Andy Lilienthal
@andylilienthal.bsky.social
Writer. Editor. Photographer. Gearhead. Traveler. #WeirdCarBS fan. Half of @crankshaftculture.com
- '91 Mitsubishi Pajero XP (4D56, 5MT))
- '94 Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear (4M40, 5MT)
- '98 Suzuki Jimny Wide (1.3, 5MT)
- '22 Subaru Crosstrek (2.0, 6MT)
- '91 Mitsubishi Pajero XP (4D56, 5MT))
- '94 Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear (4M40, 5MT)
- '98 Suzuki Jimny Wide (1.3, 5MT)
- '22 Subaru Crosstrek (2.0, 6MT)
I can't believe Stellantis is going to bring the Topolino to the States. I hope it'll go faster than 28 MPH ...
December 9, 2025 at 8:03 PM
I can't believe Stellantis is going to bring the Topolino to the States. I hope it'll go faster than 28 MPH ...
Let's say this whole "tiny car" thing happens in the U.S. Let's say we get JDM options. What JDM kei car would you want?
December 8, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Let's say this whole "tiny car" thing happens in the U.S. Let's say we get JDM options. What JDM kei car would you want?
And just like that, small cars are going to become popular? They weren't popular every other time they've been for sale in the U.S., and I don't think that's going to change. www.subcompactculture.com/2025/12/trum...
Trump's "Tiny Cars" Has Huge Hurdles. People Say "Let The Market Decide." But It Already Did.
Subcompact Culture features content about small cars, trucks, SUVs, and CUVs including reviews, editorials, travel, trends, and lifestyle.
www.subcompactculture.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:26 AM
And just like that, small cars are going to become popular? They weren't popular every other time they've been for sale in the U.S., and I don't think that's going to change. www.subcompactculture.com/2025/12/trum...
We know the Trump Administration wants small cars sold in the U.S. But did anyone think to ask if Americans want small cars? (Of course they didn't, and they probably don't!)
Trump Wants A Return to Small Cars In the U.S., But Does Anyone Else?
Subcompact Culture features content about small cars, trucks, SUVs, and CUVs including reviews, editorials, travel, trends, and lifestyle.
www.subcompactculture.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:18 PM
We know the Trump Administration wants small cars sold in the U.S. But did anyone think to ask if Americans want small cars? (Of course they didn't, and they probably don't!)
Post a car you think is a real turkey.
• Slammed Nissan NV200 is completely ludicrous. I also sorta love it ... but I also sorta love turkey. I'm the worst.
• Slammed Nissan NV200 is completely ludicrous. I also sorta love it ... but I also sorta love turkey. I'm the worst.
November 29, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Post a car you think is a real turkey.
• Slammed Nissan NV200 is completely ludicrous. I also sorta love it ... but I also sorta love turkey. I'm the worst.
• Slammed Nissan NV200 is completely ludicrous. I also sorta love it ... but I also sorta love turkey. I'm the worst.
This is such a great example of the kind of car culture I love.
Me pulling into a parking lot: Oh, Veloster N. Really would like to drive one of those.
Moment later: Holy crap. A Shelby Daytona?! I cannot remember the last time I’ve seen one.
Moment later: Holy crap. A Shelby Daytona?! I cannot remember the last time I’ve seen one.
November 29, 2025 at 2:11 AM
This is such a great example of the kind of car culture I love.
I was at the grocery store getting Thanksgiving stuff this week. As I closed my car's hatch, an elderly man pushing a cart said to me, "Got your bags—good! Got a list?"
I said, "Yep; I just hope I got my patience!" He let out a laugh, wished me well, and got into a lowered Mazda RX-8. Made my day!
I said, "Yep; I just hope I got my patience!" He let out a laugh, wished me well, and got into a lowered Mazda RX-8. Made my day!
November 29, 2025 at 2:06 AM
I was at the grocery store getting Thanksgiving stuff this week. As I closed my car's hatch, an elderly man pushing a cart said to me, "Got your bags—good! Got a list?"
I said, "Yep; I just hope I got my patience!" He let out a laugh, wished me well, and got into a lowered Mazda RX-8. Made my day!
I said, "Yep; I just hope I got my patience!" He let out a laugh, wished me well, and got into a lowered Mazda RX-8. Made my day!
This isn't just a holiday gift guide. Ours is filled with travel and adventure products we actually use and love. And if we enjoy them, you, your family, and friends will too.
2025 Crankshaft Culture 'Not Another Holiday Gift Guide' Gift Guide
Yes, it's another holiday gift guide, but the Crankshaft Culture Gift Guide is full of reviewed and vetted products we actually love.
crankshaftculture.com
November 28, 2025 at 6:12 PM
This isn't just a holiday gift guide. Ours is filled with travel and adventure products we actually use and love. And if we enjoy them, you, your family, and friends will too.
I remember seeing this and thinking—oh yes. @mercedeslilienthal.com and my Jimny is only on 235/75/15 BFG KO2s, and it'll probably stay that way. But this Icelandic Jimny is just so awesome. #weirdcarbs #bscars
When we were in Iceland in 2019, I took a photo of this Suzuki Jimny in Iceland at the Formula Offroad Iceland event parking lot in Akranes. Now I have Jimny, and this gives me bad ideas. #WeirdCarBS
November 25, 2025 at 10:57 PM
I remember seeing this and thinking—oh yes. @mercedeslilienthal.com and my Jimny is only on 235/75/15 BFG KO2s, and it'll probably stay that way. But this Icelandic Jimny is just so awesome. #weirdcarbs #bscars
I was thinking yesterday about how when I was in high school in the 1990s, there were a couple kids with 1960s muscle cars. A 1966 Mustang was 30 years old in 1996. Now a 30 car is feom 1996. Woah.
November 24, 2025 at 5:49 AM
I was thinking yesterday about how when I was in high school in the 1990s, there were a couple kids with 1960s muscle cars. A 1966 Mustang was 30 years old in 1996. Now a 30 car is feom 1996. Woah.
Tonight at Revolution Hall! I'll be there. Will you?
November 17, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Tonight at Revolution Hall! I'll be there. Will you?
My review of the 2026 Nissan Sentra via @gearjunkie.bsky.social gearjunkie.com/motors/2026-...
2026 Nissan Sentra First Drive Review: Keeping the Affordable Sedan Alive
The 2026 Nissan Sentra is largely the same, but improved in some meaningful ways, and remains a great value.
gearjunkie.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:10 PM
My review of the 2026 Nissan Sentra via @gearjunkie.bsky.social gearjunkie.com/motors/2026-...
These were fun to write. Maybe @mercedeslilienthal.com and I should write more of them ...
Back in 2017, we wrote a few articles called Recommended Routes. They showcased fun, achievable adventure travel routes. Should we bring the section back? crankshaftculture.com/2025/11/08/o...
Our Recommended Routes Highlight Great Adventure Travel Trips
In 2017, we wrote four stories called Recommended Routes. These showcased some overland adventures and how you can achieve them too.
crankshaftculture.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:03 PM
These were fun to write. Maybe @mercedeslilienthal.com and I should write more of them ...
Hauled 280 lbs. of junk to the dump in a 2025 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid AWD -- and getting 36.2 MPG over abkut 100 miles.
November 8, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Hauled 280 lbs. of junk to the dump in a 2025 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid AWD -- and getting 36.2 MPG over abkut 100 miles.
Great color too.
We tested the 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT EV! Check out what we liked (and didn't like) about it. By: @andylilienthal.bsky.social
crankshaftculture.com/2025/11/06/r...
crankshaftculture.com/2025/11/06/r...
Review: 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT - Crankshaft Culture
We review the 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT after a week of driving in the Pacific Northwest.
crankshaftculture.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Great color too.
I think I'm the last automotive writer to drive a Ford Maverick, but I finally have one for a week. This is the 2025 Maverick Hybrid in AWD. So far, I love the interior and appreciate the excellent mileage I'm getting.
November 4, 2025 at 8:25 PM
I think I'm the last automotive writer to drive a Ford Maverick, but I finally have one for a week. This is the 2025 Maverick Hybrid in AWD. So far, I love the interior and appreciate the excellent mileage I'm getting.
Reposted by Andy Lilienthal
In the driveway this week? The all-electric 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT. No crankshaft, but this 338 hp EV scoots. MSRP is $45,555 before destination. Article on our impressions soon! With @andylilienthal.bsky.social and @mercedeslilienthal.com.
November 4, 2025 at 2:51 AM
In the driveway this week? The all-electric 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT. No crankshaft, but this 338 hp EV scoots. MSRP is $45,555 before destination. Article on our impressions soon! With @andylilienthal.bsky.social and @mercedeslilienthal.com.
This year will be only the second SEMA Show I've missed since 2006. It's a double-edged sword not to go. I'll miss many friends and industry colleagues. I won't miss the massive crowds, the enormous amount of ground to cover, or, well, Vegas. Godspeed, SEMA attendees!
November 4, 2025 at 12:14 AM
This year will be only the second SEMA Show I've missed since 2006. It's a double-edged sword not to go. I'll miss many friends and industry colleagues. I won't miss the massive crowds, the enormous amount of ground to cover, or, well, Vegas. Godspeed, SEMA attendees!
On this holy night of sacred candy consumption, I provide you this pictorial warning. Combine these three confections and it may open a portal to the netherworld. Consider me a soothsayer. #bshalloween
October 31, 2025 at 11:47 PM
On this holy night of sacred candy consumption, I provide you this pictorial warning. Combine these three confections and it may open a portal to the netherworld. Consider me a soothsayer. #bshalloween
Every hat should include an LED light. Just sayin'.
October 31, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Every hat should include an LED light. Just sayin'.
New t-shirts via our eBay store! Line art of our '91 Mitsubishi Pajero and '94 Delica Space Gear! www.ebay.com/usr/cranksha... #weirdcarbs
October 29, 2025 at 7:54 PM
New t-shirts via our eBay store! Line art of our '91 Mitsubishi Pajero and '94 Delica Space Gear! www.ebay.com/usr/cranksha... #weirdcarbs
We have this Subaru, in a lovely shade of red, for review this week. It really is a great color.
In the driveway this week? A crankshaft-less 2026 Subaru Solterra EV. Maybe we should change our name to Commutator Culture? ⚡⚡⚡
October 28, 2025 at 6:11 PM
We have this Subaru, in a lovely shade of red, for review this week. It really is a great color.