Jeff Hammoud — chief design officer at Rivian and a longtime stalwart of automotive design who, before joining the company, crafted the visual identity of brands like Jeep — is more well-versed in creating visually stunning cars than practically anyone on the planet, but he wants to talk about sneakers. "I have a lot of friends that started in sneaker design before switching fields to automotive, and we have a lot of footwear in our design studio that we use as inspiration for colors," he says. Hammoud also notes that, apart from their aesthetic parallels (Michael Jordan's personal Ferrari 550M inspired for the Air Jordan 14 while adidas looked to the Audi TT while designing the Kobe 2, among many other examples), recent material innovations in footwear have influenced some of Rivian's sus...
Sony and Honda's eagerly anticipated AFEELA 1 electric vehicle is available to pre-order now, the brands announced jointly today at CES 2025 in Las Vegas – the same city and show where they first unveiled their joint project in 2023.Two versions of the AFEELA 1 have been made available to pre-order: the base "Origin" model in a single Core Black color option, together with the more expensive and feature-heavy "Signature" version that comes in Tidal Gray and Calm White as well as the aforementioned Core Black.The Origin model features 19-inch alloy wheels and the brand has stated that orders will reach customers by 2027. On the other hand, the Signature model features larger 21-inch alloys and dual screens that make for a mini entertainment centre in the backseat, with Sony and Honda also p...
The iconic 1977 Ford F-150 "Hoonitruck," created and driven by the late motorsport legend Ken Block, is set to cross the auction block with no reserve at the 2025 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, from January 18-26 at WestWorld of Scottsdale.Crafted by Block and the Hoonigan Racing Division in collaboration with Detroit Speed, the "Hoonitruck" was purpose-built for Block’s Gymkhana TEN video, where it shredded asphalt and dominated camera angles along Route 66 in Shamrock, Texas. It later appeared in Climbkhana TWO, ascending the treacherous Tianmen Mountain highway in China.Under the hood lies a 914 hp twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, paired with a custom all-wheel-drive system. A bespoke, 3D-printed intake manifold, engineered by Ford Performance, crowns the engine bay, flanked by ...
A rare 2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic, an homage to the legendary 1973 Carrera 2.7 RS, is set to cross the auction block at RM Sotheby’s. Limited to just 250 units worldwide, this example, number 108, is estimated to fetch as much as $465,000 USD.Finished in the exclusive Sport Classic Grey, the exterior showcases iconic retro design cues, including the distinctive ducktail rear wing, Fuchs-style alloy wheels, and racing stripes. Underneath its timeless design lies a naturally aspirated 3.8L flat-six engine, delivering 408 hp to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. At the interior, the cabin features luxurious Espresso leather upholstery paired with houndstooth-pattern fabric inserts on the seats and door cards.Originally delivered on May 23, 2010, via Porsche dealer Autocentri ...
Nissan is set to showcase two new X-Trail concepts during this year's Tokyo Auto Salon, under the theme of "chill," aimed at blending modern innovation with nostalgic charm.The X-Trail "Unwind" concept, based on the current X-Trail e-POWER, reimagines outdoor luxury with an integrated trailer-terrace design. This indoor-outdoor space is tailored for relaxation, complete with an espresso setup for an elevated outdoor experience.Meanwhile, the X-Trail "Remastered" concept provides new life to a previous-generation X-Trail as part of Nissan's ongoing used car customization series, following the Cube and March. Designed as a haven for analog music lovers, this model is meant ot transform into a cozy retreat, ideal for enjoying vinyl records.At the time of writing, Nissan has shared little addi...
RM Sotheby's is set to auction an exceptionally rare 1981 Ferrari 512 BB/LM, chassis 35529, one of only 25 examples produced and among just 16 third-series models. Delivered new to Ferrari collector Fabrizio Violati’s Scuderia Supercar Bellancauto, this racing legend boasts a significant competition history and unique design.Crafted under the guidance of famed aeronautical engineer Armando Palanca, chassis 35529 features bespoke bodywork, including an extended nose and refined rear profile. Its debut at the 1981 Monza 1000 km saw it clinch a GTX class victory, followed by further wins at the 6 Hours of Pergusa and Mugello 1000 km. Notably, the car contested the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans in both 1981 and 1984, representing Ferrari on the global stage.Retained by the Violati family until 20...
Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) prepares for a return to the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025, taking place from January 10-12. Under the theme "Car-making at Nürburgring," Chairman Akio Toyoda, also known as "Master Driver Morizo," will lead a keynote on the morning of the opening day, emphasizing TGR's motorsport-driven engineering philosophy.In collaboration with Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., TGR will occupy a prominent space in the North Hall, featuring the "LAND CRUISER BASE." This dedicated display will spotlight the versatility and customization program of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Visitors can expect engaging talking sessions with automotive personalities and exciting outdoor demo runs throughout the event.Further details on exhibits, schedules and special activities are available on the official event ...
Genesis has unveiled a rugged, rally-inspired GV80 Desert Edition, crafted exclusively for motorsport legend Jacky Ickx, celebrated for his 1983 Paris–Dakar Rally victory. This unique off-road concept blends luxury and capability, reflecting Ickx's adventurous racing spirit.The GV80 Desert Edition boasts increased ride height, aggressive all-terrain tires on dark aftermarket wheels and pronounced fender flares. Its rugged stance is amplified by a silver skid plate, bold red tow hooks and striking yellow fog lights. Pod lights on the hood and a roof-mounted light bar ensure maximum visibility in harsh desert conditions, while the rooftop carrier holds essential rally gear.Under the hood is Genesis's 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine, providing plenty of power for off-road challenges. Adding a perso...
Bonhams Cars is set to auction a rare and storied AMG prototype — the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG P900 Prototype.The P900 Prototype serves as a bridge between Mercedes-Benz’s dominant DTM race cars and road-going high-performance vehicles. While only 100 CLK DTM road cars were produced, this prototype is one of just two ever built. Its sibling resides permanently in a U.S. museum, making this the only example available on the open market.Under the hood lies the historic M156 6.3L V8 engine, the first powerplant fully developed by AMG. While slightly less potent than the supercharged V8 found in the road-going CLK DTM, the P900 still produces an impressive 510 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. This engine would later find fame in the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG.The P900’s design closely mirror...
One of the automotive world's most exclusive hypercars, the 2022 Pagani Huayra R, is set to make history as the first example ever to be publicly offered at auction via RM Sotheby's — specifically, chassis 005, one of only 30 customer-spec track-only examples.At the heart of the Huayra R lies a naturally aspirated 6L V12 engine, crafted by HWA AG. Revving up to 9,000 rpm and delivering 850 hp through a six-speed sequential gearbox, the powerplant embodies the raw spirit of motorsport. With a dry weight of just 2,314 lbs thanks to its carbon-titanium construction, the Huayra R delivers incredible performance and agility on the track.This particular example, delivered to Denmark in 2021 via Formula Automobile, boasts a bespoke specification that added over $318,00 USD to its original list pr...
Tesla posted its first-ever fall in annual sales as a public company in its Q4 2024 production, deliveries and deployments report on Thursday.The Elon Musk-led company's sales declined by 1% year-over-year, which is a sharp fall for a brand that was once reporting annual sales growth of almost 50% every 12 months. In 2023, for instance, Tesla's sales were up 37% from 2022, so the company's latest report is indicative of just how intensely the EV market's slowing demand and increased competition (not only from Chinese rivals like BYD but also international carmakers like General Motors and Ford) have affected its performance.Across the year, Tesla produced 1.77 million cars, which was down approximately 4% from 2023. In the fourth quarter, the company sold 495,570 vehicles, up 2% from 2023'...
Lamborghini and the Italian State Police are celebrating two decades of collaboration, marking a partnership that began in 2004 with the delivery of a Lamborghini Gallardo. Over the years, Lamborghini has supplied six high-performance vehicles, each tailored to serve unique purposes, from high-speed patrols to life-saving organ transports.The collaboration began with the Gallardo 510-4, a model equipped with a 5L V10 engine, used extensively for patrolling and medical emergencies. Its successor, the Gallardo LP 560-4, brought enhanced performance with a 5.2L engine, advanced stability systems and specialized equipment like refrigerated compartments for organ transport and onboard defibrillators.In 2014, Lamborghini introduced the Huracán LP 610-4 with a 5.2L V10 engine capable of reaching ...