Autos

Rolls-Royce‘s all-electric “Spirit of Innovation” aircraft hit a maximum speed of 623 km/h (387.4 mph) last week, likely setting a new world record as the fastest all-electric aircraft. The company said in a press release that it has submitted data to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), a global body that controls and certifies world aeronautical and astronautical records. The previous top speed reached by an all-electric aircraft over 3 kilometers was 213.04 km/h (132mph), while Spirit of Innovation achieved 555 km/h (345.4 mph) over 3 kilometers at the U.K. Ministry of Defense’s Boscombe Down experimental aircraft testing site last week. During its runs, the aircraft achieved a speed of 532.1km/h (330 mph) over 15 kilometers — 55% faster than the previous record...

Rolls-Royce‘s all-electric “Spirit of Innovation” aircraft hit a maximum speed of 623 km/h (387.4 mph) last week, likely setting a new world record as the fastest all-electric aircraft. The company said in a press release that it has submitted data to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), a global body that controls and certifies world aeronautical and astronautical records. The previous top speed reached by an all-electric aircraft over 3 kilometers was 213.04 km/h (132mph), while Spirit of Innovation achieved 555 km/h (345.4 mph) over 3 kilometers at the U.K. Ministry of Defense’s Boscombe Down experimental aircraft testing site last week. During its runs, the aircraft achieved a speed of 532.1km/h (330 mph) over 15 kilometers — 55% faster than the previous record...

It’s been quite the month for the German marque Porsche, having released its track-ready 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport and road-going counterpart, and of course the new-gen 911 earlier this year, but now it’s put the focus back on its electric car, the Taycan, with the announcement of a GTS spec. Sitting between the ‘entry-level’ Taycan 4s and top-spec Turbo iteration, the GTS Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo are described as being the range’s sweet spot. This sporty all-rounder comes with 598 PS, which is good for a 0-62 MPH time of 3.7 seconds in both body forms and a top speed of 155 MPH. The general range is 263 to 313 miles, depending on just how hard you push the car and in what environment you are driving in, but ultimately these figures make for the first...

It’s been quite the month for the German marque Porsche, having released its track-ready 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport and road-going counterpart, and of course the new-gen 911 earlier this year, but now it’s put the focus back on its electric car, the Taycan, with the announcement of a GTS spec. Sitting between the ‘entry-level’ Taycan 4s and top-spec Turbo iteration, the GTS Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo are described as being the range’s sweet spot. This sporty all-rounder comes with 598 PS, which is good for a 0-62 MPH time of 3.7 seconds in both body forms and a top speed of 155 MPH. The general range is 263 to 313 miles, depending on just how hard you push the car and in what environment you are driving in, but ultimately these figures make for the first...

It comes as no surprise that the automotive industry will inevitably turn its back on internal combustion engines (ICE) in favor of electrification, but for the likes of Dodge — one of the hallmarks of good ol’ American muscle — to announce it too will join the EV club, may come as a shock to some. However, there may be light at the end of the tunnel if Dodge has anything to do with it. As The Verge reports, Dodge will not “sell electric cars, it will sell eMuscle” cars instead. By axing the Charger and Challenger by 2024, it makes way for a new era of muscle cars, ones that are powered by batteries. As recent times have shown, this may not be such a bad thing. The likes of Porsche and Audi have made waves in the performance electric car market, while Mercedes...

It comes as no surprise that the automotive industry will inevitably turn its back on internal combustion engines (ICE) in favor of electrification, but for the likes of Dodge — one of the hallmarks of good ol’ American muscle — to announce it too will join the EV club, may come as a shock to some. However, there may be light at the end of the tunnel if Dodge has anything to do with it. As The Verge reports, Dodge will not “sell electric cars, it will sell eMuscle” cars instead. By axing the Charger and Challenger by 2024, it makes way for a new era of muscle cars, ones that are powered by batteries. As recent times have shown, this may not be such a bad thing. The likes of Porsche and Audi have made waves in the performance electric car market, while Mercedes...

Toyo Tires recently introduced a custom hand-painted 1989 BMW E30 M3  by artist Joshua Vides at the SEMA 2021 Show in Las Vegas alongside more than 35 of its world-debut vehicles. The hand-painted livery takes inspiration from rally cars, with an excess of banners and racing iconography in Vides’ signature black and white style. A variety of Toyo Tires, BBS, Spunge, and RTI Racing logos are found throughout the body, and Vides name and racing number are drawn on the passenger door. Additional arrow and traffic cone motifs are found on the side mirrors and rear spoiler. The grail street-legal BMW was modified with a set of Toyo Proxes Sport A/S tires, red H&R Springs, and BBS RS wheels. Donut designs are laid throughout the showroom floor and across the adjacent walls to further V...

The U.K. government has officially announced that electric vehicle charging stations will be required for all new businesses and new homes starting in 2022. The latest mandate helps to push forward the EV agenda in the country by adding approximately 145,000 extra charging points per year. As more and more European countries are looking towards moving their communities towards reducing fossil fuel, the U.K. is taking one of its first major steps towards the goal. According to the government press release, “This will mean people can buy new properties already ready for an electric vehicle future while ensuring charge points are readily available at new shops and workplaces across the U.K. — making it as easy as refueling petrol or diesel car today.” The U.K. government has recen...

Earlier this month, Porsche unveiled its hardest iteration of the 718 Cayman thus far — the GT4 RS — and now it takes the car one step further by introducing the new Clubsport model. To give it its full name, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is the German marque’s answer to conquering the track. If you thought that the road-going version was capable of doing just that, you’re not wrong, it’s just that the Clubsport has been specifically revised for track-only use. As a result, the 911 GT3 Cup car-sourced four-liter flat-six mid-mounted engine produces 500 PS and sends that power to the rear wheels via a seven-speed PDK automatic transmission, which has shorter gear ratios than the previous Clubsport model and also the road-going car for a truly rapid dr...

Genesis has just released the all-electric version of the premium GV70 SUV at this year’s Auto Guangzhou show. The Electrified GV70 maintains the GV70 spacious and luxurious build but updates the vehicle with technology and an electric All-Wheel Drive system. Features include a Crest Grille with an inverted G-Matrix pattern on the wheels and bumpers, and a maximum output of 360kW in Boost Mode. Capable of a 0 – 100km/h time of 4.5 seconds, the Electrified GV70 has a range of 500km with a 350kW rapid charging system that can charge its battery from 10% – 80% in 18 minutes. With individual motors at the front and rear, this SUV makes 482-horsepower and 516lb-ft of torque. “We are presenting the Electrified GV70 to engage with youthful and energetic Chinese customers,&...

Netherlands-based car dealer Classic Youngtimers Consultancy has outfitted the Mercedes-Benz X 350d for off-roading activities. The suped-up “Black Edition” Benz is a uniquely made vehicle boasting six wheels and a custom-made subframe. Inspired by the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6X6, the car manufacturer wanted to provide a more practical alternative to the G63 behemoth. The X 350d features a 3.0-liter turbo V6 diesel engine with 258 PS (about 254 HP). Design-wise, the all-terrain vehicle includes custom-made alloy wheels, a Mercedes-Benz GTR grille, custom fender flares, door protectors, a detachable pick-up bed with a custom roll-bar and an all-black leather interior. The one of one Mercedes-Benz X 350d “Black Edition” is priced at €115,289 EUR (about $129,585 USD) with inquiry details availa...

Mecum Auctions is putting up the actual 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo from Bad Boys for sale. The auto is in pristine and rare condition and has been issued a certificate of authenticity by Porsche itself, speaking to how original it is. The car was initially owned by director Michael Bay but was later sold to film producer Pat Sandstone. Down the line, the car made its way to the Drendel collection who has been the car’s current owner since 2014. This 1994 model is just one of 350 examples built specifically for the American market that year. It was also the final year for rear-wheel drive in that generation of the 911 Turbo. The car currently has 34,396 miles, approximately 55,355 kilometers, on the odometer. This generation boasts a 3.6-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine alongside a ...