iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

After many years of owning our JDM 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero, I still love driving it, and am impressed how well sorted and well made it is. It might be slow, but it's so solid. #weirdcarbs #blueskycars #jdm #mitsubishi

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

September 8, 2026, we took this 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness to the end of the road in Tuktoyaktuk, NT. #blueskycars #travel #subaru

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I'm fortunate to have the privilege to do what I do, and I recognize that. After being on the move for 24 days straight, getting back to "normalcy" isn't always easy, however. #blueskycars #travel

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Is SAAB Sonett Saturday a thing? It is now ... maybe. #weirdcarbs #saab

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Well this was a bit of a surprise. Still undecided on whether the U.S. will get a new Montero? Hey, we're getting a Nissan-based pickup, however.

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

These were two of my favorite 4x4 concepts, neither of which ever came close to fruition. #weirdcarbs #4x4

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Reposted by Andy Lilienthal

max @bluebookvalue.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

remembering the daihatsu mud master concept

Tiny lifted white van (kei van sized) with short overhangs on some rocks

Same small van from side on a wooded trail

Rear view showing lifting panels on left and rear and two bicycles inside

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

This was one of the most epic adventures @mercedeslilienthal.com and I have ever had.

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

I'm not necessarily a big fan of this gen Ford Escape, but this one looks really good. #blueskycars #weirdcarbs

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

It's been 10 years of Crankshaft Culture!

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I know why I like custom vans. Someday I'd love one.

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Our trusty Pajero. It's been up to the Arctic Ocean ... in the winter. It's been in the dirt, sand, snow, and mud. Here's what it's been like to own one. PS: it needs another adventure soon. #weirdcarbs #blueskycars #jdm #mitsubishi

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Another great looking vehicle at Rally Innovations in Anaheim.

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Reposted by Andy Lilienthal

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 24/07/2026

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder has been refreshed, but keeps its gusty V-6, unlike so many SUVs that have gone turbo-four. Plus, it has up to 6,000 lbs. of towing capacity. So is it any good? crankshaftculture.com/2026/07/24/r... #blueskycars #nissan #carsky

crankshaftculture.com

Review: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum — Refreshed SUV Style, Gusty V-6 Power - Crankshaft Culture

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum is redesigned with a new front fascia and new tech. We review this long-running Nissan SUV nameplate.

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

I wanted a 1st gen Subaru Impreza 2.5RS so bad when they first came out. They still look great to me nearly 30 years later. #blueskycars #carsky #subaru

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

This was a "live and learn" moment for me.

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Been over six years of Delica ownership, and still love this van. #weirdcarbs #jdm #vans

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Prospect: We can pay you X. Me: Sorry, but our rate is not negotiable. Prospect: Yes, this really happened. I think they might be 4 years old.

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Mitsubishi Motors North America posted better sales results over Q2 of 2025. Interestingly, the aged Outlander Sport had a 51.7% increase in sales vs. 2025, and YTD sales is 53.3% better than last year. FYI, this platform is nearly 16 years old. I wonder why the spike? #carsky

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

If I could talk cars and pet dogs all day, I would. #dogbs

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

My old 1995 Suzuki Sidekick, aka The Teal Terror, was so small. #weirdcarbs

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Sademeveekanalisatsioon. This looks more like a complicated WiFi password instead of Estonian for "stormwater drainage." Found in a Circle K in Tallinn. #travel #Estonia #words

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

I had a fat-fingers moment today and typed "blet buckle" instead of "belt buckle." Turns out "blet" is a word. It means a state of softness or decay in certain fruits, such as the medlar, brought about by overripening. You would not want a blet buckle. Example:

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

More Mitsubishi-Nissan platform sharing. I don't think it's a bad thing, however. The Outlander has done well for Mitsubishi, and the brand needs a "next act." I can't imagine, however, this will be a big seller, since its an EV; we'll see. #blueskycars #ev

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

I think the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback GT-Linea Turbo is one of the best looking new cars out there. Great lines.

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Well, thank God THAT never happened. Ok, it sorta happened and now I'm a freelancer.

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Reposted by Andy Lilienthal

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 01/06/2026

We're at Kindred Motorworks in San Francisco and just spent the day with their EV Bus Tailgate Edition prototype! It got ALL the stares. We toured the Kindred Motorworks manufacturing headquarters, too. Lots going on. Video and articles about our experience coming soon!

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Reposted by Andy Lilienthal

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 31/05/2026

We continue coverage of our time at Kindred Motorworks! Here we get the lowdown on their EV chassis setup and how it relates to their current vehicle lineup. It's fascinating! Next up? We get to drive their one-of-one Kindred EV Bus Tailgate Edition prototype! More on that soon.

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Reposted by Andy Lilienthal

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 31/05/2026

Our time at Kindred Motorworks was all things EV! We got the insider look at their early-stage prototype, a reimagined EV Bus Tailgate Edition. We saw this iconic classic's features, EV system, and more. Next up? We take to the streets with this one-of-one EV machine.

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Reposted by Andy Lilienthal

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 31/05/2026

We're at Kindred Motorworks in San Francisco! We were invited to tour the Kindred Motorworks manufacturing headquarters and drive an iconic one-of-one EV restomod. First part: touring the factory and learning how they construct ICE and EV Broncos, Porsche 911 EVs, and VW T2 all-electric busses.

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Spotted this great Chevy in Santa Fe, NM last week. Who likes lowriders? #blueskycars

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

There's something so satisfying about polishing old headlights.

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Instructing with @mercedeslilienthal.com at Overland Expo West was nothing short of an honor. Being able to share our travel experiences with others (especially on the big screen) was amazing. #travel #overlanding

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Reposted by Andy Lilienthal

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 14/05/2026

@mercedeslilienthal.com latest for @nytimes.com dropped (including a photo from @andylilienthal.bsky.social)! Wheels column and Backyard Battalions: Where do battle tanks/military trucks go after service? Enthusiasts and professionals put them to work and having fun. Print version will follow soon.

nytimes.com

Backyard Battalions

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

A piece I wrote for Off Road Xtreme on this year's NWAPA Mudfest. The winner of the Outdoor Activity Vehicle Of The Year may surprise you! www.offroadxtreme.com/news/crownin...

offroadxtreme.com

NWAPA Mudfest 2026 Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year

2026 NWAPA Mudfest put 18 AWD and 4WD vehicles through pavement and off-road tests to crown the Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year.

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

At first, I thought it was a Triumph. Then an Opel GT. But no. This is a Puma, based on a VW Beetle. Arguably, this is one of the more svelte VW-based vehicles. #weirdcarbs #VW

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

"If you call Starbucks 'Starbs,' I hope you get totes murds."

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

I was 12 and visiting my dad in Oregon from Minnesota in the early '90s. I saw this little car. "Dad, what is that car?" He said, "That's a Datsun B210." I replied, "I've never seen one in Minnesota." He said, "That's because there aren't any left in Minnesota: they all rusted away." #weirdcarbs

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

This was at the Avants Portland Weird & Wacky Car Show, and it was perfect. Love me some '90s 2DR SUVs! #weirdcarbs

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Maybe it's a Gen X thing, but I always pack a pen in my backpack when I travel. But I cannot think of the last time I used it (and I don't pack paper anyway!).

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

You know a "Weird And Wacky Car Show" in Portland wouldn't disappoint, and it didn't. #weirdcarbs

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Today in "finding parts for your JDM vehicle," I'm trying to find front calipers for my 1998 Suzuki Jimny Wide. 2DR Tracker/Sidekick front calipers might work. Might not. Apparently, 4DR vented discs, calipers, and pads may work and be an upgrade. Not sure if they need a new master cylinder.

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Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Drum and bass from 30 years ago (1996) still sounds futuristic to me. In 1996, 30-year-old music was from 1956, and it does not sound futuristic. Maybe it's my age. But I listen to three-decade-old DnB, and it still hits; still sounds modern. #dnb #drumandbass #jungle

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