Serious off-roaders need more than a run-of-the-mill SUV or tricked-out crossover. They demand the best combination of power, suspension, body design, and tech to get them across rough terrain. This is especially true of rock crawlers, dune bashers, and competitive off-roaders who constantly face the worst Mother Nature and course designers can offer. To this […]
Author: Michael Stridsberg
Michael is a professional writer with a lifelong passion for the automotive world. He spent six years as the media director for Thunder Road Speedbowl and currently serves as the track’s Victory Lane announcer and pit reporter. He is also interested in muscle cars and hopes to one day own a vintage Ford Mustang. Michael graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a performance and technical theater degree. When not writing or talking about cars, he enjoys playing guitar, working out, reading, and watching football.
Previewing the 2024 Rainforest Challenge Grand Final
Hardcore off-roaders already have the dates from November 29th to December 9th circled on their calendars. That’s when the 27th annual Rainforest Challenge Grand Final will bring participants from around the globe together in Malaysia for an event that tests humans and machines in equal measure. Named one of the world’s toughest off-road events, it […]
Yamaha’s Fascinating, Little-Known History of Making Car Engines
When I say “Yamaha,” there are a few things you might think of. One may be the world’s largest musical instrument manufacturer, churning out everything from pianos and guitars to drumsticks. Another is the audio company that, among other things, developed the first successful digital synthesizer and the first CD recorder. If you’re reading CarLifeNation, […]
Freakishly Fun: The Oddest Motorcycle Engines Ever Made
In many respects, the evolution of motorcycle engines has been straightforward. Internal combustion piston engines established themselves as the predominant engine type by the early 1900s, and most designs—two-stroke, four-stroke, parallel-twin, V-twin, etc—have built on this. Along the way, horsepower and torque kept going up, just like with cars. But in the book of motorcycle […]
Mazda Spirit Racing: Renewing a Tradition of Going Fast
For decades, Mazda has been known for quick cars that inspire exhilaration for their drivers. Their motto is literally “Zoom-Zoom.” Mazda debuted two concept cars at the annual Tokyo Auto Salon show in January 2024 as part of a new sub-brand: Mazda Spirit Racing. Dubbed the Spirit Racing RS and the Spirit Racing 3, these […]
The Koenigsegg Jesko Swedish Hypercar Arrives in America
August 17 and 18, 2024, were big days for US hypercar fans. On the 17th, the Koenigsegg Jesko made its official American debut at The Quail Motorsports Gathering in Carmel, California. The following day, Koenigsegg presented the first Jesko to a US customer, with hypercar enthusiast F.J. Miller receiving the honors. Despite small tweaks to […]
The Off-Road Capabilities of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
In a world of crossovers, compact SUVs, and other vehicles tailored for light off-roading, sometimes you want a vehicle that returns to the roots of sport utility vehicles. The Toyota 4Runner was introduced in 1983 as just such a machine—one you can take on any terrain, from the Appalachian Mountains to the dunes of the […]
The RB17: A Look at Red Bull’s First Car Sold to the Public
Red Bull has said for decades that they can give you wings. Soon, 50 fortunate drivers will get to experience how a Red Bull-manufactured car does the same. On July 12, 2024, Red Bull unveiled the RB17 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England following years of development and testing. Designed by longtime Red […]
The Corolla FX16 Is Forgotten Legend
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the Toyota Corolla and its new GR (Gazoo Racing) variant, which turns the classic commuter car into a wild all-wheel drive rally car. However, veteran car enthusiasts know it’s not the first time Toyota has decided to throw caution to the wind with its venerable nameplate. Several special-edition […]
The Bugatti Tourbillon: Does This $4 Million Hybrid Shatter Performance Expectations?
For more than 115 years, the Bugatti name has been associated with vehicles that offer the highest performance and luxury. Bugatti was arguably the original supercar and hypercar manufacturer, and modern rides like the EB 110, Veyron, Chiron, and Bolide have carried on the tradition. Soon, another nameplate will be joining this illustrious list. On […]
Supercharge Your Suburban with Performance Parts and Accessories
As the longest-running automobile nameplate ever produced and one of the OG full-size SUVs, the Chevrolet Suburban—along with its cousins, the GMC Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade ESV—has powered generations of adventurers. Straight off the factory floor, this rugged yet comfortable vehicle is ready for just about anything, whether that’s a family road trip or […]
The Kawasaki Ninja 500: A High-Performance Sportbike You Can Afford
While every type of motorcycle offers good things, riders who want to get their adrenaline pumping on the main roads or track know there’s nothing quite like a sportbike. There’s no compromising for city cruising, highway touring, or off-roading, just pure power and agility that lets you go all out. If there was a Mount […]
Stick Shifters Commiserate: The 2024 Civic Hatchback Is the Last Mainstream Honda With a Manual
For decades, manual transmissions in American vehicles have been an endangered species. According to Motor1, less than 2% of cars sold stateside in 2023 were equipped with manual transmissions. Yet despite the proliferation of automatic transmissions, stick shifting has carved a niche with automakers like Honda still offering it in certain vehicles. Honda even trumpets […]
Electrifying Legends: Did the BMW M5 or Dodge Charger Daytona Do it Better?
These days, high-performance cars are increasingly turning to electrification to give drivers a rush unlike anything else while meeting ever-stricter emissions requirements. BMW and Dodge, two nameplates synonymous with motorsports and other thrill-seeking automotive exploits, have thrown their hats into the ring as they battle to field the ultimate modern street-friendly and eco-friendly performance car. […]
The Bronco in Motorsports: A Victorious History
When the Ford Bronco reappeared on showroom floors in 2021, it was more than the return of a famous off-road vehicle after a quarter-century hiatus. It also marked a new era for one of the most famous racing automobiles. The Bronco has long been a trusted steed in off-road racing circles, and with new Broncos […]
Should You Add Performance Tires to Your Car?
You’ll find a wide variety of options when it comes to vehicle tires. Different compounds, treads, construction methods, and sizes all change how your car drives. If you’re looking to get a little more pep from your ride on the road or track, performance tires may be one of the upgrades you’re considering. You wouldn’t […]
Just How Off-Road-Capable Is the Jeep Wagoneer?
The return of the Jeep Wagoneer in 2021 was greeted fondly by many Jeep and SUV enthusiasts. The original Wagoneer, manufactured from 1962 to 1993, is considered the original “luxury SUV” with a combination of practical functionality and comfort. Now the fourth-generation Wagoneer and its upscale counterpart the Grand Wagoneer carry on the name, even […]
The New Corvette ZR1 Is Here!
Since Chevy announced the impending return of the Corvette ZR1, fans have barely been able to contain their excitement. The C8 Corvette Stingray and performance variants such as the Z06 are already continuing the vehicle’s fine tradition, with the Corvette Z06 winning the 2023 MotorTrend Performance Car of the Year Award. If you didn’t think […]
The CFMOTO IBEX 800 Family: Adventure on Any Terrain
Some riders aren’t content to be limited to either pavement or dirt. That’s where the adventure bike comes in. Also known as a dual-sport motorcycle or ADV, these bikes are 100% street legal but also have many design features for off-road use, letting riders spend as much time off the roads as they do on […]
What Performance Upgrades Has Ford Given the 2024 Mach-E?
As a huge fan of the Mustang’s entire glorious history, from the original 1964-½ fastback to the seventh-gen Dark Horse, I’ve been eagerly following along with the Mustang Mach-E’s ongoing development. I must say, when Ford announced the EV in 2019, my curiosity was piqued by the decision to attach the Mustang name to a […]