Automotive

The Maserati MC20 has made history, setting a new autonomous world speed record at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Driven solely by artificial intelligence, the modified MC20 Coupe reached 197 mph at the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility (LLF), surpassing the previous record of 192 mph set in 2022.The record-breaking run was a collaboration between the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), Politecnico di Milano and Maserati, as part of the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida. The LLF, a 15,000-foot (2.8-mile) runway known for NASA’s Space Shuttle landings, served as the ultimate testing ground for high-speed autonomous driving.Notably, the AI driver was developed by PoliMOVE-MSU, a team from Politecnico di Milano’s Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous (AIDA) division. The project ...

A piece of motorsport history has set a new benchmark at auction. The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen, one of the most significant Formula One cars ever built, has been sold via RM Sotheby’s for a staggering €51,155,000 ($55.3 million USD). This sale makes it the most valuable Mercedes-Benz competition car ever auctioned and one of the most expensive Formula One cars of all time.This example, chassis number 00009/54, is one of only four W 196 R models to receive the enclosed-fender Stromlinienwagen (Streamliner) bodywork. It was driven to victory by Juan Manuel Fangio at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix and later piloted by Sir Stirling Moss at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where he set the fastest lap.Following its racing career, Mercedes-Benz donated the car to the Indiana...

Xiaomi has officially launched the production version of its high-performance electric sedan, the SU7 Ultra, starting at approximately $73,800 USD. The flagship model of the SU7 series aims to redefine EV performance, featuring a tri-motor configuration and a track-ready chassis.The SU7 Ultra boasts 1,548 hp, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 1.98 seconds. Its top speed is a record-setting 217 mph, making it the fastest mass-produced four-door sedan in the world. To support its performance, the EV includes a track-optimized cooling system that prevents overheating during high-speed laps, alongside carbon-ceramic brakes that bring it from 62 mph to a complete stop in 101 feet.The SU7 Ultra’s aerodynamics have been enhanced with an oversized front splitter, active rear diffuser, and a ca...

Bentley has introduced the Bentayga Atelier Edition, a refined limited-edition SUV that blends contemporary luxury with Mulliner’s bespoke craftsmanship. This exclusive model is available for the Bentayga V8, Bentayga Hybrid and Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB), featuring a curated selection of exterior and interior finishes.The Atelier Edition revives five Mulliner legacy colors — Light Onyx, Rubino, Porcelain, Quartzite and Light Emerald — while also debuting a new Obsidian Crystal paint. Customers can also choose from Bentley’s full range of finishes. Complementing the color options, the exterior features a vertical vane chrome grille with a secondary matrix grille in Hallmark Satin, 22-inch ten-spoke wheels with Tungsten Satin pockets and Atelier Edition-specific wing vents.Inside, th...

A rare piece of Aston Martin history has surfaced for sale — the one-of-a-kind 2018 Aston Martin V8 Super Cygnet. Originally unveiled at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, this bespoke build merges city car practicality with supercar performance, making it one of the most outrageous projects ever to bear the Aston Martin badge.Commissioned by a private client and crafted by Q by Aston Martin – Commission Service, the V8 Super Cygnet is a heavily re-engineered version of the compact Cygnet city car, retrofitted with the 4.7L V8 from the Vantage S, producing 430 horsepower. With a 7-speed paddle-shift transaxle and rear-wheel drive, this lightweight machine rockets from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 170 mph.Underneath, the Cygnet’s chassis was reinforced with a safety r...

A rare 2015 McLaren P1, finished in a one-of-a-kind matte green exterior with striking McLaren Orange interior accents, is set to cross the auction block at RM Sotheby’s. The single-owner hypercar features ultra-low mileage, featuring just 130 kilometers (81 miles) on the odometer.Originally delivered to Qatar and built to GCC specifications, this P1 stands out with its motorsport-inspired detailing. The McLaren Orange accents highlight key exterior elements like the nose and tail badges, brake calipers, wheel caps and rear spoiler hydraulic rams. Inside, the vibrant color extends to the leather seats, dashboard and switchgear, reinforcing the car’s distinctive aesthetic.The McLaren P1 debuted in 2013 as the brand’s groundbreaking hybrid hypercar, competing against the Ferrari LaFerrari an...

Honda is turning fantasy into reality with its latest collaboration with Pokémon. Under the supervision of The Pokémon Company, the Japanese automaker has launched the "Honda Koraidon Project," bringing the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon into the real world as a rideable mobility concept.The initiative follows the Toyota Miraidon Project, which saw Toyota engineers create a life-sized version of Miraidon, the Pokémon Violet counterpart to Koraidon. Inspired by this, Honda assembled a team of approximately 40 engineers from its Motorcycle and Power Products divisions and Innovative Research Excellence to develop a Koraidon that embodies Honda’s expertise in motorcycle engineering and self-balancing technology.Designed to mirror Koraidon's iconic muscular build, Honda’s version incorporates elem...

Virgin Galactic's newest spacecraft is set to become a reality next year. Founded by Richard Branson in 2004, the space company confirmed plans to Bloomberg of their first flight to space set for 2026. For the project, a revamped Delta spacecraft transforms into the Virgin Galactic to takeoff for its first suborbital trip in two years since the company's last trip to space in June 2024. This March marks the the beginning of the Delta spacecraft being prepped for civilian space travel. The six-person spacecraft, two more than the previous aircrafts, is said to be upgraded and have a faster turnaround between trips. The ticket prices are estimated to be $600,000 USD a seat and currently the company has a wait list of 700 ticket holders. Virgin Galactic's first completed commercial space flig...

Luxury automotive tuner MANSORY has unveiled its complete customization program for the Tesla Cybertruck, providing the futuristic electric truck with an aggressive design, bespoke interiors and massive 26-inch wheels. Dubbed the "MANSORY Elongation," the upgrade package showcases the German brand’s signature full-carbon aesthetic and high-performance engineering.Already one of the most radical automotive designs to date, the Tesla Cybertruck receives a further visual overhaul under MANSORY’s craftsmanship. The tuner introduces an array of carbon fiber add-on parts, including redesigned front and rear bumpers, fender flares and dual rear wings. Additional carbon components are available for the front fascia and tailgate, while extra roof-mounted headlights add to the truck’s commanding pre...

Subaru Australia is expanding its high-performance WRX lineup with the introduction of the WRX AWD tS Spec B, set to arrive in 2025. This latest addition is designed to push the WRX experience to new heights, offering enhanced driving dynamics and aggressive styling for enthusiasts.The WRX AWD tS Spec B comes equipped with 19-inch matte grey alloy wheels, Brembo brakes with ventilated discs and Recaro front seats, all aimed at improving performance and driver engagement. A large rear wing spoiler further amplifies its aesthetic, reinforcing its motorsport-inspired design.At its core, the WRX AWD tS Spec B features Subaru’s 2.4L turbocharged Boxer engine, delivering power through a six-speed manual transmission and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for razor-sharp handling and confidence-inspirin...

Hennessey Performance has unveiled its most extreme Mustang yet — the SUPER VENOM Mustang, boasting a staggering 850 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Limited to 91 units globally, the model commemorates the Texas-based company’s founding in 1991.Building upon Ford’s 5L Coyote V8, Hennessey increases output by 70 percent, incorporating a high-flow induction system, performance supercharger, upgraded fuel injectors and fuel pump, all fine-tuned via Hennessey’s custom engine management system. The result is a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds, with the quarter-mile dispatched in 10.9 seconds at 133 mph — shaving significant time off the Dark Horse Mustang.Aerodynamics receive a major upgrade with Hennessey’s exclusive ‘VenomAero’ carbon fiber kit, featuring a front splitter, hood vent, side skirts, fro...