accelerates, changes the engine sound, and adjusts how the system responds, all to give you a rhythm that’s closer to what you’d expect from a sporty manual – even if there’s no clutch pedal. The Civic e:HEV RS also gets its own suspension tuning for sharper steering and better body control, plus a D-shaped steering wheel to drive home the sporty feel. Honda’s aiming for that sense of connection between driver and car – something you usually hear about in Type R models, only this time with much better fuel economy. Honda Could This Be Coming to America Next?For US buyers, the bigger question is whether these updates are coming here next. The current facelifted Civic already looks like the Japanese version, so it’s likely these changes are setting the stage for a North American update instead of a full redesign. Honda has already said there’s strong global demand for hybrids, and the Civic Hybrid is a big part of that plan. Adding S+ Shift to the US Civic for 2027 would make sense, especially as Honda looks for ways to keep enthusiasts interested while going further into electrification. The Prelude might be the showcase for Honda’s new hybrid performance, but the Civic is where it could really catch on. If Honda wants to show that hybrids can still be fun, the Civic is probably the best place to prove it. For now, Japan gets the first taste, but this feels more like a preview of what’s coming next than just a local update. Honda View the 15 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

THE 2026 KTM 1390 Super Duke RR Track is the limited-edition naked bike no one asked for.View the full article

Roughchild returns with a purpose-built machine that favors function over flash. Dubbed the “Freeway Flier,” this latest project documents the transformation of a 1980 BMW R100 into a refined long-distance café racer, blending performance upgrades with practical touring sensibilities. The donor bike’s significance lies in its transitional engineering—BMW’s early update to the engine and gearbox, while still retaining the signature heavy flywheel. Rather than discard this characteristic, the build leans into it. Paired with taller gearing and a sintered race […] The post VIDEO: Roughchild’s Long-Legged BMW R100 Reimagined appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Following a Leak Off the back of the model being prematurely leaked before its prime time at the Beijing Motor Show, with 643 horsepower from pure battery power, it's still enough to make an impact. Images of the EV SUV leaked ahead of time, but none showed the raw power (figures) that BYD was packing under the hood (floor). That's not all: not only will there be 643 horsepower under your right foot, but BYD is also claiming a range of 550 miles (900 kilometers) on a single charge. BYD Flagship Size, Features, and Power BYD unveiled the Sealiion 08 at this year's Auto China 2026. It serves as the flagship to the brand's Ocean Series of models, which takes inspiration from the marine ecosphere. Other notable names include the other "lesser" Sealions, the Seagull, and the Seal. The Sealion 08 takes all of that and more, boasting massive dimensions coming in at 16.78 feet long, 6.55 feet wide, and 5.90 feet tall, and all on a wheelbase that's almost ten feet in length — wheel to wheel. For context, that's about the size of a Mercedes-Benz GLS, which is about a third of a foot longer than the BYD. The interior of the Sealion 08 will come in two flavors, one with five seats and one with six seats. The six-seater will likely have two captain's chairs down the middle and a pair of fold-out seats at the back, while the five-seater configuration will definitely adopt a standard bench for the middle row and no seats at the back. There also appears to be a "nub" on the roof, which suggests this model will include autonomous driving functionality. Apart from that, the Sealion 08 will also use BYD's latest dual-chamber air suspension technology, paired with the brand's rear-wheel steering system. The all-electric SUV will also be all-wheel drive, and its highlights include a dual-motor setup and acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour in around 5 seconds. Equally as fast is the Flash Charging technology BYD installed in this SUV, which can charge the battery back up in five minutes with the right charger. The battery technology in BYD's new flagship is, without a doubt, top-of-the-line. Predictably, all the brand's latest and greatest are present in this release. Thanks to the Blade 2.0 cell, we get a massive 550-mile range (BYD claims about 900 kilometers on a single charge). The brand hasn't revealed its battery capacity yet; however, reports indicate it's rated at about 130.5 kWh, similar to the BYD Great Tang. The total combined power of the front and rear motors is 643 horsepower, which is by no means a slouch. It is competitive, however, given that other Chinese brands seem to be fitting their grocery getters with enough power to give sportscars are run for their money. BYD Fans via CarNewsChina Over 600 Horsepower, Less than $50,000 This might be one of the most affordable ways (if you can buy it) to get an easy 600 horsepower in your garage. According to sources, the BYD Sealion 08 sells in China for just ¥300,000 CNY, which translates to about $44,000, give or take. Considering the vehicle's size and the features I assume will be next-level and plush, the Sealion 08 looks like a contender that will give other premium Chinese EV makers a run for their money. We could also perhaps see this vehicle get a Denza version. Denza View the full article