Automotive
Mercedes-Benz Gets Approved for Level 3 Autonomous Driving in Germany
Mercedes-Benz has secured approval from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) for its advanced DRIVE PILOT system, enabling conditionally automated driving (SAE Level 3) at speeds of up to 95 km/h (59 mph). This milestone makes DRIVE PILOT the fastest certified Level 3 autonomous driving system in a standard production vehicle, in Germany.Available as an optional feature on the luxury S-Class and EQS sedan models, DRIVE PILOT will become commercially available in Germany by spring 2025. Existing customers will receive the update free of charge via an Over-the-Air (OTA) software update or during a routine workshop visit, without requiring any hardware modifications.Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes-Benz, expressed pride in this achievement, h...
Hiroshi Fujiwara Kicks Off Maserati’s Exclusive Fuoriserie By Series
In the latest chapter of their influential partnership, Maserati and Hiroshi Fujiwara join forces to design the first-ever bespoke supercar in the brand’s Fuoriserie By collection. The new series is inspired by the Trident customization program, similarly named Fuoriserie, which gives customers the chance to tailor and modify their prospective supercars into a one-of-a-kind automobile. In celebration of this service, Fuoriserie By is set to invite past Maserati collaborators to put their spin on the most famous models it has produced to date. For his exclusive edition, Fujiwara takes on the MC20 Cielo as a base for his designs. With an affinity for classic cars – as expressed to Hypebeast back in 2021 – the Fragment founder presents two sleek and minimalist versions of the supercar that si...
How Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Has Kept Up with the Changing Face of Luxury
Through generations of refining and redesigning, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has remained a symbol of luxury and comfort-focused design. Having sold thousands of models worldwide, the series continues to be a go-to for those in the market for a high-end sedan. So, how exactly has the brand stayed true to its iconic heritage in today’s landscape of luxury?The answer lies in the brand’s 360° approach to design. Understanding the purpose of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class – from everyday driving to chauffeured traveling – it has nailed down the various requirements for its models. Mercedes-Maybach has ensured it keeps these needs in mind, paying close attention to every detail in order to give its prestigious clientele an unfaltering series of automobiles that lend to a palatial drive, whether ...
Slawn Unveils Lancia Delta Integrale Art Car
Street artist Slawn, fresh from his sold-out Saatchi Yates Gallery exhibition, has unveiled a striking Lancia Delta Integrale art car in collaboration with London-based car culture collective Spot and Lancia expert Tanc Barratt. This one-of-a-kind creation offers collectors a unique chance to own a piece of Slawn’s artwork following his rise in the contemporary art scene.Known for his vivid, larger-than-life caricatures and bold use of color, Slawn — real name Olaolu Akeredolu-Ale — has already left his mark through collaborations with Dr. Martens, Louis Vuitton and even a redesigned FA Cup trophy. Now, his style meets automotive heritage in a project that reimagines the iconic Martini race livery of the Lancia Delta Integrale.Crafted in a single creative session, the car features Slawn’s ...
Das Treffen 9 Breaks Records with Southeast Asia’s Largest Gathering of Porsche Enthusiasts
Porsche enthusiasts from across Southeast Asia and the world descended upon Bangkok for Das Treffen 9, breaking attendance records and cementing its status as the region’s premier event for Porsche fans. Held on December 15, 2024, at IMPACT Speed Park, Muang Thong Thani, the ninth edition of the celebrated Porsche gathering saw 627 cars and over 3,050 enthusiasts come together under this year’s theme of "Limited Edition."A Showcase of Rarity and ExcellenceDas Treffen 9’s “Limited Edition” theme spotlighted an extraordinary array of rare and iconic Porsche models. From the ultra-exclusive Carrera GT and 918 Spyder to the newly unveiled 911 S/T, the event’s display area was a treasure trove for car enthusiasts. A centerpiece of admiration was the Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade, a one-off crea...
PRIX and Tarmac Collaborate on Automotive-Inspired Collection
Streetwear brand PRIX has teamed up with die-cast car specialist Tarmac for a collaboration celebrating automotive culture and iconic hero cars. This partnership pays tribute to PRIX founder Esther Ng's Mazda RX-7 FD and the black Nissan Silvia S15s owned by close friends Kota and Tonnderu.For Esther and her team, this collaboration marks the realization of a long-held dream. Known for their passion for both real and model cars, PRIX has spent years researching ways to merge their love for automotive design with their brand ethos. The connection with Tarmac was facilitated by Hana Burton, a sponsored driver and mutual friend of both brands. With Tarmac expanding into streetwear collaborations, this launch marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership.As PRIX's community continues to grow, ...
Mercedes-Benz Leverages AI To Provide “Human-Like Conversations” via Its Voice Assistant
Mercedes-Benz has announced a significant update to its MBUX Voice Assistant, introducing an AI-driven knowledge feature that delivers real-time, natural language responses. This innovation uses Microsoft’s ChatGPT technology via the Azure OpenAI Service and integrates Bing search capabilities, enabling customers to have "human-like conversations" with their vehicles.The enhanced assistant can answer a range of general knowledge questions spanning topics like pop culture, science and history. It also supports context-aware follow-up inquiries, making interactions seamless and intuitive. For example, a user might ask, "How many Grammy awards has a certain artist won?" and follow up with, "When was the first?" — all without needing to restate the topic.“By adding an AI-driven knowledge featu...
Lamborghini Teams Up with CAPiTA and Union for Exclusive Snowboard Collaboration
Lamborghini has unveiled a limited-edition snowboard and binding set in collaboration with CAPiTA and Union Binding Company. Previewed during the Lamborghini Esperienza Neve in Yakeshi, Mongolia, the collection blends the automaker's iconic design with cutting-edge snow sports technology.At the heart of this collaboration is the CAPiTA Warpspeed Automobili Lamborghini snowboard. Manufactured at The Mothership, CAPiTA's state-of-the-art and sustainable facility, the board integrates Lamborghini’s performance aesthetics. Its tip and tail shapes evoke the sleek lines of the Italian supercars, while its Megacarbon layup ensures a lightweight and powerful ride. Designed for all-mountain dominance, the snowboard comes in 154 cm, 157 cm, and 160 cm sizes.The Union Falcor | Automobili Lamborghini ...
Honda Brings Back the Iconic Prelude as a Hybrid-Electric Sports Coupe
Honda has announced the revival of the legendary Prelude with a sixth-generation vehicle that marks a significant milestone in its electrification strategy, blending the brand's sporty heritage with modern tech.First teased as a concept at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Prelude will feature Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain and debut the innovative S+ Shift drive mode, promising an exciting driving experience. Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales shared "The return of the Honda Prelude as a hybrid-electric sports model demonstrates our continued commitment to offer a variety of exhilarating products to meet the needs of our customers."The Prelude holds a special place in Honda's history, first introduced in November 1978 as part of its original trio of pa...
From Diablo to Revuelto: A Journey Through Lamborghini’s Evolution
When it comes to automotive craftsmanship and unrelenting passion for performance, Lamborghini has spent decades perfecting its art. During a recent visit to the Sant'Agata Bolognese headquarters, Hypedrive had the unique opportunity to compare four Lamborghinis across different eras: the Diablo, the Murciélago LP640-4 Versace Edition, the all-new Revuelto and the Urus Performante SE. This comparative experience, which brought us from the open road to the factory floor, not only showcased the automaker’s evolution but also underscored its commitment to heritage and innovation.A Journey Through Time: The Four IconsLamborghini Diablo: Analog ExcellenceIntroduced in the early 1990s, the Diablo remains a masterpiece of analog engineering. Powered by a 6L naturally aspirated V12 engine and pair...
Ducati Unveils Exclusive Panigale V4 Tricolore
Ducati has unveiled the Panigale V4 Tricolore, an exclusive model limited to just 1,000 numbered units. The motorcycle pays homage to Ducati’s rich heritage and modern engineering while celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Tricolore livery, first seen on the 1984 750 F1.Notably, the asymmetrical livery, designed by Aldo Drudi in collaboration with Ducati's Centro Stile, blends the colors of the Italian flag with checkered flag motifs, symbolizing victory. This special edition also boasts performance upgrades like carbon fiber rims, a dry clutch and a Brembo braking system with 338.5 mm racing discs — used for the first time in a production bike."The Panigale V4 Tricolore represents the perfect fusion of advanced technology and Italian artistry," said Andrea Ferraresi, Ducati’s Director ...
Five Takeaways After Test Driving the AMG-Powered 2024 Lotus Emira
There's often a "shame" that comes with purchasing the entry level model and trim of specific cars, as unfortunate as that may be. And while there's a multitude of decisions as to why someone would, the fact of the matter is that they are entry level for a reason. For Lotus and its most recent sports car, the Emira, there is no exception to the rule and its downgrade is apparent.When we tested the Lotus Emira First Edition earlier this year, we were highly impressed with the small form factor, its sexy design, the nimble chassis and, most notably, the power and transmission. What started (at least in the United States) as a stout 3.5L supercharged V6 supercharged mated to a downright-glorious six-speed manual gearbox is now contended against a turbocharged 2.0L, AMG-developed inline four a...
