StreetNewsReporter

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has made clear that he believes electric SUVs would ‘kill’ what is now called the NASCAR O’Reilly Series but agrees the second-tier division needs updates and has a solution for that too. The NASCAR Hall of Famer and co-owner of JR Motorsports discussed the topic this week on his Dale Jr. Download podcast amidst a Sports Business Journal report that stated an interest ...Keep readingView the full article

I'll admit, my knowledge of vintage Ducatis is rudimentary at best—so I always feel a little out of my depth when talking to Mike Watanabe. He and Luke Ransom run Union Motorcycle Classics out of a barn in Idaho, where they specialize in charming classics and restomods. And their knowledge runs deep... View the full article

Elite Motorsports rolls into zMax with a positive head of steam. Here are the big Elite storylines heading into the 4-Wide 'Nats.View the full article

Our grandparents were sold cars that could be passed down generations; our cars are very different. The American automotive industry is grappling with a severe quality control collapse. The modern automobile has transitioned from a mechanical machine into a heavily networked, rolling software platform, meaning service requires specialists, and the right to repair is all but nullified. This is not unintentional, and most analysts saw this coming as a result of a larger trend - the increasing disposability of vehicles. In just the first quarter of 2026 alone, a historic 12.1 million vehicles have been recalled across the United States. This staggering volume is overwhelming dealership service departments and forcing millions of motorists to drive compromised vehicles. The crisis is heavily skewed by major domestic manufacturers, heavily impacting the consumer market with critical flaws in their best-selling units. Record High RecallsThis failure is not a sudden development. The groundwork for this crisis was laid as automakers aggressively pushed complex software architectures and scaled production to meet demand. The current wave of defects follows years of escalating hardware and software integration issues across the industry. For example, a software bug in Ford's integrated trailer module causes a total loss of trailer brake and turn signal functionality, prompting a staggering recall covering over 4.3 million trucks and SUVs. A.I The situation escalated dramatically following a barrage of high-profile federal directives. The NHTSA and Ford announced a massive recall affecting roughly 1.4 million F-150 pickups built between 2014 and 2017. The issue is a transmission glitch that causes unintended, sudden downshifts, which is a massive safety liability at highway speeds. Simultaneously, 235,000 Kia and Genesis vehicles were recalled over a critical fuel leak issue. This rapid succession of federal actions across major brands has thrust the industry’s manufacturing flaws into the national spotlight, exposing vulnerabilities in modern vehicle assembly. The (Failing) StrategyThis crisis is not a sudden manufacturing anomaly; it is the direct consequence of a deliberate, industry-wide cost-cutting movement to maximize profits and keep the boards of directors happy. Over the last decade, automakers prioritized scaling complex software architectures rather than traditional rigorous physical stress-testing to maximize profit margins. By consolidating critical vehicle functions—such as braking, steering, and engine management—into centralized, digitally controlled modules, manufacturers significantly reduced physical assembly costs and material expenditures, while also ensuring that the customers have no choice but to bring the cars back to the manufacturer for all service and repair work. Ford This strategy has effectively replaced mechanical durability with digital fragility. It created a framework of planned obsolescence, where the lifecycle of a vehicle is no longer dictated by the endurance of its engine block, but by the stability of its proprietary code. The volume of recalls marks the highest quarterly total in recent years, driven not by disparate mechanical wear but by highly concentrated, massive electronic campaigns. Ford alone accounted for 7.6 million units. A single electrical system failure—which caused a total loss of trailer brake functionality—forced the recall of over 4.3 million Ford trucks and SUVs simultaneously. The data definitively illustrates that isolated mechanical flaws have been entirely eclipsed by catastrophic software architecture failures across mass-market lineups. This digital vulnerability accelerates the obsolescence of modern vehicles and severely undermines the consumer's right to repair. Automakers actively encrypt their software architectures, locking out independent mechanics and third-party repair shops. When a centralized module fails, independent garages cannot access the proprietary code necessary to reset or patch the system. This effectively bricks otherwise mechanically sound vehicles, forcing owners into backlogged dealership service bays and rendering the traditional, affordable repair market obsolete. Ford So, What Do We Buy?It’s difficult to pick a manufacturer that’s doing a good job with quality these days. Even OEMs like Hyundai (Genesis & Kia), Toyota/Lexus, and Honda are struggling to avoid issues, but certainly are doing better than most other manufacturers in terms of quality control. If I could step out of my newsroom shoes and give you advice as objectively as possible, I would say buy something made before 2016, but if you absolutely must buy something new, base model variants with minimal electronics are the way to go. View the full article

Earlier this week, it was announced that Shane van Gisbergen planned to run the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Watkins Glen International, driving the No. 4 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet alongside Cup Series teammate Ross Chastain. On Thursday, Spire Motorsports announced that Connor Zilisch will also be running the event, driving the No. 71 Chevrolet for the team with sponsorship from ...Keep readingView the full article

Talladega Superspeedway is one of the most unpredictable races on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, so it should be no surprise that a dozen different drivers have secured their first -- and in many cases only -- Cup win at the iconic track. It hasn't happened yet in the Next Gen era, but several drivers have been close to becoming the 13th first-time winner at Dega. Of the 41 drivers on the ...Keep readingView the full article

Grown Up ToysWe all know that sports cars are the very definition of grown-up toys. Our inner children are tickled and delighted by the prospect of owning and driving some of the world's best-performing cars. Porsche has always leaned into this mindset by offering very unique special editions that cater to your inner child. Its latest collaboration will see it work with Disney and take on the theme of real toys. 911 Toy Story EditionPorsche announced a partnership with Disney for the upcoming release of Toy Story 5 on June 19, 2026. This partnership will result in three special-edition Porsche 911s; each car will be themed after the movie's main characters, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Jessie. Porsche says each car will draw inspiration from the movie's plot, in which the toys navigate an increasingly digital world. The three bespoke models will mirror this by "blending timeless storytelling with modern innovation," and all of the cars will capture the very essence and personality of the characters they're based on. Bob Pauley, Pixar Production Designer, said that his time with the Porsche Sonderwunsch team was spent interpreting each character through the materials, color, and form of the special-edition 911s. He further explains that they made sure to stay true to the character without being literal. A special teaser video was also released (see above) as part of the collaboration's marketing, tying into the notion that toys can be handed over to the next generation, just as Porsche says is possible with its cars. All three 911s will be sold together, with the proceeds going to three different charitable causes that help children in need. Porsche/YouTube View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Porsche x Disney This isn't the first time Porsche and Disney have come together to bring a movie character to life. Fittingly, in 2022, they worked together to create a real-life road-going version of the beloved Cars movie character, Sally. In the movie, we know Sally takes the form of a Carrera 911, and it made perfect sense for an actual Sally Carrera to exist. The 2022 Sally Carrera project featured numerous easter eggs from the movie and included a custom color called "Sallybluemettalic" that captured the character's hue. It was sold in an auction for $3.6 Million, setting a record price for a new Porsche sold at auction. The proceeds of the sale went to Girls Inc. and USA for UNHCR to support young women and refugees from the war in Ukraine. View the full article

NASCAR is considering fielding electric cars in its second-tier O’Reilly Auto Parts Series to give it a better brand identity among the three existing ones (Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and Craftsman Truck Series), NASCAR’s executive vice president John Probst told Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern. "If you look at the brand identity of those three, the O'Reilly Series struggles a little bit just from the car perspective and you see it a lot because we refer to it often as whoever the entitlement sponsor is,” said Probst, who is also NASCAR’s chief racing development officer. The executive added that bringing EVs into the second-tier division would be part of a long-term vision for the sport’s evolution into the 2030s, which may also include experimenting with a hydrogen combustion engine in the next five years. Remember the EV Prototype NASCAR Built in 2024? Now It Wants to Race It NASCAR Now, you may be aware that NASCAR’s R&D unit built its first electric vehicle prototype in 2024, a crossover utility EV developed with help from ABB. Chevrolet and Ford have designed skins for the prototype since then, but the public’s reactions were mixed. Probst said NASCAR is evaluating the potential of one day using that EV in the O’Reilly Auto Parts series (formerly known as the Xfinity Series). “Long term, you see it as, we do have that CUV body that we developed for our electric vehicle. I’m not sitting here saying today we’re breaking news it’s going to CUV, but these are the things that are on the roadmap to consider, so you’d have a Truck, a CUV and a Cup, that’s three very different bodies that are relevant for our OEMs today to create that brand identity for each series,” Probst said. While the executive suggested the shift toward EVs would happen in the long term, his comments did not go down well with NASCAR’s hardcore fans. For them, NASCAR is all about V8 internal combustion engines, so the talk of stock car racing potentially going electric—even in a second-tier series—is a big no-go. Fans Are Fuming Over the Prospect of NASCAR Electric CUV RacingNothing shows how out of touch @NASCAR leadership is with the fans of their sport more than this. Best racing in all of the top 3 divisions and they want to change it. Typical. — Aaron Murphy (@adm_217) April 21, 2026 Probst received significant backlash for his comments, with fans voicing strong opposition to the idea of introducing crossover EVs into the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, which is currently dominated by V8 coupes and sedans. Many fans see the series as the sport’s most competitive and entertaining division. Adam Stern’s posts on X.com got flooded with comments from NASCAR fans who seriously disagree with the Probst’s EV plans. “Let’s not ruin the O’Reilly cars and add electric vehicles,” one fan wrote, while another one said this “would be disastrous for NASCAR.” “Ruin the best series you have. Good idea,” another fan said. "Nothing shows how out of touch NASCAR leadership is with the fans of their sport more than this. Best racing in all of the top 3 divisions and they want to change it. Typical," said another one. And most of the 400+ comments are in the same vein, if less courteous. Dale Earnhardt Jr Blasts NASCAR's EV Racing Plans But it’s not just fans who oppose the idea. Dale Earnhardt Jr, one of the legends of the sport, has warned NASCAR against electrification. “I would say that the O’Reilly Series has got a lot of good things going right now,” Earnhardt Jr said on the Dale Jr Download podcast as reported by Speedcafe. “Viewership is continuously on the rise and our cars we can all kind of relate to those cars when we look at them when we see them on the race track. Making a switch to anything unlike what we have would be a massive mistake and it would probably be the end of the rise.” Earnhardt Jr, who runs a multi-car team in the O’Reilly Series under the JR Motorsports banner, added that he would not be interested in competing anymore if NASCAR made the switch. “I’m certainly not interested in that car or that body or any of that,” he said. “Quit fiddling with everything and feeling like everything needs to be improved, fixed, changed. The series is doing really good. I don’t like the thought of the series changing vehicles and wouldn’t want to be… I don’t know how to say it, I’m just wouldn’t be interested in that.” View the full article

Brett LaSala's Coyote combination just got hit hard with rule changes. Here are the changes in the LDR rules for the Coyote combination. View the full article

How Tesla Saved Hundreds of MillionsFor years, the world's richest man, Elon Musk, has been vocal about rejecting what he once called “shady” tax loopholes. Yet a recent Reuters investigation suggests that Tesla leveraged one of the oldest tricks in the multinational playbook: profit shifting. By routing roughly $18 billion in profits through subsidiaries in the Netherlands and Singapore, the automaker likely avoided at least $400 million in U.S. taxes. The mechanism is familiar to tax specialists. Tesla appears to have assigned intellectual property rights, think patents and proprietary tech, to offshore entities, allowing profits tied to those assets to be booked in low-tax jurisdictions. The Dutch unit, structured as a non-resident partnership with no employees, acted as a conduit, funneling earnings to a Singapore holding company that also paid no tax on the income. It’s all legal, and hardly unique, but it directly contrasts Musk’s public stance on tax avoidance. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images Tariffs Push Production Home, No One Said Anything About ProfitsWhile rising tariffs and geopolitical pressure have nudged automakers to localize manufacturing, often at higher cost, Tesla’s strategy shows you don’t necessarily need to bring profits along for the ride. Even as much of its revenue base remained U.S.-centric, filings reveal that a disproportionate share of profits was recognized abroad. That imbalance is what enabled the tax savings in the first place. The numbers are striking. Tesla has historically reported far larger tax obligations overseas than in the United States, despite the latter accounting for roughly half its sales. Since 2003, foreign tax liabilities have totaled $6.4 billion, dwarfing its lone reported U.S. tax estimate of $48 million in 2023. The implication is clear: where profits are booked matters far more than where cars are sold, and Tesla optimized accordingly. The Savings Are Real—But So Is the Pressure Building Around TeslaFrom a balance-sheet perspective, shaving $400 million off a tax bill is a win. But the broader context is shifting. Tesla’s relationship with policymakers has grown more complicated, and scrutiny around corporate tax practices is only intensifying. Even if the offshore structure has already been scaled back, as hinted by a sharp increase in U.S.-reported profits in 2025, the reputational calculus is harder to unwind. There’s also a strategic undertone here. As margins tighten and political headwinds mount, Tesla will need to keep finding efficiencies wherever it can. Whether that means operational streamlining, pricing adjustments, or more aggressive financial engineering is an open question. What’s clear is that the era of easy wins, whether from subsidies, tax credits, or regulatory arbitrage, is fading. The next phase will demand a different kind of discipline, one that extends beyond clever accounting. Tesla View the full article

Rivian has begun mass producing its most awaited vehicle yet, the R2 midsize electric SUV that’s expected to take the EV maker to the next level. Despite damages caused by a tornado to the plant in Normal, Illinois earlier in the week, the company has started production of R2 SUVs destined for customers on April 22, noting that deliveries are set to follow later this spring. After building test prototypes and Manufacturing Validation Builds (MVBs), the factory has shifted to building R2 vehicles for clients. These first vehicles will undergo their final quality and validation checks internally before being shipped to Rivian service centers across the United States. A Historic Moment for Rivian That Can Shape Its Future“We are really excited to be producing R2 for our customers. The vehicle is incredible – it’s the result of all the hard work and dedication of the Rivian team. I can’t wait for customers to experience R2!” - @RJScaringe Read more: https://t.co/R5K09Eufut pic.twitter.com/jfb0IY4xfK — Rivian (@Rivian) April 22, 2026 “We are really excited to be producing R2 for our customers,” said Rivian Founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe. “The vehicle is incredible — it’s the result of all the hard work and dedication of the Rivian team. I can’t wait for customers to experience R2!” Reaching this important milestone means that the R2 manufacturing process has been verified and the plant can churn out customer vehicles. It has quite a big backlog, as Rivian reportedly received well over 200,000 reservations. Now, that doesn’t mean Rivian has got 200,000 orders in the bag; a reservation is made with a $100 refundable deposit, so it’s pretty easy for a customer to pull out. Rivian The company will have a more accurate picture of R2 demand starting in June, when customers will be invited to configure their R2 vehicles, according to Rivian CFO Claire McDonough’s comments to Reuters. The configurator will allow reservation holders to finalize their builds and commit to a firm order. Rivian says it is on track to start deliveries of R2 vehicles to customers later this spring, which likely means sometime in May. The production start of the R2 is a make or break moment for the company as a successful rollout of the R2, which competes with the Tesla Model Y among many other midsize EVs, can turn the brand from a maker of high-end lifestyle SUVs and pickups into a serious EV player. McDonough said that once R2 production reaches a higher run rate in 2027, it will cost the company less than half as much to build an R2 as the R1S. The savings will obviously help put Rivian on a firmer path to profit. The EV maker expects to deliver 22,000-23,000 R2s this year if demand remains steady and the production ramp goes as planned. Loaded Rivian R2 Performance Launch Edition Is the First Trim to Reach Customers Rivian Deliveries will start with the Rivian R2 Performance Launch Edition, a range-topping trim priced at $57,990 that features a dual-motor AWD powertrain rated at 656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque. It uses a 87.9-kWh battery that enables an EPA-estimated 330-mile range. This launch model is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed limited to 110 mph. Rivian The R2 Performance Launch Edition is equipped as standard with a semi-active suspension, dynamic lighting, and rear drop glass, among other things. Launch Edition customers also get goodies like an exclusive exterior paint, a unique key fob, and a lifetime subscription to the Autonomy+ package for hands-free driving capabilities. Following the Launch Edition model, Rivian plans to start production of the $53,990 Premium trim before the end of the year, with the R2 Standard to follow in the first half of 2027 with a starting price of $48,490. The promised $45,000 R2 base model will be the last to arrive, sometime in late 2027. Rivian View the full article

Coming off a monumental win in the Top Fuel ranks, Tony Stewart is headed to zMAX Dragway for a race he’s enjoyed immensely in his brief NHRA career, as the racing legend looks to pick up another four-wide win at this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. Stewart is a self-declared fan of the unique four-wide setup, which provides the ultimate sensory overload with four nitro-burning machines racing at once and nearly 50,000-horsepower at once, delivering the ultimate spectacle in motorsports. This weekend marks the only four-wide race of the year during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season and Stewart has enjoyed plenty of success in the format, previously advancing to the final quad in Charlotte and winning a four-wide race last year in Las Vegas. That was his first career Top Fuel win and his third came at the most recent race in Pomona this season, where Stewart handed Pro Stock powerhouse Elite Motorsports its first-ever Top Fuel victory. That was another major moment for Stewart in his NHRA career, but he sees plenty of potential and a bright future with his 12,000-horsepower R&L Carriers dragster, with a chance for back-to-back wins on the season this weekend in Charlotte. “All the ingredients are here,” Stewart said. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do, but to see these guys and see their progression, it’s awesome. It’s been great to race with them. This is not easy, we definitely know that, but it’s such a unique and great group of people at Elite Motorsports. To get Richard (Freeman, Elite Motorsports team owner) his first win in the nitro class, there’s no words to express how much that means. It’s such a special deal and a cool feeling.” This year’s visit to Charlotte, which is the fourth of 20 races in 2026, will also continue the season-long celebration of NHRA’s 75th anniversary, where fans can expect multiple highlights at zMAX Dragway, including: An appearance from NHRA’s four-time Funny Car world champion Hagan, as well as NHRA legends Darryl Gwynn and Frank Manzo. On Sunday, a free, limited-edition NHRA schedule magnet will be given to the first 5,000 fans in attendance to take in eliminations. A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and much more. For Stewart, competing during this milestone year means a great deal to him. His Tony Stewart Racing team remains as strong as ever, with his wife, Top Fuel standout Leah Pruett, back in the sport and Matt Hagan tied for first in points in the Funny Car ranks. He’s now helping Elite Motorsports move into the nitro ranks, adding another standout car in the loaded field that also includes points leader and reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, Langdon, Pomona runner-up Justin Ashley, Antron Brown, Josh Hart, who won in Gainesville, Clay Millican and rookie sensation Maddi Gordon. A year ago, Stewart won twice and earned NHRA’s regular-season championship and now he’s hoping for more big moments during a huge season in NHRA history. “We’re honored to be part of NHRA’s 75th anniversary. It truly is an honor. The camaraderie here in the pit area, it’s truly a large, large family and we’re grateful to be here,” Stewart said. Funny Car’s Prock swept the four-wide races last year and the back-to-back world champ will look to get on track against the likes of Hagan, Ron Capps, J.R. Todd, class newcomer Jordan Vandergriff, Alexis DeJoria and Gainesville winner Chad Green. Dallas Glenn powered his way to his first Pro Stock world title in 2025 and won last season’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals when he defeated KB Titan Racing teammate and six-time champ Greg Anderson, 2026 Gainesville winner Matt Hartford and Eric Latino. Pro Stock Motorcycle returns in Charlotte after last racing at the season opener in Gainesville. Six-time world champ Matt Smith won at his home track last season when he defeated reigning world champ Richard Gadson, two-time champ Gaige Herrera and veteran Steve Johnson. Gadson opened 2026 with a win and will face off against the likes of Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo, John Hall and Chase Van Sant. The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will also feature the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown. The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will see the debut of the new Right Trailers Outlaw Street Series is an exciting new showcase for 2026 and will feature 10 drivers, with three rounds of qualifying over the course of Friday and Saturday in Charlotte, followed by semifinals and finals on Sunday at zMAX Dragway. Fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions and much more. Race fans in Charlotte can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:15 and 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 24 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 25 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 26. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 7 p.m. ET on Friday and 11 a.m. ET on Sunday with eliminations action at 7 p.m. ET to follow. 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. The post Racing Legend Tony Stewart Looks to Continue Four-Wide Success at zMAX Dragway first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

If there’s one weekend that sets the temperature for the classic motorcycle market, it’s the Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale. It’s the annual proving ground where serious collectors, restorers and deep-pocketed enthusiasts gather to ogle at some of the finest pieces of motorcycling history and the jaw-... View the full article

EVs Get a Hybrid LifelineHorse Powertrain is making a bold play just as the industry starts hedging its EV bets, offering a pathway to convert electric platforms into hybrids. The concept centers on modularity, allowing automakers to integrate combustion engines into existing EV architectures without a ground-up redesign. It’s a strategy that could save billions in development costs while buying time as markets stabilize. Related: New Powertrain Turns EV Platforms Into Hybrids Without Redesign That paradigm underpins the debut of the Horse W30, the company’s first V6, and a clear signal of where it sees demand heading. This 3.0-liter unit is designed from the outset for hybrid applications, with flexible transverse and longitudinal mounting. It’s engineered to slot into a wide range of vehicles with minimal compromise, giving manufacturers a plug-and-play solution if they need to pivot quickly away from full electrification. Horse Powertrain View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Big Power, Smarter EfficiencyRather than chasing gains through larger batteries or more powerful motors, Horse is focusing on system-level efficiency. Advances in material science, including the use of higher-grade steels, are improving motor efficiency and reducing energy loss. The goal is to extract more performance from less hardware, keeping weight and cost in check. The W30 delivers on that brief. Weighing just 353 lbs, a full 22 lbs lighter than any comparable V6, it produces up to 536 hp and 516 lb ft of torque, revving to 8,000 rpm. Integrated exhaust manifolds and turbochargers mounted directly to the cylinder heads improve thermal management and throttle response. Paired with the 4LDHT hybrid transmission, the setup uses a P1 motor for charging and crank support, and a P3 motor for propulsion, balancing output and efficiency without inflating battery capacity. The Age of HybridsThe industry is in recalibration mode. EV adoption is still growing, but not at the pace many expected, and infrastructure remains uneven across key markets. That’s forcing automakers to rethink timelines, and hybrids are emerging as the most viable bridge between regulation, cost, and consumer demand. I'm excited for this engine, particularly that 8,000 RPM redline. From a buyer’s standpoint, the appeal hasn’t changed. Hybrids offer a strong range, quick refueling, and increasingly impressive efficiency without requiring lifestyle changes. Systems like the W30 raise the ceiling further, adding serious performance into the mix. With production slated for 2028, it’s a signal that hybrids are gearing up for a sustained new golden age. View the full article

The Autoblog spy photographers camped at the Nürburgring have spotted an extreme version of the Lamborghini Revuelto undergoing testing with more aero and some particularly sticky rubber. It's likely an SV or equivalent take on the V12 hybrid supercar, which already develops 1,001 horsepower from its 6.5-liter naturally aspirated combustion engine and trio of electric motors, and it's so wild that Lamborghini has put a warning label on it reading "Attenzione: Macchina Veloce," which translates to "Caution/Warning: Fast Machine/Car." How fast? That is yet to be determined, but reports vary, with some saying the hardcore Revuelto will make around 1,200 hp and others pegging it as high as 1,400 hp. Lamborghini Revuelto SV Gets Angrier Bodywork SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article At the front, the more extreme Revuelto variant dispenses with the open intakes below the headlights of the regular supercar, adding angular bodywork that calls to mind the Huracán STO and makes the car appear even more aggressive than usual. These slashes are connected to a deep chin spoiler that will increase downforce on the front axle, but the hood seems unchanged, perhaps indicating that this won't wear an SV badge; Lamborghini likes to change things up in the naming department. Add downforce at the front, and you need more at the back. The Revuelto SV duly obliges with a large wing, and it's unclear if this is attached to the same adaptive rear spoiler that the exiting Revuelto has or if it will be a permanently static fixture. Either way, the wing has holes through its outer elements to balance downforce and drag, and there are additional vents above the taillights, which sandwich a new exhaust system with four round tips in a hexagonal finisher. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Elsewhere, the side skirts and rear diffuser appear unchanged, but Lamborghini may introduce additional bodywork later. The wheels also appear to be nothing special, but unlike those of the regular Revuelto, which are wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza Sport rubber, these don Bridgestone Potenza Race R rubber that is barely legal. The Aventador SVJ was a Nürburgring Nordschleife production car lap recordholder in 2018, setting a time of 6:44.97, and perhaps Sant'Agata wants the title back. To do so, it'll need to beat the Mercedes-AMG ONE, which set a time of 6:29.090. Whether Lambo shoots for the record or not, we expect revised suspension, lightweight wheels, and a relatively stripped interior. Revuelto SV Is One of Several New Lambos Coming This Year SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Last month, Lamborghini announced that it would reveal several new cars in 2026, and while the automaker was not specific about what to expect, it said that these new arrivals would appear at major car shows like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Monterey Car Week, taking place in July and August, respectively. Rumors suggest that, along with this Revuelto SV, an open-top Fenomeno may be among the reveals scheduled for this year. We've also captured spy shots of a drop-top Temerario, and there have been unconfirmed reports of Revuelto S and Revuelto Roadster variants, too. The Urus SUV is also expected to gain a new Performante variant, so Lamborghini has lots in store for enthusiasts. And with this hardcore Revuelto wearing an attention-grabbing camouflage wrap, it's clear that the Italian automaker will be showing off at least some of what's it's been cooking soon. Related: This Is Your First Look at the Lamborghini Temerario Spyder View the full article

Volvo has officially started production of the new EX60, an electric SUV that will rival the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. This is a key product for Volvo, since the gas-powered XC60 became its best-selling car ever last year. Similar in size but with more advanced technologies, the company hopes the EX60 will achieve a similar level of success in the EV segment. Initial orders in Europe have been strong, which is why Volvo has already increased production plans for the SUV this year. EX60 Must Succeed in U.S. Volvo XC60 production Volvo View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article In the first quarter of 2026, Volvo sales dropped by 32% in the U.S., with the company’s entire lineup seeing declines. The numbers were not helped by the fact that Volvo has discontinued its sedan and wagon range in this market. Expected to be keenly priced when it arrives, the EX60 will be an important addition to Volvo’s range. “Today is an important milestone for our company and for Sweden as a whole, as we start to build the first EX60 customer cars,” said Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo Cars CEO. “We are now focused on a steady ramp-up of high-quality EX60 production, making sure this game-changing car will be a profitable growth driver in the coming years.” Initial demand has been especially strong in Europe, which is why the company is keeping its Torslanda plant in Sweden open for an extra week this summer—the first time it has done so. For U.S. and Asian customers, order books will be opening later this spring. Volvo EX60 Key Specs Volvo The EX60 is styled to closely resemble the larger, three-row EX90. It’s a classy SUV with more restrained details than its somewhat controversial German rivals. Three variants were announced at launch: P6 with 369 horsepower (single motor)P10 with 510 horsepower (dual motors)P12 with 670 horsepower (dual motors)Depending on the trim, the EX60 has a claimed range of between 290 and 400 miles, with gradually bigger battery packs as you work your way through the trims. A NACS-style charging port will allow for easy access to the Tesla Supercharger network, and charging speeds of up to 400 kW are possible. This can add 173 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Something to watch closely will be the stability of the EX60’s software and infotainment interface. This is something Volvo struggled with when the EX90 was launched, with many owners left frustrated by glitchy screens and features that refused to work reliably. Volvo can’t afford the same setback with the EX60. Related: New Volvo EX60 Will Feature A Seatbelt That Thinks Final Thoughts Volvo Volvo’s EV sales are down 14% to start the year, so the EX60 can’t come soon enough. It will plug a gap between the smaller EX30 (which is being discontinued) and the larger EX90. This is a sweet spot in the luxury EV market, where models are less vulnerable to tariffs but more attainable than full-size options. Besides the BMW and Mercedes, the EX60 will also compete against the Cadillac Optiq and Audi Q6 e-tron. It’s fast emerging as a highly competitive segment, but the Volvo’s specs suggest it has what it takes to succeed. View the full article

Buddy Hull is ready to take on a new racing challenge. Hull will be stepping behind the wheel of a radial tire Mustang. View the full article

NHRA Funny Car driver and team owner Buddy Hull is finding a quick fix for his need for speed as he rebuilds his NHRA Funny Car to get back into action on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. This Saturday, April 25, the fan-favorite driver will get behind the wheel of a nitrous-fed ’06 Ford Mustang at the Clash of the Titans race at Xtreme Raceway Park in Ferris, Texas. This will be the second radial event for Hull, who competed in a radial race that was held in conjunction with the 2025 Stampede of Speed at the Texas Motorplex. Dave Vasser, owner of Nitrous Outlet, is promoting this event and is a fellow Texan which also appealed to Hull. “I am going a little crazy not being in a race car as we regroup and rebuild our Nitro Funny Car following our Gatornationals incident,” said Hull. “I was talking about wanting to get back to racing as soon as possible and the opportunity to drive a kickass nitrous-fed Mustang kind of fell into my lap thanks to my relationship with Sam Pack Ford and FS Performance. Dave puts on great events, and you definitely want to support Texas promoters. This is going to be a really cool experience.” Hull will be racing the nitrous fed ’06 Ford Mustang that set the Ultra Street world record at the Battle of the Thrones event at Rockingham Dragway in April of 2024. The Mustang tripped the timers with a 4.419 second, 159.86 mph run at that event. The current owner of the car is WS Energy Services and it is being flawlessly maintained by JD Campbell and the Dynamic Racing Solutions team. Hull most likely won’t be looking to lower that record but the chance to get into an ultra-high-performance radial race car was too cool to pass up. This will be the first time Hull is racing at Xtreme Raceway Park which just recently became an NHRA sanctioned facility. “It’s great that Xtreme Raceway Park is part of the NHRA family now so this can all come together,” said Hull. “NHRA facilities have to meet a high standard for racing operations. I am looking forward to mixing it up on Saturday and getting back on a racetrack.” Hull who has been racing professionally in Top Fuel and Funny Car since 2021 will be representing a host of sponsors that back him at the national level. The car will sport the logos from Sam Pack, FS Performance, Gates Belts, Technocraft, Impact, Dynamic Racing Solutions, 360 Wraps, WS and Herricks & Campbell Racing, as well as Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull and Drag Race Bracket Bonanza. The post Buddy Hull Takes on New Challenge with World Record Mustang first appeared on Drag Illustrated. 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 Thursday! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A Strong Start, With One Big ProblemThe 2026 Nissan Frontier landed this year with a handful of updates – nothing radical, but enough tweaks and new features to keep it in the midsize truck game. The real headline, though, was the arrival of the Pro-4X R by Roush: a factory-backed special with American tuner upgrades straight from Roush Performance. This version was meant to be the tougher, more off-road-focused Frontier, with beefed-up suspension and bolder looks to take on trucks like the Colorado ZR2. On paper, it seemed like a smart move. But there’s a catch. More than 1,200 trucks that already rolled out of Roush’s shop now have to head back. According to a newly filed recall, 1,217 units of the Pro-4X R are affected, covering vehicles produced between late September 2025 and early March 2026. That effectively includes every example built before a key quality control fix was introduced. Nissan What Went Wrong at the FactoryThe problem isn’t complicated, but what can happen because of it definitely is. At the Roush facility, some technicians apparently missed installing cotter pins on important suspension and steering parts. These tiny pins might not look like much, but they’re what keep fasteners from working loose. Without them, things like the upper control arm ball joint or steering tie rod can start to come apart over time. There’s also a chance some bolts weren’t tightened to spec, which just adds to the risk. The risk is simple: a loose or disconnected joint might start with odd noises up front, but in the worst case, you could lose steering and crash. The problem first surfaced through a dealer warranty claim on March 2, 2026, when a newly delivered truck showed a separation at the upper control arm. A missing cotter pin was identified. Not long after, a second case appeared involving a disconnected steering tie rod on a low-mileage vehicle. A third incident followed days later. Roush’s own review found that some techs didn’t follow the usual instructions, and the paperwork wasn’t clear enough to prove that everything was tightened down the way it should have been. Nissan What Owners Need to Do NextRoush isn’t taking any chances. If you own one of these trucks, you’re being told not to drive it – get it towed to a Nissan dealer for a checkup. At the dealer, techs will go over all the suspension and steering parts, add any missing cotter pins, swap out old ones, and make sure every bolt is tightened right. If anything’s damaged or missing, it gets replaced. Owners won’t pay a cent for the fix. Roush has already tightened up its process as of March 2, 2026, with tougher checks and better paperwork to make sure every cotter pin is in and every fastener is torqued before a truck leaves the shop. Owners should get notifications between mid-May and mid-June 2026. Until then, if you’ve got one of these trucks, it’s basically grounded until it gets checked out. Nissan View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Carefully edited images are one thing, but what's the in-person riding experience like? It's an intriguing concept for beginners, for sure.View the full article

The defect was first discovered in a non-US-market K 1600, so international BMW K 1600 owners might want to check their local recall authority, too.View the full article

Shannon and Jess are moving right along on the FJ40 and things just keep getting better. If you like a Landcruiser, you’ll dig this one. But if restored to factory is your jam, this one might not be quite up your alley. We dig them all, so we are in. Check it out as Shannon clearances the fenders so there is clearance at food droop and full stuff. That means cutting and adjusting to get things right. If you missed this FJ40 project that Shannon Campbell is working on, we’ve got a link below, but if you are back for the next installment in this build series you are in luck as well. I think this is going to be a fun project, because I love FJ40s, but if you have any ideas of building a custom chassis for your FJ or Jeep, you should check this one out. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE UPDATES ON THIS FJ40 PROJECT SO FAR The post FJ40 Land Cruiser Custom Fabrication: No More Rubbing! Raising Fenders And Dialing In The Steering Setup appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Dealership RelationsSelling cars is a complicated and process-filled task; the safeguards put in place by the brand and the dealership are ironclad in ensuring a smooth transaction of business between the brand and the customer. The dealership is the middleman, acting as the point of sale, showroom, and sales executor, sometimes to a fault. One important service offered by the dealership is after-sales maintenance for the cars, a labor- and time-intensive activity. Disputes between the brand and dealerships are rare, but a Bugatti dealership in Miami is taking its issue to court. Bugatti Bugatti vs. BugattiAutomotive News reports that a Bugatti dealership in Miami is suing the mother company, Bugatti of the Americas. The suing dealership claims in the suit that, after requesting higher labor reimbursement rates, other allegations in the complaint include breaches of the dealership agreements, discriminatory vehicle allocation, and illegal sales directly to consumers. The lawsuit highlighted that in September of 2024, Bugatti Miami (owned by Braman Enterprises) requested an increase in warranty parts reimbursement rates from 100.49% to 160%, and the request was approved. In June of 2025, the same dealership asked Bugatti of the Americas for a hike in labor reimbursement rates to $1,350 per hour. After negotiations, it was agreed that the rates will increase to $1,100 from July to December 2025, then to $1,350 as of January 1, 2026. Come February, Bugatti informed the dealership that it would no longer allow it to perform warranty work due to excessive parts and labor markups. This led the dealership to believe that they were "fraudulently and in bad faith induced to accept a temporarily reduced labor reimbursement" during the last half of 2025. Furthermore, Bugatti also said it would inform owners in the area that the Miami dealership will no longer offer warranty services. Bugatti Allocation DiscriminationAnother part of the complaint is that the Miami dealer accuses Bugatti of failing to honor dealership agreements by holding back on car allocations. In the complaint, Miami received only two Tourbillion models and was denied an additional four models upon request. Bugatti Miami also said that the Bugatti Broward dealership was given nine Tourbillons for inventory. An extreme allegation made by the lawsuit is that Bugatti has been engaging in direct-to-consumer sales in violation of Florida law. Essentially, this claim states that Bugatti is bypassing the (Miami) dealership for sales. Bugatti View the full article

Chad Ehrlich is back at it with more new rides coming into the wrecking yard this week. Just when you think there can’t possibly be anymore old Ford trucks sitting around, he shows up with some fun ones. Dentside Ford pickups were made from 1973-1979 and are incredibly popular. I know guys who make a living buying and selling them online and they never have an issue with demand. So if you are a fan of the dentside Fords, hit up Chad and see if he’s got the one you need! Video Description: If you like old cars, trucks, and automobilia, be sure to check out all of my other videos! Please subscribe so you can keep up with the new videos as I post them! If you have questions about vehicles or parts, the only way to get a hold of me is to call me, 8 AM-8 PM CST, no texts, no e-mails, no messenger, no smoke signals, calls only. 620-786-4428 If I don’t answer, I’m probably on the phone with someone else and if you don’t leave me a message, I just assume you’re another telemarketer trying to sell me an extended warranty! LOL! I am located in Great Bend, KS and I am not open to the public, so if you show up without calling and making an appointment, don’t expect me to be available. Shipping is available. If you comment, message, text, e-mail, etc., don’t expect me to find it and don’t expect an answer. Thanks for watching, Chad 620-786-4428 The post New Junkyard Inventory: Dent Side Ford Pickup Trucks from the 1970’s! Including an XLT 4X4! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article