Author: Sofia
The Ferrari SF90 Spider represents a whole new era for the Italian supercar manufacturer, offering an open-top version of its most powerful production model. Picture this: a hybrid twin-turbocharged V8 engine at its heart, making this the SF90 Spider lightning-quick while focusing on a greener future. It’s like Ferrari took everything they knew about speed and style, mixed it in a giant pot, and out came the SF90 Spider , a supercar that’s as fast as it is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. What’s even cooler is that this isn’t just any supercar. It’s an all-wheel-drive phenomenon, showcasing top-tier performance with the kind…
Mercedes-Benz on Monday announced the start of real-world testing of prototype solid-state battery cells from the U.S. firm Factorial. These cells were installed in a Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan in late 2024, and the car has been used in laboratory tests since then, according to a Mercedes press release. The automaker now claims the EQS is ready for road-testing—and that it could achieve up to 621 miles of range (1,000 km, on an unconfirmed drive cycle) with solid-state cells. Mercedes-Benz EQS solid-state battery prototype That range is possible mainly due to the solid-state cells’ increased energy density. Mercedes claims these cells…
Mini is delaying electric vehicle production at its U.K. plant, which could further delay U.S. sales of both a redesigned electric Cooper hatchback and the Aceman, a new nameplate being sold only as an EV. Both models are currently built in China and were due to be added at Mini’s Oxford, England, plant next year. But Autocar reported Friday the U.K.-made Mini EVs are delayed “for an unspecified period of time,” citing Mini parent BMW. “Given the multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry, the BMW Group is currently reviewing the timing for reintroducing battery-electric Mini production in Oxford,” a BMW…
In recent years, Rolls-Royce has launched a series of Black Badge models aimed at updating the stalwart luxury brand’s image with a more youthful and sporty demeanor and a darker color palette. Now the first electric Rolls-Royce—the Spectre coupe—is getting the Black Badge treatment. Rolls claims it’s the most powerful production car it’s ever sold—gasoline or electric. That’s thanks to a retuned version of the Spectre’s dual-motor powertrain, which is now rated at 659 hp and 792 lb-ft of torque. Those are increases of 75 hp and 128 lb-ft over the standard Spectre. Full power is unlocked via Infinity Mode,…
Mini has delayed plans to build the electric version of its latest Cooper, as well as the electric-only Aceman subcompact crossover, at its plant in Oxford, U.K. Under the original plans announced in 2023, production of the two electric vehicles was scheduled to begin at the plant in 2026, running alongside production of the gas-powered Cooper. This delay means the electric models likely won’t reach the U.S. anytime soon, as both are currently built exclusively in China and would face steep tariffs if imported. The news of the delay was first reported by Autocar on Feb. 21 and has since…
When you have spent the majority of your summer weekends growing up alongside drag strips watching your dad run down the quarter mile, there is a strong likelihood that you’ll follow in their footsteps. Marc Huxley was that kid. At the 14th Annual Retro Toyota Gathering last year, Marc brought along his stunning KE20 Toyota Corolla drag car. Not only is it a well-presented machine, it has a great story behind it, so I had to take a closer look. Marc’s father Brian began drag racing in the late ’70s in a 1969 Ford Mustang, but in 1981, he decided to build a car with…
Aston Martin’s Valkyrie LMH race car impressed during the official pre-season test of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship The Valkyrie LMH will also be entered in the 2025 IMSA SportsCar Championship The car’s first race will be the Qatar 1812 km on Feb. 28 This past weekend, the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) held its Prologue event at Lusail International Circuit in Qatar. Serving as the official pre-season test, the Prologue saw 36 cars take to the track in preparation for the opening round, the Qatar 1812 km, set to take place on Feb. 28. One of the…
The Gordon Murray Group (GMG) has announced its leadership of a new consortium aiming to develop an “ultra-lightweight” monocoque chassis known as M-LightEn. The project, supported by the U.K. government, brings together key partners, including Carbon ThreeSixty, Constellium, and Brunel University of London. Founded by legendary McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray, GMG is the parent company of Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA)—the supercar brand behind the T.50 and T.33 V-12 supercars. According to the company, the M-LightEn project aligns with GMA’s commitment to cutting-edge materials and technologies to enhance performance while reducing environmental impact. GMG announced on Monday that the project’s…
Report suggests GSA may pull the plug on thousands of EVs and chargers GSA provides vehicles to federal agencies; 20% of 2024 light-vehicle orders were EVs Could affect chargers at national parks, VA hospitals, other venues The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), which manages all federal government buildings and has been nicknamed by some as the largest landlord in the world, is reportedly planning to shut down its EV chargers and offload some or all of its EVs. The move would take about 8,000 charging connectors and thousands of EVs out of service, according to a report from The Verge,…
The boot of the C-Class Estate stands at 490 litres with the rear seats up – 10 litres down on the 3 Series Touring but up from the Audi A5 Avant’s 476 litres. Unfortunately, the plug-in hybrid version fits a battery behind the rear seats which encroaches on the boot space and shrinks it to 360 litres – it’s a high boot floor as a result but still a usable size for most families and indeed dogs. High-spec versions of the Skoda Octavia Estate might be worth a look if boot space is particularly important, given the Czech car’s 640-litre…