Author: Sofia

Lunaz is a British firm that builds electric versions of much-loved classics, often with performance that can match a modern EV. The company’s latest project is a 1961 Bentley S2 Continental whose original 6.2-liter V-8 has been swapped with a 400-hp electric powertrain. The Continental was a high-performance version of Bentley’s S2 range built between 1959 and 1962. Less than 400 were built, with some featuring bespoke bodies crafted by coachbuilders. This particular S2 Continental features a coupe body from former British coachbuilder James Young. According to Lunaz, only four examples were built in this style. Apparently the customer originally…

Tesla may be considering a Mexican factory to further grow manufacturing capacity, according to a recent Reuters report—and it may be looking in the states of Nuevo Leon or Hidalgo. The automaker hasn’t confirmed plans for a new factory, but job postings have hinted at plans to build one in Monterrey, a city close to the U.S.-Mexico border. Noah Itech, a Chinese supplier of “automation equipment” to Tesla, has already confirmed plans for a $100 million factory in the city, the reported notes. Ford Mustang Mach-E assembly – Mexico As a recent report from the Economist notes, other automakers like…

Toyota has revealed a somewhat larger, more passenger-friendly version of its three-row Highlander, called Grand Highlander.  Simply put, the Grand Highlander offers a similar look and packaging to the Highlander, and the same eight-passenger capacity, but with a more upright design in back—plus what appears to be a little added wheelbase and length.  The sacrifice? Hybrid versions of the Grand Highlander are expected to check in at 34 mpg—versus 36 mpg for Highlander models. You might also be hauling around a little more weight, and it might be a little harder to park. But compared to the Ford Explorer Hybrid…

Audi is out testing prototypes for an updated version of its Q8 mid-size SUV and the latest tester to be spotted is for the sporty SQ8 variant. The Q8 also comes in high-performance RS Q8 guise and an updated version of this flagship variant should also be in the works. The latest prototype sports a revised grille up front and new internals for the headlights. The front fascia is also a new design, featuring a more triangular shape for the side intakes compared to the current model. It isn’t clear what’s changes are present at the rear but a revised…

From the February/March 2023 issue of Car and Driver.Lap Time: 2:47.5Class: LL4 | Base: $140,895 | As-Tested: $145,395Power and Weight: 543 hp • 3580 lb • 6.6 lb/hp Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R; F: 275/35ZR-19 (100Y), R: 285/30ZR-20 (99Y)Judged by the numbers, the BMW M4 CSL’s 2:47.5 lap impresses. It is the quickest BMW we’ve tested at VIR, with the CSL outperforming the 627-hp BMW M5 CS and the track-focused M4 GTS that preceded it.The 543-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is a ripper in this lightened M4. Stripped of rear seats and sound-deadening materials, and with more braces than…

Toyota will use this week’s 2023 Chicago Auto Show to present the new Grand Highlander, a three-row SUV slotting between the mid-size Highlander and full-size Sequoia. Revealed on Wednesday, the Grand Highlander will start sales later this year as a 2024 model, offering buyers a third row that Toyota says is big enough to comfortably fit adults, along with three powertrain options, and plenty of standard features. The standard Highlander also has three rows of seats. The Grand Highlander rides on a stretched version of Toyota’s TNGA-K front-wheel-drive platform that’s also found in the Highlander. Buyers will be able to…

VerdictDespite the new car market’s push towards EVs, our preferred DS 3 still comes with a petrol engine. Representing far greater value for money, the punchy and relatively refined PureTech 130 continues to offer a unique take on the small SUV formula. A Ford Puma is better to drive, and a Peugeot 2008 more practical, but the DS 3 isn’t without charm. Just make sure to avoid the pricey range-toppers.Small crossovers are all the rage right now, and have been for while. In some cases, car makers have ditched entire product plans to focus on SUVs; a raised ride height…

Ford Motor Company is doling out more money to try to keep its chickens in the coop. Last August, when the automaker couldn’t fulfill every order for the 2022 F-150 Lightning electric pickup then levied price substantial price increases on the 2023 F-150 Lightning, the automaker created a “Transition Private Offer.” The program gave 2022 reservation holders without trucks a rebate to buy a 2023 Lightning that effectively nullified the price increase. Earlier this month, Ford did it again with the 2023 Bronco. The “2023-Model Bronco Cancel Order & Purchase Replacement Offer” dangled $2,500 to 2023 Bronco buyers without SUVs…

EV drivers of just a few models are getting a boost in their EV road-trip planning. A solar car has been crash-tested, and it’s blue skies ahead. And Lexus’ first U.S. EV has a price tag. This and more, here at DriftBreath Reports.  Lexus has priced its first EV, the RZ 450e, which is arriving at U.S. dealerships soon, and while its $59,650 makes it no great value if range is your priority, it appears to load on the features and offer a lot of the luxury ambience those loyal to the brand see as a hallmark. What’s shaping up…

Matchbox is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a line of limited-edition toy cars due to hit stores throughout the year. The lineup boasts impressive variety, including classic race cars such as the Porsche 908 and Jaguar D-Type, modern vehicles such as the Chevrolet Corvette C8 and GMC Hummer EV pickup, plus fire trucks, a London double-decker bus, even a Boeing 747. Matchbox 70th anniversary cars Each toy car gets platinum elements in reference to Matchbox’s 70th anniversary (70 is the platinum anniversary), and many have moving parts, such as the engine cover on the C8 and the Hummer EV’s frunk.…