iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 03/07/2026

We're done with June's overland rallies, so we're switching to road rallies! Two builds, two vehicles, one team. That team is us, as Team @crankshaftculture.com. We'll travel over 10,000 miles competing in two major road rallies and overland adventures in the U.S. and Canada. Stay tuned, tons soon!

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 01/07/2026

We’re BACK with the Turbo Baja Build! We're in collaboration with Rally Innovations, involving ZENSPEED students. We’re building this Baja for the Colorado Adventure Rally! Follow along on this one epic Baja Build, thanks to passionate Project Partners. More coming soon!

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 01/07/2026

MAJOR NEWS! We’re collaborating with Rally Innovations, along with a team of Valencia High School Students from ZENSPEED, to build this 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness for the Alcan 5000 Rally! Follow Crankshaft Culture and Rally Innovations as we build this Forester to tackle tough terrain!

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 22/06/2026

Our mighty Jimny Wide transformation is DONE! An amazing job by expert installer Roadrunner Protective Films & Graphics installing the following XPEL products: •XPEL Moss Green Color PPF wrap •XPEL Armor on rocker panels •WPF windshield protection film Next? Reinstalling roof rack and accessories.

020 2

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 21/06/2026

Our 1998 Suzuki Jimny Wide is getting a major makeover. Dropped it off at expert installer Roadrunner Protective Films for a full XPEL color wrap and more! Documenting the process and grand reveal comes next.

000 0

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 16/06/2026

MAJOR NEWS: Two builds, two rallies, and one heck of an overland adventure! Crankshaft Culture and Rally Innovations, with students of California’s Valencia High School org, ZenSpeed, are building two one-of-a-kind vehicles for us to use for two major rallies and one heck of an overland adventure!

010 1

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!

814925 149

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.

341 4

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.

031 3

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.

081 8

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 20/05/2026

The 2026 Overland Expo is DONE! We hosted several classes, including daily sessions in the Subaru of America booth: How to Successfully Live Out of Your Subaru. Lots of great questions, feedback, and curiosity about the vehicle. Thanks for hosting us, Subaru of America, looking forward to Expo PNW!

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 18/05/2026

@mercedeslilienthal.com's latest for the @nytimes.com is in print today (including a photo by @andylilienthal.bsky.social)! Full-color, full-page spread. Grab a copy at a local bookstore/grocery! It's in the Business Section on page B2. Online version currently on The New York Times' homepage, too.

030 3

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 09/05/2026

UPGRADE: We lifted our 2022 Subaru Crosstrek with BILSTEIN! Our local shop in Tigard, OR, Primitive Racing, installed Bilstein B8 TerraSport shocks and beefier King overload springs in the rear and Bilstein B8 TerraSport struts and OEM Impreza springs in the front. Awesome even stance, rides great.

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 09/05/2026

Who's headed to Overland Expo West? We'll be giving talks (plus covering as media). We're hosting daily sessions in the Subaru booth, our TransAmerica Trail Crosstrek Wilderness will be there, too! Also talking TransAmerica Trail and traveling in Nordic/Baltic countries as Overland Expo speakers.

020 2

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 19/04/2026

Our plans changed over the weekend and we had to cancel our trip to cover the multi-day Olympic Rally in WA. However, we had the chance to show our 1998 Suzuki Jimny Wide at yesterday's Avants Portland Weird and Wacky Car Show! Lots of interesting rides there. Expanded video via our YT channel!

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 16/04/2026

Our right-hand-drive JDM Suzuki Jimny Wide got a major upgrade: a Front Runner Outfitters Slimline II platform rack! Excited to mount accessories, which includes a double jerry can holder, a MAXTRAX Minis mount, Wolf Pack Pro storage box holder, and an essential bottle opener. More to reveal soon!

000 0

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 30/03/2026

A couple of unexpected concept reveals at EJS: Jeep Recon Overwatch Concept and Jeep Cherokee Upland Concept. #ejs #jeep

021 2

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 21/03/2026

Our Jimny's first road rally today! We're car #19!

020 2

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 11/03/2026

Driving the 2027 Kia Telluride in California. This is the X-Pro model. Factory all-terrains, 9.1" of ground clearance, and other off-road goodies. Can't tell you how it drives yet, but stay tuned. #blueskycars

000 0

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 25/01/2026

.@mercedeslilienthal's first day in Saudi Arabia was STUNNING. An open day before heading off to cover the 2026 Dakar Rally turned into an amazing adventure filled with wonder and excitement. Hegra. Maraya. Harrat Viewpont. What happens afterwards? DAKAR RALLY and Defender! 🏁

000 0

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 24/01/2026

PUBLISHED: My thoughts on the new 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Will this improved and capable AWD attract buyers, or will its polarizing design keep the masses away? Click below to check out Mercedes' in-depth first-drive review via OVR. 📸: @mercedeslilienthal.com tinyurl.com/tfmsa3yv

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 24/01/2026

It took @mercedeslilienthal.com 5 airlines, 6 flights, multiple 5+ hr. layovers, 3-hour delay in Dubai, and 52 total hrs. travel (not incl. an overnight in Dubai) to get to AlUla, Saudi Arabia from Minneapolis, then home to Portland, Oregon to see the world’s greatest rally raid: Dakar Rally.

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 18/01/2026

First full day in Saudi Arabia was filled with unexpected adventures and fast new friends. We toured Hegra, an ancient Nabataean city and Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mayara, the world's largest mirrored building amidst Saudi Arabia's desert landscape. Harrat Viewpoint, too.

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 02/01/2026

The anticipation is REAL: Our very own @mercedeslilienthal.com is headed to the 2026 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia! She'll be covering three accomplished Land Rover Defender teams + DEFENDER DAKAR D7X-Rs at this year's Dakar Rally, competing in the new ‘Stock’ category for production‑based vehicles.

040 4

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

We, @andylilienthal.bsky.social and @mercedeslilienthal.com, wish you Happy New Year! May your 2026 adventures be safe, happy, and healthy.

030 3

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 16/12/2025

Just like that, we're in WI! We traveled 2,208 miles from OR to the cheese state and tested a 2025 Kia America Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige AWD SUV. We randomly bumped into friends and talented auto journalists kicking off the #OperationFrodo Beagle rescue project. They're taking 20 rescue dogs!

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 14/12/2025

Day two of our OR to WI cross-country trek with a 2025 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige AWD is done! This comfortable cruiser took us, @andylilienthal.bsky.social and @mercedeslilienthal.com, from Pendleton, OR to Rawlins, WY. Check it out!

021 2

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 14/12/2025

Road trip review with a 2025 Kia America Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige AWD! Headed across the US with Kia's three-row SUV. Will it tick all our boxes for a comfortable, powerful, and spacious road tripper? Stay tuned as we head OR to WI (and back)! @mercedeslilienthal.com @andylilienthal.bsky.social

030 3

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 07/12/2025

Gear Garage: Wanna stay warm? We reviewed the Cotopaxi Fuego Max Down Hooded Jacket. Mercedes tries the Sienna/Fjord colorway. See how it stacks up against cold weather by checking out our feature via crankshaftculture.com. Link to jacket: cotopaxi.pxf.io/YR5VnK. #cotopaxi #affiliate #gearreview

000 0

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 06/12/2025

Gear Garage: If you need a roomy, stylish, and warm puffy, we reviewed the Cotopaxi Fuego Max Down Hooded Jacket. First up? Men's in Woods/Fatigue. See how it stacks up against cold weather by checking out our feature via crankshaftculture.com. Link to jacket: cotopaxi.pxf.io/jeERyb #affiliate

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 26/11/2025

You know you've had an impact on car culture when your old Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon is immortalized in internet meme form. #WeirdCarBS

050 5

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 25/11/2025

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

2140 14

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 20/11/2025

@mercedeslilienthal.com's 2026 Subaru Outback feature article via OVR Magazine is LIVE! She peels back the many design layers of the all-new 7th gen Outback. She provides first impressions/stats. With 30 years in, do you love it or would you leave it? Tell us below! 👇 www.ovrmag.com/vehicle-feat...

030 3

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 19/11/2025

What's one vehicle you just wish they'd bring back?

020 2

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 18/11/2025

Here are some sneak-peek interior photos @mercedeslilienthal.com took of the all-new 7th gen 2026 Subaru Outback. Would you rock it? Article after the embargo lifts!

020 2

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 16/11/2025

@mercedeslilienthal.com just attended the 2026 Subaru Outback first-drive event in Sedona, AZ! The all-new 7th gen Outback was redesigned from the ground up with customer and enthusiast feedback in the automaker's forefront. Tech and driving impressions embargoed, article via OVR Magazine soon!

000 0

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 08/11/2025

We've been reviewing the 2025 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid AWD. Frugal, compact, and practical, we employed it for a dump run, bringing nealy 300 lbs. of old wood and spent antifreeze to the local dump/hazards site. @andylilienthal.bsky.social @mercedeslilienthal.com

040 4

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 04/11/2025

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.

042 4

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 02/11/2025

We. @andylilienthal.bsky.social and @mercedeslilienthal.com, got new all-terrain tires for our 2022 Subaru Crosstrek (MT): BFGoodrich KO3s! We've never had an issue with any BFG sets we've run. So, when it came time for new rubber for our Subie, we opted for the new 215/75R15 KO3s.

000 0

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 29/10/2025

Vintage Mitsubishi fans: we have two new t-shirts via our eBay store. Line art of a '91 Pajero and '94 Delica Space Gear! Available via our eBay store: www.ebay.com/usr/cranksha...

020 2

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 28/10/2025

In the driveway this week? A crankshaft-less 2026 Subaru Solterra EV. Maybe we should change our name to Commutator Culture? ⚡⚡⚡

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 24/10/2025

If you missed our live radio show with @opb.org, we @andylilienthal.bsky.social and @mercedeslilienthal.com got you! We were on Think Out Loud with Dave Miller. This show is OPB’s daily conversation covering news, politics, culture, and arts. Our topic? Our 2025 Alcan 5000 trip and TSD road rallies.

021 2

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 23/10/2025

We @andylilienthal.bsky.social and @mercedeslilienthal.com will be live on the OPB Think Out Loud show with Dave Miller tomorrow! Tune in 12:00pm Pacific via audioplayer.opb.org (or 91.5 FM) as we talk all things Alcan 5000 Rally and beyond. Driver: Andy Lilienthal | Navigator: Mercedes Lilienthal

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 22/10/2025

POST-TAT RECAP REEL: last half of Day 29 of the TransAmerica Trail, we finish our 29-day, 15-state run! We had challenges. Would we, driver @andylilienthal.bsky.social and navigator @mercedeslilienthal.com finish? Would the Subaru complete our 7,163-mile-long trek (3,184 dirt, gravel, and rocks)?

010 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 20/10/2025

POST-TAT RECAP REEL: first half of Day 29 of the TransAmerica Trail, Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. It's our 21st wedding anniversary! Total mileage: 7,163 (3,184.3 off-road). Total time: 29 days traveled/317 hrs., 5 min. driven. Total route deviations: 39.

000 0

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 19/10/2025

POST-TAT RECAP REEL: Day 28 of the TransAmerica Trail, continuing in Oregon where wildfire smoke clears but road closures and newly burnt areas prevail. Driver: @andylilienthal.bsky.social Navigator: @mercedeslilienthal.com Vehicle: modified 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness

011 1

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 16/10/2025

POST-TAT RECAP REEL: Day 27 of the TransAmerica Trail, thick in wildfire smoke—an even more challenging day of wildfires in Oregon.

000 0

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 15/10/2025

POST-TAT RECAP REEL: Days 25-26 of the TransAmerica Trail, westward through Idaho and into Oregon’s wildfires.

000 0

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 09/10/2025

POST-TAT RECAP REEL: Days 23-24 of the TransAmerica Trail, working westward as we finish Utah and travel into Idaho!

000 0

Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 03/10/2025

Post-TransAmerica Trail reel recap: Day 21-22 of the TransAmerica Trail, tackling another pass near Moab, Gemini Bridges trail, and other remote parts of Utah. Driver: @andylilienthal.bsky.social Navigator: @mercedeslilienthal.com

011 1