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Desperate Times, Creative CommutesWith fuel prices doing their usual wallet damage, some “enterprising” types have taken things to extremes, like literally drilling into fuel tanks to siphon petrol. For everyone else, there’s a far less criminal, and far more practical, response: carpooling. According to the Today show, a mix of relentless congestion, rising pump prices, and frictionless app-based coordination has pushed shared commuting back into relevance, particularly across major U.S. metros. West Coast-based carpooling platform Scoop reported a 40% jump in rides from February to March alone, a sharp month-on-month spike that tracks closely with fuel price volatility and return-to-office mandates. Commuters in similar neighborhoods are algorithmically paired, splitting fuel costs instead of paying a full ride-share fare. With the average ride hovering around 18 miles and roughly $9 per person, it undercuts traditional ride-hailing while turning unused seats into tangible savings. HOV Lanes PerksThe carpool (HOV) lane has long been the most coveted strip of asphalt during rush hour, a fast lane reserved for those clever enough to share a ride. But beyond shaving minutes off a commute, the modern carpool offers a more layered value proposition. It’s not just about beating traffic; it’s about redistributing the cost of mobility in an era where solo driving is increasingly inefficient. There’s also a human element that’s been largely absent from the gigified transport economy. Unlike rideshare services, where interaction is optional and often minimal, carpooling introduces a recurring social dynamic. As highlighted in the video, most riders sit up front, creating a more conversational, shared experience. Whether it’s coworkers, neighbors, or even school administrators commuting together, the system builds micro-communities, something algorithms alone can’t replicate. Add in incentives from cities, like transit credits or perks, and carpooling starts to look less like a compromise and more like a strategic upgrade. Getty Images Public Transportation Isn’t Optional for MostLet’s be honest: telling people to “just drive less” isn’t a solution and sound more like a soundbite. Public transportation isn’t optional for most, and the infrastructure in many parts of the U.S. still assumes car dependency. The real question isn’t whether people should drive less, but how they can drive smarter, carpooling answers that without requiring a wholesale lifestyle shift or waiting on long-term policy fixes. What’s emerging here is a pragmatic middle ground. You keep the convenience and flexibility of a car, but dilute the cost and inefficiency by sharing the journey. When the average vehicle still carries barely more than one occupant, the upside is obvious. Modern carpooling has just been re-engineered for a smartphone-first world. And right now, with costs climbing and patience thinning, that reinvention is hitting at exactly the right time. Lyft View the full article

If you know your discount grocery store lore, you already know what the family tree looks like. But did you expect cheap motorcycle gear?View the full article

Heavy duty axles for off-road rigs have come a long way over the years and putting “tons” under a Jeep, or anything else for that matter, is the norm anymore. And you can buy all kinds of kits for swapping Dana axles of all kinds, plus GM’s 14bolt, and of course all the other late model heavy duty axles. But as rigs get more power, bigger tires, bigger axles, and more weight, the other components take more of a beating. This is especially true of spindles and hubs on the front of these rigs. So how does one get something more heavy duty than the hogged out Dana 60 front hubs for their ride? What other options are there? The answer is the East Coast Gear Supply KP 540 and Ian is here to tell us all about it. If you are looking for the biggest and baddest, this just might be it. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE ECGS KP 540 Video Description: Gonna do a few more of these “Quick Tech” segments for you guys so you don’t have to wait so long between full length videos. I will be using these to answer your specific questions about certain topics as well. So if you have a question drop it in the comments. The post What Makes the East Coast Gear Supply KP 540 Axle Housing So Good? Ian Johnson Walks Us Through Them. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Ford’s Recall Streak Now Hits the RangerFord has been on a recall spree, not just with one model. Just a few days ago, millions of F-150s were recalled for transmission problems – a big deal for Ford’s most important truck. Now the midsize Ranger joins the list, but for a different reason. This isn’t a mechanical fault – it’s an electrical one. The numbers aren’t as huge as the F-150 recall, but over 140,000 trucks is still a lot. Kristen Brown What’s Actually Going WrongAccording to the safety recall report, the recall covers 2024 to 2026 model year Ford Rangers built between December 9, 2022 and December 28, 2025, totaling 140,201 trucks. The problem involves the wiring harness for the sunvisor and headliner. In some trucks, the wiring may have too much tape or may not be routed correctly during assembly. Over time, this can cause the wires to rub against metal inside the A-pillar, wearing down the insulation and exposing the wire. If that happens, a short circuit is possible. That’s when things get serious. A short can cause heat or sparks, which might lead to smoke, melted parts, or even a fire inside the A-pillar. That’s a real safety risk for anyone in the truck. Ford found the problem after looking into a fire in a 2024 Ranger. They found trouble codes tied to the sunvisor circuit and signs of repeated electrical shorts. There aren’t many reports yet, but the risk was enough for Ford to issue a recall. Drivers might spot early warning signs like flickering or dead vanity mirror lights, or overhead console lights that don’t work, before anything serious happens. Kristen Brown What Owners Should DoFord’s fix involves checking the truck, swapping out parts if needed, and updating the software. Owners will need to bring their Rangers to a dealer, where technicians will look for trouble codes. If they find damage, they’ll replace the wiring harness. All recalled vehicles will also get a Body Control Module software update. This update is meant to cut power to the sunvisor circuit if repeated faults are detected, helping prevent future short circuits from becoming more serious. All the work to be done is free for owners. Ford will send out recall notices in phases, starting with interim letters in late April 2026 and full instructions by August. For now, keep an eye out for warning signs and stay on top of recall updates. Kristen Brown View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Ducati expands its Factory Made program with deep customization options including Lamborghini colors and titanium parts. View the full article

Tommy Lee Byrd, the Hot Rod Hoarder, is back at it and in this video below you are going to get a look at an awesome 1970 Plymouth Superbird that came from the factory with the famed 426 Hemi under the hood. This car was painted by Circus Custom Paint in 1970 when it was brand new, and would also get some Sox and Martin horsepower before going racing that same year. This car had just 10 miles on it when the original Hemi was pulled for the Sox and Martin special. Tommy has all the history in the video below, so check it out and let us know what you think of this piece of drag racing history. We dig it. Video Description: This extremely rare Hemi Superbird is a 1970’s time capsule with an outstanding psychedelic paint job that’s been in place since 1974. The car was a drag car from day one, running in the Super Stock E Automatic class, against the Ray Allen big block Chevelle convertible. Tim Richards drove the car, and it represented Karl Gould Chrysler Plymouth out of Vestel, New York. The car had a great 1970 season, winning its class at the 1970 NHRA Summernationals at US30 Dragway in York, Pennsylvania. It also raced on the big stage at the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indy. The car didn’t last long, as the Super Stock world was changing quickly. But it landed with another serious racer or in this case two racers…the Carpinet brothers took over the car and renamed it Infamy, erasing the Karl Gould lettering. From there, the car was painted white with custom striping, and then repainted again by Hank Z in 1974 under the ownership of Frank Obitz. The car then changed hands a few times and ultimately came out of hiding in 2014. The car was pieced back together with a period correct Hemi, and put on display at MCACN in Chicago. Since then, the car has once again changed hands and now belongs to Bob Jennings of Jennings Wing Cars. He plans to keep the ’70s paint job and cool stance. The car has some great history and I got to see it in person at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. #mopar #Hemi #musclecar The post Factory Hemi Superbird Feature Video: This 1,500-Mile HEMI Superbird Has SERIOUS Drag Racing History! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We’re starting to lose track of the many China-specific Volkswagen models as the automaker vies to regain share in the world’s largest car market. It is attempting to do so by launching new vehicles developed with its joint venture partners specifically for Chinese consumers. Today we’re bringing you two fresh Volkswagen EVs that have been unveiled for the first time at the Volkswagen Group Media Night event held on April 21 ahead of the Auto China 2026 show that starts this Friday in Beijing. We’ve already covered the new Jetta X SUV concept, but the event also marked the world premiere of two new Volkswagen EVs: the ID. Unyx 09 flagship sedan built by the Volkswagen Anhui joint venture and the ID. Aura T6 midsize SUV built by FAW-Volkswagen. These two new models, along with the Jetta X SUV and the AUDI E7X, are part of Volkswagen Group’s largest-ever product offensive in China. More than 20 electrified vehicles are coming onto the market in 2026 alone, and by 2030 that number will grow to 50 models—30 of which will be all-electric. Every aspect of these vehicles, from design and digital cockpit services to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), will be tailored specifically for Chinese customers. VW ID. Unyx 09 Flagship Sedan Is Co-Developed with XPeng Volkswagen Group China Starting with the VW ID. Unyx 09 flagship sedan, it was co-developed with Xpeng in 24 months, just like the ID. Unyx 08 SUV which borrows technology from the Xpeng G9. The ID. Unyx 09 electric sedan is almost 197 inches long and features sophisticated tech like advanced L2 driving assistance, high-performance computing, and an intuitive AI assistant. Those are enabled by Xpeng’s Turing AI chips, which are said to boast up to three times the computing power of current industry standards. Volkswagen Group China The Turing AI chip features a 40-core processor, dual Neural Processing Units (NPUs), and a neural network-optimized architecture tailored for end-to-end (E2E) large models, making it ideal for AI-defined vehicles, robots and flying cars. Mind you, Volkswagen said the ID. Unyx 09 shown in Beijing is a “close-to-production” vehicle, which means that some changes may happen before it enters production. Still, it looks pretty much ready for prime time in these photos. Volkswagen Group China The automaker did not disclose anything else about the ID. Unyx 09, but from a design standpoint it’s pretty clear that it’s closely related to the ID. Unyx 08 SUV. It’s got a very similar front end featuring split lighting with eyebrows-like LED DRLs on top and slim headlights below. The headlights are continued by a black trim piece that gives the impression it pierces through the wheel while crossing the fender and ending on the front door. At the rear, the slim LED taillights also remind of the ID. Unyx 08 SUV in the way they almost meet in the middle of the trunk, separated by an illuminated VW logo. ID. Aura T6 Debuts VW's New China Electronic Architecture (CEA) Volkswagen Group China Moving on to the VW ID. Aura T6, it is a midsize SUV built by FAW-Volkswagen and marks the beginning of a new series of vehicles that will feature the ID. Aura designation. The all-electric SUV features a more conventional design than the ID. Unyx 09, with clean lines and surfaces. The ID. Aura T6 is described as a cornerstone model for the brand as it is built entirely on the China Electronic Architecture (CEA), developed by the Volkswagen Group China Technology Company (VCTC) and Cariad China with Xpeng. Volkswagen Group China This new technological foundation is said to reduce ECUs by 30%, enable over-the-air (OTA) updates and support advanced AI, including onboard AI Agents that provide “highly intuitive, human-like interaction between vehicle and customer while ensuring robust personal data protection.” CEA also enables advanced L2 assisted driving. From 2027, the next-generation CEA 2.0 will integrate intelligent driving and cockpit control into a unified system across all powertrain types empowered by Agentic AI. According to the automaker, this will mark the Volkswagen Group’s next step towards the AI-Defined-Vehicle era in China. Volkswagen Group China View the full article

Triumph’s 2026 apparel lineup spans leather sport gear, mesh jackets, and laid-back tees for daily use. View the full article

If you own a 2025-2026 Heritage Classic, Street Bob, Low Rider S, or Low Rider ST, this recall affects you, so call your dealer ASAP.View the full article

When the S650-generation Ford Mustang arrived, it brought with it a new Dark Horse variant, and more recently, the Blue Oval has introduced a supercharged Dark Horse SC that is a new Shelby GT500 in all but name. The automaker explained that the decision to avoid the Shelby name was taken to highlight that the Dark Horse SC is a Ford Racing product, arguing that Shelby doesn't race. While that may be fair enough, a new report from Ford Authority suggests that the use of the Shelby name was costing Ford millions of dollars. Additional reporting suggests the Shelby badge could return to an official Ford product someday, but more on that later. Ford Reportedly Paid Hundreds of Dollars Per Shelby Model Sold Bring a Trailer According to the publication, which cites insiders as its source, Ford reportedly paid "approximately $800 in royalties for each Mustang Shelby sold," though this has not been officially confirmed by either Ford or Shelby American. While it's unclear how long this particular payment agreement may have been in place, some quick math shows that $800 per car adds up to millions of dollars per series relatively quickly. Just looking back as far as the S550 generation, the Shelby GT350 and GT350R's combined 24,211-unit production run would translate to $19,368,800 in royalties. Add in the GT500, of which 14,130 vehicles were produced over three years, and the bill climbs by another $11,304,000. That's a grand total of $30,672,800, which is big bucks in anybody's book. Related: Every S650 Ford Mustang Ranked By Horsepower From EcoBoost to 800 HP GTD Following the reveal of the Dark Horse SC (recently confirmed to make 795 horsepower and carry a $103,490 starting price), Shelby American has since announced the development of a Mustang for the Trans Am racing series, so it will be racing again soon. But we get where Ford is coming from—aligning the special 'Stang and its race-derived upgrades with Ford's factory-supported efforts in motorsport, including Formula One, is logical marketing. Add in the savings from not paying royalties to use the Shelby name, as well as the fact that a new name can create a new generation of fans, and it all makes sense. But could it return? Special-Edition Ford Name Changes Are "Cyclical" Adam Lynton/Autoblog Speaking with Road & Track, Shelby American president Gary Patterson was asked about Ford's decision to move on from the Shelby name, and his response suggested that Ford could take advantage of the heritage-rich name someday in the future. "Those things are cyclical, right? And it just depends on what's going on within their own company and what their directives are at any one time," he said, adding, "They're using Dark Horse, but you know what? This isn't any different than the Sixties. They went to Boss, all that stuff. So everybody gets all excited about this stuff, and I'm like, 'Look, it's part of a cycle.' And it'll come and go and so forth. What we do is we stay very focused on who Shelby is, and how we can also help polish the Blue Oval." Basically, Shelby American remains open to collaboration with Ford, and since the latter has given special Mustangs names like Boss, Mach 1, Bullitt, and Cobra, the Shelby name could well be reintroduced someday if an internal study reveals that customers long for it. Sure, it would cost Ford a few hundred dollars on each car, but perhaps it would be worth the payments if the car is special enough. On the other hand, Ford could find such great success with Dark Horse and other names that it decides the Shelby name is unnecessary. Furthermore, as Shelby launches tuned Mustang after tuned Mustang, the name may ultimately become synonymous with the aftermarket, for better or worse. Adam Lynton/Autoblog View the full article

The Sunbeam 1000, which made 1,000 horsepower thanks to twin Sunbeam Metabele engines, set the World Speed Record in 1927 at 203.79 mph. These engines feature dual overhead camshafts, 4 magnetos, an air starter, and are 22.5 liters in displacement, or 1373 cubic inches. They spin at 2,200 rpm flat out and made 435 horsepower before they got some love from the racing team behind the Sunbeam 1,000. These are big giant engines and they are fun to watch for sure. With the Sunbeam 1000 being restored, with plans to bring it back to Daytona in 2027 for the 100th anniversary of the record, this was the first test firing of one of the two engines for the car. You can see the excitement on everyone’s face when it does fire, but the nerves are very apparent as well while working to get this thing ready. Check out the video below and let us know what you think. I can’t imagine sitting in front of one of these and behind the other, catapulting down the beach at over 200 mph. Nobody had done it before then, and this made the Sunbeam 1000 the first car to every exceed 200 mph. That’s something special. Video Description: As the National Motor Museum workshop team strips down the second engine of Sunbeam 1000hp, we celebrate their expertise which made the rebuild of the first engine possible. See our footage of a private gathering of the Sunbeam 1000hp Restoration Campaign team to test the first engine in preparation for its first public start-up in over 90 years at Beaulieu’s International Autojumble. It was a special moment of success for the engineering team who had spent years on a labour of love stripping, cleaning, restoring and rebuilding the rear engine before it could be put back into its snug position in Sunbeam’s chassis. Work is now underway to investigate issues with the second engine and we rely on help from our valued partners and supporters to complete the restoration, in time to take Sunbeam back to Daytona for the 100th anniversary of its World Land Speed Record in 2027. More information, and campaign donations can be made here: https://nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/su… The post Sunbeam 1000hp: Testing Firing The First Of Two Sunbeam Matabele Engines After 90 Years! This V12 Beast Is 1373 Cubic Inches! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Ducati's North American CEO just restored and upgraded a 1971 R/T Desmo and raced it at the Biltwell 100. If more CEOs of motorcycle brands were like this, the world would be a better place.View the full article

A Familiar Idea, Reimagined for an Electric EraWhen Kia showed the Vision Meta Turismo late last year, it was clear this wasn’t just another show car. The proportions and stance immediately reminded many of the Stinger GT, even if Kia didn’t say so outright. There was intent behind the design, not just a collection of futuristic ideas. At Milan Design Week, Kia revealed more about the Vision Meta Turismo. The Korean marque positions itself as a grand tourer built for the digital era, blending performance with a new in-car experience. The design still follows Kia’s 'Opposites United' approach, but now it’s clearer how that could shape its next electric sedans. Kia Design, Tech, and That Digital LayerThe cab-forward shape and low, wide stance give the Vision Meta Turismo a solid, planted look. Geometric lines and a glass canopy make it stand out as a concept, but it’s the smaller details that really catch your attention. Kia says the car is built around three things: performance, digital interaction, and comfort. Inside, you can see that split. The driver’s seat is focused and minimal, with a slim instrument cluster and light seats that feel ready for real driving. The passenger side is more relaxed, with a seat that can even rotate for a social setup when parked. In terms of digital tech, there’s an augmented-reality head-up display covering the windshield, similar to what BMW is doing with its latest models, like the Neue Klasse iX3. There’s a playful side, too. The joystick-style shifter simulates gear changes, with haptic feedback and fake engine sounds. It’s a similar idea to what Hyundai did with the Ioniq 5 N that everyone just seems to love. The steering setup borrows from gaming, with modes like Speedster, Dreamer, and Gamer. In Gamer mode, the car becomes an entertainment hub when parked. It’s the kind of creative interface you’d expect from a high-end concept, but with a different focus. Kia What This Could Turn IntoKia hasn’t confirmed what the Vision Meta Turismo will turn into, but the direction is obvious. This looks like a preview of a future flagship EV, maybe something above the EV6 and EV9, or linked to the rumored GT1 project. The blend of performance features and digital tech shows Kia is aiming for a more premium segment. It’s not just raising the price, but changing how the car feels to use. By focusing on engagement, even with digital tricks, Kia is looking to keep enthusiasts interested as it goes electric. If this makes it to production, some of the wilder features will probably be dropped. But the main ideas – driver-focused EV performance, digital layers, and flexible interiors – are likely to stay. Kia View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

I’m a Camaro guy. I know people know me for wagons and mini trucks and whatever but I grew up in a Camaro family, my first car was a Camaro, and I love them. My favorites are first Gens like my ’69 Convertible, but I also love a 3rd Gen. 2nd Gens are cool too. Hell, there aren’t any years of Camaro I wouldn’t own at this point, but some are better than others. This 3rd Gen right here is something special with a 700 horsepower LS7 and great looks. Check it out. Video Description: This 1991 Camaro is a total rock & roll restomod! Featuring a 700HP dry sump LS7 paired toa manual transmission this thing absolutely rips so sit back and enjoy the ride! The post This 700HP, LS7 Powered 3rd Gen Camaro Restomod Is Something Special! What A Beast! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Del Holbrook has made the move to IHRA Bratz racing and has more tricks up his sleeve. His Mustang has been converted to a twin-turbo setup. View the full article

Street Car Takeover in Atlanta was a huge event and the racing action on pit lane of the Super Speedway was hot and heavy. We’ve been doing the same thing at LSFest Texas for the last few years, so I know what it takes to make that work right. And while the surface will take rubber over a weekend, this stuff is as raw as can be on day one so it takes a tune up to get down it fast. The 1320Video crew was on hand in Atlanta for Street Car Takeover and the video is below. Check it out, you’ll dig it. Video Description: We made our way back to Street Car Takeover ATL, where they turn the Atlanta Motor Speedway return road into a no-prep track, and it’s one of the better bare-surfaces we see throughout the year. In this video, we cover all the rounds from the Street Car and Small Tire classes, with some heavy hitters that showed up, including the KC MAXX Firebird, the “Squat King” Foxbody, a wild 1st gen Camaro known as “Real Stupid,” and even a smaller “mini KC MAXX” lookalike named “Ghetto Bird”. The post Street Car Takeover Atlanta: They Turned a NASCAR Speedway into a NO PREP Track And The Action Was Awesome! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

BMW Motorrad has marked 50 years of the RS badge, tracing the sport-touring line from the original 1976 R 100 RS through the K-series era and up to the current R 1300 RS. The post Tracing 50 years of the BMW RS story from R 100 RS to R 1300 RS appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

BRABUS has teamed with French electric specialist DAB Motors to unveil a new trio of premium urban EV motorcycles at Milan Design Week, marking a clear shift away from the brand’s recent KTM-based specials and into city-focused electric mobility. The post BRABUS enters the urban EV space with new DAB Motors collaboration appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

EK Chains’ Three-D range brings cold-forged plates, chamfered edges and CRH-treated pins to off-road and street applications. We take a closer look at how the technology works across the 520MXR, 520RV and 525/530 L-Series. The post EK Chains Three-D technology explained appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

World Supercross has revealed the first five locations for its 2026 season, with Canada, Great Britain, Argentina, Australia and South Africa all featuring on the provisional calendar. The post Gold Coast confirmed as World Supercross reveals first 2026 rounds appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The post Segway Powersports announces | Quad Deals Now On 🔥 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The 7 Gets An Update Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog The seventh-generation 7 Series receives its first facelift, what BMW calls an LCI (Lifecycle Impulse) for the 2027 model year, benefiting from Neue Klasse technology and design language from the company's iX3 and i3 models. This is a heavier refresh than we typically see from an LCI model, and it fixes on of the biggest complaints many online critics had with the pre-facelift model: its ugly face. 1 Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article This isn't a ground-up redesign, but BMW moved around the main headlights and reshaped the crystal headlights, which now look thinner and more stately. The new design is smoother rand more cohesive than before. 2 Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog Both the gas-powered 7 Series and electric i7 models still have large kidney grilles, which are illuminated with BMW's Iconic Glow feature, but the radars, sensors, and washer nozzles are now hidden better. 3 Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Buyers can opt for a hand-finished BMW Individual Dual Finish paint that takes more than 75 hours to apply. 4 Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The interior benefits from the latest Neue Klasse technology suite, including BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X. The pillar-to-pillar projection from the iX3 and i3 has been transplanted, but the 7 Series also adds new passenger screen. 5 Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The rear seat delivers peak luxury with an available Executive Lounge specification and optional BMW Theater Screen. BMW has added Zoom video conferencing to the Theater Screen, which measures over 31 inches. 6 Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The gas-powered 740 and 740 xDrive models get an upgrade under the hood; the B58 inline-six now produces 394 horsepower. A 750e PHEV model is coming in 2027 with 483 hp. 7 Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog The all-electric i7 now features BMW's Gen6 cylindrical battery cells, improving the range to over 350 miles in the 50 xDrive and 60 xDrive variants. A new standard NACS port enables charging speeds up to 250 kW, an improvement from the previous 195 kW peak. View the full article

The Cost of TransitionGeneral Motors may have taken a multibillion-dollar hit to its electric-vehicle strategy, but the company remains committed to sustainability. In fact, GM has secured enough renewable energy to match 100% of its electricity use across all U.S. facilities in 2025, making it the first U.S. automaker to do so. That does not mean every GM facility runs solely on renewable electricity in real time. Rather, the company says it contracts enough clean energy from sources such as solar and wind to match its annual U.S. electricity use on a 1:1 basis. It matters because the company can support vehicle production with cleaner energy while reducing climate impact. Other benefits include strengthening its EV narrative with models like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and limiting exposure to energy price volatility. General Motors Inside the Energy StrategyThe feat was achieved by GM’s diverse mix of renewable energy sources. In 2025, 40% came from clean-energy utility programs, while 37% was sourced through virtual power purchase agreements. The smaller remaining share came from unbundled renewable energy credits (14%), default delivered renewable energy (8%), and on-site generation and landfill gas (1%). As a result, GM has reduced operational emissions by 52% since 2018. It has also contracted 1.5 GW of renewable energy capacity through 2026, enough to power 260,000 homes annually. In terms of economic impact, the company’s renewable energy investments generated $1.9 billion in GDP, created 1,528 construction jobs per year, and supported 65 operational jobs per year from 2015 to 2024. Meanwhile, projects scheduled for 2025 to 2026 are expected to generate $333 million in GDP. General Motors Expanding the MissionGeneral Motors says its “zero-emissions journey starts before an EV customer ever hits the accelerator.” The company operates an EV plant in Michigan called Factory Zero, which is intended to drive renewable energy adoption across the automotive value chain through programs such as Transform: Auto, a commitment it is encouraging suppliers and partners to join. GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant, which builds EVs including the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq, is also part of that commitment. However, not all EVs are produced in the U.S. The Chevrolet Equinox EV and Blazer EV, along with Cadillac’s entry-level EV, the Optiq, are built at its Ramos Arizpe Assembly plant in Mexico. Whether savings from more stable energy costs and reduced emissions-compliance spending will improve vehicle affordability remains unclear, but it’s a notable step forward in sustainability. Gemini View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Like the Toyota Hilux, the Isuzu D-Max is another capable Japanese midsize pickup the US market unfortunately does not get. That’s because Isuzu exited the US light-vehicle market in early 2009, focusing exclusively on commercial vehicles and industrial engine operations in the country. But Isuzu keeps selling passenger vehicles in other parts of the world, and it currently builds only two models, the D-Max and the MU-X midsize SUV, which is actually based on the pickup. Known for its rugged durability, impressive off-road capabilities, class-leading towing and payload ratings, as well as robust diesel engines, the D-Max has the reputation of a dependable workhorse. Prices Start at Over $81,000 in the UK Isuzu UK To keep up with the times, the D-Max has received an all-electric variant that should enhance the nameplate’s appeal in some markets, including the UK. Unveiled a year ago at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, the Isuzu D-Max EV is starting UK deliveries next month, and the prices have just been announced. Spoiler alert: it’s expensive. The new Isuzu D-Max EV starts at £59,995—the equivalent of $81,000—for the eDL40 trim with extended cab, while the same trim with double cab costs £60,995 ($82,300). There’s also a range-topping eV-Cross trim priced from £62,495 ($84,350). That’s a lot of money for a midsize pickup, but it’s competitive with the Toyota Hilux BEV, which hasn't launched in the UK yet but is expected to start at around £60,000. Isuzu UK The Isuzu D-Max EV features a 66.9-kWh battery enabling a 163-mile range (WLTP combined); for comparison, the Hilux BEV offers a claimed range of 149 miles. In the city, the D-Max EV is said to cover almost 224 miles. The D-Max EV's battery powers a dual-motor AWD powertrain with a combined 200 horsepower and 256 pound-feet of torque; the front electric motor has 62 hp while the rear motor has 138 hp. This setup enables the electric pickup to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 10.1 seconds and reach a top speed of over 80 mph. It Beats the Electric Hilux at Hauling and Towing The good thing about the D-Max EV is that it doesn't sacrifice the pickup truck stuff for the sake of electrification. It is as capable as its diesel-powered sibling, becoming the first fully electric commercial pickup in the UK to offer a payload of over 1 metric ton (2,204 pounds), which is significantly better than the Hilux BEV’s 1,576-lb payload. The D-Max EV also has a towing capacity of 3.5 metric tons (7,716 pounds), more than double than the Hilux BEV’s 3,525-lb rating. Isuzu does not say what driving range the D-Max EV is expected to offer when hauling and towing, but you can be sure it drops significantly from the advertised 163 miles. Isuzu does say the D-Max EV offers an optional Eco drive mode that extends the range (it does not say by how much), as well as four selectable regenerative charging levels. Speaking of charging, the D-Max EV’s battery takes one hour to charge from a DC supply at maximum 50 kW or six hours from an AC supply at maximum 11 kW. As Rugged and Capable as the Diesel-Powered Isuzu D-Max The D-Max EV uses the same strengthened ladder chassis of the regular Isuzu D-Max, but adds a new De-Dion semi-independent suspension system replacing the traditional leaf springs to manage the increased weight of the battery pack, improve handling and refinement, as well as reduce cabin noise and vibration under full acceleration by up to 10%. The off-road capability is also worthy of the D-Max name, with the EV featuring the D-Max Rough Terrain Mode, 210-mm (8.2-in) ground clearance, 600-mm (23.6-in) maximum water fording, and impressive off-road approach and departure angles of 30.5 degrees and 24.2 degrees respectively. The new Isuzu D-Max EV’s standard equipment includes a leather/high-grade cloth interior, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, front and rear parking sensors, bi-LED headlights, a 7-inch driver information display. All models come with an eight-year, 125,000-mile battery warranty. View the full article

Building Up The CommunityWillow Springs is one of the few tracks most can describe as quaint, situated in Southern California. It has, over the years, served as a venue for racing, but also become a trackday favorite in more recent times. It also has many starring roles in U.S.-based YouTube car videos. Willow Springs is also known as the "Fastest Road in the West" and is considered by most to be the oldest continuously operating road course in the U.S. In 2025, the historic track was bought by Singer Vehicle Designs and CrossHarbor Capital Partners, with the intention of developing it as a destination for the motoring and racing community. Singer View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Singer Drivers Club ExperienceSinger and CrossHarbor have announced a new project, the Singer Drivers Club. This exclusive experience will be a private members' club at the Willow Springs circuit, serving as a new hospitality area. It will be just the first step in both companies' plans to make the Southern California race track a world-class automotive destination. Singer and partners are keen to make Willow Springs a global hub for motorsports and the community. The whole complex spans 600 acres, and the track has multiple layouts. The new owners are saying that all three track layouts will remain open to track visitors. New enhancements to the current facilities are also underway to improve the whole experience. Within this complex will be the Singer Drivers Club, which will operate as an independent entity. Some of the experiences offered within the driver's club will include concierge services, driver coaching, and a bespoke food and beverage program, creating a distinct and elevated presence within Willow Springs. One key aspect stressed by the group is that this experience will be different from other private track clubs. Singer's package will give members access to multiple tracks and driving environments in a single destination. This is their means to achieve variety and a better progression of driver skill. Members can engage across a spectrum of disciplines, from high-speed circuit driving to technical development and off-road exploration. Singer Championship Star PowerAs if this exclusive couldn't get any better, the Singer Drivers Club will offer members a chance to use a unique fleet of Porsche 718 Caymans and the more track-focused GT4 RS, along with driver coaching and data analysis. From a more grassroots standpoint, there will also be a karting experience, anchored by Singer's global ambassador, Formula 1 World Champion and pundit Jenson Button. Part complex will also have member-only facilities, including the Streets Paddock House and the Member Lounge, which feature a bar and lounge, locker rooms, simulators, and conference rooms. Singer View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article