Author: Martin Banks

Martin Banks is the managing editor at Modded and a regular contributor to sites like the National Motorists Association, Survivopedia, Family Handyman and Industry Today. Whether it’s an in-depth article about aftermarket options for EVs or a step-by-step guide to surviving an animal bite in the wilderness, there are few subjects that Martin hasn’t covered.
Autos

Exploring the Toyota Aqua Hybrid: Design, Powertrain Engineering, and Technology Updates

Toyota has officially announced an updated version of its Aqua hatchback, offering crisper styling, further tech updates and the very same frugal hybrid powertrain, which has proved popular with city drivers of the hybrid. Drawing significant styling cues from newer Toyota’s in the Prius range, the revamped compact hybrid is set to remain a value, […]

Autos

10 Affordable Pickup Trucks That Deliver Real Workhorse Value Without the Luxury-Truck Price

The modern-day auto market, with a new car price tag averaging 50,080, may not immediately evoke the feeling of shopping for a new inexpensive new vehicle; pickup trucks traditionally fall higher on this scale but we’ve found some exceptional choices that offer top-tier performance without the price. Whether looking for a practical vehicle to drive […]

US News

10 Game-Changing RVs Built for Off-Grid Travel When Ordinary Campers Can’t Go Far Enough

The recreational vehicle world is entering an exciting new era, with manufacturers finally pushing affordable camping trailers and small RVs toward the top of their product lines. The days of laying out a six-figure sum on a home-away-from-home in which to travel in comfort or experience outdoor adventure are becoming less necessary as small trailers, […]

World News

Honda Brings Back the Prelude, But the Classic Coupe Returns With Hybrid Power Instead of Its Old-School Formula

Few automotive nameplates carry as much nostalgia as the Honda Prelude. Once known as a sporty and stylish two-door coupe, the Prelude disappeared from production in 2001 and left enthusiasts waiting for its return. After a 23-year break, Honda has brought the nameplate back with a completely redesigned sixth-generation model. Instead of returning with its […]

Autos

Muscle Cars Have a Generation Problem, as Old-School Purists Clash With What Gen Z Wants

It appears American muscle car culture is divided between generations. Current generations still revere the classic coupe with the long hood/short deck, big V-8, manual transmission, and “mechanical personality.” Original trim codes, original type wheels, and a “4-speed on the floor” are often features that make the car a must for old time muscle car […]

Autos US News

Ford Defends American Manufacturing Strategy amid US Transportation Department Supply Chain Criticism

Ford Motor Company is facing growing scrutiny over how it balances American manufacturing with international technology partnerships. A recent exchange between U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Ford CEO Jim Farley has brought that issue into sharper focus. Duffy questioned Ford’s commercial relationships with Chinese companies, including battery manufacturer CATL and automakers Geely and BYD. […]

US News

Toyota Highlander Expands Lineup as Grand Highlander and EV Models Reshape SUV Sales

Toyota’s strategy of providing several powertrains and growing its Highlander nameplate continues its offensive push within a crowded SUV market segment. The Highlander continues to hold its own as a key Toyota product in the North American market, with a 25+ year history to its credit. With refreshed gas and hybrid options, a larger Grand […]

Autos

14 Fast Cars That Disappeared From the Spotlight but Still Deserve to Be Remembered

Not every sports car gets the fanfare, or adoration, afforded to legends such as the Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Evo or any of the other performance icons you know and love. But automotive history is littered with some incredible speed demons-both weird and wonderful, that have historically passed us by, either due to a distinct lack […]

World News

The New Toyota RAV4 Has More Hybrid Tech, but Its Biggest Changes Go Much Deeper

The Toyota RAV4 has contributed more to the evolution of the compact-SUV category for nearly three decades than nearly any other vehicle: Its practicality on an everyday basis, its bulletproof reliability, and a sensible performance package have been mainstays of the RAV4 formula. In the United States the most popular Toyota in the country, the […]

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