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Ringbrothers Unveils 'Billie,' the Ultimate Custom Pontiac GTO

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Ringbrothers has once again pushed the boundaries of automotive customization with their latest creation, 'Billie,' a meticulously re-imagined 1965 Pontiac GTO. This project, which began as a humble Pontiac Tempest Convertible, underwent an extensive transformation spanning over 5,500 hours of dedicated craftsmanship. The result is a vehicle that not only pays homage to the iconic muscle car era but also integrates modern performance and design elements, creating a truly unique machine. Every detail, from the widened body to the bespoke interior and powerful drivetrain, reflects Ringbrothers' commitment to excellence and innovation, making 'Billie' a standout example of restomod artistry.

The reimagined GTO boasts a significantly altered exterior, now five inches wider than its original counterpart, achieved through expertly reshaped fenders, enhanced rear quarter panels, and extended rocker panels. Complementing these modifications are lightweight carbon-fiber doors and numerous custom-fabricated body panels, all meticulously designed to maintain the classic GTO silhouette while infusing a contemporary, aggressive stance. The interior has also been thoroughly revamped, featuring a dashboard repositioned for improved space, new aluminum accents, a state-of-the-art digital display, and a uniquely crafted shifter inspired by an espresso portafilter, blending classic aesthetics with modern functionality. Under the hood, 'Billie' is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine from Wegner Automotive, delivering an impressive 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, managed by a Bowler 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is complemented by a custom exhaust system featuring Flowmaster components, ensuring a powerful and distinctive auditory experience. The vehicle's performance is further enhanced by a Roadster Shop Fast Track Stage III chassis, FOX coilovers, and six-piston Brembo brakes, all riding on custom HRE G-Code wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, providing superior handling and grip.

A Transformed Exterior and Bespoke Interior

Ringbrothers embarked on an ambitious journey to redefine the classic 1965 Pontiac GTO, meticulously crafting a vehicle that marries iconic design with contemporary enhancements. The exterior of 'Billie' has been dramatically reimagined, starting with a five-inch body extension that lends it a more commanding presence. This wider stance is complemented by custom-fabricated front fenders, robust rear quarter panels, and elongated rocker panels, all designed to seamlessly integrate with the car's original lines. The use of carbon-fiber for the doors and various other custom panels not only contributes to weight reduction but also adds a modern, high-performance aesthetic. The entire vehicle is finished in a unique 'Billie Goat Blue' paint, accented with polished chrome and black elements, creating a striking visual contrast that accentuates its sculpted form. Custom bumpers, a billet aluminum taillight panel, and a carbon-fiber diffuser with integrated exhausts complete the exterior transformation, showcasing Ringbrothers' attention to detail and their ability to blend classic styling with aggressive, modern touches.

The interior of 'Billie' is just as thoughtfully redesigned as its exterior, offering a blend of nostalgic charm and cutting-edge technology. To enhance cabin space and ergonomics, the dashboard has been artfully repositioned, moving four inches forward and dropping two inches, creating a more open and comfortable environment for occupants. The cabin is adorned with new aluminum trim, adding a touch of modern sophistication, while a digital display provides contemporary instrumentation without detracting from the car's vintage appeal. Even the original radio has been meticulously reworked to incorporate modern Bluetooth connectivity, seamlessly integrating current technology into a classic interface. A truly unique detail is the custom shifter, whose design was inspired by an olive wood espresso portafilter. This unconventional choice highlights Ringbrothers' commitment to bespoke craftsmanship and adds a distinctive, handcrafted touch that resonates with the overall character of the vehicle. Every element within the interior has been carefully considered and executed, resulting in a cockpit that is both luxurious and functional, offering a truly unique driving experience.

Supercharged Performance and Advanced Underpinnings

At the heart of 'Billie' lies a powertrain that redefines muscle car performance, blending raw power with modern engineering. Ringbrothers opted for a supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine, sourced from Wegner Automotive, known for its formidable output and reliability. This potent powerplant delivers an impressive 650 horsepower and an equal amount of torque, a significant leap from anything the original GTO could have offered. Such a substantial increase in power ensures exhilarating acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. To manage this immense power, the engine is paired with a Bowler 10-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and precise gear changes that enhance both performance and drivability. Further enhancing the driving experience is a custom exhaust system, meticulously crafted by Ringbrothers with components from Flowmaster, designed to produce a deep, aggressive rumble that perfectly complements the car's formidable appearance and performance capabilities, making its presence known on the road.

Beyond its powerful engine, 'Billie' benefits from a thoroughly modern chassis and suspension setup, transforming its handling characteristics to match its increased power. The vehicle is built upon a Roadster Shop Fast Track Stage III chassis, renowned for its rigidity and performance capabilities, providing a solid foundation for dynamic driving. This advanced chassis is complemented by FOX coilovers, allowing for precise control over damping and ride height, ensuring optimal handling both on the street and at higher speeds. Stopping power is provided by a high-performance Brembo braking system featuring six-piston calipers, offering exceptional modulation and fade resistance, crucial for a vehicle of this caliber. The car rides on custom HRE G-Code wheels, with 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. These high-performance tires provide superior grip and responsiveness, allowing 'Billie' to handle corners with remarkable agility and confidence, far surpassing the capabilities of a stock GTO. This comprehensive integration of modern performance components ensures that 'Billie' is not just a show car, but a formidable machine capable of delivering an exhilarating and precise driving experience.

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Acura NSX Original Model Gains Extensive New Parts Supply in the U.S.

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For aficionados who cherish the mechanical purity of classic sports cars, the challenge of maintaining older vehicles due to part scarcity is a familiar one. Acura has now stepped up to address this very concern for owners of its iconic first-generation NSX. Through the newly launched Honda Heritage Parts program in the U.S., more than 3,000 meticulously reproduced parts are now accessible, offering a lifeline to these cherished machines. This move reflects a commitment to preserving the legacy of these legendary vehicles, allowing them to remain on the road and enjoyed by enthusiasts for many years to come.

Extensive Parts Availability for the First-Generation NSX

On November 3, 2026, Acura officially introduced the Honda Heritage Parts program to the United States, a significant expansion following its initial debut in Japan in April. This program is set to bolster a variety of classic Acura and Honda performance models, with the original NSX, produced between 1991 and 2005, being the inaugural beneficiary. Owners of this celebrated sports car can now procure over 3,000 reproduction parts through authorized Acura dealerships nationwide and via the convenient Honda DreamShop online platform. These parts cover essential components for the engine, transmission, chassis, and various other crucial systems, ensuring comprehensive support for maintenance and restoration. Mamadou Diallo, executive vice president at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., expressed the company's enthusiasm, stating, “By supporting our customers in preserving the legacy of the NSX, we’re celebrating our shared passion for these iconic sports cars and keeping them on the road for today’s enthusiasts and future generations.” This initiative underscores Acura's dedication to its heritage and its passionate owner community.

This initiative represents a pivotal moment for classic car preservation, reinforcing the idea that timeless design and engineering can endure with proper support. By providing access to original-quality components, Acura not only honors the NSX's storied past but also inspires other manufacturers to consider similar programs. It ensures that the visceral driving experience of these mechanical marvels will continue to captivate enthusiasts, fostering a deeper appreciation for automotive history and craftsmanship.

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2026 Honda CR-V Faces Scrutiny Over Windshield Wiper Malfunctions

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Owners of the Honda CR-V are expressing considerable dissatisfaction regarding the functionality of the vehicle's windshield wiper system. Despite advancements in automotive technology, this popular SUV appears to suffer from fundamental design flaws in its wipers, which are causing significant visibility problems for drivers. These issues, ranging from inefficient spray nozzle placement to inadequate coverage by the driver-side blade, have been extensively documented across various online platforms and consumer safety databases. The recurring complaints underscore a potential safety hazard that Honda may need to address, especially for a model that has seen robust sales performance.

The two primary concerns involve the wiper system's spray nozzles and the coverage area of the driver's side wiper. The nozzles, integrated into the wiper arms, activate only when the blades are midway up the windshield, leading to an ineffective cleaning process, particularly in adverse weather. Furthermore, the driver's side wiper consistently fails to reach the far edge of the windshield, leaving a crucial section uncleared. These deficiencies compromise driver visibility and safety, prompting calls for potential remedies or even a recall from affected owners who believe such basic functionalities should be perfected in modern vehicles.

Flawed Windshield Cleaning System in the CR-V

Owners of the Honda CR-V are encountering significant problems with the vehicle's windshield wiper system, primarily centered around the ineffective placement and operation of the spray nozzles. These nozzles, instead of being positioned on the hood for optimal fluid dispersal, are located directly on the wiper arms. This design choice leads to a critical flaw: the cleaning fluid only begins to spray when the wiper blades are approximately halfway across the windshield. Consequently, a substantial portion of the lower windshield remains untreated, making it challenging to effectively clear dirt, debris, or precipitation. This issue is particularly pronounced in conditions involving snow or ice, where a thorough initial spray is crucial for maintaining clear visibility. Many drivers have voiced their frustration, noting that this design impedes proper windshield cleaning and can compromise driving safety.

The current design of the CR-V's wiper-mounted nozzles appears to fall short of its intended purpose, which was presumably to reduce wind deflection and eliminate blind spots often associated with traditional hood-mounted nozzles. However, numerous complaints on social media platforms and submissions to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that the engineering of these nozzles is inadequate. Owners report that the delayed spray action results in fluid being immediately pushed off the windshield by the moving wiper blades, often onto the side windows, further obstructing the driver's view. This design flaw makes it nearly impossible to achieve a thoroughly clean windshield, a basic expectation for any modern vehicle, and it creates a persistent visibility challenge that many owners find unacceptable for a vehicle introduced in 2026.

Insufficient Wiper Coverage and Potential Safety Implications

Beyond the spray nozzle issue, Honda CR-V owners are also reporting a significant problem with the driver-side windshield wiper's coverage. Many drivers have observed that this wiper blade does not extend fully to the left edge of the windshield, leaving a noticeable and often substantial portion of the glass uncleared. This uncleaned area can accumulate dirt, water, or snow, creating a persistent blind spot that directly impacts the driver's forward visibility. The problem has been described as inconsistent, with some owners noting that the wiper functions correctly only when the vehicle is in Accessory Mode, while others have been told by dealerships that this gap is an intentional or normal part of the design, which further frustrates them.

The lack of full windshield coverage by the driver's side wiper is not merely an inconvenience; it poses a genuine safety risk, especially in adverse weather conditions. Poor visibility is a known contributor to accidents, and a design flaw that consistently leaves a section of the windshield obstructed raises serious concerns for drivers. Numerous reports have been filed with the NHTSA, and owners frequently discuss these issues on online forums, hoping for a resolution. Given that visibility-related defects are often considered critical safety concerns leading to vehicle recalls, the ongoing complaints about the CR-V's wiper performance highlight an urgent need for Honda to investigate and rectify these problems to ensure driver safety and confidence in their vehicles.

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