Author: Donald B. Smith

Honda Resurrects the Prelude: A Hybrid Future Awaits Honda has officially announced the return of the beloved Prelude as a modern hybrid coupe, marking a significant revival of the iconic nameplate that was first introduced in 1978. While the new Prelude has currently been confirmed only for the European market, tantalizing signs suggest it may also make its way to the U.S. Honda Prelude Concept First unveiled as a concept model at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show, the new Prelude captivated audiences with its sleek design and futuristic aesthetics. The exterior of the concept appears remarkably production-ready, although Honda has…

Hennessey’s Prototype Venom F5 Survives 250mph Crash, Driver Walks Away Unscathed In a dramatic display of engineering prowess and fortuitous survival, Hennessey’s Venom F5 prototype endured a high-speed crash during a test run, while the driver remarkably emerged uninjured. This incident underscores the perils involved in pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. Photo: Hennessey The Incident at Kennedy Space Center On July 1st, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a Hennessy Venom F5 Roadster prototype lost downforce and subsequently went off track at a staggering speed of 250mph. Test drivers, revered for their skill and audacity, proved that fate…

A Classic SUV with Modern Muscle: The 1979 Jeep Cherokee Restomod When you think of a 1979 Jeep Cherokee, the image that likely pops into your mind is one of rugged simplicity—a classic SUV built to handle rough terrain with ease. But what if you could merge that iconic design with jaw-dropping modern performance? Enter Vigilante, the innovative restorers from Johnson City, Texas, who have done just that, creating a restomod that not only captures the essence of the original but propels it into a whole new performance stratosphere. Key Takeaways: Restoration: 1979 Jeep Cherokee with modern updates. Engine: Powered…

Toyota Revamps Iconic 70-Series Land Cruiser for its 40th Anniversary: New Engine and Transmission Updates Unveiled In a noteworthy update to one of its longest-running models, Toyota has announced significant changes to the iconic 70-series Land Cruiser, as it celebrates its 40th anniversary since its introduction in 1985. Despite its age, the 70 Series remains immensely popular in various markets around the globe, prompting Toyota to continue investing in its development. One major modification sees the introduction of a new 5-speed manual transmission, while the robust V8 engine, which has been a staple in the lineup, will be phased out.…

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek Edition: Rugged Style and Enhanced Features As the crossover SUV segment continues to grow, every car company is adding unique versions of their popular models to stay competitive. For Nissan, this means introducing the 2025 Rogue Rock Creek Edition, a rugged variant inspired by its sibling, the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition. This marks a significant addition for the 2025 model year, alongside several subtle updates to the available ProPilot Assist and in-car camera systems. A Bold Exterior The Rogue Rock Creek channels much of its design from the Pathfinder, featuring a distinctive grille with three…

The Sweet Sound of Success: How Nichols Electronics Revolutionized Ice Cream Truck Music If you’ve ever heard the delightful jingles of an ice cream truck rolling down your street on a hot summer day, you’ve experienced the marketing genius of Bob Nichols. While you might not recognize the man behind the melodies, Nichols’ innovation has left a lasting impression across the country, particularly through the iconic soundtracks of almost every ice cream truck. The Origin Story In 1973, Bob Nichols, an electrical engineer, was struck by inspiration while watching a movie featuring Scott Joplin’s famous 1902 ragtime tune, "The Entertainer."…

Apple Unveils "F1" Movie Starring Brad Pitt, Slated for 2025 Release Apple’s highly anticipated F1 movie, starring Brad Pitt, is officially titled "F1" and is set to hit theaters on June 27, 2025. This announcement came during the 2024 British Grand Prix, alongside the release of its first teaser trailer, generating substantial buzz among F1 fans and movie enthusiasts alike. In "F1," Brad Pitt portrays veteran driver Sonny Hayes, who comes out of retirement to team up with rookie driver Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. The two drivers form an unlikely duo on the fictional APXGP team. The plot…

Thrilling Drama Unfolds in the 2024 Formula 1 Season: Max Verstappen Leads the Championship Amidst Stiff Competition In a riveting season of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship, Max Verstappen continues to reign supreme, leading the Drivers’ Championship with a solid 255 points after 12 rounds. This season has seen fierce competition, resurgence from veteran drivers, and noteworthy performances from upcoming stars. British Grand Prix Highlights The 12th race of the season, the British Grand Prix held at Silverstone, marked a significant milestone for Mercedes-Benz AMG’s Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton clinched his first victory in over two years, showcasing the classic…

BimmerFest Europe 2024: A Celebration of BMW Perfection at Raceway Venrij Europe’s largest automotive gathering exclusively for BMW enthusiasts, BimmerFest Europe, consistently holds a revered spot on the calendars of automobile aficionados. The event held last month at Raceway Venrij, in the heart of the Netherlands, was no exception. Known for its challenging 1/2 mile oval circuit, attendees are advised to bring their best running shoes to navigate the steep inclines effectively. An Enthusiast’s Playground Fueling the passion of BMW enthusiasts, various paddocks at BimmerFest were meticulously reserved for specific BMW themes. This year’s highlight included an area dedicated to…

The Revival of Ford Legends: Boreham Motorworks to Bring Back Iconic Cars Classic cars always seem to make a great comeback, and they’re beloved by fans and enthusiasts worldwide. While some car manufacturers may be hesitant to revive legendary models, custom car builders are often ready to step in and fill the gap. One such company is Boreham Motorworks, a segment of the DRVN Automotive Group, poised to touch the hearts of British Ford aficionados. A New Era for Ford Icons: RS200 and MK1 Escort Boreham Motorworks has teamed up with Ford Motor Company to reintroduce some of Ford’s most…