Automotive

Student Driver and Renown have teamed up to release the SD Racing steering wheel, a limited release of 50 units that sold out almost instantly earlier this month.The collaboration between Daniel Wu, Sung Kang’s Student Driver brand, and Scott Woltman’s Renown began as a casual discussion in 2023 at Laguna Seca Raceway, eventually evolving into a passion project that blends motorsport heritage with modern craftsmanship.Renown, a San Francisco-based company specializing in retro and vintage sports car steering wheels, worked closely with Student Driver to create a design built for enthusiasts. The 100mm deep-dish wheel features brushed matte black 6061 aluminum spokes, genuine charcoal leather and SD Racing’s signature green stitching woven throughout. "STUDENT DRIVER" embroidery is placed o...

Luxury car tuner Mansory and sportswear giant Under Armour have joined forces to create a bold statement in the automotive and fashion industries. Announced during an exclusive event on the eve of the NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco, the collaboration introduces a one-off "MANSORY x UNDER ARMOUR Le MANSORY" supercar and a matching limited-edition sneaker.Inspired by NBA icon Stephen Curry, the Le MANSORY builds upon the legendary Ford GT platform, undergoing an extensive transformation by Mansory. The car’s full carbon-fiber body is widened by 5 cm, while new aerodynamics — featuring enlarged air intakes, a redesigned rear wing with integrated flaps and an exclusive four-headlight LED system — set it apart from the standard Ford GT.The supercar’s power has also been upgraded, with its t...

Porsche and Michelin have introduced a new high-performance tire designed to extend the track-day season for 911 GT3 RS owners. The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5, developed specifically for wet and low-temperature conditions, allows drivers to push their limits on circuits even in challenging weather.Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Vehicles at Porsche, emphasized the customer-driven development: “We are responding to demand from our performance-focused customers who want to spend more time on track during spring and autumn.”The new tire joins Porsche’s lineup of Michelin-approved options, complementing the ultra-high-performance (UHP) Pilot Sport Cup 2 R. Marked with Porsche’s exclusive ‘N’ designation, the Pilot Sport S 5 introduces a new segment focused on wet-weather grip while maintaining r...

BMW has introduced the "Vision Driving Experience," a test vehicle designed to push the limits of driving dynamics and efficiency. Although not planned for production, this high-performance prototype serves as a rolling laboratory for BMW’s next-generation Neue Klasse models, testing the capabilities of the "Heart of Joy," a new drivetrain and dynamics control unit.Tested at the BMW Performance Driving Center in Spartanburg, U.S., the Vision Driving Experience showcases how the Heart of Joy transforms electric mobility. This advanced system processes data ten times faster than previous iterations, ensuring precise control over acceleration, braking, steering and energy recuperation. Developed in-house, the Heart of Joy is one of four central computing units in Neue Klasse vehicles and will...

Following TAG Heuer’s appointment as the official timekeeper for Formula 1, the LVMH-owned brand now also becomes the first title partner in the nearly 100-year history of the Grand Prix de Monaco  — marking a historic moment for both the race and the renowned Swiss watchmaker.Celebrating its 75th year in Formula 1, TAG Heuer's return as the official timekeeper reinforces its strong connection with the top tier of motor racing and the prestigious Monaco race. The shared story of Monaco and TAG Heuer spans decades, interwoven through motorsport and the famous TAG Heuer Monaco collection, making it fitting for the race to now be known as the Formula 1 TAG Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco.Since the ‘60s and ‘70s, drivers like Jochen Rindt, Jo Siffert, Niki Lauda and Ronnie Peterson wore Heuer chron...

Ichiban Motorcycles is going full "Godzilla Mode" with its new electric ride. The company has revealed a new electric motorcycle inspired by the famous Akira anime, specifically the protagonist Shotaro Kaneda, leader of The Capsules' bike. Expected to actually go into production, the upcoming release has been noted by the company that the motorcycle is prepared to go into "Godzilla Mode." When enabled, it will take the motorcycle from zero to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds, powered on a 45-kW dual-motor system. The battery will allow the bike to be charged to 70% in just 30 minutes and it features an anti-lock braking system and traction control. Akira, the film from 1988, is considered to be one of the most influential anime adaptations in the genre. It was adapted from Katsuhiro Otomo’s mang...

Lexus is making waves in the world of surfing with the unveiling of the Surf LX concept vehicle at the 2025 Lexus Pipe Pro in Oahu, Hawaii. Alongside the debut, the automaker announced an expanded multi-year partnership with the World Surf League (WSL).As part of this new agreement, Lexus will serve as the title sponsor for five major WSL events in 2025: the WSL Awards, Pipe Pro, Trestle Pro, US Open of Surfing and WSL Finals. Additionally, Lexus will extend its partnership reach to Fiji for the highly anticipated WSL Finals at Cloudbreak.“Lexus and the WSL are united by a shared drive for innovation, excellence, and performance,” said Lisa McQueen, media manager of Lexus marketing. “This expanded partnership will allow us to elevate the fan experience to new heights, creating amazing mome...

Porsche has officially opened its fifth exclusive Charging Lounge, this time in Hamburg-Rahlstedt. Designed to offer high-performance charging and a premium customer experience, the new facility is located near the A1 motorway, making it a convenient stop for travelers heading to and from the Baltic Sea.Equipped with four DC fast-charging stations delivering up to 400 kW, the lounge allows fully electric Porsche models to recharge efficiently. A Taycan from the current generation, for example, can reach an 80 percent charge in just 18 minutes. All energy supplied comes from renewable sources, reinforcing Porsche’s commitment to sustainability.This latest lounge introduces a modular concept developed with Studio F.A. Porsche, enabling adaptable designs for different locations. Constructed p...

Ford has introduced the Mustang Mach-E NASCAR prototype, a fully electric race car that aims to push the limits of EV motorsport technology.Joining the ranks of Ford's high-performance demonstrators — including the SuperTruck, SuperVan 4.2, and Super Cobra Jet 1800 — this new concept blends NASCAR Cup Series engineering with cutting-edge EV performance. Key components borrowed from the current Cup Series car include its suspension, brakes, steering and wheels.Under the hood, the Mach-E demonstrator packs a three-motor setup powered by a 78 kWh battery, delivering instant torque and rapid acceleration. Its full carbon fiber tub further enhances structural rigidity and weight reduction, essential for high-speed competition.While Ford has yet to confirm if this prototype signals a shift towar...

BMW has introduced the first-ever BMW M3 CS Touring, a limited-edition high-performance wagon that combines track-inspired engineering with everyday versatility. Debuting at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit during the Bathurst 12-Hour race, this special model elevates the M3 Touring formula with increased power, aggressive weight-saving measures and exclusive design elements.Under the hood, the M3 CS Touring houses a 3L twin-turbo inline-six engine producing 550 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, it sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph. Performance is further enhanced by a reinforced crankcase, forged lightweight crankshaft and model-specific chassis tuning.C...

Luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton has announced a historic 10-year partnership with Formula 1, becoming an Official Partner of the motorsport and the Title Partner of the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025. This agreement marks a significant crossover between fashion and motorsports.As Formula 1 celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025, Louis Vuitton will have a prominent presence across key race destinations worldwide. This includes trackside branding, a first for the brand at a major sporting event, as well as its signature Trophy Trunks, which will be presented ahead of races and on the podium to celebrate race winners. The partnership reflects the growing convergence of fashion, culture, sports and entertainment.Louis Vuitton’s relationship with motorsports began with t...