Automotive
Nissan Equips Its X-Trail e-4ORCE for Mountain Rescue
In an attempt to redefine Mountain rescue operations in European ski resorts, Nissan has unveiled the X-Trail Mountain Rescue vehicle -- equipped with the automaker's e-4ORCE all-wheel drive technology and fitted with a variety of gear specifically selected to meet the challenging demands of mountain rescue missions.The X-Trail Mountain Rescue stands out with its snow tracks replacing conventional wheels, designed for superior traction on slippery slopes. Additionally, the vehicle's interior has been expertly adapted for rescue operations, with the rear seats removed to accommodate a stretcher and a seat for a sole medical professional. This design allows the swift and safe transportation of injured skiers to medical facilities.Externally, the vehicle is equipped with a bespoke roof rack f...
Rare 1980 BMW M1 Surfaces For Auction
A piece of automotive history, the 1980 BMW M1, is currently up for auction on Bring A Trailer. This rare model, with only around 400 road-going examples produced during its two-and-a-half years of production run, has become a desirable collector's item. Completed in June 1980 and originally delivered in Europe, this vehicle was imported to the U.S. in 1987 and has been under the care of its current owner since 2016.Notably, the M1 underwent a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic refresh before its showcase at the 2017 Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance in California. It features a white finish adorned with the iconic BMW Motorsport tri-color stripes, complemented by a blue leather interior. Under the hood, the car boasts a 3,453cc M88 straight-six engine, known for its Kugelfischer-Bosch f...
Lamborghini Urus Performante Joins Dubai Police Fleet
The Dubai Police have recently welcomed a new addition to their fleet: the Lamborghini Urus Performante. This addition represents the ongoing collaboration between Dubai's Lamborghini dealership and the Dubai Police, marked by a special ceremony at the Dubai Airshow.Paolo Sartori, Regional Head of Automobili Lamborghini Middle East and Africa, ceremoniously handed over the keys of the Super SUV to Major General Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, the acting commander-in-chief of Dubai Police. This event coincides with Lamborghini's 60th anniversary and builds upon the previous delivery of an Urus to the force in 2022. "We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Dubai Police, supporting them in their crucial public safety mission," stated Sartori.Like the Urus Performante recently provided t...
Alvarez Works Reconstructs Land Rover Defenders Into Works of Art
The Land Rover Defender is arguably the jewel in the British automaker's storied history. Enthusiasts from North America to Japan have gone to great lengths to restore and maintain some of the older, more revered models. Based in Portugal, Alvarez Works is a boutique studio that restores Land Rover Defenders into drivable works of art.Operating on an inquiry basis, each project the studio takes on is meant to tap into the unique story of both the vehicle and its driver. For its latest endeavor, Alvarez Works took a 1999 Land Rover Defender, stripped it to its core elements and recreated it into a shiny sky blue classic. The finished vehicle includes a newly installed engine, axles, transfer case, springs, dampers and a turbo 2.4-liter Td4 four-cylinder motor. Inside, the SUV boasts an eleg...
Behind the HYPE: How Mercedes-Maybach Heralded a New Era of Luxury Automotive
In the latest episode of Behind the HYPE, the Mercedes-Maybach brand goes under the spotlight as Hypebeast uncovers how its generations of luxury cars came to be associated with the travels of high profile celebrities, creative icons, and even royalty. The design blueprint that comprises Mercedes-Maybach’s vehicles – particularly its archetypal S-Class – is established as a recognizable silhouette across the globe. With elongated lines and a typically vast grill, its distinctive aesthetic has been retained through its long line of nuanced iterations, all of which root back to its ostentatious W3 car invented by the proclaimed “King of Constructors” Wilhelm Maybach. Since 1921, Maybach has looked to the future of travel to drive innovation, leading to models that match technical brilliance ...
Toyota Gazoo Racing Unveils AE86 Restomod Pair at Tokyo Auto Salon
Blending both innovation and nostalgia at this year's Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota Gazoo Racing unveiled a pair of AE86 Corolla restomods -- one powered by electricity and the other by hydrogen.The first of the duo, the AE86 H2 Concept, is a venture into hydrogen power. Drawing on experience from Toyota's participation in Japan's Super Taikyu racing series with a hydrogen-powered car, the AE86 H2 Concept is designed to retain the sensory experience of an internal combustion engine. It's fitted with high-pressure hydrogen fuel tanks similar to those in Toyota's Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car. Aside from components being placed at the rear of the vehicle, the conversion has notably been executed with a light touch, preserving the car's original aesthetic and nostalgic charm.Additionally, the AE86 ...
Sony and Honda’s AFEELA Project Is Driven With a DualSense Controller
During Sony's recent CES 2024 press conference, the Japanese tech company unveiled its long-awaited AFEELA project in partnership with Honda. Spectacularly hitting the stage, the concept car was surprisingly controlled with a Sony PlayStation 5 controller.According to Sony and Honda, "AFEELA powers unparalleled intelligence, remembering, communicating, protecting, and inspiring people. The AV electric vehicle is outfitted with an ultra-widescreen dash and an accompanying futuristic digital interior. The tech elements are in collaboration with Microsoft running Azure OpenAI as a "conversational personal agent." Still a prototype, the car also uses Unreal Engine-driven AR and sees Polyphony Digital, the name behind Gran Turismo, "bring together virtual and real-world experiences."Click here ...
Ultra-Rare Porsche 918 Spyder Could Fetch Over $2.3 Million USD at Auction
For decades, Porsche cars have been synonymous with high performance. Leading the new year in auctions is an ultra-rare Porsche 918 Spyder at Sotheby's. Known as one of the greatest supercars ever made in this century, this car also boasts a unique color scheme, the "Psychedelic Design." Sotheby's calls this car "arguably the finest and most lavishly specified 918 Spyder in existence." Featuring a color scheme of PTS Rosso Corsa paintwork with white painted Magnesium wheels and Indian Red leather to sample, this car is the only "Psychadelic Design" 918 Spyder built for the European market. The car is being offered for auction by its first and only owner with less than 800km driven on the car. As one of just three 918 Spyders to feature the "Psychdelic Design" livery, it is the only car to ...
Mercedes-Benz Crafts 50 Sony PlayStation 5 Cars
Following word back in early December 2023, Mercedes-Benz has now shared the first offering from its partnership with Sony. Dubbed the "A-Class Vibes," the Mercedes-Benz and Sony PlayStation collaboration is a limited-edition release centered around the PlayStation 5.The car itself features a familiar "Digital White" exterior accented by blue ambient lights, and black leather interior. Limited to just 50 units, the car will be sold exclusively online with each purchase coming with a PS5 Digital Edition console and Gran Turismo 7. It is currently unclear what specifications the car holds and who the car will be available for.Priced at €55,677 EUR (approximately $60,906 USD), the Sony PlayStation 5 x Mercedes-Benz A-Class Vibes is now being sold exclusively through Mercedes-Benz Italy.Read m...
Tesla Lowers Range Expectations for Model Y, S and X Following DOJ Probe
Tesla has quietly reduced the range expectations per charge for its Model Y, S and X electric cars, Electrek reported first.The Model Y Performance has been cut from 303 miles to 285 miles, while the Model Y Long Range is down from originally 330 miles to now 310 miles.The Model X and Model S’ numbers were also affected by the changes. The Model X Plaid was reduced from 333 miles to 326 miles and the Model S Plaid with 19-inch wheels was brought from 396 miles to 359 miles.Tesla has long been the subject of criticism for purportedly overstating their range expectations. In October, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) opened up an investigation into the claims and Tesla confirmed it had received subpoenas to hand over documents pertaining to cars’ ranges.The company’s other offerings, such a...
Toyota Year End Report Indicates Rise in Prius Sales While Supra Declines
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has shared its sales stats for 2023 -- with a total of 2,248,477 vehicles sold, the company saw a 6.6% increase in sales volume compared to the previous year. This growth is further highlighted by a 7.0% increase on a daily selling rate basis.The fourth quarter of 2023 proved particularly successful for Toyota, with sales reaching 619,661 vehicles, marking a 15.4% volume increase. in December alone, sales jumped by a significant 25.5% in volume.A key driver of this growth has been Toyota’s focus on electrified vehicles, including battery, hybrids, plug-ins and fuel cell-powered models. These vehicles saw a 30% surge in sales, accounting for nearly one-third of the company’s total sales volume. Toyota now offers 26 electrified vehicle options, notably, more...
2020 McLaren Speedtail Number 69 Surfaces at Auction
The awe-inspiring McLaren Speedtail, an homage and 21st-century embodiment of the brand's F1 supercar, is set to go under the hammer via RM Sotheby's during its upcoming Arizona auction.Limited to just 106 units, the example in question, number 69, sticks out for a few reasons, including its bespoke McLaren Special Operations (MSO) Liquid Blue Silver finish, tinted carbon-fiber weave, low mileage of 54 miles on the odometer and more.Notably, the Speedtail embodies advanced technology and design, built around a lightweight carbon-fiber structure. It retains the signature three-person seating configuration of its predecessor, with the driver centrally positioned -- in addition to the vertical dihedral doors further connecting it to its historic F1 lineage.At the heart of the Speedtail lies a...
