An Albany, Georgia man is taking his local sheriff's office to court, and he's asking for a number that would make most of us sit down first: $8 million. Clinton Richer says he spent more than a year behind bars for a crime he insists he had nothing to do with, and now he wants Dougherty County to answer for it.

The case traces back to October 2023, according to WALB News 10, when an inmate named Carleton Gillis slipped away from custody while receiving medical treatment at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Anyone who has ever watched a police procedural knows what happens next: a manhunt. Deputies searched for days before finally tracking Gillis down in Albany, and in the process, several people connected to him ended up facing charges too, including his own mother and stepfather.

Richer got swept into that net. Investigators say they believed Gillis had been staying at Richer's home and had access to his truck, and that after informing Richer of Gillis's outstanding warrants, they believed Richer knowingly helped him evade capture. Richer was charged with aiding and abetting after officers reportedly found Gillis inside his truck.

Richer tells it differently. He says Gillis did stop by his place a couple of times, but that he turned him away and told him he couldn't stay. He flatly denies picking Gillis up from the hospital, calling that specific claim in his indictment untrue. What followed, he says, was a four-hour standoff with a SWAT team over an accusation that ultimately went nowhere.

What Happened During the Investigation

Body camera footage obtained by WALB shows investigators discussing the case with dispatch, explaining their reasoning for arresting Richer along with another man who was reportedly in the truck at the time.

From the sheriff's office's side, this looks like a case of officers working with the information they had in the moment during an active search for an escaped inmate. From Richer's side, it looks like a mistake that cost him dearly.

A Year Behind Bars, Then No Case At All

Richer spent roughly a year and a month in jail before the charges against him were dismissed. Court records show the case was "nolle prossed," legal language for prosecutors deciding not to pursue it further.

That's not the same as a court declaring him innocent, but it does mean the case never moved forward to a conviction. A judge, Denise Marshall, ultimately dismissed the charges, citing a lack of evidence.

The Cost of Sitting in Jail

Richer says the fallout went well beyond lost time. He claims he lost two businesses, a college scholarship due to missed attendance, his vehicle, and the tools and equipment that were on it.

Whether or not you've ever had a run-in with the law, most gearheads can appreciate the sting of watching a truck full of tools and equipment disappear into an impound lot for over a year.

Where Things Stand Now

The Dougherty County Sheriff's Office maintains that investigators acted on the information available to them at the time. Richer's lawsuit argues his involvement was wrongly identified and that officers failed to properly verify details before making the arrest.

As always with an active lawsuit, these are allegations that haven't been tested in court yet, so this one is worth keeping an eye on as it develops.

Emergency service vehicles need to be given the right of way immediately, but motorists who are unaware of their surroundings often hold them up, causing valuable time to be lost while responding to emergencies.

Whether it's an ambulance, a fire truck, or a police car, emergency vehicles should be allowed to pass without delay, and failing to do so could result in a penalty.

A video from the Netherlands on social media showing a fire engine spraying water at the car in front of it has gone viral, serving as a reminder to motorists about move-over laws.

However, the firefighters' actions in the video were for an entirely different purpose, even though the footage still serves as a reminder for drivers to stay alert for vehicles displaying emergency lights.

Airport Fire Engine Sprays Water on Car Blocking Its Path

A video posted by AsiaOne on Instagram shows an airport fire engine with its lights flashing and sirens blaring as it follows a hatchback traveling down the middle of the road between two lanes.

At first glance, it appears as though the fire engine is trying to get past the car, but there isn't enough room on either side for the driver to overtake safely.

Seemingly unable to move forward, the fire engine's operator activates a front-mounted water nozzle, unleashing a powerful spray that completely drenches the hatchback and briefly obscures it from view.

The footage then shows both vehicles passing the person filming, with the fire engine continuing to spray water at the car as it drives behind it.

A caption in the video reads, "Dutch fire engine water blasts car for not giving way."

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Comments Expose Fire Incident Reality

Anyone watching the video could easily be led to believe it depicts a real incident. However, users in the comments section suggest that the footage is from a show in which this scene was orchestrated. Some comments are highlighted below:

One user confirmed:

"This was a show. Not a actual incident" [sic]

Another user said it was for a fire department anniversary:

"For context, don’t worry: This fire department celebrated their 80th anniversary and this was one of the various demonstrations that day."

One more user wrote along similar lines:

"It is a show🤣, it was a 25th year anniversery for the volunteer fire department! Some of these guys work the daytime job on a air base close to the smal town they volunteer. They took the airpland fire engine tk give a show 🤣" [sic]

A user claimed the information provided in the post is false: 

"Note: The information is click bait. This was a demonstration and this firetruck was not on it's way to a real call. The crashtender belongs to Lelystad Airport."

Still, There is Something to Take Away

Despite it being a show, the message remains clear: allow emergency service vehicles to pass as a priority. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), all 50 states in the USA have Move Over laws.

A violation of the Move Over law results in fines and even jail time in some cases. The report reads:

"In 19 states and Washington, DC, laws include moving over for all vehicles with flashing or hazard lights, such as: law enforcement, EMS, fire, highway maintenance, construction, utility, trash, and disabled vehicles."

If an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is stopped or beside a roadway, motorists approaching the emergency vehicle must take the following precautions:

• Change into a lane not immediately adjacent to the vehicle, or
• Slow down to a reasonable speed if you’re unable to safely make a lane change.

BYD Australia is offering full refunds to more than 1,200 customers after discovering that some vehicles sold as 2026-built models were actually produced in 2025. The automaker is blaming the mix-up on an internal administrative error involving how vehicle production dates were recorded.

Australian car site Drive reports that a total of 1,265 customers are affected. Buyers had ordered and paid for vehicles they believed were built in 2026, only to later learn that their cars had rolled off the production line the previous year.

BYD initially offered approximately A$1,100 in compensation to affected owners, but the company has since expanded its response. Customers can now pursue a full refund of the original transaction price, while reports also indicate that other remedies may be available depending on the individual case.

The issue does not necessarily mean the affected cars differ mechanically from 2026-built examples, but the build year can still matter significantly for resale and trade-in values. For buyers who specifically contracted for a 2026-built vehicle, receiving an older build can therefore have real financial consequences even when the car itself is otherwise identical.

BYD Blames an Administrative Error

BYD says the mistake resulted from confusion between the date a vehicle left the factory grounds and the date it was actually manufactured. That incorrect information was then reportedly communicated to customers as the vehicle's build year.

The company has apologized and said its teams have taken steps to prevent the same problem from happening again. BYD has also denied that it only expanded its compensation offer after the issue gained media attention.

Affected vehicles reportedly span multiple models rather than a single nameplate. Customers interviewed by Australian media included owners of the Atto 3, while other reports suggest a broader mix of BYD products may have been involved.

The company maintains that the issue was administrative rather than deliberate. There has been no finding that BYD intentionally misrepresented vehicles, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission had not announced a formal investigation at the time of the reports.

Why a One-Year Build Difference Matters

To some buyers, the distinction between a late-2025 and early-2026 build might seem minor, particularly if specifications, warranty coverage, and equipment are unchanged. In the used-car market, however, build year can influence valuation.

A vehicle officially recorded as a 2025 build may be treated as older when it is eventually sold or traded, even if it was first registered in 2026. That can affect depreciation calculations and the price future buyers are willing to pay.

The issue can be particularly sensitive with EVs, where used values are already under pressure from rapid technology improvements and frequent new-car price changes. Owners expecting a newer build year may therefore reasonably worry that an older production date could further affect resale value.

That is why the full-refund option matters. Rather than forcing customers to accept compensation for the discrepancy, BYD is now allowing affected buyers to unwind the original transaction entirely.

The Refund Bill Could Be Significant

If large numbers of customers choose full refunds, the financial impact could become substantial. Using a rough average transaction price of A$40,000 per vehicle, refunding all 1,265 affected buyers would represent nearly A$51 million in returned purchase payments.

That does not necessarily mean BYD would suffer a loss of that entire amount, since refunded vehicles could potentially be resold. Even so, handling buybacks, replacements, administrative costs, and possible depreciation would make the mistake expensive.

The timing is also awkward for BYD, which has been expanding rapidly in Australia and building a larger presence in one of the world's most competitive automotive markets. Reliability and value have helped Chinese automakers gain ground, but customer trust becomes equally important as those brands move into the mainstream.

A Painful Mistake During Rapid Growth

BYD has characterized the situation as an unfortunate clerical problem, and there is currently no evidence that the affected vehicles have mechanical defects connected to the build-year discrepancy. The problem is ultimately one of customer expectations and contractual accuracy.

For an automaker growing as quickly as BYD, however, that distinction does not make the issue insignificant. Buyers expect the vehicle they receive to match the one described in their paperwork, especially when something as basic as the production year can affect future value.

Offering full refunds is a costly way to correct the problem, but it also gives customers a clearer path forward than the initial compensation offer. BYD may be able to fix the paperwork and compensate buyers, but the bigger challenge will be making sure a mistake like this does not follow the brand as it continues its aggressive international expansion.

Honda New Zealand is opening the doors to part of its private Heritage Collection, giving enthusiasts a rare opportunity to buy cars that have spent their recent lives preserved by the automaker itself. A total of 19 vehicles are being offered as Honda prepares to close its longtime facility in Nelson, New Zealand.

Most of the collection is heading to auction with no reserve, meaning the market will ultimately decide what these cars are worth. The selection stretches across several decades of Honda history, ranging from a highly desirable EK9 Civic Type R to humble family cars and one remarkably well-traveled Civic.

The sale follows Honda's decision to close its Nelson facility after a 46-year presence at the site. Before becoming associated with Honda, the factory assembled British Leyland products, including models from Triumph, Jaguar, Rover, and Austin, before switching to Honda production in 1980.

Local vehicle assembly ended in 1998, after New Zealand removed import tariffs and domestic production became financially unviable. The facility continued operating as Honda's National Distribution Center, but its closure has prompted the company to find new homes for part of the collection stored there.

The EK9 Civic Type R Is The Obvious Headliner

For performance enthusiasts, the standout is a 2000 Honda Civic Type R from the legendary EK9 generation. Imported from Japan, the Championship White hatchback has traveled approximately 154,000 km, or 95,700 miles, and retains its signature red Recaro seats.

Under the hood sits Honda's naturally aspirated 1.6-liter B16B four-cylinder, an engine that helped establish the early Type R formula of high revs, low weight, and sharp responses. This particular example isn't completely stock, however, as a previous owner fitted an aftermarket intake and exhaust.

Honda is also selling two track-only Type R examples dating from 2005 and 2022. Another enthusiast-friendly entry is a manual-transmission Honda Jazz RS equipped with Mugen upgrades, offering something considerably less exotic but potentially just as entertaining on the right road.

Honda's most valuable museum pieces aren't leaving the collection, as the original NSX, S2000, and Integra Type R are reportedly staying behind, so anyone hoping the clear-out might include one of the brand's greatest performance icons will have to settle for admiring those from a distance.

One Accord Has Barely Been Driven

Perhaps the most fascinating car in the sale isn't a Type R at all. Honda is offering a locally assembled 1995 Accord LXi with just 7,600 km, or roughly 4,700 miles, showing on its odometer.

Finished in burgundy, the fifth-generation Accord pairs a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission. Its extremely low mileage makes it an unusual time capsule from an era when Accords were common sights on roads around the world, but surviving examples in near-unused condition are increasingly difficult to find.

Another low-mileage Accord comes from 1989 and has covered just over 33,000 km. The purple sedan is equipped with leather upholstery, a sunroof, power windows, and power mirrors, giving buyers another remarkably well-preserved piece of everyday Honda history.

The collection also includes a 1987 Accord Aerodeck, whose distinctive three-door shooting-brake shape makes it one of the more unusual cars in the group. A locally assembled 1987 Civic GTi should attract attention as well, particularly among collectors interested in Honda's lesser-known performance models.

There's Even A Civic With 260,000 Miles

Not every car in Honda's collection spent its life avoiding the open road. At the opposite end of the mileage spectrum sits a 1992 Civic hatchback that has accumulated an impressive 418,563 km, equivalent to nearly 260,000 miles.

Powered by a modest 1.3-liter engine paired with a manual gearbox, the locally assembled Civic reportedly had a single owner from new. Honda preserved it as an example of the durability that helped build the company's reputation, and its odometer has now recorded a distance greater than the average gap between Earth and the Moon.

Other curiosities include a brightly repainted 1988 Honda City with approximately 24,000 km on the clock, along with additional Civics and Accords spanning multiple generations. Collectively, the auction offers an unusually broad snapshot of the cars that built Honda's reputation long before Type R badges and high-dollar collector sales dominated enthusiast conversations.

The Cars Are Leaving For A Good Cause

Honda is conducting the sale in partnership with New Zealand marketplace Trade Me, with bidding on 16 of the 19 vehicles scheduled to conclude on July 29. Proceeds from the sale are set to benefit local charities, adding a worthwhile purpose to the breakup of part of the Heritage Collection.

For collectors, the appeal goes beyond finding the rarest or fastest Honda in the warehouse. Cars like a barely driven 1995 Accord, an obscure Civic GTi, or even a 260,000-mile economy hatchback tell different parts of the company's history than an NSX ever could.

The EK9 Civic Type R will predictably attract plenty of attention, but the ordinary cars may ultimately be the most interesting pieces here. With no reserve protecting most of them, Honda is giving enthusiasts a genuine chance to put a piece of its New Zealand history in their own garage.

Building a hypercar with 1,850 horsepower and then insisting horsepower isn't particularly important takes some confidence. That's effectively the argument Zenvo is making with the Aurora, its upcoming V12 hybrid flagship that the Danish manufacturer wants to position as a driver's car first and a collection of outrageous statistics second.

That might sound difficult to believe when the specification sheet includes a quad-turbocharged V12, hybrid assistance, and enough combined output to embarrass almost anything with license plates. Yet Zenvo Executive Chairman Jens Sverdrup says the company's priorities extend well beyond chasing the biggest numbers.

Instead, Zenvo wants the Aurora to deliver the kind of communication and involvement normally associated with much simpler performance cars. Steering feel, throttle response, sound, vibration, and precision are apparently higher on the development team's priority list than claiming another hypercar record.

The approximately $3 million Aurora will be offered in two distinct forms, the Tur and Agil, with production versions recently shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Both are spectacularly powerful, but Zenvo's challenge is making that performance accessible and enjoyable when the car isn't being driven at ten-tenths.

Zenvo Says A Great Car Starts With The Steering

Sverdrup believes the steering system is fundamental to the entire driving experience. Get that wrong, he argues, and the rest of the car's performance becomes considerably less meaningful.

That philosophy helps explain why the Aurora uses hydraulic power steering rather than pursuing a fully electric system. Zenvo is targeting what Sverdrup describes as an organic, Lotus-like feeling through the wheel, giving drivers a clearer connection to what the front tires are doing.

The benchmark list is also surprisingly old-school for an 1,850-hp hypercar. Sverdrup cited the original Honda NSX as one reference point, alongside the McLaren 675LT and lightweight Lotus models from the 1960s.

Notably absent from that conversation are many of the obvious hypercar rivals. Zenvo isn't primarily trying to recreate the Bugatti approach, according to Sverdrup, despite operating in similarly rarefied territory when it comes to performance and price.

The Numbers Are Still Completely Absurd

Of course, it's difficult to ignore what powers the Aurora. Its quad-turbocharged V12 works with a hybrid system to produce as much as 1,850 horsepower, placing the car firmly among the most extreme road-going machines being developed today.

That creates an interesting philosophical contradiction. Zenvo wants the driver to feel deeply involved with the machine, yet the Aurora has levels of performance that will be impossible to fully explore on most public roads.

Unlike the famously analog Gordon Murray Automotive approach, the Aurora also won't offer a manual transmission. Gear changes are handled through large steering-wheel-mounted paddles, meaning Zenvo's definition of driver engagement doesn't depend on having three pedals and an H-pattern shifter.

Instead, the company appears to be concentrating on the quality of the controls themselves. Sverdrup wants the driver to feel integrated into the mechanical experience, with immediate responses and enough feedback to make the Aurora entertaining regardless of how quickly it is traveling.

Chasing Records Can Come With Compromises

Zenvo's reluctance to focus entirely on statistics comes partly from Sverdrup's experience elsewhere in the hypercar industry. His background includes time with Koenigsegg, Czinger, and Rimac, giving him firsthand exposure to companies operating at the sharpest end of automotive performance.

His concern is that chasing lap records and maximum-speed figures can force engineers into compromises. A car optimized around extreme high-speed performance may become less enjoyable during the far more common situations where its owner is driving slowly.

That's something Zenvo wants to avoid with the Aurora. Sverdrup argues that a hypercar should still be enjoyable on a canyon road or even while crawling through heavy traffic, rather than requiring an empty circuit to reveal its personality.

Usability has consequently played a role in the Aurora's development. Zenvo has considered relatively mundane details such as making the car easy to enter and exit, while the interior combines dramatic hypercar presentation with a functional, Scandinavian-inspired approach.

Can 1,850 HP Really Feel Delicate?

The real test will come when people outside Zenvo finally get behind the wheel. Building an enormously powerful hypercar is one challenge; making one communicate with the delicacy of an old Lotus or the clarity of an original NSX is something entirely different.

Zenvo's intentions are certainly intriguing. In a segment where manufacturers compete over top speeds, acceleration figures, lap times, and increasingly enormous horsepower outputs, focusing on steering feel gives the Aurora a potentially distinctive identity.

The company displayed the production-spec Aurora Tur and Agil at Goodwood this year, but the cars are expected to return in 2027 under considerably noisier circumstances. Zenvo says they'll tackle the famous hillclimb with their V12 engines spinning toward 10,000 rpm.

At that point, keeping everyone's attention focused on the steering rather than the 1,850 horsepower screaming behind the driver could prove rather difficult.

Volvo and station wagons belong together, yet American buyers are about to experience something unusual: a Volvo lineup without a single longroof. With the V60 Cross Country and V90 Cross Country departing the U.S. after the 2026 model year, the Swedish automaker is temporarily leaving one of the body styles most closely associated with its identity.

That absence might not last long. A report from Automotive News claims Volvo is considering bringing a new electric station wagon to the United States, potentially giving wagon enthusiasts another option as soon as 2028.

The proposed EV would reportedly be joined by an electric sedan, with both models already under development primarily for Europe. Neither has been officially confirmed for the U.S., and Volvo declined to comment on the report, but bringing the pair across the Atlantic is apparently under consideration.

There is, of course, one significant difference between these potential newcomers and the Volvos many wagon loyalists remember. If the electric longroof does arrive, there won't be a turbocharged five-cylinder, supercharged four-cylinder, or even a plug-in hybrid under the hood. This time, Volvo's American wagon comeback could be entirely battery-powered.

A New Electric Wagon Could Arrive In 2028

The future sedan and wagon are reportedly being developed using Volvo's SPA3 architecture. That's the same next-generation platform underpinning the EX60 electric SUV, giving Volvo a common technical foundation for several different body styles.

While the exact names remain unknown, the models are expected to sit somewhere within Volvo's 60- or 70-series range. With the larger ES90 electric sedan already available in other markets, an ES60 badge would seem logical for the smaller sedan, while an electric wagon could potentially adopt a related designation.

A Cross Country version may also be possible. Volvo has a long history of taking its wagons, adding extra ground clearance and rugged-looking bodywork, and creating vehicles that split the difference between traditional estates and SUVs.

If approved for America, the new EVs would reportedly arrive in 2028 after being homologated for the U.S. market. Production is expected to take place in Europe.

Volvo Isn't Expecting Huge Sales

Nobody should expect an electric Volvo wagon to suddenly dethrone the country's best-selling SUVs. According to the report, Volvo could target combined annual U.S. sales of around 10,000 units for the sedan and wagon.

Pricing is expected to begin somewhere in the low-$50,000 range, although specifications and final positioning remain uncertain. That would place the cars in premium territory without pushing them into the pricing stratosphere occupied by some high-performance European wagons.

The relatively modest sales expectations aren't particularly surprising. American buyers have steadily abandoned sedans and station wagons in favor of crossovers and SUVs, leaving the traditional wagon as an increasingly niche proposition.

Volvo itself has participated in that transition. Once synonymous with practical, boxy family wagons, the automaker's American lineup is moving toward SUVs as its remaining longroof models disappear.

Volvo Thinks The SUV Boom May Have Gone Too Far

Interestingly, Volvo doesn't appear convinced that an SUV-only future is inevitable. CEO Håkan Samuelsson recently suggested the market may have swung too aggressively toward SUVs and predicted other body styles could eventually make a comeback.

Electric vehicles could actually strengthen the case for wagons. Compared with taller SUVs, a lower body can reduce frontal area and aerodynamic drag, potentially helping engineers extract additional driving range from the same battery capacity.

There may also be a generational factor at play. Just as previous generations moved away from the station wagons their parents drove, future buyers could eventually view SUVs as the conventional family vehicles they want to replace with something different.

That doesn't guarantee a wagon renaissance, particularly in the United States. It does, however, give automakers another reason to reconsider the longroof as efficiency becomes increasingly important in EV development.

An Electric Return To Volvo's Roots

A new wagon would carry plenty of historical significance for Volvo. Models ranging from the famously durable 200 Series estates to the 850 T-5R helped establish the company's reputation for combining practicality with distinctive Scandinavian character.

The potential new EV obviously wouldn't recreate those cars mechanically. It could, however, revive the basic philosophy of offering family-friendly cargo space without requiring buyers to step up into another tall crossover.

For now, American Volvo wagon fans shouldn't start preparing their deposits. The electric sedan and wagon are reportedly intended for Europe first, and a U.S. launch remains under consideration rather than officially confirmed.

Still, the possibility is encouraging. Volvo may be preparing to leave the American station wagon market after 2026, but if these reports prove accurate, the company's longroof exile could last only a couple of years.

Harley-Davidson has turned another evocative trademark into a real motorcycle. The new 2026 Harley-Davidson Deadwood takes inspiration from the stripped-down bobbers that emerged after World War II, combining their minimalist attitude with the comfort and technology expected from a thoroughly modern Harley.

That creates an entertaining contradiction. The original bobber movement was built around removing unnecessary components, while the Deadwood arrives with cornering ABS, traction control, selectable riding modes, tire-pressure monitoring, LED lighting, USB-C charging, and connections for heated riding gear.

Underneath the vintage-inspired appearance is Harley's familiar Softail architecture and a Milwaukee-Eight 117 Classic V-twin. The result is a motorcycle designed to look like it has been stripped to the essentials without requiring its owner to sacrifice modern safety systems or everyday usability.

For now, the Deadwood is destined exclusively for the United States and Canada. In the U.S., prices start at $17,999, with the motorcycle scheduled to make its public debut on August 7 at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Inspired By The Original Bobber Movement

Harley says the Deadwood draws inspiration from the years following World War II, when returning servicemen began modifying motorcycles by removing excess weight and decorative components. Those home-built machines helped establish the visual language that would eventually become associated with bobbers.

The Deadwood recreates that appearance with a predominantly black finish covering the engine, exhaust, controls, fork covers, handlebar, headlight bucket, and other components. Small chrome details on the lower rocker covers and pushrod tubes provide some contrast while emphasizing the shape of the V-twin.

Denim Black paint covers the five-gallon fuel tank and fenders, while black-rimmed wire-spoke wheels and a tuck-and-roll solo seat complete the look. With no standard passenger seat or saddlebags cluttering the silhouette, the Softail frame remains visually prominent.

Its 25.5-inch seat height also places the Deadwood among Harley-Davidson's lowest 2026 motorcycles. The hidden rear monoshock preserves the appearance of an old-fashioned hardtail while providing 3.4 inches of rear suspension travel and hydraulic preload adjustment.

The Milwaukee-Eight 117 Brings The Muscle

Power comes from Harley-Davidson's 1,923cc Milwaukee-Eight 117 Classic V-twin, producing a claimed 98 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque. Rather than chasing maximum output, Harley says the engine has been tuned to deliver accessible performance and a broad spread of torque.

A two-into-one exhaust system handles spent gases while contributing to the Deadwood's stripped-back appearance. The combination should make the bike particularly well-suited to relaxed cruising and strong roll-on acceleration, which fits its old-school character better than an obsession with outright horsepower figures.

The chassis hardware follows a relatively familiar Softail formula. A 49mm dual-bending-valve fork handles suspension duties up front, while braking comes from a single 300mm front rotor and a 292mm rear rotor.

Tubeless laced wheels carry a 100/90B19 tire at the front and a wider 150/80B16 at the rear. The setup preserves the traditional wire-wheel aesthetic without giving riders the additional inconvenience associated with conventional inner tubes.

Old-School Looks Meet Modern Electronics

The Deadwood's electronics package is where the postwar bobber inspiration meets 2026. Standard equipment includes cornering ABS, cornering traction control, drag-torque slip control, and tire-pressure monitoring.

Riders also get Road, Sport, and Rain riding modes, allowing the motorcycle to adjust throttle response and electronic intervention depending on conditions. It's considerably easier than the performance modifications available to the garage builders who inspired the Deadwood.

Lighting is entirely LED, including a seven-inch headlight and auxiliary fog lamps. A five-inch tank-mounted instrument cluster combines an analog speedometer with a multifunction LCD display, preserving some traditional styling while providing modern information.

There is also a conveniently located USB-C connection and two heated-gear connectors beneath the seat. The latter may seem slightly excessive for such a deliberately minimalist motorcycle, although anyone who has spent hours riding through cold weather probably won't complain.

Retro Without The Vintage Headaches

The Deadwood ultimately represents a familiar idea executed with a distinctly Harley-Davidson flavor. It offers the visual simplicity of an old-school custom motorcycle while secretly hiding decades of engineering progress underneath.

Purists could argue that loading a stripped-down bobber with electronic rider aids misses the original point. Most owners, however, will probably appreciate having modern brakes, functioning suspension, traction control, and an engine that reliably starts every morning.

Even the Deadwood name feels appropriately chosen. Deadwood, South Dakota, sits within the Black Hills and is closely associated with the same region that hosts the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

That makes Sturgis an appropriate stage for the bike's August debut. The 2026 Harley-Davidson Deadwood may look like something inspired by a postwar garage build, but underneath the black paint and chopped-down attitude is a modern motorcycle designed to make nostalgia considerably easier to live with.

Mazda has spent the past few years dropping increasingly tantalizing hints about its sports car future. Now, newly surfaced patent filings may offer another piece of the puzzle, although they also raise some intriguing questions about exactly what the Japanese automaker is developing.

The patents depict a compact, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive convertible with an unusual feature for Mazda: butterfly-style doors. Under the hood, however, the drawings appear to show a longitudinally mounted four-cylinder engine rather than the rotary-based electrified powertrain enthusiasts might expect from Mazda's recent concepts.

Mazda hasn't identified the vehicle shown in the documents, so there is no confirmation that these drawings preview a specific production model. The obvious possibilities include engineering work connected to the next-generation MX-5 Miata, a future production interpretation of the Iconic SP concept, or potentially an architecture that could underpin multiple sports cars.

Whatever Mazda is planning, the patents suggest the company is continuing to invest engineering resources into lightweight, rear-wheel-drive performance cars. That alone should be encouraging for enthusiasts, even if the rotary engine appears to be missing from this particular set of drawings.

Mazda Is Exploring Butterfly Doors

One of the patents focuses on the vehicle's hinge-pillar structure and describes a flip-up side door arrangement. The design would allow the rear portion of the door to move outward and upward, creating an opening mechanism similar to butterfly or scissor doors.

That would be unfamiliar territory for a production Mazda. The automaker has experimented with unconventional door designs before, most famously with the RX-8's rear-hinged auxiliary doors, but dramatic upward-opening doors have never reached one of its production models.

The filing also details structural measures designed to maintain chassis rigidity. Mazda describes positioning the A-pillars closer to the shock towers, along with additional bracing intended to transfer suspension loads through reinforced areas of the body.

Another element described in the patent is an apron frame connecting portions of the front structure to the firewall. The apparent objective is to increase stiffness while controlling weight, an especially important consideration if the vehicle is indeed a convertible without a fixed roof contributing to structural rigidity.

The Engine Raises Even More Questions

Perhaps the most interesting detail isn't the doors at all. Patent illustrations appear to show a conventional four-cylinder engine mounted longitudinally ahead of the passenger compartment, along with what looks like a traditional transmission tunnel.

That layout immediately invites comparisons with the MX-5. Mazda has already indicated that the next generation of its roadster will preserve the fundamental formula that has defined the Miata for decades: low weight, compact dimensions, and an internal-combustion engine.

Fancy butterfly doors, however, would seem like an unusual addition to a car famous for simplicity and affordability. Such hardware could add cost and complexity to a model whose appeal has traditionally come from avoiding exactly those things.

The Iconic SP presents another possibility. Revealed as a sleek sports car concept with butterfly doors, it was originally presented with a two-rotor rotary engine serving as a generator within an electrified powertrain.

The architecture depicted in these patents appears considerably different, at least on the surface. That raises the possibility that Mazda could be investigating alternative powertrains for a production sports car inspired by the Iconic SP, although the patents alone aren't enough to establish that conclusion.

Could Mazda Be Developing One Platform For Two Sports Cars?

There is another intriguing possibility: Mazda could be developing a flexible sports car architecture capable of supporting different models and powertrains. In that scenario, the patent drawings might represent underlying engineering solutions rather than an exact preview of one future vehicle.

A shared architecture could theoretically help Mazda spread development costs while preserving distinct identities for the MX-5 and a higher-performance sports car. The Miata could remain relatively simple and accessible, while another model could adopt more exotic styling, greater performance, and features such as butterfly doors.

That remains speculation for now. Automakers regularly patent technologies and engineering concepts that never reach production, while patent illustrations are often simplified and shouldn't necessarily be interpreted as accurate previews of finished vehicles.

Still, the combination shown here is difficult to ignore. A compact Mazda sports car with rear-wheel drive, a longitudinal engine, and butterfly doors sounds like an enthusiast's wish list.

The surprising part is what isn't visible. After years of anticipation surrounding Mazda's potential rotary-powered sports car revival, these latest patents suggest the company's next performance machine could take a very different route.

BMW is giving car shoppers a new way to waste an afternoon building imaginary dream cars. The automaker has launched a vehicle configurator plugin for ChatGPT, allowing customers to create and refine BMW configurations through a natural conversation instead of clicking through endless menus.

The system combines ChatGPT's conversational interface with BMW's current product and configuration database. Users can describe what they want from a car in ordinary language, whether that means maximum performance, more cargo space, all-wheel drive, lower running costs, or simply a specific color.

BMW says the tool can then recommend suitable models and configurations based on those priorities. Customers can continue the conversation to adjust individual preferences, compare alternatives, and narrow down the specification until they arrive at something that fits their needs.

Once a user is happy with the result, the selected configuration can be opened in BMW's traditional online configurator. Shoppers can also search for existing inventory with similar specifications, potentially turning an AI-assisted fantasy build into an actual purchase.

Building a BMW Becomes a Conversation

Traditional online configurators generally require customers to select a model before working through trim levels, engines, paint colors, wheels, interior materials, and option packages. BMW's new system attempts to reverse that process by starting with what the customer actually wants from the vehicle.

A buyer could theoretically ask for a powerful BMW with all-wheel drive that is comfortable enough for daily commuting, then refine the request by adding requirements for a specific budget or exterior color. The system can use those details to narrow the company's lineup and suggest a suitable configuration.

The conversation can then continue without starting over. Users can ask how a different model might compare, request more performance, prioritize efficiency, or change their preferred drivetrain.

That approach could be particularly useful for customers unfamiliar with BMW's increasingly complex model lineup. Rather than knowing exactly which combination of model, engine, and trim to select, shoppers can begin with their needs and let the system guide them toward potential matches.

The Recommendations Use BMW's Own Configurator Data

BMW says the plugin draws its recommendations from the latest information available through the company's official vehicle configurator. That should help ensure suggested models and options reflect what BMW currently offers rather than relying solely on general AI knowledge.

The system is also designed to handle comparisons between different configurations. Buyers could weigh factors such as driving dynamics, operating costs, powertrain choices, available colors, and all-wheel drive without manually rebuilding multiple cars from scratch.

For more complicated requests, the conversational format may have an advantage over traditional configurators. Someone looking for a vehicle that needs to satisfy several competing requirements can keep adjusting the request until the recommendation becomes more specific.

BMW says that when questions extend beyond its configuration database, ChatGPT may also use current online information when the appropriate web features are available and enabled.

It Could Be Useful Even If You're Not Buying

Of course, not everyone who opens a car configurator is seriously preparing to place an order. Enthusiasts have spent years using these tools simply to experiment with paint colors, wheels, interiors, and expensive options they may never actually purchase.

Adding conversational AI could make that process even easier. Instead of manually building several cars to compare them, users can simply ask for alternatives or request changes based on a particular goal.

That could make the tool equally appealing to serious shoppers and people who just want to see what their ideal M car, luxury sedan, or road-trip SUV might look like.

BMW Is Betting on AI-Assisted Car Shopping

BMW sees conversational AI as another digital channel for customers to interact with the brand. The company believes search habits are increasingly moving away from traditional menus and toward systems where users simply describe what they need and receive personalized answers.

For car shopping, that could be a meaningful shift. Modern vehicle lineups can be complicated, with overlapping models, multiple powertrains, and option packages that are not always easy for newcomers to understand.

The new ChatGPT integration does not replace BMW's existing configurator, but it could make getting to the right configuration much faster. Instead of knowing exactly what BMW you want before you start, you can now begin with a simple request and refine your dream car one conversation at a time.

For enthusiasts who already spend far too much time configuring cars they have no intention of buying, BMW may have just made the habit even harder to break.

A Kansas fisherman near Herington Lake heard the sound of a vehicle crashing shortly after midnight. He could not see where it had happened, but he could hear someone in the darkness calling for help.

When emergency crews finally located the source of those cries, they were not looking at a pickup sitting in a shallow ditch. The truck had plunged into a circular, water-filled cistern approximately 30 feet across and was already submerged.

The lone occupant had escaped the cab but remained trapped inside the shaft. According to firefighters, he was floating on a spare tire and could barely touch the bed of the truck as it continued sinking beneath him.

What followed was an extraordinary rescue involving multiple fire departments, emergency medical crews, sheriff's deputies, technical rope equipment, a 35-foot ladder, divers, and a 50-ton heavy wrecker brought in to lift the pickup from roughly 30 feet below the top of the cistern wall.

A Fisherman Heard Someone Calling for Help

According to the Herington Fire Department, crews were dispatched at 12:24 a.m. on July 18 alongside Dickinson County EMS and the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office after a fisherman called 911. The fisherman reported hearing what sounded like a vehicle crash near the west side of Herington Lake but could not see where the vehicle had gone. He could, however, hear someone calling for help in the darkness.

Herington Fire Chief 901 and Dickinson County EMS Medic 3 were flagged down near the spillway on 500 Avenue, where bystanders pointed responders toward what they described as a hole beside the roadway. Firefighters quickly realized this was no ordinary ditch. Just off the road sat a circular, water-filled cistern approximately 30 feet across with an unknown depth.

The pickup had already slipped beneath the surface, leaving its lone occupant floating on a spare tire while barely able to touch the truck's bed as it continued sinking beneath him.

Firefighters Lowered a 35-Foot Ladder Into the Cistern

The incident was upgraded to a high-angle rescue, and assistance was requested from the Abilene Fire Department Rescue 1, the Chapman Fire Department Rescue 3, the Junction City Fire Department, and the Salina Fire Department. Herington Rescue 2 and Ladder 2 also responded to the scene.

Firefighters first threw the driver a life vest and rescue sling attached to a rope while preparing Ladder 2 for a technical rope rescue. With the water's depth unknown and the pickup continuing to sink, there was little time to waste. Rather than wait for the full rope system to be completed, firefighters lowered a 35-foot ladder into the cistern and used it to bring the driver safely back to the surface.

The driver was turned over to Dickinson County EMS and transported for treatment, although officials did not release additional details about the extent of his injuries. Because of the darkness and the complexity of the scene, crews decided to wait until daylight before attempting to recover the submerged pickup.

Crews Returned With Divers and a 50-Ton Rotator

At approximately 10 a.m., personnel from multiple agencies returned to recover the pickup. Crews from Herington, Abilene, Chapman, Junction City, Marion County Fire District No. 5, Dickinson County Road and Bridge, Dickinson County EMS, the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office, Evergy, and Salina Wrecker Service all took part in the operation.

Trees and brush first had to be cleared before recovery equipment could be positioned around the opening. A rope system was then established over the cistern while divers from Junction City entered the water to attach rigging to the submerged pickup. Once the truck was secured, Salina Wrecker Service used a 50-ton sliding rotator to hoist it from approximately 30 feet below the top of the cistern wall.

Crews were not pulling a truck from a roadside depression. They were hoisting a submerged vehicle almost vertically from a water-filled shaft roughly the width of a small house. Despite the difficult location and the need for divers, rigging, brush removal, and heavy recovery equipment, the daytime operation was completed in one hour and 55 minutes.

Family Member Says an Animal Ran Into the Road

Neither the fire department nor the sheriff's office publicly announced what caused the pickup to leave the roadway. However, a woman identifying herself in the Facebook discussion as the driver's sister said an animal ran in front of the truck and startled him.

According to her account, the driver swerved into a ditch on the opposite side of the cistern, came back toward the roadway, struck a friend's vehicle, and then traveled down the other side before falling into the opening. She said her brother suffered bumps and bruises but no major injuries and that the person in the other vehicle was also okay, although that vehicle was damaged.

That account has not been independently confirmed by investigators.

Residents Question Why the Cistern Was Left Open

The fire department's photos prompted questions from area residents about why such a large, water-filled opening had apparently been left without a substantial cover, fence, or guardrail. Several commenters said the cistern had been known locally for years and argued that it should now be filled, covered, or secured to prevent another vehicle or person from falling inside.

One resident claimed concerns about the opening had previously been raised with a city official, while another said they had long wondered why it remained uncovered. Some commenters described the structure as an abandoned railroad cistern or hand-dug well that may once have supplied water to steam locomotives passing through Herington.

A woman who identified herself as the driver's sister also said the cistern had once been used to power steam engines before being abandoned. That history was discussed by local residents but was not confirmed in the fire department's account.

The Fisherman's Call May Have Saved a Life

Many readers focused on how fortunate it was that someone happened to be fishing nearby shortly after midnight. The pickup was underwater and could not easily be seen from the road, leaving the fisherman with only the sound of the crash and the driver's cries to guide his 911 call.

Had he not been close enough to hear someone calling for help, responders may not have known where to begin searching. Looking back, it is difficult to overstate how unusual the rescue was. Firefighters were working around a 30-foot-wide, water-filled cistern with an unknown depth, lowering a 35-foot ladder to reach a driver whose pickup was still sinking before later returning with divers and a 50-ton sliding rotator to recover the vehicle from approximately 30 feet below the top of the shaft.

The driver survived by escaping the submerged cab, finding a floating spare tire, and staying above water until firefighters reached him. The Herington Fire Department credited every responding agency for making both the overnight rescue and the daylight recovery possible, noting that the operation could not have been completed by a single department.

For more photos and discussion of the incident, check out the Facebook post.

Toyota and BMW are joining forces with energy giant Repsol and technology supplier Bosch for an unusual real-world experiment in Spain. Instead of testing another EV or hydrogen prototype, the companies are putting ordinary gasoline-powered cars on a diet of 100% renewable fuel.

The six-month pilot began in July 2026 and will involve around 20 Toyota and BMW vehicles operating exclusively on Repsol’s Nexa 95 renewable gasoline. Bosch will monitor and verify how the fuel is used through its Digital Fuel Twin tracking system.

The objective is to prove that existing gasoline vehicles can reduce their overall lifecycle carbon footprint without major mechanical changes or entirely new refueling infrastructure. Supporters see renewable gasoline as a potential complement to electrification, particularly for the millions of combustion-powered vehicles already on European roads.

Toyota and BMW also hope the trial will help influence future European transport policy. With regulators debating how different low-carbon technologies should fit into long-term emissions targets, the companies want renewable fuels to be considered alongside battery-electric and hydrogen solutions.

The Cars Don’t Need Major Modifications

One of the biggest selling points of the project is simplicity. The vehicles used in the trial are standard Toyota, Lexus, BMW, and Mini models drawn from existing fleets rather than purpose-built prototypes.

Repsol’s Nexa 95 is designed to work as a drop-in replacement for conventional gasoline. That means the cars can use their existing engines and fuel systems while refueling through familiar service-station infrastructure.

The renewable gasoline is produced from feedstocks that comply with European sustainability requirements, including waste and residue-based materials. Sources associated with the project have cited examples such as used cooking oil and animal fats, although Repsol has not publicly detailed every component used in the fuel.

Bosch Will Track Every Drop

The project is not simply about filling a few cars with alternative gasoline and seeing whether they run. Bosch’s Digital Fuel Twin system will track and verify fuel use across the supply chain, combining vehicle data, fuel-station records, and payment information.

The idea is to create a reliable digital record showing that participating vehicles are genuinely running on renewable fuel. That kind of traceability could become important if regulators eventually create special rules for vehicles that operate exclusively on approved low-carbon fuels.

Toyota and BMW refer to the concept as Vehicles Exclusively Running on Eligible Fuels, or VEEF. The companies argue that digital certification could help separate genuine renewable-fuel use from ordinary fossil gasoline consumption.

Why Spain Was Chosen

Spain was selected because Repsol already has renewable gasoline available through public filling stations there. The company says it is currently the only supplier offering 100% renewable gasoline at public service stations in the country.

That gives the pilot access to a real-world fueling network rather than a closed test facility. It also allows the companies to study whether renewable gasoline can work at scale using infrastructure that drivers already understand.

For Toyota and BMW, that practical compatibility is the central argument. Electrification requires buyers to purchase new vehicles and often depends on access to charging, while renewable gasoline could theoretically begin reducing the lifecycle emissions of existing combustion vehicles immediately.

Renewable Gasoline Still Produces Tailpipe CO2

The term “renewable gasoline” does not mean the fuel produces zero emissions when burned. Cars using it still release carbon dioxide from their exhausts, just as they do with conventional gasoline.

The environmental argument instead focuses on where the carbon originates. Renewable fuels are produced from recently existing biological or renewable sources rather than extracting additional fossil carbon that has been stored underground for millions of years.

Supporters therefore measure the benefit across the full fuel lifecycle rather than only at the tailpipe. Repsol says its renewable fuels can deliver substantial greenhouse-gas reductions compared with conventional fossil fuels, although the exact savings depend on feedstock, production, transportation, and other lifecycle factors.

Toyota and BMW Want Europe to Keep Its Options Open

Toyota has long argued that the transition away from fossil fuels should involve multiple technologies rather than relying exclusively on battery-electric vehicles. BMW has taken a similar position, continuing to invest in EVs while also supporting hydrogen and renewable fuels.

The two automakers believe fuels such as Nexa 95 could help reduce emissions from both new and existing combustion-powered cars. They also see potential for hybrids and plug-in hybrids to operate with lower lifecycle emissions when paired with renewable fuel.

Data from the Spanish pilot will eventually be shared with policymakers and industry groups as part of the broader debate over Europe’s future emissions regulations. The companies are hoping to prove that decarbonizing road transport does not necessarily require every gasoline-powered car to disappear overnight.

Whether renewable gasoline can become affordable and plentiful enough to make a meaningful difference remains a much bigger question. Still, Toyota, BMW, Repsol, and Bosch are betting that one path toward cleaner transportation might involve keeping familiar engines on the road—while dramatically changing what goes into their fuel tanks.

If you've flown out of BWI Marshall Airport recently, you know the drill: shoes off, laptop out, and pray the TSA line moves faster than a Monday morning commute. Most days it's just the usual shuffle of frustrated travelers and overworked agents doing their best with what they've got. But newly released video from the airport shows just how badly that routine can go sideways, and it's the kind of thing that makes you wonder what's really going on behind the scenes at security checkpoints these days.

The footage, recorded back on April 2nd but only made public recently, shows a man's encounter with TSA agents escalate from a seated conversation near a Chick-fil-A line into a full-blown physical altercation. It's not the kind of thing you expect to see when you're just trying to grab a chicken sandwich before your flight.

Behind this single incident is a bigger story about an agency that's been stretched thin. Two separate government shutdowns in the span of about six months cost the TSA more than a thousand employees, and the union representing agents says passenger hostility is part of what's pushing people out the door too. Whether that context excuses anything is a fair question, but it does explain why checkpoints have felt more chaotic than usual lately.

Here's what we know about what happened, and why it's worth paying attention to even if you're not flying out of Maryland anytime soon.

What the Video Actually Shows

According to ABC 7 News, the man involved is 32-year-old Cornelius Queen of Charles County. The video shows him sitting on the floor talking with another man in the Chick-fil-A line when something set him off. Queen reportedly grabbed and shoved the man, then picked up his orange water bottle and slammed it on the ground, catching it as it bounced back up like he was auditioning for a juggling act.

He then allegedly hurled the bottle at another passenger's head, who ducked just in time. When a TSA supervisor showed up to intervene, Queen reportedly went after him too, eventually lunging and falling to the ground before other agents helped make the arrest.

A Missed Flight and a Messy Day

Queen had already gone through TSA once that day to catch a flight, which he ended up missing. The airline he was flying, Spirit, has since gone out of business entirely, so at least that part of the story has an ending nobody saw coming.

What exactly triggered the second, more violent encounter isn't entirely clear from the reporting, but it happened not long after he'd already had one frustrating brush with security that day.

A Record With One Notable Exception

A look into Queen's background shows plenty of charges in Maryland over the years, along with some felony convictions. Most of it wasn't violent, though.

The one exception on record is an armed robbery charge from about 13 years earlier. He was indicted in June for the assault on TSA agents from the April incident.

Long Lines and a Frustrated Workforce

The week before this all went down, BWI Marshall had already seen unusually long security lines after a wave of TSA agents called out following a second missed paycheck since the previous October.

It's not hard to see how that combination, tired travelers and short-staffed checkpoints, can turn a bad day into a genuinely ugly one.

Some restoration stories start with a barn find. This 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo began with something far more painful: the car was stolen, recovered in ruined condition, and then parked for nearly two decades because its owner could not afford to bring it back.

The owner, identified in the WD Detailing video as LePair, said he stopped driving the Monte Carlo after being carjacked and eventually stored it in a garage. Even then, the bad luck continued, with thieves later stealing the custom 22-inch wheels that had once been fitted to the car.

After hearing the story, the team at WD Detailing decided a simple wash was not enough. What started as a deep clean quickly turned into a far larger project involving new wheels, extensive electrical repairs, an engine replacement, paint correction, mold removal, and enough mechanical work to get the Monte Carlo moving under its own power again.

Two months later, the car was returned to its owner in dramatically different condition. The result was less about creating a concours-quality showpiece and more about giving back a car that had carried years of memories before theft effectively ended its life on the road.

Years of Storage Had Taken a Heavy Toll

When the Monte Carlo was pulled from the garage, its condition reflected roughly 19 to 20 years of sitting. Dirt and debris covered the exterior, while the heavily customized pink-and-white interior had accumulated grime and needed a complete deep cleaning.

The car still wore an elaborate custom paint job with significant metallic flake, and underneath the dirt, the finish was reportedly in surprisingly decent condition. WD Detailing pressure-washed the body, cleaned it thoroughly, used a clay-bar treatment, and polished the paint to remove oxidation and light scratching.

The interior received similar attention, including mold treatment and a full cleaning of the custom upholstery, carpets, dashboard, and trim. Much of the cabin had been extensively modified years earlier, with pink-and-white leather wrapping nearly every visible surface.

Getting the Monte Carlo Running Was the Bigger Challenge

Cleaning the car turned out to be the easy part. Once the hood was opened, the team discovered a partially disassembled engine with a missing intake manifold, carburetor, distributor, fuel-pump components, and one valve cover.

Further inspection revealed water and heavy corrosion inside at least one cylinder, leading the mechanic to conclude that the original engine was beyond saving. The wiring was also badly damaged, with cut, burned, and improvised sections throughout the harness.

Rather than stopping there, the team installed a replacement 4.3-liter Chevrolet V8 sourced from a 1982 El Camino and began rewiring the car. A new engine harness, lighting wiring, and other electrical repairs were completed before attention turned to fuel delivery.

After installing a new fuel pump and restoring fuel flow, the replacement engine finally fired and settled into an idle. The transmission initially needed additional fluid before the Monte Carlo could move, but eventually the long-dormant car was once again running and driving.

The Stolen Wheels Were Finally Replaced

Part of the Monte Carlo’s old personality came from the oversized custom wheels it wore before they were stolen. WD Detailing wanted to restore that look, but finding modern 22-inch chrome wheels that fit the car’s original bolt pattern proved difficult.

The solution was a set of adapters that allowed the team to fit a different bolt pattern and expand the available wheel choices. A used set of 22-inch chrome wheels was then sourced, cleaned, polished, and installed.

The new setup was not an exact recreation of what had been stolen years earlier, but it restored the flamboyant custom style that matched the car’s pink paint and heavily modified cabin. For the owner, seeing the Monte Carlo back on large chrome wheels became one of the emotional highlights of the reveal.

A Forgotten G-Body Gets Another Chance

The 1988 model year marked the end of the rear-wheel-drive G-body Monte Carlo, making this example one of the last cars from that particular era of Chevrolet design. This one is far from factory-original, but its modifications tell a story just as clearly as a perfectly preserved survivor.

The custom paint, white steering wheel, pink carpet, leather-wrapped interior, and oversized wheels all reflect the period in which the car was originally personalized. Rather than erase those details, the restoration focused on preserving them while making the vehicle usable again.

When the finished Monte Carlo was finally returned, the owner’s reaction made the purpose of the project clear. Hearing the replacement engine running before even seeing the car was enough to bring an immediate emotional response.

After being stolen, damaged, stripped of its wheels, and left sitting for nearly 20 years, the 1988 Monte Carlo is finally back with the person who never gave up on it. Sometimes the best restoration is not about making a car perfect—it is about making sure its story gets to continue.

Some restomods are built to chase perfection, but this 1969 Chevrolet El Camino SS, featured on Autotopia LA, was brought back for a much more personal reason. Its owner, Darrin, has had the car for roughly 40 years, turning it from a daily driver and street racer into a long-dormant project before finally reviving it with the same circle of friends who helped wrench on it decades ago.

The El Camino originally ran a big-block V8 with a four-speed manual, and Darrin spent years gradually making it quicker. At one point, the car reportedly ran an 11.32-second quarter-mile at Los Angeles County Raceway before engine trouble and an increasingly track-focused setup eventually pushed it out of regular use.

Life then got in the way. The El Camino sat for roughly three decades, spending time in and around the garage while work, family, and other priorities took over.

When longtime friend Chris from Open Roader Garage convinced Darrin to bring it back, the goal was not to create a flawless show car. Instead, they built something that preserved the El Camino’s old-school personality while giving it the power, brakes, suspension, and reliability needed to be enjoyed again.

A 630-HP LS3 427 Brings It Back to Life

The biggest change sits under the hood, where the old big-block has been replaced by a naturally aspirated Blueprint Engines LS3-based 427 V8. According to Darrin, the engine’s dyno sheet shows 630 horsepower, while output at the rear wheels is around 550 hp with a similar torque figure.

Power is sent through a Tremec TKX five-speed manual transmission. The car retains its original 12-bolt Positraction rear axle and 4.10 gearing, keeping an important part of its old street-racing character intact.

A full three-inch stainless-steel exhaust runs all the way to the rear, giving the LS-powered El Camino the soundtrack to match its performance. The cooling system was also renewed, with Darrin reporting operating temperatures around 185 degrees.

The result is significantly more power than the car realistically needs, which is part of the appeal. Even rolling into the throttle can get the rear tires moving around, and both owner and host agreed that adding much more horsepower would only make the car harder to use.

The Chassis Got Serious Upgrades Too

The El Camino still uses its original basic chassis, but the suspension has been extensively updated. New front and rear components, coilovers, and Golden West suspension hardware improve the way it drives without completely erasing the feel of a classic muscle car.

Braking has also been upgraded with six-piston Wilwood calipers at the front, although the rear still uses traditional drum brakes. Steering improvements include a replacement steering box and the removal of the original rag joint in favor of a universal-joint setup.

The car rides on 18-inch Weld wheels with 275/40 tires at the front and 295/40s at the rear. Darrin deliberately avoided tubbing the body, instead fitting as much rear tire as he felt comfortable running within the existing layout.

That decision reinforces the overall philosophy of the build. This is not a pro-touring El Camino engineered to behave like a modern sports car, but an old muscle machine with enough new hardware to make it more capable and enjoyable.

The Interior Still Tells Its Story

Inside, surprisingly little has changed. The seats, trim, and much of the cabin remain as they were decades ago, complete with the wear and imperfections accumulated through years of ownership.

Modern touches are limited but useful. Dakota Digital gauges replace the original instrumentation, the electrical system has been completely rewired using American Autowire components, and the retro-style radio includes Bluetooth connectivity.

Even the shifter itself remains from the car’s earlier days, despite the new five-speed transmission underneath. Darrin has resisted the temptation to over-restore the cabin, preferring to keep the history visible rather than erase it.

Air conditioning may eventually be added, but for now, the El Camino remains relatively simple inside. That suits a car built around driving rather than chasing trophies.

Forty Years Later, It’s Back on the Road

What makes this El Camino special is not simply its 630-hp LS swap. It is the fact that the same owner who drove it to the beach, carried hockey gear in it, and took it street racing decades ago is once again behind the wheel.

Bringing the car back with old high-school friends only adds to that connection. Instead of becoming another abandoned project that quietly disappeared, the El Camino has returned as a faster and more usable version of the machine Darrin remembers.

It still feels old, still has imperfections, and still struggles to put all of its power down cleanly. That is exactly why it works.

After 40 years of ownership and roughly 30 years of sitting, this 1969 El Camino SS is finally doing what it was built to do again: putting a smile on its owner’s face every time the throttle goes down.

An alleged confrontation on a rural Texas road has left a rising boxing star dead and a Texas man facing a manslaughter charge in a case that has drawn national attention.

Hannah Rapp, 26, died Saturday after investigators say Charles Eric Medina, 31, struck her while she was riding her bicycle along FM 159 in Brazos County, Texas. Medina was arrested following the incident, and authorities say the investigation remains active.

Investigators have released few details beyond the sequence of events they say led to the fatal encounter and have not publicly explained what prompted it. 

As the investigation unfolds, Rapp's death has sparked an outpouring of support for her family, renewed discussions about cyclist safety, and growing debate over the criminal case.

Investigators Say Driver Passed Cyclists Before Reversing

Deputies were called to the 23000 block of FM 159 around 10 a.m. Saturday, after receiving reports that a bicyclist had been struck by a vehicle.

Investigators say Medina drove past Rapp and another cyclist before stopping his vehicle, shifting into reverse, and striking Rapp. Emergency crews treated her at the scene before transporting her to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

Medina was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Brazos County Detention Center on a charge of manslaughter. Detectives have not announced a motive or said what led to the encounter, describing the investigation as active and ongoing.

Remembering Hannah Rapp

Originally from Yorktown, Indiana, Rapp moved to College Station, Texas, where she worked at Texas A&M University while building an impressive professional boxing career.

She entered her most recent bout undefeated before challenging Tiara Brown for the World Boxing Council featherweight championship in June. Although Brown retained the title, she later remembered Rapp as the best "dance partner" she had faced as a professional and said it was an honor to share the ring with her.

The World Boxing Council also paid tribute, calling Rapp "an exceptional boxer" and "an invaluable member of our boxing family," while Bryan Boxing remembered her as "our Champion."

Friends have also launched the official Justice and Love for Hannah Rapp GoFundMe to help her family cover funeral expenses, medical bills, travel costs, and other unexpected expenses. The fundraiser describes Rapp as someone who brought "love, laughter, and light" to those around her and asks supporters to keep her family, friends, and partner, Will, in their prayers.

Public Records Show Medina's History With Law Enforcement

As news of Medina's arrest spread, Guessing Headlights obtained and reviewed public Brazos County jail records documenting more than a decade of prior bookings tied to the same name, date of birth, physical description, and sheriff's office identification number.

The records show Medina has been booked numerous times since 2012 on allegations involving traffic offenses, violent crimes, and attempts to evade law enforcement. Those records reflect arrests and bookings rather than convictions, and the disposition of every case could not be determined immediately.

Some of the more significant bookings include:

• 2012 (Brazos County) — Evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and reckless driving.
• 2013 (Brazos County) — Criminal mischief.
• 2015 (Grimes County warrant) — Theft of property.
• 2016–2017 (Brazos County) — Speeding, expired registration, and resisting arrest.
• 2019 (Brazos County) — Assault causing bodily injury involving a family member, escape from custody, interference with an emergency request for assistance, and criminal mischief.
• 2024 (Brazos County) — Deadly conduct involving the discharge of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
• 2025 (Brazos County) — Evading arrest or detention and public intoxication.
• 2026 (Brazos County) — Manslaughter in connection with the death of Hannah Rapp.

The records should not be interpreted as evidence that Medina committed the current offense. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Communities Seek Answers as Investigation Continues

While detectives continue investigating what happened on FM 159, conversations surrounding the case have expanded well beyond the initial arrest.

Many people following the case have questioned why Medina was initially charged with manslaughter rather than murder. Under Texas law, manslaughter generally involves recklessly causing another person's death, while murder requires prosecutors to prove additional legal elements, including intent or knowingly causing a person's death. Authorities have not publicly discussed Medina's alleged intent or indicated whether additional charges are being considered.

At the same time, different communities have rallied around Hannah Rapp's memory in different ways. The boxing world has remembered a respected fighter whose career was on the rise. Cyclists have renewed discussions about rider safety and aggressive driving. Friends and family have focused on honoring Rapp's life while asking supporters to help through the official GoFundMe campaign.

Across those conversations, one common thread has emerged: a desire for answers about what happened, accountability through the justice system, and hope that tragedies like this can be prevented in the future.

There have been instances in the past where a fuel nozzle wouldn't dispense gas into a vehicle, but the meter kept running, charging the customer for fuel they never received.

A similar incident has surfaced on social media, showing a woman at a 7-Eleven gas station who realized no fuel was entering her vehicle's gas tank while filling up.

Meanwhile, the meter showed the amount of fuel supposedly being dispensed, and the price continued to climb.

Naturally, any customer would be furious if that happened to them and would likely assume they had been scammed. But is that really the case?

"No Gas Coming Out of Here"

A video posted by Wall Street Apes on X shows a fuel nozzle sitting outside the car without dispensing any fuel. However, the camera then panned to the meter, which was still climbing. 

A woman present at the scene said there was "no gas coming out of here, still being charged." A man, who appears to be the pump attendant, said, "I'm sorry, it is not my issue," but the woman insisted that there was clearly a problem.

It is obvious that pumps do not normally function this way, and that something was clearly wrong at this 7-Eleven gas station. Rather than a scam, this could be an issue known as meter creep, as suggested in the video.

The location and timing of the incident are unknown. It is also unclear whether the customer ended up paying for fuel that was never dispensed or whether 7-Eleven resolved the issue.

Be careful and always watch the price when you fill up in America

This 7-Eleven gas station pump is not pumping gas but if you look at the price, it keeps going up. The nozzle is out of the car, very clearly not pumping gas, but the price keeps increasing….

We are seeing this… pic.twitter.com/FK9w9EmpNj

— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) July 18, 2026

What Is Meter Creep?

The issue may be related to a phenomenon known as "meter creep," where a mechanical fault causes the pump's meter to continue registering fuel even though the nozzle is closed.

The problem is commonly linked to maintenance-related issues, such as a leaking belly valve or air trapped in the fuel lines, which can cause the meter to record movement without fuel being dispensed.

According to a Motor1 report that covered a similar issue, meter creep is the result of aging equipment or malfunctions often related to improper maintenance.

Meter creep can be dealt with through routine maintenance of fuel pumps. Clearing nozzles and valves of debris and fuel residue can help ensure a smooth, error-free operation.

Anyone who encounters a meter creep issue should report it to the local weights and measures department. Its inspectors are in charge of routinely checking pumps at gas stations within their work areas.

1. A New Animatronic on Pirates of the Caribbean

2. Kids Rule Summer

3. Earl of Sandwich Reopens at Downtown Disney

4. New Edelweiss Lodge Seating Area

5. Pin Trading Changes

6. Oogie Boogie Bash Tickets On Sale

7. Park Hopping Restrictions Gone

8. One-Billionth Guest Welcomed

9. Soarin’ Across America Opens

10. Gordon Ramsey at the Carnaby Opens at Downtown Disney

If you have scrolled through social media this week and seen a car go airborne off a chunk of pavement that looks like it grew a speed bump overnight, you are not losing your mind and you are not looking at old footage from a disaster movie. That clip is real, it is from Missouri, and it is making the rounds again because half the country is currently baking under another brutal heat wave. Funny how a year-old video finds new life every time the thermometer decides to be dramatic.

The footage in question shows a section of Siemers Drive in Cape Girardeau buckling right in front of a bystander's camera, sending a car bouncing over a ridge that popped up out of nowhere. A separate clip from the same stretch of weather shows I-44 near Doolittle developing its own unscheduled speed hump in the fast lane. Neither is staged, neither is CGI, and both happened because asphalt and concrete have limits, just like the rest of us on a 100 degree day.

For car folks, this is one of those stories that hits differently than it would for the average commuter. We spend our time thinking about tire pressure, alignment, and suspension geometry, and then the road itself decides to misbehave. It is a good reminder that no matter how well you have your car dialed in, the pavement underneath you is a variable you cannot control.

What Actually Causes a Road to Buckle

Concrete and asphalt expand when they heat up, same as most materials. Under normal conditions there is enough room built into the road design to handle that expansion. Problems start when a wet spring soaks the ground underneath, then a heat wave hits right after. The pavement swells, has nowhere to release that pressure sideways, and pops upward instead.

Missouri Department of Transportation engineers pointed to that exact combination as the likely trigger for the Cape Girardeau incident, calling it a mix of heat, moisture, and gaps in the concrete design working against each other at once.

Not a New Problem, Just a Louder One This Time

Public works officials in Cape Girardeau said buckling happens most summers, usually in small, manageable sections that get patched before anyone notices. This one just happened to be bigger, faster, and caught on camera at the exact right second.

Crews had the Siemers Drive section patched with fresh asphalt within a day, and drivers were back to normal by Monday. The Doolittle stretch on I-44 got similar attention from state crews soon after.

What Drivers Should Actually Watch For

Sudden ridges or bulges in the road surface are the big tell, especially on hot afternoons after a rainy stretch. Slow down if you see uneven pavement ahead, give yourself extra following distance, and report anything that looks like a bulge to local authorities before it turns into a launch ramp. It costs you nothing and might save the next driver a very bad afternoon.

With more heat in the forecast across a good chunk of the country, do not be surprised if this old video keeps resurfacing. The pavement, unfortunately, does not care what year it is.

Scam calls used to be easy to spot. Bad audio, a stranger's voice pretending to be someone else, maybe a foreign accent claiming to be your grandson. You could hang up and move on with your day. That is no longer the case, and a recent incident out of Boone County, Missouri, shows exactly how far this technology has come.

On July 17, 2026, the Boone County Sheriff's Office responded to a call that started like any parent's worst nightmare. A victim picked up the phone, saw their daughter's actual number on the caller ID, and heard what sounded exactly like their daughter's voice. That voice said she had been kidnapped at gunpoint. Another person then got on the line demanding a ransom.

Here is the part that should get everyone's attention: the daughter was never in danger. She was located safe and completely unaware anything had happened, sitting in Jefferson City while her parent back home was being terrorized by a voice generated with artificial intelligence.

Deputies moved fast, coordinated with other agencies, and tracked down the daughter to confirm she was fine. No suspects have been identified or arrested yet, but the sheriff's office says this is the first case of its kind they have personally handled, where AI was used to convincingly mimic a loved one's voice in real time during an extortion attempt.

How This Scam Actually Works

The setup is simple and that is what makes it scary. Scammers can pull a short audio clip of someone's voice from social media, a public video, or even a voicemail greeting, then feed it into AI voice cloning software.

Pair that with a spoofed caller ID showing the real family member's number, and you have got a call that passes every gut check most of us rely on. No static, no weird phrasing, just a familiar voice saying something urgent.

Why the Caller ID Trick Matters

Most people are trained to distrust unknown numbers. This scam flips that logic on its head by making the call look like it is coming from the actual phone in your daughter's or son's pocket.

It removes the one red flag a lot of folks depend on before answering or believing what they hear.

What Law Enforcement Recommends

Boone County deputies suggest a few practical steps if you ever get a call like this. Ask the caller something only your real family member would know, a detail no scammer could look up. Then try to reach that person directly through another phone or method before doing anything else. And if you do get one of these calls, report it to local law enforcement right away, even if nothing ends up happening.

This kind of scam preys on panic, not patience, so having a plan before the phone ever rings is worth more than any amount of caller ID trust.

There are plenty of ways to make a bad situation worse after police try to pull you over. Taking off during rush hour on one of the busiest highways in the country is certainly one of them.

When traffic is already backed up, the last thing anyone expects is a pickup truck flying past them on the shoulder. Unfortunately, that's exactly what Connecticut State Police say happened on Interstate 95.

According to investigators, the driver was already wanted in connection with a suspected larceny and an alleged hit-and-run crash before troopers even spotted the vehicle. What followed was a dangerous pursuit that forced police to bring it to an abrupt end.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported despite the reckless driving. The chase ultimately ended with stop sticks, a brief foot chase, and a list of criminal charges that became much longer than where the incident reportedly began.

The Driver's Escape Attempt Didn't Last Long

Please give the video below a moment to load.

The truck passes by too fast to really see what happened to it, but you can hear the officer affirm that he successfully hit the target.

Rather than surrender, investigators say the driver got out of the disabled pickup and attempted to run away on foot. That escape didn't last long, as troopers quickly caught up to him after what police described as a brief struggle.

The driver was identified as 62-year-old Glenn London, who was charged with interfering with an officer, reckless endangerment, evading responsibility involving property damage, reckless driving, and engaging police in a pursuit.

Commenters Think the Trooper Could Pitch for the Yankees

Commenters were almost unanimously impressed with the trooper's perfectly timed stop-stick deployment, with many saying it was the highlight of the entire pursuit. Replies like "That's absolutely the best spike strip toss I've ever seen!" and "Hey man, nice shot," referencing the Filter song, quickly became some of the most-liked reactions.

Quite a few people even joked that the trooper had a future in professional sports. One commenter suggested the Yankees should give him a call, while another asked if he was available to pitch in a local softball tournament, calling it "a perfect toss from about 12 feet away."

Others praised both the Connecticut State Police and Norwalk Police Department for safely ending the chase, while several criticized the state's court system, arguing repeat offenders shouldn't be released back onto the streets so quickly. A handful of viewers were also left wanting more, saying they wished the video included the rest of the pursuit and the suspect's arrest after the truck came to a stop.

Some road trips end with a flat tire and a bad gas station sandwich. This one ended with a family in Alabama getting their dog back after seven years of thinking she was gone for good, and honestly, it's the kind of story that makes even the most jaded car guy set down his coffee for a minute.

The Jones family adopted a puppy named Copper when she was just four weeks old, reported WESH. A few months later, she vanished, and the family believes she was stolen along with one of her littermates. They spent about a week driving around the neighborhood looking for her, checking every yard and side street, before finally accepting she was probably gone.

What they didn't know was that Copper had ended up hundreds of miles away in Port Orange, Florida, a trip that would've taken most of a day behind the wheel if someone had simply loaded her in a car and driven her there. However she made the journey, she spent years living rough, far from home and far from anyone who knew her name.

That changed when a woman named Jennifer Baker found Copper wandering near Commonwealth Boulevard and decided to take her in. What Baker discovered was a dog in rough shape, and what happened next is a reminder that sometimes the smallest piece of technology does more work than any search party ever could.

A Trail Gone Cold

For seven years, the Jones family had no leads and no reason to think Copper was still alive. That's the part of these stories that always gets me.

A missing pet doesn't leave a paper trail like a stolen car does. There's no license plate to run, no VIN to trace, just an empty collar and a lot of unanswered questions.

Found Off Commonwealth Boulevard

When Baker found Copper, the dog's condition told the story of those seven hard years. Her nails had grown into the pads of her feet, and she had infections across her back.

Baker spent two weeks nursing her before deciding to get her checked out properly.

The Microchip Did What Bloodhounds Couldn't

Baker took Copper to a veterinarian for a scan, and that's where this story really turns. A microchip works a lot like a VIN plate riveted to a frame rail. It doesn't care how far the dog traveled, how many years passed, or how much she'd changed.

It just quietly waits to tell the truth. The scan pulled up the Jones family's information immediately, and Baker made the call that changed everything.

Home Again, Mile by Mile

The reunion happened fast after that. Copper recognized her family the moment she heard them call her name, ears perking up before she wagged her tail and walked over on her own.

She's now back home in Alabama, working through treatment for years of neglect. Her owners say the vet bills have added up, but every one of them has been worth it to have her back where she belongs.

What do you do when your own pet decides to lock you out of your own car? Relax, and calm down. It's probably not on purpose, unless you forgot to feed them. Or maybe they're mad because you haven't been giving them enough attention lately. One couple staying at a hotel in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, messed around and found out when their cat kept them from getting in their car. Perhaps it was just a funny "accident" that their cat didn't mean to do at all, for literally no reason, because cats are innocent. 

Either way, the couple found themselves needing help on July 17 after their own pet turned a routine stop into a police call. Their Maine Coon was waiting inside the car. The couple was outside and the doors were locked. And you can probably figure out the rest: they couldn't get inside the car to the cat. So they did what any self-respecting cat owner would do: they called the police.

Lawrenceburg Police Chief Bryan Taylor responded and unlocked the vehicle, according to WKYT. Once the door was open, the couple and their “troublemaking cat” were able to leave. The cat had somehow managed to create an impenetrable auto barrier that its owners couldn't work past, and it ended up turning into a hilarious situation that the Lawrenceburg Police Department joked about online.

Sure, it was a small rescue, and maybe the couple's feline overlord was just playing around. But the very large cat somehow keeping its owners out may be one of the funniest police stops you'll hear about in the near future. But just because it's funny to us doesn't mean something like this can't happen that might actively hurt an animal in a similar situation.

What To Do If A Pet Gets Locked In A Car

Sure, a pet lockout isn't a huge deal when the door gets opened quickly. It might even be funny if you're the person locked out. But it can become serious fast though when temperatures are high, the animal in question is trapped for too long, or the pet appears distressed. That's when you need to take some action.

Your first concern should always be the animal’s condition. If the pet is panting heavily, drooling, vomiting, collapsing, acting disoriented, or showing signs of panic, the situation should be treated as urgent. It might seem obvious, but keep in mind that a parked vehicle can heat up quickly, even when the day doesn't feel that extreme.

The safest move is to call for help right away if you can't get the door open. Depending on the situation, that may mean police, firefighters, animal control, roadside assistance, or even a locksmith has to step in. Do whatever you have to do to make sure you get access, and the pet can get to safety.

A viral video of a FedEx deliveryman falling into a front yard pool outside a Georgia home may have given him an unexpected way to cool off in the summer heat.

The light-hearted video has also made many people laugh. However, it also highlights what can unfold if one is distracted by a phone screen while moving, even for just a few seconds.

Apply the same scenario while driving, and it won't be difficult to realize what a few seconds of smartphone distraction can lead to.

Distracted driving is a serious concern today, given that thousands of motorists die every year due to this problem.

FedEx Driver Gets Relief From Heat, But His Phone May Not Have Survived

Lyndsey DeLitta's camera captured the funny incident, and the video has been shared by ABC7 Eyewitness News on X. Soon after the FedEx deliveryman delivered the package, he was walking backwards while using his smartphone, unaware that a pool lay behind him.

The inevitable happened. The man fell with significant force, splashing water all around him. He was holding the smartphone in his right hand, which went straight into the water. It is not known if the device was waterproof; if not, it likely suffered internal water damage.

The deliveryman received quite a surprise on a hot day, and immediately said after getting back to his feet, "I needed that." The video caption revealed that the driver moved back to take a photo of the delivered parcel when he fell into the pool.

DeLitta told Storyful that she saw the footage of the FedEx deliveryman falling into the pool while she was at work. She wrote: 

"I was at work and started dying laughing. It has made many people laugh over and over." 

While this incident could be seen as just something to laugh about, it shows how even a moment's distraction from a digital device can compromise awareness and lead to serious consequences.

This is especially applicable to distracted drivers, who use their smartphones while driving and sometimes end up in regrettable situations.

A FedEx driver got some necessary relief from the Georgia heat after tumbling into a front yard pool outside a home. Home security footage shows the moment the driver fell while walking backwards to take a confirmation photo. Despite the tumble, the driver kept his cool, joking… pic.twitter.com/Z7BwzWD3yx

— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) July 17, 2026

Distracted Driving Caused the Deaths of Over 3,000 People in 2024

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is anything that takes away a driver's attention from the road, be it "texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system."

To give drivers an idea of what a few seconds of distracted driving actually means, the NHTSA stated:

"Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed."

In 2024, distracted driving claimed 3,208 lives, while 315,167 people were left injured. The NHTSA added:

"You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing."

Los Angeles drivers dealt with quite the detour early Saturday morning after a Tesla Cybertruck driver led law enforcement on a chase that stretched across multiple freeways before finally coming to an end against a tree near Chatsworth. If you were wondering why your commute felt a little off this morning, this is likely why.

The incident kicked off around 1:45 a.m. in the West LA area, reported KTLA 5, when officers reportedly suspected the driver of being under the influence. Instead of pulling over, the driver decided to turn a routine traffic stop into a multi-freeway odyssey, with both LAPD and the California Highway Patrol joining in on the pursuit. Anyone who has spent time on LA freeways at night knows they can feel eerily empty, which probably made this whole thing look like something out of a movie chase scene, minus the stunt coordinators.

Eventually, the chase wound its way to the DeSoto off-ramp on the 118 westbound, where the Cybertruck's run came to an abrupt stop after colliding with a tree. From there, things shifted from a chase to a standoff, which shut down that stretch of roadway while officers worked to safely take the driver into custody. The driver was ultimately arrested, though further details on charges have not been released.

It is worth noting that Cybertrucks have developed a reputation, fair or not, for showing up in headlines for reasons that have nothing to do with towing capacity or acceleration numbers. This latest incident is unlikely to help shake that reputation, though the vehicle itself was simply along for the ride here. The real story is about the decisions made behind the wheel, not the badge on the hood.

A Chase That Spanned Multiple Freeways

What stands out about this pursuit is just how far it traveled. Starting in West LA and ending all the way out near Chatsworth on the 118 is no short trip, even at 2 a.m. with lighter traffic.

That kind of distance means multiple agencies had to coordinate in real time, which is no small feat when a suspected impaired driver is behind the wheel of a nearly 6,800-pound vehicle with a stainless steel exterior built to shrug off more than your average sedan.

The Standoff at DeSoto

Once the Cybertruck met its match in the form of a stationary tree, the situation shifted into a standoff.

These moments tend to require patience from law enforcement, since safety for both officers and the suspect becomes the priority once the vehicle is no longer moving.

What We Still Don't Know

At this point, official details on DUI charges, the driver's identity, and any additional citations have not been released.

We will update this story if more information becomes available.

A chaotic multi-vehicle pileup in Silver Spring, Maryland left a trail of mangled metal on Saturday afternoon, and one of the more eye-catching casualties was a Tesla Cybertruck that ended up torn clean in two. The crash happened just before 2 p.m. at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Fairland Road, when a moving truck reportedly lost control and plowed into at least ten other vehicles in its path.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, along with police and paramedics, descended on the scene within minutes. Aerial footage showed a sprawling wreckage field and the kind of traffic backup that makes every driver in the area reconsider their route home. More than a dozen people were evaluated on site after some became trapped inside their vehicles following the impact.

In total, ten people were taken to area hospitals, including three children. The good news, and it's the kind of news that matters most in a crash this size, is that all of the injuries were reported as minor. For a wreck that split a nearly 6,600-pound electric pickup in half, that's about as good an outcome as anyone could hope for.

As of now, according to Fox 5 Washington DC, investigators haven't released a cause for why the moving truck lost control in the first place. That inquiry is ongoing, and authorities have not shared additional details beyond the basics of the crash itself.

A Cybertruck Doesn't Split Easily

Say what you want about the styling of Tesla's angular pickup, but the Cybertruck's stainless steel exoskeleton was built and marketed around the idea of being nearly indestructible. Seeing one torn into two separate pieces on a suburban Maryland roadway is a reminder that no amount of engineering can fully cancel out physics when a loaded moving truck is involved.

It takes a serious amount of force to do that kind of damage, and it says a lot about how violent this collision actually was.

A Chain Reaction on Columbia Pike

Ten vehicles caught up in one moving truck's loss of control is a lot by any measure. Chain-reaction crashes like this tend to happen fast, often before anyone in the surrounding cars has time to react.

Whether it was a mechanical failure, a load shift, road conditions, or driver error that triggered the initial skid remains unknown, and that's really the crux of what investigators still need to piece together.

The Community's Reaction

Local residents who spoke with reporters after the crash echoed the same sentiment: shock at the scene, followed by relief that nobody was seriously hurt. Given the scale of the wreckage in the photos and video circulating from the incident, that relief seems well earned.

Traffic in the area was heavily disrupted for a stretch afterward, something anyone who lives nearby has likely already experienced firsthand.

Montgomery County authorities are expected to release more information as the investigation into the cause continues.

Shortcuts, they say, could prove costly, but locals near the city of Larissa in Greece are not deterred by the potential consequences of their actions, even if it means driving over a collapsed bridge spanning a river.

There is a strong possibility that the collapsed bridge could give way entirely, but residents and farmers don't mind driving their vehicles, even heavy pickup trucks, over it.

The bridge was meant to connect the village to the town, but it collapsed three years ago. Unfortunately, a new bridge has yet to be built.

However, authorities did not even clear the old bridge for a new one to be built there, and the locals are just making use of what is left. 

Locals Prioritize Shortcuts Over Their Lives

According to a post by LarissaNet, the bridge collapsed in September 2023 due to rising water from Storm Daniel, cutting the route between the Municipality of Tempi and the Municipality of Agia.

The third anniversary arrives in less than two months, and the locals continue to use the collapsed bridge while travelers who are unaware that the bridge has collapsed end up reversing their vehicles after driving up to the point where the road slopes abruptly.

To reach the other side, travelers then take the longer route, adding "dozens of additional kilometers via the National Road" to their trip, something the locals prefer avoiding.

Drone footage shared by the media outlet shows a pickup truck driving over the collapsed bridge rather smoothly, making it appear as though there is nothing wrong with the bridge.

 

My Way or the Highway?

Quite obviously, common sense dictates that nobody should use that collapsed bridge, no matter how long the detour is, because there is a high risk of the structure falling into the river running beneath it.

For now, the bridge appears to be held up in the middle by the concrete support that must have originally held the pillars in place before the storm washed them away.

But it will only be a matter of time before the support gives way, or before the remaining supports fail on either end of the bridge. An additional load, such as that of a vehicle, could further deteriorate the collapsed bridge.

Thus, authorities could have at least adopted measures to ensure nobody uses the collapsed bridge, even if it meant taking a longer detour through the highway to reach the other side.

Using the collapsed bridge as part of their daily commute might save time, but it puts their lives at risk. Shortcuts may seem convenient until the day they come at a devastating cost.

If you've ever worked a tailgate lot before a big game, you know the portable restroom is a supporting character in the whole event. It shows up early, gets abused all day, and disappears the second the parking lot empties out. Nobody thinks twice about it. That is, until a Kansas City company went to pick up its units after a World Cup watch party and found something nobody in the business had seen before: a grown man's head popping out of the toilet like he was playing a very unfortunate game of whack-a-mole.

The incident happened this week in the 18th and Vine District, reported Cleveland.com, one of several spots around Kansas City hosting watch parties for fans who couldn't snag tickets to the actual World Cup matches. Big crowds mean big parking lots, and big parking lots mean rows of portable restrooms lined up like sentries. Patriot Portable Restrooms had supplied the units for the event, and when a driver showed up Tuesday to collect them, he knocked on one that was locked. A voice answered from inside saying it was occupied.

That alone isn't unusual. What happened next is where things get strange. The driver gave the man ten minutes to wrap things up, but when crews eventually got the door open, nobody was standing there. Company partner Chip Counterman said the moment felt like they'd stumbled into a ghost story, right up until a head surfaced from inside the tank itself, the part underneath the seat that's normally reserved for, well, everything else.

Turns out the man had climbed down into the holding tank the night before to fish out a dropped bottle of Mountain Dew. He got it. He just couldn't get himself back out. Roughly eight hours later, Kansas City firefighters were on scene with saws, cutting a hole clean through the plastic to finally free him.

The Rescue Itself Looked Like a Job Site, Not a Bathroom Call

Video circulating online shows firefighters working the unit over with an electric saw while the man remains stuck inside, calling out to them as they cut. It's the kind of extraction crew you'd expect at a car wreck, not a porta-potty, and that's exactly what makes it worth talking about here.

Whatever equipment your shop keeps on the truck for cutting sheet metal or fiberglass, these guys basically ran the same playbook on a plastic outhouse.

A Cheap Bottle of Soda, An Expensive Repair Bill

Patriot Portable Restrooms says the damaged unit will run them about $800 to replace.

Not exactly a fender bender, but not nothing either, all triggered by a guy chasing down a Mountain Dew he probably could have written off as a loss.

Firefighters Deserve the Credit Here

Kansas City Fire Battalion Chief Riley Nolan summed it up about as well as anyone could: not something they see every day.

Patriot's team publicly thanked both the fire department and police for handling what they called a genuinely rough situation with patience.

Anyone who's helped stage a large tailgate or watch party knows the portable toilet is usually the least glamorous piece of equipment on site, right up until it becomes the most talked-about thing that happened all day.

If you've ever bought a used car from a stranger and felt just a little too pleased with yourself, this story might make you sweat a little. A California Highway Patrol officer in Merced has now pulled over two separate white Honda Accords in the span of a few weeks, both with switched VINs, both sold to unsuspecting buyers who thought they'd landed a great deal. Two cars. Same make. Same color. Same scam. At some point that stops looking like coincidence and starts looking like a pattern worth paying attention to.

Officer Trenado is the one racking up these finds, and it's not because he's stumbling into them by accident. Spotting a VIN switch takes a trained eye, patience, and a genuine understanding of how these scams operate. The buyers in both cases weren't criminals. They answered an online ad, met a seller, handed over cash, and drove off thinking they'd done everything right. It wasn't until a routine traffic stop that the truth came out, and by then the damage was already done.

For those unfamiliar with the term, VIN switching is when someone takes a stolen vehicle and swaps its identification number with one from a legally owned car, usually one that's wrecked or salvaged. On paper, everything checks out. In reality, you've just bought someone else's stolen property, and depending on where you live, that can mean losing the car entirely with no refund in sight.

Why Honda Accords Keep Showing Up in This Scam

There's a reason it's not a Ferrari showing up in these stories. Honda Accords are common, easy to blend into traffic, and parts are cheap and plentiful.

That popularity, which makes the Accord a great daily driver, is exactly what makes it a target for thieves looking for something that won't draw attention.

How These Deals Slip Past Buyers

Private sales move fast, and that's part of the appeal. No dealership markup, no haggling with a finance manager, just a straightforward cash deal. Unfortunately, that speed is also what scammers count on.

A seller in a hurry, a price that seems generous, and a buyer excited to close the deal all add up to skipped steps that would normally raise red flags.

A Few Minutes Now Beats a Big Headache Later

Before handing over cash for any private sale, it's worth running the VIN through a vehicle history service and comparing it to the number stamped on the dash, the door jamb, and the title itself. If those numbers don't match, or the seller gets cagey about paperwork, that's your cue to walk. It sounds tedious, but it takes far less time than dealing with a repossessed vehicle down the road.

Two recoveries from one officer in a matter of weeks says something about how often this is happening, and probably how often it goes unnoticed. Officer Trenado's sharp eye caught these two. The next one might depend on a buyer doing their homework first.

As someone who lives in a relatively walkable city, it pains me to see that there are drivers who truly believe that they own the road. There will be times when I have to sprint across a crosswalk because I'm too afraid of being hit, despite having the right of way.

This TikTok video perfectly expemplifies that as the original poster takes a stroll across a crosswalk. Not even a second after he begins walking, a car starts beeping their horn, asking for him to move out of the way.

It's interesting to see the original poster quite literally speaking about the issue and then having it happen to him in real time. Unfortunately, this is the reality of what it is like trying to navigate through a city as a walker.

What's even more important is that the video also teaches you about what you are able to do when you come across a crosswalk in a busy area.

The Honking Started Almost Immediately

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@dominickisontiktokTotally wasn’t expecting a car to do all that but thank GOSH because it just goes to show how a real life instance like this goes. I’m often told to ‘not look at my phone’ or ‘not wear headphones’ but oftentimes people who have to use these crosswalks are blind and deaf (that’s why they’re not driving)♬ original sound - ViralHotStuff

The video above shows a man talking to the camera about the crosswalk and how it can be used at any point during traffic, even if it is on a road that is frequently traveled.  He explains that the walkers have the right of way and that the vehicles on the roadway have to yield.

However, almost as though to prove his point, one of the cars that was speeding towards him as he began walking started honking at him instead. Ideally, the driver would have slowed down and waited until it was safe to keep going.

The text written over the video perfectly describes what the poster was feeling, reading, "The most dehumanizing part of being a foot bound pedestrian is cars thinking they're the only ones who need to go outside in the world and travel to stay alive."

Fortunately, that was the only vehicle that came after him like that, but it definitely highlights the dangers of walking down the sidewalk if drivers aren't careful.

Commenters Couldn't Believe the Driver's Reaction

The overwhelming majority of viewers sided with the pedestrian, arguing that the drivers had more than enough time to slow down and yield at the crosswalk. One of the most-liked comments read, "Pedestrians literally have the right of way. It's not that hard to NOT go 50 mph," while another added, "People are acting as if you walked right in front of this car. They had plenty of time to slow down."

Many commenters were especially confused by the honking. "Why are they honking as if you're in the wrong?" one person asked, while others said they'd experienced similar situations where drivers became impatient despite pedestrians legally using a marked crosswalk. Several also pointed out the irony that the speeding cars had to stop for a red light just moments later anyway.

Many people also shared their own experiences, saying they frequently deal with drivers accelerating through crosswalks, creeping forward while people are still crossing, or even illegally passing vehicles that have stopped to let pedestrians through. The consensus was that while everyone should stay alert, far too many drivers treat crosswalks as an inconvenience instead of a place where people should feel safe.

It's time for another Frank Sloup video! The videos from this Pinal County Sheriff's Office deputy tend to be incredibly educational and focus on various traffic laws and citations as presented via body camera footage of different incidents.

This video is a little bit different and gives you a look at the justice system after the driver receives the initial citation or ticket. In an episode of Fridays With Frank, Frank stopped a driver who was in a white Camaro for using his phone while driving, as well as for not wearing his seatbelt.

As a result, he gave him a citation and told the driver that he would be able to go to court and fight against the charge, which he chose to do. There isn't any animosity in the video, and you can tell that it truly is meant to be educational for all parties involved.

Frank, Judge Reginald Wilson, and the suspect met in court at the Casa Grande Justice Court to get things straightened out while also showing viewers how things work behind the scenes.

The Judge Wasn't Convinced by the Argument

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In the video, Sloup can be heard speaking in the courtroom about everything that happened during the stop from his perspective. He explained everything in great detail, making sure to emphasize time, date, vehicle types, colors, and almost everything else.

When he was finished, he had given his reasoning for giving the citation, allowing the judge to let the driver speak and explain his side of the story. He explained that he was not wearing his seatbelt, but when it came to the usage of his phone, he was using his GPS coordinates to be able to get to his location.

Because he had an older car, a 2010 Camaro, he did not have the technology available to be "hands-free," meaning have complete use of his hands and attention while making phone calls or sending messages.

After hearing both sides of the story, the defendant was charged $300 for driving with a device in his hand and $200.10 for not having his lap and shoulder straps in place.

Commenters Joked That the Driver Only Went Because Frank Might Not Show Up

Many commenters reached the same conclusion after watching the courtroom footage: the driver likely contested the ticket because he hoped Deputy Frank wouldn't appear. As one person put it, "The driver is hoping the officer doesn't show up, and it's dismissed. That didn't happen!" Another echoed the same sentiment, writing, "He was just hoping Frank didn't show up. Then, it would be an automatic win."

Others couldn't help but point out that the whole ordeal probably wasn't worth it. One commenter joked that "for $300 he could've gone on Amazon and bought 10 Bluetooth adapters" instead of fighting the ticket, while another said the $500 penalty could have easily paid for a new Bluetooth stereo.

There were also plenty of jokes about Deputy Frank himself, with one viewer saying, "I definitely wouldn't wanna be pulled over by Frank. He'd somehow find out I still owe 25 cents on an overdue library book from 50 years ago!" Another even suggested, "Maybe we could get the judge to do a ride-along with Frank? That would be cool!"

If you've pumped gas anywhere in the last few years, you already know it's not cheap. Most of us just grumble, swipe the card, and move on with our day. But every so often somebody decides the solution to high prices isn't budgeting better, it's just... taking someone else's gas. That's exactly what played out at a Royal Farms station recently, and thanks to a bystander with a phone and zero patience for nonsense, the whole thing got caught on camera.

The video comes from TikTok user Dee, who happened to notice a man loitering near a pump where another customer was fueling up. When that customer stepped inside to pay, the loiterer made his move, grabbing the pump like it belonged to him. Dee, watching this unfold in real time, did what any of us would want a witness to do: she started filming and narrating like a sports announcer calling a play.

What makes this clip worth talking about isn't just the theft attempt itself, it's how spectacularly it fell apart. The accomplice, presumably waiting nearby in a car, had to pull up to reach the pump and couldn't quite line up the vehicle correctly. That gave the actual gas-paying customer just enough time to walk back outside and catch the whole operation in progress.

By the time the dust settled, Dee had confronted the pair directly, the rightful pump-holder had snatched his gas back, and the would-be thief had somehow tried to talk his way out of it. Naturally, none of that worked.

A Getaway That Never Really Got Away

@justthedeeway Yall be careful the thieves are out!! #fyp #dmv #nationalharbor #traveltiktok #saxophone ♬ Saxophones getting louder - Sped Up - AntonioVivald

The part of this video that has racked up millions of views isn't the theft attempt, it's the execution. Or lack thereof. Positioning a car to reach a gas pump sounds simple until you're doing it under pressure with someone recording your every move.

The driver struggled to get close enough, which bought just enough time for everything to unravel. If you're going to attempt something like this, at least nail the parking job.

The Confrontation Nobody Expected

Dee didn't just film quietly from a distance. She got out of her car and told the paying customer directly that he was being robbed. Then, as the pair tried to make their exit, the man had the nerve to call her a name on his way out. That's the kind of moment that turns a simple gas station clip into something people can't stop sharing.

According to the TikTok, viewers loved that she spoke up instead of staying quiet, with plenty of commenters saying that's exactly the kind of situational awareness more people need.

Protecting Your Tank From Modern-Day Bandits

Gas theft isn't new, but the methods have gotten bolder. Beyond someone brazenly grabbing your pump handle, thieves have also resorted to drilling holes straight into fuel tanks, which turns a stolen tank of gas into a repair bill that can run over a thousand dollars. Locking gas caps help, but they won't stop a drill. Parking in well lit, high traffic areas with security cameras remains your best defense, since most thieves want to work quickly and quietly, not with an audience.

The Jensen Interceptor is officially making a comeback, although perhaps not in the form most enthusiasts expected. Jensen International Automotive is preparing to reveal the new Interceptor GTX, an entirely new, V8-powered machine that will initially be offered exclusively for track use.

That might sound like an unusual direction for a nameplate historically associated with luxurious grand touring rather than chasing lap times. However, the track-only GTX is intended to establish the foundation for additional Interceptor variants, including road-legal models planned for the future.

Unlike the restored and modernized classic Interceptors Jensen International Automotive has previously produced, the GTX is neither a restomod nor a continuation model. The company says it has been designed from the ground up in Britain with a new aluminum chassis, a hand-built aluminum body, and a supercharged V8 engine.

For enthusiasts tired of increasingly digital performance cars, there is another promising detail. Jensen is describing the GTX as an "analogue" driving experience, suggesting the revived Interceptor will prioritize mechanical engagement over layers of electronic intervention.

This Isn't Your Grandfather's Interceptor

The original Jensen Interceptor became one of Britain's most distinctive grand tourers during the 1960s and 1970s. Its combination of Italian-influenced styling, British construction, and muscular American V8 power gave it an unusual character that remains instantly recognizable today.

Perhaps its most memorable feature was the enormous curved rear glass that gave the Interceptor its distinctive bubble-backed profile. Early teaser images suggest the new GTX will reference that silhouette without simply recreating the original car.

Jensen says the modern Interceptor will instead be a clean-sheet design. Details remain limited, but teaser images reveal a low, muscular shape along with aggressive aerodynamic elements, including a substantial rear diffuser and vents integrated into the bodywork.

The result appears considerably more performance-focused than the old grand tourer. Still, if the proportions shown so far carry through to the finished car, the GTX should remain recognizable as an Interceptor rather than becoming another anonymous low-volume supercar.

A Supercharged V8 Keeps Things Old-School

Jensen has confirmed that the GTX will use a supercharged V8, although output, displacement, transmission details, and performance figures have not yet been announced. The combination of V8 power and lightweight aluminum construction certainly suggests the company has serious performance ambitions.

The engine choice also maintains an important connection with the Interceptor's history. Classic examples famously combined European design with large American V8 engines, while Jensen International Automotive has spent years restoring original cars and upgrading them with modern powertrains.

Exactly where the new engine comes from remains unclear. What matters for now is that Jensen appears committed to keeping combustion power at the center of its revival rather than turning the Interceptor into another electric reboot.

Why Launch a Track-Only Interceptor?

Launching the GTX as a track car is an interesting decision, particularly because the Interceptor name has traditionally represented grand touring. One possible advantage is that a track-only vehicle avoids many of the complex safety, emissions, and homologation requirements associated with selling a road-legal production car.

That could give Jensen a faster route toward getting an entirely new vehicle into customers' hands while continuing development of future versions. The company itself says the GTX will serve as the basis for both roadgoing and additional track-focused Interceptors.

Pricing and production numbers have not yet been announced, and the full car remains under wraps. Jensen is expected to reveal the Interceptor GTX prototype later in 2026.

A track-only Interceptor may not be the comeback enthusiasts imagined, but the important part is what comes next. If the GTX successfully lays the groundwork for a road-legal, supercharged V8 grand tourer, one of Britain's most distinctive automotive names could finally have a proper second act.

Dodge is preparing to reveal the most powerful six-cylinder Charger yet, giving the Hurricane-powered muscle car another performance boost while fans continue waiting for any sign of a V8 comeback. The new model will debut on August 8 at Roadkill Nights in Pontiac, Michigan.

The current Charger Sixpack Scat Pack already produces 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. Dodge has confirmed that the upcoming variant will exceed that figure, although the company has not yet revealed an official output.

That leaves plenty of room for speculation, and a figure near 600 horsepower would not be surprising. The Hurricane engine has already demonstrated substantial tuning potential, and Dodge has a long history of stretching its performance models well beyond their original specifications.

The timing is appropriate, too. The Charger is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026, and Dodge is using a series of enthusiast events across the U.S. to highlight the nameplate's history while introducing what could become the ultimate Sixpack version of the current car.

The Current Sixpack Is Already Seriously Quick

Every gasoline-powered version of the current Charger uses Stellantis' 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six. In standard form, the Charger R/T produces 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack raises output to 550 hp and 531 lb-ft.

That already puts the Scat Pack comfortably above the 500-hp Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Dodge claims the Sixpack Scat Pack can reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds.

The new performance model will sit above that version, at least in terms of combustion-powered output. Dodge's wording specifically promises the "most powerful Sixpack-powered Charger yet," confirming that the Hurricane will receive another substantial upgrade.

Whether the engine crosses the 600-hp barrier remains unknown. Dodge has not provided technical details, so any specific output above 550 hp should be treated as speculation until the official reveal.

Could It Really Make 600 Horsepower?

A 600-hp target would make sense from both a marketing and performance perspective. It would give Dodge a clean milestone to advertise while creating more distance between the new model and the existing 550-hp Scat Pack.

The Hurricane is also far from an underpowered starting point. The twin-turbo straight-six was developed to deliver strong performance without relying on the large-displacement V8s that defined previous generations of Dodge muscle cars.

Even at roughly 600 hp, however, the new Sixpack would likely remain below the electric Charger Daytona's peak output. The most powerful Daytona has been rated at up to 670 hp, meaning Dodge could preserve the EV's position at the top of the current Charger performance hierarchy.

That may not satisfy traditional Mopar fans, but it would make the combustion Charger an even more serious rival to high-performance coupes and sedans from elsewhere in the market.

Dodge Still Isn't Bringing Back the Hemi—Yet

For many enthusiasts, the obvious question is whether the new model could instead mark the return of V8 power. Based on Dodge's announcement, the answer is no.

The company has made it clear that this particular Charger will remain part of the Sixpack family. That means a twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six rather than a naturally aspirated Hemi or supercharged Hellcat V8.

Still, Dodge executives have stopped short of permanently ruling out a V8-powered version of the current Charger. Previous comments from company leadership have suggested that such a project would require significant engineering work, particularly if Dodge wanted to use the supercharged Hellcat engine rather than a less powerful Hemi.

For now, the Hurricane remains the centerpiece of the gasoline Charger lineup.

The Reveal Comes at Roadkill Nights

Dodge will unveil the new performance variant during Roadkill Nights on August 8 at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan. The event forms part of a celebration marking six decades since the production Charger arrived in 1966.

The anniversary tour also includes stops at the Petersen Automotive Museum, the Woodward Dream Cruise, and the NHRA Great Lakes Nationals. Dodge is clearly using the occasion to reconnect the current Charger with its long muscle-car heritage.

The big question is whether the new Sixpack can generate the same enthusiasm once reserved for Hemi-powered Chargers. A 600-hp inline-six would certainly help.

For now, all Dodge has officially promised is a Charger with more than 550 hp. That may not be the Hellcat revival some fans are waiting for, but it could still become the most compelling gasoline-powered version of the new-generation Charger yet.

A California Highway Patrol officer recently came across something that would make even seasoned gearheads stop and take a second look: a polished aluminum custom trike powered by what the CHP described as an astonishing 1,100-horsepower engine.

Rather than a traffic stop, the encounter was friendly. According to the California Highway Patrol Santa Cruz Area office, the owner approached officers to show off the hand-built machine while they were out and about in the community.

"It's not every day that we get to see a 1100-horsepower motorcycle!" CHP wrote in its Facebook post, adding that it enjoys connecting with community members and learning about their unique hobbies and passions.

For most people, seeing a supercharged Hemi-powered custom trike is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For the officers in Santa Cruz, it became an unexpected opportunity to get an up-close look at one of the most outrageous custom vehicles ever built.

A Custom Machine Unlike Almost Anything Else on the Road

At first glance, the massive supercharged Hemi V8 commands your attention. Sitting proudly in the middle of the machine, the blown engine is impossible to ignore, while the hand-formed aluminum bodywork gives the custom build an aircraft-inspired appearance unlike nearly anything else on public roads.

Spend a few more seconds looking, though, and your eyes are drawn to the front end. Instead of traditional motorcycle forks, the builder engineered an intricate center-hub steering system around a single front tire. It is the kind of unusual mechanical solution that enthusiasts can spend hours studying.

Several commenters noted that the machine appears to be a creation by the famed Blastolene Brothers, builders known for producing some of the world's most outrageous hand-built vehicles.

It Appears Similar to a Machine Featured on Jay Leno's Garage

Automotive enthusiasts quickly noticed another possible connection. The trike seen in CHP's photos closely resembles the custom Hemi-powered machine featured on an episode of Jay Leno's Garage, where Jay Leno described it as one of the most unusual vehicles ever to visit his collection.

In that episode, owner Tim Cotterill, better known to art collectors as "The Frogman," introduced viewers to a one-off custom trike powered by a supercharged Hemi V8 producing approximately 1,000 horsepower. The vehicle featured a Chrysler TorqueFlite automatic transmission, custom center-hub steering, billet aluminum components, and enough power to overwhelm its rear tires.

The machine shown by CHP shares many of those same distinctive characteristics, including the aluminum bodywork, exposed supercharged Hemi engine, long proportions, and elaborate center-hub steering system.

However, there are also several visual differences between the CHP photos and the version shown on Jay Leno's Garage. Most noticeably, the front wheel arrangement appears to have changed. In the older video, Cotterill explains that the trike used one large billet wheel fitted with two tires side by side, while the machine photographed by CHP appears to use a single front tire.

It is possible the custom trike has been updated since the episode was filmed, but Guessing Headlights has not independently confirmed whether it is the exact same machine. CHP also described the vehicle as producing 1,100 horsepower, while the version featured on Jay Leno's Garage was described as making approximately 1,000 horsepower.

Facebook Users Couldn't Get Enough of It

The CHP post quickly attracted hundreds of reactions, with many enthusiasts recognizing the extraordinary engineering behind the build. One commenter wrote, "Blastolene bros creations are wild," while another noted, "I see the engine has a primary + secondary ignition system. That's a lot of engine."

Others simply wanted to know what it was like to ride. "The cool thing is to see who rides these fast rods of machinery," another commenter wrote. Elsewhere online, automotive enthusiasts compared the machine to a Top Fuel dragster, joked that it looked like something straight out of Wacky Races, and debated whether anyone could realistically use all four digits of horsepower on public roads.

Not Your Average Community Interaction

Many interactions between law enforcement and high-performance vehicles involve speeding tickets, allegations of reckless driving, or safety campaigns. This one was refreshingly different. Instead, it became an opportunity for officers and a passionate builder to share their appreciation for an extraordinary piece of automotive engineering.

Whether it is the same machine that once rolled into Jay Leno's Garage or another equally remarkable custom creation, one thing is certain: it is not every day California Highway Patrol officers get an up-close look at a hand-built, Hemi-powered trike producing around 1,000 horsepower.

What do you think of builds like this? Would you take it for a drive, or is 1,000-plus horsepower simply too much on three wheels? Let us know in the comments.

Japan’s auto industry may be preparing its own version of the Seven Samurai. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki are reportedly considering a much deeper level of cooperation as they look for ways to compete with the speed and cost advantages of Chinese automakers.

The idea is not to merge the seven companies or turn their cars into identical products. Instead, the manufacturers are discussing greater standardization of components that customers rarely see, potentially allowing multiple brands to use common parts such as hoses, connectors, wiring components, and other behind-the-scenes hardware.

Toyota CEO Koji Sato, who also chairs the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, has described the current moment as a period of major transition for the country’s auto industry. Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa has also indicated that Japanese manufacturers could pursue significantly more collaboration in the years ahead.

The strategy could reduce development costs, simplify supply chains, and free engineers to concentrate on technologies that actually differentiate vehicles. With Chinese manufacturers moving quickly in areas such as EVs, batteries, software, and advanced electronics, Japan’s traditional rivals increasingly appear willing to cooperate where it makes financial sense.

Seven Rivals, One Growing Problem

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association represents some of the country’s biggest automotive names, including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki. These companies have spent decades competing fiercely with one another, both at home and in global markets.

That competition has traditionally encouraged each manufacturer to develop its own solutions, even for relatively mundane components. While that approach can preserve engineering independence, it can also mean multiple companies spending time and money creating slightly different versions of parts that ultimately perform almost identical jobs.

Sato believes the industry needs to reconsider that model. By sharing development work on components that customers do not associate with a vehicle’s brand identity, Japanese manufacturers could devote more resources to areas such as faster-charging EVs, software platforms, and advanced driver-assistance systems.

The Goal Is to Standardize the Boring Stuff

The proposal does not appear to involve sharing entire vehicle platforms or producing the same cars with different badges. Instead, early discussions reportedly focus on components that have little influence on styling, driving feel, or brand identity.

Items such as fluid hoses, electrical connectors, window motors, and certain wiring components are examples of areas where greater standardization could potentially deliver savings. Suppliers would be able to manufacture larger quantities of fewer variations, reducing complexity across the supply chain.

Automakers already use this strategy extensively within their own corporate groups. Volkswagen Group’s MQB architecture, for example, demonstrated how sharing underlying engineering across multiple brands and models can reduce costs while still allowing each vehicle to maintain a distinct appearance and character.

Expanding that philosophy across separate automakers would be far more ambitious. The challenge would be identifying exactly which parts can be standardized without compromising proprietary technology, intellectual property, or the qualities customers actually notice.

China Is Raising the Pressure

The push for cooperation comes as Japanese automakers face increasingly aggressive competition from China. Chinese manufacturers have gained ground through rapid product development, highly integrated supply chains, strong battery expertise, and an ability to bring new technology to market quickly.

Nissan’s Espinosa acknowledged that industries in other parts of the world can sometimes be better organized than Japan’s automotive sector. His comments suggest manufacturers increasingly recognize that competing independently on every component may no longer be the most efficient strategy.

Vehicle teardowns have also highlighted how Chinese companies frequently use proven, readily available components rather than redesigning every part from scratch. That approach can reduce engineering costs and shorten development cycles, allowing manufacturers to concentrate resources on features that customers value.

For Japanese brands, matching that speed may require setting aside some long-standing rivalries. Sharing a wiper motor or electrical connector is unlikely to make a Toyota feel like a Subaru, but developing seven different versions could consume money and engineering time that might be better spent elsewhere.

Collaboration Doesn't Have to Mean Identical Cars

Parts sharing sometimes makes enthusiasts nervous because excessive standardization can lead to vehicles feeling too similar. Done carefully, however, collaboration does not necessarily eliminate individual character.

Ford and General Motors, for example, jointly developed the foundation for their 10-speed automatic transmissions while implementing the technology differently. Toyota and BMW also collaborated on the current Supra and Z4 programs while producing two cars with distinct personalities.

The same principle could apply to Japan’s proposed industry-wide cooperation. Shared non-visible components could lower costs while leaving engines, chassis tuning, styling, software experiences, and performance development in the hands of individual manufacturers.

Japan’s Seven Carmakers May Need Each Other

There are still major obstacles before large-scale standardization becomes reality. Each automaker has established engineering practices, supplier relationships, intellectual property concerns, and corporate cultures that could make widespread cooperation difficult.

Still, the fact that Japan’s biggest manufacturers are seriously discussing broader collaboration shows how much competitive pressure the industry is facing. Chinese automakers are no longer simply emerging challengers; they are increasingly setting benchmarks for development speed, manufacturing efficiency, and EV technology.

Japan’s seven major carmakers are unlikely to stop fighting each other for customers anytime soon. Behind the scenes, however, they may decide that surviving the next phase of the global auto industry means occasionally fighting on the same side.

Honda is pulling the plug on the Prologue, ending the electric SUV’s short run after roughly two years on the U.S. market. The automaker has confirmed that sales will conclude following the 2026 model year, leaving Honda without a battery-electric vehicle in its American lineup.

The Prologue arrived for 2024 as a quick way for Honda to enter the mainstream EV market without waiting for its own dedicated electric platform. Built by General Motors and closely related to the Chevrolet Blazer EV, it gave Honda dealers an electric crossover while the company worked on longer-term EV plans.

Despite its brief life, the Prologue was not an outright sales failure. Honda sold 33,017 examples in 2024 and another 39,194 in 2025, while total U.S. sales have now climbed past 80,000 units.

Momentum faded sharply in 2026, however, with first-half sales dropping roughly 49% year over year to 8,407 vehicles. With Honda’s future U.S. EV plans also changing significantly, the Prologue will now disappear without a direct battery-electric replacement waiting in the wings.

The Prologue Was Always a Bridge Vehicle

Honda developed the Prologue through a partnership with General Motors, using GM’s electric vehicle architecture and battery technology rather than an in-house Honda platform. GM also manufactured the SUV at its Ramos Arizpe facility in Mexico.

The same partnership produced the Acura ZDX, another GM-based EV that had an even shorter life. The arrangement allowed Honda to get electric vehicles into dealerships relatively quickly, but it was never expected to define the company’s long-term EV strategy.

Honda had planned to follow these vehicles with a new generation of internally developed electric models. Those plans included its futuristic 0 Series lineup, which was expected to introduce a dedicated Honda-developed EV platform and new software architecture.

That transition has not unfolded as originally expected. With key upcoming EV projects reportedly canceled or delayed, the Prologue’s departure now creates a much larger gap in Honda’s American product portfolio.

Sales Started Strong Before Falling Hard

For a vehicle entering a crowded and rapidly changing EV market, the Prologue initially performed reasonably well. More than 33,000 examples were sold in its first year, followed by nearly 40,000 in 2025.

The first half of 2026 told a very different story. Honda sold just over 8,400 units during that period, roughly half the volume recorded a year earlier.

Several factors have made the current EV market more challenging, including changing federal incentives, pricing pressure, and uncertainty surrounding trade policy. Because the Prologue is assembled in Mexico, potential tariff exposure also adds another complication to its business case.

Still, Honda has not publicly attributed the decision to one single issue. The discontinuation comes as the company reassesses a broader electric strategy that has already seen several planned or existing models disappear.

Honda and GM’s EV Partnership Has Faded Away

The end of the Prologue also highlights how much the relationship between Honda and GM has changed. The two automakers previously planned to collaborate on affordable electric vehicles, but those plans were abandoned before reaching production.

The Acura ZDX has already been discontinued, while the Prologue is now following it out of the market. Honda has also canceled the planned Acura RSX EV and shelved U.S. plans for some of its next-generation electric models.

That leaves little remaining of the original strategy that used GM technology as a stepping stone toward Honda’s own EV future. Honda says existing Prologue owners will continue receiving full dealer support, including parts, servicing, and warranty coverage.

Honda Will Soon Have No EV in the U.S.

Once remaining Prologue inventory is sold, Honda will enter 2027 without a battery-electric model in its U.S. lineup. That is a surprising position for one of the world’s largest automakers at a time when many rivals continue investing heavily in electrification.

Honda is not abandoning electrified vehicles altogether. The company remains heavily invested in hybrids and has a long history with fuel-cell technology, while continuing to sell electric vehicles in other global markets.

For American customers, though, the near-term strategy appears to be shifting away from an immediate push toward a broad battery-electric lineup. Hybrids and efficient combustion-powered models are likely to play a much larger role while Honda reassesses when and how to reenter the EV market.

The Prologue ultimately lived up to its name in an unintended way. It was supposed to introduce the next chapter of Honda’s electric future in America, but after only about two years on sale, that chapter is already coming to an end.

General Motors is preparing to demolish the former headquarters of its long-defunct Pontiac division, removing one of the last major physical symbols of a brand that played a defining role in American performance-car culture. The building, originally known as One Pontiac Plaza, opened in 1970 in Pontiac, Michigan.

The midcentury-modern office complex later became known as Pontiac Engineering Center Building A and remained in use long after the Pontiac brand itself disappeared. GM says the building has been vacant since 2020 and will now be removed as part of the efforts to streamline its real estate footprint.

No demolition timeline has been announced, and GM has not said what will eventually replace the structure. The company says the work will follow a detailed plan intended to minimize disruption while meeting environmental and local regulatory requirements.

For Pontiac enthusiasts, the loss is still significant. Although many of the division’s most famous cars were conceived before the building opened, One Pontiac Plaza became closely associated with Pontiac during the decades when models such as the Firebird and Trans Am carried the brand’s performance image into the 1970s, 1980s, and beyond.

A Headquarters From Pontiac’s Glory Years

One Pontiac Plaza opened at a time when Pontiac was still riding the momentum created by cars such as the GTO, which arrived in 1964, and the Firebird, introduced in 1967. The original Trans Am followed in 1969, meaning all three iconic nameplates predated the headquarters building itself.

Still, the facility became an important nerve center for Pontiac’s later operations. Sales, marketing, public relations, engineering, and other corporate functions were tied to the broader Pontiac campus during some of the division’s most memorable years.

The building is also often linked with John DeLorean, one of Pontiac’s most influential executives. DeLorean had already moved on to Chevrolet before One Pontiac Plaza officially opened, but the headquarters nevertheless stood as a monument to the performance-driven era he helped shape.

For fans of the brand, that symbolism matters almost as much as the precise timeline. The building represented Pontiac at the height of its cultural influence, when the division had a distinct identity built around style, performance, and enthusiast appeal.

Pontiac Once Dominated the City That Shared Its Name

GM’s presence in Pontiac was once enormous. According to the city’s mayor, Mike McGuinness, the automaker at one point employed as many as 33,000 people in the area and operated facilities connected with both Pontiac and what would eventually become GMC.

That footprint shrank dramatically over the following decades. By the time Pontiac itself was discontinued as part of GM’s post-bankruptcy restructuring, the local workforce had fallen to a fraction of its former size.

The city was also left with a significant amount of vacant former GM property. Some sites were later sold or redeveloped, while others continued serving different functions within the company.

Today, GM still maintains a presence in the area through facilities including the Pontiac Engineering Center, Pontiac Metal Center, and Pontiac Redistribution Center. Nearby Orion Assembly also remains an important employer for residents in the region.

The Building Outlived the Pontiac Brand by 16 Years

Pontiac built its final vehicles in 2010, officially ending a brand whose history stretched back more than eight decades. The former headquarters managed to survive for another 16 years, although GM says the building itself has not been occupied since 2020.

In its final period of use, the facility housed work related to GM’s global propulsion operations. Its demolition is therefore not simply the removal of an abandoned Pontiac office, but part of GM’s continuing effort to consolidate and modernize its physical operations.

For longtime Pontiac followers, however, the building’s disappearance carries a deeper emotional weight. It was a tangible connection to a division whose identity has otherwise largely survived through restored cars, enthusiast communities, and the increasing collectability of models carrying badges such as GTO and Trans Am.

Pontiac’s Legacy Will Have to Live Without the Building

Pontiac’s disappearance from GM’s lineup already marked the real end of the brand, but losing its former headquarters adds another sense of finality. Buildings can serve as physical anchors for automotive history, especially when the brand they represented no longer exists.

The good news is that Pontiac’s legacy was never confined to one office complex. It survives in the cars themselves, from early GTOs and Firebirds to later Trans Ams and the final Australian-derived GTOs of the 2000s.

The demolition of One Pontiac Plaza will still be bittersweet for the city and for enthusiasts who remember what Pontiac once represented. GM may be removing an aging and unused building, but to the Pontiac faithful, it is also taking down one of the last landmarks connected to a performance brand that helped shape generations of American car culture.

Scout Motors hasn't delivered a single production vehicle yet, but the Volkswagen Group-backed automaker is already fighting dealerships over how it plans to sell them. The latest challenge comes from Washington state, where a dealer association is attempting to stop Scout's planned direct-to-consumer sales model.

The Washington State Auto Dealers Association has filed a lawsuit arguing that Scout's approach violates state restrictions governing vehicle manufacturers and franchised dealerships. Automotive News reports that the association is seeking legal action that could ultimately prevent Scout from operating as a vehicle dealer in the state.

At the center of the dispute is an unusual question: Is Scout genuinely a new automaker, or should it be treated as part of the established Volkswagen Group? The answer could determine whether Scout can follow companies such as Tesla and Rivian by selling directly to customers instead of establishing a traditional franchise dealer network.

The timing makes the battle particularly interesting because Scout hasn't started vehicle production. Its upcoming Terra pickup and Traveler SUV remain future products, yet the company's sales strategy is already facing resistance that could influence how customers eventually buy them.

Dealers Say Scout Isn't Really Independent

Scout Motors presents itself as an independent American brand, even though it is owned by Volkswagen Group. The company has consistently maintained that it operates separately from Volkswagen's other automotive brands and does not have an existing network of franchised Scout dealerships.

That distinction is critical to its business model. Scout intends to sell vehicles directly to consumers, allowing customers to handle much of the purchasing process without going through a conventional franchised dealership.

Washington dealers see the situation differently. Volkswagen Group already has extensive franchise relationships through brands including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini, and dealers argue that Scout's corporate connection to the same parent company complicates its claim to independence.

The lawsuit alleges that Scout is already competing with dealers through activities including vehicle advertising, marketing, and accepting customer deposits. The association also claims Scout lacks the vehicle dealer license required to operate in Washington and argues its relationship with Volkswagen could prevent it from qualifying for one under the proposed business model.

Scout Says It Has No Franchise Dealers to Bypass

Scout's counterargument is relatively straightforward: There are no existing Scout dealerships. Unlike an established automaker suddenly deciding to sell its existing vehicles directly and cutting franchised dealers out of the process, Scout is effectively starting from scratch.

Its position is that because it has never created a franchised retail network, it is not competing against Scout dealers or violating agreements with them.

The complication is Volkswagen Group's ownership. Dealers challenging Scout's strategy effectively argue that a legacy automaker should not be able to create or revive a separate brand and use that structure to circumvent laws protecting existing franchise networks.

That question could become increasingly important as automakers experiment with new retail models. If Scout successfully establishes a direct-sales operation despite being owned by one of the world's largest legacy automotive groups, other manufacturers could potentially explore similar structures for future brands.

The Fight Goes Beyond Selling Scout SUVs and Trucks

Franchise laws vary significantly across the United States, creating a complicated regulatory landscape for automakers pursuing direct sales. Companies that entered the market without existing dealer networks have historically had greater flexibility in some states, although they have still faced numerous legal and political battles.

Scout occupies an unusual middle ground. The brand itself is new in its modern form, but its parent company certainly isn't, giving both sides arguments that could ultimately require courts or lawmakers to clarify exactly where Scout fits.

For dealers, the concern extends beyond losing potential Terra and Traveler sales. A successful Scout direct-sales model could establish a path for traditional automakers to launch separate EV-focused brands without relying on their existing franchise networks.

Consumers also have a stake in the outcome. Research published by the American Economic Association has previously examined how state franchise regulations can restrict entry and competition in automobile retailing, while dealer groups argue their businesses provide local employment, service infrastructure, and significant economic activity.

Scout's Retail Strategy Could Become as Important as Its Vehicles

Scout plans to enter the market with the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV, offering battery-electric powertrains alongside available range-extender configurations. The vehicles are intended to revive the rugged character associated with the historic International Harvester Scout name while competing in America's increasingly crowded truck and SUV market.

Before Scout can prove whether those vehicles will succeed, however, it may need to establish exactly how customers will be allowed to buy them.

The Washington lawsuit is another chapter in a broader battle between direct automotive sales and America's long-established franchise dealership system. Scout's connection to Volkswagen Group makes this particular fight especially significant because the company could test whether a legacy automaker can successfully operate a separately branded direct-sales business.

For now, Scout hasn't sold a single production vehicle, and there is no guarantee the dealer association's arguments will prevail. Still, the fact that legal battles are already unfolding shows just how disruptive its retail strategy could be—even before the first Terra or Traveler reaches a customer's driveway.

Ford has taken car testing to the next level by sending five vehicles up Chile's highest active volcano, just to see how they fare in a cold, rocky environment that is low on oxygen.

The American automaker mentioned that it uses its climate-controlled chamber in Dearborn, where it replicates the thin air of a 12,000-foot mountain pass under varying ambient temperature conditions.

It also tests vehicles in Summit County, Colorado, home to some of North America's highest paved roads at elevations of up to 14,000 feet, to ensure those vehicles perform without a hiccup.

Ford, however, pushed its vehicles beyond their usual testing limits by supporting a Guinness World Record attempt for the world's highest marathon. The vehicles transported runners, equipment, and support crews up Ojos del Salado before the descent to sea level.

How Ford Pushed Its Vehicles Beyond the Limit

Ford's testing in North America typically reaches elevations of about 14,000 feet. However, after reviewing test data from Colorado and similar vehicle testing in China's Tibet region at altitudes of nearly 19,000 feet, the engineers were confident the vehicles could handle the extreme conditions. Their analysis also showed the vehicles' systems would continue operating within their intended limits.

But even so, the data available was limited, so to further verify the vehicles' performance, Ford installed a data recorder in one of the vehicles and had a local team in Chile drive the route in advance. The data confirmed the vehicles could handle the extreme conditions and reliably support the expedition.

Despite encouraging test data, Ford could not predict the harsh weather or extreme conditions on the mountain. Engineers had to trust the vehicles would perform when it mattered most, as any failure could have left marathon runners stranded. When the data was finally retrieved after the expedition, it showed the vehicles performed exactly as expected, even at altitudes far beyond Ford's official testing grounds.

Throughout the marathon support mission, the Ford Expedition, Ranger Raptor, and Everest were repeatedly cold-started after overnight stays at a base camp 14,200 feet above sea level, with every vehicle starting without issue. The team later started all three models at elevations of up to 19,400 feet, again without any problems.

The Ranger Raptor was used to scout the marathon route and transport personnel, climbing to around 19,400 feet over three days. It tackled steep, sandy slopes of up to 30%, reaching peak altitude without issue. On the other hand, the Expedition Tremor with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine climbed to almost 19,000 feet.

According to Ford, the results showcased the strength of the EcoBoost engine and the engineering behind it. Unlike naturally aspirated engines, which lose about 3% of their power for every 1,000 feet of elevation gained, the turbocharged EcoBoost compresses thinner air to maintain performance at high altitudes. Ford says its engine control system also carefully regulates turbo boost to maximize performance without exceeding the engine's design limits.

The expedition gave Ford a rare opportunity to validate its vehicles in real-world conditions far beyond its normal testing limits while supporting what the company described as the world's highest marathon. The effort earned the team two Guinness World Records: Highest Marathon and Highest Marathon Distance Run as a Team.

Royal Enfield is bringing an exceptionally limited motorcycle to the United States, and anyone hoping to put one in their garage will need to move quickly. The Shotgun 650 x Rough Crafts Drop will be limited to just 100 individually numbered examples worldwide, with only 10 allocated to American buyers.

The special-edition motorcycle is the result of a collaboration between Royal Enfield and custom motorcycle builder Rough Crafts. Based on the Shotgun 650, it takes inspiration from the dramatic Caliber Royale custom that appeared at Motoverse and EICMA in 2025.

Rather than simply reproducing that one-off machine, Royal Enfield and Rough Crafts have translated some of its distinctive styling into a motorcycle that can be offered to a small group of customers. The result retains the Shotgun 650's familiar mechanical foundation while adding exclusive finishes and details inspired by the original show bike.

U.S. pricing has been set at $7,999, making this a relatively accessible limited-production motorcycle despite its rarity. Getting the chance to buy one, however, could prove considerably harder than paying for it.

Inspired by the Caliber Royale

The original Caliber Royale was created by Rough Crafts using the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 as its starting point. It featured stretched proportions, a distinctive fairing, handcrafted finishes, and a combination of gloss and matte paint accented by gold leaf.

For the production collaboration, Rough Crafts has carried some of that design language over to the Shotgun 650 without transforming it as extensively as the original custom build. The limited edition features a prominent gold-leaf stripe with a subtle gray accent running across its body panels.

Each motorcycle also receives individual numbering on the fuel tank, emphasizing just how few will be produced. A brass collaboration badge matches the one fitted to the original Caliber Royale, providing another direct connection between the limited-production model and its custom inspiration.

Additional details include black bar-end mirrors, a quilted leather seat, contrast-cut alloy wheels, and gold-colored inner fork tubes. Together, the changes give the motorcycle a considerably more bespoke appearance than a standard Shotgun 650.

The Familiar Shotgun 650 Remains Underneath

The limited-edition bike is still based on Royal Enfield's Shotgun 650 platform and its 648cc parallel-twin engine. That means buyers are getting a motorcycle built around an established production model rather than a radically modified one-off machine.

The standard Shotgun 650 is part of Royal Enfield's growing family of motorcycles powered by its 650-class twin-cylinder engine. The platform has become a popular foundation for customization, making it a natural choice for a collaboration with a builder such as Rough Crafts.

The appeal here is therefore less about gaining additional performance and more about exclusivity and design. Buyers receive the approachable mechanical package of the regular Shotgun combined with visual details tied to one of Rough Crafts' more distinctive recent creations.

Only 10 Examples Are Coming to America

Royal Enfield plans to produce just 100 examples of the Shotgun 650 x Rough Crafts Drop for customers across India, Europe, Asia, and North America. Of those, only 10 motorcycles will be offered in the United States.

The global release will take place in phases between July 27 and July 30, 2026. For American customers, the sale is scheduled to begin on July 28 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time.

Prospective buyers will need to sign in and complete a registration form through Royal Enfield's website. Availability will then be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, so the extremely small U.S. allocation could disappear quickly.

Customers who successfully secure one of the 10 available motorcycles will have 48 hours to place a deposit with their local Royal Enfield dealer. Missing that window could presumably mean losing the opportunity to the next buyer in line.

Buyers Get an Extra Piece of Rough Crafts History

The motorcycle itself isn't the only limited-edition item included with the purchase. Each owner will also receive a numbered gold-on-black sketch of the original Caliber Royale.

The artwork will be signed by Winston Yeh, founder of Rough Crafts and the designer behind the custom motorcycle that inspired the project. For collectors, that additional connection to the original build could make an already rare motorcycle even more desirable.

At $7,999, the Shotgun 650 x Rough Crafts Drop isn't priced like an unobtainable boutique custom. Its real barrier to entry is scarcity, particularly in the United States, where just 10 riders will get the chance to own one.

Anyone seriously interested will want to be ready when the U.S. allocation opens on July 28. With only 10 examples available nationwide, this particular Royal Enfield could be sold out almost as quickly as the sale begins.