iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 29/08/2026

Stoked to see my microcars article being featured on the @nytimes.com Bluesky page! It's also on their Facebook and LinkedIn pages, too. Give it a read or listen!

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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!

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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!

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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!

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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.

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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.

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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!

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 31/05/2026

Our time at Kindred Motorworks was all things EV! @andylilienthal.bsky.social and I 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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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 30/05/2026

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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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 18/05/2026

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

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 14/05/2026

My latest for @nytimes.com dropped (which includes 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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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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.

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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.

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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!

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Reposted by Mercedes Lilienthal

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

We went to the 2026 Avants Portland Weird and Wacky Car Show. It did not disappoint. youtu.be/gSBOionjae8?...

youtu.be

The 2026 Avants Portland Weird and Wacky Car Show

YouTube video by Crankshaft Culture

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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!

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 10/04/2026

We're no strangers to taking older '80s and '90s vehicles on long road trips. Whether our former '89 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon, '91 Pajero XP, or '95 Suzuki Sidekick, taking them takes more pre-trip consideration. Click for our care checklist! You'll thank us for reading it. 📝: Andy Lilienthal

crankshaftculture.com

The Ultimate Cross-Country Road Trip Checklist for Older Vehicles - Crankshaft Culture

Taking an older or vintage vehicle on a road trip can be a lot of fun. Following this road trip checklist can help you make it there and back.

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 03/04/2026

The Dempster Highway runs nearly 460 miles from outside of Dawson City, Yukon Territory, to Inuvik, Northwest Territories. @andylilienthal.bsky.social and I drove it in the winter and the summer. Our article in OVR Magazine describes what it's like to drive this iconic, remote, and treacherous road.

ovrmag.com

Driving the Dempster: North America’s Most Iconic Remote Highway

From blizzards and flat tires to caribou and Arctic beauty, the Dempster Highway delivers unforgettable adventure. This legendary 457-mile gravel road winds through Canada's far north to the Arctic Ci...

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 19/03/2026

The first installment of the Dakar Rally series just dropped! I arrive at the bivouac and Stage 2's rally raid action in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Just missed the trio of Defender teams, but caught them later and got the D7X-Rs prepped for Stage 3. Click below to watch/read!

crankshaftculture.com

We're at the 2026 Dakar Rally with Defender Rally Team! - Crankshaft Culture

We're at 2026 Dakar Rally with Defender Rally Team! Mercedes Lilienthal covered Stage 2 and Stage 3 as they competed in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 16/03/2026

Latest @crankshaftculture.com blog drop: Saudi Arabia! I share more about my visit to Hegra, Maraya, and Harrat Viewpoint as as first day in the country didn't include any scheduled Dakar Rally plans. Click to watch my video and read about it.

crankshaftculture.com

Saudi Arabia: Hegra, Maraya, and Harrat Viewpoint - Crankshaft Culture

Mercedes Lilienthal's first day in Saudi Arabia was stunning. She saw Hegra, Maraya, and Harrat Viewpoint. She also walked nearby areas.

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 11/03/2026

Join me as I take you along on my latest global travel endeavor: Saudi Arabia for Dakar Rally! Check out behind-the-scenes logistics as I traveled from the Midwest to the Middle East in the dead of winter. Watch and read the first installment of my latest travel series.

crankshaftculture.com

Getting to Saudi Arabia for Defender and the Dakar Rally - Crankshaft Culture

Getting to Saudi Arabia for Defender and the 2026 Dakar Rally was intense. Check out our video and our first adventure to the Middle East!

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 25/01/2026

My 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! 🏁

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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 my in-depth first-drive review via OVR. 📸: @mercedeslilienthal.com tinyurl.com/tfmsa3yv

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 24/01/2026

It took 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. Do it again tomorrow! 🏁

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 18/01/2026

My 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.

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 02/01/2026

The anticipation is REAL: I'm headed to the 2026 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia! I'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. Stay tuned to @crankshaftculture.com!

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 02/01/2026

As @andylilienthal.bsky.social starts driving from WI to OR solo, I start the second major leg of my trip. I'm awaiting the first of three flights to carry me across the world. Seventeen hrs. flying and many more with layovers, etc. More soon! Stay tuned to @crankshaftculture.com for updates.

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 01/01/2026

We, @andylilienthal.bsky.social and @mercedeslilienthal.com, spent time with the Fjällräven Expedition Down Lite Jacket for men and the Women’s Fjällräven Expedition Down Lite Jacket. Did they keep our core comfortable in below zero temps? Grab your hot chocolate and keep on reading. Lots of pics!

crankshaftculture.com

His-n-Hers Fjällräven Expedition Down Lite Jackets: Solid Contenders to Combat Cold Conditions - Crankshaft Culture

We tested his-n-hers Fjällräven Expedition Down Lite Jacket Fjällräven Expedition Down Lite Jacket. Will they keep us warm in frigid temps!

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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.

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 18/12/2025

There is NO better way to give than to help four-legged doggies! 2025 #OperationFrodo is underway and several auto journalists partnered with automotive manufacturers to rescue 20 beagles, puppies, and dogs from the Basset & Beagle Rescue of the Heartland in Omaha, NE. Read this inspiring story!

crankshaftculture.com

Good Deeds: Operation Frodo Gives 20 Dogs a New Lease on Life Thanks To The Automotive Media - Crankshaft Culture

2025 Operation Frodo saves 20 dogs and travels from Omaha, NE to the West Coast to deliver them to forever homes.

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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!

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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 @andylilienthal.bsky.social and me, from Pendleton, OR to Rawlins, WY. Check it out!

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 20/11/2025

My 2026 Subaru Outback feature article via OVR Magazine is LIVE! I peel back the many design layers of the all-new 7th gen Outback. I provide first impressions of its drivability/tons of stats. With 30 years in, do you love it or would you leave it? Tell us below! 👇 www.ovrmag.com/vehicle-feat...

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 18/11/2025

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

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 16/11/2025

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

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Reposted by Mercedes Lilienthal

Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

These were fun to write. Maybe @mercedeslilienthal.com and I should write more of them ...

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 09/11/2025

More Subaru updates! We're testing Thule's latest roof box. The Motion 3 (large size) carrier sits atop the company's WingBar crossbars and fits our 2022 Crosstrek (MT) perfectly. Multiple design updates. Impressions and our review later. @crankshaftculture.com @andylilienthal.bsky.social

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.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 @crankshaftculture.com

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Reposted by Mercedes Lilienthal

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.

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 02/11/2025

We 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.

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Mercedes Lilienthal @mercedeslilienthal.com · 24/10/2025

If you missed our live radio show with @opb.org, @andylilienthal.bsky.social and I got you covered! 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.

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Reposted by Mercedes Lilienthal

Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

That time @mercedeslilienthal.com and I were in Iceland and ran across a huge Icelandic Jeep on balloon tires. (We were in a Jimny.) The Jeepers barely spoke English. But once we started in about 4WDs, they realized we were all part of the same cult ... er ... club.

crankshaftculture.com

Car Culture Can Cross Boundaries (Even In Iceland)

Car culture is something that transcends borders, languages, nationalities, and even vehicle types—even in Iceland.

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Reposted by Mercedes Lilienthal

Andy Lilienthal @andylilienthal.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

About to go on Oregon Public Broadcasting's "Think Out Loud" to talk about the Alcan 5000 with @mercedeslilienthal.com

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