10.9 C
London
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Home Blog Page 38

Last riding day for a while

0
Last riding day for a while


Gas, 3.866 gal/87 oct @ $3.099/gal @ Royal Farms. $11.98. That’s about 33.8 MPG. Not that great if you ask me!

End @ 64,679 (70 miles)

Total mileage for January: 213

I had to go into the city today to check out my kid’s car. She called me yesterday morning, saying it kept trying to stall at stoplights. If she put the transmission in neutral at the lights, then the engine would race. My guess is there’s some water that’s come out of solution in the fuel system, likely because she doesn’t drive as much as she used to before she had a boyfriend and it only takes her about five minutes to get from her apartment to work. The engine isn’t getting enough time to heat up properly, and the fuel isn’t being agitated enough to keep the water in solution. I added a can of Sea Foam to her fuel tank and put in a fresh air filter (the old one was dirty, but not terrible). I checked her oil and coolant levels—both OK. No obvious vacuum lines disconnected or anything else untoward that would obviously cause the near-stall issue. I counseled her about driving her car for 20-30 minutes once a week.

At a stoplight on one of the US highways in the city, I’m just sitting there in neutral, minding my own business. Some dude in a giant SUV, maybe an Escalade, starts honking like crazy. When I looked over to see what was going on, he was beaming broadly and waving at me. Once he had my attention, he shouted, “Nice bike, brother!” I said thanks and waved; the light turned green and we both drove off all warm and fuzzy inside.

I went across the James River to visit the new MotoRichmond location, which hasn’t been new for almost five years. What can I say? I don’t get across the river much! I’d planned to ask the owner if she might know of a person, place or business with space where I might set up my lift, store my tools, parts and bikes, and do my content creation tasks. Turns out she’s in New Zealand until next month some time, so I’ll have to come back to that. The sales lead at the shop suggested I email her, but I’m not sure I want to bother somebody while they’re on an adventure vacation on the other side of the world.

This waterproof (or at least highly water resistant) bag from Wolfman Luggage isn’t intended to be a side case liner, but it works well as one. I bought two of them on clearance!

On the way home, I needed gas and knew I could work my way past a Royal Farms, which meant I could also get some spicy chicken to take home for dinner. I hit the new location near the I 64 interchange and ended up waiting around for about 45 minutes because they were down a fryer, which of course I didn’t know when I placed my order. The upside was after about 20 minutes, this dude wearing turnout gear came in, walked right over to me and asked, “Is that your R 90 outside?” Jake is a firefighter and has his father’s 1974 R 90/6. He wants to restore it and said it has something like 250,000 miles on it due to his dad riding a lot all over the world, wherever they were stationed at the time. Jake also has an R 1200 GS and a middleweight Yamaha Ténéré. I happened to have a business card in my pocket, so I gave it to him. We had a nice chat.

Forgot to check the oil AGAIN before I left home. I really need to develop that habit! I tried to check it while I was working on the car—the engine was hot, and I’m not sure that was the best way to do it. It registered a tiny bit of oil on the end of the dipstick and manipulating the hot dipstick was not pleasant. I need to remember to do that when the engine is cold.

It’ll be a couple of weeks at least before I can ride again, tomorrow is foot surgery day for my wife. The bike is safe in the shed and on the battery tender for the first time in a week. I did remember to add two ounces of my fuel treatment blend to the fresh tank of gas.

This is my shed tool kit, purchased on sale/special around Christmas 2024 from either Home Depot or Lowe’s – I forget which now. It was $100 shipped and I feel like they lost money on that deal.

ONE YEAR LATER: No further difficulty with the car after the fuel treatment and advice to drive the car at least 20-30 minutes once a week.



Source link

Jim Thompson Marks 75 Years of Thai Craftsmanship With First Coffee Table Book

0
Jim Thompson Marks 75 Years of Thai Craftsmanship With First Coffee Table Book


Jim Thompson has commemorated its 75th anniversary with the release of “Jim Thompson: Beyond Silk, Beyond Thailand”, the brand’s first coffee table book. Published in partnership with luxury publisher Assouline, the title was unveiled at an international launch held at the Assouline boutique in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris.

The Paris premiere reflects Jim Thompson’s continued expansion beyond its Thai roots and positions the brand within a global cultural context. The launch event featured a curated bookshelf installation dedicated to the brand, alongside presentations by Frank Cancelloni, group CEO of Jim Thompson and Alexandre Assouline, president of Assouline. Guests included representatives from the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris, the Department of International Trade Promotion of Thailand, the Ministry of Commerce and Thai Airways.

Founded in 1951 by James H.W. Thompson, Jim Thompson played a central role in reviving Thailand’s silk industry and introducing Thai textiles to an international audience. Over the decades, the company has grown from a silk producer into a lifestyle brand spanning fashion, interiors, hospitality and food and beverage.

The book documents this evolution through newly commissioned photography by Chris Schalkx, supported by archival and brand imagery, with text by journalist Stephen Wallis. Across its pages, the publication traces the brand’s commitment to Thai craftsmanship while examining how contemporary design and technology have shaped its identity today.

Beyond chronicling silk production, the book explores Jim Thompson’s wider cultural footprint, including its presence in global hotels, interior projects and creative collaborations. It also reflects on the legacy of its founder — often referred to as the “Thai Silk King” — whose life (and disappearance) remain an enduring part of the brand’s mythology.

Frank Cancelloni described the publication as a reflection of both heritage and ambition, noting that the brand continues to look beyond silk and beyond Thailand as it builds towards becoming Asia’s first global lifestyle brand. Alexandre Assouline added that the project represents a shared commitment to cultural preservation, craftsmanship and creative storytelling.

“Jim Thompson: Beyond Silk, Beyond Thailand” is available in two editions. The Classic edition features a hardback cover with archival imagery and contains 286 pages of full-colour photography. The Silk Slipcase edition is presented in a case crafted from handwoven Thai silk in the brand’s signature cinnabar red. Both editions are available in English, French, Japanese and Chinese.

The book is available at select Jim Thompson stores in Thailand and online at jimthompson.com, with worldwide shipping. The Classic edition is also distributed through Assouline’s global retail network and via assouline.com.

For more on the latest in art and culture reads, click here.



Source link

Need a Replacement RV Toilet?

0
Need a Replacement RV Toilet?


AVOIDING PUBLIC BATHROOMS is one of the many great benefits of RV ownership. Unfortunately, not all RV toilets live up to that promise. Luckily, it doesn’t have to stay that way. A toilet upgrade is one of the most underrated ways to improve your RV, and there are many options if you’re looking for the best replacement RV toilet for your camper. 

Let’s look at the best camper toilet replacement options and how to choose the right one for you, covering bowl material, rough-in measurements, seat height, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about replacing the toilet in your RV.

Key Takeaways

  • Prioritize Fit and Comfort: Before buying, you must match the “rough-in” measurement (the distance from the wall to the floor flange) to ensure the replacement toilet actually fits; from there, aim for a residential-height (18″) seat and an elongated bowl for maximum comfort.
  • Material Matters: Choose between plastic (lightweight and budget-friendly) or porcelain (heavier and pricier, but much easier to clean and odor-resistant).
  • Maintenance is Key: To avoid a mid-trip disaster, keep your ball valve and seals lubricated with mild detergent or specialized lubricants to prevent leaks and keep those “funky” tank smells where they belong.

Why Replace an RV Toilet?

The main reason most owners replace RV toilets is that they’re no longer working. Toilet issues that might warrant a replacement include a faulty flush mechanism or a cracked toilet base that’s causing a leak. 

Some opt for an upgrade simply to improve their bathroom experience. Choosing an easier-to-clean porcelain bowl, a model with a more comfortable seat height, or one with added features like a spray wand can make a noticeable difference for many RV owners. For others—especially those purchasing a used RV—a new toilet might simply eliminate any ick factor. 

Regardless of your reason, here’s how to choose the right RV toilet upgrade or replacement.

Choosing an RV Replacement Toilet

Images by Camping World

Consider these factors to help you select the best replacement RV toilet.

Rough-In

The distance from the wall to the center of the RV toilet flange, known as the “rough-in,” is an important measurement to find the correct RV toilet replacement. For the easiest replacement, the new toilet must have a rough-in measurement that matches that of your existing toilet.

Bowl Material

The two main materials used in bowl construction are plastic and porcelain. Plastic is a good option because it’s lightweight and cost-effective. It also tends to be more durable to the vibrations and bouncing that are commonplace during RV travel. 

Porcelain—or ceramic—is great because it’s durable and doesn’t hold stains or smells. It’s also the same material as your residential toilet and is typically easier to clean than plastic bowls. Porcelain RV toilets are becoming more common as RV suspension parts improve. 

Pros Cons
Plastic – Lightweight
– Cost Effective
– Less Comfortable
– Holds Smells & Stains
Porcelain – More Comfortable
– Easier to Clean
– Heavier
– More Expensive

Seat Height

Seat height is the primary factor in comfort when using an RV toilet. Most camping toilets have a low seat height because they’re cheaper and lighter. However, this makes it harder to get up after sitting down. A taller seat height is heavier but easier to use. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. Your personal preference narrows your options. For reference, a residential seat height is 18” or higher.

Bowl Shape

There are two common bowl shapes to choose from: standard and elongated. An elongated bowl is more comfortable and hygienic—it’s likely what you’re used to at home. However, it adds extra weight and typically costs more. 

A smaller, round bowl isn’t as comfortable, but it creates more usable space in tight RV bathrooms, especially in smaller campers.

Flush Mechanism

Most RV toilets use a manual foot-flush mechanism, typically located on the front or side of the base. Some models have an electric flush mechanism. This electric mechanism often includes a cutoff switch to prevent overfilling your black tank, a nice feature that adds peace of mind. However, the downside of the electric mechanism is the addition of a non-analog component that could require advanced repair expertise if it fails.

Spray Feature

Some toilets have a handheld sprayer to help clean the bowl after use. This makes cleaning easier, prevents staining, and keeps odors down. It is not a camper toilet bidet, but it is a nice bonus feature to look for when comparing replacement RV toilets.

Best RV Replacement Toilets to Choose

Now that you know what to look for, here are five of our top-rated RV toilet replacement options:

Dometic 320 Series RV Toilet

Dometic 320 Series
Image by Camping World

Don’t let the price scare you—this is the best toilet money can buy for your RV. You’ll hardly notice a difference from the one back home. The residential-height seat, ceramic bowl, and elongated seat make this a must-have toilet for your RV bathroom.

Seat Height Bowl Material Seat Shape Weight Rough-In
18” Ceramic/Porcelain Elongated 37 lbs. 11” Minimum

Thetford Aqua-Magic Style Plus RV Toilet

Thetford Aqua-Magic Style Plus RV Toilet
Image by Camping World

The Thetford Aqua-Magic Style is another premium option for a quick RV bathroom renovation. It has a residential-height seat for ease of use and a ceramic bowl that won’t stain or smell. 

Seat Height Bowl Material Seat Shape Weight Rough-In
17.5” Ceramic/Porcelain Elongated 45 lbs. 11” Minimum

Dometic 310 Series RV Toilet

Dometic 310 Series
Image by Camping World

If you like the Dometic 320 but want more space, the Dometic 310 is for you. This toilet has a residential-height seat and a ceramic bowl. The round bowl still has plenty of room without taking up as much space. 

Seat Height Bowl Material Seat Shape Weight Rough-In
18” Ceramic/Porcelain Round, Soft Close 23 lbs. 10” Minimum

Dometic 400 Series RV Toilet

Dometic 400 Series Toilet
Image by Camping World

Like the 310 and 320, the Dometic 400 has a residential-height seat. It differs by featuring a plastic bowl to save weight and a smaller rough-in for easier application in more tiny RVs. It’s a great option for those on a budget. 

Seat Height Bowl Material Seat Shape Weight Rough-In
18” Plastic Round, Soft Close 9.5 lbs. 7.625” Minimum

Thetford Aqua-Magic Residence RV Toilet

Thetford Aqua-Magic Residence
Image by Camping World

The Thetford Aqua-Magic Residence is very similar to the Dometic 300 but at a slightly lower price. It was a tall seat for ease of use and a plastic bowl to save weight. 

Seat Height Bowl Material Seat Shape Weight Rough-In
18” Plastic Elongated 13 lbs. 9.5” Minimum

Are All RV Toilets Interchangeable?

Although most RV toilets use the same mounting pattern, they can require different rough-in measurements, so they are not all interchangeable. You’ll need to measure the distance from the wall to the center of the flange to ensure your RV replacement toilet choice meets or exceeds your camping commode’s requirements.

If you’re not comfortable replacing the toilet yourself, use the link below to find an RV parts store near you:

How To Make Your RV Toilet Last Longer

If you want to extend the life of your existing toilet, read through the owner’s manual and perform all routine maintenance. We always recommend keeping the toilet ball valve and seal well-lubricated. If you notice unpleasant odors inside your bathroom, this is usually the first place to check. Clean the seal periodically and apply a mild detergent as a lubricant.


Check out some of our other related articles below:

In the comments below, let us know if you’ve ever picked out an RV toilet replacement and which one you chose.


  • Conner Lund Headshot

    Conner Lund is a Technical Content Writer. He has both hands-on experience and real-world knowledge. He’s an avid outdoorsman: camping, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, kayaking, hunting, and fishing are all things he enjoys that you could find him doing on any given weekend. He loves to travel and see new places. He does most of his exploring and camping out of his overlanding truck with a rooftop tent.

    View all posts



Source link

Flash Drive: 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness

0
Flash Drive: 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness


Outback Gets the Wilderness Treatment

Subaru has a reward for loyal Outback owners wanting more off-road capability and ruggedness—the new 2026 Outback Wilderness.

Clean Fleet Report was among the first automotive journalists to drive the 2026 Outback Wilderness at a media event in Healdsburg, California. A drive route of freeway, hills winding through Sonoma Valley vineyards and some challenging off-roading, gave us a good taste of what the Outback Wilderness can handle.

What did we learn? The appeal of the Outback grows with the Wilderness option that still delivers very composed and comfortable on-road driving, but also impressive off-roading for everything up to rock crawling. This is a great combination for a single vehicle.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
The Wilderness sub-brand strengthens it image–and capability

The Wilderness Sub-brand

The Wilderness sub-brand now includes the Crosstrek, Forester and Outback models. Subaru took the base model of each and gave them increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires and exterior and interior design features to make them more capable in an off-road environment.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Happy to be dirty

The Outback Wilderness, first introduced as a 2022 model, had been developed off the existing Outback platform. While it was popular with Subaru customers, Jenny Van, car line planning specialist at Subaru of America, told us the new 2026 Outback Wilderness “was purpose-designed with off-road use in mind. The Wilderness sub-brand is absolutely very important to our [Subaru] brand. It’s no longer a niche, but is now a main stream brand for Subaru. It is something a lot of customers are looking for as it has off-road and on-road capability, offering a balance. Wilderness badged models are 15% of our sales, so that is a pretty big share of our sales and is something we expect to grow.”

Jenny Van finished with: “There are commonalities between the Outback and Outback Wilderness customer. Gender is about the same, but the Wilderness skews younger.” Our take: Driving down the average age of a brand’s customer is vital to long-term sales success.

Power and Drive

The 2.4-liter intercooled, twin-scroll turbocharged boxer engine runs on 87 octane. It puts out 260 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque in a very useful 2,000-4,800 rpm range. All four wheels are driven through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that includes multiple drive modes and an 8-speed manual shifting option that can be controlled with the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The EPA has rated the fuel economy at 21 mpg city/27 highway and 23 combined. Clean Fleet Report has extensive experience driving Subarus, so are confident you will be able to surpass 30 mpg on the highway.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Composed on-road and off

The standard Symmetrical All-wheel Drive includes the latest generation of X-Mode which increases grip and traction in icy, sloppy and off-road conditions, adding hill ascent and descent control. X-Mode has two systems with individual controls for Snow/Dirt and Deep

Snow/Mud settings. Hill Descent Control comes on automatically when the system senses the need. It worked perfectly.

On-Road Driving Experience

Our drive on paved surfaces was a combination of in-town stop and go, mountain roads with sweeping turns, a few tight twisties, open highways and rural vineyard roads. The CVT was smooth with the computer defaulting to favor fuel economy, which is fine for city and highway everyday driving.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
At home on-road, too

However, at times it was necessary to utilize the manual setting and paddles to pull a grade or get up-to-speed quickly. Since there are no ‘gears’ in a CVT, using the paddles held the CVT in a rev ratio at about 4,000 rpm and approximately 45 mph when climbing a hill. It was very helpful and worked perfectly.

Some might question the presence of paddle shifters on a non-sporty car. In the case of the Outback Wilderness they were functional and will be even more important when its loaded with four adults and all their gear headed-out for a weekend adventure or pulling a trailer (up-to 3,500 pounds).

Subaru says the suspension is “Off-Road Tuned,” but don’t think this means the on-road driving has been compromised. The 4-wheel independent suspension is nicely tuned to put cornering of all types under control with body lean easily and quickly managed. We tested it in ways you never will by pushing it on corners. The idea was not to break the law, but to get a feel for how the Outback Wilderness would respond in an emergency situation with your family onboard.

The stable ride is the result of vehicle dynamics and electric traction control, active torque split and electronically controlled dampers. The electric power-assisted steering was responsive and precise, delivering a good feel of the road. Combined, they accepted everything we threw at them.

The Outback Wilderness is well-suited for two or four people to hit the road for a weekend adventure, for commuting or in-town driving for chauffeuring the kids or bread-and-butter runs.

Off-Road – Time To Get Dirty

Subaru has earned a strong reputation building off-road capable SUVs. Everything they offer comes standard with the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that transfers torque to the wheels that need it, on- or off-road. This active torque split continuously varies front-to-rear based on inputs from acceleration, steering angle and yaw rate sensors.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Off-Road helps is built in

The Outback Wilderness is also equipped with X-Mode, which adds even more grip and traction for sand, mud and snow. The Wilderness trim has additional off-road capability over the base Outback with a beefed-up suspension, tires, under body protection, upgraded rear differential and greater approach and departure angles.

A big factor for how well a vehicle handles off-road driving is the tires. The Outback Wilderness was shod with Bridgestone Dueler A/T 225/65 all-terrain tires, with raised white lettering, on matte black 17-inch rims. This tire performed very well on the off-road course and provided decent on-road handling for a smooth ride. Subaru smartly has included a full-size 17-inch matching spare tire.

The trails we drove on the 19,000-acre Cooley Ranch provided the opportunity to test the Outback’s readiness to attack steep ascents and descents on varying surfaces. The Wilderness package is up to the task, giving owners the option to find forest service roads or even take-on off-road park trails. Activating X-Mode on the steering wheel, we traversed steep sections of hard and soft dirt and even a bit of mud when crossing a creek bed.

The 9.5-inches of ground clearance came in handy several times, especially when using the Hill Descent Control, where the computer keeps the downhill speed under 12 mph. The Outback Wilderness ground clearance bests its key competitors in this game of inches.

  • Toyota RAV4 Woodland at 8.1-inches;
  • the Honda CR-V TrailSport at 8.2-inches;
  • the Hyundai Tucson XRT at 8.3-inches;
  • the Nissan Rogue Rock Creek at 8.2-inches and
  • the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands at 8.8-inches.

Would we take the 2026 Outlander Wilderness on forest roads and for medium challenging off-roading? We would with confidence.

Easy-To-Understand Controls

There is one standard Outback Wilderness interior, with optional seat and technology packages. The base Wilderness is equipped with fully animal-free interior surfaces and water-resistant StarTex (a synthetic upholstery material) in black with copper-colored stitching and the Wilderness logo embroidered on the front seat headrests. It comes with thick rubber all-weather mats and a rubber cargo tray. We put these to good use as driving off-road gets messy and the mats and tray captured all of the gunk we left behind.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Subaru champions ease-of-use

The seat option package has Slate Black nappa leather, also with copper accent stitching. This package is more than the leather seating upgrade as it includes a power moonroof, 360º surround view monitor, power folding exterior mirrors and a 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory and a leg extension.

The base Outback gives the front passenger 4-way manual seat adjustments, but when upping to the Wilderness trim they get 8-way power adjustments with heat and ventilation.

The thin A-pillars, high seating position and tall windows provide excellent forward and side visibility. The configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument gauge cluster works as an information display for vehicle functions. The horizontal 12.1-inch touchscreen houses navigation and, standard on Wilderness models, the 12-speaker, 576-watt with sub-woofer Harman Kardon sound system for AM/FM HD and SiriusXM radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB-A and C ports and wireless phone charging are standard.

The rear seat’s head, shoulder and leg room was ample for two adults, three in a pinch. Convenience features includes a fold down armrest with cup holders, heated outboard seats and USB-C charge ports.

You got gear? The Subaru Outback Wilderness will eat it up as the cargo area is urging to be packed for a weekend road trip. With the 60:40 split rear seat upright storage space is 42.8 inches, when folded it grows to 75.9 inches. The widest point between the wheels is 43.3 inches and the height is 34.1 inches measured to the panoramic moonroof. There are multiple cup and bottle holders with the largest capable of holding a 32-ounce container. Restroom breaks on your road trip could be frequent.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Rugged with style

Enhanced Rugged Exterior

The Outback exterior design is boxier overall than the outgoing model with a flatter roof, a steeper rake to the rear lift gate glass and short front and rear overhangs. The new design includes Wilderness-only cues of anodized copper accents on the body and roof rail tie-down points, redesigned side rocker panel protection and cladding, a horizontal off-road truck-like front grille, vertical headlights, black hood decal, fog lights and completely redesigned front and rear bumpers and dual front and rear tow points. The exterior power mirrors are heated as are the windshield wipers for de-icing.

When you’re putting the 9.5 inches of ground clearance to work, you’ll appreciate the Outback Wilderness’ enhanced fender brush guard cladding, though it’s also useful when encountering a wayward shopping cart. Cladding is also found across the front and rear fascia.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Hook ’em up

The Outback Wilderness is ready for some serious camping, featuring ladder-style roof rails with load capacity ratings of 800-pounds static (maybe for two adults and large dogs in a tent), laterally (for an awning) of 220-pounds. The dynamic roof cargo rating is 220-pounds. To make loading roof cargo easier, new for 2026 are integrated rope tie-down hooks in the rack rails.

Exterior colors available at no additional cost, on either the Outback or Outback Wilderness, are Crystal Black Silica, Crimson Red Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic and Sapphire Blue Pearl. Deep Emerald Green Pearl and River Rock Pearl are $395 extra. Geyser Blue, at no premium, is exclusively available on the Wilderness.

The power hatch, with LED tail lights, has a small lip spoiler and a wiper. New this year are lift gate gear rests to tie-down skis and snowboards without scratching the paint.

Safety and Convenience

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Ready for freinds, family and fun

The Outback Wilderness comes with active and passive advanced driver assistamce systems (ADAS) that are all part of the EyeSight system. Safety technology includes multiple airbags, advanced adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking and throttle management, emergency stop assist, highway active lane change assist and lane departure warning. In the case of an accident or other emergency, the Starlink Connected Services feature will place a call to emergency services.

Safety features also include blind spot monitoring with lane change assist, a 360-degree camera and Safety Exit Alert that notifies occupants, before exiting the vehicle, of obstacles and pedestrians with an audible and visual warning. There is also a rear seat reminder to check one more time before exiting to ensure no kids or dogs have been left behind.

Additional convenience features include dual zone automatic climate control, rear vision camera, push button start/stop, remote keyless entry, steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches, tire pressure monitoring system and 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes.

Pricing and Availability

The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness, assembled in Gunma, Japan, rolls into dealers beginning in early 2026. The base prices, including the $1,450 destination and delivery fee, ranges from $46,445 to $50,535. Subaru has the full pricing and options.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Boxier, but ready to punch above its weight

Observations: 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness

The 2026 Outback Wilderness should be popular with loyal Subaru owners, plus many waiting to own an Outback for the first time. The Outback Wilderness owner is likely to participate in outdoor activities and hobbies such as camping, hiking, fishing and backpacking. They are into kayaking, biking, cross country and/or mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing and snowboarding. Subaru’s research shows 58% are dog owners and 3% own chickens. Does this sound like you?

In the end the 2026 Outback Wilderness will fill the needs for those wanting a thoroughly capable weekend adventure SUV that can also handle a commute and family in-town errands.

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Subaru.



Source link

The Most Exciting Features of the 2026 BMW 4 Series Coupe

0
The Most Exciting Features of the 2026 BMW 4 Series Coupe


The Most Exciting Features of the 2026 BMW 4 Series Coupe

The 2026 BMW 4 Series Coupe boasts a long list of highlights. In addition to customizable design options that let you create your own head-turning aesthetic, the power and performance will take your breath away. Come to Fields BMW Northfield to start exploring the possibilities.

Exquisite Exterior

With over a dozen striking exterior colors and eight eye-catching wheel designs, the 2026 BMW 4 Series Coupe is an absolute head-turner. Choose 18 or 19-inch wheels and metallic, non-metallic, or BMW Individual paint colors to make a powerful impression. The black kidney grille and available high-precision laser rear taillights will make you a dominant force on the streets.

Luxurious Interior

You’ll never want to leave the cabin of the 2026 BMW 4 Series Coupe. First, pick the Perforated Sensatec or Vernasca Leather upholstery that matches your style, then move on to the fine wood or Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite trim. Any choice will elevate the already sophisticated cabin, which includes wireless device charging, the BMW Curved Display™, and a two-way power moonroof.

Breathtaking Performance

The 2026 BMW 4 Series Coupe takes you from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds thanks to the 255-horsepower 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo™ engine and 48-volt mild hybrid system. An eight-speed sport automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive deliver a comfortable and smooth ride. When road conditions—or your driving vibe—change, just use the Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT, and SPORT+ modes for enhanced performance.

Build Your 2026 BMW 4 Series Coupe in Northfield, IL

Nothing compares to a high-performing luxury model like the 2026 BMW 4 Series Coupe. Visit our Northfield, IL BMW dealership to customize your vehicle. We can’t wait to find out what your favorite features are!





Source link

Donkervoort P24 RS revealed; The most Dutch supercar ever

0
Donkervoort P24 RS revealed; The most Dutch supercar ever


Donkervoort has revealed what it claims to be “the most Dutch supercar ever created” – the P24 RS. It’s a lightweight, driver-focused supercar. Only 150 units have been planned, out of which more than 50 have already been sold to customers in Europe, the US and the Middle East.

The Donkervoort P24 RS is powered by an all-new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that has a peak output of 600 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The car weighs just 780 kg (dry), which makes it the only road-going 600 hp supercar that weighs less than 1000 kg.

Donkervoort P24 RS-1

The company was targeting a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. While it didn’t achieve that, it’s still quite close. The P24 RS has a power-to-weight ratio of 770 hp per tonne.

Donkervoort claims the P24 RS can sprint from 0-124 mph in just 7.4 seconds and has a top speed in excess of 186 mph.

Donkervoort P24 RS-3

The P24 RS looks like a typical Donkervoort, featuring a long nose, short tail and exposed front wheels. It comes with an optional aero kit design for the racetrack and includes unique swing-out headlights, a large front splitter, a rear diffuser and aero winglets over the taillights.

Donkervoort P24 RS-5

The suspension setup comprises double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. The car can be fitted with adjustable dampers and a hydraulic ride-height system. Brakes have been sourced from AP Racing. Customers also get the option of carbon ceramics.

Donkervoort P24 RS-4

Source: Donkervoort



Source link

55 Road Trip Questions to Ask Your Partner During Long Drives

0
55 Road Trip Questions to Ask Your Partner During Long Drives


This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclaimer here.

Heath and I have been road tripping together for over a decade now. That’s a lot of chatting during long drives, traffic stops, and construction zones. Sometimes it feels like we know everything about each other.

Which is when we pull out our fun list of questions to ask each other to keep the drives entertaining. We’ve learned so many things about each other we wouldn’t otherwise know!

Like Heath didn’t know that if I won the lottery, I would charter a yacht to take us and all our favorite people cruising through the rivers in Europe. (But also, does he even KNOW me?! Of course, that’s what I would do!)

This list was inspired by many other lists of creative questions by people like Justin Mares, Noah Kagan, Ramit Sethi, & fellow RVer, Lindsey Nubern.

Skip around and ask your favorites. Mine are 2, 10, 30, 35, 45, & 48! I also have some very serious thoughts on #31 that no one needs to know.

  1. What is one article of clothing that someone could wear that would make you walk out on a date with them?
  2. If you could have someone on your full-time personal staff, what would you have them do? Personal chef? Masseuse? Maid?
  3. What is your favorite body part on yourself?
  4. What’s the favorite thing you’ve bought this year?
  5. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
  6. What’s one bad habit you’re trying to get rid of?
  7. If you can instantly become an expert overnight, what would you want to be an expert in/at?
  8. What’s something you believe that almost everyone else disagrees with you about?
  9. If you could send a message to the entire world, what would you say (in 30 seconds or less)?
  10. If you had to teach a class on one thing, what would you teach?
  11. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
  12. When you die, what do you want to be remembered for?
  13. Someone gets a text message from you, and they’re not sure it’s you. They’re worried someone stole your phone. What could they ask to make sure it’s actually you?
  14. When you think about success, who comes to mind and why?
  15. What are your showers like?
  16. What is something you like that most people don’t?
  17. What’s left on your bucket list? What on that list do you know you’ll never accomplish? How does that make you feel? 
  18. What’s your recurring nightmare?
  19. What was your first screen name?
  20. Last time you ate at McDonald’s?
  21. Have you ever been scammed?
  22. If you started over at 18 knowing everything you know now, what would you do differently?
  23. When were your parents most disappointed in you?
  24. If you could have someone full-time remind you of something every day, what would you want to hear?
  25. Which band/artist – dead or alive – would you want to play at your funeral?
  26. What was the first book you read that changed your mind?
  27. Who’d play you in a movie?
  28. Which nicknames have you been called?
  29. What book do you recommend to everyone? 
  30. You must go on a road trip from Bar Harbor, Maine to San Diego, California. You have to bring 3 people. Who are they? Which route are you taking, and what will you see along the way?
  31. If there were a sandwich named after you, what would be on it?
  32. What’s your best scar story?
  33. If you had to delete all the apps on your phone and keep only three, which ones would you keep?
  34. What are you most excited about right now?
  35. If you have one day to spend one million dollars, how do you do it? You have to spend every cent in order to keep it! 
  36. What about yourself are you self-conscious about?
  37. What are three adjectives to describe each of your parents?
  38. You have $100k and have to donate it or create a charity, which cause would you support?
  39. What are you good at that you think is underappreciated?
  40. Buried or cremated?
  41. What would be your best day ever?
  42. What is something that always reminds you of me, even when I’m not around?
  43. What’s a compliment someone gave you that you still think about?
  44. What is your favorite thing to spend money on? What’s something you spend money on and never feel guilty about it? 
  45. What’s something you don’t spend money on right now that you want to spend money on in the future? (i.e., name brand clothes, nice restaurants, first-class travel, etc.)
  46. What activity could we do that you would say is “living your best life”? 
  47. The lottery is at $$$ this week. If we won, how would you spend your money? 
  48. What is your favorite family vacation from childhood that you would want to recreate as an adult?
  49. If this next year were a “gap year” and money were no object, how would you want us to spend it?
  50. What is the best gift you’ve ever been given?
  51. What’s something non-work related that you’ve been learning recently?
  52. What is one moment from the past week that made you truly happy?
  53. If we got to relive one year of our relationship again, which year would you choose?
  54. What’s a small gesture I’ve made recently that made you feel loved?
  55. Where to next? 

Feel free to save this list for your next road trip! Just add it to your Google Drive 🙂





Source link

Lucid Just Made The First Prototypes Of Its Upcoming Mid-Size SUV

0
Lucid Just Made The First Prototypes Of Its Upcoming Mid-Size SUV


  • The first prototypes of Lucid’s midsize EV have rolled off the assembly line.
  • Lucid isn’t sharing much just yet, but says that it has “dramatically improved” manufacturability of the new platform.
  • This could put the new EV on a path to profitability, or at least make for some seriously interesting competition later this year.

If you want to be a major automaker, selling fancy high-dollar flagship products like the Rivian R1, Lucid Gravity or Tesla Model S won’t be enough. To scale, companies need to build high-volume products. Tesla already did it. Rivian is trying to do it this year. Lucid is next in line. 

Lucid’s foray into a larger market share will be with its upcoming mid-size EV platform. This will spawn not one, but three different bodies (none of which will be sedans). And as of late last week, the first official prototypes have rolled off the production line.



Lucid Mid-Size SUV -  Inline

Lucid Mid-Size SUV – Inline

Photo by: Lucid Motors

News of the first completed cars comes from Nick Twork, Lucid’s Head of Communication, via a post on X. Twork shared that he was hanging out in Lucid’s prototyping build area, watching the new EVs come together.

Without letting too much slip, Twork says that the cars “are going to surprise people” when folks finally get to see the finished products. He notes that the EVs share the same base DNA with Lucid’s existing lineup (the Air sedan and Gravity SUV) but are paired with “dramatically improved” manufacturability, which also means an improved cost structure.

 

The last part from Twork is really the quiet headline. Lucid has already proven that it can build some of the most technologically-capable EVs on the market today, but what it hasn’t proven—at least not at-scale—is that it can do it without lighting a big pile of cash on fire. Cost continues to be a pain point for the automaker, and choosing between an unprofitable vehicle or one priced out of consumers’ hands is something that it needs to solve. The midsize platform is where Lucid hopes the cash burn takes a turn.

Lucid has also been clear that this new platform is designed to be cheaper from the start. Analysts expect the company’s Model Y fighter will start somewhere in the neighborhood of $50,000, which is a pretty significant drop from the entry prices of $70,000 for the Lucid Air sedan or $80,000 for the Lucid Gravity SUV. 

Lucid says that Project Midsize, which is the brand’s actual codename for the vehicle, is slated to enter production in late 2026. That will put the EV right behind the Rivian R2, which is expected to start at a slightly lower $45,000.

That magic number is a bit on the high end of the segment (meaning that Lucid clearly still sees the opportunity to identify itself as a premium brand), but it brings the new platform in reach of more consumers who otherwise may have never considered a Lucid due to the price. But if the automaker can pull off even some of the similar range or tech-related feats it did with its other offerings, the competition spawning in the midsize electric SUV market could get really interesting this year.



Source link

The 2026 BMW X1 Is Defined by All-Around Excellence

0
The 2026 BMW X1 Is Defined by All-Around Excellence


The 2026 BMW X1 Is Defined by All-Around Excellence

2026 BMW X1

It’s not hard to see why BMW is so proud of the 2026 BMW X1. This SUV delivers the flexible performance capabilities and modern amenities we crave. Looking for the scoop on the new BMW X1? Keep reading this overview.

Key Features of the 2026 BMW X1

Performance

 2026 BMW X1 performance

The mark of any great SUV is its ability to seamlessly transition from rip-roaring acceleration to gentle and relaxed cruising. The X1 comes standard with a 2.0L inline‑4 turbo (gas) engine providing up to 241 horsepower, and when properly equipped it has a maximum towing capability of up to 3,000 lbs.. Drivers can also look forward to consistently smooth and stable driving conditions thanks to the X1’s fine-tuned suspension and precise handling configurations. The X1 also offers the following:

  • Combines A Twin-Scroll Turbocharger with Variable Valve Control (Double-Vanos And Valvetronic) and High-Precision Direct Injection
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Including Brake Drying, Brake Stand-By, Start-Off Assistant and Brake Fade Compensation
  • Gas-Pressure Shock Absorbers

Technology

2026 BMW X1 technology

With so many options that keep you and your passengers connected, you’ll be surprised with how effectively the new X1’s technology also keeps you safe. The X1 is safer thanks to available safety features from BMW, designed to keep you and your passengers out of harm’s way. The new X1 knows how to let loose, too, by offering drivers a variety of multimedia and mixed-media integration options. Here are just a few of the features you can expect to find in this car:

  • Central Locking System on Driver and Front Passenger Doors
  • Anti-theft Alarm System
  • Latch for Child-Restraint Safety-Seat Installation

Design

2026 BMW X1 design

The 2026 X1 is adorned with subtle touches that speak to its holistically elegant design. The interior of the new X1 is as spacious as it is luxurious, with a max cargo space of up to 57.2 cu ft. BMW also lets drivers upgrade their new X1’s interior to provide maximum comfort. There are additional design features and options for this model, including:

  • Power-Folding, Heated Side Mirrors
  • Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers with Automatic Headlight Control
  • Anthracite Headliner

Find the 2026 BMW X1 near Upper Marlboro, MD

The X1 is just begging to be driven off the lot at Passport BMW. We’re excited to introduce you to our full inventory of new BMW cars for sale near Upper Marlboro, MD. Consult our new BMW specials, and then schedule your test drive today.

*MSRP: Starting price represents the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the trim. The MSRP does not include destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options, and dealer charges. Actual prices are set by the dealer and may vary. Photo is for marketing and example purposes only. Photo may not reflect starting MSRP or trim level.\n**EPA-estimated MPG for City/Highway for 2026 BMW X1 . Actual mileage will vary. Displayed MPG is based on applicable EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.





Source link

Transport ministry launches grant programme to scrap vehicles 20 years and older; up to RM4k per recipient

0
Transport ministry launches grant programme to scrap vehicles 20 years and older; up to RM4k per recipient


Transport ministry launches grant programme to scrap vehicles 20 years and older; up to RM4k per recipient

The transport ministry has launched the matching grant programme for the replacement of old vehicles, which is aimed at encouraging approximately 5,000 vehicle owners to replace vehicles aged 20 years or older with newer, safer and more energy-efficient vehicles from Malaysia’s national carmakers.

Through an allocation of RM10 million from Budget 2026, the programme will see each eligible recipient receive a grant of up to RM2,000, which will then be matched by participating local vehicle manufacturers, the transport ministry stated.

“Old vehicles are generally more prone to mechanical failures, lack modern safety features, and do not meet current safety standards. Therefore, replacing aging vehicles through this programme is seen as a high-impact road safety intervention,” the ministry said in its statement.

Transport ministry launches grant programme to scrap vehicles 20 years and older; up to RM4k per recipient

“The Government stresses that road safety is a matter of life and death, and every old vehicle removed from the road under this programme represents one less safety risk, contributing to the well-being of the rakyat,” the statement continued.

All Proton models, except the latest Saga and the eMas 5, will be eligible for a total grant of up to RM4,000, comprised of RM2,000 from the government, and the same amount matched by the carmaker. The two models, the Saga and the eMas 5 qualify for a grant of RM1,000 from the government which is then matched by the company for a total of RM2,000, transport minister Anthony Loke said.

Details applicable to models from Perodua will be announced by the carmaker later, the transport minister added.

Transport ministry launches grant programme to scrap vehicles 20 years and older; up to RM4k per recipient

Old vehicles surrendered under the Online Vehicle Deregistration System (e-Dereg) by the road transport department (JPJ) will be disposed of legally through authorised automotive treatment facilities (AATF), licensed disposal centres that ensure vehicles are scrapped in a controlled, professional manner in compliance with environmental standards, the transport ministry stated.

Although Sabah and Sarawak are yet to have AATFs, the matching grant programme also applies to the East Malaysian states on inclusivity grounds, Loke said. The matching grant programme will commence this month upon approval of the budget, the minister added.

Loke also clarified that the programme is aimed mainly at helping owners of idle or low-value cars, and if owners feel that their cars have more value on the used market, they can proceed in that direction.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.





Source link