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American EV Startup Slate Launches Preorders for $20K USD Truck

Slate, a new American EV startup, has debuted its first model: a radically simplified, fully electric pickup starting at under $20,000 USD after incentives. Dubbed the Slate Truck, the vehicle is engineered for maximum affordability, personalization and everyday utility.The standard model features a 52.7-kWh battery with 150 miles of estimated range, rear-wheel drive and a 1,400-lb payload capacity. A larger 84.3-kWh battery extends range to 240 miles. Despite its minimalist design — think crank windows and steel wheels — the truck includes essential safety tech like Forward Collision Warning and up to eight airbags.What sets Slate apart is its modular approach. With over 100 accessories and a DIY SUV conversion kit, owners can easily transform the truck into a five-seat SUV with a rear se...

Porsche Debuts 911 Spirit 70: A Heritage-Inspired Hybrid Cabriolet

Porsche has unveiled the 911 Spirit 70, a limited-edition cabriolet that pays tribute to the bold style of the 1970s and early ’80s. Debuting at the Shanghai Auto Show, the model is limited to 1,500 units and builds on the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet with a hybrid-assisted 3.6L boxer engine producing 541 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque.Finished in a new Olive Neo paint with Bronzite accents and a black soft top, the car features retro touches like black silk-gloss racing stripes, a 1963-style Porsche crest and gold-plated badging. Inside, the cabin is trimmed in a modernized black and olive Pasha pattern — a nod to one of Porsche’s most iconic interiors — set against club leather in basalt black with contrast stitching.The fully digital instrument cluster mimics classic analog dials with green nu...

Mercedes-Benz to Introduce Steer-by-Wire Technology in 2026

Mercedes-Benz will bring steer-by-wire technology to its production vehicles starting in 2026, marking a leap in vehicle control and interior flexibility. Unlike traditional systems, steer-by-wire eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, replacing it with an electrical system that transmits steering input "by wire."The system enhances everyday driving with improved handling, greater agility in city settings and easier parking — no wheel re-gripping required. It also allows for a flatter steering wheel, providing a more spacious interior and clearer display visibility. The automaker notes future use cases might include immersive gaming while parked and a more relaxed driver position under conditionally automated driving.Notably, the technology us...

BRABUS Unleashes 700-HP Build for Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid

BRABUS has revealed its latest performance and styling package for the Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+, boosting the luxury plug-in hybrid to a staggering 700 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the PowerXtra B53-700 upgrade, the sedan or wagon rockets from 0–60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, despite its 2.3-ton weight.A plug-and-play control unit enhances engine mapping, raising the 3L turbocharged six-cylinder’s output to 537 hp, while the stock 120 kW (163 hp) electric motor remains untouched. Top speed is electronically capped at 173 mph. Visually, the E 53 receives bold BRABUS enhancements, including carbon aero parts, a rear diffuser with quad titanium/carbon tailpipes and custom fender accents. A set of 21-inch BRABUS "PLATINUM EDITION" alloy wheels and height-adjustable sport springs ...

Fernando Alonso-Signed Aston Martin DBR22 Surfaces for Auction

A near-delivery-mile Aston Martin DBR22, signed by Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso, is headed to auction with RM Sotheby’s. This limited-edition speedster was crafted by Q by Aston Martin, with inspirations taken from 1950s racing legends like the DBR1 and DB3S, and features a 5.2L twin-turbo V12 producing 715 hp and a top speed of 195 mph.The DBR22 offered here carries just 177 kilometers on the odometer and is finished in Aston Martin Racing Green with AMR Lime accents. The exterior includes a matte black exhaust, satin center-lock 22-inch wheels and paint protection film. Inside, Forest Green leather is offset with AMR Lime contrast stitching for a modern motorsport-inspired look.This particular example was delivered through Aston Martin Hilversum and holds chassis number 14 — matchi...

Porsche 911 GT3 Sets Nürburgring Record for Manual Cars

The new Porsche 911 GT3 has claimed the title of fastest production car with a manual transmission on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, clocking in at 6:56.294. Behind the wheel was Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, who beat the previous record by more than 9.5 seconds, despite competing against a more powerful rival.Fitted with the Weissach Package and a six-speed manual gearbox, the 911 GT3 outpaced even its predecessor equipped with Porsche’s quicker PDK transmission by over 3.6 seconds. Improvements to the suspension and a shorter gear ratio helped deliver sharper cornering and stronger acceleration from the same 510 hp engine.The lap was run on a 20.832-kilometer course under ideal spring conditions and with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 R tires. Bergmeister credited the upgraded cha...

Ice Spice Turned the Mercedes-Benz CLA Into a Molten Chrome Princess-Mobile

Give Ice Spice a Mercedes-Benz CLA, and she'll ice it out princess style.The "Princess of Rap" (yes, that is the nickname she's chosen to rep on her very own diamond-encrusted chain) is among Mercedes-Benz's new "Class of Creators," a collective of five artists shaping music, fashion, and design who have been invited to collaborate with the automaker on art pieces inspired by the all-new CLA model throughout the next year. Spice is joined by Gustaf Westman, KidSuper, League of Legends, and Hot Wheels, each of whom will present their own interpretations of the vehicle in the coming months. On Thursday evening, the royal rapper was up first to present her vision for the car. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mercedes-Benz (@mercedesbenz)The "Munch" singer's take on the C...

Can Sound Save Electric Cars From Feeling Boring? BMW Thinks So

Electric cars might be fast, efficient and futuristic — but to many drivers, they still feel... empty. The silence that once symbolized progress now risks dulling the emotional experience behind the wheel. In response, a growing number of automakers are asking a new kind of question: What if sound could bring electric cars to life?BMW’s latest attempt to answer that is called HypersonX — a dynamic soundscape designed for its upcoming Neue Klasse models. And it might be one of the most ambitious EV sound design projects yet. The Sound of BMW’s Neue KlasseSet to debut in 2025, HypersonX features 43 custom-crafted audio signals that shift depending on how you drive. Developed by the BMW Group Sound Design Studio, it uses spatial modulation to make acceleration feel like you’re moving through...

Ralph Lauren’s Rare Yellow Ferrari F50 Heads to Auction

One of the rarest Ferrari F50s — once owned by fashion icon Ralph Lauren — is now set to go under the hammer. It’s notably one of only two U.S.-spec F50s painted in this striking Giallo Modena yellow, making it a uniquely special example of Ferrari’s 50th-anniversary hypercar.Lauren ordered the car new and kept it in his collection for eight years before it changed hands in 2003. Since then, it has remained with the same private owners for more than two decades. With fewer than 5,400 miles on the odometer, this F50 has lived a remarkably private life and hasn’t been seen in public since 2009.It rides on a Formula 1-inspired carbon fiber chassis and is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.7L V12 derived from Ferrari’s 1992 F1 engine. The F50 produces 513 hp and reaches a top speed of 202 mph....

Hennessey Unleashes 2,031 HP Venom F5 Evolution Hypercar

Hennessey Special Vehicles has officially completed testing on its most powerful car to date: the Venom F5 Evolution. Pushing out an impressive 2,031 hp, it now claims the title of the world’s most powerful internal combustion road car.Developed in collaboration with Ilmor Engineering, the Venom F5 Evolution features a revised version of Hennessey’s 6.6L twin-turbo V8 engine, codenamed "Fury." Thanks to upgraded turbochargers, billet pistons and titanium components, the hypercar rockets from 0 to 200 mph in 10.3 seconds — all while running on eco-friendly Shell E85 fuel.In addition to the increased speed and hp, Hennessey has added adaptive suspension for improved ride quality and sharper handling across five drive modes. Aerodynamic enhancements include a redesigned front splitter, underb...

Genesis Reveals Its X Gran Equator Concept

At the 2025 New York International Auto Show, Genesis unveiled the X Gran Equator Concept — its first adventure-focused vehicle designed for modern explorers craving elegance and rugged capability. The concept signals Genesis' push into lifestyle-oriented design, offering a fresh take on its "Athletic Elegance" design language.Sporting a sleek, coupe-like profile, the X Gran Equator Concept aims to defy typical SUV expectations with a long hood, fast C-pillar and clean surfaces. Chunky wheel-arch cladding, 24-inch beadlock wheels, and geometric auxiliary lamps reinforce its off-road intent, while the brand’s signature Two-Line headlamps and split-opening tailgate balance form and function.Inside, the cabin combines analog minimalism with digital flair. A unique four-circle display cluster ...

Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0: Goodbye, and Thanks for All the Fun

The last naturally aspirated Porsche Cayman sings one final verse—this time in the rain-soaked streets of Singapore.There’s something cinematic about driving a naturally aspirated Porsche in the rain: damp roads, moody skies and slick parking garages echoing with the reverberation of a flat-six. The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 isn’t just a precision-built sports coupe — it’s a statement. A final nod to the kind of driving experience that’s becoming increasingly rare.For our Test Drive, Porsche Singapore gave us a delivery mileage, Agate Grey spec, sitting low on black 20-inch wheels, red calipers peeking through and "GTS 4.0" script subtly marking the side. Over the course of a weekend in Singapore — through downpours, narrow city lanes, rooftop carparks and empty highways — it made on...