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 […]
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.
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 […]
Examining the Andretti F1 Controversy
Although it’s widely considered the most popular form of motorsports in the world, Formula 1 frequently finds itself mired in controversy. From spying allegations between McLaren and Ferrari in 2007 to accusations of drivers deliberately crashing their competition to win the championship (perhaps most notably when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill collided in the 1994 […]
What’s New on the 2024 F-150 Raptor
Since it burst on the scene in 2010, the F-150 Raptor has turned heads with its brash performance and devil-may-care attitude. In their original review, MotorTrend described it as what happens when hot rodders decide to go off-road racing. For my money, it’s the vehicle that truly spawned the “mainstream super-truck” category of souped-up trucks […]
Tahoe Z71 vs Expedition Timberline: Which Has the Best Blend of Performance?
Off-road enthusiasts who want the power and ruggedness of a truck and more interior space for people, equipment, and luggage often pick the Tahoe Z71. Originally introduced as a special edition for the 2000 model year, the Tahoe Z71 has become a permanent member of the Chevy Tahoe family. As the Tahoe has evolved, so […]
Which Z71 Package Is Right for Your Silverado 2500 HD?
For more than 35 years, the Z71—whether as an optional package or a trim level—has given Chevy trucks and SUVs an off-roading shot in the arm. By tweaking the suspension, adding underbody production, and even giving the driver advanced assistance features, Chevy makes it easier for drivers to tackle the terrain that gets their adrenaline […]
A New Grand Tourer: the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT
Going fast and feeling exhilarated behind the wheel is about more than just raw horsepower and torque. While a true race car will be stripped down to save every ounce of weight possible, shoppers spending six figures on a performance car for the road usually expect more in the way of luxuries. To succeed in […]
The Porsche Carrera Cup: The Beginner’s Guide to the Ultimate Porsche Racing Series
Are you a racing fan who also happens to love all things Porsche? There’s a series for that. Since its introduction nearly four decades ago, the Porsche Carrera Cup has been gaining steam worldwide. In 2021, it finally reached US borders with the inaugural Porsche Carrera Cup in North America. As of this writing, the […]
A Classic Harley-Davidson Returns With the 2024 Hydra-Glide Revival
The year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the original Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide, one of the most revered bikes from one of the most revered American motorcycle manufacturers. To celebrate the occasion, your local Harley-Davidson dealer may have something special in store. With the limited-edition 2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide Revival, riders have a chance to experience the […]
Camaro vs Corvette: Is Chevy’s Muscle Car Still Needed?
For decades, people visiting their local Chevy dealer looking for a performance car have had a choice of two legendary names. However, that choice is about to become one. Production of the sixth-generation Chevy Camaro ended in December 2023, and Chevrolet has no immediate plans for a seventh-gen Camaro or a replacement (though Chevy insists […]
Everything to Love About Japan’s Trio of Redesigned Track-Ready Compacts
Japanese automotive engineering has always been on the cutting edge, and the compact car is no exception. For the longest time, a compact was simply a fuel-efficient, affordable way to get you to work. But over the last few decades, Japanese automakers have redefined the compact as a nimble, powerful machine you can take to […]
The C8 Corvette Looks Like a Supercar, But Does It Perform Like One?
There’s little doubt the eighth-generation Chevy Corvette Stingray is the most powerful, best-handling Corvette ever produced. The culmination of more than seventy years of research, development, and open-road thrills, this all-American machine is beloved by critics and enthusiasts alike. Over the decades, the Corvette has evolved from a basic roadster to a coupe that screams […]
The New S2 Mulholland: Livewire Further Electrifies Its Lineup
Since the first LiveWire electric motorcycle burst on the scene in 2019, the rest of the biker world has been on notice. The LiveWire ONE shattered the records for eighth-mile and quarter-mile drag times by an all-electric production motorcycle. The S2 Del Mar follow-up offered a budget-friendly version that was still impressive, going from 0-60 […]
Trailhunter vs TRD Pro: Which Off-Road Tacoma Trim Should Fuel Your Adventures?
The Toyota Tacoma is long known as a versatile truck that can handle the road, the off-road, and the job site effortlessly. For the 2024 model year, those who want to emphasize this truck’s off-road personality have a new option and a revamped old one at their fingertips. As part of the first new Tacoma […]