Autos
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Ichiban Motorcycle’s Newest Ride Is an Ode to ‘Akira’
Ichiban Motorcycles is going full "Godzilla Mode" with its new electric ride. The company has revealed a new electric motorcycle inspired by the famous Akira anime, specifically the protagonist Shotaro Kaneda, leader of The Capsules' bike. Expected to actually go into production, the upcoming release has been noted by the company that the motorcycle is prepared to go into "Godzilla Mode." When enabled, it will take the motorcycle from zero to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds, powered on a 45-kW dual-motor system. The battery will allow the bike to be charged to 70% in just 30 minutes and it features an anti-lock braking system and traction control. Akira, the film from 1988, is considered to be one of the most influential anime adaptations in the genre. It was adapted from Katsuhiro Otomo’s mang...
Five Standout Features of the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO
The 2024 Nissan Z NISMO has been a hot topic among sports car enthusiasts, combining a nostalgic nod to its lineage with performance upgrades aimed at modern driving. We recently visited Japan for the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon and while in the country had the pleasure of touring around in the 2024 Z NISMO courtesy of Nissan.We had the car for about a week and easily put over 300 miles on it. Our tour consisted of a variety of environments, from city cruising through Tokyo to putting the car's handling to the test on the Hakone Sky Line pass. With this range of experiences and the duration of our Test Drive we are able to look at this vehicle through the lens of a potential daily drive sports car — particularly for the Japanese market — considering it's priced at a reasonable 9,200,400 JPY or $...
Lexus Unveils Surf LX Concept and Expands Partnership with World Surf League
Lexus is making waves in the world of surfing with the unveiling of the Surf LX concept vehicle at the 2025 Lexus Pipe Pro in Oahu, Hawaii. Alongside the debut, the automaker announced an expanded multi-year partnership with the World Surf League (WSL).As part of this new agreement, Lexus will serve as the title sponsor for five major WSL events in 2025: the WSL Awards, Pipe Pro, Trestle Pro, US Open of Surfing and WSL Finals. Additionally, Lexus will extend its partnership reach to Fiji for the highly anticipated WSL Finals at Cloudbreak.“Lexus and the WSL are united by a shared drive for innovation, excellence, and performance,” said Lisa McQueen, media manager of Lexus marketing. “This expanded partnership will allow us to elevate the fan experience to new heights, creating amazing mome...
Porsche Expands Charging Lounge Network with New Location
Porsche has officially opened its fifth exclusive Charging Lounge, this time in Hamburg-Rahlstedt. Designed to offer high-performance charging and a premium customer experience, the new facility is located near the A1 motorway, making it a convenient stop for travelers heading to and from the Baltic Sea.Equipped with four DC fast-charging stations delivering up to 400 kW, the lounge allows fully electric Porsche models to recharge efficiently. A Taycan from the current generation, for example, can reach an 80 percent charge in just 18 minutes. All energy supplied comes from renewable sources, reinforcing Porsche’s commitment to sustainability.This latest lounge introduces a modular concept developed with Studio F.A. Porsche, enabling adaptable designs for different locations. Constructed p...
Ford Reveals Mustang Mach-E NASCAR Prototype
Ford has introduced the Mustang Mach-E NASCAR prototype, a fully electric race car that aims to push the limits of EV motorsport technology.Joining the ranks of Ford's high-performance demonstrators — including the SuperTruck, SuperVan 4.2, and Super Cobra Jet 1800 — this new concept blends NASCAR Cup Series engineering with cutting-edge EV performance. Key components borrowed from the current Cup Series car include its suspension, brakes, steering and wheels.Under the hood, the Mach-E demonstrator packs a three-motor setup powered by a 78 kWh battery, delivering instant torque and rapid acceleration. Its full carbon fiber tub further enhances structural rigidity and weight reduction, essential for high-speed competition.While Ford has yet to confirm if this prototype signals a shift towar...
BMW Reveals First-Ever M3 CS Touring
BMW has introduced the first-ever BMW M3 CS Touring, a limited-edition high-performance wagon that combines track-inspired engineering with everyday versatility. Debuting at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit during the Bathurst 12-Hour race, this special model elevates the M3 Touring formula with increased power, aggressive weight-saving measures and exclusive design elements.Under the hood, the M3 CS Touring houses a 3L twin-turbo inline-six engine producing 550 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, it sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph. Performance is further enhanced by a reinforced crankcase, forged lightweight crankshaft and model-specific chassis tuning.C...
Louis Vuitton Becomes Official Partner of Formula 1
Luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton has announced a historic 10-year partnership with Formula 1, becoming an Official Partner of the motorsport and the Title Partner of the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025. This agreement marks a significant crossover between fashion and motorsports.As Formula 1 celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025, Louis Vuitton will have a prominent presence across key race destinations worldwide. This includes trackside branding, a first for the brand at a major sporting event, as well as its signature Trophy Trunks, which will be presented ahead of races and on the podium to celebrate race winners. The partnership reflects the growing convergence of fashion, culture, sports and entertainment.Louis Vuitton’s relationship with motorsports began with t...
BMW Reveals Updated 659 HP iX M70 xDrive
BMW has unveiled the updated iX M70 xDrive, the latest example in its all-electric "Sports Activity Vehicle" (SAV) lineup, boasting increased power and luxury. As the most performance-focused model in the iX range, the M70 xDrive delivers 659 hp and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds.Equipped with BMW’s advanced eDrive technology and optimized power electronics, the iX M70 xDrive offers exceptional efficiency and driving dynamics. With a high-voltage battery providing 108.9 kWh of usable energy, it achieves a range of up to 373 miles on the WLTP cycle. The vehicle’s adaptive suspension, Integral Active Steering and M-specific tuning aim to provide a thrilling yet controlled driving experience.The iX M70 xDrive features a bold and aggressive design with the M Sport package and M Sport...
Porsche Taycan GTS Sets Guinness World Record for Longest Ice Drift
Porsche has added another accolade to its record-breaking Taycan lineup, setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest continuous drift on ice by an electric vehicle. Behind the wheel of a Taycan GTS, Porsche Experience instructor Jens Richter completed 132 laps in a controlled oversteer, covering 17.503 kilometers in just 46 minutes at the Porsche Arctic Center in Levi, Finland.The record attempt, which took place on January 14, 2025, wasn’t without challenges. The intense stress of drifting rapidly deteriorated the 59-meter ice track, forcing an early halt during the first attempt after 11 kilometers. However, after switching to shorter spikes and leveraging the cooling temperatures at night, Richter successfully navigated the Taycan GTS through a seamless drift, smashing the previ...
MINI Showcases Fully-Optioned John Cooper Works Car
The MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) takes its legendary go-kart driving dynamics to a new level, proving its capabilities in challenging winter conditions. With its signature agility and racing-inspired enhancements, the high-performance three-door MINI aims to deliver adrenaline-filled fun that can handle the snow and ice, enhanced by genuine JCW accessories.Powered by a 2.0L TwinPower Turbo engine delivering 231 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the MINI JCW goes from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph. Its chassis technology, honed through racing expertise, aims to provide exceptional control and safety.For those looking to elevate the MINI JCW’s character, the brand offers a range of aerodynamic accessories in high-gloss Black and Chili Red. These include winglets for...
We Went to Japan To Learn Drift Fundamentals From Kota the Yoda
When it comes to mastering the art of drifting, there’s no better guide than someone who has lived and breathed the culture for years. Earlier this month, while in Japan for Tokyo Auto Salon, we had the privilege of joining Kota The Yoda in Chiba for an unforgettable morning dedicated to learning the fundamentals of drifting. With over seven years of self-taught experience under his belt and a reputation that extends beyond Japan, Kota proved to be an exceptional teacher and an inspiring figure in the world of JDM culture.A Passion Fueled by Fun and PerseveranceFor Kota, drifting isn’t just a skill or a sport — it’s a lifestyle. “I drift for fun,” he told us during a conversation. His enthusiasm is evident not just in his words but also in the way he handles his cars, including his Nissan ...
The Shelby GT350R Returns with 830 HP
Shelby has officially unveiled the 2025 Shelby GT350R concept, a high-performance, street-legal sports car designed for track enthusiasts. Introduced at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, the GT350R is a modern tribute to its legendary predecessor from 1965. Limited to just 36 units, the GT350R packs over 830 hp, a six-speed manual transmission and cutting-edge performance upgrades.While the standard Shelby GT350 delivers an impressive 810 hp in its supercharged variant, the GT350R elevates the experience with exclusive features inspired by Shelby’s racing heritage. Its lightweight design incorporates a carbon fiber interior tub, optional racing seats and an integrated roll cage. Shelby worked with Turn Key Automotive/Motorsports to develop a Trans Am-spec carbon fiber aer...
