Automotive
Porsche’s First Hybrid 911 Completes Rigorous Testing
Porsche has announced the successful completion of its highly anticipated hybrid 911, marking a significant shift for the iconic sports car. After a robust global testing program, the new 911 hybrid is primed for mass production and love it or hate it, is poised to elevate the driving performance with its dynamic hybrid technology.Frank Moser, Vice President of Model Line 911 and 718, emphasized the significance of the development, stating, "For the first time in its 61-year legacy, the 911 will incorporate a hybrid system aimed at enhancing the vehicle's dynamism." This innovation was put through rigorous paces under extreme conditions worldwide — from the arctic chill to the heat of Dubai, ensuring its resilience across diverse environments.A key highlight of the hybrid 911's capabilitie...
2025 Aston Martin Vantage: A Classic Contender in a Tough Sports Car Market
These days, asking for a sports car and getting exactly what you want is actually quite difficult. Hybrid engines. Cars getting enormous. All-wheel drive setups. In a market saturated by these aspects, sometimes all you need is a pure driver's car in the classic front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, gobs of power, and formulaic good looks. For the Aston Martin Vantage, whose nameplate dates back to the 70s but made its largest strides in the mid-2000s, performance and overall package was always key. It had a lot to live up to as the "baby" or entry-level Aston Martin, yet it appealed to consumers looking for just the right amount of exotic, downright sexy looks and performance capable of keeping up with the competition. AM seems to be pretty diehard with this direction for the Vantage and...
Miami Beach Police Adds Rolls-Royce as Recruitment Strategy
The Miami Beach Police Department has introduced a $250,000 USD Rolls-Royce Ghost patrol car to its fleet. Provided on loan by Braman Motors, this luxury vehicle is part of a strategy to enhance the department's recruitment appeal.At the unveiling in South Beach, Police Chief Wayne Jones highlighted the vehicle's role in recruitment, stating, "Recruiting police officers is a difficult thing to do. Using this car to help us do recruitment is going to be great." Equipped with police lights and sirens, the Rolls-Royce was flanked by motorcycle officers when it was presented.The partnership ensures no taxpayer funds are used as Braman Motors covers all maintenance and gas, with the police force being responsible for damages. This initiative has captured widespread attention, showcasing the dep...
Land Rover Defender Upgraded With Comfort-First Features and New Diesel Engine
Land Rover has rolled out a suite of new upgrades and features for its flagship Defender model, including all-new captain chairs and a new D350 powertrain.The luxurious new seats, fitted with heating and cooling technology, will be available for second-row riders in the Defender 130. The chairs possess individual armrests with an aisle in between for additional space, while twin cupholders on a raised section behind the front console. Additionally, the seats can be fitted with winged headrests for maximal comfort.The captain chairs come as part of a new Signature Interior Pack, which includes features such as 14-way electrically controlled seats, memory functions, Windsor leather and Kvadrat seats available in several colorways. Notably, the pack is standard on Defender X and V8 specificat...
Volkswagen Unveils Its Most Innovative California Van Yet
Volkswagen has introduced the latest generation of its iconic California camper van, hailed as the most innovative model to date. The new California seamlessly combines modern technology, enhanced versatility and sustainable options.Built on the extended version of the Multivan, the new-gen boasts dual sliding doors as standard, significantly increasing flexibility and accessibility. This iteration marks a significant milestone as the first in its line to offer a plug-in hybrid drive coupled with an all-wheel-drive system, allowing for temporary electric-only operation alongside extended range capabilities.Volkswagen will offer five distinct versions of the new California, each equipped with the classic pop-up roof: Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean. These variants cater to ...
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Evolves with Black Badge Series II Iteration
Rolls-Royce has introduced the new Black Badge Cullinan Series II, showcasing an evolution in luxury automotive design and performance. This latest iteration caters to a select group of clientele who prioritize bold self-expression and innovative technology.While considerably more low-key in contrast to the interior, the exterior of the Black Badge Cullinan Series II does feature an aggressive front end with an enlarged air intake and the iconic Pantheon grille, now illuminated for added presence. The entire vehicle boasts a monochrome palette, with all exterior details including the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine finished in black, enhancing its appearance.Notably, the Series II debuts 23-inch wheels -- a first for Black Badge vehicles. These wheels are designed with an intricate interplay of...
Cupra Gears Up for a New Chapter Focused on Cutting-Edge Design
This week marked a pivotal moment in Cupra’s journey as an emerging car brand. Taking to Madrid’s Palacio de Cibeles for its annual World Premiere, the Barcelona-based company revealed plans for its next chapter, which it referred to as “Design Obsession.” Over its six years as a standalone brand, Cupra has become known for its cutting-edge design, whether it's the distinctive shark-nosed bonnets or its state-of-the-art City Garages. “Design is basically what we are,” says Cecilia Taeib, the brand’s director of communications. All too familiar with Cupra’s unique identity, she sat down with Hypebeast ahead of the event to talk about the new chapter. “Design Obsession is a way to explain to people what our brand is. Throughout the years, we've presented many cars and the way that people per...
Bentley Mulliner Reveals Latest Coachbuild: The Batur Convertible
Bentley Mulliner has unveiled its latest marvel, the Batur Convertible, a masterpiece of modern coachbuilding. This luxurious two-seater is the third bespoke creation from Bentley in the modern era, following the highly acclaimed Bacalar barchetta and Batur coupe. Limited to just 16 units globally, this vehicle represents a new peak in Bentley's pursuit of combining high performance with exclusive design.At the heart of the Batur Convertible lies Bentley’s legendary 6L twin-turbocharged W12 engine, delivering a robust 750 hp. This marks one of the final applications of this iconic engine as Bentley prepares to conclude its production. The powerful W12, coupled with an advanced eight-speed double-clutch transmission and a titanium sports exhaust system, ensures that the Batur Convertible pe...
BMW Unleashes Its Latest “Competition Sport” Vehicle: The M4 CS
BMW has unveiled its latest "Competition Sport" vehicle, the M4 CS, a special edition model that bridges the gap between its M4 Competition Coupé and the M4 CSL, offering a thrilling blend of racetrack prowess and everyday usability.The M4 CS comes equipped with a tuned 3L twin-turbo inline six boasting 550 hp and capable of 0-60 in 3.4 seconds. While derived from the M3/M4 range, the engine is extensively tuned for track performance, made apparent by the success of its race-bred counterparts that have dominated competitions like the DTM and the 24-hour races at Spa-Francorchamps and Dubai.Performance is further enhanced by the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and BMW's M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Notably, the car's prowess was put to the test at the Nürburgring, where it clocked...
Roll Like Batman in Automobili Pininfarina’s Latest Hypercar Duo
You can now tear through the streets like Batman, thanks to Automobili Pininfarina's latest hypercar duo, created in collaboration with Warner Bros-owned Wayne Enterprises. The vehicles are special editions of the Battista and Barchetta 95 (B95), available in four total iterations with a hyper-limited production run -- as The Bat would have it.Two trim combinations are available -- the Gotham and the Dark Knight -- for both cars. For both body types, clients can choose from the Nero Profondo-on-black Dark Knight trim level, or tone it down a little with the Gotham configuration, featuring Argento Vittorio silver with a tan leather interior.Notably, the special editions include various Batman references, including Wayne Enterprises logos adorning the interior, Bruce Wayne-style tuxedo strip...
Inverted’s EV Toyota Land Cruiser Blends Modern Tech with Classic Nostalgia
In a blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology, Inverted has launched an EV example of Toyota's iconic Land Cruiser 40 Series (J40). This iconic vehicle recognized globally for its ruggedness and versatility, is now available in various configurations, including soft top, hard top and pickup truck models.Inverted offers two powertrain options for the electrified Land Cruiser. The first retains the original transmission, boasting up to 215 hp and approximately 250 lb-ft of torque. It features a 53kWh battery pack, allowing for a range of up to 150 miles and supports CCS Rapid Charging up to 75kW. The second option, catering to those seeking more power, includes a Tesla motor that delivers 320 hp and roughly 300 lb-ft of torque, capable of 0-60 mph in roughly 5.5 seconds.Inside, every e...
Tesla Wants to Become the Uber of Robotaxis
Earlier this month, Elon Musk gave an update on Tesla’s long-awaited robotaxis – which wasn’t much, save for that the cars will be unveiled by the company on August 8.Ahead of rolling out the robotaxis, Tesla is previewing a rideshare service where users can hail one of the self-driving vehicles.The service would be accessible within the Tesla app. Similar to Uber, users would be able to hail a robotaxi to their location and would even be able to adjust the temperature of the vehicle prior to pickup.Tesla's Q1 earnings presentation included mockups of the app. On a call accompanying the presentation, Musk referred to the rideshare as "Cyber Cab” and described it as a “combination of Airbnb and Uber.”"There will be some number of cars that Tesla owns itself and operates, a bunch where they ...
