Autos

The Land Rover Defender is one of the best SUVs in the world — just read HYPEBEAST’s Open Road review if you need reminding — and now the marque has launched another special edition dubbed the “URBANIGHT ’22.” Based on the 2022 iteration of the Defender, which offers the very latest specification of technology and interior upgrades, this “URBANIGHT” spec is exclusive to Japan and comes in “Carpathian Gray” or “Silicon Silver.” The extended black pack comes as standard, meaning you get black badging, exterior trim, and 22″ rims also in black alongside black brake calipers, and this can all be applied to both the Defender 90 three-door and the Defender 110 five-door. Inside, you’ll find the upgraded tech pack...

DRIVERS is a series highlighting influential individuals in the HYPEBEAST sphere and their passion towards all things automotive. The approach is simple: what is car culture to you, and why do you have a passion for it? Each contributor is given a chance to shine light on their personal vehicle or vehicles, and asked to remark on how they are driving culture forward, both metaphorically and literally. A legend has arrived: for this week’s DRIVERS, we’re excited to feature the one and only Magnus Walker. In the illustrious world of automotive enthusiasts, there are car collectors, and then there’s Magnus. For ages now, the 54-year-old former fashion designer has become the man to know if you were getting into collectible cars and car culture. From Porsches and Ferraris to ...

Automotive dealership Dick Lovett has ranked the most popular car brands that appear in hip-hop music videos using the music video database from the Internet Movie Cars Database (IMCDB). Chevrolet came out on top as the most popular car manufacturer in the industry, with 1,176 total cars in music videos and the Camaro making the most appearances. The study noted that the Corvette increased in popularity in recent years after the release of Popp Hunna’s “Adderall” featuring Lil Uzi Vert. The track went viral on TikTok and users posted millions of videos dancing to its “Corvette, Corvette” lyrics. Closely behind Chevrolet, Ford followed, with 1,064 cars in videos, which researchers attributed to the Police Interceptor being used within hip-hop music storylines. The ensuing manufacturers, in ...

Ford unveiled the very first Mustang in 1964, but it took until 2015 for the model to finally come to the U.K. as a right-hand-drive alternative. Now, the American muscle car’s drop-top iteration, dubbed the “California Special,” has landed on the other side of the pond. Thankfully, the new convertible is available exclusively as a V8 as opposed to the EcoBoost offering that Brits also get. As a result, the “California Special” packs 450 PS and 529 Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-62 MPH time of 4.8 seconds with the rev-matching six-speed manual or 4.5 seconds with Ford’s 10-speed automatic. While purists may prefer the manual, the automatic might make the most sense in the U.K. as it also comes with drive modes ranging from Normal, Sport, and Track to a m...

Mercedes-Benz is bringing back the G-Wagon, but this time it’ll return as a special edition release. Limited to just 200 units made across the globe, the new G-Class Edition 550 will be available in Jupiter Red, Arabian Grey and an exclusive Manufaktur shade called Moonlight White. The car itself is based on the non-AMG G550 model, which gives it a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine pushing out 416 horsepower. Unlike the standard models, however, the Edition 550 will also come with black lower trim for a more tactical aesthetic along with 20-inch AMG 14-spoke wheels in black that previously came as an upgrade option. On the inside, the new G-Wagon takes on a two-tone Nappa leather upholstery paired with a sportier carbon-fiber trim. You’ll be able to opt for massaging front seats t...

Bonhams has just announced that its rare 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder with coachwork by Wendler has just sold for an impressive $4,185,000 USD at Amelia Island. This iconic classic car — chassis no. 550-0036 — is arguable one of Porsches most important models ever developed, and with its limited production and age, continues to rise in price with each auction appearance. This particular example was owned by a devoted Porsche collector for over 50 years where it saw a past life of racing outings at Nürburgring, AVUS, and Hockenheim. The most recent owner purchased the car in 1972 where it was largely complete minus the engine. This was quickly addressed where a correct Type 547 four-cam engine — engine no. 90-034 — was sourced, rebuilt by legendary four-cam engine builder...

Familiar friends Brabus and Mercedes-AMG are back together for yet another wildly-tuned car, this time around taking the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ and modifying it inside and out to deliver a 900 HP rocketship. With its stock yet more-than-capable all-wheel-drive system and its newfound power, which also includes a total of 1,250 Nm of peak torque, the E 63 S now launches to 62 MPH in just 2.8 seconds before going onto a top speed of 205 MPH, which is limited to stop the tires from wearing out. As a result, it’s a bonafide supercar killer, all while maintaining the ability to seat four in luxury and comfort. To complement the power, Brabus has developed a special carbon fiber aerodynamic kit that fits the car all around. There’s a new carbon diffuser — housing a new set...

Tom Hanks is a well-known car fanatic, having previously owned eclectic models such as the Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, a 1992 AirStream, and an eBox, but now one of his most beloved cars is up for auction for charity on Bring a Trailer — namely, his 1974 Polski Fiat 126p. While not to everyone’s taste, the Fiat 126p is undeniably iconic and quintessentially Italian. As a result, it’s naturally loveable, which is only enhanced by Hanks’ version of the car which is finished in white over a custom green interior. It’s a quaint machine, sporting chrome bumpers, rectangular headlights, 12″ steelies, aluminum and wood interior trims, typewriter-key switchgear, and special badging that is all evocative of the ’70s. “Bielsko-Biała for Tom Hanks” ...

Québec’s Widescape has just unveiled its latest invention in the form of the original stand-up snowmobile. A more compact and agile form of traveling in the snow, the Widescape WS250 weighs 200 pounds, and is powered by a fuel-efficient and quiet four-stroke 242-cc engine with a fuel consumption of 3 L/H. Riders will take a standing position on the anti-slip platform where they lean into every curve for a more physical and engaging ride. Weidescape says it takes roughly 15 minutes to get used to. Priced at $8,149 CAD (approximately $6,400 USD), pre-orders are available now over at the Widescape site. In other automotive news, the cargo ship carrying Lamborghinis, Porsches, Bentleys, and Audis has sunk in the Atlantic Ocean. Read more at HYPEBEAST

It’s no secret that Post Malone is a car fanatic, with models such as the Ford GT, Lamborghini Aventador SV, Shelby F-150 Super Snake, a couple of Rolls-Royces, and a Bugatti Chiron all taking center stage in his garage. Now, the all-white Chiron he bought in 2019 is up for sale, and in true Post Malone fashion, it’s anything but subtle. A fresh and untouched Chiron is $3.3M USD from Bugatti, but this example cost a fair bit more when Post Malone got his hands on it. Adding “Caractere” wheels that cost $64,000 USD, as well as black calipers for $6,400 USD, silver mesh on the front and rear grilles for $38,200 USD, $32,000 USD “Comfort” seats, and $10,900 USD’s worth of aluminum interior inlays, the option list totals more than $150,000 USD and make...

Sony and Honda have formed a strategic alliance to build electric vehicles together. Announced today, the companies said that they have signed a memorandum of understanding and aim to “create a new era of mobility and mobility services.” Through the joint venture, Sony and Honda will focus on the development and sales of high-value EVs. Right now, the corporations are negotiating a number of specific definitive binding agreements but plan to establish a new company within 2022. “This alliance aims to bring together Honda’s mobility development capabilities, vehicle body manufacturing technology and after-sales service management experience cultivated over many years, with Sony’s expertise in the development and application of imaging, sensing, telecommunication, network, and en...

In hopes of becoming more competitive against both conventional automakers and new electric vehicle producers, Ford is now splitting its business into two, one focusing specifically on EVs and one on vehicles carrying internal combustion engines (ICE). The new decision comes as part of the American automaker’s wider Ford+ business strategy and will give the company a leg up in creating more specialized vehicles for their target market. The EV division will be named Ford Model e, while the ICE unit will be renamed to Ford Blue. According to Ford, Model e will concentrate on developing high-tech solutions to create better electric vehicles as most of the world moves into an all-electric future, and company chief Jim Farley will be serving as president, accompanied by Tesla and Apple ve...