Automotive
BMW Reveals Updated 659 HP iX M70 xDrive
BMW has unveiled the updated iX M70 xDrive, the latest example in its all-electric "Sports Activity Vehicle" (SAV) lineup, boasting increased power and luxury. As the most performance-focused model in the iX range, the M70 xDrive delivers 659 hp and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds.Equipped with BMW’s advanced eDrive technology and optimized power electronics, the iX M70 xDrive offers exceptional efficiency and driving dynamics. With a high-voltage battery providing 108.9 kWh of usable energy, it achieves a range of up to 373 miles on the WLTP cycle. The vehicle’s adaptive suspension, Integral Active Steering and M-specific tuning aim to provide a thrilling yet controlled driving experience.The iX M70 xDrive features a bold and aggressive design with the M Sport package and M Sport...
Porsche Taycan GTS Sets Guinness World Record for Longest Ice Drift
Porsche has added another accolade to its record-breaking Taycan lineup, setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest continuous drift on ice by an electric vehicle. Behind the wheel of a Taycan GTS, Porsche Experience instructor Jens Richter completed 132 laps in a controlled oversteer, covering 17.503 kilometers in just 46 minutes at the Porsche Arctic Center in Levi, Finland.The record attempt, which took place on January 14, 2025, wasn’t without challenges. The intense stress of drifting rapidly deteriorated the 59-meter ice track, forcing an early halt during the first attempt after 11 kilometers. However, after switching to shorter spikes and leveraging the cooling temperatures at night, Richter successfully navigated the Taycan GTS through a seamless drift, smashing the previ...
MINI Showcases Fully-Optioned John Cooper Works Car
The MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) takes its legendary go-kart driving dynamics to a new level, proving its capabilities in challenging winter conditions. With its signature agility and racing-inspired enhancements, the high-performance three-door MINI aims to deliver adrenaline-filled fun that can handle the snow and ice, enhanced by genuine JCW accessories.Powered by a 2.0L TwinPower Turbo engine delivering 231 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the MINI JCW goes from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph. Its chassis technology, honed through racing expertise, aims to provide exceptional control and safety.For those looking to elevate the MINI JCW’s character, the brand offers a range of aerodynamic accessories in high-gloss Black and Chili Red. These include winglets for...
We Went to Japan To Learn Drift Fundamentals From Kota the Yoda
When it comes to mastering the art of drifting, there’s no better guide than someone who has lived and breathed the culture for years. Earlier this month, while in Japan for Tokyo Auto Salon, we had the privilege of joining Kota The Yoda in Chiba for an unforgettable morning dedicated to learning the fundamentals of drifting. With over seven years of self-taught experience under his belt and a reputation that extends beyond Japan, Kota proved to be an exceptional teacher and an inspiring figure in the world of JDM culture.A Passion Fueled by Fun and PerseveranceFor Kota, drifting isn’t just a skill or a sport — it’s a lifestyle. “I drift for fun,” he told us during a conversation. His enthusiasm is evident not just in his words but also in the way he handles his cars, including his Nissan ...
The Shelby GT350R Returns with 830 HP
Shelby has officially unveiled the 2025 Shelby GT350R concept, a high-performance, street-legal sports car designed for track enthusiasts. Introduced at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, the GT350R is a modern tribute to its legendary predecessor from 1965. Limited to just 36 units, the GT350R packs over 830 hp, a six-speed manual transmission and cutting-edge performance upgrades.While the standard Shelby GT350 delivers an impressive 810 hp in its supercharged variant, the GT350R elevates the experience with exclusive features inspired by Shelby’s racing heritage. Its lightweight design incorporates a carbon fiber interior tub, optional racing seats and an integrated roll cage. Shelby worked with Turn Key Automotive/Motorsports to develop a Trans Am-spec carbon fiber aer...
Iconic Nissan Skyline GTS-R NISMO Group A Sells at Auction
An exceptional piece of Japanese motorsport history has found a new home. The 1987 Nissan Skyline "Type HR31" GTS-R NISMO Group A, known as the very first Skyline to wear the iconic Calsonic livery, was recently sold at Bonhams Cars' The Scottsdale Auction. Chassis no. HR31-128388 is said to be the sole surviving NISMO Calsonic GTS-R, making it a remarkable acquisition for any collector.Prepared by Kazuyoshi Hoshino’s Impul/NISMO team, the GTS-R competed in the 1988 and 1989 Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC). With drivers like Moto Kitano, Takao Wada and Hoshino, it achieved notable results, including a victory at Nishi-Sendai Hi-Land Raceway and multiple pole positions during the 1989 season. This chassis also introduced the now-legendary blue-and-white Calsonic livery, later immor...
Mazda Unveils 2025 MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary Edition
Mazda has unveiled the 2025 MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary Edition, celebrating 35 years of its popular lightweight car. Debuting at the iconic IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season opener in Daytona, the special edition is a tribute to the MX-5 Miata’s legacy and limited to just 300 units for the U.S. market.The 35th Anniversary Edition is exclusively available in the Artisan Red Metallic exterior color, complemented by a beige soft top and matching tan Nappa leather interior. The headrests feature an embossed 35th Anniversary logo, while the cabin boasts tan carpeting, bespoke trim and a color-matched leather-wrapped key fob sleeve.Mazda equips this exclusive model with features typically found on the Grand Touring trim, including heated seats, Bose audio, wireless Apple CarPlay, A...
Audi Unleashes Bold Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept
Audi has unveiled its striking Q6 e-tron offroad concept, a prototype that reimagines electric off-road capabilities, during the Kitzbühel World Cup weekend in Austria. With its bold design, the concept vehicle showcases the potential of Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE).Equipped with two electric motors delivering a combined 380 kW, the Q6 e-tron offroad concept boasts newly developed portal axles that enable it to tackle gradients of up to 100 percent (45 degrees). Audi CEO Gernot Döllner highlighted the model as a “highly emotive reinterpretation of quattro,” emphasizing its role in pushing the boundaries of electric mobility both on and off the road.The offroad concept’s standout features include a 6.3-inch increase in ride height and a 9.8-inch wider track, giving it a commanding...
Cadillac Introduces Its Fastest Production Vehicle Yet
Cadillac has introduced the 2026 LYRIQ-V, the first all-electric model in its high-performance V-Series lineup. Boasting 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, the LYRIQ-V rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, making it the fastest production Cadillac yet."LYRIQ-V embodies Cadillac’s relentless pursuit of engineering excellence," said John Roth, Global Cadillac Vice President, adding "It pushes our performance pedigree into the EV era with a luxurious and high-tech driving experience."Notably, the LYRIQ-V features dual-motor all-wheel drive and a 102-kWh battery, delivering an estimated 285-mile range. Drivers can access the full performance potential via Velocity Max, while the V-Mode system allows customized settings for performance driving. Brembo performance brakes and Competitive Mod...
MANHART Unleashes the BMW MH2 500 II
MANHART has once again demonstrated its mastery in tuning with the release of the BMW MH2 500 II, an enhanced version of the BMW M240i (G42). This project car takes the already impressive capabilities of BMW's compact coupe to new heights, making it a worthy challenger to its big brother, the M2.Under the hood, the MH2 500 II boasts a 503 hp and 466 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the M2 Competition's standard 460 hp and even the LCI's 480 hp. Achieved through the integration of MANHART's MHtronik power box, a new intake manifold with an intercooler and a 300-cell HJS catalytic converter paired with a stainless steel rear silencer, the powertrain is tuned for optimum performance with 102-octane fuel. The xDrive all-wheel drive system ensures this immense power translates to the road with excep...
Toyota Unveils the 2025 Prius Nightshade Grade Package
Toyota has unveiled the 2025 Prius Nightshade grade package, a sleek new addition to the hybrid lineup. Building on the popular XLE trim, the Nightshade grade adds an extra layer of sophistication with its bold, blacked-out design elements. These include 19-inch black alloy wheels, black exterior badging, a black shark fin antenna and exclusive Karashi paint — a rich, golden hue that joins existing colors like Midnight Black Metallic and Wind Chill Pearl.Under the hood, the Nightshade retains the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System, pairing a 2L engine with electric motors to deliver up to 196 net-combined hp on all-wheel-drive models. With an EPA-estimated 57 MPG combined, this Prius isn’t just about style — it’s engineered for efficiency. For those requiring extra traction, the availab...
Hennessey Launches Defense Systems Division With the WARHAWK
Hennessey, renowned for its hypercars and high-performance vehicles, has announced the launch of its first light strike-force vehicle, the WARHAWK, under its newly formed Hennessey Defense Systems (HDS) division.Primarily designed for the military and police, the WARHAWK is built on the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon platform, it boasts a lighter, faster design optimized for Special Operations and SWAT team missions. HDS enhances the vehicle with modular features, allowing customization of the bed to carry supplies, weaponry, or medical equipment. Additional upgrades include armored drivetrain shielding, off-road run-flat tires, mounting points for weapon systems and a blackout function for stealth operations. The fuel system can be adapted to run on diesel or kerosene-based fuels, further enhanci...
