Autos

Following on from last week’s one-off BMW M5 CS conversion, the German tuning arm MANHART is back with its take on the BMW X6 M Competition, dubbed the MHX6 700 WB. Breaking this name down, we find an X6 M Competition that now packs 730 HP and 900 Nm of torque, derived from a tuned version of the 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 engine. The extra power also equals extra noise, which is delivered via a new set of four 100mm tailpipes made from stainless steel with flap function and either ceramic or carbon fiber coating. Elsewhere, MANHART’s inclusion of “WB” in the name results in a carbon fiber wide body kit that’s been applied all around the X6 M Competition. A 24-piece kit made from forged carbon in the style of polished marble makes up a new front spoiler, radiator g...

Automotive start-up Smit Vehicle Engineering has developed the BMW Z8 of its dreams, dubbed Oletha. Back in 2000, the Chris Bangle-led design team was making some of the finest modern-classic BMWs that — to this day — remain highly sought-after rarities, and the Z8 is without fail one of the most desired. It came as a convertible with a soft-top and a hard-top if specified (or a removable hard-top in Alpina form), but this wasn’t what Smit Vehicle Engineering had dreamt of years ago. As a result, the brothers that helm this company custom-built the Oletha, which turns the Z8 into a coupe. After rebuilding the car using a carbon fiber composite, Smit Vehicle Engineering got to work on the iconic S65B44 engine to give the N/A 4.4-liter V8 450+ BHP, enhanced using custom car...

GMC has transformed one of its Canyon AT4 trucks into an overlanding concept, hinting at what the rumored upcoming AT4X could look like. Dubbed the OVRLANDX, the new concept takes cues from the robust Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, giving the AT4 a whole host of upgrades including a custom rear bumper sourced directly from American Expedition Vehicles, a custom front bumper carrying an integrated winch, sporty wheel arch trims with LED lighting, rocker panel guards, guy lines for the windshield, and cast-iron control arms. You’ll also find increased underbody protection, Multimac’s DSSV dampers and locking front and rear differentials, all inspired by the less aggressive Colorado ZR2. “We wanted to showcase GMC Canyon with this concept and punctuate GMC’s commitment to premium, ...

Amidst all the rumors that have surfaced, there are some that believe that the Apple Car could be introduced later this year. Renowned Japanese chemist Akira Yoshino, the inventor of the first safe, production-viable lithium-ion battery, recently spoke about Apple‘s foray into the automotive world in a recent interview with Reuters. Discussing the possibilities, Yoshino noted that “Apple could lead the convergence of the automotive and information technology industries in future mobility.” Going on to discuss the place of both Tesla and Apple in the electric car industry, revealing his belief that we could see the unveiling of the Apple Car later this year. “Tesla has their own independent strategy. The one to look out for is Apple. What will they do? I think they m...

Lucid Motors has announced that its forthcoming range-topping Air Dream Edition will now be available in two versions, with the choice of focus on either performance or range. According to company stats, Performance will deliver 1,111hp and 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds while Range will have 933hp and manage 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds. Both versions of the $169,000 USD electric sedan will reach 168mph and put more than 1,000 Nm of torque to the wheels using dual motor all-wheel drive. Official range figures, which are released by the Environmental Protection Agency, are not yet available although recent real-world trials of both versions by Lucid put their ranges at 475 and 517 miles, respectively. Lucid, which is headed up by former Tesla Model S chief engineer, Peter Rawlinson, has yet to deliver a...

Fourth-generation Toyota Supras are hitting the market more frequently than ever before, and with that comes a lot of diversification — some are in pristine stock condition, others are taken straight out of Fast & Furious, or they can be like this 1995 example you see above: imperfect by all means, but relatively stock and, most importantly, a six-speed manual. The combination of the Supra’s iconic 2JZ twin-turbocharged three-liter inline-six and a six-speed manual makes for a great driving experience and ultimately the most desirable set-up for this car. Coupled with the fact that this car has been treated to a mechanical refresh and is predominantly stock, it seems like this Supra could be one of the best original examples on the market destined for some love. However, a ...

The 2022 Porsche Taycan model reveals 65 additional exterior color options and a host of new state-of-the-art technology features. Among the colors added are the Acid Green, Riviera Blue, and Rubystar colorways revived from the ’90s Porsche models. Tech updates include an app-controlled remote-park feature and Android Auto compatibility. In terms of performance, the battery system can now also be preconditioned to a slightly higher temperature for faster charging. Porsche also claims an increase in its driving range, though exact figures have not yet been specified. The 2022 Taycan will arrive at showrooms around the world by the end of this year at a starting price of approximately $82,000 USD for the RWD model. Stay tuned for more details. Elsewhere in the auto world, Dembell revea...

Earlier this month, the luxury Italian marque Lamborghini announced the return of its legendary Countach name in the form of a V12-hybrid that produces 802 HP, and they have also all sold out — but fear not, as an upcoming RM Sotheby’s auction is giving you the chance to buy one of the greatest Countach‘s there has ever been: the LP400 “Periscopio” by Bertone. The black-over-black example is just one of 150 “Periscopio” editions built, and as a previous RM Sotheby’s auction listing notes, this iteration is “by far the purest and most desirable examples of the Countach breed.” It claims this title as it’s the most fuss-free version of all the Countachs, sans wings and dips, making room for the eye to appreciate the quintessen...

The contemporary Nissan GT-R R35 is arguably the most easily accessible GT-R there’s ever been, especially now that prices of the previous generation Skyline GT-Rs are only climbing month after month, however the same cannot be said for this incredibly rare Spec-V example that’s just landed at Harlow Jap Autos in the U.K. A total of 110 Spec-V R35s were built, comprised of 77 for Japan, 24 for Europe, one for the U.K., seven for the Middle East, and one additional car, and now this single U.K. example is up for grabs. It’s finished in “Ultimate Black Metallic Opal LAC ” which is essentially a modern version of the classic “Midnight Purple 4” colorway that’s highly desirable on older Skylines, and comes with a set of black lightweight forged R...

NOVITEC sub-label SPOFEC is known for remixing the Rolls-Royce line-up, having previously dabbled with the Wraith and Cullinan 4×4, but now it takes a slightly more subtle approach with its take on the all-new Ghost II. Rolls-Royce’s Ghost II is the new-and-improved version of what many refer to as the “baby Phantom,” a name given to it because of its slightly smaller and slimmer profile than the flagship model. However, this is all switched up thanks to SPOFEC’s carbon fiber body kit extensions, which add a new front bumper splitter, side skirts, a set of fenders, a revised rear bumper, and a new spoiler lip. Additionally, a set of 22″ Vossen-made chrome rims have been added alongside a suspension lowering of 40mm, making the car look squat and aggressiv...

Oscar Mayer has teamed up with Lyft to offer free rides in the Wienermobile. Only in America can you take a tour around particular cities in a stand-out hot dog vehicle by the famed meat and cold cuts company. Users who request a Lyft XL will be able to be picked up in the 27-foot long rolling hot dog, but riders won’t be able to know if they’ve booked the vehicle until it shows up. Along with the eye-catching lift, you’ll be able to enjoy music and free brand merch such as free shirts, neon lights, hot dog masks and Weenie Whistles. The Lyft app will be notifying users in the cities of New York, Chicago, Log Angeles and Atlanta when the Wienermobile is pulling up in town starting August 25 to August 27. In case you missed it, LEGO builds a drivable life-size Toyota GR Su...

If BMW releases a new model, rest assured that the tuning company MANHART will get its hands all over it at some point. This is the one-off MANHART MH5 GTR, a four-door supercar-slaying saloon that’s based on the already impressive M5 CS (Competition Sport). The M5 CS takes the standard M5 to new heights, reducing weight by 70kg thanks to BMW’s extensive use of carbon fiber inside and out. A 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 engine also produces more power (635 HP to be exact), but as per usual, this is not enough for MANHART. As a result, the MH5 GTR now features an MHtronik powerbox and a MANHART carbon air intake which ups the power to 788 HP and 935 Nm of torque. In stock M5 CS-spec, the car launches to 62 MPH in just three seconds, and we suspect this time has been slashed considerabl...