Toyota is set to showcase its bold vision for the RAV4 at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS), held from January 10-12. Among the highlights is the RAV4 "Dark Side Performance" concept, a departure from the SUV's traditional rugged nature.Crafted with a design ethos inspired by sci-fi movies, anime and video games, the Dark Side Performance reimagines the RAV4 as a mysterious and futuristic vehicle. Toyota aims to push the boundaries of design and innovation, offering a glimpse into an alternate identity for the popular SUV. While specifics remain under wraps at the time of writing, the concept promises an aggressive aesthetic and a tech-forward approach, with more to be discovered during TAS.Alongside the Dark Side Performance, Toyota will also present the Outdoor Lifestyle Package, a more gr...
RM Sotheby’s closed 2024 with over $887 million in global sales, marking one of the most successful years to date. Spanning live and online auctions, Sealed Auctions and private sales, the company maintained its position at the forefront of the collector car market with an impressive 96 percent sell-through rate across its platforms.The year saw over 126 cars sell for more than $1 million USD, with standout sales including the Dare to Dream Collection ($69.2 million USD), The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection ($31 million USD), and The Aumann Collection at Munich ($19.1 million). RM Sotheby’s also broke over 50 auction records, highlighting the continued growth of the collector car market.Of its top ten cars, four sold for over $10 million USD each, with the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Calif...
A rugged, Safari-style 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe, restored by Porsche Beaverton in Oregon, is now up for auction via Bring A Trailer. Built as part of the 2023 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge, this off-road-ready 911 blends classic Porsche charm with adventure-ready enhancements.Under the hood, the 3.2L flat-six engine and Type 915 five-speed manual transaxle have been fully rebuilt, with upgrades including refreshed connecting rod bolts and a new clutch. The powertrain delivers Porsche's signature performance, amplified by a Dansk sport muffler for a deeper exhaust note.Externally, the car sports a sleek black repaint paired with Safari-style modifications such as a custom front bumper, skid plate, rally lighting by TRE Motorsports and a vintage-inspired wood-slat roof basket. ...
Nissan is set to unveil an electrified version of its iconic R32 Skyline GT-R at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS), scheduled for January 10-12 at Makuhari Messe in Tokyo. This project, which has been in development for over 18 months, transforms the legendary "Godzilla" into a modern EV.The original R32 Skyline GT-R, produced between 1989 and 1994, was powered by a 2.6L twin-turbo inline-six engine, delivering 276 hp. It featured an advanced all-wheel-drive system capable of adjusting power distribution from rear-wheel drive up to a 50:50 split as needed. While Nissan has not yet disclosed specific power or performance figures for the EV conversion, the project reflects a growing trend in the automotive industry to retrofit classic vehicles with electric drivetrains. This approach combines ...
A meticulously restored 1990 Mercedes-Benz 250GD "Wolf" is set to be auctioned off at Bonhams Cars' upcoming "The Scottsdale Auction." This iconic off-roader, originally built for military service, has been reimagined by Expedition Motor Company, blending rugged heritage with modern refinement.Under the hood lies a 2.5L inline five-cylinder diesel engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Known for its bulletproof reliability, this powertrain ensures performance on and off the road. Solid front and rear axles, four-wheel drive and upgraded suspension further enhance its off-road ability.Expedition Motor Co. invested over 2,000 hours into this restoration, stripping the vehicle down to bare metal before applying a Sky Blue paint finish with black accents. Standout features includ...
A special car is being offered for private sale by RM Sotheby's, the 1990 Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer – Classic Study, famously dubbed the "UK 1." This specific model holds the distinction of being the first right-hand-drive (RHD) Porsche 911 reimagined by the renowned California-based Singer Vehicle Design for the UK market.Commissioned with meticulous attention to detail, UK 1 showcases Singer’s signature craftsmanship, featuring a Cosworth-built 3.8L flat-six engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, driving power exclusively to the rear wheels. Its striking Egg Yolk exterior finish contrasts elegantly with a black leather interior, complete with comfort seats, rear seating, a roll bar and a Becker stereo navigation system.Upon its arrival in the UK, the UK 1 played a key prom...
A rare and stealthy example of the Koenigsegg Agera is set to cross the auction block via RM Sotheby's. The vehicle is one of only seven early Agera examples and is dressed in understaed exposed matte carbon fiber with bold red accent stripes.Under its sculpted hood lies a twin-turbocharged 5L V8 engine, delivering 950 hp to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Known for its Formula 1-inspired two-tier rear wing and turbine-style Vortex Generating Rims designed for enhanced brake cooling and downforce, this Agera commands attention both in design and performance.Originally commissioned in 2011 for a German collector, the car underwent an interior refit in 2020 at the Koenigsegg factory. The refreshed cabin now features black leather and Alcantara with red stitching,...
Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Sony Pictures Entertainment to launch RIDEVU, an in-car entertainment app designed to deliver a cinematic experience on the go.Integrated with the brand’s MBUX infotainment system, RIDEVU offers access to a large library of blockbuster movies, behind-the-scenes content and exclusive extras. Users can also rent or purchase the latest releases directly from their vehicles. The app supports streaming on up to six screens simultaneously, including in-car displays and mobile devices. With HD video quality and an intuitive user interface, RIDEVU aims to transform car journeys.Future updates promise enhanced features like content synchronization across screens and offline viewing via mobile devices. Available exclusively to vehicles equipped with the MBUX Entertai...
Nissan Automobile Technical College students are set to make a statement at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) with three unique custom vehicles: the NEO Skyline, Z Lealia and Bluebird Kiwami. Representing the Aichi and Kyoto campuses, these projects reflect both nostalgia and innovation.Crafted by fourth-year students at the Kyoto campus, the NEO Skyline reimagines the legendary Kenmary Skyline for modern enthusiasts. Based on the CV35 Skyline Coupe, the car balances retro inspiration with contemporary flair. The exclusive "Tomoaki Blue" paint, featuring a pearl finish, captures the spirit of the original bright metallic blue Kenmary while adding a fresh edge.Another creation from Kyoto’s fourth-year students, the Z Lealia redefines the family car by blending performance and practicality. Bu...
One of only 19 examples of the 2008 Bentley Continental "Flying Star" by Italian coachbuilder Touring Superleggera is soon to be up for auction via RM Sotheby’s. With just 7,467 kilometers (4,640 miles) on the odometer, this rare shooting brake combines bespoke craftsmanship with the performance of Bentley's twin-turbocharged W-12 engine, producing 552 hp.Commissioned by The Curated Collection, the transformation began with a Continental GTC convertible, sourced through Bentley Belgium in 2008. The car is finished in a metallic grey exterior, with the interior wrapped in Saffron leather complemented by walnut veneer trim. Luxury details include a two-tone steering wheel, contrast stitching, deep pile carpets and lumbar-massaging front seats.The conversion, which cost an additional $357,574...
One of just 10 2022 Bugatti Centodieci ever produced is set to cross the auction block via RM Sotheby’s. This rare hypercar, a modern homage to the legendary Bugatti EB110, combines heritage-inspired design with cutting-edge performance derived from the Bugatti Chiron.Finished in a striking Quartz White and Grey Carbon exterior over a Beluga Black and Gris Rafale leather interior, this Centodieci embodies luxury and precision engineering. Beneath its exterior is an 8L quad-turbocharged W-16 engine, delivering an impressive 1,578 hp and propelling the car from 0-62 mph in just 2.4 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 236 mph.Originally delivered to a Swiss collector in 2022, this example has seen minimal use, showing only 272 miles on the odometer. Its immaculate condition re...
Father-daughter journalist team Paul and Nestan Rimple report from the streets of Tbilisi, where nearly every night since protests broke out in October, Chef Tekuna Gachechiladze has been ladling out soup in paper bowls to protesters fighting for their country's future. The post Soup at the Barricades<br> with the Queen of Georgian Cuisine appeared first on Roads & Kingdoms.