Autos

RM Sotheby’s is offering a unique piece of Porsche history: a one-off 1987 Porsche 959 "Speedster." Originally delivered to racing driver Jürgen Lässig, the car was later transformed into a Speedster by Porsche specialist Karl-Heinz Feustel after an autobahn accident in 1988.Completed in 1989 after more than 4,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship, the Grand Prix White 959 debuted at both the Frankfurt and Essen Motor Shows. Featuring a blue leather interior, an electrically operated soft-top and a matching removable hardtop, it captured the spirit of bespoke German engineering.Accompanied by a tonneau cover, a spare Speedster windscreen, extra mirrors and owner’s guides, this one-of-a-kind machine has been part of the consignor’s collection since 2008. Freshly serviced by ADR Motorsport i...

McLaren has completed sub-zero testing of its upcoming W1 hypercar, pushing its new V8 hybrid powertrain to the limits in the Arctic Circle. The cold-weather validation programme focused on fine-tuning the W1’s chassis, traction control, torque vectoring and electronic stability systems across ultra-low grip surfaces.Generating a staggering 1,257 hp and 988 lb-ft of torque, the W1’s MHP-V8 engine and high-voltage battery were put through extreme stress tests to ensure durability and consistent performance in frigid conditions. Engineers also optimized the gearbox and battery systems to perform reliably at freezing temperatures.Normally kept behind closed doors, McLaren has offered a public glimpse into this crucial stage of testing, highlighting the brand’s commitment to delivering unmatch...

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the Vision V, a new concept previewing its future luxury electric MPV lineup. Built on the upcoming Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA), the Vision V blends sleek aerodynamics with an ultra-luxurious "Private Lounge" interior experience.The spacious cabin features crystal white Nappa leather, open-pore burr wood trim, and polished aluminium accents. Passengers can recline in futuristic lounge seats, enjoy a 65-inch retractable 4K cinema screen and immerse themselves in a 42-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system. Seven distinct digital experience modes — including gaming, karaoke and shopping — transform the ride into a fully customizable journey.Access to the lounge is via a large portal door and illuminated retractable running board, while privacy is enhanced by switc...

Volkswagen and Uber have announced a long-term strategic partnership to roll out a fleet of fully autonomous, all-electric ID. Buzz AD vehicles on the Uber platform, starting in Los Angeles. Testing begins in late 2025, with commercial service expected in 2026.Developed by Volkswagen's autonomous mobility arm, ADMT, in collaboration with MOIA, the ID. Buzz AD will operate with onboard safety drivers during its initial phase. The partnership aims to eventually expand across multiple U.S. cities over the next decade, bringing thousands of autonomous ride-hailing vehicles to market.The initiative marks a key milestone for both companies as they look to scale next-generation mobility solutions. MOIA will supply the integrated autonomous driving system, while Volkswagen leverages its mass produ...

Land Rover Classic has brought back the iconic Defender Soft Top, launching the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top — a modern tribute to the legendary off-roader. Powered by a 405 hp  5L V8 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the short-wheelbase "90" model aims to blend open-air freedom with rugged performance.Each vehicle is hand-built from a carefully selected donor Defender produced between 2012 and 2016. The reengineering process includes uprated suspension, Alcon brakes and a canvas hood inspired by the final 2016 production model. Buyers can choose from four hood colors and a range of bespoke options, including over 40 paint finishes and 13 leather interior combinations.True to its heritage, the soft top includes traditional tie-downs and a custom-designed hood...

Slate, a new American EV startup, has debuted its first model: a radically simplified, fully electric pickup starting at under $20,000 USD after incentives. Dubbed the Slate Truck, the vehicle is engineered for maximum affordability, personalization and everyday utility.The standard model features a 52.7-kWh battery with 150 miles of estimated range, rear-wheel drive and a 1,400-lb payload capacity. A larger 84.3-kWh battery extends range to 240 miles. Despite its minimalist design — think crank windows and steel wheels — the truck includes essential safety tech like Forward Collision Warning and up to eight airbags.What sets Slate apart is its modular approach. With over 100 accessories and a DIY SUV conversion kit, owners can easily transform the truck into a five-seat SUV with a rear se...

Porsche has unveiled the 911 Spirit 70, a limited-edition cabriolet that pays tribute to the bold style of the 1970s and early ’80s. Debuting at the Shanghai Auto Show, the model is limited to 1,500 units and builds on the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet with a hybrid-assisted 3.6L boxer engine producing 541 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque.Finished in a new Olive Neo paint with Bronzite accents and a black soft top, the car features retro touches like black silk-gloss racing stripes, a 1963-style Porsche crest and gold-plated badging. Inside, the cabin is trimmed in a modernized black and olive Pasha pattern — a nod to one of Porsche’s most iconic interiors — set against club leather in basalt black with contrast stitching.The fully digital instrument cluster mimics classic analog dials with green nu...

Mercedes-Benz will bring steer-by-wire technology to its production vehicles starting in 2026, marking a leap in vehicle control and interior flexibility. Unlike traditional systems, steer-by-wire eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, replacing it with an electrical system that transmits steering input "by wire."The system enhances everyday driving with improved handling, greater agility in city settings and easier parking — no wheel re-gripping required. It also allows for a flatter steering wheel, providing a more spacious interior and clearer display visibility. The automaker notes future use cases might include immersive gaming while parked and a more relaxed driver position under conditionally automated driving.Notably, the technology us...

BRABUS has revealed its latest performance and styling package for the Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+, boosting the luxury plug-in hybrid to a staggering 700 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the PowerXtra B53-700 upgrade, the sedan or wagon rockets from 0–60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, despite its 2.3-ton weight.A plug-and-play control unit enhances engine mapping, raising the 3L turbocharged six-cylinder’s output to 537 hp, while the stock 120 kW (163 hp) electric motor remains untouched. Top speed is electronically capped at 173 mph. Visually, the E 53 receives bold BRABUS enhancements, including carbon aero parts, a rear diffuser with quad titanium/carbon tailpipes and custom fender accents. A set of 21-inch BRABUS "PLATINUM EDITION" alloy wheels and height-adjustable sport springs ...

A near-delivery-mile Aston Martin DBR22, signed by Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso, is headed to auction with RM Sotheby’s. This limited-edition speedster was crafted by Q by Aston Martin, with inspirations taken from 1950s racing legends like the DBR1 and DB3S, and features a 5.2L twin-turbo V12 producing 715 hp and a top speed of 195 mph.The DBR22 offered here carries just 177 kilometers on the odometer and is finished in Aston Martin Racing Green with AMR Lime accents. The exterior includes a matte black exhaust, satin center-lock 22-inch wheels and paint protection film. Inside, Forest Green leather is offset with AMR Lime contrast stitching for a modern motorsport-inspired look.This particular example was delivered through Aston Martin Hilversum and holds chassis number 14 — matchi...

The new Porsche 911 GT3 has claimed the title of fastest production car with a manual transmission on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, clocking in at 6:56.294. Behind the wheel was Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, who beat the previous record by more than 9.5 seconds, despite competing against a more powerful rival.Fitted with the Weissach Package and a six-speed manual gearbox, the 911 GT3 outpaced even its predecessor equipped with Porsche’s quicker PDK transmission by over 3.6 seconds. Improvements to the suspension and a shorter gear ratio helped deliver sharper cornering and stronger acceleration from the same 510 hp engine.The lap was run on a 20.832-kilometer course under ideal spring conditions and with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 R tires. Bergmeister credited the upgraded cha...