Automotive

SummarySharpened driving dynamics through recalibrated throttle mapping and retuned electric power steeringEnhanced manual transmission shift feel with a 0.5 mm broader gate chamfer for smoother downshiftingUpgraded EyeSight safety suite featuring a new triple-camera configuration for a broader field of visionToyota has updated the GR86 for the Japanese market, introducing a series of performance and safety refinements derived directly from the company's rigorous motorsport endeavors. Leveraging feedback from its participation in Japan's demanding Super Taikyu endurance race series, Gazoo Racing continues its philosophy of continuous improvement. The latest model-year update focuses strictly on sharpening driving dynamics and tactile engagement, leaving the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter fo...

SummaryRange Rover is expanding its bespoke commissioning program to compete directly with ultra-luxury competitors like Bentley and Rolls-RoyceThe automaker recently sold a one-off SV Asilomar Edition for approximately $550,000 to highlight the lucrative potential of factory personalizationManaging Director Martin Limpert confirmed the upcoming all-electric Range Rover GT will serve as a fifth model in the lineup rather than a replacementRange Rover is shedding its traditional automotive identity to position itself strictly as a modern luxury powerhouse. The British marque is heavily expanding its bespoke commissioning program, pushing pricing boundaries to directly challenge ultra-premium rivals like Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Range Rover Managing Director Martin Limpert recently stated th...

SummaryPriced at €130 (approximately $150), the official Mercedes-Benz Classic Birth Document details original paint colors, interior trim specifications and factory-installed optionsThe program is currently limited to passenger cars in Germany with future plans to expand into additional European marketsHigh-performance AMG variants, Smart vehicles and Mercedes-Benz vans are not eligible for the new documentation service at this timeMercedes-Benz introduced a new heritage service catering to its deeply committed enthusiast base. Owners of passenger cars manufactured between 1986 and 2010 can now secure an official Mercedes-Benz Classic Birth Document detailing exactly how their specific vehicle left the assembly line. Priced at €130 EUR (approx. $150 USD), the documentation pulls granular ...

SummaryRezvani Motors has teased the upcoming Beast X, a hypercar producing 1,560 horsepower from a custom-built 6.2-liter V8 engineThe model features an advanced all-wheel-drive system and a lightweight carbon fiber body with performance claims of a 0-60 mph sprint in 2.5 secondsProduction is strictly limited to five units worldwide and the company is currently accepting refundable deposits ahead of the official August 10 revealRezvani Motors is pushing American engineering to absolute extremes with the announcement of the Beast X. Described as the ultimate hypercar by the California automotive builder, the new machine builds upon the foundation of the second-generation Beast introduced earlier this year. The brand aims to deliver an unforgettable fusion of raw power and relentless perfor...

SummaryMercedes-AMG has announced that the all-electric CLA 45 4MATIC+ set an official Nürburgring Nordschleife class record Driven by Kevin Berger the stock electric sedan completed the 20.8-kilometer lap in 7 minutes and 32.070 seconds Powered by three axial-flux motors producing 680 horsepower the performance EV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds Mercedes-AMG has officially set a new Nürburgring Nordschleife class record with the all-electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+. Driven by driver Kevin Berger, the high-performance four-door sedan recorded an official, notarized lap time of 7:32.070 minutes, crowning it the fastest vehicle in its segment around the iconic circuit.The record-setting run was achieved in a stock production-spec vehicle fitted with track-focused Pirelli P ...

SummaryToyota is reportedly developing a targa-top version of the upcoming GR GT, potentially reviving the Aero Top moniker used on the fourth-generation SupraThe Japanese automaker is also rumored to be preparing a higher-performance track-focused variant equipped with aggressive aerodynamic enhancementsWhile the base supercar is expected to feature an all-aluminum frame and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain, official announcements for these new variants may not arrive until 2027Toyota may be expanding its future performance flagship lineup with a targa-top variant of the highly anticipated GR GT. According to a new report from the Japanese publication Magazine X, an open-roof model is currently in development alongside the standard coupe. The variant would allegedly utilize a r...

SummaryLamborghini’s H1 2026 revenue grew 7.4% to €1.74 billion EUR, with operating profit hitting €395 million EUR despite a 4.6% delivery dipHigh-margin custom options, resilient pricing and tight supply control successfully offset geopolitical tensions, Chinese luxury downturns and US import tariffs.Lamborghini reported a seemingly paradoxical financial performance for the first half of 2026. The Italian automaker generated €1.74 billion EUR in revenue between January and June. This figure represents a 7.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Total operating profit reached €395 million EUR. Deliveries actually declined by 4.6% during this six-month window. The brand handed over 5,422 vehicles to customers globally.Several external market factors constrained overall sa...

SummaryCEO Ola Källenius admitted the brand prioritized technology over convenience and will reintroduce tactile switches to future cabins.Expansive displays like the 56-inch MBUX Hyperscreen will remain central, working alongside restored physical controls.The shift addresses user distraction concerns and upcoming 2026 Euro NCAP regulations requiring physical switches for safety functionsMercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius acknowledged that the company prioritized technology over customer convenience by eliminating physical controls across its modern lineup. Speaking in an interview with Autocar, Källenius noted that the global automotive industry reached a "low button" point and suggested future cabin designs will aim for a harmonious balance between digital real estate and tactile feedback....

SummaryFerrari unveiled the Purosangue American Grand Tour Atelier Collection, featuring ten unique one-of-one V12 commissions built for the US market.The lineup splits into the geography-inspired "Landscapes" series and the race-livery-focused "Roads" series.Ferrari is making a massive statement in its most lucrative market with an edition far rarer than even its flagships: a ten-piece, hyper-exclusive fleet tailored specifically for American enthusiasts. Responsible for nearly a quarter of Maranello’s global footprint, the United States now serves as the canvas for the Purosangue American Grand Tour Atelier Collection. Built as ten completely unique, one-of-one commissions, these bespoke V12 crossovers pull direct inspiration from the country's sweeping landscapes and historic driving ro...

SummaryThe Chassis 001 is the sole prototype bearing the full Cizeta-Moroder name, featuring a transverse 540-horsepower V16 engine.Fully restored by Canepa and Rex Nguyen, the 1988 showpiece includes an exclusive music and 3D asset package.Chassis 001 stands as the only example to officially bear the hyphenated Cizeta-Moroder name. The vehicle was born from a partnership between former Lamborghini engineer Claudio Zampolli and acclaimed music producer Giorgio Moroder. When Chrysler took over Lamborghini and softened the sharp lines of the upcoming Diablo, legendary designer Marcello Gandini walked away. He brought his uncompromised original vision to Zampolli. The result is a radically aggressive silhouette that stretches three inches wider than a Ferrari Testarossa. To back up the dramat...

SummaryJapanese automakers imported a record 72,330 offshore-built vehicles into Japan in early 2026, up 38 percent.Suzuki led the surge with 34,288 units, topping Japan's import market ahead of Mercedes-Benz.The Indian-built Suzuki Jimny Nomade drove the boom, sparking over 50,000 reservations before pre-orders paused.Japan imported a record 72,330 Japanese-branded vehicles back into the domestic market during the first half of 2026. This figure marks a 38% increase from the previous year. Automakers are increasingly leveraging manufacturing hubs in India and Thailand to capitalize on significantly lower production costs. Suzuki dominated this shift by importing 34,288 units to become the top imported brand in Japan. The performance allowed the company to officially dethrone European luxu...