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Randy Pobst can wheel a race car, and on too many occasions to count we’ve seen him do it. But he also enjoys a quick and fast street car which means that upgrades are often in order. In the video series starting below, we’ll see his 1977 Pontiac Trans Am get some suspension love. But don’t think that this is some old original worn out machine that is getting the upgrades so they can show a huge improvement. No, this car has had a bunch of work done to it to get it into ship shape, and now it’s time for more. More grip, more control, more adjustability, and above all else, more fun. Video Description: We recently heard our friend Randy’s 2nd Gen Trans Am was in need of a suspension revamp. That provided us a great opportunity to outline the features and benefits of our 2nd Gen F-body suspension systems. There’s a lot to cover, too much to include in one video, so in this first episode we outline the use case, and establish where Randy’s car is currently at by taking it out to a mock autocross track and seeing how quickly it could navigate the course. Enjoy this first episode, and make sure you keep an eye out for episode 2 where we disassemble the current setup and complete the upgrade to our complete Ridetech 2nd Gen F-Body (Camaro/Firebird) Suspension system. You can do that by making sure you’re subscribed and you click the bell icon so that you receive notifications when we upload new content. Product Links: Ridetech 2nd Gen GM F-Body Complete Coil-over Suspension (used on Randy’s Trans Am: https://ridetech.com/product/coilover… NOW AVAILABLE | Ridetech 2nd Gen GM F-Body front Subframe: https://ridetech.com/product/ridetech… The post Randy Pobst’s Randit Suspension Overhaul: Episode 1 of 5 – His Bandit Trans Am Needs Some Love! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The 2002 Ford Explorer was Rather InterestingMillions and millions of Ford Explorers have been made since 1990, and the first two generations were blockbuster hits. While not the first SUV, it certainly played its part in making the entire genre as big as it is today. The third-generation Explorer was a rather interesting model that bridged the past and present models. It still rode on a body-on-frame chassis, but it came with fully independent suspension at the front and rear. It was released in late 2001 for the 2002 model year and marked the Explorer's baby steps toward becoming a crossover. Ford The 2001 Explorer Sportsman ConceptWe can only assume that many design studies were made before we all saw the SUV that was practically everywhere in the early '00s. There was, however, a concept that teased the new look in a way: the Explorer Sportsman Concept. It's a bit of a forgotten concept now, but it did make big news back in 2001. It was shown at the 2001 North American International Auto Show alongside the Thunderbird revival, which later failed to meet sales expectations. So, what was the Sportsman Concept? Underneath its boxy exterior is the frame for the redesigned Explorer, so in a way, the all-new model was hiding in plain sight. According to Ford, the concept was made specifically for fly fishing. It's a pretty specific niche to target, but that's what Ford went with in the end. Then again, the company couldn't say it's the third-gen Explorer in disguise. Bring a Trailer It's Now For SaleThe very car that was proudly on display 25 years ago had ended up on Bring a Trailer. At the time of writing, the bid is $13,500, which is certainly much less than the amount Ford spent on building the car in the first place. An interesting, if largely forgotten, piece of history? You bet. It's worth noting that this isn't the first time this particular concept vehicle has been auctioned off. Back in 2010, it was sold for $49,500 by RM Sotheby's. It went up for sale again in 2014, and the hammer fell at just $15,675. Whoever bought it for nearly $50,000 in 2010 must've felt that massive loss. Bring a Trailer Not Road LegalTo whoever wins the auction, do note that the SUV is, sadly, not road legal. There are no certificates for it to be used in public, so, at best, it can be driven around private spaces. Yes, it's a moving and (mostly) functional car, so it has that going for it. According to the original description from 2001, it had a 4.6-liter V8 under the hood, but the reality is pretty far from that. Instead, there's a 2.0-liter 12-valve Mazda engine with half the cylinders. For all we know, it came from a fourth-generation 626, and don't expect it to go anywhere fast. Oh, and some of the features that made it idea for fly fishing aren't included in the sale, namely the original seatback-mounted fly-tying workstations. Also, there's no working speedometer and all you get it a static display. We're genuinely curious what it would take for it to be road-legal. As for the concept itself, some design elements did make it to various Ford SUVs in the 2000s. The sizable fender flares can be seen in the Explorer and Expedition, along with the chunky door handles. It didn't reach production, at least some its influences were applied later on. Ford Bring a Trailer View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

If you are new around there then you might not know that we seriously dig Formula Off-Road racing here at BANGshift.com. This is high flying, loud, and intense racing that involves what look to be impossible hillclimbs, usually on giant courses made from pea gravel or something similar. It’s intense, the cars often end up upside down or rolling over down a hill. They end up rightside up on their own sometimes, but regardless the action is fun and kind of nuts. These drivers do some stuff that I’m not sure most people could. Check it out below. Video Description: Formula Offroad Iceland, Hella 2026! Track 1 – All cars and action from Track 1 in first race of the season. This year Unlimited and Modified class race together but different points. Great action in Track 1 – Hope you like it FORMULA OFFROAD: One of the most extreme motorsport in the world, the Vikings are extreme crazy when comes to Formula Offroad. Formula Off road competitions have always been a great part of the Icelandic motor-sport and is well known all over the world. Formula Offroad began in Iceland on May 2nd 1965. It started with Willys jeeps and now we have these extreme special built Offroad cars that can climb almost everything. In 1990 Formula Offroad started in other nordic countries. Today we have races in Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Hope you will enjoy this extreme motorsport that Formula Offroad is. Extreme Hill Climbing, hydroplaning, rollovers and jumps. Enjoy! Thank you. Jakob C – www.facebook.com/jakobcoffroad Jakob C – www.instagram/jakobcoffroad High-powered machines tackle steep, rocky terrain in this intense competition. Drivers push their customized vehicles to the limit against gravity and challenging obstacles. The post HIGH FLYING FORMULA OFFROAD RACING FROM ICELAND! THIS IS HELLA 2026, COURSE 1 ACTION appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The ID.Polo's Time to ShineFor the longest time, it was the Golf that got most of the sweet high-performance treatment from Volkswagen. There have been countless over the years, and we're not just talking about GTIs and Rs. As for the Polo, there have been few and far between. Some shining examples include the GT and G40, and let's not forget how it bagged four straight World Rally Championship titles for Volkswagen. Given its success in motorsport, one would think there would be a turbocharged all-wheel-drive model in the same vein as Toyota's small and spicy GR Yaris. The ID. Polo made its world premiere recently, and a few impressions of the GTI version have been made as well. This time around, it seems the subcompact hatchback is finally getting more attention on the performance front. That's because the company has confirmed an even hotter version. Volkswagen Coming Soon: The ID.Polo GTI 'Clubsport'Autocar wasn't just able to have first dibs on the ID. Polo GTI, the British publication, also managed to scoop an incoming model that will sit above it. As confirmed by Florian Umbach, the head of vehicle dynamics for Volkswagen, the company is prepping an even hotter version of its latest subcompact EV. The engineer was quoted as saying, "We are working on something. There is certainly more peak power that we can find from the motor and battery hardware that we have and more torque that the front axle could handle also. There is clear potential." There is no official name for it yet, but Autocar has given it the tentative name 'Clubsport'. Historically, that has been reserved for more track-focused versions of the Golf GTI, sitting between the standard hot hatch and the R. Volkswagen What to ExpectThat wasn't the only thing mentioned in the report. It was also said that power could rise to as much as 280 hp (or more), making it more powerful than a regular Golf GTI. For reference, the ID. Polo GTI makes 223 hp and 214 lb-ft, all of which are sent to the front wheels. Hyundai must have done something really well for more automakers to develop their own simulated manual modes. Volkswagen will be no exception, as it will deliver "a similar kind of paddleshift power delivery that the Hyundai N cars have." The additional power will be care of a software upgrade, and there will be piped-in sounds to a more enhanced experience behind the wheel. For now, there is no exact launch date for the so-called ID. Polo GTI Clubsport. That said, we'll have to wait for the regular GTI to make its world premiere before we start counting down the days until the hotter version's premiere. Then again, Volkswagen could surprise us all by launching the GTI and 'Clubsport' at the same time. Wilco Blok/Instagram View the full article

Our friend John Jackson is back at it with more cool video from another great Texas car show, and this time it’s got a twist. This is the 13th Annual LoneStar Deluxe Hot Rod and Music Festival in Texas City, Texas and the video below shares a ton of cool cars and trucks and more. You’ll dig it and we want to know which cars and trucks you see in the video are the ones you would most like to see in your garage or driveway. Let us know in the comments below. Video Description: The Ultimate Day Out in Texas City! Lonestar Deluxe 13 Recap: We loaded up and made the haul from Burnet down to Texas City for one of our favorite stops on the calendar: the 13th Annual Lonestar Deluxe Hotrod and Music Festival. This isn’t just a car show; it’s a full-blown takeover of downtown Texas City, centered around the iconic Showboat Theatre Pavilion. In this video, we’re hanging out with our good friend Sam Navarro and taking in a massive field of high-dollar customs, traditional leads and sleds, and raw muscle cars rolling through the historic streets. Featured in this video: The Big Reveal: We were on the ground for the official debut of Kerry Cooper’s stunning custom Panel Truck. This build is a masterclass in craftsmanship, and it rightfully walked away with the Best of Show honors. A Surprise Win: Our very own 1964 Corvair Van got some unexpected love! A huge shoutout to the Rebel Relics Car Club for choosing our van as their “Club Choice” of the show. The Scene: Beyond the chrome, we’re checking out the incredible food trucks, browsing the vendors, and catching the live bands that kept the energy high all day. Feeling the Heat: You won’t want to miss the legendary (and brutal) hot pepper eating contest—things got a little wild under the Texas sun! If you love traditional hotrods and high-end kustom kulture, this is the episode for you. Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to the Channel for more from the car show scene! Thanks for Watching J.J. The post Car Show Video From The 13th Annual LoneStar Deluxe Hot Rod and Music Festival in Texas City TX appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Australian Honda just announced that it's extending its 2-year factory warranty to a 3-year warranty, which can be extended for a further three years if certain criteria are met.View the full article

Collision Avoidance Systems Are Already Smart, But Ford Wants MoreCollision avoidance tech has quietly become one of the most important safety features in today’s cars. When it works, it can mean the difference between a close call and a costly accident. Most brands now offer some version of automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, or evasive steering—either standard or as an option. Ford, however, appears to be exploring something more advanced. A newly published patent discovered by Road & Track reveals that the Blue Oval brand could be working on a system that could avoid collisions even while the vehicle is parked. Filed in 2023 and officially published last week under patent number 12617393 (look it up), the document outlines a predictive crash-avoidance system that goes beyond the usual “see obstacle, hit brakes” approach. USPTO Predicting Danger Through a Myriad of SensorsThe patent describes a web of sensors – radar, LiDAR, cameras, and ultrasonic – constantly watching the car’s surroundings. Ford calls it a 'virtual sensing grid,' tracking movement around the vehicle in real time. Here’s the twist: the system isn’t just reacting to what’s happening now. It tries to guess where another car is headed next. If it senses a crash is likely, it figures out the best move to get out of the way. That could mean braking, steering, accelerating, or all three at once. In Ford’s examples, the car is parked when it spots another vehicle coming in at an angle. The system predicts the path and decides if nudging forward, back, or even sideways could help avoid or soften the hit. Other diagrams show the car reacting to traffic moving around it, even while it’s standing still. The system can weigh threat levels and pick the safest escape route based on what’s happening nearby. In short, it’s more like a defensive driver making a split-second move to avoid trouble. USPTO How It Differs From Today’s SystemsMost current systems have one job: stop the car before it hits something. That’s why automatic emergency braking is the star of today’s safety tech. Even the ones that can steer usually just help you dodge what’s right in front of you while moving. Ford’s idea goes further. Instead of just stopping, the system looks for the safest way out based on what’s happening around the car. It could even move itself while parked or unattended if it senses a crash coming – at least in theory. Of course, a patent doesn’t mean you’ll see this in production Ford vehicles anytime soon. Automakers file plenty of ideas that never make it to production. However, Ford’s latest concept hints at a future where safety systems act more like human instinct than just another set of sensors. USPTO View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Imagine going highway speeds, steering with a joystick, but pedaling all the way. That's what this French company, Vigoz, envisions for the future.View the full article

America's Sports CarThe Chevrolet Corvette is a true American automotive icon, having started out as a sports car and quickly becoming a supercar challenger. What has always been the Corvette's calling card is its power, simplicity, and overall affordability against the European competition. 2027 marks a new milestone for the current C8-generation Corvette. GM is updating the model as a mid-cycle refresh, with some notable changes and, interestingly, price differences for certain options. Chevrolet Mid-Life RefreshThe C8 has been on the market for 6 years now, debuting in 2020. A major change for the 2027 model year is the introduction of a new motor, a 6.7-liter V8 LS6 small block, replacing the iconic and trusty 6.2-liter V8 LT2. Another major development for 2027 is the reintroduction of the Corvette Grand Sport. Apart from a new engine and a new variant, Chevrolet is also updating the pricing for factory- and dealership-installed options. According to GM Authority, while most price changes have trended downward toward affordability, other optional extras have jacked up the price. Most of the price increase is due to the carbon fiber equipment and exterior appearance package. One major aesthetic price jump is the Color Combination Override Option, which was previously priced at $625 and will increase to $1,495, representing a $800 increase. This option allows owners to mix and match interior and exterior colorways that aren't available as standard. For the carbon fiber bits, the 2027 ZR1 and ZR1X Carbon Aero kits will increase to $12,995, a $2,500 increase. While the new carbon alloy wheels will now set you back $15,995, up by $2,000. Lastly, the ZR1 ZTK Track Performance Package will go up by $1,600. Chevrolet Up and DownOther notable options have also increased in price for 2027, such as the Level 2 Carbon Fiber instrument panel trim, which rose by $300, and the Carbon Fiber Surround Cluster, now up by $295. Next up, the Front Lip Adjustable Height With Memory System goes up by $400, bringing the total to $2,995. Despite the price increases, there are other listed options that offer lower prices, notably the bright polished aluminum wheels, which are now $300 less, totaling just $4,395. Black wheel locks drop from $175 to $105, and the front dark stealth crossed-flags emblem drops by $25. View the full article

Building a café racer is one of the most rewarding motorcycle projects an enthusiast can take on. But before the grinder sparks fly and the custom parts catalogs start filling your browser tabs, there’s one question every builder eventually faces: is it cheaper to start with a wrecked non-runner or spend more on a fully running bike? At first glance, the answer seems obvious. A rough, crashed, or partially dismantled motorcycle can often be bought for a fraction of the […] The post VIDEO: The Truth About Cheap Café Racer Project Bikes appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Arai is releasing a limited-edition RX-7X Ai Ogura Trackhouse replica helmet this August, but there's no official word on whether it'll come to the US.View the full article

Here's all the latest information on Kawasaki's ongoing Teryx H2 side-by-side CVT recall and stop/sale order. View the full article

Storm Continues Through TuesdayThe Pacific system that pounded the coast this weekend is not finished. Heading into Monday, the National Weather Service in Anchorage confirms the original storm is still spinning, while a second cyclone closes in from the west. Forecasters expect another 24 to 48 hours of mountain snow, heavy coastal rain, and gusty winds. In the discussion issued at 4:11 PM AKDT Sunday, forecasters describe "a large, negatively tilted upper level low" continuing to rotate across the Southwest. A separate marine forecast for Valdez adds the new piece: "A front extending from a 982 mb Bering Sea low 35 nautical miles northeast of Saint George Island will move into the southwestern Gulf of Alaska Tuesday afternoon." By Monday, the two systems will "begin to interact, spiraling around and inwards towards each other in what's called the Fujiwhara Effect," per the same NWS discussion. The combined low will be centered over the Pribilof Islands by Tuesday afternoon, pushing the worst weather toward Kodiak and the southern Alaska Peninsula. What to ExpectWind gusts: 40 mph in Kodiak Island Monday night, 30 mph along Turnagain Arm on Tuesday, 25 mph in Whittier and ValdezSnow: Wet snow possible in Anchorage and Mat-Su before precipitation clears overnight; rain switching to all snow in Valdez after 10 PM Tuesday; continuing blowing snow on the Arctic CoastMixed precipitation: Rain and snow across Southcentral Alaska, with isolated graupel reported in the Southwest InteriorRoad icing: Wet snow may refreeze overnight in Southcentral, with black ice possible on Anchorage, Mat-Su, and Turnagain Arm roads early MondayA Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Point Lay on the Arctic Coast, where blowing snow has reduced visibility to a half mile or less. Driving Safely Through the StormDrivers face wet snow in the mountains, 40 mph crosswinds along the coast, and overnight refreeze on Southcentral roads. The hazards vary by location, so does the response. For snow and ice, use 3PMSF rated winter tires with tread depth of at least 4/32 inch. Increase following distance significantly on snow covered roads, and be especially cautious on predawn ice around Anchorage and Mat-Su as wet snow refreezes. Conditions can shift between rain, slush, and packed snow within a few miles on the Seward Highway and through Turnagain Arm. For high winds, expect a noticeable push on trucks, SUVs, and other high profile vehicles at 40 mph, particularly on exposed coastal segments around Kodiak. Slow well below posted limits, keep both hands on the wheel, and avoid cruise control when traction is compromised. EV drivers should plan for reduced range. AAA testing has found that cold weather can cut EV range by an average of nearly 40 percent due to slower battery chemistry and energy spent on cabin heat. Preconditioning the car while plugged in and using seat heaters instead of full cabin heat helps recover some of that range. For vehicle setup, Autoblog's guide to the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving covers all wheel drive systems, snow modes, and cold weather usability. EV owners can find more cold weather tactics in how to get the most range from your EV when the temperature drops. Pack a winter emergency kit per NWS winter weather safety guidance, and check the Alaska DOT 511 system for current road conditions. What's NextNWS forecasters expect a second wave to track toward the northern Gulf and Alaska Peninsula later this week, bringing more precipitation Friday and Saturday. Heavy mountain snow is expected through the latter half of the week, with significant accumulations likely in favored terrain into the weekend. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

Hafizh Syahrin remained unbeaten in ASB1000 at Buriram, while Lachlan Epis delivered a strong Australian result with fourth in Race Two. The post Hafizh remains perfect as Epis makes ground at ARRC Buriram appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Kyle Webster took a narrow MX1 overall win from Jed Beaton at Gillman, as Honda Racing Australia also swept MX2 and MX3 with Alex Larwood and Heath Fisher. The post Honda hits hard at Gillman as Webster, Larwood and Fisher top ProMX podiums appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

ZXMOTO joins Urban Moto Imports in Australia, bringing with it recent World Supersport success after Valentin Debise won both Portimão races on the 820RR. The post ZXMOTO appoint UMI as Australian distributor appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

MotoGP 2026 Round Five – Le Mans Jorge Martin – P1 “I am truly happy. At the start, I didn’t think I’d be able to battle for the win, but I never let up. Aprilia is giving me what I need and my confidence is growing day by day. Now it is important to continue […] The post MotoGP riders and Team Managers reflect on the French GP appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

David Gonzalez went from final-corner gravel to Sunday victory at Le Mans, while Beñat Fernandez’s Race One win kept him on top of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup standings. The post Gonzalez goes from gravel to glory in Red Bull Rookies thriller at Le Mans appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The deck was stacked against Shane Van Gisbergen and the Trackhouse No. 91 on Sunday at Watkins Glen but it simply didn’t matter. A caution with 39 laps to go put ‘SVG’ and crew chief Stephen Doran into quite the predicament. If they stayed out, they faced long odds of making it to the finish line on fuel, especially if others came down and were chasing them down on fresher tires. So ...Keep readingView the full article

Ken Roczen finally claimed his first 450SX crown in Salt Lake City, edging Hunter Lawrence by three points after a tense finale won by Chase Sexton. Cole Davies completed his 250SX East title season with victory in the East/West Showdown. The post Roczen clinches maiden 450SX crown in Salt Lake finale appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Championship leader Tyler Reddick finished fifth at Watkins Glen, adding an extra 20-point between himself and Denny Hamlin, increasing his lead to a staggering 129 points. There was no change inside the top five in the standings, but Bubba Wallace did replace William Byron inside the top ten. In the battle around the Chase cut-line, there were a lot of movement. SVG's big win vaulted him ...Keep readingView the full article

The Legacy of the LegacyThe Subaru Legacy may be no more, but the impact it left on the company is immense. Aimed at the likes of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, it was a quantum leap over previous models, and it was a gamble that paid off. The platform of the first generation would form the foundations of Subaru's modern era, forming the lineup we know today. Oh, and Bruce Willis was involved in its marketing. Unveiled in 1989, the first-generation model showed the world that Subaru was a brand to be taken more seriously. But aside from bringing sales to new heights and changing the brand's image, the Legacy laid down the foundations for the brand's later success in rallying. Subaru Subaru's First Performance SedanSubaru had dabbled in turbocharging as far back as the early '80s with the Leone, otherwise known collectively as the GL or L-Series in the U.S. While boosted models were faster than the standard versions, we wouldn't exactly call them hot even by the standards of the day. That all changed with the Legacy Sport Sedan that was introduced in America in 1990 for the 1991 model year. For North America at least, the hottest Legacy packed a turbocharged 2.2-liter boxer engine that produced 160 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. It was decent figures at the time, although far from the likes of the FordTaurus SHO that punched out 220 hp from its Yamaha-tuned V6. Still, the performance figures it produced were good for its time. An instrumented test from Car and Driver in 1991 measured a 0 to 60 time of 7.9 seconds, a 0 to 100 time of 24.2 seconds, and a 120 mph speed in under a minute. That said, John Phillips, who reviewed the car, didn't call it much fun. Like in so many instances, the nicer versions were sold elsewhere. Subaru Of Course, Other Markets Got the Faster ModelFor those who wanted more punch from the Legacy, they had to move to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, or Europe. Those markets had a smaller 2.0-liter turbo, but it packed far more power than the one North America ended up getting. Numbers? 217 hp, 199 lb-ft, and a 0 to 60 time under 6.5 seconds. That version was called the RS in Japan, or simply the Turbo in Europe and Oceania. Either way, it was far superior to the Sport Sedan and had a more buttoned-down suspension setup that further complemented the all-wheel drive system. It was even available as a wagon If that wasn't enough, there was the RS Type RA, the RA standing for Record Attempt. Those cars were lightened and relatively stripped out, and came with a closer-ratio transmission, and had hand-ported engines with stronger internals and forged parts. The Type RA was a result of Subaru clinching the 100,000 km FIA World Land Endurance Record (62,000 miles, give or take), completing that task in 447 hours, 44 minutes, and 9.887 seconds (a little over 18 and a half days) by doing an average speed of 138.780 mph, stops included. The irony was that those cars were brought to America in '89 to be driven around the Arizona Test Center, only for the U.S version to be watered down. Subaru Rebooting the Rally ProgramEven before STI was established in 1988, Subaru had dabbled in rallying as far back as the '70s. Results were okay at best, and finishing a rally was pretty much a win back then. The best finish pre-STI Subaru achieved was third in Rally New Zealand 1987. As STI, the Subaru World Rally Team first entered in 1990 with the Legacy RS. Like any new team, there were growing pains, but the car showed promise in the following seasons. Continuous development made the car more competitive, but Subaru's first win eluded it. The Legacy had all the potential to win on the world stage. It had already proved itself with back-to-back titles in the British Rally Championship in 1991 and 1992 with a young Scotsman named Colin McRae and his co-driver Derek Ringer. The Legacy was scoring strong results and podiums from time to time, but the first win finally came in the 1993 Rally New Zealand, again with the McRae and Ringer duo. Subaru had finally done it after years of trying. Towards the end of the 1993 season, the Legacy had passed the baton to the smaller and more agile Impreza, and with the lessons learned from the previous years, Subaru would eventually become one of the sport's biggest names while kicking off the eternal debate of Evo vs. STI. Subaru The First-Gen Legacy Turbo NowThe first generation of the turbocharged Legacy has a far greater following abroad than in the U.S. One can say that Subaru's rallying exploits were largely unnoticed stateside, as the sport wasn't really that big a deal in North America at the time, unlike, say, in Europe and Oceania. The neutered American version probably didn't help, either, and the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 sold in the country at the time wasn't as kneecapped as the Legacy Sport Sedan. Today, it's a bit of an overlooked gem, and not a lot has survived over the decades. It's all the more reason to cherish the remaining examples, and perhaps start bringing in those spicier RS models that slipped through the North American market's hands. Besides, had Subaru decided not to offer a performance version of the Legacy, the company and the entire rally scene would look very different today. Subaru Subaru View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

After 100 laps of NASCAR Cup racing at Watkins Glen, pole-sitter Shane van Gisbergen walked away with the checkered flag. He made up 29 seconds in 18 laps during the final stint, and ultimately won the race by 7.2 seconds over Michael McDowell. Ty Gibbs was leading the strategy for those who cut out a pit stop, finishing third. Chase Briscoe and Tyler Reddick filled out the rest of the top ...Keep readingView the full article

There was no stopping Shane van Gisbergen at Watkins Glen on Sunday, as he collected his seventh career win and Trackhouse Racing's first of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season. In 18 laps, he made up 29.2 seconds, passing Ty Gibbs for the race lead with seven laps to spare. Michael McDowell finished second, with Gibbs finishing third. Chase Briscoe finished fourth and Tyler Reddick ...Keep readingView the full article

Frank Peiler made a big move back in March, trading in his old gas model for a new Mazda hybrid. His timing couldn’t have been better, he now says. With the Iran War sending fuel prices skyrocketing, the suburban Chicago retiree has driven more than 700 miles over the last month and still hasn’t had to fill up again. Honda Peiler is one among a fast-growing number of Americans buying hybrids these days. While all-electric models may have come unplugged since federal tax credits were phased out last September, demand for hybrids has reached record levels month after month – and sales could have gone even higher, several manufacturers told Autoblog, were it not for supply limitations. The good news is that more hybrid models are in the pipeline, even as automakers like Hyundai, Kia and Toyota ramp up production capacity. All Charged Up Toyota April wasn’t a particularly good month for the U.S. auto industry, overall sales down by roughly 7%, according to various analysts. But the results weren’t entirely downbeat, several brands managing to stay in positive territory. That included Honda which was up 1.6% for the month. The Japanese automaker benefited from strong demand for its hybrid models which set an all-time record. And it wasn’t alone. Kia sold nearly twice as many hybrids as it did a year ago, Last year, conventional hybrids accounted for around 12% of overall sales, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, or EIA. That rose to 12.7% in January, and 14.2% by the end of the first quarter, Sam Abuelsamid, lead analyst with Telemetry Research, told Autoblog. While several manufacturers, including General Motors and Nissan, report sales only quarterly, he and other analysts estimate hybrid sales were up another 10% in April. War Economy Photo by Grace Cary on Getty Images “The war is definitely having an impact” on the U.S. auto market, said Abuelsamid, contributing to an overall slowdown in sales – but leading those motorists still in the market to consider more fuel-efficient options. The higher fuel prices go, he and other analysts believe, the faster demand will grow. And fuel prices are clearly going up fast. On February 27, the day before the U.S. started bombing Tehran, the typical U.S. motorist paid just under $3 a gallon, according to GasBuddy.com and AAA. As of midday May 8, the figure had topped $4.50 and some analysts warned it could soon break the all-time daily high of $5.034 set on June 16, 2022. “We sold our Tesla and switched to a 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid about a month ago,” said Lee Morrell, a public relations consultant from Los Angeles. “Talk about timing.” For her part, Janet Eckhoff, a retiree living in Brevard, North Carolina, says she’s ready to make a similar move, “I’m not ready for electric,” she explained in a text, but “My next car will definitely be a hybrid.” Narrowing the gap There were several reasons potential buyers who spoke to Autoblog said they might hold back on buying a hybrid, the added cost being a key reason. The Kia Telluride Hybrid comes in about $2,700 over the gas model. But such numbers can bes misleading; hybrids often feature more standard gear. Even then, rising fuel prices mean the actual hybrid premium is narrower and can vanish rather quickly when considering the total cost of ownership. The average motorist clocks nearly 14,000 miles annually, according to federal data. At 35 mpg for the front-wheel-drive Telluride Hybrid, such a driver would burn 400 gallons annually. At $4.50 a gallon that would come to $1,800 a year. At 22 mpg for the comparable gas model, a motorist would spend $2,848.50 annually for 633 gallons of fuel. Thus, the hybrid owner would be solidly in the black in less than three years, even ignoring the added content their vehicle came with. Related: The “Selluride” Hybrid Is Kia’s Big Bet for 2027 If anything, Telluride carries a fairly significant hybrid premium. “The cost differential between hybrids and regular vehicles isn’t as great as it used to be,” said Stephanie Brinley, principal auto analyst with S&P Global Mobility. Indeed, the Ford Maverick’s hybrid package is its base option. Not Your Father’s Prius For those considering a hybrid there are other appealing factors. When the Toyota Prius first debuted a quarter century ago motorists looking for higher mileage typically had to sacrifice performance and features. That’s far less often the case today. The latest generation Prius now punches out 193 horsepower, up from 121 for the prior model, even while getting a 1 mpg improvement in fuel economy. (The plug-in hybrid, meanwhile, got a 77% increase in power, to 220 hp, while significantly increasing its all-electric range.) With a number of today’s models, like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe, the hybrid packages are not only the most fuel-efficient but also the most powerful. That was underscored by Honda’s decision to go with a hybrid-only package for the newly reborn Prelude. The only limit is availability Indeed, we’re starting to see more and more hybrid-only product lines, including not only Toyota’s Prius but the Crown Signia and the latest-generation Camry sedan. All told, excluding all-electric models like the bZ, 16 of Toyota’s 18 other U.S. models are available in hybridized form. For buyers, it clearly helps to have more choice, said Brinley. “There’s more availability, more vehicles offering hybrid options.” Toyota sold more than 4.3 million hybrids in the U.S., roughly 40% of its total. Other manufacturers are racing to catch up, including the Hyundai Motor Group and Honda. That said, “There are still some production constraints that could limit sales,” cautioned Brinley. Added analyst Abuelsamid, the industry was caught off-guard by the Iran War and the biggest challenge is now getting suppliers of critical hybrid components, such as batteries, motors and electronic control systems to ramp up their own production. “Our early indications are that consumers are interested in the hybrid,” said Stuart Countess, president & CEO of Kia Georgia. The company currently forecasts the Telluride Hybrid will account for anywhere from 55 to 58% of the SUV’s sales going forward. As a result, the Korean automaker has been working to ensure the West Point plant can quickly shift output however high demand goes, Countess said. Add it all up and analyst Abuelsamid said “it’s possible” hybrids could reach a 20% market share for all of 2026, though with current “production limitations…I’m expecting it will come in closer to 17 to 18%.” View the full article