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News•Mar 1, 2026
Chinese SUV Beats Lexus GX, Toyota Land Cruiser In Off-Road Test
In an Australian off‑road comparison by CarExpert, Great Wall Motors’ three‑row GWM Tank outperformed both the Lexus GX and the Toyota Land Cruiser (J300) on a demanding roller course. While the Land Rover Defender claimed overall victory, the Tank matched the Defender and Isuzu MU‑X in other metrics, surpassing the Japanese rivals in the key roller test. The test also revealed that the Tank’s traction‑control system caused driver‑level frustrations, placing it near the bottom of personal scores. Nonetheless, the results underscore a notable leap in Chinese SUV off‑road capability versus established premium brands.
By Jalopnik
News•Mar 1, 2026
AMC Canceled The First Car With An Onboard Computer At The 11th Hour
The 1957 AMC Rambler Rebel was slated to debut Bendix’s Electrojector, an analog‑computer‑controlled electronic fuel‑injection system that could shave half a second off its 0‑60 time. Engineers battled reliability issues, especially cold‑weather starting below 50 °F, and the program was cancelled...
By Jalopnik
News•Mar 1, 2026
Why Do Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Have Such A Distinct Sound?
Harley‑Davidson’s iconic exhaust note comes from its 45‑degree firing V‑twin, where both pistons share a single crank pin, creating a "bang‑bang‑rest" rhythm. The engine’s lack of balance shafts amplifies vibration, making the exhaust valve pop the dominant audible cue rather...
By Jalopnik
News•Mar 1, 2026
Can You Bring Your Own Car Parts To A Mechanic?
Car owners can indeed bring their own replacement parts to a mechanic, potentially saving on the markup that shops add to OEM or aftermarket components. However, many garages refuse for reasons such as lost profit, warranty complications, and safety concerns....
By Jalopnik
News•Mar 1, 2026
Why The Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight Engine Has Four Spark Plugs
Harley‑Davidson introduced the Milwaukee‑Eight V‑twin engine to replace the Twin Cam, delivering 11% more torque and a higher 10.5:1 compression ratio while maintaining the same weight. The engine features four valves per cylinder and a dual‑spark plug setup that accelerates...
By Jalopnik
News•Mar 1, 2026
Here's How Much The Toyota GR Supra Has Depreciated In 5 Years
The 2021 Toyota GR Supra loses roughly 23% of its original price after five years, leaving resale values between $40,000 and $50,000 for low‑mileage examples. Compared with peers, the BMW Z4 depreciates about 40%, while the Porsche 718 Cayman retains...
By Jalopnik
News•Mar 1, 2026
How The 'Non-Passenger Work Vehicle' Became The Family Car
The 1970s oil crisis prompted the U.S. to adopt CAFE fuel‑economy standards, but a loophole exempted light‑truck classifications from strict limits. Automakers exploited this by reclassifying vehicles like the Jeep Cherokee as “non‑passenger work vehicles,” allowing them to meet weaker...
By Jalopnik
News•Mar 1, 2026
Your Average Sedan Can Tow Surprisingly Well
Recent model‑year sedans are officially rated to tow between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds, challenging the long‑standing perception that only trucks and large SUVs can handle trailers. Manufacturers such as Volvo, Volkswagen and Toyota list factory‑approved hitches and specific weight limits...
By Jalopnik
News•Mar 1, 2026
The Term 'Supercar' Existed Long Before The Miura
The term “supercar” first appeared in a 1920 British newspaper describing the Ensign 6, a 6.7‑liter car with 39 horsepower—far earlier than the Lamborghini Miura’s 1966 debut. While the Miura’s mid‑engine layout and striking design popularized the label, earlier models like the...
By Jalopnik
News•Mar 1, 2026
The World's Weirdest Rotary Engine Is A 118-Year-Old French Spinner That Leaks Castor Oil Everywhere
The Gnome Omega, an 8‑liter seven‑cylinder rotary engine introduced in 1908, powered many World War I aircraft. Unlike later Wankel rotaries, the Gnome spun its cylinders and crankcase around a fixed crankshaft, delivering about 50 hp at 1,200 rpm. Its simple two‑state ignition,...
By Jalopnik
News•Mar 1, 2026
The Last Car Elvis Presley Ever Drove Was A Classy Stutz Fit For A King
Elvis Presley’s passion for automobiles culminated in his ownership of five Stutz Blackhawks, the most notable being the 1973 Blackhawk III – the last car he ever drove. The neoclassic Stutz brand was resurrected in the late 1960s by James O’Donnell...
By Jalopnik
News•Mar 1, 2026
What To Expect With Dealer Vs. Safelite Windshield Replacements
Windshield replacements are a safety‑critical expense, often ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand for premium models. Dealerships install only OEM glass, which is required for vehicles equipped with ADAS to ensure proper sensor calibration, but their labor...
By Jalopnik
News•Feb 28, 2026
Here's Where Automakers Freeze Their Lugnuts Off For Cold Weather Testing
Automakers still rely on real‑world cold‑weather testing to validate vehicle performance in extreme conditions. Facilities range from Tesla's Alaska test track to Volvo's Kiruna site and the shared winter‑testing hub in Sweden’s Arjeplog. In the U.S., manufacturers supplement field tests...
By Jalopnik
News•Feb 28, 2026
3 Sights You Miss If You Take The Longest Train Route In The U.S.
The California Zephyr, Amtrak’s longest route at nearly 2,500 miles, runs from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay across seven states. While the train offers spectacular scenery, it bypasses three automotive‑centric attractions: Carhenge in Nebraska, the drive‑up Pikes Peak Highway in Colorado,...
By Jalopnik
News•Feb 28, 2026
You Should Shove A 450-HP Volvo Engine In Your BMW E30, Unless You're Chicken
Swedish engine specialist Alf Eng installed a 450‑horsepower Volvo B4204T35 twin‑charged 2.0‑liter four‑cylinder into a BMW E30 rallycross chassis. The modified E30 entered the Lillehammer Hillclimb, where driver Hans‑Joran Ostreng recorded the fourth‑fastest overall time despite a loose rear‑end and...
By Jalopnik