Automotive

An extensively modified 1975 BMW 3.0 CS, transformed to emulate the 3.0 CSL Group 4 race car, is currently up for auction on Bring A Trailer. The ambitious 18-year build, completed in 2016, features a powerful 3.5L Hartge H6SP inline-six engine with mechanical fuel injection, mated to a five-speed manual transmission.This race car showcases "Batmobile"-style aerodynamic bodywork, including a widened front air dam, fender flares, a roof spoiler, a rear wing and a decklid spoiler. Finished in Chamonix white, the car is dressed in painted BMW Motorsport livery and various decals, giving it an authentic racing aesthetic.Performance enhancements include 18" Fikse PROFIL-5S wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero slicks, Porsche 993 RSR-style brake calipers, custom-valved Bilstein shocks and polyureth...

Reports have begun to surface that automotive seat supplier Recaro has filed for bankruptcy — much to the surprise of its 215 employees who are said to have been "waiving and postponing wages" for years in order to stabilize the company.Following the filing by Recaro on July 29, the IG Metall trade union stated the future of its employees is currently uncertain, as is the fate of the company. At the time of writing, there is little information available regarding whether or not the company will be sold or dissolved.Additional reports indicate that this financial state only affects Recaro Automotive, the department that produces OEM and aftermarket seating for car brands. Recaro's business in creating seating for aircraft as well as lifestyle applications, like office chairs and gaming seat...

An ultra-rare 2011 RUF Rt12 S with only 513 miles on its odometer is now being offered for private sale by Chicago Motorcars. This exceptionally rare model, limited to just 13 examples globally, is known for its breathtaking performance and boasts a 685 hp twin-turbocharged 3.8L engine paired with all-wheel drive.Finished in a sleek Basaltblack Metallic exterior and a luxurious Dark Grey Alcantara interior, this Rt12 S is as visually stunning as it is mechanically impressive. The vehicle comes fully equipped with a road safety kit, owner's books, a RUF Zertifikat and a vehicle information sheet.RUF, renowned for its precision engineering and high standards, earned its status as an official automobile manufacturer in 1981, a remarkable feat in the competitive German tuning industry. The Rt1...

Toyota Research Institute (TRI) and Stanford Engineering have announced a groundbreaking achievement in autonomous driving: the world’s first fully autonomous tandem drift — using a pair of GR Supras. TRI notes that this significant milestone is the result of nearly seven years of collaborative research aimed at enhancing driving safety.Avinash Balachandran, vice president of TRI’s Human Interactive Driving division, stated, "Utilizing AI, we can drift two cars in tandem autonomously. This complex motorsports maneuver's successful automation has far-reaching implications for advanced safety systems in future vehicles."Chris Gerdes, a mechanical engineering professor and co-director of Stanford’s Center for Automotive Research, highlighted the practical applications of this project, stating...

Tesla has issued yet another recall – this time, not for the seemingly problem-ridden Cybertruck but rather for 1.85 million of its Model 3, Model S, Model Y and Model X cars. The recall specifically impacts those classes of cars produced between 2021 and 2024 for the Model 3, Model S and Model X, and vehicles made between 2020 and 2024 for the Model Y.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tesla’s software is prone to failing to notify drivers if the hood of the car is unlatched, which could then fly up and block their view while driving.Tesla said it began investigating customer complaints back in March, reporting that there have been no injuries or deaths related to the issue. In June, the automaker rolled out a software update to amend the problem.Tesl...

In honor of the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film Goldfinger, Aston Martin has unveiled the House of Q, a 007-inspired pop-up experience in London's prestigious Burlington Arcade. This unique attraction, running until August 4, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the world of Bond's iconic DB5 and the legacy of Aston Martin's association with the franchise.The House of Q is cleverly hidden within a magazine newsstand facade at House 12-13 Burlington Arcade. Upon entry, guests are guided by covert messages to a secret door, leading them into a subterranean speakeasy bar adorned with original technical drawings and parts from the legendary DB5. The bar, serving Champagne Bollinger, immerses visitors in the rich storytelling of Aston Martin and 007.Marco Mattiacci, Aston Martin’s Global...

Mercedes-AMG has officially opened orders for the new CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet, following the reveal of its Coupe model in late 2023. Like the coupe, the Cabriolet aims to be an entry-level performance vehicle for the brand, with pricing starting at $98,500 USD.The CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet features a powerful 3.0L six-cylinder in-line engine, producing 449 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, with an additional boost of 23 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque from the integrated starter generator. The vehicle boasts the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. Notably, the Cabriolet can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.4 seconds.Standard equipment includes the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping and active rear-axle steering. T...

Ferrari's Roma first hit the pavement in 2019, which was quickly proceeded by the Roma Spider in 2023, which was a special moment given the last time the Italian carmaker debuted a new soft top front-engine sports car was in 1969 with the 365 GTS4. Given the standout moment of the model, NOVITEC hopped in to offer its updated take on the Ferrari Roma Spider – boasting 704 horsepower no less.The standard Ferrari Roma Spider features 611 horsepower with 561 lb-ft of torque – hitting 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds. Given NOVITEC's specialty in automotive upgrades, it took up the specs a notch. The drop-top vehicle now boats 704 horsepower with a peak torque output of 882 Nm. The build still boats a twin-turbo V8 Biturbo engine with 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of just over 201 mph.On t...

Porsche Ibérica recently unveiled an exclusive "Cuarenta Edition" Porsche 911, in celebration of its 40-year anniversary — featuring unique design elements inspired by Iberian history and culture.In 1984, Porsche transitioned from being represented by an importer in Spain to establishing a subsidiary, Porsche España, S.A., marking a new chapter in its relationship with Iberian enthusiasts. To commemorate this milestone, Porsche Ibérica collaborated with Style Porsche and the Sonderwunsch Team in Zuffenhausen to create the Cuarenta Edition."The arrival of Porsche as a subsidiary in Spain and Portugal was a turning point for the brand," said Tomás Villén, Managing Director of Porsche Ibérica, adding "We are very proud of the work we have done in these forty years, and what better way to cele...

BMW has unveiled an extensive range of M Performance Parts for the all-new BMW M5, enhancing the dynamic appeal and aerodynamic precision of the high-performance sedan. This latest model, featuring the innovative M HYBRID drive system, boasts a formidable output of 535 kW (727 hp) and a peak torque of 737 lb-ft.The M Performance Parts range offers model-specific components designed to amplify the M5’s sporty aesthetics and performance capabilities. Key exterior enhancements include carbon fiber elements like a two-section rear diffuser, tailpipe trims, front splitter and side sill extensions, all crafted from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for reduced weight and enhanced durability.Aerodynamic balance is further refined through these additions, with the rear diffuser and front spli...

Following the story behind its Mad Max-esque 928 noise test vehicle, Porsche has shared another 928 highlight — a community-inspired "Surfari."Notably, the Porsche 928 Surfari represents a creative blend of automotive engineering and surfing culture, a creation born from the passion of a Polish surfing community. This unique project was conceived by Tadeusz Elwart, manager of the Chałupy 6 campsite on Poland’s Hel Peninsula and organizer of the Hel Riders festival.The idea took root years ago, merging Elwart's love for Porsche with his coastal lifestyle. Aided by his father, who introduced him to the automotive brand, Elwart envisioned a vehicle that could navigate off-road terrains while serving as the perfect beach companion.Transforming a classic Porsche 928 into a versatile surf vehicl...

The latest MINI Cooper S, now available in the John Cooper Works (JCW) trim, aims to blend sporty aesthetics with the brand's storied racing heritage. This three-door model features distinctive front and rear designs that highlight its agile handling and performance capabilities.Under the hood, the MINI Cooper S boasts a capable 2.0L TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 204 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. This power enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The JCW trim enhances the Cooper S with exclusive design elements, like distinctive diffusers, a high-gloss black octagonal front grille and contrasting black roof and mirror caps. The vehicle also features JCW brake calipers and unique 17-inch or 18-inch rim designs, reinforcing its powerful stance.Insi...