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2026 Porsche Macan EV Gets Lots Of Digital Goodies And 1,100 Pounds More Towing Capacity
- News
- Porsche
A better digital key, fancy automated parking tech and in-car gaming are among the new tech features.
A better digital key, fancy automated parking tech and in-car gaming are among the new tech features.

EV Buyers May Have A Little More Time To Qualify For Tax Credit
- News
- EVs and Hybrids
The IRS has given us some good news, for once, with some clarifications that may give you more time than you expected to take advantage of this expiring offer.
The IRS has given us some good news, for once, with some clarifications that may give you more time than you expected to take advantage of this expiring offer.

I Need A Car That's Not A Chevy Cruze! What Should I Buy?
- News
- Chevrolet
- SUVs and Crossovers
- Advice
Mike's mom wants to replace her aging Cruze with something more rugged, but can Team Jalopnik agree on what that should be?
Mike's mom wants to replace her aging Cruze with something more rugged, but can Team Jalopnik agree on what that should be?

Mercedes-Benz G-Class' New White Roof Option And Vintage Look Package Bring Retro Style To The (Relative) Masses
- News
- SUVs and Crossovers
- Car Design
Not like the G-wagen was short on customization options before, but now buyers have even more choices.
Not like the G-wagen was short on customization options before, but now buyers have even more choices.

China's New Volvo XC70 SUV Is A Handsome Extended-Range Plug-In Hybrid That Hopefully Previews PHEVs We'll Actually Get
- News
- SUVs and Crossovers
- EVs and Hybrids
Volvo's new XC70 may not be a lifted-wagon, but there's plenty here to like.
Volvo's new XC70 may not be a lifted-wagon, but there's plenty here to like.

These Are The Cars You Think Deserve A Cool Restomod
- News
- QOTD
What's old is new again, at least in the wild world of restomods.
What's old is new again, at least in the wild world of restomods.

Ineos Cuts Prices Across The Board To Juice Disappointing Sales Numbers
- News
- Ford
- Toyota
- EVs and Hybrids
- The Morning Shift
If everyone who insisted they'd buy a back-to-basics Defender style SUV actually went through with it, would Ineos be having these problems?
If everyone who insisted they'd buy a back-to-basics Defender style SUV actually went through with it, would Ineos be having these problems?

What's The Worst Commuter Car Ever Built?
- News
- QOTD
We want to know what car would be the worst way to both begin and end a workday.
We want to know what car would be the worst way to both begin and end a workday.

At $25,500, Could This RENNTech-Tuned 2005 Mercedes SL600 Wrench Open Your Wallet?
- News
- Nice Price or No Dice
The ad for today's SL600 claims the car's twin-turbo V12 has been massaged by RENNTech, resulting in a 635-horsepower output.
The ad for today's SL600 claims the car's twin-turbo V12 has been massaged by RENNTech, resulting in a 635-horsepower output.

The U-2 Spy Plane May Be Old, But It's Celebrating Its 70th Birthday By Setting New Records
- Planelopnik
The U-2 is so old, it derailed a 1960 Eisenhower-Khrushchev summit. But it spent its 70th birthday eve flying longer and farther than any similar plane.
The U-2 is so old, it derailed a 1960 Eisenhower-Khrushchev summit. But it spent its 70th birthday eve flying longer and farther than any similar plane.

Porsche Bailing On Making Its Own High-Performance Batteries Is A Good Thing
- Technology
- News
- Porsche
- EVs and Hybrids
Porsche should be thankful that the marketplace has given it a good excuse to dodge the battery challenge and stick to what it does best.
Porsche should be thankful that the marketplace has given it a good excuse to dodge the battery challenge and stick to what it does best.

This 2004 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V Was Built To Dominate Autocross
- News
- Found For Sale
This nearly stock SE-R only has 31,100 miles on it, which works out to a little less than 1,500 miles a year.
This nearly stock SE-R only has 31,100 miles on it, which works out to a little less than 1,500 miles a year.

BMW Just Cranked Out Its 3 Millionth Electrified Vehicle
- News
- EVs and Hybrids
The car - a 330e plug-in hybrid - was built at the company's plant in Munich and handed over to a customer in the same city.
The car - a 330e plug-in hybrid - was built at the company's plant in Munich and handed over to a customer in the same city.

Seiko's $1,150 Datsun 240Z Watch Is Neat, But You Can Do Better
- Culture
Man, you can get so many watches for $1,150, and for that money, I really think you can do better.
Man, you can get so many watches for $1,150, and for that money, I really think you can do better.

BMW Listens To The Critics, Shrinks Kidney Grilles (On Its Race Car)
- News
- Racing
To say the least, the general public has found BMW's design language to be a bit controversial over the past few years.
To say the least, the general public has found BMW's design language to be a bit controversial over the past few years.

Mansour Ojjeh's Bespoke 20-Car McLaren Collection Sold To A Single Undisclosed Buyer
- News
Yes, there's a single undisclosed buyer for the entire collection.
Yes, there's a single undisclosed buyer for the entire collection.

New VW Golf R Is Getting Audi Five-Cylinder For 25th Anniversary: Report
- News
- Volkswagen
The hottest-est hatch is expected to arrive sometime in 2027, and it'll serve as a send-off to the pure gas-power Golf before it eventually goes electric.
The hottest-est hatch is expected to arrive sometime in 2027, and it'll serve as a send-off to the pure gas-power Golf before it eventually goes electric.

Pantsless Man Jailed For Crossing Active Isle Of Man TT Course
- News
- Racing
The Isle of Man TT is the wildest race in the world, and one many just made it a little wilder.
The Isle of Man TT is the wildest race in the world, and one many just made it a little wilder.

These Are Your Worst Tow Truck Experiences
- News
- QOTD
The majority of commenters groaned about the bad behavior of towing companies and individual drivers.
The majority of commenters groaned about the bad behavior of towing companies and individual drivers.

Porsche Wants To Stop Sharing A CEO With Volkswagen
- Porsche
- The Morning Shift
We're looking at Porsche's push for a new CEO, as well as EU automakers' complaints that building green vehicles is just too hard.
We're looking at Porsche's push for a new CEO, as well as EU automakers' complaints that building green vehicles is just too hard.


Europe Gets a Written Trump Trade Deal, With a Caveat for Automakers
- Customs (Tariff)
- United States Politics and Government
- International Trade and World Market
- European Union
- European Commission
Under the newly fleshed-out details, Washington will maintain high tariffs on vehicles imported from the bloc until the E.U. takes steps to lower its levies on many American products.

China’s Automakers Are Taking a Shortcut to European Markets
- China
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- BYD Co Ltd
- SAIC Motor Corporation Ltd
- Ships and Shipping
- Europe
- Iran
- Red Sea
- Houthis
- Automobiles
Ships carrying Chinese cars are using the Red Sea and Suez Canal even as other vessels still sail around Africa in fear of attacks by the Houthi militia.

Why Can’t the U.S. Build 5-Minute E.V. Chargers?
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- United States Politics and Government
- Automobiles
- Global Warming
- Alternative and Renewable Energy
- BYD Co Ltd
- International Energy Agency
- China
Chinese automakers have rolled out chargers that can mostly recharge a car’s battery in about five minutes. Yet U.S. technology lags far behind.

Ford Rejigs E.V. Plans After Suffering Billions in Losses
- Ford Motor Co
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Automobiles
- Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates)
- Factories and Manufacturing
- Batteries
- Sports Utility Vehicles and Light Trucks
- Farley, James D Jr (1962- )
- Louisville (Ky)
- General Motors
Ford, which once had a lead on other established automakers, said on Monday that it will use new materials and methods to lower the costs of electric vehicles.

Car Companies Are Paying Tariffs So You Don’t Have To
- Automobiles
- Customs (Tariff)
- Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates)
- Ford Motor Co
- General Motors
- Hyundai Motor Co
- International Trade and World Market
- United States Politics and Government
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Aluminum
- Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions
- Used Cars
- Law and Legislation
- Regulation and Deregulation of Industry
- Stockpiling
- Factories and Manufacturing
- Fuel Emissions (Transportation)
- Steel and Iron
- Air Pollution
- Tesla Motors Inc
- Trump, Donald J
- Canada
- Japan
- Mexico
- South Korea
But automakers can’t absorb the cost forever and will soon begin to raise new car prices, analysts say.

California Start-Up Will Buy Assets of Bankrupt Swedish Battery Maker
- Batteries
- Bankruptcies
- Factories and Manufacturing
- Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Start-ups
- Lithium (Metal)
- Sulfur and Sulfur Compounds
- Lyten Inc
- Northvolt AB
- Germany
- Poland
- San Jose (Calif)
- Sweden
Lyten will acquire German and Swedish factories built by Northvolt, which declared bankruptcy in March.

Trump Will Slow, but May Not Stop, the Rise of Electric Vehicles
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions
- United States Politics and Government
- Trump, Donald J
- United States
- Tesla Motors Inc
- General Motors
- Ford Motor Co
President Trump and Republicans in Congress are eliminating federal incentives to buy electric vehicles, but carmakers need to keep selling and investing in them.

Jury Says Tesla Was Partly to Blame for Fatal Crash
- Tesla Motors Inc
- Driverless and Semiautonomous Vehicles
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Deaths (Fatalities)
- Traffic Accidents and Safety
- Suits and Litigation (Civil)
- Decisions and Verdicts
- Computers and the Internet
- Compensation for Damages (Law)
- Automobile Safety Features and Defects
- Benavides Leon, Naibel (d 2019)
- McGee, George Brian
- Musk, Elon
- Florida
Lawyers for the family of a woman struck and killed by a Tesla sedan in 2019 argued that the company’s Autopilot software should have avoided the crash.
Mercedes and Porsche Squeezed by U.S. Tariffs and Slowdown in China
- Mercedes-Benz
- Porsche AG
- Automobiles
- International Trade and World Market
- Customs (Tariff)
- Stocks and Bonds
- Company Reports
- Economic Conditions and Trends
- Europe
- Germany
Germany’s leading luxury automakers are sharply scaling back expectations for the rest of the year.

Ford Is Latest Carmaker to Blame Tariffs for Profit Slump
- Ford Motor Co
- Company Reports
- Automobiles
- Customs (Tariff)
- International Trade and World Market
- Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates)
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- United States Politics and Government
- Trump, Donald J
The company estimated that duties on imported cars and car parts would cost it $2 billion this year.

Volkswagen Is Hit Hard by Trump’s Tariffs
- Customs (Tariff)
- Volkswagen AG
- Volvo Car Corp
- Stellantis NV
- Automobiles
- International Trade and World Market
- Europe
- Taxation
- United States International Relations
The German automaker said U.S. import duties erased about $1.5 billion from its profit in the first half of the year, and it lowered its forecasts for the full year.

The Country Where 76% of Cars Sold Are Electric
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Automobiles
- International Trade and World Market
- Hydroelectric Power
- Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates)
- Buses
- Transit Systems
- Regulation and Deregulation of Industry
- Nepal
- Kathmandu (Nepal)
- China
Subsidies, hydroelectricity and a manufacturing powerhouse neighbor are moving the cars into Nepal faster than almost anywhere else.
How Trump’s Japan Deal Could Give Japanese Cars a Leg Up in the U.S.
- Japan
- Trump, Donald J
- International Trade and World Market
- Automobiles
- Customs (Tariff)
- General Motors
- Ford Motor Co
- Stellantis NV
- Canada
- Mexico
- Honda Motor Co Ltd
- Toyota Motor Corp
- United States Politics and Government
President Trump’s 15 percent tariff on cars from Japan has angered U.S. automakers, which make cars in Canada and Mexico subject to 25 percent tariffs.

Did You Recently Buy a Used E.V.? We Want to Hear From You.
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Content Type: Service
- Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates)
- Used Cars
- Automobiles
- United States
- internal-reader-callout
The prices of used electric cars have fallen sharply in recent months, making them a more attractive option.

Joby Will Buy Blade’s Helicopter Taxi Business for $125 Million
- Joby Aero Inc (Joby Aviation)
- Blade Inc
- Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures
- Helicopters
- Flying Cars
- Airports
- Urban Areas
- Military Aircraft
- Manhattan (NYC)
- Bevirt, JoeBen
Joby Aviation, which is developing electric aircraft, will acquire the passenger business of Blade, a New York helicopter operator, for $125 million.

Morton Mintz, Muckraking Crusader for Consumers, Dies at 103
- Mintz, Morton
- Books and Literature
- Deaths (Obituaries)
- Thalidomide (Drug)
- Consumer Protection
- Nader, Ralph
- Washington Post
- News and News Media
As a longtime Washington Post reporter and an author of 10 books, he held corporate America accountable for safe pharmaceuticals and cars.
Tesla Earnings Show Falling Profit as Car Sales Slow
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Company Reports
- Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates)
- Automobiles
- United States Politics and Government
- Driverless and Semiautonomous Vehicles
- International Trade and World Market
- Customs (Tariff)
- Law and Legislation
- BYD Co Ltd
- Tesla Motors Inc
- Musk, Elon
- Trump, Donald J
- China
- Austin (Tex)
- Europe
Elon Musk has said robotaxis are the company’s future, but most revenue still comes from cars.

Tesla Driver Testifies Autopilot Failed to Prevent Fatal Crash
- Driverless and Semiautonomous Vehicles
- Traffic Accidents and Safety
- Suits and Litigation (Civil)
- Deaths (Fatalities)
- Tesla Motors Inc
- Musk, Elon
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Brakes
- Driver Distraction and Fatigue
- Automobile Safety Features and Defects
- Recalls and Bans of Products
- McGee, George Brian
- Benavides Leon, Naibel (d 2019)
- Florida
The driver gave testimony in a federal trial about Tesla’s role in a 2019 accident that killed a woman in Florida.

Stellantis Says Profit Plunged as Tariffs Began to Bite
- Automobiles
- Stellantis NV
- International Trade and World Market
- Customs (Tariff)
- United States Politics and Government
- Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates)
- Company Reports
- Trump, Donald J
- Europe
- Mexico
- United States
- Canada
The company, which owns Jeep, Peugeot, Fiat and other brands, said it might soon have to begin raising prices.

Scotland’s North Coast 500 Draws Tourists, but at What Cost?
- Travel and Vacations
- Roads and Traffic
- Road Trips
- Traffic Accidents and Safety
- Waste Materials and Disposal
- Rural Areas
- Scotland
- NC500 Ltd
- Povlsen, Anders Holch
The North Coast 500 route through the country’s remote north has drawn millions of visitors to the Highlands. But the price, residents say, is being paid in trash, traffic jams and even deaths.

Car and Bike news, reviews and videos.
KTM 160 Duke video review
Also See: KTM 160 Duke review: size matters

KTM 160 Duke review: size matters
Single-minded motorcycles, as the term suggests, are machines created for a specific purpose. A sportbike is meant to slice up a track or a set of twisties, a cruiser is meant to amble along an open highway, and so on and so forth.
Which is why I think the KTM 160 Duke is also a single-minded machine. Not because of the sort of riding experience it was born to provide, but it is a single-minded machine because it was created to dethrone a certain blue motorcycle’s dominance in this part of the market.
KTM 160 Duke design and features - 8/10 Comes with supermoto ABS and a slipper clutch.Looking at these pictures you can see that there is a lot of visual similarity between the new 160 Duke and the bigger 200. That’s because both are based on the same gen 2 KTM Duke chassis architecture.
It's a sharp-looking thing and visually very similiar to the 200 Duke.
To this author’s eyes, the 160 Duke looks sharp, svelte and purposeful without going over the top like the latest 250 and 390 Dukes can sometimes feel. Quality is at a nice level all across and there’s very little stray wiring peeking out from underneath the bodywork – this is a neatly finished bike.
Weight and dimensionsKerb weight147kgSeat height815mmGround clearance174mmFuel tank capacity10 litresWheelbase1357mmComing to the new 160 Duke’s feature-set, this is a decently feature-rich machine for the class with a slipper clutch, supermoto ABS (rear off), full-LED lighting and Bluetooth connectivity for the LCD display, if you purchase the optional Bluetooth module priced at Rs 5,140.
LCD dash is well laid-out and the UI is intuitive and straightforward.The 160 Duke uses the same left-hand switch cube as all of its bigger siblings – this cluster is intuitive to use and is of a good quality as well.
KTM 160 Duke ride and handling - 9/10 Has a spacious riding position and well-judged suspension.The first thing you'll notice once you’re perched atop the 160 Duke is its spacious and open riding position, unlike the latest 250 and 390. For taller riders like myself, this roomier riding triangle is more preferable in comparison to the tighter, more compact seating position on the bigger Dukes.
Despite its smaller displacement, the riding position is spacious for larger folks.Bajaj has gone to great lengths to make the 160 Duke as light as possible, and at 147kg, it is 12 kilos lighter than the 200. Some of the more noteworthy changes include slimmer frame tubes, a thinner 37mm USD fork, narrower pillion grab rails, new wheels seen on almost all India-made Duke and RC models and the 160’s engine is a kilo lighter than the 200’s block.
Latest-gen small-capacity KTM cycle parts used here; brakes work and feel great!All that hard work has paid dividends once you get riding. The city is where the 160 Duke is certain to spend a large amount of its time and in that application it works very well. It's light, flickable and manageable – all lovely attributes to tackle our unpredictable road infrastructure. And when you do decide to break free from the shackles of the urban jungle, the 160 Duke is good fun on a set of winding roads. It has genuine sporting ability in a very fun, KTM fashion and it doesn’t feel like a dressed-up commuter in that sense.
Suspension, tyres and brakesSuspension (F/R)USD fork / MonoshockBrakes (F/R)320mm disc / 230mm discTyres (F/R)110/70-17 / 140/60-R17The 160 Duke’s wheels and braking hardware are shared with the latest KTM models – not the 200 Duke, with which it shares a lot. This means you get a big 320mm rotor up front with a 4-piston radially mounted caliper and organic brake pads. Despite the organic pads, braking power is commendable and these brakes are also very communicative as well as progressive – all attributes that will help the newer, less experienced sort of riders who are likely to gravitate towards the 160.
The chassis is well set-up and inspires confidence on the side of the tyre. KTM 160 Duke engine and performance - 9/10 Rev-happy engine is fun to max out, it's decently tractable too.Just like the taut chassis, the 160 Duke’s engine is also faithful to the KTM ethos. This is an engine that rewards chasing the redline (read mischievous behaviour) and wringing the throttle wide open to make forward progress is great fun! Happily, this addictive high-rpm thrill doesn’t come at the expense of hesitant city manners.
New 164cc motor is enjoyable and a great fit for a beginner bike like this.The 160 Duke’s motor feels tractable and docile enough for city work, but you get the sense that this little engine is its enjoyable best when you’re revving it hard. Part of the reason why its city manners are so good is its relatively modest 19hp/15.5Nm peak output and partly its super short gearing. Here, Bajaj has employed a 45-tooth rear sprocket – three more than the 200 Duke, which itself has always been aggressively short-geared.
This super short gearing also means that you'll hit the redline a little too quickly in every gear. If you’re the sort that cares about top speed, you should see a figure around the mid-120s, which is a little lower than its arch rival from the tuning fork brand.
EngineEngine164cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooledPower19hp at 9,500rpmTorque15.5Nm at 7,500rpmGearbox6-speed KTM 160 Duke price and verdict - 9/10 The 160 is a small bike that's big on fun.Speaking of that particular arch rival – the Yamaha MT-15, in case you’re wondering – let me first tell you why the 160 Duke replaced the 125 before we sum up. You see, in the Indian context, the 125 Duke always found itself fighting an uphill battle in comparison to similarly priced bikes. It had a genuinely sporty chassis but that 15hp engine really couldn't justify its Rs 1.80 lakh sticker price because that price bracket includes some genuinely credible sporty 250s and even Bajaj’s own Pulsar NS400Z.
A full-blown comparison with the Yamaha is on the cards!The biggest challenge, however, was posed by the Yamaha MT-15. The pared-back R15 promised peppy performance and aspirational brand value along with great fuel efficiency – a synergy no other bike at this price point was able to manage. This catalyst is exactly what triggered the inception of the KTM 160 Duke. Yamaha now sells over 10,000 MTs a month and that’s a market Bajaj simply couldn’t afford to overlook anymore. As of now, India is the only market the 160 Duke is sold with no immediate plans to export it elsewhere.
PricePrice (ex-showroom, Delhi)Rs 1.85 lakhAt Rs 1.85 lakh, the KTM 160 Duke is priced just a few thousand rupees more than the now discontinued 125 Duke. For that incremental jump you get a noticeable step up in performance, componentry and features, not to mention bragging rights – an important consideration for a buyer in this class. For someone who wants the image of having a KTM without the frantic performance or high initial purchase price, the 160 is a wonderful stepping stone into this mad orange world.
As a sporty first bike, the 160 Duke fits the bill very nicely.And not just in isolation, even in comparison to the Yamaha, there are some areas where the KTM fares better. Only a full-blown comparison will answer the question of which is the sporty, liquid-cooled, 160cc streetfighter to buy and that's a story we hope to bring you very soon!
Also See: KTM 160 Duke video review
Indian Scout Bobber Limited video review

Indian Scout Bobber Limited review: Beauty and a beast
It's been a couple of years since there was much news from Indian Motorcycles in India, but the Polaris-owned company has just launched its full range of 2025 Scouts in India. We had a chance to take the Scout Bobber for a spin on a very wet couple of days in Mumbai and it turned out to be heaps of fun. Indian Scout Bobber: Design and comfort - 8/10 Sensational design and reasonable comfort The 2025 Scout sticks to the original formula of being a long, low and gorgeous motorcycle powered by a liquid-cooled V-twin engine. 2025 brings the highest amount of choice we’ve seen yet with a total of 8 different variants split between two engine sizes, and each variant being available in three trim levels. The bike here is the Scout Bobber Limited which comes with the bigger 1250cc motor (against 999cc), but doesn’t get the TFT display and a few other features that come by upgrading from the Limited trim to the Tech trim. With its stretched stance and flowing lines, the 2025 Scout carries forward the timeless appeal The visual differences between all the variants is largely down to wheel sizes, front and rear fender shapes, exhaust shield designs and handlebar types. The Scout Bobber has chopped fenders at both ends that look super cool but are hopelessly ineffective at keeping splatter off you in the monsoon. It also runs on 16-inch tyres with fat rubber at both ends, including a chunky 130 section front. The blocky Pirelli MT 60 RS tyres are an unusual choice, but they work well and contribute to the mean attitude this bike so effortlessly exudes. The seating position only lends to the bike’s involving, sporty feel, You sit super low in the 649mm seat, which is great for short riders being able to get their feet down. However, the forward set footepegs as well as the reach forward to the handlebar means even tall riders will find decent comfort here. This is an oddly engaging and enjoyable riding position and it works in tandem with the awesome engine between your feet. Indian Scout Bobber: Engine and Perfomance - 9/10 An exciting sound and exciting performance Indians have always had likeable engines and this liquid-cooled 60 degree v-twin is a fantastic one. Despite being liquid-cooled it has the low rpm rumble and thunder you’d hope for from a big American twin and it's about as loud as one can hope for from a bike that meets the latest regulatory norms - enjoyably vocal, but not obnoxiously so. EngineEngine1250cc, liquid-Cooled, V-TwinPower105hpTorque108Nm Gearbox6-speed gearbox What I enjoyed was the duality to this motor. Should you wish to settle into a chill cruise, the long gearing and swells of torque are easy to enjoy - and this is without any hesitation or unhappiness from the motor from as low 1,500rpm. But twist the throttle open in anger and boy does this engine reward! Right from 2,000rpm onwards you get an aggressively strong pull, but unlike the big air-cooled V-twins that run out of puff with revs, this thing just keeps piling on the power until it's time to snatch another gear at around 7,000rpm. With 105hp and 106Nm, it has the brute force to rival a multi-cylinder middleweight and the violence of its acceleration suggests a 0-100kph time in the sub-4 second ballpark. This 1,250cc V-twin has oodles of torque in reserve The long and low nature of this bike also means it can pull off long, lurid drifts without feeling scarily snappy like a sportbike could. There’s a silly amount of fun to be found if you’re the sort who likes to turn traction control off. Throttle response is pleasantly smooth and the three riding modes make a noticeable difference to the riding experience. I found myself in Standard most of the time, because Rain felt a bit too dull and Sport encourages bad behaviour a little too often! Indian Scout Bobber: City riding and practicality - 6/10 It’s usable but has its limitations In the city, you’ll find that the bike isn’t horribly difficult to ride. The steering isn’t excessively heavy and neither is the clutch. In fact, at 246kg, it's just 5 kilos heavier than the Super Meteor 650 and it's vastly more motorcycle than that RE. Of course, if you get stuck in bad jams, you’ll be presented with tremendous heat emanating from the engine, although I never got any high coolant temperature warning signs. Cornering clearance is modest at best Despite the E10 sticker on the fuel tank, Polaris assures us that the Scouts have been homologated as E20 compliant in our market. While the fuelling is mostly very smooth and predictable, the bike does occasionally stall in heavy traffic at very low revs. When it does that, it displays a Low Oil warning, which is quite alarming at first, but you learn to ignore it because the warning always goes away as soon as you restart. This is one among a few other quirks that we’ll mention a little further on. Suspension, tyres and brakesSuspension (F/R)Telescopic fork / dual shock absorbersTyres (F/R)130/90B16 / 150/80B16Brakes (F/R)298mm disc / 298mm disc The biggest downside to this bike, sure enough, is literally its ‘down side’ - the ground clearance. With just 109mm, you have to exercise extreme caution over tall speedbreakers to prevent smacking expensive engine components onto the road. I managed to get by without contact, but heavier riders will have to be extra extra careful here. It's just the way it is with this style of motorcycle and the story is similar with the liquid-cooled rivals from Harley. Handling is limited, with only 31 degrees of cornering clearance and the footpegs do scrape very easily. It's best to try and keep the bike upright as much as possible and the Scout is very stable and predictable at all times, both at high speeds and through corners. Low ground clearance hampers everyday practicality Braking from the single front disc is dull and needs to be complemented with plenty of rear brake usage. The bike slows down decently well, but with this much power, more stopping performance would be appreciated. Weight and dimensionsKerb weight246kgSeat height665mm Ground clearance109mmFuel tank capacity13 litresWheelbase1562mm Suspension travel is restricted - 120mm at the front and just 51mm at the rear shocks. Surprisingly, there is a pleasant amount of plushness within that limited travel, and coupled with the comfy seat, this bike can be enjoyed even on roads that aren’t perfectly smooth. Sadly if you like in an area with badly made and badly maintained roads, your lower back will be in for a beating. Still, it's not as bad as you would think when you look at the bike. Indian Scout Bobber: Features and price - 7/10 Decently equipped but missing some basic features And look at it you will, because this is a properly handsome motorcycle. The long swooping tank, the clean flowing lines and that big engine on proud display - it really is a feast for the eyes. Attention to detail is quite nice up close as well and this does feel like a high quality and expensive product. The analogue dash is finicky to use That being said, the fuel filler cap has no lock and the tiny key looks like it belongs to a rickshaw rather than a CBU big bike. As for the display, I don’t mind its charming old school design, but the single toggle switch on the right handlebar is quite tedious to use while scrolling through all the menus in the tiny LCD display. The Scout Bobber’s chopped rear fender adds to its raw, stripped-down look. The new Scout range is priced between Rs 12.99 lakh - Rs 16.15 lakh for the base variants and strangely Indian tells us that the mid-spec Limited versions are only a few thousands more than the base models. That puts the Scout Bobber you see here at 13.99 lakh which is good value and comfortably below the equivalent Rs 16.70 lakh Harley-Davidson Sportster S. There are just six official Indian dealers across the country, so buying one may not be easy depending on where you live. It also has its quirks and limitations, but this is a tremendously appealing bike for the way it looks, its approachable ergonomics and its awesome performance. If the idea of a sporty cruiser sounds good to you, you’ll love what the new Indian Scout has to offer. I know I did. Also see: Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally review: multi talented mile muncher

Royal Enfield Adventurer XT pants review
The Royal Enfield Adventurer XT pants are designed to complement the jacket of the same name, and much like their upper-half counterpart, these aren’t your usual riding pants. Priced at Rs 15,950, the XT pants bring waterproofing, solid protection and all-season touring capability in a durable, well-thought-out package.
The XT pants use the same super-stretch and softshell fabric as the jacket, with a triple-layer nylon fabric rated at 10,000mm, meaning there’s no internal liner to fumble with. Superfabric and Cordura are added at key abrasion zones, and the pants carry a CE AA certification.
You get CE Level 2 protection at the knees and hips using Royal Enfield’s in-house Ergo Pro-Tech armour. The materials feel tough and well-stitched, while the pants, at just 1.9kg, are also lightweight for what they offer.
These trousers have been through everything from city traffic to off-road trails and heavy Mumbai downpours. The waterproofing works well for the most part, though, like the jacket, extended exposure to heavy rain can result in minor ingress at zippers or seams. The pants also come with a removable thermal liner that’s warm enough for cold-weather riding, though its usefulness in our climate will depend on where you ride.
Thigh vents work well, but these pants aren’t for hot climates.Ventilation is limited to just two vents, and like the jacket, they do the job while moving but are far from ideal in stop-and-go traffic. Thanks to the stretch fabric and the articulated knee design, the pants offer excellent mobility whether you’re in a committed stance on a sport-tourer or standing up on ADV pegs.
As premium touring-focused, waterproof riding trousers with proper armour and laminated protection, the Adventurer XT is currently one of a kind in the Indian market. They pair best with the matching jacket, of course, but even on their own, they offer good value for riders looking to go long and far, come rain or shine. But look elsewhere if you’re after something primarily for use in hot weather conditions.
Where: store.royalenfield.com
Price: Rs 15,950

Hero Glamour X video review

Hero Glamour X review: Working class hero
The 125cc motorcycle segment is one that has seen tremendous growth in recent times, not just in terms of sales but also in new models joining the fray. And in this big category, there are broadly two types – the conventional, utilitarian one and the newer-age, flashy, relatively sportier and more feature-rich one. Enter the new Hero Glamour X, which aims to bridge the gap between these two and offer you the best of both worlds.
Hero Glamour X design and features - 9/10 Has segment-leading features; style similar to traditional commutersWhat Hero has done to create the Glamour X is taken the same basic rolling chassis from the Glamour Xtec, spruced it up with some fresh styling bits like a new, sharper headlight and tail-light, and given it a nifty underseat storage area as well as five new colours. But interestingly, Hero has plonked in the more powerful engine from the Xtreme 125R. And to top it all off, there’s a heap of tech on the Glamour X.
Colour LCD display is well laid out and bright enough.For starters, the bike uses ride-by-wire, which enables three riding modes: Eco, Road and Power, all of which deliver the same peak output but run different mapping. Then, you have cruise control on the Glamour X, making it the smallest, most affordable bike in the country – perhaps even the world! – to offer this feature. Like most other Hero commuters, the Glamour X also gets the company’s i3S start/stop tech, which works reasonably well.
Hero Glamour X colours and quality - 8/10 Available in five colours; quality is generally good all acrossShowing the rider all the relevant information is a colour LCD display similar to the one on the Karizma 210. The display is bright enough and laid out well, and the interface is also very straightforward.
While the features and the engine certainly make this a unique proposition, the Glamour X’s design has more in common with a traditional commuter and not the funky new 125s. That’s an understandable move on the company’s part because the bestselling bikes in India have this sort of silhouette, and it’s a market Hero just can’t afford to ignore.
The Glamour X’s design blends old-school with a hint of new-age.While it is largely a commuter design, bits like the small tank extensions, the smart headlight and tail-light and the little belly pan help give the Glamour X a little identity of its own out on the road. Design is subjective, but I think this is a fairly catchy-looking thing without being overly flashy and in your face. Quality, too, seems commendable for a bike in this class, and there are no unsightly panel gaps or stray wiring visible.
However, one little nit I must pick is the absence of a hinged fuel filler lid on an otherwise feature-rich and well-built machine. Sure, it’s a small gripe, but if this bike can have cruise control, surely Hero could have thrown in a hinged fuel filler cap!
Hero Glamour X ride and handling - 8/10 It is very comfortable and practical; feels light and nimbleAll of that means the riding experience you’ll get from the Glamour X is more or less similar to that of the other 125cc Hero commuters, save for a bit more oomph. That’s more or less what’s expected from a bike in this class because the whole point of a commuter is that it offers you a high level of comfort while returning good fuel economy and lasting a long time.
Weight and dimensionsSeat height790mmGround clearance170mmFuel tank capacity10 litresKerb weight125.5kg (drum) / 127kg (disc)Wheelbase1267mmSpeaking of comfort, that’s an area where the Glamour X scores very highly. The suspension is tuned to keep the rider comfortable, no matter what the road throws at you, and in typical Hero fashion, this bike’s ride quality is absolutely sublime. No matter the size of the bump, you’ll seldom even notice that you’ve gone over a bad patch, let alone feel it!
It is light and agile but not sporty by any means.Expectedly, its plush ride comfort means it’s no corner carver, but it feels light, agile and neutral. Add to that its super-tight turning radius, and you have an excellent bike for work inside the city. There’s also a lot of space to move around on this single-piece seat, and ferrying around a pillion or carrying luggage will be a breeze.
Hero Glamour X engine and performance - 7/10 Xtreme 125-derived motor is smooth; gearbox could be betterWhat will also help you inside the city is the Glamour X’s smooth and tractable engine, as well as the short gearing. Once you’re on the highway, the motor retains its smoothness and refinement all the way up to 80kph, before prominent vibration rears its head. Hero has also tuned the exhaust note to sound bassy and deep, as there was market demand for that, according to the company’s research.
The only mechanical part of the motorcycle that doesn’t always work as it should is the gearbox. Gearshifts (both up and down) weren’t the most precise, and sometimes, the Glamour X would refuse to go from neutral to first, necessitating a real hard shove to shift into gear. A clunky gearbox is a scenario we’ve faced with multiple other Hero motorcycles in the past, and I’d like to see some improvement in this regard.
EngineEngine124.7cc, single-cyl, air-cooledPower11.6hp at 8,250rpmTorque10.5Nm at 6,500rpmGearbox 5-speed Cruise control works well; Road mode is the best fit for the bike’s characterComing to the three riding modes (Power, Road and Eco), I felt that the Road mode suited the bike’s character the most, and it seems like that would have been the default setting had there been no modes at all. The fuelling is crisp, the throttle response is predictable, and the throttle feel is quite close to that of an authentic cable.
The Glamour X’s suspension comfort sets a high bar.Power mode gives you sharper throttle responses, and if you are someone who rides in a hilly region or with a pillion very often or both, you’ll appreciate this urgency in power delivery. Coming to Eco, this mode really dulls down power delivery and is only for when you’re riding in inclement weather or if you’re looking to extract maximum fuel economy.
Now, let’s get to the questions about the Glamour X that are surely on everyone’s mind: how does the cruise control feature work, and more importantly, does this bike really need it? The answer to the first is that the cruise control works just like it should, with a switch on the RH cluster controlling it. As for the second question, there are two answers, as I see it.
Segment-leading features such as riding modes and cruise control found here.One point of view is that if you have a really long commute over some open, flowing highways or inside a big metro city like Mumbai with fast roads, then cruise control could prove to be valuable. The other side of that coin is that you may deem this feature unnecessary and say a bike with 11hp doesn’t need it, in which case you have the option to not use it entirely. Personally, I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Low battery kickstart assist an innovative and helpful featureWhile all these features are certainly headline-grabbing, one very interesting feature on the Glamour X – perhaps not as headline-grabbing as the aforementioned ones – is the low battery kickstart function. Hero tells us that in our market, customers typically are not as service-oriented as others, and bikes like these often have batteries that aren’t replaced for years on end. That means when the battery’s current is low, it won’t be enough to open the throttle body’s valve and supply the air-fuel mixture to the engine; therefore, there won’t be any ignition process, and the motor won’t start.
This box under the seat can hold quite a bit.Hero has found a workaround for this in that when you press down on the kick, for a moment, a small amount of current is sent to the throttle body, which helps the engine successfully achieve ignition. This is a small feature, but a thoughtful one that is likely to pay dividends in the long run.
Hero Glamour X price and verdict - 8/10 The Glamour X is a competent and feature-loaded bikeWith prices ranging between Rs 89,999 and Rs 99,999 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Glamour X costs just a few thousand rupees more than the lower Glamour models, which is really good pricing for all the extra tech and style you get here. Since it is also based on a proven engine and chassis platform, realistically, there are likely to be no unwelcome surprises in its ownership experience.
PriceDrumRs 89,999DiscRs 99,999But as great as all the features are and as competitive as the pricing is, Hero has missed a trick here by not offering ABS, at least as an option – especially in the context of the Xtreme 125R ABS variant, which, at Rs 1.02 lakh, is priced very close to the top Glamour X. You could even argue that the Glamour X should actually have had ABS instead of cruise control, as on our unpredictable roads, the safety feature is likely to be more valuable than a convenience-enhancing one.
It is priced competitively for what it packs.Outside of that and the notchy gearbox, the Glamour X hasn’t done much else wrong in our time with it. If you’re someone who’s not interested in one of the flashy and sporty 125cc commuters but does like the features they offer with a good dose of practicality, fuel efficiency and straightforwardness, then this Glamour X should definitely be on your radar.
Also See: Hero Glamour X video review

Kawasaki Versys-X 300 road test, review
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is back on sale in India after a near 5-year hiatus. On paper, not much has changed – the same high-revving 296cc parallel-twin still powers it, it still wears its tall ADV stance, and it still rolls on a 19/17-inch wire-spoke wheel combo. What has changed, however, is the context.
In 2025, the ADV segment has grown up – competitors like KTM’s 390 Adventure and Royal Enfield’s Himalayan 450 offer significantly more tech, torque and touring chops at lower prices. Honda has already plugged the parallel-twin space, and BMW, as well as CFMoto, will soon join the club. So the question is, does this “reborn” Versys-X 300 still hold up?
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 design and features (6/10) It is quite sparsely equipped for a motorcycle at this price. Key specificationsKerb weight181kgSeat height815mmGround clearance180mmFuel tank capacity17 litresWheelbase1450mmVisually, there’s nothing new here apart from the two fresh colour schemes. That said, it still looks purposeful with its tall, slender bodywork.
A simple halogen headlamp that offers adequate levels of illumination, but it also feels a bit outdated in 2025.The fit and finish is solid, which is typical of Kawasaki, with tactile switchgear, clean panel fitment and decent paint quality. But features are where it feels most outclassed. There’s no TFT screen, no ride modes, no traction control and no switchable ABS. The speedo is basic but legible and does include an average fuel indicator and DTE indicator.
While the display is certainly outdated, there is also appeal in having a large rev counter. Truly a rare sight these days.What has changed since 2017 is that you no longer get accessories like crash guards, handguards or the single-side luggage pannier as standard. Instead, Kawasaki offers them separately, and at a fairly high cost. In a segment where rivals are practically throwing in the kitchen sink, the Versys 300 feels quite bare-bones.
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 comfort and ergonomics (8/10) A comfortable tourer that could do with an adjustable windshield.Despite its size, the 815mm seat height is approachable for most riders, and it has an upright and neutral riding position. Standing ergonomics are decent but could be better. For one, the footpegs feel too thin and dig into the sole of your foot; over time, this can cause discomfort. Secondly, the posture isn’t as accommodating for tall riders, and as I’ve discovered, this isn’t the sort of motorcycle you’d want to take too far off-road, but more on that later.
It has a firm yet supportive seat with an aggressive scoop to better accommodate shorter riders.In terms of comfort, the seat itself is on the firmer side, but it held up well over longer highway stints without inducing too much discomfort for me. Additionally, Kawasaki will sell you a 25mm taller, more comfortable accessory seat that’s better padded, although that comes in at a hefty Rs 19,480.
A touch of adjustability would have made this windshield even better for taller riders.Meanwhile, the tall windscreen remains fixed and causes noticeable wind buffeting and noise at highway speeds, particularly for taller riders. Shorter riders may not find it as intrusive, but an adjustable screen would have greatly helped improve long-distance comfort.
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 performance and efficiency (6/10) A fun motor, but performance is only unlocked at very high revs.If there’s one area where the Versys 300 still stands apart – for both good and bad – it’s the engine. This high-revving unit is shared with the Ninja 300, and it retains the same peaky character. This motor feels slow at low revs and only begins to come alive above 6,000rpm.
EngineEngine296cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooledPower39hp at 11,500rpmTorque26Nm at 10,000rpmGearbox6-speedThe full pull can only be experienced at sky-high revs, and while the on-paper difference to the likes of the KTM and Himalayan is not that big, you have to constantly wring its neck to extract that performance. There’s also the fact that high revs are accommodated by some vibrations, and while they aren’t as prominent as some of its single-cylinder rivals, it’s still quite noticeable.
The 13,000rpm motor is a double-edged sword – it is fun to rev out, but at odds with a bike of this format.The engine is tractable in higher gears and pulls cleanly from 50kph in sixth all the way to 150kph. As fun as revving this engine out is, it’s quite uncharacteristic of what we’ve come to expect from motorcycles of this format.
PerformanceAcceleration0-60kph3.20-100kph7.54Roll-on acceleration20-50kph (2nd gear)2.45s30-70kph (3rd gear)4.12s50-80kph (4th gear)4.06sBraking60-0kph (in metres)17.20mIn fact, in our tests, the Versys 300 clocked a 7.5-second 0-100kph time, which puts it in line with other 300cc single-cylinder motorcycles, but slower than the 400 and 450cc singles. While tractable, the engine will sit at around 7,000rpm when cruising at 100kph, and it isn’t a smooth and calm affair.
A large 17-litre tank offers great peace of mind and makes for good long-distance range.This parallel twin prefers being engaged in a spirited manner and feels calmer at higher gears in double-digit speeds. The way to truly enjoy this motor is by revving its heart out and banging through its slick 6-speed gearbox. Do that, and the Versys X300 is genuinely fun to ride on the road, and it is more rewarding when ridden like a sporty road bike rather than an off-road-oriented ADV.
It gets a sturdy tail rack that’s great for mounting luggage and comes as standard.During our tests, we saw a highway fuel efficiency figure of 27kpl; 25kpl in the city. While these figures are lower than rivals’, the 17-litre tank means you’re still looking at a 400km range on a full tank. In the city, the clutch feel is light, and the bike is well-balanced and easy to manage. Heat management is relatively well contained and should only be a problem for those wearing shorts.
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ride comfort and handling (7/10) A good road handler, but has limited off-road capability.In terms of handling, it continues to feel planted on smooth roads and around corners. Its 41mm telescopic fork and preload-adjustable monoshock do a good job on well-paved tarmac, and the chassis feels solid and confidence-inspiring; however, the suspension has limitations that are quite easy to reach.
It doesn't mind going off-road but feels out of its element.This is because it only has 130mm of travel at the front and 148mm at the rear, and compounding the issue is the fact that the front is too soft. General rough roads are handled well, but larger and sharper bumps/potholes are not absorbed gracefully, and the front end often reacts with a loud thud when it encounters a deep pothole. All in all, the ride quality is not bad, but it’s also not as sophisticated as some of its rivals.
The 300 is the only Versys to feature spoked wheels. A set of alloys would be a better fit for this bike.In terms of on-road dynamics, it’s quite playful and light on its feet on the road, and I thoroughly enjoyed going around corners on this motorcycle. However, off-road, there’s a decent 180mm of ground clearance, and the bike doesn’t mind carrying a gentle pace. But the moment you start picking up speed, the front end starts to bottom out over rocks, and that robs confidence. A lack of switchable ABS doesn’t help either.
Despite its age, this is a handsome motorcycle, and it also has a comfortable riding position.While the brakes perform adequately, the ABS seems quite intrusive. These new MRF tyres do a good job in both wet and dry conditions on the road, and I’ve had no complaints from them. Unlike the rest of Kawasaki’s Versys line-up, the 300 is the only one to come with spoke wheels, and unfortunately, these aren’t tubeless. This seems misplaced, given the bike’s road-focused skill set, and a set of alloys would give you more peace of mind when it comes to punctures.
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 verdict (6/10) An unusual motorcycle that’s a little too late to the party and leaves you wanting for more. PricePrice (ex-showroom, Delhi)Rs 3.80 lakhIn 2017, the Versys-X 300 felt like a niche but charming option for tourers who wanted a smooth, rev-happy engine and dependable engineering. However, in 2025, the same motorcycle – despite aRs 80,000 price drop – feels out of step with the segment. It lacks features, feels dated in key areas, and is still priced higher than far more capable and better-equipped rivals.
Its performance feels more like a 250cc single until you cross 10,000rpm.That said, it is still a unique motorcycle to ride, and if you’re someone who values a reliable Japanese high-revving parallel-twin and would like a comfortable road-tourer, this bike will speak to you. For everyone else, bikes like the KTM 390 Adventure X and RE Himalayan 450 offer much more capable packages at lower prices. However, if a small-capacity parallel-twin is a must-have, I’d recommend waiting for CFMoto’s 450 or making the large stretch for Honda’s NX500.
Also see: Kawasaki Versys 1100 review: road touring masterclass

Honda Transalp XL750 long-term review, 5400km report
I have always enjoyed owning adventure bikes, and after moving from a Himalayan 411 to a Hero Xpulse 200, to a Suzuki V-Strom SX, and most recently a Versys 650, I was finally ready to go for an even bigger one.
I initially planned to go for a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, but it was slightly out of my budget, and I was also concerned about its reputation for high running costs. After the top-heavy Versys, I wanted something that felt lighter and easier to manage. Plenty of chats with Rishaad in the office led me down the path of the Transalp XL750, which seemed to be the best bet for my requirements.
Smooth and punchy motor matches some bigger bikes from the segment above.What helped my decision was that the BigWing showroom in Andheri was very helpful – they gave me two test rides and even arranged a low seat for me, which is always helpful for my 5’5” frame. The first test ride was in heavy traffic, and the bike was super easy to manage – it almost felt like I had owned it for years, and the connection was instant.
My only concern was how it would perform on the highway, and the dealership was happy to give me a second test ride. I took a longer ride of about 15km on a Sunday morning, which further convinced me of the bike’s handling and power. So much so that I immediately made the booking. Luckily for me, there were two bikes available in stock.
Quickshifter is an optional extra but is reasonably priced and works very well.I selected the one I wanted, negotiated a small discount, and opted for some official accessories. What I immediately went for were the upper crash bars, the low seat and the centre stand. While the quality is good, Honda charges too much for these accessories, and these three alone cost me Rs 85,000. I have subsequently added some high-quality aftermarket mods, like an SW Motech sump guard and Barkbustershandguards, both of which were more affordable than Honda’s own accessories.
The official accessories are of good quality but come at a very high price.The first service was scheduled at the 700km mark, and I quickly got that out of the way with weekend rides to Lonavala. It included an oil change and a general check-up, all completed in just two hours – and I got to witness the bike being serviced. It wasn’t a free service, but at Rs 7,150, it was quite reasonable for a big bike.
My first long ride was to Bhuj, a 2,400km round trip. One of my main concerns with the bike was its tubed tyres, and I wanted to fix that before the ride. The solution was to purchase a pair of Africa Twin tubeless rims from Honda, which cost Rs 1.62 lakh, including the front and rear brake discs and a few other small components that needed to be replaced. Alongside this, I also installed the optional bi-directional quickshifter, which costs around Rs 17,000.
Stock rims run tubed tyres, and it’s an expensive issue to properly address.I have since clocked over 5,000km, and the bike has run absolutely flawlessly. This is easily the best motorcycle I have owned to date, and though there are many things I love about it, a few things could be better. We’ll discuss these in the next report.
Written by Jigar Gangar
Honda Transalp XL750Odometer5430kmPriceRs 10.9 lakh (ex-showroom, India)Economy21.06kplMaintenance cost Rs 7150 (first service)FaultsNone
Triumph Thruxton 400: video review

Car and Bike news, reviews and videos.
2025 Citroen e-SpaceTourer review: Van-tastic opportunity
Remember Citroen’s entry into the Indian market with the C5 Aircross? Well, it’s okay if you don’t – because not many do. Citroen has barely sold around 1,200 units of the model since its launch in January 2021. And that’s a pity, because the C5 Aircross was a refreshing, left-field choice in a landscape dominated by conventional SUVs. It defied the norm with its distinctive design and laser focus on comfort.
Its ride quality was nothing short of legendary, and its 2.0-litre diesel engine delivered superb refinement, torque and efficiency – especially at a time when the segment was tilting increasingly towards petrol. But being imported as a completely built unit (CBU), the C5 Aircross attracted steep customs duties. That translated into a starting price of around Rs 40 lakh, which was its Achilles heel.
And it still is. Which is why the all-new C5 Aircross, launched internationally in April 2025, hasn’t made it to Indian shores. The economics simply don’t stack up. The new model is costlier than the outgoing version; the new homologation requirements add another layer of complexity for low-volume imports, and compounding all this is a sharply depreciating rupee – the euro now costs nearly Rs 100 compared to around Rs 87 when the C5 was launched.
All this has effectively closed the door on imports for Citroen, which has since been focusing on its locally manufactured line-up.
Made-in-UK Citroens open doors in India.However, in a world where tariffs are increasingly dominating trade policy, especially with Trump-era protectionism creating turmoil across the world, there’s a potential game-changer on the horizon. A historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK promises a radical shift in the import landscape. Once implemented, this landmark deal will slash duties to 10 percent (currently 110 percent) over the next few years for cars manufactured in the UK.
Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will be the first to benefit, with duties slashed down to 30 percent in the first year. For EVs, the benefit will take longer to materialise. The FTA outlines a staggering 60 percent reduction in duties – but only after five years.
For Citroen, this long-term duty cut could be a game-changer. It potentially opens the door for the e-SpaceTourer, a large and versatile electric MPV built in Luton, UK, to finally enter the Indian market.
There’s a catch, though – the reduced duties apply only to vehicles priced above 40,000 pounds. The e-SpaceTourer currently sits just below that mark, but with rising costs and updated versions in the pipeline, it’s likely to cross the threshold in the coming years and become eligible for the benefits.
It’s still a long-term play, but is it one worth exploring? Can the e-SpaceTourer find a market in India? I took it for a quick drive to find out.
2025 Citroen e-SpaceTourer exterior design and engineering Styling unapologetically places function over form. Citroen e-SpaceTourer XL dimensionsLength (mm)5,331Width (mm)1,920Height (mm)1,890Wheelbase (mm)3,275The e-SpaceTourer is a product of pure practicality. It is a van with windows, and it makes no apologies for it. Born from the same platform as the Stellantis Dispatch van, it prioritises space and utility over sleek aesthetics.
Smartly styled lights liven up the face.While this may not appeal to the traditional private car buyer, it is precisely what makes it a potentially perfect fit for the Indian market’s commercial and hospitality sectors. The space between the 7-seater Toyota Innova and the much larger Force Urbania bus is a chasm that the e-SpaceTourer can fill with ease.
2025 Citroen e-SpaceTourer interior and features 6-seater to 9-seater configurations on offer.With its configurable seating for up to nine people, it offers a level of comfort and capacity that no other MPV south of Rs 1 crore can match.
The modularity of the e-SpaceTourer’s interior is its strongest suit, and you can get it in 6-, 7-, 8- and 9-seat configurations. In its most versatile 9-seat “Business” trim, it offers multiple seating configurations, with the second and third rows able to slide, fold and be removed entirely. This creates an enormous, cavernous cargo space of almost 4,000 litres, making it a truly multi-functional vehicle.
Flexible seating is the e-SpaceTourer’s biggest strength. Third row is just as spacious and comfortable as the second row.What really stood out for me was the third row, which is typically a punishment posting for most passengers in an MPV. But not in the e-SpaceTourer, where it’s just as comfy as the middle row. There’s no compromise on kneeroom, headroom and seat comfort, and you can get it with captain seats, which slide back and forth in the third row, too.
Gets optional massaging seats.The cabin itself is functional and uncluttered, built with hard-wearing plastics and materials. While it lacks the luxurious feel of its pricier German rivals and isn’t overflowing with features, it has all the modern amenities one would expect in this sort of product, including the option of massage seats.
Functional interior is comfortable and very spacious.The small 7-inch touchscreen notwithstanding, you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with charging points. A power meter replaces the traditional rev counter, and the gear lever is replaced by a simple drive-mode selector switch.
2025 Citroen e-SpaceTourer performance and range 75kWh battery pack powers 138hp electric motor. Citroen e-SpaceTourer XL powertrainPower (hp)138Torque (Nm)220Gearbox1-speed autoDrive layoutFWDBattery typeLi-ionBattery capacity (kWh)75Claimed range (km)348Charging time46 minutes (5-80% with 100kW DC), 7 hours and 30 minutes (0-100% with 11kW AC)Journeying through the winding country roads of rural France, the homeland of Citroen, the large e-SpaceTourer is surprisingly easy to drive. Sitting perched in the driver’s seat, visibility is good, the steering is light, and the 138hp electric motor gives you instant poke, so it’s quite easy to punt this large van around narrow roads.
Performance is modest at best, but for a people carrier, what is more important is a smooth and linear power delivery rather than a neck-snapping surge, and it’s here that the e-SpaceTourer delivers.
It looks clearly like a van but is surprisingly easy to drive. Claimed range stands at 348km.Range is more important for a van expected to ferry passengers over long periods, and 348km (claimed figure) is just about adequate.
2025 Citroen e-SpaceTourer ride comfort and handling Great ride quality, but lots of body roll in the corners.The ride quality, in true Citroen fashion, is compliant and plush at low speeds, but there’s a fair bit of body roll. And burdened by the weight of the 75kWh battery pack located beneath the floor, this big van can feel a bit unsettled on less-than-perfect surfaces.
Low-speed ride feels nice, but less-than-ideal roads can upset the e-SpaceTourer's composure.2025 Citroen e-SpaceTourer verdict and expected price UK manufacturing would allow Citroen to leverage FTA's reduced duties.
As a Stellantis product built in the UK, the e-SpaceTourer stands to gain significantly from the FTA. It’s a tantalising opportunity for Citroen, but will the brand take the plunge, given that the real duty benefits are still five years away?
One possible approach is to launch the e-SpaceTourer now at a higher, fully taxed price and reduce it once the duty cuts kick in. A more ambitious strategy would be to average out the expected savings over the 5-year period – launching at a lower, more competitive price from the outset and absorbing the initial hit.
e-SpaceTourer price could land below the Rs 50 lakh mark.If Citroen chooses the latter path, the e-SpaceTourer could arrive at a sub-Rs 50 lakh price point – an appealing proposition that could carve out a niche in India’s premium fleet and hospitality segments. Whether Citroen acts on this opportunity remains to be seen, but on product merit alone, the e-SpaceTourer certainly makes a strong case for itself.
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2025 Mahindra Thar Roxx long term review, 13,000km report
The timing for this new long termer entering Autocar India’s fleet couldn’t have been better. With monsoons setting in, a 4x4-capable SUV was more than welcome. However, before we indulged in some mud-slinging fun, we put it through a proper road trip.
Mumbai to Indore and back – a 1,200km round trip is a pretty solid initiation for our newest garage entrant. And it’s thrown up quite a few things: good, not good, and typically Thar.
Our Thar Roxx is a top-spec diesel automatic version, the 2.2-litre mHawk paired to a 6-speed torque converter. It’s the combination most buyers gravitate towards, and after this trip, I see why.
This isn’t your everyday urban SUV, but it didn’t leave me fatigued even after 600km.I really like the motor; it is super-refined, and performance is effortless. In fact, the refinement is so good that it can be easily confused for a petrol motor on the go! There’s a healthy dose of torque in reserve and it feels overly peppy at times, so you have to ease-off the accelerator very often; triple-digit speeds are achieved effortlessly. I also like the utterly light steering, especially in traffic.
The gearbox, too, is smooth and quick, and it does a fine job of keeping things relaxed. What irritates me, though, is the engine stop-start, which is slow to respond and then sends a massive shudder through the cabin that’s hard to ignore when it cranks the engine back on. It’s a reminder that beneath the urban gloss, the Thar Roxx is still a hardy, body-on-frame 4x4 at heart.
Massive panoramic sunroof lets in abundant light and makes the cabin feel spacious and airy.What’s made a big impression early on is the panoramic roof. It’s massive and not only lets in heaps of light but also gives the cabin a properly airy feel. It’s a great touch, especially if you’re spending long hours on the road and the weather is pleasant. Pair that with cooled front seats, which work well without sounding like a mini cyclone under your backside, and you’ve got the makings of a fairly civilised off-roader.
Ventilated front seats work quietly, with barely any fan noise, and do a good job of keeping you cool.Mahindra’s done a commendable job with the cabin layout, too. Everything’s where it should be, and it all feels robust enough to take a beating. However, the white upholstery on our Roxx will be difficult to keep clean, especially with the different users and usage our long-term cars go through. They’re spotless now, but I’m not betting on them staying clean for too long, especially once the monsoon kicks in in full swing. I would have appreciated a bit more storage space, especially for a regular 1-litre plastic water bottle, which, even in the front-door pocket, needs to be really squeezed in.
If there is one area where the Roxx still needs polish, it’s the low-speed ride comfort. Mahindra’s clearly tried to dial in some urban usability, but on patchy tarmac or through villages with rumble strips every few kilometres (and there are a lot between Mumbai and Indore), the Roxx moves around a lot.
The suspension lets through hard kickbacks over rumble strips and makes the occupants uncomfortable.The firm suspension does not compress over smaller imperfections, thus transferring all that movement to the body and shaking the occupants side-to-side. The rear passengers, in particular, bear the brunt of the jostling, so if you’re heading out with friends or family, prepare for some complaints from the back seat.
The boot space, too, isn’t a strong suit for the Roxx. While you can stuff in a few duffel bags or cabin bags, it’s tight for a car that looks this big. On our trip, we did manage to fit in a fair amount of luggage but had to do a lot of juggling. It’s a compromise. And while the split rear door is charmingly old-school, it’s not the most practical setup when you’re juggling luggage in the rain.
Boot space is tight, especially given the Thar’s size. Packing things needs some planning.And speaking of rain, the wipers need an upgrade. In a heavy downpour, the blades struggled to keep up even at their highest speed.
Another thing I noticed on this drive was an issue with the fuel lid. It refused to pop open on multiple occasions at fuel stations. Even after pressing the fuel-flap release button, the lid did not open and needed to be pulled out physically with a key or a coin. I suspect that some mud and muck have probably caused the lid mechanism to jam. It surely needs to be checked during its next service. What was a bigger surprise was a glitch with the infotainment and the instrument cluster blacking out completely while driving, but thankfully, it came back to life on its own.
The instrument cluster and touchscreen blacked out a few times while driving and turned back on on their own.The Thar’s fuel efficiency figure hovered around 10kpl during the round trip. Now, that’s not catastrophic for a heavy, 4WD SUV with an automatic gearbox, but it’s also not something to boast about either. On the whole, the Thar managed the trip well. It did cover a 600km stretch in a day without leaving me fatigued, which is more than I can say for some monocoque SUVs.
Next up? Well, the monsoon’s here, and so are a bunch of off-road trails just waiting to be explored. The Thar Roxx’s 4x4 hardware hasn’t seen much action yet, but that’s about to change in the next report. Mud, slush and maybe a hill or two. Time to find out what this Roxx is really made of.
MAHINDRA THAR ROXX 4WD DIESEL AT AX7L test dataOdometer13,157kmPrice (ex-showroom, India)Rs 21.28 lakhEconomy10.3kpl (overall, this month)Maintenance costNoneFaultsSticky fuel flap, screen glitchesAlso see:

2025 Volvo EX30 review: EX marks the spot
Volvo is planning to enter the competitive Rs 50 lakh luxury EV segment with an all-new car – the EX30. The aim is to attract younger buyers while offering a premium badge backed by a strong environmentally conscious approach. But can it achieve that? Or is the EX30 perhaps a bit too European for the Indian market?
2025 Volvo EX30 exterior design and engineering: 8/10 Modern design language but with Volvo DNA and subtlety Volvo EX30 dimensionsLength 4233mm Width 1940mm Height 1550mm Wheelbase 2650mm Ground clearance (unladen)171mm Turning circle 10.6 meters Kerb weight 1775kgThe EX30 is Volvo’s first ground-up EV built on the Geely-owned SEA2 (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform. Dimensionally, it is smaller in length, height and width compared to Volvo’s next EV, the EX40. However, with no ICE counterpart to rely on, the styling is brand new and integrates the EV bits a lot better.
With no ICE counterpart, the EX30 integrates the EV design bits a lot better.Up front, it carries over the Thor’s hammer LED daytime running lamps, but with individual elements. The front, otherwise, remains closed off in typical EV fashion, with vents in the sides that help with airflow. An active air flap is at the bottom of the bumper.
As for the side, you have 19-inch alloy wheels that look bigger in person and a shorter wheelbase than Volvo’s other EVs. What is interesting is the roofline and the form factor, which stray away from the traditional boxy SUV look and adopt a more new-age design. Ground clearance is good, too, and there is no visible battery pack under the car since it has been tucked away into the floor.
It doesn't have a traditional boxy SUV look and adopts a more new-age design.The rear features C-shaped LED tail-lamps with elements that extend on the rear windshield. Also, the rear is fuss-free and a bit more restrained in comparison to the funky front.
Interestingly, getting inside can be done in a fully digital manner, using your phone or a smart card that you need to tap on the driver’s side B-pillar.
A tap of the smart card on the driver’s side B-pillar allows entry into the car.2025 Volvo EX30 interior space and comfort: 6/10 Big on sustainability but lacks space and some key features
Inside, the first thing you notice is the upholstery, which is not luxurious in the traditional sense, but there is solace in the fact that you are doing your best to help the earth. The dashboard is layered with recycled materials, with the only metal being on the vents or door handles.
The dashboard is layered with recycled materials, not leather like in most luxury cars.Also noticeable is the raised floor that results in a knees-up sitting position even for the front passenger. What’s nice is that the seats are broad and comfy, and the driver’s seat gets power adjustment as well. Sadly, it misses out on ventilation, heating or massaging, which is usually a highlight on Volvo cars.
Storage options are in abundance, with huge door pockets, a good amount of room in the lower half of the centre console, and cup holders that can be tucked away to open up access to the space below.
Front seats are broad and comfy but miss out on ventilation.In the rear seat, space is tight, and adults taller than 6 feet will struggle for room. The floor height is significantly high, and while the floor itself is flat, the lack of under-thigh support and the knees-up seating rob comfort. Shorter adults won’t struggle as much and will be fine for short city drives.
Width is best suited only for two in the back, and while the seat comfort is good, the room is tight. The glass roof adds plushness, but with no blind or cover, it is bound to heat up the cabin on a hot day.
Rear seat has a knees-up seating position and isn’t ideal for those over 6 feet tall.
The boot, at 318 litres, is decent and accessible, and a unique touch is the diagram on the tailgate that shows what all it can fit. There’s also a 7-litre frunk, which will mostly be used up by the charging cable, and there is no spare wheel on offer.
2025 Volvo EX30 features and safety: 6/10 Most features controlled via screen; basics are missedTaking centre stage is a 12.3-inch vertically mounted touchscreen that features all of the functions. There isn’t a single physical switch or button on the dashboard. Even adjusting the headlamps and outside rearview mirrors is done via the screens, and that takes some time to get used to. The screen itself uses Google software with a Snapdragon chip that makes it quick and responsive, and the default navigation is also Google Maps. Apple CarPlay is wireless, but the same does not go for Android Auto. There is a 360-degree camera too.
The touchscreen is the go-to place for all functions; no physical controls at all.The lack of an instrument cluster means driving data is also embedded in the screen. There’s a dedicated section at the top of the screen for basic data like range, speed and ADAS notifications.
Audio duties are courtesy of a Harman Kardon soundbar that extends the width of the dashboard and features tweeters and a subwoofer behind the dashboard. While the audio quality is good, it does not match that of Volvo’s Bowers & Wilkins systems.
In the rear seat, the EX30 misses out on AC vents and sunblinds, and there is no option to recline the backrest either. What it does get, though, is Level 2 ADAS, along with warnings for door opening and a drowsiness detector that scans your face, road and steering position.
2025 Volvo EX30 performance and refinement: 8/10 Good power, but drive is smooth and gentle Volvo EX30 battery and specsBattery size69kWhDrive layout Rear-wheel drive Power 272hpTorque 343Nm0-100kph (claimed)5.7 seconds Top Speed (claimed)180kphThis EX30 is the Extended Range version featuring a 69kWh battery with NMC cells that are energy-dense and have longer life cycles. The battery puts out 272hp and 343Nm, is liquid-cooled and gets an 8-year warranty. Globally, a smaller battery pack option with LFP cells is available as well.
Refinement-wise, the EX30 is quiet and relaxed, apart from slight road and wind noises at high speeds of about 100kph. Vibrations are very well-contained, and the road damping is quite nice, too.
Performance is nice and linear but not exciting.Volvo claims 0-100kph in 5.7 seconds, but there is none of that neck-snapping response, and power delivery is linear, which makes it very easy to drive in day-to-day scenarios. Now, while that acceleration is nice and linear, you don’t have any drive modes to help you gain a bit more in terms of response – there’s a default setting. The same goes for regeneration as well; there is no selective regen on this car, so whatever recuperation happens is during braking. But it does have a one-pedal driving mode, which makes it effortless in bumper-to-bumper traffic. However, all this means the EX30 is not the most exciting car to drive, and all you can do from behind the driver’s seat is manage the steering wheel.
2025 Volvo EX30 mileage: 7/10 69kWh battery pack delivers a claimed 480km WLTP range Volvo EX30 range and chargingClaimed range (WLTP) 476km 11kW AC charging (0-100 percent)7 hours 150kW DC Charging (10-80 percent) 25 minsAnd then, we come to the all-important topic of range – 480 kilometres is what Volvo claims on the WLTP cycle; obviously, real-world figures will be slightly different. At 95 percent, we were looking at about 360 km of range when we started the drive. Of course, that depends on the driving style and whether the drive is in the city or on the highway. On our shoot day, we drove mostly on the highways and not much in the city, so we weren’t able to get the most accurate number. That said, on a single charge, you can comfortably expect above 350 km, which is not too bad given that the car is likely to do mostly urban runs and, once in a while, small intercity commutes.
Volvo claims a range of 480km on the WLTP cycle.The 400V battery architecture allows it to charge from 0 to 100 percent in 10 hours and 30 minutes when using a 7.4kW charger, in 7 hours with an 11kW AC charger and in just 25 minutes with a 150kW DC charger.
2025 Volvo EX30 ride and handling: 8/10 Stable ride with good damping, but not a fun handlerSpeaking of ride comfort, there is an inherent firmness to the ride with all that weight low down, but the damping is really good, so over low speed bumps, even though you move about slightly, none of the harshness or thuds seep into the cabin.
The EX30 rides with an inherent firmness, but damping is really good.But where that slight firmness in the suspension helps is in the corners, as the EX30 remains relatively firm and flat. There is minimal roll, and it is stable, but you won’t get much feedback from the steering, even though you have selectable modes – soft, medium and firm. The artificial heft added to the steering, especially in the firm setting, helps it feel sharp, but the soft setting is the most preferred one, as light steering in the city aids manoeuvrability.
2025 Volvo EX30 price and verdict: 6/10 Pricing will have to be aggressive to fight rivalsPricing for the EX30 is likely to be aggressive and will undercut the EX40 and C40. In terms of the battery size, it will go up against the BMW iX1 LWB and Mercedes-Benz EQA, but with a price tag of around Rs 50 lakh, it will also have to fight some strong EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, BYD Sealion 7 and even the Kia EV6, which pack a whole lot.
The Volvo falls short on rear seat space and misses some basic features, but its strong suits are its modern design, sustainable interior and the premium badge that will look to attract buyers. This SUV has several strengths but also has its work cut out.
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2025 Volvo EX30 video review

2025 Hyundai Verna long term review, 17,000km report
A turbo-petrol engine with 160hp, a manual gearbox, and a low-slung sedan shape might just be the worst combo you could pick for a half-dug-up city like Mumbai.
At least that’s what it looks like on paper – a pretty pessimistic take. But flip that around, and the optimist in you might say it’s exactly what you need to make daily commutes a bit more exciting.
Enter the Hyundai Verna – a sleek sedan that’s got way more power than you need for city traffic, and a manual gearbox to keep things interesting (or make up for skipping leg day).
Long-term cars with manuals usually don’t last long with us at Autocar. They’re fun, sure, but not exactly practical. Add Mumbai monsoons into the mix, and a low car sounds like a nightmare. But I’ve always liked the Verna. Sure, the design isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s growing on me. The Tesla-like front end, sharp creases, and red brake calipers take some time to get used to, but give it a chance, and the stance actually looks pretty good.
First test: ground clearance. With just two people in the car, it handles the usual bumps without a problem – only the badly made ones catch it out. But load it up fully, and yeah, it squats low enough to scrape.
Softly sprung suspension not great for spirited driving but is a huge plus over the broken city roads.Now, the engine – this one really surprised me. It’s got more than enough poke to make those short signal-to-signal bursts a lot of fun. And it’s smooth too, humming along quietly at around 20kph. No noise, no vibrations. Push it past 2,500rpm, and the power builds steadily; cross 3,000rpm, and the turbo kicks in nicely. Late-night food runs? Great fun.
Fuel efficiency was my biggest concern. I expected under 8kpl, especially after the Exter (my last long-termer) barely managed 9.5kpl. But the Verna has been surprisingly frugal – hovering around 9.5 to 10kpl, and even crossing 11kpl on late-night drives. The average stands at a respectable 10kpl, mostly in Eco mode. The engine really comes alive when you switch to Sport, but in the city, you don’t get to use all that power much.
Bose speakers have good bass, custom modes, and they sound premium. Call quality is excellent, too.One of the main complaints we had at launch was the soft suspension – it made the car feel a bit floaty in corners and didn’t help its lap times at our track day. But out in the real world, that soft setup actually makes a lot of sense. It soaks up broken roads really well and feels almost SUV-like in comfort.
Inside, the all-black cabin adds to the sporty feel. I don’t mind it, but a bit of chrome or some brushed metal would’ve helped lift the cabin’s look.
CarPlay isn’t wireless and needs a USB-A cable to connect. Type-C is for charging only.What really does feel premium, though, is the Bose sound system. It’s punchy, with solid bass, and call clarity is great even at higher volumes. If you love your music, you’ll enjoy it.
The only annoying bit? No wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You’ll need a USB-A cable, and let’s be honest, most of us have already moved on to Type-C. Just a small thing, but still.
Now, the gearbox. Yes, it’s fun and gives you full control, but in traffic, it can be a bit of a workout. The clutch isn’t super light, and the gear travel is on the longer side. Short drives? No problem. But spend an hour in bumper-to-bumper traffic and you’ll really wish you had an automatic. Also, at low speeds, especially when negotiating speed breakers, shifting between first and second can get jerky if you’re not careful with the revs. I ended up riding the clutch a lot more than I’d like.
Long-travel clutch is heavy, and gearing in first and second takes getting used to in peak city traffic.There’s still more to explore – the back seat, the boot, and how it behaves on the highway with ADAS. But so far, I can totally see myself using the Verna as a daily. It’s been fuss-free, fun, and it ticks almost every box I have for a city car.
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2025 Maruti Dzire long term review, 5,000km report
"Are you sure there wasn’t an error while filling the tank?" That was my first reaction when my colleague, Lokesh Dutt Semwal, shared the real-world fuel efficiency numbers for the new Maruti Dzire. According to our tests, it returned 14.5kpl in the city and a staggering 20kpl on the highway – figures that are not only impressive for a petrol-manual sedan but also higher than those of the lighter Swift hatchback with the same engine.
Delivers in an area that matters most to owners: real-world fuel efficiency is impressive.Before we put those numbers in print, I decided to verify them for myself. I took the Dzire home for a week, filled its tank, reset the trip meter and got behind the wheel. That very evening, while driving home from work, the MID showed an astonishing 20kpl. Okay, I’ll admit, the conditions were favourable: lighter-than-usual traffic, cooler temperatures, the air conditioner was off, and I drove with a light foot. The automatic stop-start system, which cuts the engine at red lights, also helped reduce idling losses. So, while it wasn’t representative of a typical commute, the numbers were impressive nonetheless.
Over the next few days, I ferried friends and family around, and the Dzire’s interior drew plenty of praise. The beige cabin and faux wood accents lend it an upmarket feel, and the small sunroof adds a sense of occasion. My wife found the front seats more comfortable than those in her Toyota Hyryder, citing the broader backrests and softer cushioning. However, my cleanliness-obsessed mother immediately pointed out the stained seats – a downside of the light-coloured upholstery, which tends to show dirt and wear far more easily than darker fabrics.
Light-coloured upholstery is difficult to keep clean, with stains and dirt marks easily standing out.Beyond fuel efficiency, two aspects really stood out: the Dzire’s buttery-smooth controls and exceptional ride comfort. The steering is light and returns to centre naturally, much like the older Dzire’s. The 5-speed manual gearbox is easily one of the best in the segment – slick, precise and satisfying to use. But the real hero here is the ride quality. The Dzire glides over potholes and bumps with impressive composure, soaking up whatever our roads throw at it.
Low-speed ride quality is outstanding. It soaks up road imperfections like a more expensive car.However, not everything was rosy. The biggest letdown for me was drivability. While I’ve enjoyed this engine’s nature in the Swift, it feels dulled down in the Dzire, particularly at low revs. In city traffic, I often had to press the accelerator harder than expected to get moving, and on a steep parking ramp, I even had to slip the clutch to make it up. It seems Maruti has deliberately tuned the engine for maximum fuel efficiency, compromising some of its responsiveness in the process.
Engine feels lethargic, and responsiveness is compromised compared to the Swift hatchback.Finally, after a full-tank cycle that included everything from dense bumper-to-bumper traffic on Mumbai’s Western Express Highway to a few short performance bursts and several sub-2km trips, the Dzire returned a tank-to-tank efficiency of 13.6kpl. That’s slightly lower than our earlier test figures but still quite commendable, given the conditions. With a 37-litre tank, that translates to a real-world range of just over 500km – impressive for a small petrol sedan.
The Dzire has evolved well beyond its hatch-with-a-boot origins.It’s clear that Maruti has worked hard at keeping its core value intact – fuel efficiency. And with its comfort, refinement and ease of use, the Dzire continues to be one of the most sensible choices in its segment. No wonder it outsells all the sedans sold in India – combined.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI+ Test dataOdometer4,890kmPrice (ex-showroom, India)Rs 9.69 lakhEconomy13.6kplMaintenance costNilFaultsNoneAlso see:

2025 Lamborghini Temerario video review

2025 Range Rover Sport SV India review: Peaky Blinder
The Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two aims to blend luxury and performance—and take both to the next level. Built by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations team, it’s a full-fledged lunatic in posh attire. But it’s not just about looks. With a twin-turbo V8 under the bonnet, it packs firepower like a Peaky Blinder. And anyone who’s watched the show knows—you don’t mess with them.
Range Rover Sport SV exterior design and engineering - 8/10 Subtle additions with carbon fibre trims and special paint shades Forged carbon front lip carries bespoke 'SV Edition Two' branding.Being a super-SUV, you’d expect the Range Rover Sport SV to have a fair bit of aggression in the design. But this one is a Range Rover first and an SV second. Yes, the differences are prominent but carry the subtlety one expects of the badge.
Matte 'Sunrise Copper' paint finish grabs attention without being too ostentatious.The paint is dubbed ‘Sunrise Copper,’ which suits the stealthy vibe. The matte finish has just enough pop to make you turn around and notice. The front bumper has more vents to let air pass, with plenty of carbon fibre thanks to the optional carbon pack. You can choose between two designs for the carbon weave.
You get 22-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 23-inchers available as an optional extra.Over to the side, the classic Range Rover silhouette is untouched, but the 22-inch wheels add drama. If that’s not enough, there’s the option of 23-inch wheels, including carbon-fibre versions that help save weight.
Quad exhausts and white 'SV' badge help tell it apart from the vanilla Range Rover Sport.At the rear, there are more aggressive bumper inserts, quad exhausts, and the SV badge in white that stands out proudly. Truth be told, in a shade of black or white, you might not be able to tell the SV from the regular Sport at first glance. But if restraint and subtlety are what you value, this is right up your alley.
Range Rover Sport SV interior space and comfort - 9/10 Plenty of space; sport seats are hugely comfy tooIt’s the same story inside, where you’ll find carbon fibre trimmings in a superbly built cabin. The dark upholstery paired with dark chrome looks great, and there isn’t much that shouts for attention. The Range Rover Sport SV gets sport seats up front, but comfort remains excellent. Cushioning is soft, and everything adjusts electronically, making it effortless to find the ideal seating position.
No complaints for rear seat legroom, though the bench is best suited for up to two occupants.The rear seat may be seldom used, but when it is, there’s no room for complaints. Space is excellent, and it has all the tech you need. Seating three is possible, though the centre passenger must compromise on comfort due to the raised backrest, centre tunnel, and vents.
Range Rover Sport SV features and safety - 9/10 No compromise on equipment for the most expensive Range Rover Sport in IndiaAs the most expensive Range Rover Sport on sale in India, the SV Edition Two is expected to come loaded—and thankfully, it does.
All-black dashboard incorporates most functions into the 13.1-inch touchscreen.The dashboard is clean and button-free, with all functions housed in the 13.1-inch PiVi Pro infotainment system. The screen is slick, slightly curved, and features a clean, minimalist interface that’s easy to navigate. Climate control, wireless connectivity, drive settings—the whole nine yards.
There's a lot you can adjust via the slick Pivi Pro infoThe front sport seats offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions, paired with a stunning Meridian Signature sound system. Rear passengers get dual-zone climate control, plush reclining seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
Range Rover Sport SV performance and refinement - 9/10 Fast and aggressive in SV mode; Comfort mode ideal for daily drivingFirepower comes courtesy of a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 shared with the BMW M5. However, unlike the plug-in hybrid M5, the Range Rover Sport SV gets no electric assistance. No battery or motor means you get 635hp and 850Nm, which sounds daunting when paired with a 2.5-tonne body—but it doesn’t feel underpowered.
The Range Rover Sport SV uses a BMW-derived twin-turbo V8 with no hybrid assistance.In SV mode, it rockets off the line, delivering an incredible sense of speed from behind the wheel. The V8 growls and shouts in the meat of the powerband from 1,500 to 5,500 rpm. Push it to its 6,000 rpm redline and it sounds coarse but thrilling.
Sub-4sec 0-100kph time and snappy 8-speed automatic make for a thrilling drive.0–100kph is claimed at 3.8 seconds, which feels unlike any regular super-sedan. Looking truck drivers in the eye while you bolt ahead? Not a common experience. The 8-speed automatic delivers neck-snapping shifts, and the paddle shifters make manual mode even more engaging.
Stock calibrations for suspension, steering, throttle, etc feel a bit too aggressive in real-world conditions.That’s great on smooth asphalt or mountain roads—but in the real world, SV mode feels too aggressive. The hypersensitive throttle, rock-hard suspension, and heavy steering aren’t ideal for broken patches or metro construction zones. What you need here is Range Rover comfort. Thankfully, there’s an individual mode that lets you mix and match settings—so you can keep the drama of the V8 without the harshness.
Range Rover Sport SV mileage - 6/10 V8 without hybrid help will guzzle fuelV8 engines are known for guzzling fuel, and this one is no different. Expect efficiency in the low 7 kpl range. While there is a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, it’s there for performance enhancement—not fuel-saving. Your best bet is a light right foot and steady cruising.
Range Rover Sport SV ride comfort and handling - 8/10 6D suspension offers optimal setup for all surfacesEngineering a performance SUV is always a challenge. Size and weight are the main enemies—and it seems the SV division has conquered both. Called the 6D suspension (also seen on the Defender Octa), the system does away with traditional anti-roll bars, replacing them with a hydraulic damper setup that reacts quicker and more precisely.
It’s a nerd-fest under the skin, but the result is a 2.5-tonne SUV that corners as flat as a sportscar. Body roll is virtually eliminated, and you barely move in your seat through tight corners. The steering is agile and sharp, with enough heft to make it enjoyable.
Though it weighs over 2.5 tons, the Range Rover Sport SV feels defiantly nimble in the bends.This, of course, is in SV mode—where the springs are practically banned from flexing. In the city, it’s almost unbearable, especially on uneven roads that resemble off-road tracks. Every bump is felt, despite the plush seats.
That said, the SV is just as capable off-road as any other Range Rover. But you’d need a few loose screws to raise the ride height to 249 mm and risk scraping that matte-finish bodywork. Then again, logic isn’t what drives a Range Rover purchase—and it certainly didn’t drive this one.
Range Rover Sport SV price and verdict - 8/10 A high price places it among worthy rivalsAt Rs 2.95 crore (before options), the Range Rover Sport SV enters a playground with big names—the Audi RSQ8 Performance, Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes-AMG G63, and even its Land Rover sibling, the Defender Octa.
The Range Rover Sport SV price starts at Rs 2.95 crore, placing it on the higher side when compared to rivals.The SV might not be as comfortable as the standard Range Rover Sport, but it scores high on duality—offering a plush cabin alongside wild performance. And there’s no doubt it’ll find buyers. The Indian market is still active when it comes to performance cars.
Despite the shift to EVs and flex-fuel, there are enough enthusiasts to write big cheques for dramatic, loud V8s. You’ll have to lead with your heart—not your head—on this one. After all, Range Rover did the same.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
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Car and Bike news, reviews and videos.
Citroen Basalt announced as official safety car, medical car for JKNRC
Citroen India has announced a partnership with JK Tyre for the 28th edition of the National Racing Championship (JKNRC). Citroen will supply the championship with the Basalt coupe-SUV for safety car and medical car duties.
- Citroen is the official car partner for the JKNRC
- Citroen has motorsport history in WRC and Paris-Dakar Rally
Apart from race support duties, Citroen says its cars will be used for choreographed stunt and drift performances. This will be the brand’s entry into motorsport in India, but Citroen is not a complete stranger in this field. Globally, it has participated in the Paris-Dakar Rally and even won several drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles at the World Rally Championship (WRC).
This could serve as a boost to Citroen’s operations in India. The French carmaker has been struggling with sales and awareness in our market, and its sparse footprint has further impacted its visibility. The brand now has an opportunity to reach out to a niche audience. Fan-engagement activities can further help make an impression.
Citroen has also recently accelerated its activities around its models, launching a new top-spec C3 Shine trim with additional features and commencing bookings for the upcoming Basalt X.
2025 JKNRC detailsThe 2025 JK Tyre Racing Championship began on August 8 at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore and, after three rounds, will culminate with the grand finale on November 14-16, 2025, at the same venue. There are four categories under the championship – LGB F4, Novice Cup, Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, and the new single-seater Levitas series featuring race-prepped Maruti Ignis cars.
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Hyundai teases new small Ioniq concept before Munich reveal
Ahead of its global debut at the Munich Motor Show next month, Hyundai has dropped the first teaser of an upcoming electric concept car. It could be called the Ioniq 2, the smallest in the Ioniq series so far, and is set to preview an electric alternative to the Bayon crossover. The production version of this is expected to twin with Kia’s upcoming EV2.
- New electric concept to have ‘Art of Steel’ design language
- Will be underpinned by the scalable E-GMP platform
- Previews future Renault 4, Volvo EX30 rival
Hyundai describes the upcoming concept as a “forward thinking vision”, which is expected to showcase the next stage of the brand’s ‘Art of Steel’ design language as seen on the new Sante Fe. Hyundai’s teaser images do not reveal much of the car, but hints at a lip spoiler at the rear and a thin LED bar at the front, much like the Ioniq 6.
However, the camouflaged prototypes of the upcoming EV have been spied internationally, and the pictures suggest it is about the same size as the Bayon. It has a crossover-ish stance with a steeply raked rear windscreen, and a high ground clearance.
As for the interior, Hyundai says it will bring a “step change” in usability. Our sister publication Autocar UK has been told that there will be a brand-new panoramic widescreen infotainment system that will enable elements such as ambient lighting and noise, according to driving modes or chosen style.
Hyundai new electric concept platform, powertrainThe upcoming EV will be based on Hyundai Group’s E-GMP platform, which is not only going to underpin the upcoming EV2 but is also used by nearly every Hyundai, Kia and Genesis model currently. The small EV is, therefore, likely to share its battery and motors with the slightly larger Kia EV3, which gets 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh battery options with WLTP range figures of 430km and 600km, respectively. Both battery options power a 204hp, 283Nm front-axle-mounted motor.
Upon launch, the new small EV will fill in the gap between the Inster and the Kona Electric, and will be the brand’s sixth all-electric model. It will be positioned to rival the Renault 4, Volvo EX30 and, of course, the Kia EV2. Sales are expected to commence in the third quarter of 2026.
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BMW X5 price increases with feature additions
The BMW X5 has received a feature update, with prices increasing by Rs 2.5 lakh uniformly across all four variants. The X5 is now priced from roughly Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.15 crore, up from Rs 97.80 lakh to Rs 1.125 crore. BMW India has also replaced the previously offered M Sport variant with an even sportier-looking M Sport Pro variant.
- BMW X5 gets minor variant rejig for 2025
- Engine options continue unchanged
- X5 M Sport Pro gets more features, design changes over the standard model
As mentioned above, prices of the BMW X5 have increased by Rs 2.5 lakh, with the top-spec diesel xDrive30d M Sport Pro costing Rs 1.15 crore. The previously offered powertrains continue unchanged – the X5 xDrive40i’s 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine makes 381hp and 520Nm, and the xDrive30d’s 3.0-litre diesel unit produces 286hp and 650Nm. Both engine options have an 8-speed automatic that transmits output to all four wheels and a 48V mild-hybrid system that is said to add up to 12hp and 200Nm of torque.
2025 BMW X5 feature updates Air suspension is now standard and xOffroad package is newThe major feature upgrade on the X5 is that the air suspension, which was only offered on the higher-spec variant, is now standard across the range. Moreover, BMW has added an xOffroad package to all X5 variants, bringing four off-road driving modes – xSand, xRocks, xGravel and xSnow – via a rocker switch on the centre console.
2025 BMW X5 M Sport Pro differences M Sport Pro gets ventilated seats, HUD, exterior design changes and different interior themeCompared to the standard X5, the M Sport Pro variants look different outside and inside and get more features. Along with ventilated front seats and a head-up display, the X5 M Sport Pro variants feature M-specific design changes outside – from the blacked-out illuminated grille, exhaust pipes and roof rails to the M Sport aero package, which includes a front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser. The higher variants also have different 21-inch alloy wheels, an M Sport differential and red brake calipers. BMW offers the X5 in Brooklyn Grey, Carbon Black, Mineral White, Skyscraper Grey, Tanzanite Blue and Black Sapphire exterior colour options.
On the inside, the M Sport Pro variant can be opted for in a dual-tone Tartufo (saddle-brown) and black option or a white and black option. The standard X5 is available with a perforated Sensafin (high-quality synthetic leather) upholstery with decor stitching and a cognac shade.
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Volvo XC70 plug-in hybrid SUV to have over 1,200km range
Volvo Cars has unveiled the new XC70 as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) for the Chinese market. Previously, the ‘XC70’ name was associated with an off-road version of the Volvo V70 station wagon, but the 2025 model now marks a full-fledged SUV. The luxury carmaker’s PHEV will slot between the XC60 and XC90 SUVs.
- Production of the XC70 has begun in China
- Launch in other countries being explored
The XC70 PHEV has been developed specifically “to meet the demand for longer-range plug-in hybrids in China”. That said, the Swedish carmaker has confirmed that it is planning to bring the car to Europe “at a later stage”.
New Volvo XC70 range, platform Over 1,200km range; built on the new Scalable Modular ArchitectureThe petrol-hybrid setup has a range of over 1,200km, as per China’s testing cycle. Its electric-only range of over 200km alone is the highest for any Volvo car yet. All-wheel drive will also be offered with the SUV, while the battery will support fast charging (0-80 percent in just 23 minutes). Interestingly, there will be bi-directional charging capability as well, not typically associated with PHEVs.
Details from Chinese government filingsVolvo has yet to officially reveal the full technical details of the XC70. However, it has confirmed that the new XC70 is underpinned by the new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA), designed for range-extended electric vehicles, and Volvo describes it as “a premium extended-range plug-in hybrid [base]”. Chinese filings earlier showed the car will pair a 160bhp, 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, backed by either a 21.2kWh or 39.64kWh battery. The model could measure 4,815mm in length and 1,890mm in width, putting it close to the BMW X5 in size.
New Volvo XC70 exterior design Active shutter tech for optimised airflow borrowed from Volvo EVsThe XC70 borrows visual cues from other Volvo models, like the signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ DRLs and C-shaped tail-lights. Its front section is fully sealed, including both the nose and bumper grille, which features an active shutter system that opens and closes automatically. Inspired by Volvo EVs, the shutter optimises aerodynamics, cabin climate and cooling. Flanking the bumper are Matrix LED headlights that adapt to traffic and road conditions, enhancing both visibility and safety.
The XC70 design comprises smooth lines that flow from front to rear, complemented by a gently sloping roofline. Other exterior design elements include flush-fitting door handles, aerodynamic alloy wheels, a sculpted section along the doors, and LED tail-lights (which look similar to the all-electric Volvo EX40).
Volvo XC70 interior features 15.4-inch touchscreen, 91-inch augmented reality heads-up displayInside, the overall theme is simplistic, with very few physical controls. The XC70 gets electric adjustment for the front seats, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.4-inch landscape touchscreen like the one in the EX90, a wireless charger and an optional 91-inch augmented reality heads-up display. A massive sunroof will also be available.
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TVS Orbiter launched at Rs 99,900
TVS has just launched the latest addition to its electric scooter portfolio, the Orbiter, priced at Rs 99,900 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru; price inclusive of the PM e-Drive scheme). The Orbiter slots below the iQube, becoming the entry point into the company’s electric scooter range.
- TVS Orbiter priced at Rs 99,900
- Gets a 3.1kWh battery with IDC range of 158km
- Gets a 14-inch front wheel
Unlike the iQube and its multiple variants, the Orbiter has been introduced with a single 3.1kWh battery pack and a claimed 158km IDC range. For reference, the iQube with the 2.2kWh battery is rated at 94km IDC, and in our real-world tests we achieved 76.4km in Eco mode (in line with TVS’ claimed real-world figure). On that basis, the Orbiter should realistically offer around 120km of real-world range, though we’ll only know for sure once we test it.
TVS hasn’t revealed the Orbiter’s powertrain specifications on its website yet, but it has confirmed that the scooter’s top speed will be capped at 68kph.
Interestingly, TVS has equipped the Orbiter with a 14-inch front wheel and 12-inch rear, joining the likes of the River Indie and Ola S1 Z in offering the larger front wheel size. On paper, a larger front wheel can increase rolling resistance (and potentially reduce efficiency), but it should improve stability and does give the scooter a distinctive, eye-catching stance.
On the tech front, the Orbiter features connected tech via a mobile app that enables turn-by-turn navigation, over-the-air updates, and safety alerts including anti-theft, crash, and geo-fencing notifications. Riders will also have access to Eco and Power modes, hill-hold assist, parking assist (reverse function), and cruise control.
TVS Orbiter design and styling The Orbiter will be available in six colour schemes.The Orbiter follows a minimalist, boxy design with fewer flowing lines. A single, large side panel starts at the front apron and flows up towards the tail as one piece, giving it a distinctive side profile. Up front, there’s a handlebar-mounted LED headlamp complemented by a RoboCop-like LED light strip across the apron, a design cue similar to the TVS Jupiter.
TVS also emphasised the scooter’s practicality, with a 34-litre underseat storage that the company says can accommodate two helmets, along with a spacious 290mm flat floorboard.
The Orbiter will be offered in a total of six colours. Given its utilitarian nature and the convenience-focused features on offer, it positions itself against similar family-oriented scooters like the Ather Rizta.
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Second-gen Volkswagen T-Roc breaks cover
Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the second-generation T-Roc, which could be the brand’s final combustion-engine vehicle, if market conditions allow. The Golf-based crossover gets an all-new look, bringing it in line with the larger Tiguan. It has a new interior that continues to rely on a touchscreen-based interface and a range of petrol and hybrid powertrain options.
- New VW T-Roc is based on MEB Evo platform
- Interior gets 10-inch digital driver’s display, 12.9-inch infotainment screen
- T-Roc has sold over 2 million units worldwide
The new T-Roc looks like a scaled-down version of the Tiguan, with its wraparound headlamps and tail-lamps, connected by full-width light bars at both ends. It retains the coupe-like silhouette of its predecessor and has grown by 120mm, taking total length up to 4,373mm. That means it is now larger than the Taigun sold in India; the previous-gen T-Roc was sized very similarly to it.
Overall, the design is typically Volkswagen, with sharp, crisp lines and smooth surfacing. The front end gets a large, blacked-out grille with C-shaped surrounds and a gloss-black applique lower on the chin. Meanwhile, at the rear, there’s a two-tone bumper with a faux diffuser-like design. It also gets a suite of bold new colour schemes, and the wheels are now up to 20 inches in diameter. The new T-Roc gets four trims abroad – Base, Life, Style and R-Line – with various options and packages available on top.
Speaking to our sister publication Autocar UK, designer Stefan Wallburg said, “The T-Roc has a special identity of being more ‘lifestyle’ – a bit more cool and, I would say, more rugged and powerful, a bit more emotional.”
New Volkswagen T-Roc interior and features Similar to newer VolkswagensThe T-Roc interior is pretty familiar, resembling that of most modern VWs and even the Golf we have on sale in India. Highlights include a free-standing 10-inch digital instrument display and a 12.9-inch floating infotainment touchscreen. The dashboard looks minimalistic and has a satin silver surround; there’s a rotary dial on the centre console in the name of physical controls, and there’s a nice smattering of ambient lighting around the cabin. The rotary dial controls drive modes, audio volume and interior settings, but HVAC controls still come baked into the screen. Volkswagen says it has also paid particular attention to improving the quality and the fit and finish of materials.
New Volkswagen T-Roc powertrain optionsAt launch, the new T-Roc will come with two petrol engine options. It’s a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder unit that will be available in two states of tune – 115hp and 150hp – and both will come with mild-hybrid tech. A larger 2.0-litre mild-hybrid unit will be added to the range next year, and that will come equipped with an all-wheel-drive system. All versions will come with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
New strong-hybrid powertrain to come in 2026The biggest highlight on the new T-Roc, however, is a new strong-hybrid powertrain (a first for Volkswagen) that will be introduced in 2026. Think of it as similar to Toyota’s ‘self-charging’ hybrid powertrain we have in India, where the petrol engine works in tandem with a small electric motor to maximise efficiency and reduce emissions. Specific technical details are still under wraps, but it is expected to be offered in two states of tune – 136hp and 170hp – with up to 306Nm of peak torque; it will also be capable of electric-only running. However, unlike other models based on the MEB Evo platform, the new T-Roc will not be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
All upcoming models could be exclusively battery poweredVolkswagen says the new T-Roc will be the final pure-combustion model, but it will remain flexible with its powertrain strategy. All subsequent models are due to be exclusively battery-powered if the market conditions are right.
Speaking to Autocar UK, CEO Thomas Schafer said, “Let’s see,” when asked if all future unveilings will be electric. “For now, [the T-Roc] is the final totally new vehicle that we will put on a new platform on the combustion side. But with everything that’s changing around us, when you look at the EU… will there be an end of combustion engines in 2035, yes or no? And what are the thresholds on the way? Customers will decide, and then, if the demand is there, you will have to think about new vehicles, but for now, there is no plan.”
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VinFast VF6, VF7 prices to be revealed on September 6
VinFast India, the Vietnamese EV-only carmaker, will launch its first models in the country on September 6, 2025. The VinFast VF6 and VF7 are locally assembled models that roll out of the brand’s assembly plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The first vehicle to be produced at the new factory was the VF7.
- VinFast VF6 expected to rival Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta Electric
- VinFast VF7 expected to rival Tata Harrier EV, Mahindra XEV 9e
Bookings for both e-SUVs commenced on July 15 for an amount of Rs 21,000. The smaller VinFast VF6 is expected to enter the competitive midsize EV segment, where the Mahindra BE 6, Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV and Hyundai Creta Electric contend. We expect prices for the VF6 – which gets a 59.6kWh battery powering a front axle-mounted 204hp motor – to be in the Rs 20 lakh-25 lakh region at launch. While no ARAI/MIDC range figure has been announced, the VF6’s 59.6kWh battery has a WLTP-rated range of 480km. Our VinFast VF 6 review has more details on what this e-SUV is like to drive and live with.
VinFast VF7 price estimate and specifications VF7 likely to be priced in the Rs 25 lakh-30 lakh region (on-road)The larger VinFast VF7 will see competition from the likes of the Mahindra XEV 9e and the Tata Harrier EV. Like the Tata, VinFast’s VF7 will be available in 2WD and 4WD forms; in either case, power comes from a 70.8kWh battery pack. In 2WD form, the VF7 has the same 204hp front motor as the VF6, though in AWD form, there’s a rear motor as well; combined output is 350hp and 500Nm. The WLTP range for the VF7 AWD is 431km, while the FWD version is rated at 450km.
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Skoda Vision O concept interior teased before debut next month
Skoda has teased the interior of the new Vision O concept ahead of its debut at the 2025 Munich motor show. Slated to be revealed on September 8, the Skoda Vision O concept is said to utilise the carmaker’s next-generation Modern Solid design language both outside and inside the cabin.
- Skoda Vision O concept’s interior uses sustainable materials
- Vision O concept expected to preview new Skoda Octavia, among other estates
While the teaser barely shows any details, what can be gleaned of the Vision O concept’s interior includes the large sunroof and the sharply raked front windscreen. Skoda claims that the Vision O’s cabin has a heightened focus on the use of sustainable materials – plant-based and compostable – to reduce its environmental footprint. Further, the brand says the concept’s interior is “characterised by a spatial layout, comfort and intuitive functionality, featuring harmonised aesthetics through clean lines”, though none of that is visible in the latest teaser from Skoda. A design highlight that Skoda has revealed is the unique 3D-printed headrests for the front seats, which have an airy design.
Skoda Vision O concept exterior highlights Previous exterior teaser showcased an estateSkoda has been teasing its Vision O concept for about a month now, and the images and videos show that the Vision O concept will be an estate, and it is expected to preview the next-gen Octavia, among other models that will feature the body style. The first teaser had shown a steeply raked front windscreen and roofline, sharp LED headlights and tail-lamps, and what appeared to be a camera unit instead of an outside rearview mirror (ORVM).
No other details of the Vision O concept have been revealed yet, but it’s expected to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) architecture and will be an all-electric car. This suggests that an Octavia EV will be available with the next-gen model.
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TVS Raider Deadpool, Wolverine editions launched at Rs 99,465
The TVS Raider SSE (Super Squad Edition) has been updated with two new colour options inspired by Marvel’s Deadpool and Wolverine. Priced at Rs 99,465 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the new schemes cost the same as the existing Iron Man and Black Panther editions.
- TVS Raider SSE gets two new variants inspired by Deadpool and Wolverine
- Features superhero logos and mask-inspired graphics
Like the earlier Super Squad versions, these new additions feature bespoke graphics and colours tied to the characters. The Deadpool edition comes finished in a black-and-red theme, with the Deadpool mask on the fuel tank and the character logo on the rear body panel. The Wolverine edition uses a blue base with yellow highlights, mirroring the superhero’s costume from the recent Deadpool & Wolverine movie, and features similar logo placements.
Mechanically, the Raider remains unchanged. It continues with a 124.8cc single-cylinder engine producing 11.4hp and 11.2Nm. The SSE also gets TVS’ iGO assist, which adds an extra 0.55Nm of torque in ‘boost’ mode and GTT (Glide Through Technology) for smoother low-speed riding.
The TVS Raider line-up now comprises six variants: Drum, Single Seat, Split Seat, iGO, SSE, and the top-spec SX, which distinguishes itself with a TFT display (the SSE uses a reverse LCD unit). Deliveries of the new Deadpool and Wolverine colourways are expected to begin at dealerships later this month.
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Nissan Formula E stint was my last shot: Oliver Rowland
Few could have predicted Oliver Rowland’s sensational rise to title glory when he voluntarily decided to drop off the grid back in 2023. Skip forward to 2025, and he’s now clinched the Formula E title with two rounds to spare.
Rowland admits that his decision to step away from Mahindra mid-season was a “huge risk”. But it was also a pivotal turning point for him. “When I went to Mahindra, I did so with the hope that we could create successful things, and that didn’t quite go to plan. [Stepping away] was important for me to understand what I wanted from life and my career,” Rowland explained.
“It made me come back fighting with more determination to make sure that it works, because the reality was that if this journey with Nissan didn’t work, it was probably my last one, and my career wouldn’t have lasted so long.”
Return to Nissan Rowland clinched the 2025 Formula E title with a 31-point advantageJust when it seemed like Rowland’s promising Formula E career had reached a premature end, the British driver announced that he would be returning to Nissan – the same team he’d parted ways with back in 2021. It was a leap of faith, but both Nissan and Rowland were determined to rebuild their Formula E journeys.
“They pushed a lot to have me back, gave me a clear roadmap of where they wanted the team to go. And honestly, they delivered what they promised to me,” added Rowland.
2024 gave us glimpses of Rowland’s title-winning pace, with a handful of podiums and wins. But everything finally aligned in 2025. After a difficult start to the season at São Paulo, where a penalty denied him victory, Rowland delivered one of the most dominant runs in recent Formula E memory.
He scored top two finishes in seven of the next eight races. By Round 9, many thought the Nissan driver already had one hand on the championship trophy. But Rowland had a very different mindset: “In my mind, the championship was far from over [even] when everybody had been saying that I’d already won it.”
Heading into the Berlin double-header, Rowland held a 69-point lead over Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein. But he was then hit with a setback. While Wehrlein finished P2 in the first Berlin race, Rowland ended up retiring and was handed a five-place grid penalty for the next race for causing a collision. But he pulled off some key moves to finish fourth in Race 2 – enough to seal the title with two races to go.
“I was really upset that I didn’t take the top five finish that was probably on the cards at that point of the race [in Berlin]. There was quite a lot of pressure that was coming down on me, and at some point, you have to admit that I cracked a little bit,” said Rowland. “But I was able to regroup myself, do a really strong qualifying given the package we had in the rain, which was really not that strong.”
He added, “I really had to put the performance of my life to make sure that the championship wasn’t in a bad position.”
Viewers around the world saw Rowland’s young daughter congratulate him as he crossed the finish line in Berlin. When asked about that moment, Rowland replied, “As racing drivers, we spend so much time away from home and sacrifice important time with family. I want to show her that it’s worthwhile.”
He continued, “I was already really emotional, and then when I heard her. I couldn’t hold anything in anymore. It was a really nice surprise and a nice touch by the team.”
What’s next? Rowland focused on Formula E, but not ruling out one-off Le Mans appearanceRowland admits that he felt “a huge sense of relief” when he clinched the title. “For me, the pressure is kind of released now. I’ve done it!” he said.
It’s commonplace for several Formula E drivers to undertake dual campaigns in other series like the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Rowland revealed that he has been approached by some WEC teams, but he remains committed to Formula E for the near future.
“I think if you want to succeed in Formula E, it’s quite difficult to do two programmes. I’ve had teammates that have done it in the past, and I think to really focus on one is the best way of optimising,” he explained. But he’s not ruling out a one-off Le Mans appearance, should the opportunity arise.
So, what is Rowland’s next goal now that he has finally clinched the Formula E title? It’s a simple answer for the Brit – “My ambition is to stay in Formula E and try to do this many, many more times and cement myself as one of the best drivers that did it.”
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Not too long ago, our good friend and ace photographer Kazuo Matsumoto introduced us to the work of Minoru Watanabe at Fatech in Tokyo, Japan. Watanabe-san clearly never takes a day off, because he's already blessed us with another glamorous vintage Harley Shovelhead. This one's dripping with just a...
The Bolt: A Retro Yamaha Scrambler that Harkens Back to Simpler Times
Ten Bolts. Ten Custom Builders. One Winner. You Decide. Such was the headline traversing around the web when Star Motorcycles gave calls to some of the top builders in the country to compete in a “customize it as you see fit” build contest based on a freshly minted, stock 2014 Yamaha Bolt. Big OEM...
Speed Read: The Neo-Retro Honda CB1000F SE And More
It's been a busy news week in the motorcycle industry. Honda has just teased their neo-retro CB1000F concept again, Buell is shaking down their Super Cruiser, and Triumph has released a smaller Thruxton for the Indian market. If you're in the market for a special bike, Charles Leclerc's cust...
No Holds Barred: A Bareknuckle Harley Shovelhead from South Africa
South Africa boasts the current UFC middleweight champion and the world’s top-ranked rugby team—neither of which we’d want to go toe-to-toe with. There must be something in the water, because this Harley Shovelhead from Cape Town's Stoos Customs bristles with the same ferocity. Base...
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Tesla Model Y Performance Will Return Based on New Twitter Teaser
Tesla hinted at a new product reveal scheduled for August 29 in a cryptic post published to the brand's Europe and Middle East X account.

View Exterior Photos of the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash
See the exterior of the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash from every angle.

View Interior Photos of the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash
See the interior of the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash from every angle.

2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash Is Going Fast
With 536 horsepower, 300 miles of range, and tech-forward standard equipment, the Flash is a lot of truck for the money—especially if you get one before the EV tax credit expires.

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Arrives with a Sizable Price Hike
The Forester's most off-road-capable model joins its recently redesigned siblings, but it costs over $2100 more than before.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e Hybrid
Review, Pricing, and Specs

2026 Audi A6 e-tron
Review, Pricing, and Specs

Ford Recalls 415K Edge SUVs Due to Potential Brake Hose Failure
The recall also involves 84K Lincoln MKX SUVs, and the automaker is still working on finding a solution to the problem.

Ford Is Recalling 103K F-150s for Faulty Rear Axle Hubs
The problem may arise in F-150 pickups equipped with the heavy-duty rear axle and max towing package.

2026 Porsche Macan EV Adds Tech Goodies to Make It More Enticing
Along with smartphone key access, the electric Macan lets passengers play video games, interact with AI, and tow more.

Ineos Drops Prices on Its Off-Road SUV and Pickup by up to $8500
After raising prices to account for the Trump administration's tariffs, Ineos is now dropping prices after demand for its body-on-frame vehicles fell.

A Loophole Lets You Claim the Federal EV Tax Credit After September 30
The IRS says buyers of EVs can claim the $7500 federal EV tax credit if they make a payment on the car before the deadline, even if it isn't delivered yet.

Tested: 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300CD Turbo-Diesel Coupe
From the archive: For some cars, only platinum yardsticks will do.

View Photos of the 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300CD
See the exterior and interior of the 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300CD from every angle.

RML GT Hypercar Is a Widebody Porsche 911 Turbo S Inspired by Le Mans Racers
The GTH's carbon-fiber body is painted eggplant purple, and the custom coupe also has gold wheels plus a 920-hp engine.

VW Golf R Is Reportedly Getting the Audi RS3's Five-Cylinder Engine
A new report suggests that Volkswagen is working on a special version of the Golf R, with more aggressive bodywork hiding the Audi RS3's 394-hp five-cylinder.

These Vehicles Are Dead for 2026
Sedan and sports car fans had better have a seat before glancing at this list.

Nissan GT-R Production Has Ended, and This Is the Final R35
The longest-running GT-R generation concludes its 18-year run as a Midnight Purple T-Spec model, but this isn't goodbye for good.

Rolls-Royce Unveils a Trio of Special Spectres Inspired by Springtime
The latest special-edition Rolls-Royces take the electric Spectre coupe and add a dash of springtime cheer.

2026 Audi Models Now Have Free Scheduled Maintenance Like BMW
From the little A3 sedan to the big Q8 SUV, every new Audi will have its first three scheduled service visits covered for free.

From the Archive: 2002 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro Tested
Another A4 effort, another A4 execution.

View Photos of the 2002 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro
See the exterior and interior of the 2002 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro from every angle.

This Electric Chinese Hypercar Just Went Faster Than a Koenigsegg Agera RS
The YangWang U9 Track Edition, an electric hypercar built by Chinese automotive giant BYD, produces almost 3000 horsepower and has just hit 293.54 mph.

2026 Audi Q6 e-tron / Q6 e-tron Sportback
Review, Pricing, and Specs

2026 Ford Escape Hybrid
Review, Pricing, and Specs

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Review, Pricing, and Specs

Prototype Drive: 2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric Brings a Ton of New Tech, Up to 1000 Horsepower
And, surprisingly, it has a V-8 soundtrack.

View Photos of the 2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric Prototype
See the exterior of the 2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric Prototype from every angle.

A Photo Walk-Through from Sportscar Vacationland at Monterey Car Week 2025
Overcrest's Sportscar Vacationland offered a slower, artier approach to the days leading up to the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

What Would Keith Moon Do? Rolls-Royce Dunks a Phantom in the Pool
Re-creating the legendary story about The Who's late drummer that might even be true, Rolls-Royce helps celebrate the Phantom's 100th birthday by dropping one in a swimming pool.

Mercedes Concept AMG GT XX EV Just Shattered So Many Records
It's truly impressive how fast it could go and for how long, how far it could go on a charge, and especially how quickly it could recharge and get moving again.

2026 Subaru Solterra
Review, Pricing, and Specs

NHTSA Investigating 1.4 Million Honda and Acura Vehicles over Engine Failure Reports
The federal agency has received more than 400 reports that connecting rod bearings have failed in several 2016 through 2020 Acura and Honda models.

2026 Subaru Solterra Gives the People More of What They Want
Added power, longer range, and new creature comforts make for a much-improved compact electric crossover.

View Exterior Photos of the 2026 Subaru Solterra
See the exterior of the 2026 Subaru Solterra from every angle.

View Interior Photos of the 2026 Subaru Solterra
See the interior of the 2026 Subaru Solterra from every angle.

View Interior Photos of the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
See the interior of the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid from every angle.

Driven: 2026 Kia Sportage Plays It Safe with Milder Styling and Updated Technology
Kia's bestselling compact SUV gets a refresh that tames its styling, enhances its interior tech, and expands the hybrid lineup.

View Exterior Photos of the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
See the exterior of the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid from every angle.

1975 Chevy Vega GT Kammback Is Our Bring a Trailer Pick. Yes, Really.
It's the wagon version in sporty-looking GT trim, and (importantly) it has an upgraded engine.

This Music Fan Is Cataloguing the Cars of Hip-Hop for Posterity
Online and in person, Edris E aims to preserve the cultural history of music and cars.

1987 Suzuki Samurai on Bring a Trailer Has Baby-G-Wagen Vibes
It also boasts some welcome mechanical upgrades, including a more powerful engine.

Nissan Gives the Rogue a Sporty Upgrade with NISMO Version in Japan
More specifically, the Nissan X-Trail, which is what the brand calls the Rogue in other markets, is getting a new NISMO edition, complete with chassis upgrades.

2002 Front-Wheel-Drive Sports Coupes Comparison Test
From the Archive: We compare four sports coupes—Acura RSX Type-S, Hyundai Tiburon GT V-6, Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS, Toyota Celica GT-S, Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S—with prices in the low 20s.

View Photos of the 2002 Front-Wheel-Drive Sports Coupe Comparison
See the exterior and interior of the 2002 Acura RSX Type-S, Hyundai Tiburon GT V-6, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT-S, Toyota Celica GT-S, and Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S.

The Complete History of the Jeep Cherokee
The Cherokee name has appeared on a variety of Jeep SUVs over more than five decades, from the original two-door to the iconic boxy model of the '80s and '90s.

The Trials and Tribulations of Schlepping Kids Around by Car, From Infant to Grade-School Age
Think buying a car seat is a one-and-done affair? Think again, because the car seat an infant uses is not the same as the one a toddler or grade schooler does.

2026 Jeep Cherokee vs. Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4: Comparing Specs
We see how the Cherokee, available as a hybrid for the first time, goes up against its closest rivals in terms of MPG, horsepower, interior space, and price.

Jaguar Boss: Where We Go from Here
The British luxury brand garnered attention, and ire, with its radical Type 00 concept. Managing director Rawdon Glover sits down with C/D to explain what comes next.

We Talked with Cannonball Winner Jack May about His Historic Dino
He's the original owner of the 1973 Dino 246 GTS, which sold at the Mecum auction during Monterey Car Week.

Car Design Resources, News and Tutorials
Chery New Journeo Concept
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- Chery New Journeo Concept
The Chery New Journeo Concept is a futuristic multi-purpose vehicle developed at the Chery Advanced Design Center Europe in Raunheim, Germany and presented at the 2024 Guangzhou Motor Show.
MG announces MGS5 new EV SUV
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MG Motor UK has confirmed the MGS5 EV, an all-electric SUV debuting this Spring. Built on the modular scalable platform (MSP), it will focus on performance, efficiency, and interior space.
The new BMW iX
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BMW has unveiled the iX, an all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) featuring a redesigned kidney grille, slim LED headlights, and a seamless aerodynamic profile. It is equipped with the latest eDrive technology, and achieves a WLTP range of up to 701 km (435 miles).
Kia unveils EV4 Sedan and Hatchback exterior design ahead of world debut
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The EV4 is designed to broaden the brand’s EV lineup, offering a fresh take on the compact electric segment with a strong focus on design and aerodynamics. The EV4 follows Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, characterized by sharp lines, bold technical details, and a balance of contrasting elements. Both models feature a distinctive EV Tiger […]
Review: New “3D Cars – Inside Out” Blender Course
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The new training course by CGMasters explains advanced SubD (subdivision surfaces) modeling techniques for creating car 3D models in Blender with high quality surfaces.
Stellantis launches annual Drive for Design contest
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Stellantis has launched the new edition of its Drive for Design Contest for US high school students. The deadline is April 12, 2024 and the top prize is an internship at Ram Truck design studio.
Polestar 2024 Design Contest in collaboration with Hot Wheels
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- Polestar Design Contest
Polestar has launched its 2024 Design Contest in collaboration with Hot Wheels tasking designers to take inspiration from the imagination of their youth.
Ferrari celebrates GTO 40th Anniversary with GTO Legacy Tour 2024
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To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic GTO, Ferrari has announced a series of events in the Italian Dolomites in early October 2024.
Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail: Design Gallery
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Sketch Renders and photos from the design development process of the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail one-off. Check the article here.
IAAD announces Design Talk with Dave Amantea in partnership with Art Center
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For their newly formed academic partnership, IAAD. and ArtCenter College of Design have launched “9649 Design Talks”. The first event - open to the public - is a talk by Pininfarina Chief Design Office Davide Amantea. The talk takes place Wednesday 6 March in Turin.

Breaking Car News, Scoops & Reviews
Tesla’s Hottest Model Y Is Ready For Its Big Debut
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The redesigned Model Y Performance could debut in a few hours
Tesla appears to be gearing up to introduce the Model Y Performance on August 29. The crossover could have a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 510 hp and 546 lb-ft. Europeans will apparently get the crossover first, but it should eventually come to the US. Do you like the Tesla Model 3 Performance, but wish it came in a slightly more practical package? If so, you’re in luck as the Model Y Performance will apparently debut tomorrow. While the automaker isn’t saying much, they released a “spoiler alert” on X showing a mysterious vehicle with a blurry spoiler. It’s presumably the Model Y Performance, which was spied earlier this year. More: New Tesla Model Y Performance Breaks Cover, Plaid Wheels And All As previous pictures have shown, the crossover will look virtually identical to the regular model. However, the production variant could have sportier bumpers, a revised spoiler, and a modified diffuser. We can also expect unique wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system with red calipers. The sportier styling should extend to the cabin thanks to supportive seats and carbon fiber trim. Other than that, it should largely carryover and include a 15.4-inch display as well as an 8-inch rear touchscreen. Spoiler alert pic.twitter.com/mEcYSAt2Gj — Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) August 27, 2025 Like the Model 3 Performance, the crossover will likely have an upgraded dual-motor powertrain that produces 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS) and 546 lb-ft (741 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.9 seconds with the rollout subtracted. We can also expect a “performance-oriented chassis” with unique components that reduce mass and improve stiffness. Other highlights could include adaptive dampers, ultra-high strength steel springs, and stiffer suspension mounts. We’ll learn full details soon enough, but it appears the Model Y Performance will initially be launched in Europe and the Middle East. It should eventually come to the United States and cost around $58,000.
Geely’s New Sedan Shows Off AMG Teeth And Infiniti Eyes
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It seems that originality was not a priority for those who designed the new Geely Galaxy Star 6
Geely released the first official photos of the new Galaxy Star 6 sedan in China. The front end combines an Mercedes-AMG grille with Infiniti-style headlights. The plug-in hybrid will likely adopt Geely’s Thor EM-i hybrid powertrain system. You’d think we’ve moved past the era of familiar-looking design “inspiration” in the automotive space. And yet, here we are. The latest electrified sedan from Geely’s Galaxy series shows up looking like it lost its way after leaving a Mercedes-AMG photo shoot. More: Chinese Galaxy Battleship Floats Two Hours Straight While Pretending It’s A Defender Named the Geely Galaxy Star 6, the upcoming sedan is set to launch in China soon. According to Geely, the sedan adopts the “Galaxy Ripple” styling language, but it seems that originality was not the priority – at least not when it comes to the front end design. Have I Seen You Somewhere? Take away the emblem and you have a blatant copy of the Mercedes-AMG Panamericana grille, infused with chrome. The same applies to the bumper intakes that look very similar to the Mercedes C-Class with the AMG Line package. On the other hand, the aggressive headlights are clearly inspired by the Infiniti Q50, albeit with more modern LED graphics. Moving to the side profile, the Galaxy Star 6 shares its overall shape with the Geely Xingrui L Zhiqing introduced in 2023. However, it adds a touch more polish through sculpted panels and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. The rear design is less distinctive, featuring a wide LED taillight strip and a minimal diffuser treatment. Interior Still Under Wraps While the official website doesn’t include photos of the interior, we expect a familiar digital cockpit, in line with the vast majority of electrified models from China. According to filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Galaxy Star 6 measures 4,806 mm (189.2 inches) in length, 1,886 mm (74.3 inches) in width, and 1,490 mm (58.7 inches) in height. Its wheelbase stretches 2,756 mm (108.5 inches). That makes it slightly more compact than the Galaxy A7, which is 112 mm (4.4 inches) longer overall and gains 89 mm (3.5 inches) in wheelbase. More: Volvo XC70 Returns As A Swanky Plug-In Hybrid Crossover The company has yet to share the technical specifications of the sedan, but it is expected to borrow the Thor EM-i super hybrid powertrain from the Galaxy A7. That system includes a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, one electric motor, and two battery size options. Geely is already inviting test drive registrations and is expected to reveal more details in the coming weeks. Pricing will slot below the Galaxy A7, which currently ranges from ¥81,800 to ¥117,800 (roughly $11,400 to $16,500 USD), depending on the configuration. Geely
Audi’s Most Furious Family Car Yet Could Be Packing Over 700 Horses
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The 2027 RS6 Avant has been spied and it will adopt an all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain
The Audi RS6 Avant has been spied ahead of its debut next year. It features a more aggressive front fascia and a distinctive dual exhaust. The high-performance plug-in hybrid could pack more than 700 hp. Audi unveiled the redesigned A6 Avant earlier this year, so the company has turned its attention to the high-performance RS6 Avant. As part of this effort, multiple prototypes have been spied undergoing testing on and around the Nürburgring. Dressed in swirly camouflage, the uber wagon follows in the footsteps of the regular model but features a more aggressive front fascia. It immediately stands out thanks to larger intakes and a revised grille, which sports a diamond pattern. More: Audi’s New Super Estate Is Coming In Hot A closer inspection also reveals a prominent front lip as well as familiar headlights. The latter incorporate digital daytime running lights, which have 48 individual LED segments as well as seven different light signatures. The profile appears to largely carryover, but we can see sportier side skirts and front fender vents. It’s also worth noting there’s a fuel door and charging port on the rear quarter panels as this is a plug-in hybrid. While we’re at it, we might as well mention the model will be 2.4 inches (60 mm) longer than its predecessor. Baldauf Out back, two massive exhaust tips tell onlookers this isn’t your typical family hauler. They’re joined by a unique bumper and a discreet diffuser. The model also sports boomerang-shaped taillights, which are connected by a thin illuminated strip. Spy photographers didn’t get a look inside, but we can expect an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment system, and a 10.9-inch front passenger display. They should be joined by sport seats, carbon fiber trim, and plenty of RS badging. We also wouldn’t be surprised to find a dynamic interaction light, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, and a spacious boot that holds up to 54.2 cubic feet (1,534 liters) of luggage. The 2027 RS6 Avant will ride on the Premium Platform Combustion and there have been conflicting reports about whether it will adopt a new V6 or use an upgraded twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. Regardless of which way it goes, we can likely expect an output north of 700 hp (522 kW / 710 PS). Baldauf
VW’s Final Pure Gas Golf R Could Pack A Five-Cylinder Monster Inside
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It sounds like Volkswagen might actually pay off something it has been teasing for over a decade
The 2027 Golf R will reportedly get Audi’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with a whooping 400 hp. Updates include suspension reinforcements, RS3’s torque splitter, and aggressive aero upgrades. This will mark the final pure-petrol Golf before VW transitions to hybrid and electric powertrains. Volkswagen sure know how to tease its audience. After decades of hinting that the Bus would come back, we got the ID.Buzz. And while it didn’t turn out quite as we expected, it is a solid, if imperfect, effort. Now, after a decade of teasing a really powerful uber hatch, Wolfsburg might actually be ready to make it happen. What’s more, we might not have to wait for the first all-electric Golf R for it to materialize. More: VW Drivers Say They’re Terrified Of Touching Their Steering Wheels, So They’re Suing In 2014, the R 400 concept was the first hint that such a weapon was coming. At the time, VW said a production version was on its way, but never did. Well, it wasn’t the first time a carmaker reneged on its promises, and it probably won’t be the last. In any case, for the 25th anniversary of the Golf R, now the company seems set to provide the firepower enthusiasts have long begged for courtesy of Audi’s legendary five-cylinder engine. A Five-Pot With Serious Muscle Instead of the familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder, this special edition will reportedly pack the RS3’s 2.5-liter turbo five, a mill that we’ve already tested and love. In its current form, it makes nearly 400 horsepower (294 kW) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque. If it makes it into the Golf’s engine bay without any mods, it would represent a gigantic upgrade over the 328 hp (241 kW) Golf R that’s currently on sale and finally deliver on the decade-old promise of the R 400. According to Autocar, the RS3-powered Golf R will reportedly arrive in 2027. Audi is currently working to re-engineer the mill so that it complies with EU’s tighter emission regulations. At the same time, Volkswagen is evidently working to ensure that the Golf chassis can actually handle this kind of power. The updated car will get extra bracing, sharper suspension geometry, and one very special feature. Handling That Matches The Power That would be Audi’s fancy, and very handy, torque-splitting rear differential. Having sampled it personally, I can say that it’s a game-changer for cars like the RS3 (and, obviously, the Golf R). Bigger brakes, semi-slick Bridgestone rubber, and forged wheels will round out the performance upgrades. It’s worth mentioning that we recently spied a mystery Golf prototype with a vented hood, larger intakes, an aggressive diffuser, and a new rear spoiler. While we can’t say for sure that the test car in the photos below has a five-cylinder under the hood, the timing is too perfect for it to be a pure coincidence. Volkswagen has rolled out plenty of special edition Golfs over the years and even more concepts, but none actually came close to matching the R 400’s promise. Still, we do hope that this report turns out to be true. After all, better late than never, right? Credit: Baldauf
Chinese Vacuum Cleaner Giant Wants To Make The World’s Fastest Hypercar
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Dreame wants to compete with the likes of Bugatti and Koenigsegg in the high-end hypercar market
China-based Dreame Technology wants to enter the automotive industry. The company currently makes vacuum cleaners and household appliances. They want to build an electric hypercar and pursue a top speed record. Chinese automakers have been steadily pushing the limits of speed and track performance, often outpacing their Western rivals in recent years. Now, an unlikely challenger has joined the race: a company best known for its vacuum cleaners aims to build “the world’s fastest car.” Ambitious stuff for a brand that made its name chasing dust bunnies. More: Chinese Smartphone Giant’s European EV Push Might Spell Trouble For Tesla The company behind the plan is Dreame Technology, which refers to itself as the “Apple of China.” According to its website, Dreame’s current product lineup includes cordless and robotic vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, hair dryers, robotic lawn mowers, and pool cleaners. Founded in 2017, Dreame has since moved beyond its home turf, carving out a growing presence in the US and other international markets. In a post on Chinese social media, Dreame laid out plans to enter the automotive world, following in the footsteps of tech groups like Xiaomi and Huawei. Unlike them, however, Dreame is aiming straight at the hypercar elite, setting its sights on Bugatti and Koenigsegg with a goal of chasing speed records. It’s worth recalling that another company known for its vacuum cleaners, Dyson, once explored a Tesla-rivaling EV before shelving the project altogether as “not commercially viable.” Dreame clearly hopes for a different outcome. The Ambitious Plan According to the announcement, Dreame is not starting “from scratch”. Instead, the company plans to leverage China’s mature EV supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem, positioning itself “on the shoulders of giants.” That phrasing hints at potential collaborations with established suppliers or automakers, which could give the project more credibility than it might appear to have at first glance. Vacuum cleaners and robotic mowers by Dreame. Dreame’s track record with innovation could work in its favor. By the end of last year, the company had filed more than 6,000 patents, some reportedly connected to electric vehicle technologies. According to Chinese media outlet Lyiou, Dreame Auto, the firm’s newly formed automotive division, already employs around 1,000 staff, including specialists from the vehicle manufacturing sector. That figure sounds impressive, but whether it reflects the depth of expertise needed to challenge Bugatti or Koenigsegg is another matter entirely. The same source indicates that the electric hypercar is set to debut in 2027. What remains unclear is whether the Bugatti-style silhouette shown in the official teaser represents the actual model in development. Either way, it will be worth watching to see if the finished product lives up to the ambitious vision behind it. Record-Breaking Rivals To understand what Dreame is up against, consider the current benchmarks. The official speed record for a production car is held by the SSC Tuatara, which hit 474.8 km/h (295 mph) in 2022. A prototype of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ reached a top speed of 490.48 km/h (304.77 mph) back in 2019, but it didn’t count as a record because it wasn’t replicated in the opposite direction. More: BYD’s Track-Focused Hypercar Beats Rimac As The World’s Fastest EV In August 2025, the BYD YangWang U9 Track Edition became the world’s fastest production EV, hitting an impressive 472.41 km/h (293.54 mph) at a test facility in Germany. The Chinese EV stole the record from the Rimac Nevera R, which had clocked 431.45 km/h (268.2 mph) in July 2025. Future challengers are already lining up. Koenigsegg, Hennessey, and Bugatti all have projects in motion that aim to push past the symbolic 500 km/h (310 mph) barrier. The official teaser of the future electric hypercar by Dreame. Dreame’s Statement Below is a translated version of Dreame’s official announcement, shared with employees and the public: Dear Dreame colleagues: Today, Dreame officially announces its plan to build the world’s fastest car. This was no light decision, nor was it a whim. From drafting our first car-building plan at Tsinghua SkyWorks in 2013 to now standing at the pinnacle of the global clean energy sector, we have spent twelve years waiting for Dreame’s “opportunity.” We revere this industry. Car manufacturing is the crown jewel of industry, the ultimate battleground of technology, and a grueling, life-or-death expedition. Competition has become multi-faceted, all-encompassing, and high-intensity, challenging not only technological innovation and iteration speed but also system capabilities, supply chain integration, brand positioning, and global market insight. We understand that only with awe can we see the path forward clearly, and only with humility can we go further. But we also believe that great dreams are born from fearlessness. We are fearless because we are clear-headed. We are not adventurers trying to “build from scratch,” but rather we stand on the shoulders of giants in Chinese manufacturing. Countless Chinese companies have, through decades of hard work, forged the world’s most mature electric vehicle supply chain and technology ecosystem. Our mission is to achieve global optimization: using the right products, the right strategy, and the right pace to bring Chinese smart manufacturing to the world’s high-end market. We are fearless because we are uniquely born and bred in the global market. In China, we have become the undisputed leader in the cleaning sector. Globally, we hold the top spot in over 20 countries and regions. We consistently position ourselves at the high end, insisting on value over price. We are one of the very few Chinese brands to quickly rise to the top in every market we enter. For this reason, we are often called the “Apple of China.” We know how to make global users pay for innovation and applaud our experience. This time, in the automotive sector, we will once again prove that Chinese brands can not only be high-end, but also become symbols of global consumer love. We are fearless because we are determined. This is not a gamble, but a test. It will test all our past accumulation: technological research and development, organizational culture, global operations… We have made sufficient strategic preparations. But we also believe that the real barrier is not capital, but the ability to make the “right products.” We will not waste a single penny on the wrong path. Fellow students, the automotive industry will be another full-scale explosion of our technological ideals and business acumen. We may not be the first to set out, but we will be the most determined. Because we are fearless, we dare to act; because we firmly believe, we arrive. Now, let’s set off together! Dreame Auto Team
Even Millionaires Cry When Lamborghini Slaps Them With Tariff Bills
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With a 27.5% tariff on European cars, Lamborghini admits even millionaires are hesitating on $400k+ models
Lamborghini faces a 27.5% U.S. tariff, prompting its buyers to wait. CEO Stephan Winkelmann says even millionaires watch costs closely. The new $3.5M Fenomeno hypercar launches amid tariff uncertainty. One would have thought that clients of super-luxury brands like Lamborghini are immune to things that frighten the hell out of us mere mortals – like, say, rising costs due to the newly imposed US tariffs on imports. But that assumption would be wrong. Even Lamborghini’s wealthy customers aren’t thrilled about the added expense. That’s the big takeaway from a new interview with none other than Stephan Winkelmann. Tariffs Are Affecting Everyone While our initial assumption, that millionaires and billionaires are immune to price hikes, may seem logical to us, Lambo’s CEO points out the obvious: those people are wealthy for a reason – they watch their money closely and don’t like unnecessary premiums. More: Lamborghini Extends The Life Of Its Legendary V12 Right now, European automakers like Lamborghini are dealing with a 27.5 percent tariff on U.S. exports. That’s almost double the 15 percent rate that the White House announced a week ago and has yet to implement. On cars that start around $400,000 and can push into the seven figures, that added cost is big enough for some buyers to simply wait to see what happens next. “Some are waiting because they want to be sure that this is the final number,” Winkelmann explained to CNBC. Some are proceeding, but others are negotiating on that final price. Would this kind of hit to business cause Lamborghini to consider moving production? Several automakers have done exactly that in an effort to sidestep tariffs, but don’t expect it here. Money To Burn? Not Really “Made in Italy” is what Winkelmann described as a core part of the brand. That might be a big part of Lamborghini’s appeal, but it does mean that buyers will have to pay for the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump. “They are millionaires or billionaires for a reason, so they know what they’re doing and why they’re doing things,” said Winkelmann. “For us, free trade is the right approach. We all know that is what we want. But then there is the reality, and we have to deal with complexity, since we are in business. We are ready to face whatever comes.” Prices Are Already Climbing Part of the brand’s strategy appears to be price hikes, something we’re seeing all over the industry as a direct result of tariffs. Analysts warned that buyers, not companies, would be the ones to pay for tariffs, and sure enough, that’s happening. Lamborghini has raised prices by 7-10 percent, and that makes tariffs all the more impactful.
Another Half A Million Drivers Swept Into Ford’s Recall Avalanche
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Ford just issued another massive recall over potential brake issues, adding to its record-setting streak this year
Company has now issued 106 recalls in 2025, setting an industry record. The latest recall affects 497,624 SUVs due to possible brake fluid leaks. Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX SUVs built from 2014 to 2017 are impacted. At this point, Ford might as well set up a dedicated RSVP hotline just for recalls. Its latest action brings the 2025 total to a record-setting 106, and the year’s not even close to done. This time, nearly half a million vehicles in the United States are being called back due to a potential brake fluid leak that could compromise stopping performance. Which Models Are Affected? The recall covers 497,624 vehicles in the USA, including 2015MY to 2018MY Ford Edge and 2016MY to 2018MY Lincoln MKX SUVs. Both of these models use a similar brake system, and the questionable hoses were fitted in vehicles manufactured between June 2014 and December 2017. While the company estimates that only about 1 percent of the SUVs might suffer from the flaw in question, Ford said it’s moving forward with the recall out of caution (though avoiding another round of pointed emails from regulators probably didn’t hurt either). In the meantime, dealers have been instructed to hold off on delivering any in-stock vehicles tied to the recall until a solution is in place. More: There’s No Stopping Ford’s Recall Machine According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem lies with the rear flexible brake hose that can rupture and leak fluid. If that happens, it could cause the brake pedal to travel farther than normal or activate the red brake warning light. In more serious scenarios, stopping distances may stretch dangerously long. So far, Ford says no injuries or accidents have been reported in connection with the defect. The root cause of the hose failure is still a bit of a mystery. That said, Ford did notice a sharp drop in cases after a 2017 material change, when it replaced the polyvinyl alcohol braiding with a polyethylene terephthalate weave. Complaints first surfaced in 2021, but only after a steady trickle of new cases and prodding from NHTSA did the automaker agree to launch a field action. So, What Now? While a final solution is still in the works, Ford plans to start mailing out recall notices on September 8, 2025, with a follow-up once the actual repair is ready to roll. As usual, repairs will be carried out free of charge at Ford or Lincoln dealerships. In the meantime, owners can check their vehicle’s status by contacting customer service or using the OASIS VIN lookup tool. This latest campaign comes on top of around 356,000 F-Series trucks recalled earlier this week over instrument clusters that can fail at startup. Ford drivers might want to keep a close eye on their mailboxes this year.
The Biggest Change To Toyota’s 2026 Corolla Hatch Comes Straight From 1980
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The special edition hatchback skips performance and chassis upgrades despite its sportier appearance
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback has a starting MSRP of $24,180 in the US. Upgrades include a standard Blind Sport Monitor and wireless charging pad. The new FX Edition has white wheels, a rear spoiler, and Sport Touring seats. Toyota’s updated 2026 Corolla Hatchback is getting a few tweaks for the new model year. Arriving shortly after the equivalent Corolla sedan, the compact model’s lineup now includes a retro-inspired special edition announced earlier this year, upgraded safety tech, new trim structure, and modest price adjustments. Replacing the discontinued Nightshade trim is the new FX Edition, a limited-run model that pays homage to the 1980s Corolla FX16. Meanwhile, standard features across all trims have been improved, particularly in the safety department. The 2026 Corolla Hatchback is now offered in SE, FX Edition, and XSE trims. Pricing has inched up slightly across the board. The base SE is now $24,180, marking a $400 increase, while the top-tier XSE is up just $95. The new FX Edition comes in at $26,780, which is a $2,000 bump over the outgoing Nightshade. US PRICING Model 2026MY 2025MY Corolla Hatchback SE $24,180 $23,780 Corolla Hatchback Nightshade – $24,780 Corolla Hatchback FX Edition $26,780 – Corolla Hatchback XSE $27,175 $27,080 SWIPE Note: All prices exclude the $1,195 dealer processing and handling fee. Under the hood, things remain unchanged. All Corolla Hatchback trims are powered by the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 169 hp (126 kW / 171 PS) and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of torque. The engine is paired exclusively with a Dynamic Shift CVT that sends power to the front wheels. More: Here’s Everything We Know About The 2027 Toyota Corolla The base Corolla SE comes standard with 16-inch wheels, an 8-inch infotainment display, a wireless charging pad, fabric upholstery, and a six-speaker audio system. Furthermore, the standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 has gained the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. New FX Edition with ’80s Vibes The biggest news for the 2026MY is the new FX Edition, limited to just 1,600 units. Inspired by the 1987 Corolla FX16, it leans into retro styling but doesn’t include any performance or chassis upgrades to back up its sportier looks. The FX Edition rides on 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss white, with black lug nuts. While the wheel design looks nearly identical to last year’s Nightshade trim, the white finish gives them a more sharper presence. Additional exterior touches include a gloss black roof spoiler and a vintage-style emblem on the tailgate. More: Toyota Gives Its Smallest Sedan A GR Sport Makeover With Hybrid Power Inside, the FX comes standard with the 10-way Sport Touring heated driver’s seat with black upholstery and suede inserts. To spice things up, the company has applied contrasting orange stitching on the seats, door panels, steering wheel, and gear shifter. The digital cockpit comprises a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment, as with the flagship XSE trim. Put simply, the FX Edition distinguishes itself from the discontinued Nightshade with a gloss black rear spoiler, white-finished wheels, unique badging, a digital instrument cluster, Sport Touring seats, and the addition of a Blind Spot Monitor. The 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback will arrive at US dealerships this fall. Toyota
Skoda Revives A Forgotten Pickup With A Futuristic EV That Looks Unreal
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The Felicia Fun returns from the dead as a side project from a Skoda designer
Skoda designer revives the rare Felicia Fun pickup as a striking concept. It blends ’90s beach vibes with Skoda’s new Modern Solid language. Only 4,216 Felicia Fun units were built, making it a rare Skoda collectible. Skoda might be focused on shaping the future of the Octavia, but that hasn’t stopped its designers from indulging in a few creative side quests. One of those is a fresh, modern take on a quirky classic. Julien Petitseigneur, an interior designer at the Czech brand, reimagined the Felicia Fun pickup from the 1990s, and the result feels too good to stay locked away in a digital drawer. The French designer started the project by experimenting with AI tools. He then developed the details by hand, infusing the concept with Skoda’s Modern Solid styling language. Despite utilizing the power of modern technology, Petitseigneur worked on the modern Felicia Fun for about two weeks, dedicating roughly three hours each evening after work. Modern Proportions with Retro Energy The finished concept is a sporty two-door model with a small rear bed. Unlike the original that looked like a butchered up supermini, the concept has a wider stance, large alloy wheels, a long hood, and an aerodynamic roofline that gives it a more athletic silhouette. More: Skoda Picks Up Where The Subaru Baja Left Off The front end is inspired by the 2022 Vision 7S concept, featuring slim LED headlights, a covered grille, and a skid plate. The profile has boxy wheel arches with a generous amount of plastic cladding contrasting with the yellow bodywork. The pink accents and the matching full-width taillights send a ’90s beach atmosphere vibe. Skoda A Cabin with Character The two-seater cabin features a full-width digital cockpit with a frame that is reminiscent of old CRT monitors. Unfortunately, the concept doesn’t have the electric sliding partition of the original Felicia Fun that converted it into a four-seater by taking up space from the rear bed under a removable canvas roof. Skoda hasn’t provided any technical details for the concept, but judging by the design, it appears to have been envisioned as an electric vehicle. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to imagine it built on the VW Group’s MEB platform, potentially sharing components with the upcoming Epiq small crossover. The original Felicia Fun was a rare machine. Produced between 1997 and 2000, just 4,216 units rolled off the line. All came in yellow, with trim options including yellow, green, or orange bumpers, fenders, side skirts, and spoilers. As for a production version of this modern tribute? Don’t hold your breath. Still, Skoda’s CEO has hinted that if the core lineup performs well, the company could make space for a more niche, adventurous model down the line.
This Retro Stellantis Van Revival Brings A Forgotten Classic Back To Life
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Italian coachbuilder Caselani brings back Fiat’s 1960s workhorse with a retro-inspired Ducato conversion
Caselani has unveiled a new retro-inspired van modeled after a classic Fiat LCV. The vintage-themed conversion was penned by auto designer David Obendorfer, It rides on the Fiat Ducato platform and will be offered in multiple bodystyles. Turning a humble van into a head-turner takes vision, and a bit of nostalgia doesn’t hurt either. Italian coachbuilder Caselani has shown time and again that utility vehicles can wear vintage styling just as well as any classic coupe. The company’s latest project brings the spirit of the 1960s Fiat 616N back to life, this time wrapped around a modern Fiat Ducato platform. More: Citroen Partners With Caselani To Turn Berlingo Into A Modern 2CV Van The transformation is more than skin-deep, with the Ducato’s exterior completely reimagined to channel the charm of its mid-century predecessor. The design comes from David Obendorfer, who also styled Caselani’s earlier Citroen-inspired retro vans, including the Jumper, Spacetourer, Berlingo, and Ami. Nostalgia Meets Utility Classic cues define the revamped 616N: round headlights and taillights, a vintage-style hood, and curved lines tracing the front and rear fenders. These shapes recall the original Fiat 615 and 616 vans built during the 1950s and 60s. While the upper body, roof, and greenhouse remain largely unchanged from the donor Ducato, they integrate smoothly with the redesigned panels. Inside, the layout and mechanical foundations are also retained from the base vehicle. Caselani has released renderings and a short video showcasing the first two builds, which have been configured as campervans. The conversion kit won’t be limited to campers, though. Variants will also include vans, box trucks, and tow trucks, each with its own tailored modifications. Customers can choose from nine single-tone and three two-tone paint finishes, adding more flexibility for personalization. The original Fiat 616N from the ’60s (above) and its modern reincarnation (below). Caselani Under the hood lies a 2.2-liter Multijet turbodiesel engine that is available in three different states of tune, producing 120 hp, 140 hp, and 180 hp. For those leaning toward electrification, the all-electric Fiat E-Ducato variant is also likely to be compatible. That version delivers 268 horsepower through a single motor, backed by a substantial 110 kWh battery pack. More: Stellantis’ Bizarre Two-Headed Van With A Surprisingly Practical Secret While the Fiat Ducato is the most fitting option for a donor vehicle, the kit will most likely be compatible with its siblings, including the Citroen Jumper, Peugeot Boxer, Opel Movano, Toyota ProAce Max, Iveco Super Jolly, and Ram ProMaster. After all, the aforementioned vans have identical underpinnings, interior, and body panels with the exception of the grille and badges. The Caselani 616N will make its public debut at the Caravan Salon 2025 in Dusseldorf, Germany, on August 29. Pricing has not been made public, but the model is already listed on the official website of the Italian coachbuilder.
Porsche’s Electric Crossover Just Got A Lot More Fun And Capable
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The 2026 Macan Electric ushers in AirConsole gaming, which supports multi-player action
The 2026 Porsche Macan Electric debuts with a range of advanced tech-focused updates. Buyers will find AI-enhanced Voice Pilot, digital key tech, and automated driving features. Increased towing capacity joins AirConsole gaming for added versatility and entertainment. The Porsche Macan Electric is getting even better for 2026 as the company has announced a host of upgrades. These include new features, AI integration, and an increased towing capacity. While the updates are a bit scattershot, the Macan Electric is embracing digital key technology. This will enable iPhone and Android users to automatically unlock and start their vehicle, while leaving their phone in a pocket or purse. This is possible thanks to the use of Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) connectivity, and Apple Watch users can also get in on the action. More: Porsche Macan EV Arrives From $79k, Turbo Is Quicker Than A 911 GT3 The technology also allows owners to easily ‘share’ keys with up to seven other users. Owners can determine if these users can simply access the vehicle or drive it. New Automated Driving Features Speaking of driving, the optional 3D Surround View system with Active Parking Support gains several new features including a Transparent Hood view. More interestingly, there’s a new Trained Parking function that enables owners to record individual parking routines such as pulling into a garage. After ‘learning’ the routine, the crossover can automatically perform it time and time again. Another new addition is Reversing Assist, which allows the Macan to automatically reverse along a route it has previously driven forwards. The crossover remembers up to 160 feet (48.8 meters) and Porsche said this is useful for backing up in tight situations. Sticking with the tech theme, the Porsche Charging Planner has been “optimized” and now allows owners to prioritize individual charging stations and providers. This implies customers could set up the system to favor Electrify America stations over rivals. AirConsole Gaming When you’re waiting for a charge or simply killing time, you can play games with the new AirConsole, which is accessible via the Porsche App Center. Smartphones can be used as controllers and games are typically played on the central infotainment system when parked. However, the optional front passenger display can also be used to play games when the vehicle is in motion and drivers shouldn’t be distracted due to Porsche’s integrated screen privacy feature. AirConsole said owners can expect an assortment of “short-session, casual games optimized for the in-car environment” ranging from racing and trivia games to those involving sports. Among the more popular options are UNO and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? AI And Improved Towing Capacities If you’re not in the mood to play, you can talk to your crossover via Voice Pilot. It promises to be smarter than ever before thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence. Porsche said the voice assistant now understands “complex, interrelated questions and recognizes what a statement is referring to.” Rounding out the highlights is an increased towing capacity for the Macan 4, Macan 4S, and Macan Turbo. They can now tow up to 5,500 lbs (2,495 kg), which is a sizable increase of 1,100 lbs (499 kg). Customers will also find a handful of new customization options including new choices for the door sill guards and door courtesy lights. The 2026 Macan Electric is currently available to order and U.S. deliveries will begin next spring.
The Ford Mustang Is Getting The Theme Park Treatment
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A one-of-a-kind immersive experience celebrates Mustang history with 4D rides, classic cars, and interactive exhibits
Ford has announced a new event called ‘American Icon: A Mustang Immersive Experience’. The exhibit kicks off in Los Angeles next month and celebrates all things Mustang. Attendees will explore “multi-sensory immersive environments” and take a “4D thrill ride.” The Mustang holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and the automaker is celebrating the iconic pony car with a new immersive experience. Ford was coy on specifics, but revealed American Icon: A Mustang Immersive Experience was created by the same minds behind Titanic: An Immersive Voyage and Jurassic World: The Experience. Despite sounding like a Mustang-focused museum exhibit, Ford said visitors will “step inside” history and “feel the nervous energy of the Dearborn design studio in 1963.” The company also promised attendees will feel the V8 rumble in their bones and “walk through the cultural moments that the Mustang didn’t just influence, but helped create.” 2025 Ford Mustang GT Review: Rollin’ In A 5.0 And A Manual While Ford said a lot without saying much of anything, the website for the experience revealed fans will explore “multi-sensory immersive environments” as well as take an “adrenaline-pumping 4D thrill ride.” The companies also promised “legendary Mustangs from film and culture” and this will apparently include Steve McQueen’s Mustang GT from Bullit as well as the white convertible from Goldfinger. The website went on to explain this is a “walkthrough experience across multiple spaces, featuring a combination of projection content, vehicle displays, and interactive activations.” In total, visitors can expect to spend 60 to 90 minutes checking out the exhibits. American Icon: A Mustang Immersive Experience opens in Los Angeles on November 8 and runs through February. Ticket prices vary, but start at $25.50 and climb to $34 on weekends. That sounds a little pricey as tickets to the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show range from $14 to $21 before service fees.
Hyundai Backs Plant-Based Leather That Looks, Feels, And Smells Real
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Hyundai and JLR are testing Uncaged’s faux leather, which mimics the look, feel, and scent of cowhide
Hyundai partners with Uncaged Innovations to develop plant-based leather for car interiors. The material reportedly feels and smells like real leather while cutting emissions by 95%. It could lower costs, reduce waste, and even offer customizable scents for automakers. SofTex, SensaTec, Nuluxe, V-Tex, StarTex, MB-Tex. These are just a few of the names that automakers use for upholstery that imitates leather. This booming category of upholstery alternatives keeps growing, and now Hyundai believes it may have found a standout contender. The company is working with a startup called Uncaged Innovations, which has developed a faux leather that reportedly doesn’t just look like the real thing—it feels and even smells like it too. More: For $250, Make Your Tesla Feel More Like A Launch Series Unlike most leather alternatives, which are made with plastics derived from fossil fuels, Uncaged’s material is mostly plant-based. The startup uses wheat, soy, and corn proteins to mimic the fibrous structure of animal hides, and the result sounds promising. So promising that even Jaguar Land Rover is interested, too. Plant-Based with a Lighter Footprint Uncaged’s carbon footprint is reportedly 95 percent lower than traditional leather, and it’s working with Hyundai’s Cradle division to make it durable enough for long-term automotive use. That’s the key hurdle though because automotive materials suffer more abuse than a handbag or watch strap. “Leather is not just leather,” co-founder and CEO Stephanie Downs told TechCrunch. “There’s literally a thousand types of leather: different animals, different thicknesses, different ways that they tan it. We had to develop something that could be really easily customizable.” Evidently, heat resistance in particular is proving to be the biggest test. “One of the automotive companies wants us to be at 95°C for 500 hours. And we’ve already, in our first round of experiments, we achieved 85°C and made it through that for 500 hours,” Downs said. Clearly, the technology is getting close to being viable for this purpose. What’s interesting is that it goes beyond simple durability. Automakers are evidently asking Uncaged to create ‘signature scents’ for the upholstery they want. Less Waste, Lower Costs The benefits don’t stop there either. Genuine leather interiors can take anywhere from two to 14 cowhides. Thanks to things like bug bites, scars, or other blemishes, large portions of the hides are wasted. Uncaged’s plant-based product is made in sheets so it’s consistent and waste is minimized. Subsequently, costs are lower too. Small orders currently cost less than $10 per square foot. Put another way, automakers might soon sell you a car with fake leather that’s even better than the real thing. Credit: Uncaged
Neue Klasse BMW Prototype Crash Leaves Bus Mangled And Multiple Injured
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The accident occurred in Hungary and was reportedly violent enough that some people were thrown from the bus
A BMW iX3 prototype was involved in a serious head-on collision in Hungary. Local reports allege the EV was speeding before colliding with the passenger bus. Eight passengers, including a child, were hospitalized with injuries from the accident. A BMW iX3 prototype has been involved in a serious crash with a bus in Hungary. Local reports suggest multiple people were injured and several passengers were thrown from the bus. The bus’ operator, MÁV-csoport, said the vehicle was traveling to Gyöngyös when the iX3 “drifted into the lane” of the bus and “crashed into it head-on.” Seven passengers on the bus – including a child – were injured as was the bus driver. More: BMW 8-Series Prototype Involved In Fatal Accident Photos from the scene show the devastation as the bus’ front end was smashed, while several windows were broken. The front side section was also ripped off and mangled. MÁV-csoport said the driver “did his best to avoid the collision,” but “didn’t have a chance against the oncoming car.” The company also noted the bus was “totally damaged and a considerable amount of fuel flowed onto the road.” The incident reportedly occurred near Mátrafüred and Gyöngyös Ma claimed the electric crossover was driving too fast. That remains to be seen, but the prototype appears to have been totaled as the entire front end was obliterated. In the few pictures taken before the crossover was covered, we can see the front wheel was ‘ripped’ off, while the bumper and front fender were apparently destroyed. The hood was also popped open, while the airbags deployed. Személygépkocsi és autóbusz ütközött a 24-es főúton Mátrafüred közelében. A balesetből 8 embert szállitottak kórházba,… Posted by Agria Tv Bt on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 While a number of questions remain, the iX3 will become the first member of the Neue Klasse family and will debut at the Munich Motor Show next month. It will be built in Debrecen, Hungry which is roughly two hours away from the accident site. Thanks to L.F. for the tip! Felelősen az utakon – mindenkit hazavárnak! Súlyos balesetet szenvedett ma délelőtt a Kékestetőről Gyöngyösre tartó… Posted by MÁV-csoport on Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Ford’s 105th Recall Hits Hundreds Of Thousands Of Popular Pickups
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Over 350,000 F-Series trucks face an urgent recall after a digital failure threatens vital safety displays
Ford is recalling 350,000 trucks over instrument clusters that can fail at startup. A faulty memory protection feature is causing the issue and will be disabled. The recall affects the F-Series pickups, America’s top-selling trucks for decades. After setting an embarrassing record, Ford’s recall machine is back in action and impacting the best-selling trucks in America. In this case, it’s the 2025 F-150 as well as the 2025 and 2026 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550. The latest campaign involves 355,656 pickups, which have an instrument cluster that can fail at startup. If this occurs, critical information such as vehicle speed and warning lights won’t be displayed. More: Ford’s Electric F-150 Is Getting An Off-Road Makeover The safety recall report was vague on specifics, but noted the digital instrument clusters were made by Visteon and a problem can prevent them from working properly. The government didn’t exactly spell things out, but said “During the sleep entry sequence of the IPC [Instrument Panel Cluster], a CAN wakeup interrupt can occur within a narrow timeframe, resulting in a memory protection fault.” That’s about as clear as mud, but Ford became aware of the issue in early May. This sparked an investigation, which found that approximately 65% of vehicles had “ignition cycle events that are in the window of susceptibility to this concern.” Furthermore, it appears the problem is more likely to occur as the vehicle ages. Ford was aware of at least 96 reports, including 95 warranty claims, as of late June. The first was reported on January 30, 2025. The automaker isn’t aware of any injuries or accidents related to the issue, and the problem will be addressed via an over-the-air update. The update will disable the memory protection feature, which should prevent the problem from occurring.
‘I Just Sold A Single Mom A Car $10,000 Over Sticker’: Car Salesman’s Viral TikTok Doesn’t Go Well
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The Honda dealer cut ties with the employee over the now-deleted Tik Tok video
A former car salesman claimed he charged a single mom $10k above MSRP on TikTok. The clip went viral, sparking backlash and negative reviews for the Wisconsin dealership. Zeigler Honda denied the claim and fired the salesman after suspending him first. People post all kinds of things online in hopes of getting noticed, but sometimes the effort to stand out goes too far. A car salesman in Wisconsin learned that lesson the hard way after he was fired for posting a short TikTok video claiming he sold a car to a single mother for $10,000 above sticker price. He later said it was meant as a joke, but the backlash quickly pushed the dealership to act. More: Why Canadians Pay More For The Nissan Leaf Than Americans The video, uploaded by the account @kennyselllss, racked up thousands of views before it was taken down. In the clip, the salesman appears smiling while a caption reads: “You Look Happier…Thanks, I just sold a single mom a car $10,000 over sticker.” The post played into a popular TikTok trend where users explain what has put them in a good mood. Swift Public Reaction The reaction online was overwhelmingly negative. Many viewers expressed outrage at the video, and some went as far as leaving critical reviews of the dealership. When contacted by CBS 58, Zeigler Honda of Racine confirmed that no such sale had ever taken place. In response to the backlash, the dealership posted the following statement on Facebook: “We are very disappointed in the recent comments made by a salesperson on his personal social media account regarding the amount of money he sold a vehicle over MSRP. His claim is false, and regardless of his intent as a joke, it is in no way representative of Zeigler Honda of Racine’s values or those of Zeiger Auto Group. Although we value freedom of speech, we do hold our team members to a high standard of decency, truthfulness and service – these values were not displayed in this situation.” The salesman was first suspended but, just two days later, the Honda dealer confirmed he would no longer be employed there. An Attempt at Apology Kennysells shared the following apology on his TikTok account: “It was an insensitive joke, I want to apologize to the single mothers and women in general. I’m a single parent myself, I know what that struggle is like, going to work, having to take care of the kids, trying to get everything done on a daily basis…”. More: That Outrageous $500K Corvette Markup Isn’t What You Think It Is The now-former salesman said he found the intended joke funny because it was “unrealistic.” He also asked viewers to stop attacking the dealership. In a separate video, he explained, “My account is based on satire, and everything I post is meant as a joke. I would never share actual true events.” Lead image Honda / TikTok@kennyselllss
New Volvo XC70 Dumps Its Wagon Past And Goes Full Crossover
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- Volvo XC70
Volvo's latest crossover features two powertrains and up to 112 miles of electric-only range
Volvo has introduced the new XC70, which launches in China for roughly $62,000. It features a plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers up to 112 miles of EV-only range. Available with front- and all-wheel drive as well as combined outputs of up to 456 hp. Subaru isn’t the only automaker transforming an iconic wagon into an SUV as Volvo has taken the wraps off the new XC70. It’s a Chinese-focused crossover that’s designed to appeal to families seeking a “more comfortable and relaxed lifestyle.” Instantly recognizable as a Volvo, the XC70 features a fully enclosed grille that echoes the one found on their fully electric vehicles. It’s flanked by split lighting units as well as a lower intake with an active shutter. More: Volvo EX30 Cross Country Adds A Touch Of Ruggedness Moving further back, we can see streamlined bodywork and rounded wheel arches. They’re joined by flush-mounted door handles, frameless doors, and an expansive panoramic glass roof. Designers also gave the crossover gloss black and chrome trim as well as 19- to 21-inch wheels. Rounding out the highlights are plastic body cladding, C-shaped taillights, and an angular rear window. The model also sports matrix LED headlights as well as a rear wiper that is hidden behind the spoiler. In terms of size, the XC70 measures 189.6 inches (4,815 mm) long, 74.4 inches (1,890 mm) wide, and 65 inches (1,650 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 114 inches (2,895 mm). This means the crossover is 5.4 inches (137 mm) shorter than the XC90 and has a 3.5-inch (89 mm) smaller wheelbase. A Clean And Simple Interior The minimalist five-seat cabin features a “timeless Scandinavian design” with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a freestanding 15.4-inch infotainment system. They’re joined by an available 92-inch augmented reality head-up display. Screens aside, the XC70 has a floating center console with a retractable ‘bridge’ of cup holders. We can also see wood trim, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Other highlights include heated rear seats, ambient lighting, and a tri-zone climate control system with a dedicated rear display. Volvo also mentioned an “AI-powered voice assistant that makes it easy to call friends and family, control the car’s functions, and search for information online.” We can expect to learn more details closer to launch, but the crossover has a cargo capacity of 14.4 cubic feet (408 liters). However, this can be expanded to 51.4 cubic feet (1,456 liters) by folding the rear seats down. A Long-Range Plug-In Hybrid Designed to appeal to drivers who aren’t ready to go fully electric, the XC70 is being billed as Volvo’s “first long-range plug-in hybrid.” The automaker didn’t release detailed specifications, but the front-wheel drive variant has a combined output of 314 hp (234 kW/ 318 PS) and this enables it to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in eight seconds flat. The model also has a 21.2 kWh battery pack, which delivers a WLTC range of up to 72 miles (116 km). Customers can also opt for an “ultra-long-range” variant that has an all-wheel drive system producing 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS). It cuts the 0-62 mph (0-96 km/h) time to 5.3 seconds, while the larger 39.6 kWh battery increases the electric-only range to 112 miles (180 km). Volvo didn’t say much else about the powertrain, but China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology previously revealed the model has a 1.5-liter engine developing 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS). This helps the crossover to have a combined range in excess of 745 miles (1,200 km). When the 39.6 kWh battery is depleted, a DC fast charger can take it from 0% to 80% in approximately 23 minutes. With a 7 kW AC wallbox charger, it can be completely replenished in around 7 hours. Speaking of charging, the XC70 has a bi-directional charging capability. This enables the crossover to act as a power bank for everything from camping to emergencies. Built on a Smarter Platform The model is built on the new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA) and has “Safe Space Technology.” Buyers will also find “advanced sensing technology, including radars, cameras and sensors” that continuously monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. Volvo didn’t delve into specifics, but mentioned automatic lane change assist, active navigation support, and park pilot assist. The XC70 is currently available for pre-order in China and pricing starts at ¥446,900 ($62,478 / £46,282 / €53,670). Volvo also has plans to eventually bring the model to Europe, but there’s no word on when.
Tesla Quietly Expands Robotaxi Zone To Nearly Double Waymo’s Coverage In Austin
- news
- Electric Vehicles
- Reports
- Taxi
- Tesla
- Texas
- Waymo
An updated geofence encompases several suburbs, the downtown area, and even the Gigafactory
Tesla expands Robotaxi geofence in Austin to 171 square miles, eclipsing Waymo’s 90. The expansion covers downtown, the suburbs, and the Tesla Gigafactory Texas. Ongoing rivalry with Waymo continues to push rapid innovation for consumers. Tesla and Waymo are pushing hard to win taxi customers in Austin, Texas. On Tuesday morning, the battle shifted again as Tesla expanded its geo-fenced area to include 171 square miles. That’s almost double what Waymo currently covers, namely 90 square miles, but the war probably isn’t over. Since July, the two companies have sparred to own the robotaxi market in Austin. The battle couldn’t start any sooner because that’s when Tesla got into the business there. On the flip side, Waymo started its service there back in March. When it did, it kicked things off with a geo-fenced public service map of just 37 square miles. More: Waymo’s NYC Debut Comes With Training Wheels When Tesla first began offering rides, it covered just 20 square miles. That didn’t last long, though. It soon expanded the rideshare program to more people and made its coverage map 42 square miles. Waymo then countered with a map that covered 90 square miles just two days later. The battle sat there until today when Tesla expanded to 171 square miles. The new map almost doubles Waymo’s coverage and includes several suburbs of Austin, downtown, and even access to Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas. That sounds great on its face, and ultimately, an expanded map is good, but there are some concerns. Mainly, Robotaxi customers are complaining online that the fleet is simply too small. Expanding Austin service area fast https://t.co/lg0qLesNJm — Tesla Robotaxi (@robotaxi) August 26, 2025 As we reported before the service went live, the fleet launched with fewer than two dozen cars. It’s unclear if Tesla has expanded the fleet, but some believe it’s as few as ten cars in total. If true, this expanded service area could simply make the wait for a ride considerably longer. In addition, it’s worth noting that Tesla doesn’t allow just anyone to use its service. Right now, it’s still in a private beta testing mode, so only approved riders have access. On top of that, Robotaxi currently has a human safety attendant in the car during every ride so yes, Tesla customers can go further than Waymo customers for now, but access is heavily limited. At the end of the day, everybody wins here, since more innovation should prove beneficial in the long run. Comparison of Tesla's vs Waymo's Robotaxi geofence map in Austin, Texas. Today, @Tesla again massively expanded their geofence area, making it significantly bigger than Waymo's. pic.twitter.com/tHLJ2qabZJ — Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) August 26, 2025

Welcome to r/Formula1, the best independent online Formula 1 community!
MONDAY TRASH TALK THREAD
- formula1
TRASH TALK 101 FOR ANYONE NEW HERE - BEACAUSE. TRASH. TALK. IS. A. GENERATIONAL. THREAD. STEP ONE: LURK ON THE SUB VERY REGULARLY, MAKING SURE TO SORT BY “NEW”. STEP TWO: GET INSPIRED BY WHATEVER MAD NARRATIVE OR TREND GRIPS THE SUB THAT PARTICULAR DAY / WEEK. OFF SEASON IS QUITE SLOW BUT RACE WEEKS / WEEKENDS SHOULD YIELD A LOT OF SUBJECT MATTER. THE MORE INSANE AND UNREALISTIC, THE BETTER QUALITY SUBJECT MATTER IT IS. WATCH PEOPLES' OBSESSIVE BEHAVIOUR VERY CLOSELY - IT WILL YIELD SOME FASCINATING INSIGHT. STEP THREE: AT THIS STAGE YOU MAY BE FEELING SICK WITH THE AMOUNT OF NONSENSE YOU HAVE FORCED YOURSELF TO VIEW. FEEL FREE TO STEP OVER INTO r/f1circlejerk AND MAKE YOURSELF FEEL BETTER BY POSTING A MOCKING IMITATION OF THE NONSENSE. HOWEVER AS YOU BUILD YOUR TOLERANCE, YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF ABLE TO WAIT FOR MONDAY, THE HOLIEST OF DAYS. PEOPLE WILL TELL YOU RACE DAY SUNDAY IS THE BEST DAY, BUT THOSE PEOPLE ARE UNENLIGHTENED SAVAGES. STEP FOUR: (A) AS SOON AS THE TRASH TALK THREAD IS POSTED, UPVOTE IT. THIS IS IMPORTANT. (B) [REDACTED] (C) THEN - UNLOAD YOUR MOCKERY AND SCORN OF ALL THE VILE RUBBISH YOU HAVE WITNESSED FROM SUB USERS AND "RESPECTED" "JOURNALISTS". (D) SIT BACK AND WATCH THE UPVOTES GATHER. CLEVER PHOTOSHOPS AND META REFERENCES WILL YIELD MORE UPVOTES. STEP FIVE: REALISE THAT TRUTH AND SENSE ONLY EXIST IN THIS THREAD AND MAKE IT YOUR WEEKLY MISSION TO POST HERE. AND REMEMBER: FLAIR UP AND SMASH THAT CAPS LOCK! AAAAAAAAAAAAA! GOOD LUCK AND MAY THE TRASH TALK BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOUR. ---- /r/FORMULA1 [POSTING GUIDELINES](/r/formula1/wiki/userguide#wiki_posting_guidelines) STILL APPLY. submitted by /u/AutoModerator [link] [comments]
Ask r/Formula1 Anything - Daily Discussion Thread
- formula1
Welcome to the r/formula1 Daily Discussion / Q&A thread. This thread is a hub for general discussion and questions about Formula 1, that don't need threads of their own. Are you new to Formula 1? This is the place for you. Ever wondered why it's called a lollipop man? Why the cars don't refuel during pitstops? Or when Mika will be back from his sabbatical? Ask any question you might have here, and the community will answer. Also make sure you check out our guide for new fans, and our FAQ for new fans. Are you a veteran fan, longing for the days of lollipop men, refueling during pitstops, and Mika Häkkinen? This is the place to introduce new fans to your passion and knowledge of the sport. Remember to keep it civil and welcoming! Gatekeeping within the Daily Discussion will subject users to disciplinary action. Have a meta question about the subreddit? Please direct these to the moderators instead. submitted by /u/AutoModerator [link] [comments]
Verstappen on Perez's return: "When I saw the news come out, I sent a message to him. I'm very happy for him that he got a seat. He's a great guy and we always got along very well, so I’m happy to see him back on the grid"
- formula1
submitted by /u/jovanmilic97 [link] [comments]

Dutch Grand Prix trophies
- formula1
submitted by /u/diego_02 [link] [comments]

[Rory Mitchell] Verstappen asked if IndyCar driver Alex Palou could switch to F1: "I know Alex already from go-karting. What he is achieving in IndyCar is incredible. It's so impressive to see, but it's impossible to know how people will do in F1, and it's the same question the other way around."
- formula1
submitted by /u/Aratho [link] [comments]
[Box Office Report] Warner Bros. & Apple's F1 The Movie has grossed an estimated $420.6M internationally through Wednesday. Estimated global total through Wednesday stands at $607.1M. F1 The Movie has now overtaken Superman globally.
- formula1
submitted by /u/DemiFiendRSA [link] [comments]

Tsunoda: Marko wasn't aware of difference between Red Bull F1 cars
- formula1
submitted by /u/memloh [link] [comments]

Kimi Antonelli was at risk at Mercedes for F1 2026, George Russell claims
- formula1
submitted by /u/Aratho [link] [comments]

Lando Norris claps back at Jolyon Palmer's "luck" argument amid intense F1 title fight
- formula1
submitted by /u/randomseocb [link] [comments]

[@kimi.antonelli] Happy birthday
- formula1
submitted by /u/General_Agency9905 [link] [comments]

[@espnf1] Max Verstappen clearly remembers meeting the young Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto back in 2017
- formula1
submitted by /u/FewCollar227 [link] [comments]

My GF designed and made this for me as a gift for getting my degree in Law School
- formula1
submitted by /u/Maxvdh27 [link] [comments]

Hamilton wants to ‘drown out noise’ and focus on F1
- formula1
submitted by /u/PaleBlueDave [link] [comments]

Helmut Marko: No Alex Palou and a phone call with Sergio Perez at Red Bull
- formula1
submitted by /u/turinturambar66 [link] [comments]

[@mercedesamgf1] SURPRISE VALTTERI!!! Traditions are traditions
- formula1
submitted by /u/FewCollar227 [link] [comments]

[Motorsport.com] (Alex Palou on Red Bull rumors): "There's been nothing, nothing at all. The only thing I've heard was it was a manager for some other driver in Indycar who would like to have my seat who said it to start something.
- formula1
submitted by /u/turinturambar66 [link] [comments]
Ollie Bearman did an amateur kart race undercover as an elderly man
- formula1
submitted by /u/Ok-Distance6320 [link] [comments]

Lando Norris reflects on his biggest 2025 mistakes: "Don’t try to be a hero"
- formula1
submitted by /u/randomseocb [link] [comments]

What Ferrari analysis of Leclerc's race-losing F1 problem has revealed
- formula1
submitted by /u/sppy1 [link] [comments]

Circuit Zandvoort pitlane open webcam
- formula1
submitted by /u/Dr_VidyaGeam [link] [comments]

Aston Martin F1 team's plan to become a " Creative , Chaotic innovation machine "
- formula1
submitted by /u/Shroft [link] [comments]

The Gabi and Max show – Dutch GP
- formula1
submitted by /u/anthn885 [link] [comments]

[The Race] Oscar Piastri's race engineer, Tom Stallard, on his 2025 transformation: "It (his progress) is only inevitable if all the good work that leads up to makes it happen"
- formula1
Insightful article that goes a bit deeper into why Piastri's form is better this year. Also interesting to know his take on the championship - he's clearly thinking long-term. submitted by /u/littletreble07 [link] [comments]

Bottas has five-place penalty for first race back in F1 with Cadillac next year
- formula1
submitted by /u/Peterd1900 [link] [comments]

Our personal F1 Fantasy game so far…
- formula1
In honor of summer break finally ending! I thought I would share the fantasy league that myself and five friends have been playing, and how it’s working out so far. A little back story, there are six of us that work together at a fire station, and we are huge fans of F1, but everyone’s knowledge of the details varies. I wanted to come up with a fantasy game that gave everyone a good chance of points each weekend. So here it is. First I made a board along with everyone’s names attached to some Velcro. In order to determine picking order, each week we race the PS4 game at the designated track. This also helps when watching the race because you feel like you really know the track. None of us are huge gamers so it’s sort of the great equalizer. Occasionally we have people gone on vacation or we were too busy at work to accomplish practice and qualifying sessions. In those cases we draw names from a hat and do a running pick either via text or FaceTime. Once quali has determined picking order, everyone gets to choose ONE team and TWO drivers. The number one pick chooses EITHER one team, or one driver. Then the second person goes and so on. Once the 6th person picks their first pick, they pick again, then picking goes in reverse order, and back down again. (Ex: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1, 2…6) Picking first is obviously a big advantage, but it does not necessarily mean you will have the best combined score for the weekend. Everyone’s points for the weekend are added up at the end and we get to look forward to the next race on the calendar. The game has been a big success. It’s relatively still close at the summer break. We also added a race on the calendar where you’ll see Andretti on the calendar. This is a karting facility nearby where we physically went together and raced for points. Each weekend you end up cheering for new drivers and teams which keeps it exciting. This format has worked out so much better than I planned, and it’s really given us a whole new level of enjoyment this season. Hope you enjoy our shenanigans. Glad break is over. Lights out and away we go! Pictures: the board pre-picks, the board mostly through picking, the total points so far, 4 of the 6 of us in Vegas the first year. submitted by /u/AZfirefight [link] [comments]

[OC] A visualisation of driver turnover for every team since their last major ownership change
- formula1
Even though this year’s silly season may be very quiet, I wanted to see the movement of drivers between teams and how true certain stereotypes are (looking at Red Bull and RB changing drivers like they are trading cards). Which team do you think has handled driver changes the best (or worst) in recent years? A few quick notes and takeaways: The decision for the cutoff point being each team’s last major ownership change was because (at least in theory) the ownership would have some decision making power and thus the results would represent the most recent team policy. Let me know if you want to see the all-time results but that will probably take a while. The common perception that Red Bull has a systematic, ruthless policy of “perform immediately or be replaced”, seems to hold some truth, but much of it stems from their junior team, which is used as the testing ground for executing the strategy. It looks like Red Bull, at least for their 2nd driver, follow patterns similar to other teams. Alpine’s 2nd seat looks increasingly unstable recently. Doohan has already been replaced by Colapinto, whose seat is now under pressure. 2025 was one of the biggest shuffles in recent history. After a completely static grid in 2024, half the grid in 2025 is drivers in new seats. submitted by /u/racingplaybook [link] [comments]

Why McLaren F1 finally said yes to Mastercard after a decade without a title sponsor - The Athletic
- formula1
submitted by /u/BarnyH [link] [comments]

Global Car Culture Since 2008
A How-To Guide To ITBs With Project NSX
- Content
- Special Feature
- Speedhunters Crew
- Australia
- honda
- individual throttle bodies
- ITB
- ITBs
- NA1
- NSX
- project car
- Project Cars
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- Speedhunters Project Car
What do we love so much about naturally aspirated engines? Perhaps the musicality, or the responsiveness, or the combination of both that creates an emotionally rewarding experience with every stab at the throttle pedal. Well, whatever underpins that appeal, I can say for sure that nothing turns it up to 11 quite like a set of […]
The post A How-To Guide To ITBs With Project NSX appeared first on Speedhunters.
3 Days At The World’s Most Luxurious Race Track
- Content
- Special Feature
- Speedhunters Crew
- Circuit
- honda
- japan
- Manthey
- Porsche
That’s what Cornes & Co did here in Japan, and with that, we’re left with The Magarigawa Club. The Magarigawa Club is not hot off the press news, it’s actually been open for a little over 18 months now, but since it’s doors have opened, I had yet to have the chance to visit and see what […]
The post 3 Days At The World’s Most Luxurious Race Track appeared first on Speedhunters.
Modernising A WRC Legend: The Prodrive P25
- Car Features
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- 22B
- Car Spotlight
- EJ25
- Impreza
- japan
- JDM
- magarigawa
- P25
- Prodrive
- Prodrive P25
- Subaru
Not so long ago, restomods were almost exclusively reserved for big dollar classics and vintage supercars. But exclusivity no more, just in the last couple of years we’ve seen the JDM space sprout a few of its own resto-mods; the Built By Legends GT-Rs and TOM’S’ Supra just to name a few. That’s where the Prodrive P25 […]
The post Modernising A WRC Legend: The Prodrive P25 appeared first on Speedhunters.
8 Cars In 1 Day: A Day With Drivers Lounge
- Content
- Special Feature
- Speedhunters Crew
- Car Rental
- Drivers Lounge
- evo 6
- Evo X
- gtr
- Hakone
- Hakone Turnpike
- honda
- japan
- Monster Sports
- S660
- Spoon
- Suzuki Alto Works
And rightly so, there’s so much to see, visit, do and of course eat, oh and if you happen to be a car guy or gal, then you’re in luck as there’s never been a better time to actually see the car culture in all its glory. With famed parking areas like Daikoku and Umihotaru […]
The post 8 Cars In 1 Day: A Day With Drivers Lounge appeared first on Speedhunters.
Kei & Mighty: Exploring Japan’s WAZUKA Microcar Museum
- Content
- Special Feature
- Speedhunters Crew
- BUBU
- BUBU Shuttle-50
- Collection
- japan
- Kei
- Kei-car
- micro car
- microcar
- Museum
- WAZUKA Microcar Museum
That might sound like a lot, but it manages some 82 million vehicles in some of the world’s most densely populated cities daily. As a country, it should be at a perpetual standstill. Yet, ever since the 1950s, the Japanese have held a tiny little ace up their sleeves… Kei-jidõsha, or ‘kei car’ as it’s […]
The post Kei & Mighty: Exploring Japan’s WAZUKA Microcar Museum appeared first on Speedhunters.
10-Year Throwback: For The Love Of Rotary
- Car Features
- Content
- Special Feature
- Speedhunters Crew
- 13b
- Car Shop Glow
- CSG
- FD3S
- japan
- mazda
- Rotary
- rx-7
- rx7
- Throwback
- time-attack
- Zest Racing
But finally, after the stars recently aligned, I managed to get the cool guys at Car Shop Glow (CSG) to bring their time attacking Mazda to a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s daily chaos. I can remember the first time I laid eyes on this RX-7 – it was probably […]
The post 10-Year Throwback: For The Love Of Rotary appeared first on Speedhunters.
Project Rough: DIY Corner Balance Take 2 – With Physics!
- Content
- Special Feature
- Speedhunters Crew
- corner balance
- corner weighting
- corner-balancing
- DIY
- er34
- japan
- Nissan
- project car
- Project Cars
- Project Rough
- SH Garage
- Skyline
- Speedhunters Garage
- Speedhunters Project Cars
Corner balancing a car has been one of those things that seemed off-limits to the average automotive DIY enthusiast. You can find a wide range of electronic scales from a speed shop like Summit Racing; however, a ‘decent’ set will set you back at least $1,000, and a higher-quality set will cost double that. You […]
The post Project Rough: DIY Corner Balance Take 2 – With Physics! appeared first on Speedhunters.
Nifsta Classic Cars: Stockholm’s Summer Delight
- Content
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- Speedhunters Crew
- American car
- American Muscle
- car meet
- Central Muscle Cars
- Chevrolet
- classic cars
- Ford
- Nifsta Classic Car
- sweden
- USA
Car meets are a rare occurrence in Scandinavia’s cold months, but with the arrival of spring and the clearing of salted roads, enthusiasts begin bringing out their cars. After a long, dark, and freezing winter, not one clear, warm day is wasted. While there are a few well-known spots for gatherings, on Thursday evenings over […]
The post Nifsta Classic Cars: Stockholm’s Summer Delight appeared first on Speedhunters.
Who Remembers The JUN Akira Supra?
- Content
- Special Feature
- Speedhunters Crew
- 2JZ
- 2JZ-GTE
- 2JZGTE
- A80
- Akira
- Bonneville
- japan
- JDM
- jun
- JUN Akira Supra
- JUN Auto
- JUN Auto Mechanic
- JZA80
- Option Magazine
- Supra
- Toyota
- tuner
- Wangan
I could name a few, but one that stands out is a 21-second clip of a bright yellow MkIV Toyota Supra built by JUN, power-sliding at Tsukuba Circuit. I’m not sure where I first saw it online, but in 2001 – four years before YouTube was a thing – you can bet I risked the prospect […]
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From The Garage To The Loop: A Kanjo-Spec Civic Type R
- Car Features
- Car Spotlight
- Content
- B16B
- Build
- Civic
- ek
- EK9
- honda
- japan
- Kanjo
- Kanjo Loop
- kanjozoku
- Osaka
- Osaka Loop
- Type R
- VTEC
‘Give a man a body kit, and he’ll look cool for a day. Give him a sheet of raw carbon fibre, and he’ll look cool for a lifetime.’ Masato Nitta lives by this philosophy, and he’s built a one-piece carbon front cowl for his EK9 Honda Civic Type R to prove it. Of course, while this […]
The post From The Garage To The Loop: A Kanjo-Spec Civic Type R appeared first on Speedhunters.
Latest BMW News, Reviews and New Models
BMW Engines Could Power Future Mercedes Models — Here’s Who Really Wins
- News
- B48
- BMW engines
- Mercedes Benz
BMW engines in Mercedes cars? It sounds unlikely, but reports of a potential BMW–Mercedes alliance suggest that’s exactly what could happen later this decade. The deal — still far from finalized — would see Mercedes...
First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
BMW engines in Mercedes cars? It sounds unlikely, but reports of a potential BMW–Mercedes alliance suggest that’s exactly what could happen later this decade. The deal — still far from finalized — would see Mercedes leaning on BMW’s proven 2.0-liter B48 engine to help meet looming Euro 7 regulations. At least, one that isn’t sourced from China’s Geely. This is due in part to Mercedes’s single-track focus on electrification over the last few years. Using BMW’s 2.0-liter B48 engine is the perfect workaround, allowing Mercedes access to a proven engine with zero R&D costs. Those are some serious upsides. But BMW might still be the bigger winner if the deal goes through. The Optics of BMW Engines Powering Mercedes Models If you’re BMW, you have to love how this looks. The BMW-Mercedes rivalry almost certainly needs no introduction to anyone reading this. A Bavarian power plant under the hood of a Mercedes is likely as close as either automaker will get to truly “winning” the fight. BMW wins a larger marketing war — thanks to headlines like these — and smaller ones, too, every time a Mercedes owner pops the hood. On the other hand, it’s unlikely these engines would find their way under the hood of true “enthusiast” Benz models. So, perhaps take the “popping the hood” bit metaphorically. BMW also wins in a more “real,” way. That is, securing the sale of tens of thousands more B48 engines than they otherwise would sell. BMW has the capacity over in the Steyr plant to produce and provide 2.0-liters to Mercedes. Fully utilizing Steyr gets a better return on BMW’s dollar. Then, of course, there’s also whatever amount Mercedes is paying per engine. It’s a clear win for BMW. Potential Wins for Mercedes If it was anyone but Mercedes, it wouldn’t matter. BMW already provides engines to a variety of other marques, including Land Rover, Toyota, and Morgan. While it’s a big deal to enthusiasts and maybe a handful of customers, most customers won’t know or care about the engine swap. Even a portion that are well-read enough to know about it likely won’t mind, either recognizing that BMW makes a quality engine or that it’s simply the state of the automotive industry today. There’s also the fringe possibility that Mercedes ends up making a better BMW than BMW does. Powertrain is half the equation, and starting with a great one essentially allows you to start on second base. We think BMW comes out ahead in this deal. It’s all good news for a brand that, these days, already gets a ton of positive praise. Meanwhile, Mercedes looks ill-prepared for the future and has to shell out some cash just to stay competitive. Hey, it’s still a better look than using Geely engines. First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
2026 BMW i5 Adds More Range, New Features, and Frozen Portimao Blue
- i5
- 5-series
- BMW i5
- Buyer's Guide
- G60
Slotting into the heart of the lineup, the 2026 BMW i5 takes everything drivers expect from the 5 Series — comfort, technology, and performance — and adds electrification. For 2026, the i5 gets meaningful updates:...
First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
Slotting into the heart of the lineup, the 2026 BMW i5 takes everything drivers expect from the 5 Series — comfort, technology, and performance — and adds electrification. For 2026, the i5 gets meaningful updates: more driving range, new interior features, and a striking Frozen Portimao Blue paint option. It isn’t a full refresh, but the improvements make BMW’s electric 5 Series more appealing without raising the price. It’s more range, more style, and the same price — what’s not to like? 2026 BMW i5 Electric Motor and Performance The 2026 BMW i5 returns with the same three models it had last year. At the entry level, we have the rear-wheel drive i5 eDrive40. It gets 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, completing the zero to 60 mph dash in 5.7 seconds. Adding xDrive also gets you a small power bump. The 2026 BMW i5 xDrive40 makes 389 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque. It’s a bit quicker and shaves half a second from the zero to 60 mph time. The most performance-centric model of the i5 is the 2026 BMW i5 M60. Like the xDrive40 model, it uses dual motors and all-wheel drive. But here, the powertrain is juiced up to 590 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. It’s enough to dispatch the same zero to 60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds. Our M60 xDrive Touring review (not available in the US, sadly) showcased the model’s incredible speed and impressive suspension. 2026 BMW i5 Charging and Range Although power figures remain unchanged, range improves for the standard 2026 BMW i5. Range for the standard i5 eDrive40 increases to a BMW-estimated 278-310 miles, increasing from last year’s estimate of between 271 and 295 miles. xDrive models can make it between 259 and 278 miles on a full charge, an increase of at most 12 miles. The M60’s range estimates are unchanged from last year, so expect between 239 and 253 miles of range. The change in range comes from new silicon carbide semiconductors and, apparently, revised wheel bearings. When it comes time to plug in, the i5 supports up to 11 kW on AC power for home or Level 2 setups, while DC fast charging tops out at 205 kW. That isn’t class-leading, but it’s still quick enough to restore the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about half an hour. Interior and Cargo Space The 2026 BMW i5 gets a slight revision inside, too. From March 2025, all models get a Harman Kardon sound system as standard, as well as added lumbar support. Gloss black switchgear adorns the door panels, which is a nice move upmarket. Unfortunate about the fingerprints, though. Finally, revised ambient lighting appears with the Interaction Bar, which features a crystalline design. There’s also a rad new Atlas Grey/Dark Violet upholstery scheme that wasn’t available last year. And a decidedly less rad but equally new Taupe/Atlas Grey interior. Both new color schemes only come in Merino leather (important: not Extended leather). In some ways, though, the BMW i5 remains pretty much the same as it was last year. It has 17.3 cubic feet of trunk space, and Veganza synthetic leather comes standard. Extended Merino Leather is a $2,450 upcharge. The Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof is just $600 as a standalone option, which we think is a better value than the power and rear sunshades that cost the same. Ventilated seats are $500 more, as are rear heated seats. Another important note is not to skip out on the optional four-zone automatic climate control if you care about rear seat comfort. It’s the best $650 you’ll ever spend. 2026 i5 Technology and Connectivity Standard tech is robust, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, MyBMW app integration, and natural voice commands that sync seamlessly with your smartphone. At the heart of it all is BMW’s iDrive 8.5 system, which drives a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 14.9-inch central display for a clean, modern cockpit. The Premium Package is a recommended add, bringing an interior camera and a crisp head-up display to the mix. Going Premium also adds a handful of driver aids, which we list in the next section. Safety and Driver Assistance Features The 2026 BMW i5 carries over the full suite of driver-assistance tech from its gas-powered 5 Series sibling. Standard features include Frontal Collision Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keeping Assistant, and BMW Assist. Want a 360-degree camera or self-parking powers? Those and other driver aids are locked behind the Premium Package, which also includes adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go. For those wanting more autonomy, the $2,500 Driving Assistance Professional Package adds Active Driving Assistant Pro for partially automated driving and Highway Assistant with the new Active Lane Change function. The latter enables lane changes with just a glance at the side mirror. 2026 BMW i5 Pricing Incredibly, BMW i5 pricing holds static year over year. The i5 eDrive40 starts at $67,100. It’s another $3,000 if you want xDrive and the extra power. Meanwhile, the M60 commands $84,100. The closest rivals are still likely the Lucid Air, which starts in the mid-$70k area, and the Genesis Electrified G80, which starts at around $76,000. The i5 is a great middle ground between the i4 and top dog i7 and, while expensive, is a good value for the segment. 2026 BMW i5: Our Take Not much to complain about here; the i5 gains a bunch of range and gains a bit of polish on the inside. What’s not to love? Considering the additional equipment and options — with no change to MSRP from last year — we think the i5 remains a must-drive for anyone serious about getting into an EV at this price point. FAQ How far can the 2026 BMW i5 go on a charge? The 2026 BMW i5 eDrive40 offers an estimated 278–310 miles of range, while the xDrive40 delivers 259–278 miles. The high-performance M60 achieves 239–253 miles. How much does the 2026 BMW i5 cost? Pricing is unchanged from 2025. The i5 eDrive40 starts at $67,100, the xDrive40 at $70,100, and the range-topping M60 at $84,100. What’s new for the 2026 BMW i5? Updates include slightly improved range, a new Frozen Portimao Blue paint option, Harman Kardon audio standard, revised ambient lighting, and new Merino leather color schemes. How fast is the 2026 BMW i5? The i5 eDrive40 reaches 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, the xDrive40 in 5.2 seconds, and the M60 in just 3.7 seconds. First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
BMW Is Flooding The Nurburgring With Prototypes: Spy Video
- 3 Series
- BMW M2
- BMW X5
- Videos
- i3 NA0
- M2 Track Package
- Neue Klasse
- nurburgring
- X5 G65
Whether it’s a mid-cycle facelift or a next-generation model, testing never really stops at BMW. A new spy video shot at the Nürburgring, the mecca of car testing for European automakers and beyond, proves just...
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Whether it’s a mid-cycle facelift or a next-generation model, testing never really stops at BMW. A new spy video shot at the Nürburgring, the mecca of car testing for European automakers and beyond, proves just that. Countless prototypes, some wearing heavy camouflage and concealing the famous roundel, have been spotted accumulating miles at the Green Hell. The footage shows a mix of current and future models, along with a surprising comeback for a car that’s been absent since 2021. Leading the BMW pack is a current-gen M2 fitted with the Track Package, visible from the 00:25 mark. This circuit-focused G87 has already been teased ahead of its release, scheduled for sometime next year. Its front canards and massive rear wing make it clear that M is serious about sharpening the M2’s claws for track-day enthusiasts. In the same fashion, the prototype reappears at 12:01, looking mighty quick as it attacks the Nürburgring’s challenging corners. Speaking of M2s, a mysterious first-generation example was also caught dancing around the circuit. The F87, wearing Munich plates, can be spotted at the 11:34 mark. Whether it belongs to BMW or a supplier remains unclear, but it’s intriguing to see a first-gen M2 back in action. Elsewhere, a fully electric i3 sedan was captured by the car paparazzi. The EV, codenamed “NA0,” shows up at 8:21 and again at 14:26. BMW plans to peel off the camouflage next year, with production scheduled in Munich from 2026. Essentially a sedan version of the iX3 debuting next week at the IAA Mobility Show, the i3 will echo the next-generation 3 Series Sedan (“G50”). The latter is expected to share much of its design inside and out with the EV. As BMW design boss Adrian van Hooydonk told us, combustion and electric models will broadly share styling cues. The same approach will also apply to the next-generation X5, featured at 11:20 and 13:00 in the video. This “G65” prototype seen at the Nürburgring packs a combustion engine. However, the purely electric iX5 will adopt nearly identical styling influenced by the Neue Klasse design language. BMW’s hydrogen fuel cell production model, confirmed for 2028, is also likely to be based on the new X5. Rumors suggest the luxury SUV could even spawn a range-extending version. It would pair the electric drive with a small gas engine acting as a generator. All told, this Nürburgring spy video is a solid reminder of just how much BMW has in the pipeline. We’re eager to see these models hit the road, but perhaps even more so the rumored “Rugged” project aimed squarely at off-road enthusiasts. Video: statesidesupercars / YouTube First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
BMW Tuner Builds Its Own M2 CS With Way More Power
- BMW M2
- Tuning
- Dahler
- G87
- m2 g87
The M2 CS is the latest M car poised to wreck your budget. Priced at around $100,000 in the United States, before options, and a steep €115,000 in Germany, it’s hardly a bargain. That’s where...
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The M2 CS is the latest M car poised to wreck your budget. Priced at around $100,000 in the United States, before options, and a steep €115,000 in Germany, it’s hardly a bargain. That’s where dAHLer steps in, tempting enthusiasts with upgrades for the standard M2 as a more attainable alternative. The Swiss tuner is introducing a Stage 2 kit for the compact M car, coaxing its twin-turbo inline-six to deliver serious firepower. The 3.0-liter unit now produces 638 hp and 780 Nm (575 lb-ft) of torque, leaving the stock M2 CS in the dust. dAHLer also removes the electronic top-speed limiter, allowing the coupe to soar past 186 mph (300 km/h). The upgrades go well beyond the “S58” engine. This M2 sits on forged 21-inch wheels wrapped in 275/25 front and 305/25 rear tires. A lowered ride height, 28 millimeters (1.1 inches) at the front and 20 millimeters (0.8 inches) at the rear, sharpens its stance. A four-way adjustable coilover suspension and uprated brake pads are also available for improved handling and stopping power. At the back, a new stainless steel exhaust system with quad tips measuring 100 or 108 millimeters in diameter takes center stage. It comes with a bi-flap setup, a ceramic-coated matte black finish, and a soundtrack to match the car’s newfound aggression. Weight reduction is also on the menu, addressing a common criticism of the latest M2 CS. A carbon fiber hood, not present on the new car, has been fitted. As a reminder, the old F87 had a carbon hood. But dAHLer didn’t stop there. Carbon fiber extends to the vented front fenders. It continues throughout a wider body package, which includes a front spoiler add-on, a large rear wing, a carbon kidney grille, and a matching rear diffuser. If you’d rather wait for BMW to deliver an extreme M2 straight from the factory, patience may pay off. A CSL is a real possibility, though it won’t arrive before the increasingly likely xDrive version expected next year. Photos: dAHLer First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
BMW Is Bringing Five Art Cars To The 2025 Goodwood Revival
- News
- BMW Art Cars
- goodwood revival
It’s been half a century since Alexander Calder’s BMW 3.0 CSL inaugurated the Art Car series. The collection has since expanded to include 19 additional rolling sculptures, five of which are scheduled to appear at...
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It’s been half a century since Alexander Calder’s BMW 3.0 CSL inaugurated the Art Car series. The collection has since expanded to include 19 additional rolling sculptures, five of which are scheduled to appear at the Goodwood Revival. These special vehicles will be displayed together from September 12 to 14 during the Earls Court Motor Show. Every artist invited to create an Art Car was given complete freedom by BMW to express their vision, resulting in truly unique projects. The oldest on display will be Frank Stella’s 3.0 CSL from 1976, the second official Art Car. It will be joined by Roy Lichtenstein’s 320i Turbo from 1977, based on the E21 platform. We’d like to mention that it’s a fitting highlight, as the original 3 Series also celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. BMW’s showcase will also feature Ernst Fuchs’s 635 CSi from 1982, the fifth Art Car in the series and the first based on a street car. Seventeen years later, David Hockney contributed the 14th entry with his 1995 850 CSi, famously featuring the outline of a driver sketched onto the door. Bringing things closer to the present, Jeff Koons’s vibrant 2010 M3 GT2 will round off the lineup. Goodwood Revival is one stop in BMW’s ongoing Art Car World Tour, launched this past March in Europe. Around the same time, the Asian tour commenced with Julie Mehretu’s M Hybrid V8. The latest entry in the long-running series from 2024 will also be displayed at Contemporary Istanbul between September 24 and 28, alongside Calder’s CSL. Although 2025 officially marks 50 years of the Art Car program, BMW plans to extend the tour well into next year. Stops include Vienna, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Dubai, Shanghai, Zurich, Taipei, Stockholm, Bratislava, Cernobbio, Munich, Båstad, The Hague, and Istanbul, with more locations to be added. For the latest schedule, follow the official BMW Group Culture account on Instagram. As for which one we’d like to see the most, it would probably have to be Andy Warhol’s 1979 M1. First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
First Ride in the Bovensiepen Zagato – Rarest BMW at Pebble Beach
- BMW M4
- News
- Videos
- Andreas Bovensiepen
- Bovensiepen
Every year, Monterey Car Week delivers a parade of one-offs, concepts, and ultra-rare machines. But few had people craning their necks quite like the Bovensiepen Zagato. Even better, we didn’t just get to see it...
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Every year, Monterey Car Week delivers a parade of one-offs, concepts, and ultra-rare machines. But few had people craning their necks quite like the Bovensiepen Zagato. Even better, we didn’t just get to see it parked on the Concept Lawn or at The Quail — we scored a world-exclusive ride with Andreas Bovensiepen himself, the man behind the car and the former CEO of ALPINA. A New Chapter for the Bovensiepen Name For BMW enthusiasts, the Bovensiepen name is inseparable from ALPINA. Founded by Andreas’ father and guided into the modern era by Andreas, the small Buchloe-based company built some of the most characterful performance BMWs ever made. When BMW officially acquired ALPINA in 2022, many wondered what Andreas would do next. The answer, it seems, is this: a bold collaboration with Zagato, the legendary Italian coachbuilder. The car takes the bones of the BMW M4 Convertible and reshapes them into something entirely different. Carbon-fiber body panels, a trademark “double-bubble” roof, and a sleeker silhouette give it presence that the standard M4 can’t match. More Than an M4 in a Fancy Suit At first glance, you might think this is just an M4 in couture clothing. It isn’t. Under the hood, the familiar S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six has been turned up past 600 horsepower, giving it performance to back up its dramatic lines. Top speed? North of 300 km/h. Inside, it’s a mix of familiar BMW ergonomics with bespoke details that set it apart. Think of it less as a production car and more as a hand-built GT, aimed at collectors who want something no showroom can offer. Riding with Andreas Bovensiepen Our ride took place on the winding roads of Pebble Beach, the kind of scenery that makes any car feel special. Sliding into the passenger seat next to Andreas Bovensiepen added weight to the occasion. Andreas isn’t your typical car executive. He’s the man who helped turn ALPINA into a cult favorite among BMW fans — and as a former 24 Hours of Nürburgring winner, he knows performance from behind the wheel too. Now, he’s channeling that experience into something entirely new. As we rolled through the pines and along the Pacific, Andreas spoke about why projects like this matter. In his words, it’s about keeping the art of coachbuilding alive, blending German engineering with Italian creativity. Hearing that while watching the Zagato’s long hood stretch out ahead gave the car context that no spec sheet ever could. And the sound? The Akrapovič exhaust gave it a deeper, harder edge than the standard M4 Convertible. You could hear the difference right away. Along the roadside, people turned their heads and pulled out their phones — proof the Zagato draws just as much attention in motion as it does parked. Emotions And Cars Still Go Together Among the dozens of unveilings and concepts during Monterey Car Week, the Bovensiepen Zagato stood out because it felt personal. A passion project. A reminder that, in an era of software-defined cars and EV prototypes, there’s still room for something hand-crafted and emotional. And for us, the chance to ride in it — with Andreas Bovensiepen at the wheel — was more than just a Car Week highlight. It was a glimpse at what happens when heritage, design, and performance collide. Watch our exclusive ride with Andreas Bovensiepen in the Zagato below: First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
BMW Group Reaches 3 Million Electrified Vehicles Sold
- News
- BMW electric cars
- electric cars
BMW has reached another milestone in its shift toward electrification. The company delivered its three millionth vehicle with an electrified drivetrain, marked by the handover of a 3 Series plug-in hybrid built at the Munich...
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BMW has reached another milestone in its shift toward electrification. The company delivered its three millionth vehicle with an electrified drivetrain, marked by the handover of a 3 Series plug-in hybrid built at the Munich plant. The record was set thanks to a strong first half of 2025, with sales of both fully electric cars and plug-in hybrids continuing to climb. According to Jochen Goller, BMW Board Member for Customer, Brands, and Sales, more than one in four BMW Group vehicles sold globally in the first six months of the year was electrified. European Market Share Europe remains the strongest region for BMW’s electrified models. More than 60 percent of the company’s global electrified deliveries went to European customers, where plug-in hybrids have seen renewed demand. Across the continent, electrified vehicles now make up over 40 percent of BMW’s total sales. In the U.S., BMW sold 24,632 BEVs in the first six months of 2025, slightly down from 24,794 units in the same period last year—a 0.7% year-over-year decrease. This announcement follows another significant marker earlier in the summer. In July, BMW reported the delivery of its 1.5 millionth fully electric car—a MINI Countryman built in Leipzig and sold to a customer in Portugal. Since the i3 launched over a decade ago, BMW’s fully electric sales have stretched far enough to line up more than 6,500 kilometers—about the distance between Munich and New York. Expanding Lineup The BMW Group now offers more than 15 fully electric models and over 10 plug-in hybrids across BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce. Recent updates, such as the BMW iX with a WLTP range of over 700 kilometers, underline the breadth of the current lineup. More electric models are on the way with the BMW iX3 Neue Klasse being just two weeks ago from its unveil. First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
Audi A7 and S7 Axed: Why BMW 7 Series Stands to Win Big
- 7 Series
- audi a6
- Audi RS7
- bmw-7-series
The full-size sedan is on its way out, and the Audi A7 and S7 have become the latest casualty in the war against comfy five-seaters. The Ingolstadt-based automaker has reportedly dropped most of the A7...
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The full-size sedan is on its way out, and the Audi A7 and S7 have become the latest casualty in the war against comfy five-seaters. The Ingolstadt-based automaker has reportedly dropped most of the A7 line from the lineup in the US. Instead, US shoppers will choose between a pared down lineup consisting of the A6 and red-hot RS 7. While this is potentially bad news for fans of the four-ring brand, this is likely very good news for BMW. Audi Shrinks Its Sedan Lineup Audi’s decision to shrink its lineup at the top end reflects repositioning the brand made down market. The Audi A4 folded into the Audi A5, rivaling the BMW 3 Series as one. That was originally a move to better distinguish the brand’s electric models (even-numbered cars will be electric). However, despite being announced in 2023, less than two years later, the brand backtracked on that initial plan and introduced a gas-powered A6. After 2025, Audi’s top-end offerings shrink to just the RS 7 and the A6. With less than 3,000 A7 models sold in the last year and a half, it’s not an altogether surprising move. By comparison 5,707 BMW 7 Series found new homes in 2025 alone. While Audi condenses the lineup in the name of simplification, that’s certainly not the approach BMW has — apparently successfully — taken. The BMW 7 Series, now in the 2026 model year, is available in no less than 7 different guises. Ranging from exclusively gas-powered models like the 740i and 760i xDrive to fully electric i7 models and a hybrid BMW 750e xDrive, you can order a BMW 7 Series in nearly any fashion you’d like. Shoppers in the segment are used to getting what they want; so having a variety of powertrains just makes sense. Pricing Gap Leaves Room for BMW to Dominate the Luxury Sedan Market There’s another issue with Audi’s strategy here — price. While the BMW 7 Series is costly, starting at around $100,000 before you add a single option, it covers a huge spread. Top-line models can scratch $200,000, with a model slotting in at nearly every $10,000 interval between the two points. The Audi A7 started at $72,000 and the S7 at $85,700, which made them excellent alternatives for shoppers at the lower end of the 7 Series scale. The rejiggered lineup sees the Audi RS 7 at $132,000 and the Audi A6 somewhere around $70,000 — much closer to a 5 Series fighter than the would-be king of the hill. There’s always the A8 — Audi’s true answer to the 7 Series — but that commands a price much closer to the 7 Series. The relative “bargain” of the A7/S7 disappears. Ultimately, we think Audi’s move will bolster both A6 sales and BMW 7 Series sales. With one less competitor at the top of the ladder, BMW’s 7er can continue to dominate the full-size luxury sedan segment. Meanwhile, A6 shoppers will enjoy its positioning closer to the “top” of the Audi lineup, and the new A6 (which also ostensibly fights the BMW 5 Series) will be the only choice for loyalists that can’t afford or don’t want the high-performance RS 7. Or find the A8 a dubious value. Of course…some of those shoppers will likely simply move over to BMW, too. Since Mercedes doesn’t break down sales by model, we’re unsure how the S Class fits into the equation. But considering BMW leads US sales among the Germans — already selling 36,000 more units than Merc in the first half of the year — we doubt BMW is very worried. It looks like the BMW 7 Series may be the once and future king of the full-size luxury car segment. Source: Automotive News First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
How BMW’s “Joy” Slogan Divided Fans But Boosted Sales
- Interesting
- BMW marketing
Marketing is a tough gig. You have to walk the line between attention-getting and enduring, keeping it catchy without getting too kitsch. BMW hit gold with “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” which arrived in the 1970s...
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Marketing is a tough gig. You have to walk the line between attention-getting and enduring, keeping it catchy without getting too kitsch. BMW hit gold with “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” which arrived in the 1970s courtesy of marketing whiz Martin Puris. It is still widely used today. But there’s another tenet of the brand, decidedly less well known and, in its time, quite controversial. Which is a bit ironic; considering it largely hovers around one simple word: “Joy.” Why and How? BMW Introduces “Joy” The famous slogan — “The Ultimate Driving Machine” — was aging by the early 1990s. Munich was witnessing a sales slowdown, at least relative to their rampant success in the 1970s and 1980s, and decided new marketing was the best way to get out of the slump. “There was even a request of me to drop The Ultimate Driving Machine,” claims Carl Flesher, BMW North America’s Marketing Director at the time. BMW AG set its sights on introducing a variant of “Joy of Driving,” or “Freude am Fahren,” to the US. Flesher refused, and — wouldn’t you know it — was reassigned elsewhere in the organization by 1992. But it would still take 15 years before the brand arrived at “Joy.” As the world economy ground — er, slammed — to a halt in early 2008, BMW NA’s sales similarly nosedived. After selling damn near 300,000 cars in early 2007, the brand managed to move just 195,502 units in 2009. Management shook things up, moving BMW NA CEO Tom Purves to Rolls-Royce and, in the process, removing the last hurdle marketing had to introducing the concept of “Joy” to the American market. “Purves always said that ‘joy’ was not the ideal translation for ‘freude,’” says Patrick McKenna, in-period Head of Marketing Communications for BMW NA. “He was always pretty staunchly against using the word joy in communications.” The new boss — Jim O’Donnell — did not feel the same way. In fact, with the global financial crisis ongoing, he was, if anything, incentivized to find one global marketing solution to keep costs low. The tag became a presence in the US beginning with the Superbowl in February 2010. “Joy” in Marketing, Joy in Driving Joy launched, but enthusiasts winced. “Within days,” according to BMW, complaints began. Journalists lambasted the brand for abandoning, as Peter DeLorenzo put it, “one of the most memorable and accurately descriptive advertising themes in automotive history.” Jack Pitney was VP of Marketing at the time, and he defended the campaign. He claimed that independent research painted a bleak opinion of BMW drivers, with people often equating them with aggression and arrogance. “We’re working to be more inclusive and add a bit more humanity in the way we talk about the brand,” he said. He claimed it seemed to be helping and bringing more new customers into the brand. The data indicates that he was right — BMW moved 220,113 cars in 2010. Perhaps unsurprisingly, BMW enthusiasts and loyalists were not as enthused. Pitney received death threats for “changing the slogan” — even though “The Ultimate Driving Machine” was still running concurrently with the new “Joy” campaign. Even dealers at the time were curious why the famous tagline was being “replaced.” I’ve been shocked, almost horrified, by the number of dealers who’ve come up to me and said, ‘What the hell is this? You’re giving up The Ultimate Driving Machine?’” Joy has resurfaced as a theme since 2010. Most recently, the “Heart of Joy” leans in. Unchanged, perhaps forever, is the brand’s reliance on “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” While joy may be an apt descriptor for the BMW driving experience, it’s certainly no replacement for a classic. Source: BMW USA First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
BMW Endorses Colorful 7 Series For Art Show
- 7 Series
- Frieze Seoul
- i7 M70
Spy photos have shown that BMW is hard at work preparing a facelift for its flagship car, while retaining the split headlights. In the meantime, it continues to pamper the current 7 Series. The luxury automaker has...
First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
Spy photos have shown that BMW is hard at work preparing a facelift for its flagship car, while retaining the split headlights. In the meantime, it continues to pamper the current 7 Series. The luxury automaker has partnered with Korean artist Lee Kun-Yong to give the electric sedan a colorful makeover. This i7 M Performance model wears a bold wrap created for Frieze Seoul 2025, taking place September 3 to 6 in the Gangnam district. Although not an official art car per se, the M Hybrid V8 remains the latest; this i7 M70 also serves as a canvas on wheels. The 83-year-old artist adapted his “Bodyscape” series, begun in 1976, for the stately EV with the roundel. Describing his latest work, the Sariwon-born artist said: “I firmly believe that art can be the bridge between different objects, different people and even different perspectives. Through this new collaboration, I hope to create new encounters and connections through art, and I am excited to see how this link between art and technology will develop.” BMW is once again an official partner of the Frieze Seoul art show. Last year, it marked the event with a special-edition 7 Series, also an i7, though in xDrive60 guise rather than the hotter M70. Alongside the limited-run car at the Convention and Exhibition Center (COEX), BMW also unveiled the i7 Miniature Edition: 14 tiny cars inspired by video games, rap album covers, and other themes. For 2025, BMW will again provide VIP shuttle service at the show. Additionally, miniatures of 18 Art cars will be on display during the event. South Korea is a major market for the brand, ranking as the BMW Group’s fifth largest. In the past two years, it was the top automotive importer in the country. BMW South Korea celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Art Car series. This striking i7 M70 brings the two milestones together in fitting style. Photos: BMW First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
Father And Son Spent 14 Years To Build This Epic BMW 3 Series
- 3 Series
- Tuning
- 3 series e21
- E21
- E21 3 Series
A labor of love from a father-and-son duo, this BMW 3 Series is racking up awards. Built on a 1982 E21 chassis, the “rally” car has already triumphed in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK....
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A labor of love from a father-and-son duo, this BMW 3 Series is racking up awards. Built on a 1982 E21 chassis, the “rally” car has already triumphed in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK. The Essex-based team beat more than 200 entrants and is now advancing to the European final. If it succeeds there, it will move on to the Global Grand Finale for a chance to be immortalized as a 1:64-scale die-cast model that you could buy. Paul and Ethan Foster have been refining their pet project for 14 years as a tribute to Group 2. This first-generation 3 Series tips the scales at just 900 kilograms (under 2,000 pounds) and features a genuine Group 5-spec rear wing. The aero piece has been modified with a carbon blade for added downforce and greater visual drama. Its bulging fenders form part of a fiberglass widebody kit, but everything else remains steel. That includes the vented hood with elegant cooling slots. Purists, however, may balk at what’s under the hood. Instead of a BMW powerplant, this first-gen 3 Series hides a Rover 5.0-liter V8. Sacrilegious, perhaps, but the payoff is 420 horsepower to the rear wheels. It’s a staggering jump from the original range-topping 323i, which managed just 141 hp from its inline-six. Power is delivered through a DTM-spec Getrag gearbox and a Quaife limited-slip differential. Elsewhere, the car is packed with details that make it stand out. We’re talking about the side exhaust, stripped-down interior, a chunky rear diffuser, and 15-inch wheels with turbofan covers. Wrapped in meaty 345/35/R15 rubber at the rear and skinnier 245/45/R15 tires up front, the wheels are complemented by modern Wilwood brakes and Gaz coilovers. With the 3 Series celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, it’s a fitting coincidence that this heavily modified E21 is in the spotlight. Dressed in BMW’s signature M colors of blue, violet, and red, it may look like a life-size Hot Wheels car, but it’s no toy. Whether it becomes a 1:64 die-cast model sold worldwide remains to be seen, given the fierce competition. The Global Grand Finale takes place in November. First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
BMW X3 M50 Loaded With M Performance Parts Stands Out
- BMW X3
- G45 X3
- M Performance Parts
We’ll admit an X3 in Brooklyn Grey isn’t necessarily among the most desirable BMWs. However, this is far from a regular “G45.” For starters, it’s the hotter M Performance model, as indicated by its quad...
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We’ll admit an X3 in Brooklyn Grey isn’t necessarily among the most desirable BMWs. However, this is far from a regular “G45.” For starters, it’s the hotter M Performance model, as indicated by its quad exhaust system. The carbon fiber finishers for those four tips are part of a broader array of upgrades not available in the standard configurator, as they come exclusively through the M Performance Parts catalog. BMW UK is giving us a rare glimpse of an X3 M50 fitted with 22-inch wheels. Yes, the X3 has grown so much over the years that 22-inch alloys no longer seem excessive, or do they? The two-tone set, codenamed “1134 M,” is listed at €5,500 on BMW’s German website and comes with 255/35R22 front and 285/30R22 rear tires. The beefy wheel setup certainly gives the X3 more presence, even if it’s still not a full-fat M. The new wheels may not even be the boldest exterior upgrade. At the back, the roof-edge rear spoiler arguably sticks out more than it should. Finished in high-gloss black with a split layout, it’s not just for show. BMW claims it brings real aerodynamic benefits. We’ll take their word for it. The glossy black treatment continues across the M Performance rear bumper trim and front splitter, tying the look together. As a finishing touch, the M Performance Parts sticker at the top of the windshield harks back to tuned cars from the 1980s and 1990s. You might be tempted to say this X3 M50 has all the bells and whistles, but that’s not quite true. It’s missing the matte black side decals along the doors, as well as the aramid roof antenna. Still, even without those trinkets, this “G45” build illustrates how costly a fully kitted-out configuration can get. BMW is unlikely to push the X3 any further. A full-blown M version isn’t planned, but a true M variant of the electric iX3 is expected. That model should be among the first hot EVs from BMW M, joining the M3 “ZA0,” which was spotted earlier this week without a combustion engine. [Photos: @tim1king] First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
BMW Canada Brings Back U.S.-Built X3, X5 Despite 31% Tariffs
- News
- bmw canada
- BMW X3
- BMW X5
- tariffs
BMW Canada is preparing to restart imports of its U.S.-built SUVs, even though those vehicles face one of the steepest tariff penalties in the auto industry. According to Automotive News, dealers in Canada say shipments...
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BMW Canada is preparing to restart imports of its U.S.-built SUVs, even though those vehicles face one of the steepest tariff penalties in the auto industry. According to Automotive News, dealers in Canada say shipments of the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM from BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina will resume in the coming weeks. Deliveries stopped this spring after Ottawa responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariff on global vehicle imports with its own 25 per cent levy on American-built cars. The pause quickly drained inventory. Several retailers said their supply of Spartanburg-built models is now almost gone, leaving them with little to offer in BMW’s most popular segment. The X1 and X2, built outside the U.S., remain unaffected. BMW Canada declined to confirm the restart directly. In a written statement for Automotive News, spokesperson Barb Pitblado said the company is “actively exploring multiple avenues to ensure steady vehicle supply” but offered no further detail. Core Products Caught in Tariff Dispute The halt cut deep into BMW’s Canadian lineup. The X3 and X5 were the brand’s two best-selling models in 2024, with 7,128 and 4,489 units sold, according to the Automotive News Research & Data Center. U.S.-assembled vehicles made up nearly half of the company’s Canadian volume that year. By the second quarter of 2025, sales of the X3 and X5 had fallen 25 per cent year over year. U.S.-built models accounted for 38.3 per cent of BMW Canada’s total sales in the quarter, down from 51.1 per cent a year earlier. Growth From Overseas Models Despite the hit, BMW Canada still posted a 5.3 per cent overall sales increase in Q2. Imports from Europe — led by the X1, i4 and 3 Series — filled some of the gap. Dealers, however, stressed that the X3 and X5 remain the backbone of their business, often representing more than half of store volume. There are also signs that the Canadian market will gain one more model in the near future – the plug-in hybrid BMW X3 which is manufactured in South Africa. Resuming imports means absorbing a heavy tariff load. The Spartanburg-built X models do not qualify under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement because they contain only about one-third North American content. Engines and transmissions shipped in from Europe keep them far below the 75 per cent threshold, said Sam Fiorani, vice-president at AutoForecast Solutions. That leaves the vehicles exposed twice: first to U.S. tariffs of 25 per cent on imported components, and then to Canada’s 25 per cent countertariff plus a 6.1 per cent most-favored nation duty. Combined, the burden is roughly 31.1 per cent. On a $100,000 SUV, tariffs alone add around $31,100. Higher Prices Ahead To manage the costs, BMW Canada plans to raise prices across its entire lineup, dealers said. Instead of pushing the increases solely onto the U.S.-built models, the company will spread them evenly, meaning even tariff-free vehicles will see higher sticker prices. [Source: Automotive News] First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
BMW Brilliance Dadong Plant Hits 3.5 Million Cars, 5 Series at 2 Million
- News
- BMW Plants
- Dadong
BMW Brilliance Automotive’s Dadong plant in Shenyang, China, has crossed a major production milestone. On August 21, the factory passed 3.5 million vehicles built since opening in 2003. The milestone coincided with another figure: more...
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BMW Brilliance Automotive’s Dadong plant in Shenyang, China, has crossed a major production milestone. On August 21, the factory passed 3.5 million vehicles built since opening in 2003. The milestone coincided with another figure: more than 2 million units of the BMW 5 Series have now been produced locally. The 5 Series remains one of BMW’s strongest models in China, where it leads the premium executive sedan segment. The landmark car was a 5 Series Shadow Edition, nicknamed the “Black Warrior.” Plant Dadong was BMW’s first manufacturing site in China and has grown steadily over the past two decades. Today it produces the BMW 5 Series long-wheelbase, X3 and X5 long-wheelbase for the Chinese market. It is also the only factory worldwide that builds the fully electric BMW iX3 for global export. The plant has been upgraded in 2022 with extensive digital and automated systems. A platform called AI Quality Next uses cameras and AI analysis at more than 30 production stations to monitor assembly in real time and flag possible defects. Paint finishing is a particular focus. Each 5 Series is scanned with over 100,000 images to check light and shadow on the body surface before delivery. The system continues analyzing data outside of working hours to improve accuracy. Market Pressures The achievement comes as BMW faces a tougher environment in China. In 2024, BMW Brilliance sales dropped 15 percent to 603,800 vehicles, while exports fell by more than a third. Rising competition from domestic EV makers and weaker demand for combustion models are key factors. BMW recently appointed Birgit Böhm-Wannenwetsch as CEO of BMW Brilliance on August 1. Together with Plant Tiexi, the Shenyang production hub is on track to hit a combined output of 5 million vehicles later this year. Both plants are part of BMW’s iFACTORY plan, which emphasizes lean, green, and digitalized production. Dadong is now capable of producing combustion, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles on the same line, giving the company flexibility as China’s market shifts. First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
2026 Audi Q3 Sportback vs. BMW X2: Design, Tech, Interior, and Performance Compared
- BMW X2
- 2025 BMW X2
- audi q3
- bmw x2
- U10
- U10 X2
With Audi just pulling the wraps off its bold new Q3 Sportback, the premium coupe-SUV segment is heating up again. Few rivals capture this trend better than the BMW X2 and Audi’s latest entry, both...
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