Lamborghini appears to be working on an updated version of the Urus Performante.
The prototype features lightly revised styling and an all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Powertrain includes a twin-turbo V8, 25.9 kWh battery, and all-wheel drive system.
Lamborghini introduced the Urus Performante in 2022 and that means it’s time for a facelift. However, the company isn’t just giving the model a nip and tuck as it’s also getting a new plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Recently spied undergoing testing on the Nordschleife, the facelifted Urus Performante has an evolutionary front fascia with revised bars and slats. We can also see revamped air intakes and a new daytime running light signature.
Additional changes are limited, but designers gave the crossover a new rear bumper and diffuser. The mid-mounted spoiler also appears significantly taller than the one found on the current model. Elsewhere, the exhaust looks new, although it’s hard to be certain at this point.
Camouflage hides a lot of details, but we can expect updated taillights and a revised liftgate that echoes the one on the Urus SE. Furthermore, there’s a charging port on the opposite side of the fuel filler.
SHProshots
While the current model has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing 657 hp (490 kW / 666 PS) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque, stickers reveal the new version will have a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It will presumably mirror the one used in the Urus SE, which features a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, a 25.9 kWh battery pack, and an electric motor that is integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission.
This setup gives the crossover a combined output of 789 hp (588 kW / 800 PS). It enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.4 seconds, hit a top speed of 194 mph (312 km/h), and have an EPA electric-only range of 35 miles (56 km). For comparison, the current Urus Performante hits 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.3 seconds and tops out at 190 mph (306 km/h).
While the powertrain could be upgraded for use in the performance variant, the addition of plug-in hybrid technology seems at odds with the crossover’s lightweight focus. When the current model was introduced, the company boasted it had the “highest number of carbon fiber parts in its segment.” They went on to note these helped to eliminate 104 lbs (47 kg) of weight and give the model a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio.
Toyota’s new G20E turbocharged engine has the potential to produce huge power.
The 395-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder could make as much as 600 hp with a bigger turbo.
Toyota showed off the G20E at the back end of the GR Yaris M Concept in January.
Even as the automotive industry pivots to electric vehicles, some brands are quietly doubling down on internal combustion with fresh engineering and serious performance ambitions.
Mercedes is reportedly killing off its powerful M139 four-cylinder engine, but Toyota is ready to take up the slack. The Japanese brand is working on a new family of engines, and engineers say the 2.0-liter G20E has the potential to push out 592 hp (600 PS) – almost 300 hp (304 PS) per liter.
“With a larger turbocharger, more than 600 PS is easily possible,” Toyota tech heads told journalists from German magazine Auto Motor und Sport. That’s a hefty 50 percent increase in power versus the 395 hp (400 PS) the G20E is alleged to make in stock form, and achievable without any hybrid assistance.
Possible, Yes. Practical? That’s Still Unclear
The report doesn’t make it clear whether it would be possible to make the resulting engine emissions-compliant, which seems like a big ask. Japanese media previously suggested the G20E could make 600 PS in stories published late last year, but said the tune was restricted to racing applications.
Toyota’s G20E is part of a new family of naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines it will launch in the next few years. The bigger engine was first shown in the back of the GR Yaris M Concept at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, which some people suggested could function as a testbed for the revival of the MR2 roadster. The same engine is also certain to end up in the Celica coupe Toyota also keeps dropping hints about resurrecting.
Toyota
MR2 and Celica Revival Could Carry the Torch
Given Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda’s reputation as a champion of driving enthusiasts, we’d expect both the MR2 and Celica to offer the G20E backed by a choice of six-speed manual and eight-speed dual-clutch transmissions. And we also expect some buyers to go to town on their engines in the way tuners found huge power out of the legendary 2JZ straight-6 unit.
Because even if Toyota won’t put a 600-hp version of the G20E in a production car, you can bet the aftermarket will make it a reality. Toyota engineers told reporters the new engine has wide-set bores, giving plenty of scope for increasing the capacity.
While Toyota has kept many of the tech details of its new ICE powertrains to itself till now, it has confirmed that they’ll be compatible with carbon-neutral fuels, meaning they could live on even after countries or states introduce bans on traditional petrol engines.
Cupra’s Raval baby EV is testing in Europe ahead of its September reveal.
The €25k subcompact hatch is twinned with the VW ID.2 and Skoda Epiq.
Disguise covers the real triangle-shaped headlights and huge lower grille.
VW has reportedly delayed the launch of its vitally important ID.2 electric hatch from 2025 to 2026, but we’ll still learn plenty about it this fall because Cupra is pushing ahead with the reveal of the Raval, its version of the ID.2, which is seen here during testing.
The Raval, ID.2 hatch, an ID.2 crossover and Skoda’s upcoming Epiq SUV are all built around a new, shorter version of VW’s MEB electric car platform. In addition to being resized to suit cars smaller than the Golf-sized ID.3, the tiniest of VW’s current EVs, the new architecture also places a single motor at the front driving the front wheels, the reverse of the main MEB platform where the motor is at the rear.
Both the Raval and ID.2 have been shown in concept form powered by a single 223 hp (225 PS / 166 kW) electric motor, and VW’s ID.GTI concept teased a 429 hp (435 PS / 250 kW) dual-motor configuration. However, most versions of both cars will be packing far less firepower because the key draw of the Raval and ID.2 won’t be big power figures but a low starting price: the pair is expected to start at around €25,000 (£21k, $29k).
To hit that target, the base models will reportedly come with a small 38 kWh battery whose 186-mile (300 km) range will make it best suited to urban work, while an available 56 kWh pack will be capable of running 273 miles (440 km) between charges. A 125 kW peak charge capacity means a 10-80 percent fill should take around 20 minutes.
This Raval prototype hasn’t dropped much disguise since we last saw one, but the close-up shot of the front end reveals plenty about how the finished car will look when the covers are pulled off at the IAA auto show in Germany this fall. Poking out from behind the fake headlight stickers are the real lights, which appear to be triangular, and different in shape to the ones seen on the Raval concept car.
SHProshots
The close-ups also show that Cupra’s engineers have tried to obscure both the vertical air vents at each corner and much of the large black grille with white-painted plastic. Another deviation from the concept is the hood, which is more inset and has a pronounced M-shape at its leading edge, a result of the V8-style twin hood bulges.
In keeping with its more flamboyant design, the Raval should also be a little sharper to driver than the ID.2 courtesy of Cupra’s traditionally more aggressive suspension setup. So, if you were in the market for a small EV, would you go for the Raval or wait for the ID.2?
Audi is testing a Sportback version of its new Q3 SUV at the Nurburgring.
The slinkier version sacrifices some headroom and cargo space to earn style points.
Engines options will include petrol, diesel, and for the first time a plug-in hybrid.
Audi launched its new Q3 compact SUV this month, and you don’t need to be a savant to know that if there’s a new Q3, then a new Q3 Sportback must be right around the corner. And here it is, in prototype form negotiating one of more than 100 corners at the Nurburgring.
As with the previous model’s range, the new Q3 Sportback is 85 percent identical to the regular version of the SUV, but swaps that car’s fairly upright tail for a more sloping one that gives off a coupe-like feel. The roof, rear doors, rear quarters and hatch are all unique to the Sportback.
We’ll have to wait for the Q3 Sportback’s debut sometime later this summer to know exactly what the exact trade-off is for the sportier profile in terms of interior dimensions, but a small reduction in rear headroom and less cargo space above the window line are a given.
What we don’t have to wait for is information about the rest of the Q3 Sportback package, because it should be identical to the Q3 unveiled last week. The new face features two-deck lights, with Audi’s segmented DRLs mounted above bumper line and the real headlights located in a dark section of the bumper itself.
At the back, posher trims will get an illuminated Audi badge and LED light bar running across the hatch, though if the Q3 Sportback follows the Q3’s lead, base models might be denied those features. There’s a good chance though that the Sportback will be pitched more upmarket and not be available in poverty-spec.
All versions should get the same supersized dashboard display comprising an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment system, and new tech features include an AI assistant and controversial multi-function column stalk that handles both turn signal and wiper control, leaving space on the right side of the wheel for a new gear-shift lever.
Familiar ICE Powertrains
Exactly what powertrain that lever controls will vary by market, some countries getting the option of 2.0 diesel or 1.5-liter TFSI petrol engines (both making 148 hp / 150 PS) and the US skipping both in favor of a 2.0-liter TSFI that pumps out 261 hp (265 PS).
There’s also the option of plug-in power via the Q3 e-hybrid, which generates 268 hp (272 PS), can travel up to 74 miles (119 km) on electricity alone and can charge at up to 50 kW, boosting the battery from 10-80 percent in less than 30 minutes.
Not every truck buyer is chasing mud-slinging heroics or Baja-style bravado like you get with the Raptor. Some just want something that looks sharp, drives well on the road, and still hauls a trailer on the weekend. For those folks, Ford’s got a niche answer hidden in its growing Ranger lineup across the pond.
The Ranger MS-RT stands out as Ford’s only street-tuned pickup in Europe and the UK. Think of it as the Ranger Lobo North America didn’t get, at least not yet. It wears a wide bodykit, sits lower than any other Ranger, and brings a sportier attitude without ditching the core capabilities.
Developed with rally experts M-Sport, the Ranger MS-RT (short for M-Sport Road Technology) targets buyers who want the look and feel of a performance vehicle but have no interest in crawling over rocks or fording streams.
To see how that M-Sport DNA plays out in the real world, we visited a Ford dealer in Greece for a closer look, and importantly, a back-to-back drive with the high-flying Raptor.
QUICK FACTS
› Model:
2025 Ford Ranger MS-RT
› Price (Greece):
€73,612 ($82,800)
› Dimensions:
Length: 211.4 inches (5,370 mm)
Width: 75.5 inches (1,918 mm)
Height: 72.6 inches (1,844 mm)
Wheelbase: 128.7 inches (3,270 mm)
› Curb Weight:
5,038 lbs ( 2,285 kg)
› Powertrain:
3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel
› Output:
237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft)
› Transmission:
10-speed automatic, e4WD
› 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h):
8.7 seconds*
› Top Speed:
111 mph (180 km/h)*
› Payload:
1,000 kg (2,205 pounds)*
› Towing (braked):
3,500 kg (7,716 pounds)*
› On Sale:
Europe, UK
*Manufacturer
SWIPE
What Sets It Apart From the Regular Ranger
What immediately sets the MS-RT apart is the new bodywork. Thanks to swollen front and rear fenders, the truck is 164 mm (6.5 inches) wider than its siblings. Filling those bulging arches are massive 21-inch alloy wheels, the largest ever offered on a production Ranger.
A new front bumper with a deeper lower section and a honeycomb grille gives the face a sportier vibe, while motorsport-style vents on the fenders and more sculpted side skirts lean further into the street-truck look.
At the rear, the styling effort continues with an integrated ducktail spoiler on the tailgate and a secondary roof-mounted spoiler above the cab. The rear bumper houses a decorative diffuser flanked by honeycomb textures. The one thing missing? Real exhaust tips. The Raptor gets twin pipes, and it’s hard not to notice the absence here, especially on something pitched as a high-performance street truck.
Our tester wore the subdued Command Grey paint, but brighter options are available, including Fast Blue, Yellow Green, Frozen White, Metallic Carbonised Grey, and Metallic Agate Black.
Interior Tweaks and Equipment
Photos Thanos Pappas / Carscoops
Inside the MS-RT, the changes are subtle but noticeable. Heavily bolstered bucket seats with integrated headrests and blue-stitched Eco Leather upholstery give the cabin a sportier feel. A thicker steering wheel rim and several MS-RT logos round out the special treatment.
Beyond the visual updates, it’s standard Ranger fare with a solid list of equipment: a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, and a suite of active safety features. It’s well-equipped, but not over the top.
So, Is It The Sportiest Truck?
Let’s talk about the obvious thing that sets the MS-RT apart: its lowered stance. Sitting 40 mm (1.6 inches) closer to the pavement than the Ranger Wildtrak, it rides on a revised suspension setup with firmer front dampers, retuned rear leaf springs, and wider tracks, all tuned for sharper handling. Ground clearance now lands somewhere in SUV territory, not quite car-low, but far from off-roader tall. That, paired with its road-biased tires, makes it clear this Ranger isn’t meant for trails or terrain.
From the moment you get behind the wheel of the Ranger MS-RT, you feel like you’re driving a hot SUV rather than a ladder-frame pickup. You’re still sitting high with great visibility all around the vehicle, but body roll has been significantly reduced and the steering feels quicker and more direct.
On the downside, the stiffer suspension and the 21-inch wheels with the low-profile tires (275/45R21) result in ride comfort taking a toll, with most road imperfections being felt in the cabin. Of course, the street truck is not as stiff as a hot hatch, but not nearly as comfortable as other members of the Ranger lineup either.
Some might argue that a fully independent rear suspension would better suit a road-focused truck like this. But the MS-RT keeps its solid rear axle and leaf springs, which help preserve the full 1,000 kg payload and 3,500 kg towing figures. For buyers who need utility with their style, that’s a tradeoff worth making.
The Engine: Familiar but Untouched
Photos Thanos Pappas / Carscoops
Under the hood is the same 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel found in the Wildtrak, producing 237 hp and 600 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic and Ford’s e4WD full-time all-wheel drive system. It works well, but here’s the thing; the styling promises more than the powertrain delivers.
There are no performance upgrades, no tuning changes, and no added grunt. For a truck that looks this mean, it feels like a missed opportunity not to push the numbers a bit higher. At the very least, a gasoline option would spice things up and better match the MS-RT’s visual drama.
The engine is paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic, sending power to all four wheels through the Ranger’s familiar full-time 4WD system. It also keeps the standard drive mode lineup that includes Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand, even if most of those won’t see much use here.
During our time with the MS-RT, we stuck to tarmac, which felt like the right call given the soft, road-focused Continental ContiSportContact 5 tires that would probably flinch at the sight of a gravel path.
How Does Is Compare To The Raptor?
Photos Thanos Pappas / Carscoops
Climbing into the Raptor right after the MS-RT makes the height difference immediately obvious. You’re no longer stepping in, you’re climbing up. The Raptor’s cabin also goes for a flashier vibe, with bright orange accents and Ford Performance scuff plates adding some extra flair. The MS-RT skips the theatrics, but its interior still holds up just fine without the extra color or branding.
Driving the Raptor feels like floating, thanks to its Baja-ready suspension with long-travel geometry and plush Fox shocks that soak up just about anything. In a quick side-by-side test, I rolled both trucks over a curb. I barely noticed it in the Raptor, definitely felt it in the MS-RT. That said, the Raptor’s soft setup comes with trade-offs. There’s noticeable body roll in corners and some front-end dive under hard braking, which makes the MS-RT the more entertaining option when the road gets twisty.
When it comes to the powertrain, the Raptor clearly has the upper hand. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine feels far more at home in a performance truck, thanks to its extra horsepower and a soundtrack that’s actually worth hearing, unlike the quieter, slightly torquier diesel in the MS-RT.
That said, this is the EU-spec Raptor we’re talking about, so output is capped at 288 hp (215 kW / 292 PS), well below the full 405 hp (302 kW / 411 PS) available in the North American version. Even so, it still outshines the MS-RT’s setup in both punch and personality.
Overall, it wouldn’t hurt if Ford gave the MS-RT a gasoline option, or at the very least, bumped up the output of the existing 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel to help it stand apart from the rest of the V6-powered lineup. As it stands, the performance just doesn’t quite match the truck’s aggressive looks.
It’s Expensive
And then there’s the pricing, keeping in mind this is Greece, where car taxes are among the highest in Europe. For example, the base Ranger Raptor starts at €54,350 (about US$61,000) before taxes and fees, but that figure jumps to €71,742 (around US$80,600) once everything is included. In the States, the 405 hp Ranger Raptor starts from $56,070 (around €52,000) before taxes (in Massachusetts, that’s 6.25%) and delivery fees.
The dealer quoted us €77,352 ($87,000) for this specific Raptor and a discounted €73,612 ($82,800) for the MS-RT, taxes included. That’s a €3,740 ($4,200) gap between the two, mostly due to the markdown on the MS-RT. Worth noting: the Raptor we were photographing was already spoken for, which says a lot about where the demand is. The MS-RT? Still waiting for its moment.
Verdict
The Ranger MS-RT is a rare breed, a proper street truck with real presence, and we’re glad it’s part of Ford’s lineup in Europe. With its 21-inch wheels, flared fenders, and reworked front end, it’s arguably the best-looking Ranger trim you can get. Period. On top of that, the lowered suspension and chassis tweaks give it the sharpest on-road handling of any midsize pickup in Ford’s catalog.
That said, it’s not without compromises. The V6 turbodiesel remains untouched under the hood, and the drop in ride height comes at the expense of comfort and off-road ability. Then there’s the price, which edges it dangerously close to the Raptor, a truck that offers more power, more versatility, and a reputation that’s hard to beat.
Still, for buyers in Europe and the UK who want a distinctive, low-slung midsize truck with road-focused dynamics and standout styling, the MS-RT delivers something genuinely different.
Special thanks to Ford Hantzos in Kalamata, Greece, for giving us access to the Ranger lineup.
Tata’s new SUV will come in gas, diesel, and EV versions with up to 310 miles.
The boxy design draws inspiration from Land Rover with a floating roofline.
Despite its appeal, the SUV is not expected to launch outside of India soon.
Tata Motors might not be the first name that springs to mind when talking about global carmakers, but maybe it should. Despite flying under the radar for many, even car enthusiasts, the Mumbai-based company is keeping Jaguar and Land Rover alive in today’s turbulent automotive landscape shaped by tariffs, shifting regulations, and economic unpredictability.
Beyond its stewardship of British luxury brands, Tata builds a wide range of vehicles under its own badge. These include value-driven hatchbacks, compact SUVs, and increasingly, electric cars. Tata has been investing heavily in electrified mobility, offering affordable EVs starting at an impressively low $11,600.
Now, it has its sights set on taking on the compact SUV segment with a new offering designed to rival the popular Kia Seltos that’s expected to be available in both internal combustion and electric versions. Let’s take a closer look at what’s coming.
A Boxy Stance
Illustrations Josh Byrnes / Carscoops
Previewed in concept form at the 2023 Delhi Auto Expo, and more recently at this year’s Bharat Mobility Show, the final design largely mirrors the Sierra show car. Its boxy aesthetic sports notable Land Rover influences such as cue a floating roof design, flush door handles and upright stance. Why, you could almost call it a baby Defender and you wouldn’t be wide off the mark.
A gloss black fascia incorporates neatly hidden front headlamps with DRLs that span the width of the front, while lower down, a trapezoidal intake handles cooling duties. Sheetmetal surfacing eschews unnecessary design flourishes and squarish wheel arches combined with chunky cladding cement its all-purpose intent.
Out back, the rear quarter windows wrap around the lower D-pillars before seamlessly intersecting the tailgate glass. Its clamshell hatch design sports a thin, full-width LED taillamp cluster with alloy-effect lower bumper inserts.
Step inside, and the focus shifts to connectivity and comfort. The Sierra is expected to be a five-seater and come loaded with digital features including a full instrument cluster, large touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a panoramic sunroof to brighten things up.
Other highlights likely to make the list include ventilated seats and a suite of Level 2 driver assistance systems, giving it a leg up in a segment where such features are starting to become standard.
Reports from abroad suggest the Sierra will be offered with two separate platforms: the ‘Atlas‘ for petrol and diesel models, and the ‘Acti.EV’ for the electric variant. However, current indications suggest Tata may focus on the Atlas platform, which supports a range of powertrain configurations and simplifies production.
As for what’s under the hood, we’re still waiting on final specs. Some sources suggest the EV version will offer a range of up to 310 miles (500 km), which would be impressive for a vehicle in this price bracket.
Internal combustion models will sport a petrol 168-hp 1.5-litre turbo four and a 2.0-litre diesel, with power sent to the pavement via a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. A seven-speed DCT is said to be in the works as well.
Rivals and Reveal
The Sierra won’t be heading overseas, at least not anytime soon. It’s designed to compete in the Indian market against well-established rivals like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Maruti (Suzuki) Grand Vitara, Hyundai Alcaza, MG Astor, and Honda Elevate.
The production model is expected to make its official debut later this year, with sales to follow shortly after. Pricing and full specifications are likely to be announced closer to launch.
Would Tata find success if it brought the Sierra or something like it to markets outside of India? It’s a question worth asking since there are compact SUV buyers looking for a stylish, yet affordable, option, something the segment is not exactly rife with.
AMG’s electric CLA 45 has dropped some disguise for its latest Nurburgring tests.
This prototype also showed its new trunk lid-mounted hydraulic spoiler in action.
Reports say the baby AMG EV will have three torque-vectoring motors and 500 hp.
High-performance EVs aren’t just for flagship models and six-figure price tags. AMG’s next move brings some of that top-shelf energy to something a little smaller and a bit more within reach.
This week’s big AMG news is the Concept GT XX that’ll morph into the all-new 2027 GT, a slippery production EV targeting the Porsche Taycan. But when that lands, the GT won’t be the only fast four-door electric coupe with AMG badges. It’ll be joined by the smaller, slightly more affordable CLA 45 with EQ Technology.
Though not as exotic as its big brother, the CLA 45 EQ will still have some similar performance tricks up its sleeve, including an active rear spoiler, which our spy photographers snapped in detail for the first time during a recent Nurburgring test.
Hidden Aero Tricks Come Into View
The disguise on earlier prototypes made it look like the cars were fitted with a fixed, ducktail rear wing to help keep their rear tires pressed into the pavement. But now we have confirmation that what they’ll actually have is an electrically or hydraulically operated rear wing that moves up into the airflow automatically at speed or can be manually operated by a button on the dashboard.
Personally, I preferred the ducktail idea, though being able to retract the spoiler so it fits flush when not needed is vital to cut drag and maximize efficiency. Some reports have also suggested the wing might function as a mini air brake, an idea AMG has used before on cars like the SLR.
SHProshots
Another bit of tech the CLA 45 EQ will inherit from the AMG GT and the upcoming GT SUV is axial flux motors developed by Mercedes-owned British brand Yasa. These motors are much lighter and more compact than the conventional units used in the regular CLA unveiled this year, and Autocar’s sources say there’ll be three of them onboard the baby AMG to give true torque vectoring capability.
The same reports suggest a power figure upwards of 500 hp (507 PS), which doesn’t sound like much by modern EV standards, but does represent a healthy improvement on the 349 hp (354 PS) of the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology. However, Yasa’s motors generate lots of torque and don’t weigh much, meaning AMG might have come to the conclusion it doesn’t need to match the circa-641 hp (650 PS) of Hyundai’s upcoming Ioniq 6 N to beat it on the road.
Non-AMG CLAs feature fast-charging 800-volt electrics but are currently unable to use 400-volt charging stations. Even so, Mercedes should have fixed that ludicrous situation by next year, so CLA 45 EQ buyers will have more charging choices. Not that it will have to plug in very often. A range of at least 400 miles (644 km) seems plausible based on the 479-mile (771 km) legs of the dual-motor CLA 350.
That kind of practicality, plus organ-pulverizing straight-line speed, a drift mode, and a V8 soundalike digital backing track could make AMG’s baby sedan one of the best enthusiast EVs around when it goes on sale next year.
Jaguar’s upcoming electric four door GT has been spied ahead of its debut late this year.
The model follows in the footsteps of the Type 00 concept, but features a tamer design.
The sedan will ride on the new Jaguar Electrical Architecture and offer 430 miles of range.
Jaguar has largely gone radio silent since unveiling the Type 00 concept in December. It marked the beginning of a new era for the brand, which had struggled trying to chase Audi, BMW, and Mercedes.
However, a lot is happening behind the scenes as the British automaker continues testing their “electric four door GT.” It’s slated to debut late this year and will be built in the United Kingdom.
A prototype was recently spied undergoing testing near the Nürburgring and it appears to remain pretty faithful to the concept. While a number of details are hidden by camouflage and padding, we can see the production model will have an upright front fascia and slender headlights. They’re joined by a sporty lower intake that is broken up into three different sections.
Bigger changes occur further back as the production model has four doors and a larger greenhouse. Designers also gave the car flush-mounted door handles and a massive charging port cover. Elsewhere, there are sizable wheels and a sporty roofline that echoes the concept.
Baldauf
The rear end is heavily disguised, but could be far more harmonious than the appliance-like rear end seen on the Type 00. Details are hard to make out, but it appears the model will have a slender, split taillight bar. We can also get a glimpse of what appears to be a more curvaceous bumper and fascia.
We can expect to learn more later this year, but the company has already confirmed the car will ride on the all-new Jaguar Electrical Architecture. It’s also slated to have a range of up to 430 miles (692 km) as well as a fast charging capability that can deliver 200 miles (322 km) of range in as little as 15 minutes.
BMW’s electric M3 could weigh over 1,000 lbs more than the gas-powered version.
Fresh spy shots reveal production-ready wheel arches and black multi-spoke wheels.
Reports claim BMW’s electric M3 could produce over 700 hp and launch by March 2027.
Electric or not, the M3 still matters, especially when BMW decides to shake things up. Car enthusiasts haven’t exactly been begging for an all-electric version of the M3, but that hasn’t stopped BMW from building one anyway.
The upcoming EV, currently referred to as the iM3, will be sold alongside the combustion-powered version of the sports sedan. Over the past year, it’s been spotted undergoing testing in multiple locations around the globe. Now, two new prototypes have been caught by our spy photographers, giving us a closer look at some previously unseen details.
Sharp Looks, Familiar Details
One of the camouflaged test cars appears to be wearing production-ready fender flares for the first time. These widened arches are a subtle but important detail, giving the car a broader, more aggressive stance that mirrors the current G80 M3’s proportions. Visually, they make a strong first impression.
This same prototype is also equipped with a set of eye-catching black wheels featuring an intricate spoke design, similar to those of the G80 and the G82 M3. As we’ve seen in the past, it also has a Neue Klasse-inspired front fascia with sleek headlights that flow gracefully into the small faux kidney grilles. There are no coffin grilles in sight.
Similarly, the rear end is radically different than the current six-cylinder model, and thankfully, does not appear as short and stumpy as the weird rear of BMW’s recently unveiled Vision Driving Experience Concept.
A second prototype was also spotted, this time fitted with a set of 20-inch Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires, sized at 295/35. More interestingly, our photographers also managed to capture a shot of the door badge displaying the car’s VIN and preliminary weight figures.
Four numbers were listed: 2,675 kg (5,897 lbs), 4,475 kg (9,865 lbs), 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs), and 1,475 kg (3,252 lbs). The first figure, 2,675 kg (5,897 lbs), appears to represent the gross vehicle weight or the total allowable weight of the car, including its own mass, passengers, cargo, and fluids. The second figure, 4,475 kg (9,865 lbs), likely refers to the gross combined weight when towing a trailer. The final two numbers specify the maximum axle loads: 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs) at the front and 1,475 kg (3,252 lbs) at the rear.
The number that stands out is the preliminary gross weight of 2,675 kg (5,897 lbs), and how that stacks up against the current ICE-powered M3 Sedan. According to BMW’s spec sheet, the base M3 has a curb weight of 1,780 kg (3,924 lbs) and a maximum permissible weight (presumably equivalent to gross weight) of 2,210 kg (4,872 lbs).
That would make the electric M3 prototype at least 465 kg (1,025 lbs) heavier than its gas-powered counterpart, but somewhat surprisingly, possibly lighter than the ICE M5, which has a maximum permissible weight of 2,950 kg (6,504 lbs) and a curb weight of 2,510 kg (5,534 lbs).
However, it’s worth pointing out that the ICE model’s gross weight includes a full tank of fuel and various fluids not needed in an EV. For reference, the ICE M3 also has maximum axle load ratings of 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs) at the front and 1,180 kg (2,601 lbs) at the rear.
Baldauf
The interior of this car was also snapped. However, it has been fitted with several temporary parts, including two displays that won’t make it to the production model. Perhaps the only part visible on this prototype that could make it to production is the intriguing steering wheel.
BMW hasn’t officially announced a launch date, but according to a report, production is expected to begin in March 2027 and continue through October 2034. For now, only a sedan is mentioned, though rumors of a Touring version continue to circulate.
A patent drawing reveals a first look at the upcoming Toyota FJ Cruiser.
The design closely mirrors the official teaser released by Toyota in 2023.
The SUV is set to debut in spring 2026, featuring a ladder-frame chassis.
Update: The timeline for the unveiling of the still-unnamed compact Land Cruiser keeps moving, with sources in Japan now indicating a debut in the spring of next year. We’ve also got some new details about the powertrains to share in the updated story below.
Off-roading enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Toyota’s “baby” Land Cruiser, and while its debut has been pushed back to spring 2026, the anticipation only seems to intensify. Just when you thought the wait couldn’t possibly get any more agonizing, we’ve uncovered a new patent drawing, giving us our clearest look yet at the rugged compact SUV’s exterior.
Toyota has been pretty tight-lipped since releasing a single teaser of the model in August 2023. Since then, the rumor mill has been working overtime, especially around the ladder-frame, compact off-roader. Many believe it’s set to revive the FJ Cruiser nameplate, though Toyota hasn’t confirmed anything just yet.
Luckily, this patent drawing gives us something more concrete to chew on. While the patent was filed last year, it’s only just made its way into the public domain. We spruced up the image to improve the quality, but other than that, it’s what Toyota has decided to let us see.
A Sneak Peek at the Design
We rendered the 2027 FJ Cruiser to show you what a production model could look like. (Illustration Thanos Pappas / Carscoops)
The new image shows a compact SUV with a five-door configuration and a boxy, utilitarian stance. The profile and overall silhouette closely resemble the official teaser Toyota released, right down to the shape of the LED headlights. Other design elements worth noting are the pronounced front fenders, thick C-pillars, and a rear end that’s almost comically vertical, complete with a full-size spare mounted on the tailgate.
The lower part of the body features unpainted plastic cladding that wraps around the bumpers, fenders, and side skirts, all classic off-road styling cues meant to hint at the SUV’s rugged capabilities. Ground clearance looks to be quite generous as well. While patents often include placeholder wheels, it’s easy to imagine this model outfitted with some serious off-road tires.
Looking at the overall design, it’s clear that this model is a natural evolution of the 2021 Compact Cruiser EV concept, though it’s noticeably larger. Japanese reports suggest the production FJ Cruiser will stretch to around 4,500 mm (177.2 inches) in length, which places it firmly in the compact SUV segment.
The patent drawing above, slightly edited by Carscoops for quality, compared to the original teaser from Toyota below.
Unlike the larger, pricier Land Cruiser 250 and 300 Series that ride on Toyota’s more refined TNGA-F platform, the FJ Cruiser will reportedly ride on the IMV-0 platform. This architecture is expected to be shared with the next-generation Hilux and Fortuner, and will likely feature some significant upgrades compared to the current Hilux Champ.
The FJ Cruiser’s ladder-frame chassis promises to make it an off-roading enthusiast’s dream. This setup should give it a notable edge over unibody competitors like the Ford Bronco Sport, making it a solid choice for anyone who prioritizes off-road performance over city driving comfort.
As for what will be powering this future off-road warrior, there’s a good chance we’ll see the 2.7-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine under the hood in at least some markets. Another contestant is the 2.8-liter turbodiesel, which is already fitted in the Land Cruiser Prado, Hilux, and Fortuner, combined with a mild-hybrid system.
In terms of transmission, the gas-powered version will likely get an six-speed automatic, while the diesel is expected to be mated to an eight-speed automatic. Regardless of the powertrain options, Toyota is expected to keep things authentic with a standard 4WD system, staying true to the legacy of the Land Cruiser family.
While there’s no way to confirm if the patent drawing represents the final production design, it certainly offers an intriguing glimpse of what’s on the horizon. Let’s hope Toyota teases us a bit more before the official launch.
Speaking of the debut, the new model is expected to appear in spring 2026. According to Japan’s Best Car, Toyota originally planned to introduce it this fall, but various issues including its involvement in the certification fraud have caused a delay.
