StreetNewsReporter

The 2027 KTM SX motocross range covers everything from the 50 SX junior machine through to the 450 SX-F, with two-strokes, four-strokes and mini racers all included. The post From little rippers to big hitters: 2027 KTM SX range explained appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Honda Australia has lifted warranty coverage on eligible on-road motorcycles from two years to up to six years, with no kilometre limit, provided scheduled servicing is completed through the authorised Honda dealer network. The post Honda raises the bar with six-year motorcycle warranty appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Wayne checks out Ducati’s incoming 2026 line-up at Joe Rascal Ducati in Port Melbourne, including the Panigale V4 R, Diavel V4 RS, DesertX, Hypermotard V2 SP, Multistrada V4 Rally and Monster V2. The post Ducati’s 2026 heavy hitters shown in Melbourne appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

MotoGP Rule Updates May 1, 2026 MotoGP wildcard appearances will disappear from the premier class from 2027, while 2026 wildcard riders have been ruled out from using the incoming 850 cc machinery ahead of the category’s next technical reset. The Grand Prix Commission has confirmed a series of regulation changes for the FIM Grand Prix […] The post MotoGP wildcards axed from 2027 as 850 cc transition rules tighten appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

China spent the better part of a decade making the internal combustion engine look obsolete. Government subsidies, aggressive production targets, and a homegrown battery supply chain turned the country into the world's dominant EV force. China now commands roughly 70 percent of the global EV battery market. So, it’s more than a little surprising that two of its biggest automakers, Geely and Chery, are pouring serious money into making the gasoline engine smarter, cleaner, and more competitive than it has ever been. Both companies are betting that the internal combustion engine still has a decade or more of relevance left in global markets, and they want to own that space before anyone else does. Autoblog / Leroy Marion The Efficiency Race Nobody ExpectedThe numbers coming out of both companies right now are genuinely hard to believe. Geely recently achieved 48.41 percent thermal efficiency with its new i-HEV hybrid system, a figure independently verified by Guinness World Records, alongside a claimed fuel economy of 106 miles per gallon. For context, Toyota's latest Prius, considered one of the most efficient engines in the world, manages a theoretical 44 percent. Four percentage points may not sound dramatic, but in thermal efficiency terms, that gap is enormous. Chery is right behind them. Its latest Kunpeng Tianqing engine achieves a claimed peak thermal efficiency of 48.57 percent, reached through a proprietary technology it calls "Dual-Curve Triple Linkage," making it the highest recorded figure for a mass-produced internal combustion engine in publicly available data. Chery has gone further than just raw efficiency numbers, though. The company is actively arguing that gasoline vehicles need to stop being dumb. Using its Mars StarCore MIND integrated architecture, Chery has worked to bridge the perception, decision-making, and execution capabilities of fuel-powered vehicles, essentially giving ICE cars the kind of intelligence that was previously exclusive to EVs. Autoblog / Leroy Marion View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What This Means for the Rest of the WorldThe timing of this ICE resurgence is not accidental. As EV penetration in China's domestic market surpasses 50 percent, global data tells a different story: most of the world still drives on gasoline. Chinese automakers are building for that reality. Exports have become a lifeline for many Chinese brands as brutal domestic competition cuts margins at home. Highly efficient hybrids are a smarter export product than pure EVs in many markets. The US remains largely walled off. But that does not mean US consumers are insulated from what is happening. Geely has confirmed that its Zeekr and Lynk and Co brands could enter the US within the next three years, potentially produced at the Volvo factory in South Carolina, which is currently undergoing a $1.3 billion expansion. Meanwhile, Chinese automakers have rerouted strategies through local manufacturing in Europe and emerging markets. Lynk & Co. The deeper point is this: China did not abandon its EV ambitions. It is running both tracks simultaneously, pushing EVs abroad while quietly perfecting the combustion engine for the markets that are not ready to let it go. That dual strategy, backed by R&D firepower that Western manufacturers are struggling to match, is what makes the current moment genuinely significant. The internal combustion engine may not be coming back, but it isn’t finished either. China is just making sure it has a say in how the final chapter gets written. View the full article

PrestigeLincoln, for most, is an aspirational brand; it represents the very best of plush American automotive experience. Over the years, it's been a go-to for some of the American elite, especially with models like the Town Car and the enduring Navigator. One of those elites seems to have always preferred the Navigator; tennis legend Serena Williams is a fan and is getting a very special Navigator just for herself. One-Off Navigator Williams EditionLincoln has chosen to commemorate Serena's brand loyalty with a special one-off Navigator. According to the brand, the idea was to create an extension of her world, a calming space for her family while offering a sense of sanctuary and reflection. Lincoln Global Design Director Christine Park Cheng worked hand in hand with Serena to ensure the project reflected the very best of what Lincoln can do. Cheng said the project was initially challenging for her and her team, who aren't usually given the opportunity to design a car for a specific individual, let alone someone as iconic as Williams. She also stressed that the whole project hinges on translating Williams' personal style, accomplishments, and values into the car design. The car itself was customized at Galpin Lincoln in Los Angeles, a longtime partner for these types of projects. The project created some unique touches based on Williams' life, starting with the Serena Rose logo, which appears on the B-pillar and tailgate. Next up are the laser-engraved door sills with the saying "Keep Going," with each sill also featuring the birth years of Williams' husband and daughters. The tennis star wanted her interior to have a warm, cozy feel, prompting the creation of a unique colorway dubbed Clay Court, a blend of brown and beige tones. The exterior color is also a special hue called Perfect Rose, a mix of sunshine copper and a hint of pink that adds a sparkling effect. Lastly, incorporating Serena's favorite color, the team put hot pink inserts in the center compartment. Lincoln View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article Fit For OneWhile this treatment isn't available to the general public, Lincoln does offer the Black Label treatment. Black label refers to the brand's exclusive bespoke offering, which allows owners to customize certain design elements of their Lincolns. Black Label also offers exclusive membership perks, including pickup and delivery for your car, annual car detailing, and access to private dining experiences. Lincoln View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

General Motors has announced $830 million in investments at three key propulsion plants in Michigan and Ohio to support the launch of the company’s next-generation full-size trucks and SUVs. The $830 million investments also include some production work recently started at these sites. In addition to the investment in U.S. production, GM also said it is investing half a billion dollars in a Canadian plant that will make the next-generation small-block V8 engines for the automaker's upcoming full-size trucks and SUVs. $830 Million for Three U.S. Propulsion Plants General Motors The bulk of the U.S. investments—$300 million—will be allocated to Romulus Propulsion Systems in Michigan, to increase production of 10-speed automatic transmissions. The gearboxes are used in GM’s most popular products, including the next-generation full-size trucks and SUVs. The new investment adds to a previous one of $300 million the site received in late 2025 to support this work. The facility in Romulus, Michigan has approximately 1,000 employees. GM also said it is investing a further $40 million at Toledo Propulsion Systems in Ohio to support capacity increases in 10-speed transmissions for light-duty trucks. This is in addition to a previous $40 million investment announced to employees in March. The Toledo facility is a support plant for some of GM’s most high-demand products and employs around 1,650 people. In addition to the investments in the two propulsion plants, GM announced it is allocation $150 million to Saginaw Metal Casting Operations in Michigan to increase head casting volume for Gen 6 V8 engines that will be used by next-generation full-size pickup trucks and Corvettes. The combined $830 million investment in U.S. propulsion sites brings GM’s investments in domestic manufacturing to over $6 billion over the past 12 months. $506 Million to Build Gen 6 V8s at Canadian Plant GM Canada In a separate but related announcement, GM Canada said it is investing C$691 million ($506 million) in its St. Catharines Propulsion Plant to support production of the sixth-generation V8 engine for GM’s upcoming full-size trucks and SUVs. The investment will go toward funding new machinery, equipment and tooling, as well as significant facility renovations at the site. Equipment has already begun arriving at the site, which will continue to produce the Gen 5 V8 engine while preparing for the changeover. The investment makes St. Catharines the third GM propulsion plant to build Gen 6 engines alongside Tonawanda Propulsion Plant in Buffalo, New York, and Flint Engine Operations in Flint, Michigan. These three plants will enable GM to meet customer demand for the high-volume full-size pickups and SUVs in North America. The engines built at St. Catharines will mainly supply GM Canada’s Oshawa Assembly in Ontario, which will produce the automaker’s next generation of gas-powered full-size pickup trucks. The site is GM’s only North American plant building both light-duty and heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado pickups on the same line. GM’s Gen 6 V8 engine is expected to deliver stronger performance than the current generation, thanks to new combustion and thermal management innovations. View the full article

Carson Hocevar enters Texas as NASCAR's newest winner, capturing his first career win at Talladega last weekend. Texas Motor Speedway will host all three national divisions this weekend, with the Cup, O'Reilly, and Craftsman Truck Series. Tyler Reddick continues to hold a commanding lead in the championship, 110 points clear of Denny Hamlin. Joey Logano is the defending winner at Texas -- ...Keep readingView the full article

Industry NerdsMcLaren's known as the "nerds" of the industry, and the company has always prided itself on its clinical, precise engineering approach to building dream machines and legendary race cars. This has translated into a long list of achievements for them, including notable wins and championships at Le Mans, the Indy 500, and Formula 1. They are now looking at expanding the business portfolio, not just into cars but into another form of sport altogether. McLaren Golf McLaren GolfBack in March, the automotive company announced that it would be venturing into launching McLaren Golf. During that time, it was unclear to what extent they would be doing golf products. While it's not unusual for car brands to venture into golf apparel and merchandise, McLaren, being who they are, had other things in mind. Officially launched recently, the McLaren Golf brand not only says it will launch merchandise related to golf, but it will also make its own set of golf clubs. Specifically, McLaren will be releasing Iron sets for both recreational and professional players. At the core of McLaren Golf is a question: If there were no constraints, no legacy processes, no material limitations, what could a golf club become? Answering that, they used their engineering capabilities to employ a process called Metal Injection Molding (MIM), which is rarely used because of its complexity and cost. MIM is used to give McLaren Golf the precision control over material composition, internal geometry, and mass distribution, something not possible with traditional club making tecniques. The brand will initially offer two iron club sets: the Series 1, their take on a modern tour blade iron for lower handicappers, and the Series 3, a distance-enhancing cavity-back club with more forgiveness. McLaren Golf Star PowerLaunching your own bespoke golf clubs and brand is one thing, but doing it with the help of a real PGA tour pro lends more credibility. McLaren Golf signed PGA Tour veteran and major winner Justin Rose as a brand ambassador. Rose was also integral in the development of the clubs themselves, having worked hand in hand since the beginning. Both the Series 1 and 3 iron sets will be available in North America, Europe, and South Korea starting April 30, 2026. Prices for the clubs start at $375 per club head. Additionally, North American players can order the clubs through mclarengolf.com. McLaren Golf View the full article

Tony Stewart Racing will take on a new race track on the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series schedule. The NHRA Southern Nationals, previously contested at Atlanta Dragway, returns to the NHRA national event schedule at South Georgia Motorsports Park, just outside of Valdosta, Georgia. Leah Pruett’s Top Fuel dragster will show off the America Rebel Beer livery for the first time in 2026. The 12-time national event winner is coming off a final quad appearance at the NHRA 4-Wide nationals where she earned semi-final points and moved from fifth to third in the Top Fuel points standings, just 76 back from the lead. “I would say sitting third in points is a decent representation of our competitive status, especially with me coming off a two-year hiatus,” Pruett said. “We’ve captured two No. 2 qualifiers, a No. 3 qualifying position and earned the No. 1 spot in Pomona, California,” Pruett said. “I give the team a solid A in performance and effort, with me a solid B. We’ve accomplished this strong momentum together; however, I know there’s been opportunity left on my side of the table. I am trending overall in the right direction and look forward to improvement each race. Our first win of the season is coming soon.” While South Georgia Motorsports Park is new to the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series, Pruett has some experience at the track. “South Georgia Motorsports Park was the first place I ever went over 300 mph. The year was 2008, and I completed my Nitro Funny Car license in Jerry Toliver’s Rockstar car. I remember it like it was yesterday,” Pruett said. “In the left lane ripping though there, the car rattling at past half-track – it was the 5-disc clutch locking up – then steering hard right to stay off the wall. “I wasn’t sure what all had happened, because my brain was still at the starting line when I turned off the track. That’s how ‘new’ my processing speed was relative to going 308 mph for the first time,” Pruett continued. “A right-side cylinder went out and tried to push me to the wall, but I was able to react and square it back up. Wild memorable ride for sure. “Since then, I have tested there many times. Including a couple test sessions when the Dodge // SRT Demon was being developed, as well dialing in different Dodge Factory Stock Showdown cars in the last decade.” Pruett also found success at the previous iteration of the Southern Nationals, winning at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia in 2018 and was runner-up in 2015. Like his Top Fuel teammate, Matt Hagan whose Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car will feature the Shelor Motor Mile livery for the first time this season, has also made passes down South Georgia Motorsports Park. “I’m excited to head into South Georgia Motorsport Park here in Valdosta. Georgia, the peach state, it’s going be good. Excited to see some new fans, excited to be back on this racetrack. I ran Pro Mod here and one of my first test sessions with Don Schumacher Racing. Gary Scelzi crawled out of his car and retired, and I crawled in his and was just lucky to even fit. We made some laps back there in the day with Tommy Delago and I kind of cut my teeth there for NHRA, so it’s got some history for me. I’m excited to be there. I’m excited to see what’s new.” Hagan, the four-time NHRA Funny Car Champion and one of NHRA’s top 75 drivers of all-time, sits second in points, just 48 back, after driving his Dodge//SRT Hellcat to victory in NHRA’s 1000th Funny Car event at the Winternationals in California earlier this month. He’s coming off a final quad appearance at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals just four days ago. “You know we have had a great start to the season. Confidence level is huge. Any time that you can start the season this good – get a win under your belt, go some rounds every weekend – it always builds confidence, but I think the biggest thing is the consistency. [Crew chief] Mike Knudson is not going to the guy who is only going to do well at a certain race or a certain time of the year. What I really, really like about him as far as his tuning abilities, he’s a little conservative on some things, but the consistency across the board. I don’t think we’re going to run into any weather conditions where he’s not going to have some sort of plan. Across the board, his knowledge and tuning ability is so diverse, he can adapt to whatever is thrown at him. Crew chiefs Mike and Phil [Shuler] and [car chief] Alex [Conaway] have a great baseline. These guys behind the scenes are what have kept us ahead all these years. They have a handle on what they want in different conditions and they can adapt. They put in the work, and it shows on track.” A win this weekend would be Hagan’s 57th in Funny Car. One of those victories came at the Southern Nationals contested at Atlanta Dragway back in 2016. He also finished runner-up in 2013 and 2018. The Southern Nationals was last contested in 2021. Competition at the NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park is scheduled to begin with four rounds of qualifying Friday at 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3 p.m. The threat of weather may change those times. Eliminations are scheduled for Sunday at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event will be on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) beginning with qualifying shows Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET and Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Eliminations will air on FS1 Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. The post Leah Pruett and Matt Hagan Ready to Take On South Georgia Motorsports Park first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Dystany Spurlock will take another historic step in her groundbreaking 2026 season when she becomes the first Black woman to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on May 8 at Watkins Glen International. Spurlock is set to take the green flag in the Bully Hill Vineyards 176 at The Glen, piloting the No. 69 Foxxtecca Toyota for MBM Motorsports and Garage 66. Her upcoming debut marks a major milestone in Spurlock’s budding career, as well as for American motorsports. Since its inaugural season in 1995, NASCAR’s Truck Series – one of the sanctioning body’s three national touring divisions alongside the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Cup Series – has never featured a Black female driver. Spurlock’s breakthrough represents continued progress in expanding representation at stock car racing’s highest levels. “I’m excited for Watkins Glen,” Spurlock said. “It’s been a while since I’ve raced on a road course, so I’m looking forward to getting back out there. Having the opportunity to compete in ARCA and make my debut in the Truck Series is going to be a lot of fun. I’m focused on learning as much as I can in both the car and the truck, and hopefully we can keep this top-10 momentum going!” Last month, Spurlock made headlines at Kansas Speedway by becoming the first Black woman to compete in the national ARCA Menards Series. She surpassed expectations with a thrilling 10th-place finish, even after being bumped in the closing laps. The controversial rear-bumper strike sent her car sideways, but she quickly recovered, drawing widespread praise for her control and composure and earning her the Reese’s Sweet Move of the Race. As part of her weekend at The Glen, Spurlock will take on the added challenge of a doubleheader. She’s scheduled to make her second national ARCA Menards Series start in the General Tire 100, where she’ll drive the No. 66 Foxxtecca Ford for MBM. Balancing two events in a single day at one of North America’s most demanding road courses will test Spurlock and her team’s versatility and stamina. The 2.45-mile circuit at the southern tip of Seneca Lake is known for its high-speed straightaways and technical corners, including the Esses, the sweeping Carousel in Turn 5, and the signature Bus Stop chicane, where races are often won or lost – or ended at the wall. While Spurlock, 34, has quickly become a can’t-miss talent in stock cars, her path to this moment has been two decades in the making. She began in motorcycle drag racing, where the Richmond, Virginia, native soon established herself as a standout in the 4.60 index class, setting records and taking home class victories. In 2024, she made history as the first woman to win the DME Racing Real Street class in the XDA Motorcycle Drag Racing Series with a 7.32 ET run at 178 mph. A year later, she debuted in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle, becoming just the second Black woman to compete in the category. She plans to follow that up by racing in two of the NHRA’s premier events later this season: the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis on Sept. 4-7, and theTexas NHRA Fall Nationals in Dallas on Oct. 16-18, both with Arana Racing. This story was originally published on April 30, 2026. The post Motorcycle Drag Racer Dystany Spurlock to Make NASCAR Truck Series Debut in Historic Doubleheader at Watkins Glen first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

We’re suckers for classic Moto Guzzi café racers. But we like it even more when someone messes up the recipe a little. As with this sleek and quirky 1000 SP from France—which mixes conventional and unorthodox styling cues to great effect.It comes from Samuel Aguiar, a multi-talented chap who designs... View the full article

Here’s gallery #2, and if you missed the photos we already posted, use the link below to check them out too. (Photos by David Whealon) The PDRA East Coast Nationals at GALOT Motorsports Park were some badass drag races and for good reason. This is one of the coolest dragstrips in the country, and when the PDRA is in town the crowds are always great. With Pro Nitrous, Pro Boost, Pro Street, and more, there is no shortage of great racing action for the fans to see. Lucky for us, David Whealon was on hand shooting photos like a madman, so that we have galleries to share with all you BANGshifters. Check them out below. We have several galleries to share, so click on any photo below to make them bigger so you can scroll through the slideshow. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED OUR PREVIOUS PDRA PHOTOS The post More 2026 PDRA East Coast Nationals Photos! Big Power, Big Smoke, And A Big Show At GALOT. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

When the Midwest Class Racers created the CTech Manufacturing Badger Classic eleven years ago, they envisioned a mix of close racing, camaraderie and an annual event that could carry on at Rock Falls Raceway in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They worked hard to ensure all of that would happen, and to take things to the next level several years ago, they were joined in their efforts by racer Kurt Anderson to grow the Muscle Car Index class, and Bruce Lang and Russ Berens to propel the Nostalgia Super Stock and Nostalgia Muscle classes. “When the NMCA was still rolling, we did not have races between our Illinois and Michigan races, so I asked some of our index racers if they would be interested in racing at the CTech Manufacturing Badger Classic, and when they said they would, Bruce and I approached Midwest Class Racers and asked about including index for a combo race,” said Anderson, a multi-time NMCA champion who owns AutoKraft Race Cars & Restorations in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, which is an event sponsor. “That worked out well, and it helped us get even more cars on the property. We have local racers as well as racers from as far away as Kansas, Texas, Georgia and so many other states, and that is amazing. We have been enjoying a close working relationship with Scott Dugdale and Brian Zenzen of Midwest Class Racers.” When Anderson and Dugdale suggested raffles be introduced to the event to benefit charity four years ago, they were met with enthusiasm from racers eager to help however they could. In that time, the event raised more than $130,000 for Joshua’s Camp, a special retreat and respite in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for children with cancer and their families. The 2026 offering of the ever-growing event, which is in its eleventh year, is set for June 26-28, at Rock Falls Raceway. Organizers were compelled to extend their reach, and partnered with Cause for Celebrations, a nonprofit organization which helps various charities in the Chippewa Valley area of Wisconsin. “Deep down, everyone wants to have a purpose, and helping other people is something that is near and dear to me,” said Anderson. “It is also obviously near and dear to a lot of other people who attend the event, because they talk about the charity aspect of it when they are at the event, and they want to help. You know, that is just one of the things that makes the atmosphere so great. Everyone is pulling together.” The exciting lineup of classes includes Midwest Class Racers Stock/Super Stock, B&K Trucking and Berg Sales, Inc. Nostalgia Super Stock/Nostalgia Muscle Car Combo, AutoKraft Race Cars & Restorations Muscle Car Index, TorqStorm Superchargers True Street and Jason Dietsch Trailer Sales Open Comp. In addition to the title sponsor, CTech Manufacturing, and class sponsors, substantial support for the event comes from Summit Racing Equipment and Midwest Factory Finishes. “It is really great to have CTech Manufacturing and all of the other sponsors on board for this event, and to know that they believe in the event as much as we do and want to join us in giving back to the community and to those who need support,” said Travis Hilton, general manager at Rock Falls Raceway. “I think the best thing about this event is having the ability to work with charities within the Chippewa Valley region. It is so important to us to touch the lives of people living within our community, and that is what makes all of this so rewarding.” Stacking begins on Wednesday, June 24, and parking begins on Thursday, June 25. A test and tune session as well as a gamblers’ race will be offered on Friday, June 26, and there are two separate main event races, with time trials, on Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28. The event will also feature the CTech Manufacturing Badger Classic Cruise-In Car Show, with a variety of high caliber cars ready to roll in on Saturday, June 27. This year’s event raffle boasts $5,000, $1,000 and $500 prizes. The drawing will take place on Saturday, June 27, and raffle ticket purchasers do not need to be present to win. Raffle tickets can be purchased, and event information can be found, at www.rockfallsraceway.com/badger. This story was originally published on April 30, 2026. The post CTech Manufacturing Badger Classic Set to Benefit Multiple Local Charities first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Elite Motorsports is ready for the NHRA Southern Nationals. Every member of the team wants to make history this weekend at SGMP.View the full article

Back to the 48When you live in Alaska, it's a totally different ballgame. Take, for instance, a Rivian owner who needs warranty work on his 2024 Rivian R1T. To make a warranty claim and to see it through, it used to be free with time and being the principal cost back then. However, some things happened that now necessitate thousands of dollars just to get the car towed to the nearest service center. The Drive picked up on this story, citing that an EV on a commercial barge caught fire while in transit, prompting them to limit or outright ban EVs. Because of the safety risk, it's become a logistical nightmare to ship over EVs from Alaska to the mainland or vice versa. Some ferries or barges will only take extremely limited quantities, causing lead times to stretch from a few weeks to months. According to the report, "the lead time for a slot is months, not weeks." Prices are also quite high for shipping, and it's causing Rivian and owners in the region a major headache. Rivian How Do Rivians Get Serviced In Alaska? Servicing in Alaska is currently handled by mobile technicians and authorized third-party providers. There is one major service center in the region, in Bellevue, Washington; however, Alaskan topography isn't exactly welcoming, especially if a car is inoperable and needs a tow. Depending on the problem, the cars will need to be shipped back to Seattle or to the Bellevue service center, where repairs or warranty work can be facilitated properly. If ever a vehicle fails to move under its own power, Rivian does offer complimentary emergency towing services, subject to asterisks that account for the vehicle's distance to the nearest authorized service center or a mutually agreed-upon location for warranty-related issues. The brand also covers repairs under its warranty policy, which states that Rivian will cover the repair costs if a vehicle becomes inoperable due to a failure. However, due to the exorbitant shipping costs, the company has pushed back but is allegedly working on another solution. Rivian The Logistical NightmareEVs and PHEVs are not allowed on barges that are not just bound for Central, Western, or Southeast Alaska, but also to Hawaii. Shipping companies are concerned about the energy density of lithium-ion battery packs in these vehicles. When EVs burn, they're difficult to extinguish and release toxic gases that could endanger the crew's health and safety. While a few EVs are okay, grow that number to a thousand, and you might have a big catastrophe on your hands. Such is the case with the cargo ship that necessitated the limitation. The said ship sank after thousands of EVs caught fire. Eventually, the ship sank, but the process took weeks. There are other stories that also involve cars and barges catching fire, like one in 2023, that involved 3,000 cars (25 of which were EVs) on a barge that caught fire. According to authorities, the fire "began near an electric car." New policies are treating EVs and PHEVs like hazardous materials, and thus are limiting or outright banning their entry on board barges and ships. With companies taking only a few, or none at all, this puts a heavy strain on EV shipments to the region and also on shipments outside. Rivian The Solution? TBDThe solution? Still to be determined. Rivian in Seattle is still trying to find a solution, with the owner of the R1T stating that he remains "optimistic" that the brand will help navigate the logistical nightmare unfolding. One solution is to go by land, but even that comes with its own set of costs and regulations. Transporting what is essentially treated as hazardous materials will come under fire from our neighbors from the north (poor choice of words, I'm sorry). According to the source's estimates, shipping an inoperable vehicle across Canada could cost well over $5,000. Ferries might be the next-best option for owners, but that will also cost an arm and a leg. The source also unearthed Reddit threads claiming that a one-way transport fee will set owners back $6,500 for a ferry ride. The logistical challenge is distance, policy, suppliers, and topography. Depending on where the vehicle is, getting it assessed is one thing, but getting it o a set of eyes that knows what to do is another. Then, if more serious work is required, it becomes a battle of capabilities. Does the vehicle need to go to the major service center, which is potentially super far away? Or does the vehicle need to head back all the way to Seattle because the local outfit doesn't have the tools to handle it? Prior to this, Rivian held the fort by shipping the cars by sea, avoiding land travel altogether. Now, the challenge is simply getting on the boat. Rivian View the full article

Here we go with more awesome vintage F1 action from the streets of Monaco! The Monaco Historic Grand Prix is one hell of an event, and it’s back after a few years off! If you dig old race cars, you are going to love this. And the way that it is organized at Monaco is something special. They organize the F1 races based on years, and they livestream the entire weekend. We shared the livestream already, and if you missed it then use the link below. But if you just want to see the independent races, we’re going to share those as well, and the first one is down below. This is the 1973-1976 Formula 1 race and just look at how sexy these race cars are! CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED THE MONACO HISTORIC LIVESTREAM Video Description: It just feels right doesn’t it? The ’70s had some of the coolest F1 cars of all time. Thankfully, the Monaco Historic means that we get to see new races of the era! So sit back and enjoy that magical era brought back to life. The post Proper 1970s F1 Racing in Monaco! The Full 1973-1976 Formula One Race At The 2026 Monaco Historic Race. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Finnegan’s Cadillac is arguably one of the most talked about drag and drive projects in recent years and while he’s been working on building his Lexus LC500 into a genuinely fast drag and drive car, it’s the Caddy that grabs everyone’s attention. We all know the project has had some setbacks and changes over the past couple of years, but Mike is committed to getting this thing on the road and so he’s really working on it. And then he broke his leg. Again. Well a different leg, but his leg none the less. Check it out. Video Description: This is episode 393 of Finnegan’s Garage. We had a ton of fun making it for you. Welcome to my channel. This is a fun place to learn about modifying, repairing and upgrading your hot rod car, truck and even boat! I’ll teach you how to weld, how to build high performance engines, how to fabricate your own parts while you learn from watching me wrench on my own project vehicles. I’ll even take you on the adventure as I leave my workshop on epic road trips and racing events as we test out the mods done to all of my projects. Along the way we’ll meet new and interesting people and share in the joy of their automotive creations! Thanks for watching! The post You’re Not Gonna Believe What Happened To Finnegan While Working On The Caddy! Check Out The Progress, And Setbacks… appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

In addition to the ARCA Menards Series race on the same day, Dystany Spurlock is set to make her NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Watkins Glen International on May 8. She will drive the No. 69 Foxxtecca Toyota for MBM Motorsports/Garage 66. “I’m excited for Watkins Glen,” Spurlock said in a release from the team. “It’s been a while since I’ve raced on a road course, so ...Keep readingView the full article

Tesla says it has started high-volume production of the Semi Class 8 electric truck at its dedicated 1.7-million-square-foot facility near Gigafactory Nevada. The announcement was made by the official Tesla Semi account on X, and was shared by CEO Elon Musk on his personal page. “First Semi off high volume line,” reads the April 29 post, which includes a photo showing a white Tesla Semi rolling off the production line with hundreds of workers standing in front of it. Tesla did not reveal the exact date when production started. Two Versions With Up to 500 Miles of RangeFirst Semi off high volume line pic.twitter.com/fI1AdQrJFH — Tesla Semi (@tesla_semi) April 29, 2026 The Semi was first shown almost nine years ago and has undergone significant changes since, with the most significant being introduced in November 2025, when the electric truck also received a facelift. We also learned more recently that the final production version of the Semi has shed 1,000 pounds of weight compared to the pre-production model. The start of high-volume production is a big milestone for the Tesla Semi, of which only a few hundred units have been made since October 2023 on a low-volume pilot line in Nevada; over 100 of those trucks were on the road as of late 2025. A significant portion of them were used for internal testing and in pilot programs by partner companies including PepsiCo, Walmart, and DHL. But now a new chapter opens for the Tesla Semi program, which has been delayed numerous times since the planned initial production start date of 2019. It looks as though Elon Musk’s latest estimate that Semi production would start this year has been correct. Tesla revealed the final production specs of the Tesla Semi in February, when it confirmed two variants: a Standard Range model with standard wheelbase and 325 miles of range at the full 82,000-pound gross combination weight, and a Long Range model with a longer wheelbase and 500 miles of range. The size of the Semi’s structural battery pack has not been disclosed yet, but judging by the official energy consumption of 1.7 kWh/mile, the 500-mile Semi probably has a capacity of around 900 kWh. The battery is also designed to last 1 million miles in its original duty cycle. Both Tesla Semi trims feature an 800-kW (1,072-hp) tri-motor powertrain with three independent motors on the rear axles. The battery pack is said to support peak charging speeds of 1.2 MW (1,200 kW), which enables it to reach 60% state of charge (SoC) in just 30 minutes using Tesla’s Megacharger stations. The Lowest-Priced Class 8 Electric Tractor in the U.S. Tesla Tesla hasn’t revealed pricing yet, but according to Electrek, the 500-mile Tesla Semi is priced at $290,000, while the base model costs roughly $260,000. If the prices are accurate, the Tesla Semi is the lowest-priced Class 8 battery electric tractor available in the United States. The main competitors include the Freightliner eCascadia and Volvo VNR Electric, which reportedly cost around $400,000 and $350,000, respectively. The Nikola Tre BEV was supposed to be another competitor for the Semi, but the EV startup filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2025. Tesla Now that high-volume production has begun, Tesla will have to ramp gradually to the factory’s maximum output of 50,000 trucks a year. Some analysts project 5,000-15,000 Tesla Semi deliveries this year, but that sounds overly ambitious at this point. Tesla does have the advantage of vertical integration, as the Semi’s two available battery packs use the 4680 battery cells, which are manufactured in the same site. Normally, that should eliminate supply issues and ensure a smooth production ramp for the Semi. Deliveries to customers are expected to start this year. Tesla View the full article

Larry Chen is back at it, but this time his Asian adventures have led him to China to check out the car culture in Shenzhen. I used to travel to Shenzen in my previous career and it is the tech capital of China for sure. Not far from Hong Kong, it’s a very busy international city and because of that it has a lot of cars. But what is their car culture like there? You might be surprised as you watch this cool video from Larry, with his buddy Sung Kang, but it is always fun to see how folks around the globe worship cars like the rest of us. The post Exploring Some of China’s Car Culture in Their Tech Capital, Shenzhen, w/ Sung Kang appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will crown South Georgia Motorsports Park as their newest national event racing facility with the running of the NHRA Southern Nationals, May 1-3. Steve Johnson will be there aboard his Suzuki as he continues his historic 40th season of NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle competition. Johnson’s striking red and white Suzuki Hayabusa struggled in Charlotte, after parts failure during the third qualifying attempt led to an early first round exit on Sunday. “We were prepared, we just used the wrong equipment. We had two parts fail at the same time that had never failed in the past,” explained Johnson. “Now, with these back-to-back races, it’s on to bigger and better things at the Southern Nationals.” Johnson earned his first career No.1 qualifying honor at the Southern Nationals in 1995, when the event was held near Atlanta. The veteran Suzuki pilot enters this 3rd race of the 14-event NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle schedule positioned 8th in the Mission Foods points standings. During his 40 years on the NHRA tour, Johnson has witnessed the excitement and magic surrounding new facilities and inaugural races. As the NHRA continues to celebrate their 75th anniversary in 2026, South Georgia Motorsports Park will become the headquarters for the world’s fastest sport for three spectacular days of drag racing. “I’m excited at seeing the NHRA branching out into a new area and demographic. And I’m thrilled at the economic impact that it will create for the city of Valdosta, Adel and the surrounding areas,” Johnson stated enthusiastically. “I’m equally thrilled for the fans in the area who have never had the opportunity to witness an NHRA national event in person.” The quality of the all-concrete racing surface at SGMP has the potential to support national record performances, should the weather conditions cooperate. Johnson’s 40 years of experience at reading and learning the characteristics of different racing surfaces could provide him a measure of an advantage. The post Steve Johnson Racing Rolls Into Georgia for NHRA Southern Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Honda Sued For Its Idle Stop A feature that's meant to save drivers some dollars at the pump might end up costing Honda dearly, think about $36,000,000 in legal fees and expenses. The lawsuit revolves around Honda's Idle-Stop feature and how it refused to start the engine up again after activating, Car Complaints reports. How Honda's system works is that it shuts off the engine after it comes to a stop and idles for more than two seconds. When the brake pedal is released, the system will restart the engine automatically. According to the lawsuit, the idle-stop system wouldn't allow the engine to restart, even after the engine start button was pressed. leaving the vehicle immobile. According to the lawsuit, the feature wouldn't allow the engine to restart even after the brake pedal was released, and it has been ongoing for quite some time. Michael Austin Affected Models Both Honda and Acura models were affected, including those with 3.5-liter engines and 9-speed automatic transmissions. This isn't the first time that Honda's 3.5-liter V6 has been "taken to court." In fact, there is another lawsuit involving these motors for a different issue. 2015 to 2020 Acura TLX 2016 to 2020 Acura MDX 2016 to 2021 Honda Pilot2019 to 2021 Honda Passport 2020 to 2021 Honda RidgelineVehicles that have already undergone the warranty process, as indicated by a new starter motor replacement (A53 starter motor assembly), are not included in the warranty extension. Honda's Response Honda's been hit with a lot of lawsuits lately, from peeling white paint to phantom braking. This is yet another lawsuit that Big H has to handle. Owners filed multiple class-action lawsuits and then consolidated them into one, called "In re Honda Idle Stop Litigation." The judge allowed the plaintiffs to modify and refile their class action a total of five times. It was certified in 11 states, and in a bid to settle, Honda offered 10-year warranty extensions in 2022 and 2023 for the affected models. The extended period began when the model went into service. Honda even skipped the technical inspection entirely for this issue, allowing eligible vehicles to claim the extended warranty without having to reproduce the problem. More problems arose with the initial offer, as some affected models were more than 10 years old by the time a fix was available. Honda was rather generous and offered an extension to the Idle Stop warranty claim period, which is 24 months for 2015 model year vehicles and 18 months for 2016 model year vehicles. Honda has also offered reimbursements to customers who paid for Idle Stop repairs themselves. Owners who have repaired the issue can apply for settlement via reimbursement, provided that proper documentation of the repair is available. The Settlement The 20 Honda customers who sued the Japanese automaker will receive $7,500 each. However, the lawyers representing those plaintiffs are seeking $35,250,000 in attorney fees and $823,131.24 in expenses. A final approval hearing is scheduled for June 1, 2026, and might finally bring this litigation to an end, but for now, nothing is official until the judge grants final approval. Copyright 2015 Brandon Turkus / AOL View the full article

Shannon and Jess are moving right along on the FJ40 and things just keep getting better. If you like a Landcruiser, you’ll dig this one. But if restored to factory is your jam, this one might not be quite up your alley. We dig them all, so we are in. Check it out as Shannon gets rolling with winch mount and bumper fabrication, plus race prep! If you missed this FJ40 project that Shannon Campbell is working on, we’ve got a link below, but if you are back for the next installment in this build series you are in luck as well. I think this is going to be a fun project, because I love FJ40s, but if you have any ideas of building a custom chassis for your FJ or Jeep, you should check this one out. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE UPDATES ON THIS FJ40 PROJECT SO FAR Video Description: This one is PACKED and a little all over the place—in the best way We’re in full crunch mode getting everything ready before heading out to Moab where we’ll be racing at Area BFE this week! Shannon puts in some serious work on the FJ40: Builds a custom winch mount Fabricates the rear bumper Keeps the momentum going on this full build Meanwhile, Donnie gets after it installing gears and lockers On the race car side, we FINALLY get the transmission back and installed just in time before hitting the road for Moab… because of course, nothing happens early around here Jess sneaks in a little Saturday cruise in the Scrambler (because priorities ‍) The post FJ40 Land Cruiser Custom Fabrication: Fabrication Marathon! Winch Mount, Bumper & Race Prep Madness In The Shop appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Pain PointThere are a lot of things to consider when jumping into the EV lifestyle. Most people will complain about the high prices of EVs and some of the disadvantages in certain situations. One big pain point is the sometimes lack of charging infrastructure in more populated areas, where charging can be a hassle and lines can build up. As we all know, lining up for anything is a bit of a hassle, especially if the line barely moves. Since charging an EV isn't necessarily as quick (yet) as filling up with gas, these frustrations sometimes boil over, leading, in some cases, to fisticuffs between EV owners. Getty Images Virtual QueuingTesla is finally acknowledging the issue of queueing at its Supercharger locations nationwide. According to Not a Tesla App, the EV automaker is working on building a virtual queueing system in the Tesla app. When a driver is near a Supercharger, the app will alert them to the current capacity and usage of the station, and then allow them to join the queue. The app will then manage the queueing system itself, removing the burden of arguing with another owner over who was first in line. The app update doesn't only use the car's location relative to the Supercharger, but also the driver's location. While the app is closed, it will use your location to notify you of accurate wait times at Superchargers when you arrive. A follow-up message will be sent to the driver, confirming that there is a waitlist to charge, and will then ask if the driver is sure to start a charging session at that location. Once the driver confirms, the app will update the driver on their position in the waitlist and how many cars are ahead of them. Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images Notable IncidentsTesla Superchargers have been the subject of a variety of incidents, usually of the not-so-good kind. There are often reports of vandalism at some locations, but in relation to queuing at these locations, sometime in 2025, a video surfaced online showing a physical fight breaking out between owners who were arguing over who was first in line to charge. Hopefully, the queuing app does its job, given that many more brands are getting access to charging at Tesla's Supercharging stations, which will drive up traffic. Kristen Brown View the full article