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The company that has made a name for itself in the automotive space by reinventing and toughening the spirit of the original Land Rover Defender, INEOS, wants to expand its menu beyond the Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster pickup to a range of smaller, lighter, and cheaper 4x4 off-roaders. And they will be cheaper, not just because they'll be manufactured in the U.S., but also because INEOS won't be repeating the costly ground-up creation of the Grenadier (which may get a V8 variant). One might assume that INEOS plans to use the same architecture, but that's not the case. After the delayed Fusilier range-extender (EREV) arrives, now expected in 2028, the company will start work on two new products, both of which will be smaller. Why the apparent change of heart about U.S. production? INEOS Isn't Building a Shorter Grenadier, But Something Different INEOS Now that INEOS counts America as its biggest customer base at 65 percent, despite the impact of tariffs that rose from 2.5 to 15 percent in 2025, every decision it makes must take into account the current geopolitical state of affairs. Therefore, building in the U.S. makes the most sense, and instead of starting something completely new, INEOS is being "extremely agile," as company CEO Lynn Calder told Autocar. "We're not building any other cars from the ground up, like we have with the Grenadier," she said, adding, "We don't plan to change the wheelbase of the Grenadier or do a huge amount more work on the Grenadier platform. So you won't see a short-wheelbase Grenadier, but you will see a smaller 4x4." INEOS Will Borrow Technology from Established OEMs, But Which? INEOS The CEO also said the company's focus is now on technology sharing, adding that once the company figures out exactly how to make the most of components (potentially including powertrains) that others have already perfected, "[INEOS] will be able to bring more models to market in shorter order." With the brand having reportedly spoken with China's Chery to borrow a range-extender platform from iCar/iCaur, but refusing to comment on the talks, INEOS is clearly weighing several options. We can only imagine how delicate the situation is for such a relatively small producer, which has the capacity for 30,000 vehicles a year but is still far from reaching that limit at its French plant. Still, as noted earlier, INEOS is on something of a roll in America currently, and if it gets its new vehicles produced here before the end of 2030 at the right price and with the right performance, it could avoid the current "chicken tax," grow exponentially, and eventually have the freedom to build even better off-roaders, and who knows, maybe something else, too. View the full article

Home of the TruckAmerica is a truck nation. Despite all the trends and factors that have shifted mobility for everyone, the USA loves its pickups. To properly compete in that segment, it not only needs to perform well but also to maintain a steady supply. Unfortunately, for one of the biggest players in the pickup scene, supply hasn't been easy, as production has been slowed by an issue with a supplier. Ford's struggle with F-150 production is due to a supplier issue, giving GM a chance to make up ground and capitalize on it. Kyle Edward GM Wants More TrucksIn a report by Automotive News, General Motors wants to boost its pickup inventory to catch up on demand and take advantage of Ford's current production slowdown. According to automotive analyst David Whitson, GM's desire to fill its inventory is a prudent move, since supply isn't meeting demand just yet, but he confirms that GM can rise to the occasion when Ford can't. Paul Jacobson, CFO of GM, said they fell 9% in pickup supply in Q1 compared to the same period last year. While it seems small, it's still notable since most automakers experienced a pre-tariffs sales boost in Q1 of 2025. Jacobson echoes the general consensus that leaner inventory restricted sales, prompting them to boost production of key models while keeping a watchful eye on demand as the year progresses. GM says the lower inventory was due to factory downtime to accommodate production of the next-generation heavy-duty truck and a strong sales finish in 2025. With the factory retooling nearly complete, GM expects production and inventory to improve this quarter. They are also reallocating trucks meant for the Middle East market back into the U.S. GM Canada Getting Market ShareGM's production boost plan, as mentioned, is also one way for them to take some market share away from the leading F-150, with Ford struggling to keep up with demand as supply has dropped by 40% since a fire at their supplier, Novelis, disrupted production. It is expected that not only GM will benefit from this, but Ram is also looking to take advantage since they haven't had any issues with production and inventory supply thus far. View the full article

America’s 250th AnniversaryAmerica’s 250th birthday isn’t just a calendar event – it’s already showing up in showrooms. Stellantis has been busy with special editions from Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, but Chrysler was the odd one out. That changes with the 2027 Pacifica America250 (A250) package. The A250 package lands on the updated 2027 Pacifica Select. It’s Chrysler’s way of joining Stellantis’ partnership with the America250 group. Only 2,100 will be built for US buyers, so this family hauler earns a rare badge. Chrysler Patriotic Details Inside and OutYou get three color choices: Red Hot, Bright White, and Hydro Blue. No surprise there, given the theme. Chrysler didn’t stop at paint, either. There are US flag decals, America250 badges on the doors and liftgate, and star graphics running down the sides and front. Beyond the stickers and badges, the Pacifica A250 rides on 20-inch Foreshadow wheels, fully painted, with blacked-out trim on the grille, roof rack, badges, and rear. The result is a mix of patriotic tribute and blackout package – an unusual combo, but it works. Inside, Chrysler went further than just swapping out seat covers. Black leather seats get Ruby Red stitching in all three rows. Up front, blue accents peek through the perforated leather. The front seatbacks wear embossed American flags, and the red, silver, and blue stitching even shows up on the steering wheel and trim. There’s more: dark ruby seat belts, Liquid Titanium bezels, an America250 splash screen on the gauges, and even a special keychain. If you want to skip the decals, Chrysler will let you delete them and give you a $495 credit. Chrysler Pricing and AvailabilityYou can order the Pacifica A250 now, with deliveries set for this summer. The package adds $2,995 to the Pacifica Select. That puts the starting price at $46,540 for front-wheel drive, or $49,535 if you want all-wheel drive, before taxes and fees. The Pacifica now joins the Stellantis America250 lineup, alongside Jeep, Ram, and Dodge’s anniversary models. Stellantis is also bringing back 0% APR deals for the occasion. Chrysler View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Watkins Glen was a big day for Kaulig Racing's new NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team, functioning as the anchor organization for Ram in its long-awaited return go the sport. Before Friday, Kaulig's fleet of five Ram 1500s had just five top tens total this year, with a best finish of seventh. Well, at Watkins Glen International on Friday, Kaulig put three trucks inside the top ten in a ...Keep readingView the full article

Shane Van Gisbergen finished second to Tyler Reddick in the first road course race of the NASCAR Cup Series season at Circuit of the Americas but also had to work way harder for it than any of his five wins in 2025. To wit, the three-time Supercars champion turned Cup Series contender isn’t sure he is automatically this favorite for this weekend at Watkins Glen either. His road course prowess ...Keep readingView the full article

Geely Is Betting Big on HybridsThe mood inside China’s auto industry has changed fast. A few years ago, every conversation was about fully electric vehicles and who could build the next Tesla rival. Now, after slowing EV demand in several markets and growing concerns around charging infrastructure, brands like Geely are starting to revisit the same formula that turned Toyota into a global powerhouse. Hybrid technology is back at the center of the conversation. During my time in China, testing several Geely models, executives repeatedly pointed to hybrids as the realistic middle ground between gasoline and full electrification. Geely Auto International vice president Alex Gu even claimed the company’s incoming i-HEV system improves on Toyota’s long-established hybrid formula by offering better acceleration and smarter integration. Unlike Geely’s existing EM-i plug-in hybrid setup, the new i-HEV system is a traditional self-charging hybrid that never needs to be plugged in. The setup combines a highly efficient gasoline engine with dual electric motors and an 11-in-1 electric drive unit producing up to 308 hp. Behind the wheel, the emphasis felt less like an economy car and more like a proper performance-oriented hybrid. Geely says the system will soon arrive in the Monjaro SUV, Starray SUV, and Emgrand sedan, all of which are expected to play a major role in the company’s international growth plans. Leroy Marion / Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article One of the Most Efficient Hybrid Engines EverThe technical details behind the new i-HEV system are genuinely impressive. At the core sits a gasoline engine with a claimed 48.4 percent thermal efficiency figure, placing it among the most efficient combustion engines currently in production. Geely achieved this using Miller-cycle combustion, 500-bar fuel injection, friction reduction measures, and a very high 15.5:1 compression ratio. Engineers I spoke to in China stressed that efficiency was only part of the mission because the company also wanted these hybrids to feel genuinely engaging to drive. That explains the inclusion of both a P1 generator motor and a P3 drive motor. The gasoline engine can generate electricity while the traction motor powers the wheels independently, resulting in smoother acceleration and stronger response than many traditional hybrids currently on sale. The headline figure grabbing attention is a reported 105 mpg fuel consumption result achieved during a fuel economy test using an Emgrand i-HEV. Even if official numbers settle closer to 75 mpg, Geely would still undercut several Toyota hybrids on paper while giving buyers the feeling of driving a proper gasoline-powered car instead of a purely efficiency-focused appliance. Leroy Marion / Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article No Longer Stripped-Out Budget CarsThe bigger question after driving these cars in China is simple. When are we finally getting them on our side of the pond? Chinese automakers are no longer building stripped-out budget transportation. Many of these new hybrids feel refined, quiet, and surprisingly premium inside. If the Geely Preface i-HEV is any indication, the gap between Chinese brands and established global automakers is shrinking much faster than many expected. More importantly, Geely appears serious about challenging Toyota directly in the hybrid space rather than simply competing on price alone. That conversation becomes even more interesting when you consider Geely’s close relationship with Volvo Cars. Volvo’s CEO recently suggested the company is open to building more affordable Chinese-developed vehicles for global markets, opening the door for Geely-developed hybrid technology to spread far beyond China. After spending time around these vehicles firsthand, it is clear that Geely is no longer chasing Toyota. It genuinely believes it can beat Toyota at its own game. If these efficiency claims hold up in real-world testing, we cannot wait to see these hybrids finally reach our shores. Leroy Marion / Autoblog View the full article

The Four-In-One Cargo Cover Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article When you open the liftgate in a 2026 Subaru Outback, you may be surprised to find a cargo cover that is unlike others you've seen in most SUVs, crossovers, hatchbacks, or wagons. It's not a fixed piece of injection-molded plastic or a rollable unit, but rather a soft fabric one made from 100% recycled material. This design is superior because it's lightweight, machine washable, and can be bunched up for easy storage, unlike those cumbersome traditional cargo covers. It also has three other built-in functions. The Outback has hooks on the side of its cargo area, which work in conjunction with loops on the cargo cover to enable a hammock mode to cradle small objects, a partition mode for pets, and a step cover to protect the bumper. It even has a built in zipper to hide objects in hammock mode and to make it easier to store when not installed. Autoblog spoke with Nikkie Riedel, Subaru National Owner Loyalty Training Manager and former Carline Planning Manager for the 2026 Outback. Riedel helped develop the cargo cover and other clever features in the new Outback. "We did a ton of research with customers; we had surveys and focus group," she explained. "We also have a program called 'Subiecrew' with dedicated owners who love to advocate for our brand." Real-World Owners, Real Uses Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Riedel and her team asked members of the Subiecrew how they use their vehicles to get ideas on how to design the Outback's cargo cover. "We reached out to them and said, 'take some pictures, show us what your car looks like, how you're using it day to day. Don't clean it up. We don't want PR shots,'" she joked. "That gave us a lot of direction on how people were using their vehicles; designs they configured in their own way with milk crates (for example) to build out what they want their cargo area to look like." "We identified use cases that we were seeing most commonly with our owners," Riedel told us. "There used to be a stowable in the Outback for that, but we were find that owners weren't really using it that way. Sometimes they're taking it out, putting it in the garage, and forgetting to put it back. Or you buy a TV and don't want to throw anything on top of it." Through a combination of owner feedback and internal discussions, the Outback's cargo cover functions came together. Hammock Mode Chase Bierenkoven Of the cargo cover's four configurations, hammock mode might be the most clever. It allows owners to have small items hanging above the floor so they don't roll around or get dirty while driving. "Concealed storage is always something we want to make an opportunity for; separating things you don't want to get muddy was a big use case we were seeing," Riedel described. "And then [there 's] grocery shopping; you've got your milk, your eggs, your potato chips. It's always a question of where do those go so they don't get crushed. We were seeing a lot of Outback owners had gear they were keeping in their car: rock climbing and hiking every weekend. They want it in the car all the time but they don't want it rattling and rolling around," she detailed. "So hammock mode gets it up out of the way so they can use their cargo area day-to-day. It's all concealed, nobody can see your expensive climbing ropes; it's all out of the way." Subaru even added a zipper so the cargo cover doubles as a tote bag if you want to bring items from the cargo into your house. Of Course, It's Pet Friendly Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article In addition to the useful functions for humans, of course Subaru added functionality that makes the cargo cover perfect for dogs as well. By clipping the cover to the edge of the cargo area, it forms a partition that stops dogs from jumping out of the car when you open the liftgate. When you arrive, you can undo the top hooks to drape the cover over the bumper, protecting it from being scratched by your dog's claws. "Tailgating is huge; people live out of the backs of their Outbacks, Reidel said. They're using it when they're camping, they're using it when they're getting ski boots on and off, they're at soccer games." Taking a page from Jeep, there are even a few Easter eggs in the trunk, showing how much cargo you can fit in the Outback if you want to take a road trip with your dog. More To Come? Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog For now, the 2026 Outback is the only Subaru model to have the four-in-one cargo cover. Putting it other vehicles would likely require changes to the cargo area during a facelift or full model update to integrate hooks and magnets for the cover. Reidel left the door open for future models like the Crosstrek and Forester to get their own versions of the Outback's cargo cover, telling Autoblog, "anything is possible if we see that's what the customer is looking for." She even expressed that Subaru could add new configurations, driven by how customers use the existing cover in ways the automaker did not even consider. "I'm really curious to see what our owners do with it. We added a lot of hooks to the side. How are they going to reconfigure things? We just keep influencing each other until we get to a really cool place," Reidel expressed. "Those hook points, the possibilities are endless. As soon as we launch a car, we are working on improvements for the next iteration." View the full article

If you own a combustion-powered Mercedes-Benz from the 2024-2026 model years, your car may be under recall, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, because the screen behind your steering wheel might go blank. There's no doubt that modern instrument cluster displays can perform far more tasks and with greater efficiency than the basic gauges we once glanced at to get a rough idea of how the car was doing, but when traditional dials or digital readouts stop working, the result is much the same: driving blind and slightly distracted. Happily, and unlike when something went wrong with old-school clusters, none of the 144,049 vehicles named in the recall have to install a new piece of hardware or visit a dealer to fix the issue. Mercedes Names Six Different Coupes, Convertibles, Sedans, and Crossovers Mercedes-AMG The new recall impacts various individual models across the 2024-2026 model years, with certain AMG GT (192 platform), C-Class (206 platform), E-Class (214 platform), SL (232 platform), CLE (236 platform), and GLC (254 platform) vehicles potentially having faulty software of the infotainment control unit, which may result in "an increased number of system resets as part of an intended fallback behavior." The above models include their respective Benz, AMG, and Maybach variants, but if you'd like to see the full list, rather than checking your VIN on nhtsa.gov, that's included at the bottom of this article. You'd probably notice the issue soon enough, though; during these resets, the driver display may briefly stop showing certain information, which the NHTSA recall report describes as a condition that could increase the risk of a crash because the driver loses access to the full picture. Related: Hate Big Screens? Mercedes-Benz Has Bad News The problem started in August last year, when Mercedes began rolling out new software meant to "improve overall system robustness." But in December, Mercedes started getting a lot of complaints from Korea and started a recall there, and although Mercedes had already begun rolling out an over-the-air (OTA) update to address the issue in the U.S. by last month, the NHTSA explained that other automakers who had experienced similar display problems had initiated recalls. Mercedes estimates that 62 percent of potentially affected vehicles have already been updated, but a recall should help get the word out to more owners and speed up the rollout before there are any crashes related to this problem. Mercedes Is Rolling Out an OTA to Numerous Cars Kyle Edward Dealers have been notified of the recall today, May 8, and owners will be notified by June 26. Until then, these are the specific models and years named in the new Mercedes recall: 2025-2026 Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC2025 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E 4MATIC+2026 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance 4MATIC+2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC Cabriolet2024-2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Wagon2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+2025-2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 432025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe2025-2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E 4MATIC+2025-2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E 4MATIC+ Coupe2026 Mercedes-AMG GT 432026 Mercedes-AMG SL 432026 Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4MATIC+2026 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+2026 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance 4MATIC+2025-2026 Mercedes-Benz C 3002025-2026 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC2024-2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC2024-2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet2024-2026 CLE 450 4MATIC2024-2026 CLE 450 4MATIC Cabriolet2025-2026 Mercedes-Benz E 3502024-2026 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC2024-2026 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC2024-2026 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain2025-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 3002025-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC2025-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe2025-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 E 4MATIC2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 4MATIC+View the full article

Dan Fletcher entered the promotion game a couple of years ago, putting on the Fall GALOT 250. Last year he got the Spring Galot 250 going as well! This event is a single entry event, limited to 250 cars, and has a $20,000 to win prize both Friday and Saturday. If you make it to the 5th round, you’ll have paid for your entry AND buyback so the purse is pretty good and Fletcher’s moto is Races Run Right which we dig. All the action is live, and FREE, thanks to great sponsors and the fine folks at MotorManiaTV who are out covering this one. Check out all the action LIVE below and let us know what you think! Video Description: May 7-9, 2026 Darana Motorsports Park — 4129 NC-242, Dunn, NC 28334 Single Entry Only — Capped at 250 Cars! FRIDAY — $20,000 To Win Presented by Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels Runner-Up $4,000 | Semis $2,000 | Rd Money $250 Starting Rd 3 Buyback: $150 | Best Losing Package Rd 1 Gets Free Buyback from Victory Lane Golf Carts FRIDAY NIGHT — GDI Glenn Development 16 Car Shootout $2,000 To Win — Winner Take All 8 Door Cars & 8 Dragsters | Entry $150 Must Be Out of Main Event SAT NIGHT DUCK RACE — Hippie Fabrication $1,000 To Win — Winner Take All | Free Entry Open to Racers Who Lost Both Days SATURDAY — $20,000 To Win Presented by ATI Performance Products Runner-Up $4,000 | Semis $2,000 | Rd Money $250 Starting Rd 3 Buyback: $150 | Best Losing Package Rd 1 Gets Free Buyback from Denso Spark Plugs Weekend Entry: $490 SATURDAY NIGHT — Biondo Racing Products 2nd Chance Race $5,000 To Win | Runner-Up $1,000 | Semis $500 Rd Money $200 Starting Rd 3 | Entry $150 All Run Field / No Buybacks — Must Be Out of Main Event https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P1nquoAcnE The post FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: The Spring GALOT 250 Bracket Race Is On With $20,000 To Win Saturday, Plus A $5,000 Shootout! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

I love drag boat racing, and this weekend kicks off the 2026 IHRA Outlaw Drag Boat Racing series at Lake Crook in Paris Texas. I’ve been to this lake once before, to livestream drag boat racing, and it’s a cool place with a great course. If you like big power, and big speed, on the water then you want to check this out for sure. I’m talking jet boats, flat bottoms, hydros, and more. If you haven’t watched drag boat racing before, this one will be special for you. Check it out and then get to an IHRA Outlaw Drag Boat event yourself! The post IHRA Outlaw Drag Boat Racing LIVE: The Paris Grand Prix Hits Texas With Big Power, Big Noise, and Cool Boats! Saturday Qualifying appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Tech3 Racing is reportedly considering switching from KTM power to Honda power for the 2027 MotoGP season. If that occurs, can KTM survive and continue in the racing series?View the full article

Alex and Nick Taylor, along with a bunch of other sicko drag and drive folks, are in Norwalk Ohio of the Mickey Thompson Tires Turn and Burn. This is the inaugural event, and it is the kind of drag and drive inspired event that gives folks the chance to get in some fun runs, some fun on road miles, some cool checkpoints, and some great on track testing and racing. Plus, MT is also offering up free tire testing! Yep, put a set of Mickeys on your car and give them the test. If you don’t like them, don’t buy them. If you do, there are deals to be had. We’ll be following Alex, Nick, and the rest of the crew as they have fun for the next 4 days in Norwalk! Video Description: We’re out here for the first ever Mickey Thompson Turn and Burn at Summit Motorsports Park! This is a drag and drive inspired event, meaning there’s a few different rules than usual. Plus we leave and return to the same track everyday! MT wanted this event to be fun for families, provide a solid consistent track, and overall a good time for veterans and new comers! We had a solid day of testing both cars – Uncle Sam is back to life with a BIG BLOCK. It is a little chilly up here but day 1 of racing left us both sitting first in our classes! Nick has some carnage on Uncle Sam that we were able to get resolved, and then proceeded to have some more issues that left us with a 3 am night. But we are on the road headed back to day 2! Come out and say hey if you’re local today and tomorrow! The post The Mickey Thompson Turn And Burn: 6 Second Passes, 200 mph Cars, And Plenty of Carnage Already. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Here’s our 5th, and final, gallery from Mike Brooks coverage of the Run to the Sun car show in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. If you missed the previous galleries, use the link below to check them out too. (Photos by Mike Brooks) The Run to the Sun car show in Myrtle Beach South Carolina celebrated it’s 37th anniversary this year and as usual had a sellout crowd. This show sells out every year, and features some awesome Pre-1990 muscle cars, hot rods, street machines, and trucks. It’s a special event, that’s for sure, and when the weather is great like this year it is hard to beat. Longtime contributor Mike Brooks was on hand and snapping photos to share with all you BANGshifters, and you can check them all out below. One of the things we like about this show is the variety of cars and trucks. Lifted, lowered, customs, classics, it’s all here. Check them out. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTOS WE ALREADY POSTED FROM THE RUN TO THE SUN The post Run to the Sun 2026 Car Show Photos: Here’s Our Final Gallery from the 37th Annual Run to the Sun Car Show Custom Cars, Trucks, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, And More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Scan a bottle Win a motorcycle with Motorex Motorex’s limited-edition 6DAYS packaging isn’t just a pretty label. There’s a QR on the front that could win you a motorcycle! Go and grab a bottle of Motorex’s limited-edition Cross Power bottle. Find the QR code, scan it, enter your details, and you’re in the running to […] The post Scan and win a motorcycle with Motorex Cross Power 2T and 4T appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

2026 Ducati DRE Racetrack Academy Mandalika International Circuit, September 4–6 The DRE Racetrack Academy is Ducati’s riding program, offering training to elevate skills, build confidence and amplify that riding thrill, with world class instructors, the latest Ducati models and iconic tracks all bundled into an all-inclusive, fully supported experience. Want an inside glimpse? Check out Wayne’s […] The post Ducati’s DRE Racetrack Academy heads to Mandalika for 2026 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

With rain in the forecast for later in the afternoon, the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series moved up professional qualifying roughly one hour on Friday morning at the IHRA Spring Nationals, allowing for consistently quick runs throughout the day in the cool air at Darana – National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio. Lee Callaway ran a career-best 3.055 elapsed time at 282.31 mph to grab the top spot in Top Fuel, piloting the PBR-sponsored ride out of the Scott Palmer Racing camp. Gary Pritchett, who won the IHRA season opener, qualified No. 2 with a 3.106 at 274.06 mph. He’ll face the most recent event winner, Scott Palmer, in the first round. “It was a great run – I wasn’t sure it ran that well,” said Callaway. “[It was a] really great run. I’m looking forward to making some better runs, and hoping the weather holds up this weekend. We always try to improve on that, but that’s pretty good. It’s a career best. I know the car will run a little quicker than that, but we’re just trying to go consistent each time we’ve been out.” In Funny Car, Del Worsham continued his string of strong performances in IHRA competition, taking the No. 1 qualifying position with a 3.291 at 272.23 mph. In perhaps the most surprising news of the day, Dale Creasy Jr. – who was previously undefeated in IHRA competition this year – failed to qualify, with his 3.629-second pass placing him ninth. “It was a pretty good run,” Worsham said. “I was thinking about when I was here last summer and I lost that final round to Dan Hix and it spun the tires, so this track has some characteristics and things you have to watch out for. The first run kind of sets the whole pace for the weekend here at IHRA. With only two qualifying runs, your first run is so important.” IHRA Pro Mod points leader Jason Harris continued his hot streak this season, earning the No. 1 qualifying position and first-round bye in his Harts Charger-equipped “Party Time” ’69 Camaro with a 3.601 elapsed time at 210.08 mph. Kye Kelley will start from the No. 2 position with a 3.608 at 203.34 mph, while the most recent event winner, Tony Wilson, qualified third with a 3.611 at 207.85. “I gotta give a lot of credit to my team – ProLine, Harts Charger, TKM, Hoosier, Mark Micke (M&M Transmission), LAT Oil – all these combinations of this stuff together, it just makes for a heck of a team,” said Harris. “We’re trying some different things. I think if Kye hadn’t broken a snout, maybe he would’ve outdone me a little bit. We’ll see how it goes, but Party Time number one – I’m trying to hang in there.” In the highly competitive Mountain Motor Pro Stock class, veteran Dwayne Rice earned the No. 1 spot in his XCalibur Race Engines Camaro, racing to a 4.046 at 177.44 mph. Former PDRA and NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock champion Johnny Pluchino took the No. 2 spot with a 4.054 178.50. In total, the top 16 cars were separated by a mere seven hundredths of a second. Bubba Stanton continues to pace the field in Outlaw Pro Mod in his patented red Quarter-Max Racing-built Camaro, as the IHRA class record holder (3.501) ran a 3.558 at 214.80 to secure the top spot in his quest to win his second Outlaw Nitro Series event in a row. In Top Alcohol Dragster, Joey Severance used the traditional blown alcohol combination to qualify No. 1, running a 3.465 at 222.44 mph. A pair of injected nitro combinations, driven by Rich McPhillips and Jamie Noonan, followed Severance in the No. 2 and 3 spots respectively. Alcohol Funny Car saw Chip Beverett secure the top spot with a 3.647 at 211.76 mph. Other No. 1 qualifiers included Ryan Hill (Fuel Altered), Tony Scott (Pro Stock), Chris Smith (Nitro Harley), and David Marshall (Outlaw Snowmobile). IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series eliminations will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. eastern, with the first round of nitro categories scheduled for 12:30 p.m. All racing can be viewed on SpeedSport1 and the IHRA YouTube page. This story was originally published on May 9, 2026. The post Callaway, Worsham, Harris, Rice, and Stanton Lead No. 1 Qualifiers at IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series Spring Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

A powerful Pacific storm is set to slam Southwest Alaska this weekend with hurricane-force wind gusts, heavy snow, and freezing rain through Sunday morning, according to NWS Anchorage. The agency issued overlapping High Wind Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories today, Friday May 8, 2026, with officials explicitly warning of slick roads and difficult travel. Peak Driving Danger WindowThe most dangerous window runs late Saturday night through Sunday morning, when 90 mph gusts in the Alaska Peninsula channels overlap with active snow and freezing rain on local roads, creating compound traction and stability risks for anyone out driving. What to ExpectWind gusts: 90 mph in the Alaska Peninsula channels, 80 mph in the Eastern Aleutians and Pribilof Islands, 75 mph along the Kuskokwim Delta CoastSnow totals: 9 to 13 inches in the Lower Kuskokwim Valley; 8 to 12 inches across Bristol Bay north of King SalmonMixed precipitation: Freezing rain and snow along the Kuskokwim Delta CoastNWS Anchorage flagged the wind forecast with "high confidence," while the snow and freezing rain advisories carry slightly less certainty but cover the same active window. Road ConditionsBethel's roughly 22 miles of paved roads, the King Salmon to Naknek spur, and Unalaska's local grid all face gusts the NWS classifies as hurricane-force at 75 mph and above, with the agency noting that "moving automobiles can be pushed off the roadways" at those speeds. Drivers should monitor Alaska 511 for state-maintained route updates and treat exposed coastal segments as live wind-tunnel zones until the system clears. Severe Storm Driving TipsHurricane-force gusts demand a different posture than routine winter driving. Slow well below the posted limit, keep both hands at the 9 and 3 wheel positions, and anticipate lateral pushes from crosswinds when transitioning from sheltered terrain to open coastline. Triple your normal following distance, and give high-profile vehicles like semis a wide berth since they catch wind like sails. For the snow and ice piece, tire and vehicle setup matter. Autoblog's roundup of the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving and our guide to best practices in snow, ice, and rain cover the fundamentals. Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) tires are the minimum for ice-adjacent conditions, with tread depth at 4/32 inch or deeper. Add 1 to 2 PSI for every 10 degree temperature drop, triple your stopping distance on packed snow, and never use cruise control on ice. Pack a winter emergency kit per NWS winter weather safety guidance, including traction aids, water, layered clothing, and a charged power bank. TimingThe High Wind Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories run through Sunday morning, with peak impacts late Saturday into early Sunday. Conditions ease Sunday afternoon as the system tracks east, though residual gusts and refreezing surfaces could linger into Monday across coastal zones. Forecasters are already eyeing the next Pacific frontal system stacking up behind this one. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

Making his 67th career start, Kaden Honeycutt is finally a winner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He passed Connor Zilisch in overtime, hanging on to take the checkered flag for Tricon Garage. He also swept the day, earning a victory in the ARCA Menards Series race just hours earlier. "It's amazing," said an emotional Honeycutt. "Thank you Toyota, this whole No. 11 crew ... everyone ...Keep readingView the full article

Drivers across a five-state stretch of the Plains and Gulf Coast face an active severe thunderstorm threat today, Friday May 8, 2026, with golf ball hail, 60 mph wind gusts, and embedded supercell structure already producing warnings from northeastern Oklahoma down through coastal Louisiana and Alabama. The Storm Prediction Center flagged the corridor in its Day 1 outlook this morning, with NWS Norman, NWS Tulsa, and NWS Mobile pushing operational warnings through the afternoon. Peak Driving Danger WindowThe most hazardous window runs from late afternoon through the overnight hours along I-35 from Ponca City south to the DFW Metroplex, where a developing storm complex is expected to reach Red River counties after 10 PM CDT with damaging straight-line winds and large hail. What to ExpectHail size: Golf ball (1.75 inches) confirmed in Osage County, Oklahoma; quarter size more common across the broader threat area.Wind gusts: 60 mph radar-indicated, with isolated higher gusts possible in stronger cells.Worst corridors: I-44 through northeastern Oklahoma, I-35 Ponca City to DFW, I-65 Mobile to Saraland, I-10 New Orleans east, I-49 central Louisiana.State count: Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, with southeast Kansas and the Ozarks in the broader risk zone.Storm mode: Discrete cells transitioning to organized clusters by evening.The setup pairs a southeastward-moving cold front with low-level Gulf moisture, anchored by a developing surface low over northwest Texas that is sharpening the dryline through the afternoon. Road ConditionsHail bigger than 1.5 inches will dent body panels and crack windshields on any vehicle caught in the open. Wind gusts near 60 mph approach the threshold where empty box trailers and tall SUVs start losing lateral stability in crosswind gusts, particularly on exposed bridge spans. Real-time conditions for Oklahoma's I-35 and I-44 corridors are tracked at OKDOT's traffic map, and Texas drivers should check TxDOT's DriveTexas portal before any evening trip into the Red River area. Autoblog's guide to hydroplaning prevention covers the fundamentals worth refreshing before heading out. Severe Storm Driving TipsIf you can avoid the highway after 4 PM CDT today, do it. If you can't, the standard severe-weather playbook applies. Pull off at exits, not on shoulders, since 60 mph gusts plus poor rear visibility from chase traffic make shoulder stops dangerous. Keep stopping distance at three times the dry-pavement standard on wet roadway, and watch tread depth: 4/32 of an inch is the practical wet-grip threshold, below which hydroplaning risk rises sharply. Autoblog's severe weather driving practices and tire tread depth guide cover the basics, and the NWS severe weather safety page outlines what to do if your vehicle is in the path of a tornado warning. TimingThe current threat window runs through Friday night, with the OK-to-DFW complex expected in Red River counties after 10 PM CDT and persistence into early Saturday morning across the ArkLaTex and lower Mississippi Valley. NWS Houston has flagged a Marginal Risk for all of southeast Texas on Saturday as the boundary stalls. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

The inaugural Southeast Gassers Association event at Holiday Raceway produced a true brawl in The Bama Brawl, where racers duked it out amongst themselves and the track. The historic facility in Woodstock, Alabama, produced another SEGA-defining race showcasing the wild and unpredictable nature of these SEGA-style gassers that get as close to the 1960s as possible. The Bama Brawl packed a punch that will be felt throughout the 2026 championship season and beyond in SEGA drag racing. The Alabama contingency of racers within SEGA is certainly familiar with Holiday Raceway. Racers from the Carolinas, Wisconsin, and even Texas rolled in for the first time in need of testing and tuning but didn’t get it due to inclement weather. When the clutches dropped, and wheels were in the air for the first hits in qualifying session one, the need to get the gassers dialed in became excitingly apparent. Many cars launched hard with wheels high in the air while darting either left or right. Center line crossing occurred. Timing blocks were sacrificed. Wall strikes occurred. Moments displayed on track that had fans gasping and reaching for their phones to record. Though most of the competitors within SEGA did get their gassers under control beyond qualifying session one, the fight or flight moments weren’t done at The Bama Brawl. In the fastest and quickest category in SEGA drag racing, A/Gas, the sixteen-car field produced many of the top highlight moments. Leslie Horne, driver of the Chick Magnet 55’ Chevy gasser, qualified sixth in the A/Gas field – well off his typical leading pace. His first qualifying pass had him and fellow competitor Brad Henry in the Wild Child 41’ Willys, showcasing one of the wildest pairs of the day. Both had their hands full of wheel, with Henry turned broadside completely as Horne gathered his gasser up all the way up the Holiday Raceway shutdown hill. From that point on, Horne continued to gather up his performance from his 5.44 elapsed time qualifying performance. Other than his round one elimination match-up, where Horne was able to coast to a win due to his opponent getting out of shape, he improved his performance from the 5.44 qualifying effort to a 5.31, 5.26, and then a 5.25 in the final. He would need that better performance for a chance in the final, where he would face the number one qualifier, Ben Christopher, at the wheel of his Happy Daze Chevy II gasser. Christopher had an eventful day himself without being the direct catalyst for excitement other than performance, outpacing the field with his 5.22 elapsed time No. 1 qualifying effort. He did that right off the trailer in the first qualifying session, effectively losing his second shot due to a competitor getting out of shape at launch and crossing the center line in front of him. With the challenging conditions that jabbed at the SEGA racers in round one of eliminations, Christopher would face Chase Howard, the reigning and defending A/Gas champion, who qualified last, struggling in both qualifying sessions, mustering only a 7.77. Howard found his championship performance in round one, putting up his best time of the race at a 5.23; however, Christopher went low e.t. of the meet with a 5.15. In round two, Christopher would be a part of the pair with the most gut-punching moment of the race. Brad Henry in the Wild Child 41’ Willys had already experienced a wild day in qualifying. Matters had seemed to improve with a round one victory over the orange 41’ Willys known as the Orange Peeler of Scott Bodisalich. In round two, Henry would experience his wildest racing moment with SEGA. Leaving with Christopher, Henry was in striking distance if Christopher had an issue in the Quick Time Performance Right Lane of Holiday Raceway. Just past the 330-foot mark, Henry slipped out of the narrow groove to the left in the Laris Motorsports Insurance Left Lane, turned sideways out of control and skidded into the shut-down area broadside nosing into the right wall resulting in a bloodied nose of his beautiful blue ‘41 Willys. Henry was alright after the incident, exiting the car under his own power. But Christopher’s exciting day wasn’t over yet. In the semifinals, he was paired with SEGA first-timer Steve McNamara of Texas in the Lil’ Johnny Chevy II gasser. Steve launched with a red light but kept the throttle down, then crossed the centerline from the left lane into the right, forcing Christopher to get out of the throttle and coast to a win. The final pitted Horne against Christopher for the inaugural event championship in A/Gas at Holiday Raceway. Horne had lane choice while Christopher had a slight performance edge. The best two cars in eliminations were set to end the race day with possibly the best race of the day. That was not to be as Horne was just off on being timely in his launch, illuminating the red light, and therefore the win light for Christopher. He rolled away from the Bama Brawl as the A/Gas points leader. The ten-car field for B/Gas had the top two performers work their way through their side of the ladder to the final. Ted McKee in the Tennessee Volunteer Orange Rocky Top Missile Chevy II gasser, who won the season opener at Shadyside Dragway, qualified number one with a 5.54. Charlie Lee made his first SEGA appearance with his Tennessee Charlie white and red Mustang fastback gasser. His first qualifying attempt was memorable, launching with such force that a cloud of rust and red dust billowed behind him. The car lifted with a sky‑high wheel stand, and he eventually had to lift off the throttle after crossing the centerline. His second time would have his pony go straight and true to a 5.60. McKee would dispatch his first-round opponent, then enjoy a bye-run in round two to face and defeat Wayne Swafford, the No. 3 qualifier, in the semifinals. McKee consistently ran 5.55’s all the way to the final. Lee defeated his round one opponent with a 5.62 and his round two opponent with his own 5.55. For his semifinal match-up, he had a bye and would take the tree coasting over the finish line stripe. The B/Gas had the two Tennesseans ready to race, one in a Ford and the other in a Chevy. This final produced a fender to fender race all the way to the stripe – a 5.57 to a 5.58. Though just a tick slower in elapsed time, it was Lee winning over the quicker McKee. For all the chaos at the Bama Brawl, there were remarkable performances for the SEGA racers at Holiday Raceway. The top performance of the race came from reigning C/Gas champion Jerren Perdue. He was the No. 1 qualifier, but in his round one bye due to the ladder of the thirteen-car field, he reset the C/Gas record to a 5.947 elapsed time. The performance never did dip for Perdue, all the way to the final. He fought in the 5.90s all through qualifying and eliminations into the final. That final would be a rematch of the season opener with Alabamian Todd Oden. Oden had to defeat an opponent each time to reach the final, being the sixth qualifier at a 6.23. Notably, in the semifinals, Oden faced No. 2 qualifier Heath Adams in the Rusty Bullet gasser in his first start of the 2026 season. It was going to be a match-up where Oden would need everything he could get out of his ‘58 Chevy Del Ray, but Adams rolled the beams, red lighting to give Oden the win. Oden proved that he was ready for the final by taking it to the stripe in the semifinal matchup at a 5.96. The wagon wheeled by Perdue and the full-bodied car driven by Oden launched high into the air, delighting the Alabama fans, and continued to delight in a fight right to the finish line, fender to fender. This time it was Perdue winning against Oden, avenging the loss at Shadyside a race before. It was Perdue’s 5.95 to Oden’s 5.96 in another great display of what SEGA drag racing is all about. No surprise to anyone familiar with the ropes of SEGA competition, a certain Alabamian once again defended the home turf with a win in Super Stock. The six‑car field afforded the number‑one qualifier a bye run into the semifinals, but Jerry Dean hardly needed the advantage; he continues to hold a clear performance edge in his Super Stock setup compared to the rest of the field. The two cars that are the class of the field in this category met again in the final – a rematch of the Shadyside season opener. Rob Walden in the Strych 09 Chevrolet would again attempt to knock out Dean from the winner’s circle. Though Walden was the No. 2 qualifier and clearly has a stout hot rod in Super Stock, his 6.67 still wasn’t enough for Dean’s 6.35. Dating back to last season, the reigning champion in Super Stock is now on a six-race win streak in SEGA racing. This inaugural event for the Southeast Gassers Association at Holiday Raceway, titled the Bama Brawl presented by Superior Performance Transmissions, was certainly a heavyweight fight for the racers in SEGA. It had moments that showcased hit points for the highlight reels while also displaying the separation of competition for the early title contenders in this 2026 championship season. When fans, media, and racers rolled away from Holiday Raceway, they knew they had witnessed the kind of performance that sets the Southeast Gassers Association apart as the heavyweight of nostalgia gasser drag racing. This story was originally published on May 8, 2026. The post Bama Brawl Proves to be a Fight for Southeast Gassers Association Competitors first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Cadillac revealed one of the ultimate sports sedans to start the month, that being the CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series. Built to celebrate the automaker’s Formula 1 debut in 2026, the F1 Collector Series packs more power and even hotter looks than the normal CT5-V Blackwing. What we didn’t know until now was how much it would cost, especially since it’s limited to just 26 units. Well, that all-important figure has been shared by GM Authority, and it’s a jaw-dropping $260,000 before destination. That makes it more expensive than any other new Cadillac besides the Celestiq. Related: Cadillac Quietly Made the F1 Blackwing More Powerful Than Before Regular CT5-V Blackwing Looks Like a Bargain Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series Cadillac View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The standard CT5-V Blackwing starts at $98,900 in manual guise, making the F1 Collector Series roughly 163% more expensive. While Cadillac hasn’t officially announced the $260k price tag yet, GM Authority didn’t announce it speculatively, so it’s safe to assume this is the correct figure. At $260k, the Cadillac sedan is more expensive than everything in this special group of sports cars and ultra-luxury sedans: Porsche 911 GT3, Bentley Flying Spur, the V12-powered Mercedes-Maybach S680, and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X. Looked at another way, you could buy two BMW M5s for less than one of these Caddy Blackwings. We’ve seen this recipe before, which entails releasing a special-edition model with beefed-up looks, a bump up in power, a limited production run—and a drastically inflated price. BMW charged about 40% more for the M3 CSL back in 2003, although many would argue the elevated driving experience made it worthwhile. Late last year, Porsche unveiled the 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche, priced at $387,000, about 64% more than the GT3 upon which it’s based. Related: Inside the Factory Where Cadillac Builds the Last Manual V8 Sport Sedan Is The CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series Worth It? Cadillac For the well-heeled collector, this Cadillac sedan is worth every penny. But looking at the raw numbers and the scope of the upgrades, it’s impossible to make a rational case for it over the regular Blackwing model. Both use a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, with the F1 model producing 685 horsepower and 673 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers make it the most powerful Blackwing ever, but it’s not far ahead of the normal version’s 668 hp/659 lb-ft. A six-speed manual is the exclusive transmission choice for the F1 model, which also gets the following enhancements: Upgraded superchargerCNC-machined supercharger coverEndorsed F1 and FIA logos throughoutCarbon Flash wheelsLower carbon-fiber bodyworkGloss Black exterior badging and monochrome Cadillac crestsMost of these changes are purely cosmetic, and while the sedan looks fantastic, these extras aren’t worth a 163% price jump. You can spec the normal Blackwing with the Deep Ocean Appearance Pack, Precision Pack (including carbon ceramic brakes) and Super Cruise, all for $100,000 less. Of course, none of the 26 buyers of the F1 Collector Series will care. It’s a deeply satisfying sports sedan and the most potent Blackwing ever, but also one with unmatched exclusivity. In the years ahead, it has every chance of appreciating in value, especially since larger-capacity V8s may not be around forever. View the full article

With the average new car transaction price holding just below $50,000 last month, it’s not surprising that auto debt has ballooned to previously unseen levels. As more people borrow larger sums of money to be able to buy or lease a vehicle, auto debt is increasingly becoming a serious problem for consumers. A new report shows that total auto debt reached $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025 in the United States, accounting for a 37% increase since late 2018, when the debt was at $1.23 trillion. The staggering figure is higher than credit card debt ($1.28 trillion) and is closing in on federal student loan levels. The total debt figure includes traditional installment loans and leases, according to an analysis by The Century Foundation, a left-leaning think tank, and Protect Borrowers, a consumer advocacy group, provided exclusively to CNBC. The Average U.S. Borrower Carries $33,519 in Auto Loan Debt Getty Images The analysis calculated that about 1 in 4 Americans—or nearly 86 million—have outstanding auto loan or lease debt, with the average origination balance for a car loan sitting at $33,519 at the end of 2025. That’s a massive increase over the fourth quarter of 2018, when the average origination balance for an auto loan was $24,782. During the same period, the typical monthly auto loan payment has gone from $506 to more than $680. What this means for auto buyers is that a larger portion of their paychecks is being allocated to their car payments, leaving a smaller budget for other expenses, such as rent, groceries,, savings, and more. Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images The combination of expensive vehicles and higher interest rates has led to an unprecedented surge in auto debt, giving consumers a tough choice between higher monthly payments and longer repayment terms. About the latter part, over 1 in 5 new car buyers took seven-year auto loan agreements in 2025, according to data from Cox Automotive. Factor in the inflation and the rising gas prices caused by the Iran war—the nationwide average price per gallon was $4.53 on May 6 according to AAA—and it’s pretty clear that car owners can’t catch a break these days. And let’s not forget that the average transaction price for a new vehicle was nearly $49,000 last month, according to Edmunds, up from $35,000-$37,000 in 2018. Needless to say, the significant increase in new car prices has far outpaced the increase in incomes. To make matters worse, the supply of affordable cars is almost depleted, with no new vehicles for sale under $20,000 anymore. More Buyers Than Ever Have $1,000 Monthly Auto Loan Payments Getty Images Amid an unstable environment, automakers are focusing more on higher-income buyers, with more than 43% of new cars being bought by households with incomes of $150,000 or more, according to Sean Tucker, a managing editor at Kelley Blue Book. This leaves no other option to many low- and middle-income families than to take on bigger loans to be able to afford a new car. The lowest-income borrowers, who earn under roughly $35,000 a year, paid an average of $738 a month on their car loans in 2025, according to the study—significantly more than the average monthly auto loan payment of $680. Rather worryingly, Edmunds found that the share of buyers who agreed to monthly auto loan payments of $1,000 or more accounted for 20% of all financed new vehicle purchases in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 17% a year earlier. That means 1 in 5 borrowers have accepted $1,000 monthly car loan payments so far this year. View the full article

Even Mansory Can Show Restraint SometimesMansory is known for modifying expensive cars in ways that usually split the room in half. Whether it’s a Rolls-Royce wrapped in forged carbon or a Lamborghiniwearing enough vents to cool a power plant, the German tuner has never exactly been known for subtlety. That’s what makes this latest Porsche 911 Turbo S project a bit surprising. Unveiled at Top Marques Monaco, Mansory’s new “softkit” package for the updated Porsche 911 Turbo S (992.2) feels noticeably more restrained than most of the company’s previous work. That doesn’t mean it suddenly turned into Singer overnight, but compared to some of Mansory’s more chaotic creations, this one actually looks fairly cohesive. Mansory View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Carbon Everywhere, But In ModerationMansory’s new softkit focuses mainly on visual upgrades, with all exterior add-ons finished in full carbon fiber. Buyers can spec the package for both the Coupe and Cabriolet versions of the 992.2 Turbo S. The list of upgrades includes a revised front lip with side extensions and flaps, carbon mirror caps, side skirts, rear air intake trim, a larger two-piece rear spoiler, and a redesigned rear diffuser. The tuner also introduced a new forged wheel design called the “FS.5,” available in 21-inch front and 22-inch rear sizes. Visually, Mansory avoided going too far with the bodywork itself. Instead of reshaping the entire car, the company added layers onto Porsche’s already aggressive factory styling. The satin silver paint, combined with dark red carbon accents, gives the car a surprisingly mature look, especially compared to Mansory’s usual, louder color combinations. Inside, things get a little more playful. The cabin features extensive Alcantara trim, bright red seat belts, contrast piping, and plaid inserts across the seats, door panels, and the rear bench. Oddly enough, the tartan pattern works here. It gives the interior a bit of old-school German hot hatch energy, almost like a GTI-inspired theme translated into a six-figure sports car. The steering wheel also gets the typical tuner treatment with thicker bolsters, Alcantara grips, exposed carbon sections, and a red center marker. Mansory No Extra Power Yet, But There’s Probably More ComingFor now, Mansory hasn’t announced any performance upgrades for the 992.2 Turbo S softkit. The package appears to focus entirely on styling and interior personalization, though the company hinted that “much more” is still on the way. That likely means future power upgrades are already being prepared. Given the standard 911 Turbo S already produces 701 horsepower from its electrified twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six, outright performance probably wasn’t the priority here anyway. The stock car is already brutally quick in almost every measurable way. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, which is pretty typical for a Mansory project. This also isn’t the first Porsche to pass through Mansory’s workshop, though it may be one of the more palatable builds the tuner has produced in recent years. The overall silhouette remains clean, the factory proportions are mostly intact, and the modifications don’t completely overpower the original design. At least by Mansory standards. Mansory View the 15 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Tesla's 4680 battery promised exponentially greater power, density, and range. However, five years after Battery Day - when the 4680 was revealed - the numbers leave much to be desired. Tesla's vertical integration nightmare has come true, where it has managed to cut costs, but its batteries fall short when compared with competitors across the industry, even cheaper LFP batteries. Behind On Paper, And In Real LifeTesla's 4680 battery was designed to replace the industry-standard Panasonic 2170. Tesla promised 5x the energy of existing industry batteries. But the energy density of its 4680 batteries stands at 244 wh/kg, compared with the Panasonic 2170 at 269 wh/kg. Tesla promised 6x more power; however, with 79 kWh, its output is less than the 82 to 84 kWh produced by the LG batteries that it is replacing. Range is approximately 8 percent less than its LG predecessor as well. Tesla Those numbers are simply "on-paper" numbers; the real-world effect can be felt at charging stations. At the Supercharger, the 4680 is falling behind. Recent tests show that after just 15 minutes, 4680-equipped vehicles added roughly 27 kWh of energy, while cars using cheaper LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries added 29 kWh. The flagship cell is being outpaced by "budget" chemistry. Background and Consumer ImpactTesla is now fitting the 4680 batteries to its European-market Model Y, and consumers are feeling the difference. From YouTube videos to forum rants, consumers are further antagonized by the fact that Tesla has yet to announce which specific models are sold with the 4680 battery pack. Tesla The Cybertruck was meant to be the original platform for the 4680. After significantly overestimating Cybertruck demand, currently selling well under its 250,000-a-year production capacity, Tesla now finds itself renegotiating with suppliers and finding more uses for its shiny new paperweights. Being built at Giga Austin, these new batteries are being employed in the Tesla Semi as well, and with production and deliveries set to pick up soon, we hope for Tesla's sake that these performance issues don't make it to its logistics industry offering. View the full article

MotoGP 2026 Round Five – Le Mans – Friday Johann Zarco opened his home Grand Prix in the best possible fashion at Le Mans, the Castrol Honda LCR rider topping Friday Practice in front of a record crowd and giving Honda a timely reminder of what its RC213V can do when grip, front feel and […] The post Zarco fires up Le Mans crowd as Marc Marquez faces Q1 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article