StreetNewsReporter

When the internet first found out about the new 2026 Kawasaki KLE500, they weren't impressed. But they hadn't ridden it. Well, RideApart has, and here's our video review of the new motorcycle. View the full article

Still Pushing the EnvelopeThe Aston Martin Valkyrie is, without question, one of the most important models to come out of the brand, having been shaped by Formula 1 learnings while retaining a V12 powertrain. As such, it would not be surprising to see Aston Martin do more with the model, and a single-seater variant may be in the pipeline. A TikTok post by scubachef1969 claims that an unnamed car was being tested on the track, appearing to blend elements of the Valkyrie LM and a Formula 1 car. It had the stripped-down look of an F1 car, complete with a halo, but retained Valkyrie cues such as the wheel arches, giving it a less traditional open-wheel racecar appearance. Even the original poster said they had no clear idea what the project was. A Matter of DesignTurning the Valkyrie into a single-seater may already be relatively straightforward, given that its two-seat cockpit is tightly packaged around the center rather than made wider to prioritize cabin space. The model was designed by renowned British engineer Adrian Newey, whose work spans both Formula 1 and the Valkyrie program, while Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing also adapted the car to meet hypercar specifications. Hypercars have long been associated with Batmobile-like styling, and this mysterious car seems to capture the purest expression of that. What seemed most familiar during the test was the loud V12 soundtrack. For reference, the road-going model is powered by a 6.5-liter hybrid V12 producing 1,160 horsepower, while the LMH version is capped at 680 horsepower and forgoes the hybrid system. That engine is pushed to its limit when the race car runs at top speed through sections like the Mulsanne Straight at the Circuit de la Sarthe, home of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. scubachef1969/TikTok A New Variant in the Making?So far, Aston Martin has produced 275 Valkyrie examples, including 40 track-only AMR units. Given this mysterious car’s single-seat configuration, it will likely be another track-focused variant, though only time will tell. It could also simply be a test bed, especially considering that the British automaker currently competes in some of the world’s most competitive racing classes. In Formula 1, however, Aston Martin has had a slow start to the 2026 season, as one of only two teams yet to score a point, along with newcomer Cadillac. Aston Martin View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

McLaren is getting ready for a major reveal this summer. While details about its future models remain under wraps, one thing is already clear: fully electric cars are not part of the plan. In an interview with Autocar, CEO Nick Collins outlined a roadmap centred on brand-new ICE-powered hypercars to succeed the 750S and the very real possibility of an SUV. The Next Chapter Starts This Summer McLaren Following its merger with Forseven with the backing of CYVN Holdings, McLaren is preparing to “unpack” its future product strategy in the coming months. Collins confirmed that multiple new models are already in development, with full-scale previews already shown to dealers. The first reveal is expected to take the form of a concept rather than a production-ready car, but it will set the tone for everything arriving through to 2030. That includes a broader range of models that could push McLaren beyond its traditional mid-engined supercar formula (hint-hint, nudge-nudge). McLaren Says No to EVs, For Now McLaren Despite the industry’s rapid shift toward electrification, with even Ferrari succumbing to the trend, McLaren is holding its ground. Collins told Autocar the brand will only introduce an EV “when our customers want one.” Considering that little to no supercar buyers are interested in EVs, we doubt the day will come soon. That said, electrification is not being ignored. Cars like the McLaren Artura Spider already use hybrid assistance to enhance performance and efficiency. In fact, McLaren has also filed a patent for a rolling anti-lag system designed specifically for hybrid supercars, showing they're committed to building more hybrid-assisted models. For now, though, a fully electric McLaren remains off the table. The McLaren SUV Is Starting to Feel Inevitable DarwinPro Aero/Instagram Perhaps the biggest talking point is what McLaren is not officially confirming. Reports of a hybrid V8-powered SUV – codenamed P47 – surfaced last year in November with a potential debut in 2028. It might sound sacriligeous, but high-performance SUVs have become the norm, and everyone and their mother offers one, from Ferrari and Lamborghini to Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce. Considering how popular the SUV segment has become, it makes sense for codename P47 to make an appearance soon. And based on Collins’ comments, it feels less like a question of if, and more like when. View the full article

The year’s gotten off to a bad start for the U.S. auto industry, sales tumbling by 6.3% during the first quarter, with only a handful of brands in the black. Buick definitely wasn’t one of them, demand down by nearly a third year-over-year. There are plenty of headwinds facing manufacturers, including record high prices, rising fuel costs and high interest rates. But Buick faces its own unique set of challenges crippling a brand that has faced a long, on-and-off struggle survival. Point your finger at the Trump administration and the auto tariffs that have sharply driven up the cost of three of Buick’s four product lines. Buick Tariffs Weigh Buick DownDouble-digit declines were far from out of the ordinary during the January-March quarter and Buick’s parent General Motors just barely stayed in single digits, with a dip of 9.7%. But the 126-year-old brand had a sales decline nearly three times as great as sibling brands Chevrolet and Cadillac and nearly 10-fold the dip at GMC. Its 32.6% sales slump was largely the result of the Trump tariffs, especially when it came to the Buick Envision, normally one of its most important models. A year earlier, the mid-range crossover generated 15,485 sales for the brand. This year? Just 4,485. It didn’t help that Buick had raised Envision’s sticker price, on average, around $3,000 – and close to $5,000 on the highline Avenir package. From the consumer perspective, it could have been worse. That actually reflects only a fraction of the hit from a 45% tariff on Chinese-made vehicles under the tariffs the president put in place a year ago this month. GM has chosen to largely absorb such duties to minimize the hit to buyers. Instead, Buick has slashed back on the number of Envisions it’s importing from China. In many cases, even if someone was willing to cough up the extra cash they had a problem finding one of the crossovers on U.S. dealer lots. Related: Buick’s Envision Is Finally Coming Home After Years of Heavy Tariffs Three Out of FourWhile not quite as big a hit, Buick was saddled with still hefty tariffs on two of its three other U.S. models, the Korean-made Encore GX and Envista crossovers. The consolation prize? Those duties dropped from 25% once South Korea and the U.S. came to terms on a trade agreement last November. Still, that lower number still amounts to a sizable penalty on even a base Encore GX starting at $27,295, including delivery fees. Buick Even the one remaining Buick model, the Enclave, hasn’t entirely escaped the hit from Trump tariffs. It’s assembled at GM’s Lansing-Delta Assembly Plant in Lansing, Michigan – but, like virtually all U.S.-made models it’s still paying duties on imported auto parts and components, as well as foreign-made steel and aluminum. GM hasn’t broken out the added costs but industry analysts have estimated that, for the typical SUV that can add up to $1,000 or more. Manufacturers like GM have a choice of passing costs onto buyers or taking the hit. As with Envision, Buick has chosen the middle ground. Related: This Buick SUV’s Interior Looks Nothing Like the Ones in America What Is Buick These Days?All this doesn’t help when you’re a brand struggling to build a clear identity in a crowded market. “Part of the problem is that people just don’t know what Buick is anymore,” said Sam Abuelsamid, chief analyst with Telemetry Research. “It doesn’t have much of a presence, even though its products are pretty good looking.” That’s further complicated by a lack of product leaving large gaps between them – a challenged worsened by the virtual disappearance of its mid-range offering, Envision. The Encore GX and Envista both start under $30,000. You jump all the way up to $48,395 for the Enclave’s base preferred trim. Changes ComingIt doesn’t help that “Buick has pigeonholed itself as a crossover brand,” added Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions. But Buick is planning some big changes. For one thing, General Motors appears to be reinvigorating the sedan line-up its largely neglected in recent years – the automaker dropping once familiar four-door models such as the Buick LeSabre and Chevrolet Malibu. According to Fiorani, suppliers are tooling up for a new passenger car platform that will underpin the replacement for the current Cadillac CT5 while also help bring back the Chevy Camaro dropped in 2023 – though it will return as a sedan, the internal documents indicate. While it hasn’t been locked in stone, insiders indicate a Buick sedan also is part of the plan. Buick Buick also plans to shift production of the Envision out of China where it has been assembled since 2017. It recently confirmed the next-generation CUV will be assembled at the GM plant in Fairfax, Kansas starting in 2028, alongside the compact Chevrolet Equinox which, in turn, is being relocated from GM’s plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. For now, there are no plans to move either Encore GX or Envista out of South Korea, GM deciding the advantages of building there outweigh the tariff cost of importing them. View the full article

KTM just hired former BMW executive, Stephan Reiff, as the brand's new chief commercial officer. Will he give the company the direction it needs right now?View the full article

Quantity Over QualityAs automotive manufacturers fight to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape, more and more models are launched each year. These brands seek to have a car in every segment of the market, though sometimes the rapid growth leaves some niggling issues with quality control. In some cases, the simple things are affected. A lawsuit has been filed against German automaker Audi over a basic car feature we've been using for decades: door locks. Audi Locked In or OutClassAction.org reports that Audi of America is being sued for allegedly knowing about and selling faulty door locks across multiple models in its lineup. This, of course, poses a very high safety hazard to users of vehicles with defective door locking mechanisms. According to the 28-page class action lawsuit, the main point of contention, apart from the faulty locks themselves, is that Audi knew that multiple models were affected by these issues. The suit goes on to say that Audi continued to advertise the cars as safe and reliable. Even more alarming is that the suit says the affected year models date back all the way to 2019. The report published the list of affected vehicles, which is quite extensive and varies by year and model. The complaint lists the specific issue with the door locking mechanism and software, both of which are said to operate intermitently. This defect prevents the door locks from engaging or releasing during normal operation. This can lead to customers either being locked in or locked out of the cars, exposing them to unnecessary danger. It goes on to say that should an accident occur and the mechanism fail, it could trap individuals in the car who need to get out quickly. Failure to lock the vehicle also opens the car and other contents inside to theft. The Price of AdmissionAnother issue raised by the suit is that Audi knew about these issues through the issuance of at least eight service bulletins. One bulletin even quoted as saying that no repairs were necessary, which the suit says was clearly false. In a surprising development, the lawsuit also says that newer models are still being fitted with the faulty door mechanisms. One complaint comes from a customer who bought an Audi in 2024. This customer says the issue manifested almost instantly after the car was bought, and manifested in the worst way possible. The door locking mechanism failed, locking her infant in the car. Audi View the full article

Body-On-Frame SUV Resurgence, Anyone?Before crossovers, midsize SUVs were based on pickups with ladder-frame chassis. A whole load of those popped up in the '80s and '90s, and prime examples include the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Bronco II and Explorer, and the GM twins of Chevrolet S-10 Blazer and GMC S-15 Jimmy. Today, only the 4Runner remains true to the tried-and-tested formula in the U.S., as all of its original rivals have shifted to more car-like platforms. However, there's been a bit of a resurgence in the body-on-frame midsize SUV class. You have the Bronco, for starters, and there's a lot of buzz surrounding the return of the Xterra, as well as the Pathfinder potentially getting a truck-based version. Even Hyundai wants to join in on the fun. GMC GM Wants In... AgainThe last truck-based midsize SUVs GM made were the GMT360 sextuplets, comprising the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x. That platform was retired in 2009, and GM has not built body-on-frame midsize SUVs since then. There was an attempt to revive it back in 2019 with the planned return of the GMC Jimmy, but it was shelved that same year. Now, GM Authority reports that development has been restarted after seven years of sitting idle. Should everything fall into place, GM is returning to a segment it had abandoned 17 years ago. The timing couldn't be more right, too. As mentioned, several automakers are set to introduce ladder-frame SUVs in the coming years, and GM could capitalize on that. General Motors What to ExpectThe new-age GMC Jimmy is expected to ride on the same frame that underpins the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Its platform is internally known as the VSS-T, itself a derivative of the GM T1XX. Effectively a shortened Silverado and Sierra, the Jimmy will likely get some of its DNA from the Tahoe and Yukon. Powertrain is likely to be carried over from the Canyon, meaning a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder TurboMax engine with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft. But if GMC wants to give 4Runner punters a better reason to swing by its showrooms, it could (or rather, should) stick in the 3.6-liter V6 from the Chevrolet Blazer and Cadillac XT5. That engine produces the same horsepower as the four-cylinder TurboMax (310 hp), but torque is down to 271 lb-ft. Still, in a segment that prefers simplicity, it might be worth considering. Who knows, it might even get a V8 option. There's a good chance that the Jimny could echo the same trims as the rest of the GMC range. Currently, Elevation serves as the entry-level trim, the AT4 sits in the middle as the off-road oriented model, and the Denali is at the top. For other bits of hardware, it'll likely come straight from the Canyon. Design is still up in the air, but it could either follow the current design language or go retro. GMC Other Possible Derivatives?GM might as well take advantage of economies of scale by maximizing the VSS-T architecture. While there's no word yet, Chevrolet might as well get its own version of the Jimmy that could replace the current car-based Blazer. GMC could also add a smaller, gas-fed derivative of the Hummer, too. But let's not get ahead of ourselves right now. If GM is really developing the reborn Jimmy as we speak, it might be at least two years away from its premiere. Then again, basing it on an existing platform should expedite development. GMC View the full article

A Turnaround in the MakingJaguarLand Rover has seemed off the pace in recent years, hit by a cyberattack that halted production last year and an all-electric transition that has proven challenging, particularly for Jaguar. But there are clearer signs of a turnaround, with the British government confirming £380 million (about $510 million) in support for Tata Group’s new battery factory in southwest England. According to Automotive News, the British government subsidy seeks to support electric vehicle battery production and help the U.K. stay competitive with China and the U.S., where current policies are pushing several automakers to localize EV production or face import taxes. JLR, a subsidiary of Tata Motors, is also preparing to launch more EVs in the coming years, with Jaguar moving away from the identity that gave rise to iconic models like the E-Type in favor of becoming a niche all-electric brand. Kyle Edward The Shift to ElectricLand Rover’s electrified lineup currently consists mainly of hybrids. Its first fully electric model will be based on the Range Rover, with the renowned off-roader, the Defender, also set to receive a fully electric variant. Jaguar, meanwhile, is expected to launch its first next-generation EV this year as a four-door GT sedan, reportedly producing up to 1,000 horsepower – roughly in line with the Tesla Model S Plaid. However, the grant is also expected to support battery supply for other automakers. Tata Group’s battery factory, which is currently under construction, is reportedly set to support 4,200 jobs, along with thousands more across the supply chain. Once completed, the plant is expected to produce 40 gigawatt-hours of batteries annually – enough to supply around 500,000 vehicles. Jaguar Competition Is Heating UpEarl Wiggins, Agratas’ U.K. vice president of manufacturing operations, said the plant will help strengthen “the U.K.’s position as a global leader in battery manufacturing.” One of the biggest competitive pressures comes from China, which has emerged as a dominant force through faster development cycles and lower manufacturing costs. Chinese automakers also have a growing presence in Europe, with brands such as BYD and Geely expanding their footprint. Given JLR’s pivot to electrification, even as several automakers such as Stellantis have scaled back their EV plans, the grant should help the company regain momentum. In the U.S., however, import tariffs could still complicate that recovery, as many JLR models are still built in the U.K., while some are also assembled in India and China. Land Rover View the full article

Coyote Stock racers will go all-out at the Team Z Motorsports Coyote Stock St. Louis Shootout, June 20 at World Wide Technology Raceway. View the full article

Trailhawk Is BackThe Jeep Grand Cherokee got a fairly comprehensive refresh for the 2026 model year, but one notable absence stood out. The Trailhawk – long considered the most off-road-capable version of the SUV – didn’t make the cut. But its absence didn’t last long. Stellantis has now confirmed that the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk will return later this year. In a brief statement, the company described it as part of a broader product push, emphasizing capability and Jeep’s purpose-built identity. Stellantis Familiar Formula, Subtle TeaseJeep hasn’t shared much yet. The only official image is a shadowy front three-quarter shot showing the seven-slot grille, familiar hood decals, and what appears to be a more aggressive lower bumper. That’s about it for now, which is typical for early teasers. Looking at previous Trailhawk models gives a good idea of what’s coming. The Trailhawk has always focused on real off-road hardware, not just appearance. Expect the Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system with an electronic limited-slip differential, plus adjustable air suspension – likely the Quadra-Lift setup – to help the SUV clear more than 10 inches of ground. Other likely features are all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, better approach and departure angles, and underbody skid plates for extra protection. Front tow hooks and dedicated off-road drive modes should also be included. Inside, expect to see Off-Road Pages and Selec-Speed Control again. These features help make the Trailhawk the most trail-ready Grand Cherokee short of a Wrangler. Stellantis The Real Question: What’s Under the HoodThe main question is which engine Jeep will use. The 4xe plug-in hybrid isn’t available right now, so Jeep has a few options. One option is the 2.0-liter turbocharged Hurricane four-cylinder, which is already in the standard Grand Cherokee. It offers more power and better efficiency than the old V6, so it makes sense from an engineering perspective. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is still available, mostly as the base engine. It’s a straightforward choice for buyers who want something simple, but it doesn’t really fit the Trailhawk’s performance image. There’s also a chance Jeep could bring back the Hemi V8. If that happens, the Trailhawk would be a logical place for it, especially for buyers who still want a big-displacement engine. A hybrid version could return later, since Jeep said it’s focusing “on more competitive electrified solutions, including hybrid and range‑extended vehicles.” For now, though, that seems less likely. Stellantis View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Curbing The EffectsEven with a ceasefire announcement and agreement between the United States and Iran, gas prices remain high, and the ongoing volatility in the "peace talks" keeps oil prices uncertain for the time being. All over the world, we're seeing car owners feel the pain at the pump, and most are jumping ship from conventional internal combustion cars to electrified vehicles like hybrids and EVs. A trend like this is hard to ignore, and Hyundai has just made a move reflecting the times. Cole Attisha Premium on EVs and HybridsCarsDirect reports that Hyundai America has just increased how much American buyers will spend on its electrified models. Based on their internal analysis and report, the South Korean automaker raised interest rates this month on hybrids and EVs. In some parts of the nation, discounts on the Ioniq 5 EV have also dropped by as much as 40%. On average, the entire range of Hyundai's electrified lineup has increased by 1%. The 2026 Santa Fe and Tucson, which used to top the hybrid financing deals, have increased interest from 0% for a 60-month term to 0.99%. The Elantra and Sonata sedans have also gone up, from 0.99% over 60-months to 1.99%. Conversely, the gas models have continued with the same interest rates. The gas-powered versions of the Sonata and Elantra are still listed at 0.99% APR, and the gas Tucson is still a great deal at 0% APR, which enables it to undercut almost all competitors in the segment. What's interesting is that, in the case of the Santa Fe, the interest rate rose to 0.99% for both the hybrid and gas models. Hyundai Compounding CostLooking at a 1% interest rate hike might not seem like much now, but based on the calculations, owners will feel the higher price over time. A 5-year loan on a Tucson is almost $900 more than just last month's rate. In the case of the Ioniq 5, the effect is felt by buyers rather than lessees. What used to be a $5,000 dollar financing bonus is now only $3,000, a stark 40% reduction. Despite higher interest rates and new deals on the Ioniq 5, Hyundai remains very competitive on offers compared to the competition. In the case of the Elantra and Sonata Hybrids, the 6-year 1.99% interest rate is much lower than the Corolla Hybrid and Camry, which have an interest rate of 4.99% over the same period. 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Hyundai View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Here’s gallery #2 from Mike Brooks coverage of the Run to the Sun car show in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. If you missed gallery #1, 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 More Run to the Sun 2026 Car Show Photos: The 37th Annual Event Did Not Disappoint! Check Out All The Cool Photos That Mike Brooks Got Us! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

I love Tony Angelo now more than ever. We get along great and he’s super fun to be around, but now that I know what his favorite muscle car is I think I love him even more! After dreaming about a ride like this his whole life, Tony found it after sitting for 40 years in a barn. It’s like a love story. They should make a Hallmark movie about this and have one of those male model looking dudes that always star in the Romcoms play him. You know, like a taller, better looking, more charm and less edge Tony Angelo. LOL I’m sorry, that may be taking it too far. Or maybe not. Maybe we should write a script and shop it around a bit. At any rate, in the video below you’ll see Tony and the gang on the adventure that delivers his dream car. Video Description: I’ve wanted a 1968 Chevelle since I was 14 years old. They have gotten more and more collectible and more and more expensive as the years have gone by and this week I found one CHEAP! A true BARN FIND. Watch Tony Angelo and the Stay Tuned Crew retrieve this thing during a blizzard WAY up north and try to make it home for some A-body action with this iconic Muscle Car! The post Tony Found His Dream Muscle Car Abandoned in a Barn for FORTY YEARS! And Then BOUGHT IT CHEAP! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Shannon and Jess are moving right along on the FJ40 and things just keep getting better. If you like a Landcruiser, you’ll dig this one. But if restored to factory is your jam, this one might not be quite up your alley. We dig them all, so we are in. Check it out as they put together a new roll cage for this beast. If you missed this FJ40 project that Shannon Campbell is working on, we’ve got a link below, but if you are back for the next installment in this build series you are in luck as well. In this new video you’ll see the roll cage bracing get finished up and all the work go into installing the engine and transmission. I think this is going to be a fun project, because I love FJ40s, but if you have any ideas of building a custom chassis for your FJ or Jeep, you should check this one out. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE UPDATES ON THIS FJ40 PROJECT SO FAR Video Description: This week in the shop Shannon makes some big progress on the FJ40 build. He fabricates seat mounts integrated directly into the roll cage, mounts the engine and transmission, and finishes up all the remaining bracing in the roll cage. Each step brings this build closer to becoming a fully capable trail and race-ready rig. This episode ended up being a longer one, but there’s a lot of progress packed into it and we hope you enjoy hanging out with us for the ride. Jess and Kennedy also spend a couple days in the Valley for spring break adventures, so for those of you who are here strictly for the fabrication, we’ve added timestamps so you can jump ahead. The post FJ40 Land Cruiser Custom Fabrication: Big Progress, Big Video, Engine & Transmission Mounted + Roll Cage Bracing Complete! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Alex Hernandez and I have been friends for several years, and the night we met was pretty funny. We were both invited to dinner with a group of people that lets just say were a little mismatched, at least on the surface. Because all of us were car guys, there was some common language, but when Alex and I realized that we were both from Northern California we had an instant connection. Everyone knows that there is always some connection between people that grew up in the same area, even if they were from different neighborhoods. That is me and Alex. Alex is as hardcore as anyone about cars, and he and I immediatley clicked. When he told me about his Rose Gold Caprice build I’ll admit I wasn’t super excited, because I’m just not into Donks. I mean I appreciate them, and love that other folks like them, but they just don’t get me revved up usually. And then he told me about the engine combo, and I was immediately interested and excited. This beast makes 1,000 horsepower without working hard, and could make as much as 1,700 to the tire if it was turned up, as it runs the X275 legal F1X ProCharger on a built LS. The entire car was built through Sac Speed Shop, Alex’s company, and the car is epic because it runs as hard as it is pretty. In the video below you’ll see what makes this thing special and that they are not afraid to beat it like a rented mule! Video Description: Sac Speed Shop (Sacramento) built a renowned 1971 Chevrolet Caprice “donk” owned by Alex Hernandez, featuring a ProCharged LS7 or 427 LSX engine producing upwards of 900-1000 HP. This high-performance build features a distinctive rose gold/mauve finish, 26-inch Forgiato wheels, and custom Lingenfelter components, making it a prominent street-and-strip machine so sit back and enjoy the ride! The post Alex Hernandez’s 1971 Caprice Is Called Rose Gold, And While Pretty It’s Also Absolutely Brutal And Bad Ass! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Roughly a year ago right now, Stewart Friesen was fed-up with racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and threatened to leave it in a knee-jerk reactive fit. It was a really bad day. Now, the organization he co-owns with Chris Larsen won a race at Bristol Motor Speedway with his personal favorite race car driver behind the wheel and the excitement was palpable. This is ...Keep readingView the full article

Immediately after the race, Christian Eckes could not have been any more contrite about the incident that ended the race at Bristol for Corey Heim and his chance at a $500,000 Triple Truck Challenge sweep. “That sucked for sure,” Eckes said. “They deserved a half million bucks and I took that away from them. Obviously, it wasn’t intentional to spin (him out) or even hit him. I was just ...Keep readingView the full article

Seven NASCAR Cup drivers entered Friday's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, so it's no surprise one of the sport's top drivers captured the win. Driving for Halmar-Friesen Racing, Christopher Bell won after taking and extending his lead on a late-race restart. "Oh man, that was just so awesome to be able to win a truck race," said Bell. "It’s been since 2017 I ...Keep readingView the full article

If you are driving anywhere between Dallas and Wichita this weekend or early next week, you need a plan that accounts for severe weather every single day. The Storm Prediction Center has issued severe thunderstorm outlooks for four straight days, Saturday, April 11, through Tuesday, April 14, across the Southern Plains. A deep upper-level trough digging into the West is combining with a surge of Gulf moisture so extreme that the Weather Prediction Center says precipitable water anomalies are running three standard deviations above normal across the Plains. Each day brings a new round. The corridor shifts. But the cities in the crosshairs stay largely the same, and the highways connecting them will be under threat for the better part of four days. The StormThe ingredients are textbook severe spring weather, and all of them are dialed to high. A longwave trough enters the West Coast this weekend and ejects east across the Plains through early next week. Ahead of it, a southerly low-level jet is pumping Gulf moisture deep into Texas and Oklahoma, with surface dewpoints climbing into the upper 50s and 60s. A dryline across west Texas will trigger Saturday's initial storms. As the trough sharpens and moves east, the environment becomes increasingly favorable for supercells capable of producing tornadoes, very large hail, and destructive straight-line winds. Instability builds each day. Deep-layer wind shear strengthens each day. The threat escalates from scattered Saturday to potentially widespread by Monday and Tuesday. Photo by Anadolu on Getty Images Day by DaySaturday, April 11. Storms fire along the dryline across west Texas and eastern New Mexico during the late afternoon. Moderate instability and 30 to 40 knots of deep-layer shear support supercells with large hail and severe wind gusts. Coverage is scattered and the footprint is the narrowest of the four days, concentrated from the Permian Basin into the Texas Panhandle and approaching the Oklahoma border. Sunday, April 12. The threat sharpens. Southwesterly mid-level flow strengthens, and a moist, moderately unstable airmass stretches from the Southern Plains into the Upper Midwest. The greatest potential for severe storms is across the southern and central Plains, where steep lapse rates and moderate deep-layer shear will support supercells with large hail and severe wind gusts. Some model solutions drive a 50 to 60 knot mid-level jet through central and northeast Texas during the afternoon and evening. If that verifies, it opens the door to a substantial severe threat from central Texas through Oklahoma, including supercells with a tornado threat. Monday, April 13. The biggest day. The geographic footprint expands dramatically. Moderate instability is forecast from north Texas northward into the upper Mississippi Valley. Mid-level flow strengthens further and deep-layer shear increases. Severe storms capable of large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes are expected across a broad corridor from the Southern Plains into the lower Missouri Valley and upper Mississippi Valley. This is the day when Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wichita, Kansas City, and potentially Des Moines are all inside the threat zone simultaneously. Tuesday, April 14. An upper-level trough ejects into the southern Rockies and a mid-level jet streak pushes northeastward across the Southern Plains. Strong deep-layer shear and moderate instability from the Southern Plains into the southern Great Lakes create the environment for supercells with large hail, wind damage, and tornadoes. The SPC says an upgrade to their outlooks is possible once confidence increases on the timing of the ejecting trough. The corridor shifts south and east, covering Oklahoma, north Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Mississippi. The HighwaysI-35 (Dallas to Oklahoma City to Wichita). The spine of the threat zone. Every day from Sunday through Tuesday puts some portion of I-35 under active severe weather risk. This is the most heavily traveled north-south corridor in the Southern Plains and the single route drivers are most likely to encounter storms on. Sunday afternoon through Monday evening is the peak risk window along this corridor. I-44 (Oklahoma City to Tulsa to Joplin, Missouri). Runs northeast through the heart of the threat zone on Sunday and Monday. Tulsa and Joplin both sit in the bullseye for consecutive days. Supercell storms moving northeast along this corridor can cross the highway repeatedly as they track with the mid-level flow. I-40 (Amarillo through Oklahoma City). Saturday and Sunday's storms will cross I-40 in west Texas and central Oklahoma. This is one of the earliest corridors to see activity each day, as storms fire along the dryline during the late afternoon and track east. I-20 (west Texas). Saturday's dryline-initiated storms will affect I-20 from Midland to Abilene during the late afternoon and evening. Large hail is the primary threat along this corridor on Day 1. I-70 (Kansas). Monday's expanded threat zone pushes into Kansas, putting I-70 from Salina through Topeka in the risk area. Storms arriving from the southwest during the evening hours could track across this corridor. When To DriveSaturday. Morning travel is fine across all corridors. Storms develop late afternoon in west Texas. If you are on I-20 or I-40 west of Abilene, finish your drive before 4 PM CDT. Sunday. Morning is again your safest window. Storms develop by mid-afternoon across central and north Texas into Oklahoma. If you are on I-35 between Dallas and OKC, plan to be where you are going by early afternoon or wait until well after midnight. Monday. The most dangerous day for travel. The threat zone is enormous and storms may be ongoing from early afternoon through late evening across virtually every major corridor from Dallas to Kansas City. If your schedule allows, do not drive. This is the day to stay put. Tuesday. The corridor shifts east and south. Morning travel across the western portions of the threat zone should improve, but afternoon storms from Oklahoma through Arkansas and Missouri will create hazards through the evening. Check conditions before committing. Why This Outbreak Is DifferentThe Southern Plains gets severe thunderstorms in April. That is what spring does. What makes this setup demand attention is the duration. Four consecutive days of organized severe weather across the same general corridor means drivers face compounding risk. A hailstorm that cracks your windshield on Sunday becomes a safety hazard when you are driving through heavy rain on Monday. Debris from Sunday's storms sits on roadways Monday morning. Power outages from downed lines affect traffic signals and fueling stations. And the same cities, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wichita, sit in the primary risk zone on two or three of those days. That kind of repeated exposure to major metro areas is uncommon and creates cascading impacts that go beyond what any single severe weather day would produce. This is also unfolding during what is shaping up to be the most active tornado season since 2011. The SPC has already tracked 43 severe thunderstorm watches nationally in 2026, with northern Indiana alone leading the country in watch frequency. The pattern is aggressive, and this weekend's setup is the most significant episode of it so far. What To Do If You Are On the RoadSevere thunderstorms move fast. A supercell can cross a highway in minutes, and the difference between baseball-size hail and missing the storm entirely can be a matter of a few miles. If you see a dark, rotating wall of cloud ahead of you, do not drive into it. Exit the highway and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If you cannot get to a building, pull over, put your seatbelt on, and get below the windows. An overpass is not a safe shelter; wind speeds are actually higher underneath the span. If hail begins, pull over under any available cover. A gas station canopy or parking garage can prevent thousands of dollars in body and glass damage. Keep your emergency kit stocked with a flashlight, phone charger, water, and a first aid kit. For a full breakdown on driving in severe conditions, Autoblog's guide to best practices for driving in dangerous weather covers the fundamentals. Monitor local NWS alerts on your phone, and if a Tornado Warning is issued for your location, act immediately. The safest decision for anyone whose travel across the Southern Plains can wait until Wednesday is to wait until Wednesday. View the full article

Kaulig Racing has announced Parker Kligerman as the next driver for its No. 25 'free agent' truck, with the veteran driver joining the five-truck Ram lineup at Texas Motor Speedway. Kligerman has 125 previous starts in the Truck Series, including three wins. He was victorious at Talladega in 2012 and 2017, and also Mid-Ohio in 2022. Kligerman also has two runner-up finishes at ...Keep readingView the full article

The eighth-generation Dodge Charger, which has the difficult mission of replacing both the previous-generation Charger sedan and the Challenger coupe, is far from a commercial success. Dodge only sold 7,421 units of the new Charger in 2025, its first full year on the market. That’s about ten times less than the almost 76,000 previous-gen Charger units sold in 2023, the LD generation’s last full year on the market—and that’s not including almost 45,000 Challenger sales in 2023. Mind you, the 2025 sales figure is only for the all-electric Charger Daytona, as the six-cylinder gas model only started to ship in late 2025-early 2026 and was not included in the full-year 2025 report. Dealers Simply Don't Have Enough Chargers in Stock Dodge That said, the new gas-powered Charger hasn’t rocked the sales charts either, with Dodge reporting only 1,672 gas-powered Charger sales in Q1 2026—2-Door and 4-Door combined. While the gas Charger outsold the EV model 7 to 1 in the previous quarter, the sales numbers are still too low, so what is going on? Dodge CEO Matt McAlear believes there’s no need to panic as it’s too early to judge the Charger’s sales figures. “I’m still excited. I’m still bullish on this car,” he told The Drive. “I think it offers something that no one sees coming in the industry and it wakes up some mundane car segments that there’s not many of them left." According to him, the main reason for which sales have not picked up yet is the short supply of Chargers. While the 550-hp 2-Door Scat Pack started shipping in January and there’s an adequate supply of those, the executive noted that Dodge does not have an adequate supply of the 420-horsepower RT 2-door and 4-door. That’s because those models only started shipping in the last 15, 20 days and they’re still on their way to dealers. “We don’t even have all of the models across all of our dealers yet,” McAlear said, adding that “as we move through the summer, we’ll see what we’re made of.” The Future Is "Absolutely Bright" for the Charger Dodge Dodge’s CEO also downplayed the view some people have that there’s not enough variety in the Charger lineup to entice buyers—i.e. no Hemi V8 and/or manual transmission. “We got Scat Packs, we’ve got RTs,” McAlear told The Drive. “This is one year in. And if we’d said we would have launched that much stuff in the first generation car within one year, you would have laughed. So the future’s absolutely bright.” He elaborated saying that one year into the launch Dodge already offers 670-hp Daytona, 550-hp Scat Pack, 420-hp R/T, two door, four door, and all-wheel drive variants—which offer a rear-wheel-drive mode as well. While fans have every right to ask for a Charger Hemi V8, the truth is that six-cylinder engines made up the bulk of Charger and Challenger sales in previous generations. The Hemi became the preferred engine choice for Challenger buyers only near the end of its production run, while the majority of Charger customers always went for V6 models. While the current lack of a V8 option is not the biggest problem for the current Charger, Dodge has hinted on several occasions that a Hemi Charger is on the way. For now, fans just have to be patient as Dodge needs to make sure it can source enough V8 engines before putting more Hemi models for sale. Dodge View the full article

Genesis’ upcoming flagship SUV, the all-electric Genesis GV90, is inching closer to production. And now we finally have a proper look inside. Fresh spy images from The Korean Car Blog reveal the GV90's interior. The GV90 will serve as the GV80's electrified big brother, and if these images are anything to go by, they're doubling down on a bold, tech-heavy vision of luxury. Concept Car to Production Ready, Nearly Unchanged A few years ago, Genesis previewed its future with the Neolun Concept. Fast forward to today, and the GV90’s interior looks almost unchanged, and it will feature suicide doors at the rear. Notable differences from the concept car include a more traditional steering wheel and the lack of swiveling seats. The minimalist layout remains intact, dominated by a wide infotainment display and a lounge-like atmosphere. There’s still no traditional instrument cluster in sight. Instead, the setup appears to rely on a head-up display. It also fits into Genesis' plan to launch 22 new vehicles in North America by 2030, many of which will lean heavily on electrification and digital integration, as illustrated above. The GV90 itself is expected to serve as an electrified SUV counterpart to the brand’s flagship sedan, the G90. Bigger Screen, Buttonless Dash Korean Car Blog Seeing as the GV90 won't have a traditional instrument cluster, drivers will have to rely on teamwork between the heads-up display and massive infotainment screen to navigate different features in the car. With little evidence of physical controls, most functions will likely be handled through the screen, which will include climate controls. While the approach looks futuristic, not everyone is convinced it defines true luxury. Some argue that turning the dashboard into a TV isn’t premium at all, especially when it comes at the cost of usability. The same can be said for the lack of physical buttons and knobs. A seamlessly integrated display would feel more refined than what appears to be a dominant slab of glass. At least Audi understands. Genesis Takes Aim at the Establishment Korean Car Blog Despite the controversial TV screen and touch-centric control system, the GV90 plans to give the German giants a run for their money. Genesis already contends with heavyweights like BMW and Mercedes-Benzin more ways than one, and this SUV looks ready to challenge flagship rivals such as the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. It may not win everyone over with its screen-heavy interior, but one thing is clear: Genesis is pushing forward with confidence, and although it targets a niche segment, the GV90 proves Genesis is done holding back. View the full article

Last year, there were almost countless recalls for failing rearview cameras, and while that issue is still causing problems in 2026, another problem is becoming increasingly common: detaching seatbelt anchors. That's the fault with nearly 300,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles, according to a new recall published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall hits 13 products in total, affecting multiple powertrain types and body styles, and because it's a hardware problem, owners with vehicles named in the recall documents will have to visit a dealership to have it resolved. Let's take a closer look. Hyundai and Genesis Named, But Not Kia Cole Attisha/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The recall potentially affects 294,128 vehicles, including the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan, the Santa Fe SUV (hybrid included), and the Genesis G90 luxury sedan. No Kia vehicles have yet been found to have the fault, but that may change with a future recall. For now, these are the model years in question: 2023-2026 Genesis G902023-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 62024-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe2024-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe HybridThe NHTSA recall report indicates that vehicles produced both in South Korea and at Hyundai's plant in Alabama have been affected, describing the issue as front seatbelts (driver and passenger) that may not be sufficiently attached to the seat frame "due to a damaged snap-on anchor." Hyundai's North American Safety Office (NASO) first received word of a possible problem in September 2025, and its investigation determined that damage due to "external occupant interaction" was unlikely. In other words, this issue isn't caused by the user. It also apparently was not caused by bad assembly or in-plant repair processes, prompting Hyudai to initiate crash testing to replicate the issue. Related: Hyundai Rethinks Santa Fe Design for 2027 Refresh By March of this year, a new snap-on anchor design was introduced in production, and Hyundai, in collaboration with the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation, determined that only in some rear-end crashes did the problem appear, and some field claims were associated with prior seat repair and improper removal in service. Ultimately, Hyundai decided that it's better to be safe than sorry, however limited the appearance of the problem, hence this recall. What Hyundai and Genesis Owners Need to Know About the New Recall Hyundai As of now, Hyundai knows of six reports related to these insufficiently attached seabelt anchors in the U.S., but in no instance have the bad anchros caused crashes, injuries, or fatalities in America. Unfortunately, while the redesigned snap-on ancho has already been implemented in vehicle production for the affected models, Hyundai's solution of installing a reinforcement insert to the anchor clip will only reach affected owners a couple of months from now, with dealers and owners only expected to be notified on June 5. VINs are already searchable on nhtsa.gov, however, and since no injuries have been reported in relation to this recall issue, there's no cause for alarm just yet. View the full article

If you needed another reason to envy European car buyers for the diversity of their car market, here it is: the Honda Super-N electric city car is coming to the UK market this July. Based on Honda’s iconic N Series kei car platform sold in Japan, the Super-N is inspired by the legendary 1980’s City Turbo II. The Super-N boasts a striking exterior design featuring bulged wheel arches and sporty side sills for a distinctive wide stance, as well as more aggressive bumpers with incorporated aero ducts. A Kei Car With a Widebody Kit and Boost Mode Honda UK Customers will be able to choose from a wide range of colors and customization options, including body graphics and a two-tone specification that features a contrasting gloss black finish for the roof panel and rear spoiler. Inside, the electric kei car gets enhanced seats that offer greater support and comfort, blue highlights that pay homage to the original City Turbo II, and ambient lighting, which switches from a cool blue at night to a rich purple when Boost mode is selected. While the City Turbo II was gas-powered, the Super-N features an all-electric powertrain consisting of a compact front motor rated at a puny 63 hp (47 kW) in normal operation. However, there’s a Boost mode that turns it up to 94 hp (70 kW) when the driver feels like having some fun. And you can indeed have fun with the Honda Super-N because it’s one of the lightest EVs available in Europe, with a curb weight of just over 2,400 pounds (approximately 1,092 kg). Contributing to the low weight is the relatively small battery pack of 29.6 kWh. The fact that the battery is mounted under the floor also keeps the center of gravity low, which, along with the wide 185/55 R15 Yokohama Advan Fleva tires, enhances stability. It Simulates Combustion Engine Sounds and a 7-Speed DCT Honda UK Speaking of driving fun, the Honda Super-N, sold as the Super-One in Japan, simulates a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an engaging gas engine sound via an Active Sound Control system. The automaker says this combines the instant response of an EV with “the strong emotional connection of driving a combustion engine vehicle.” The Super-N also features an uprated suspension and chassis tuned by Honda engineers for enhanced dynamic performance, having undertaken extensive testing on various road surface conditions in Japan and the UK. “The Super-N promises to bring Honda’s ‘Joy of Driving’ and the thrill of EV performance to a whole new audience. With its iconic looks, driving dynamics tailored to UK roads, and unique features such as BOOST Mode, every aspect of this model has been engineered to bring exhilaration and fun to every journey, no matter how short,” said Michael Doyle, Head of Automobile, Honda UK. Since we’re talking about an EV, it’s worth pointing out that the Super-N has a combined range of 128 miles, which is nothing to write home about. However, if you drive it only in the city, the range increases to 199 miles, which is a decent amount for normal users. UK buyers will be able to buy the Super-N starting in July for a base price of under £20,000—the equivalent of $26,900 at the current exchange rate. That will make it one of the most affordable EVs on sale in Europe, competing with the likes of the Renault 5 E-Tech, BYD Dolphin Surf, Hyundai Inster, Citroën ë-C3, and other similar small EVs. Honda UK View the full article

Tesla is cracking down hard on owners who used FSD enabler hacks to illegally unlock Full Self-Driving in countries where the software remains unapproved. The company has begun remotely disabling FSD capabilities on affected vehicles across Europe, China, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, amongst other countries. While every Tesla ships with the FSD hardware baked in, software activation remains tied to regulatory approval. Outside the United States, FSD has not received full approval in most markets due to varying safety standards, data privacy requirements, and local traffic laws. That gap created an opportunity. Hackers in Poland, Ukraine, and elsewhere began distributing modules that plug into the CAN bus to geo-spoof the car, and silently unlock the full FSD suite, including advanced navigation, Autopark, and Summon. In China alone, over 100,000 owners have reportedly installed such modifications to gain access to FSD. The devices, typically priced between $700-$2,000, had spread quickly before Tesla moved to respond. Tesla FSD v14.3 Raises the StakesThe timing of Tesla's crackdown is no coincidence. FSD v14.3 recently began rolling out, representing a foundational rebuild of the system's AI architecture. The update rewrites the AI compiler, delivering a 20% faster reaction time. Not to mention a completely overhauled neural network vision encoder that improves performance in low-visibility conditions, one of FSD’s biggest issues so far. The reinforcement learning stage has also been upgraded, targeting harder training examples sourced from Tesla's global fleet. This is the update Musk called "the last big piece of the puzzle." With v14.3 pushing FSD capability to new heights, and v15 built on a large AI model with roughly 10 times more parameters on the horizon, Tesla has a serious incentive to ensure only verified, approved users are running these systems. Unauthorized activations are more than just a legal liability, with which Tesla has its hands full already; they are a safety risk. Mark Leong/The Washington Post/Getty Images Tesla's Response and What It Means for OwnersTesla launched an enforcement campaign, sending in-car notifications and emails warning that unauthorized modifications violate its terms of service, compromise vehicle safety systems, and expose cars to cybersecurity risks. Vehicles detected using the hacks have had FSD capabilities remotely disabled without refund. In some cases, owners report permanent bans, even where they had legitimately purchased the software package to use in the US before transferring their Tesla out of the country. Getty Images This is not the first time Tesla has used its over-the-air capabilities to lock out owners who strayed outside official channels. The company has a long-standing pattern of remotely restricting features on vehicles that underwent unauthorized repairs or modifications. Owners who had independent repair work done on their cars have faced the prospect of being locked out of the Supercharger network entirely, sometimes weeks after the vehicle was already back on the road. Third-party performance modules, like those that replicate paid software upgrades at lower cost, have also triggered in-car warnings after Tesla software updates detected their presence. Tesla has always framed these controls as a safety measure. The FSD crackdown fits that same argument, just with much higher stakes attached. View the full article