Ford’s Electric Pony Car Gets Better With Age: Quick Drive

PROS ›› Range and performance, comfortable ride, well-equipped CONS ›› Interior feels dated, no longer eligible for EV tax credit

When mainstream automakers finally embraced electric vehicles, many of their early efforts felt half baked. The issues varied by make and model, but a number of them had lackluster ranges, high prices, and an assortment of quirks.

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Ford managed to avoid these pitfalls with the Mustang Mach-E, which launched in 2021 and was quickly named North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. We were also impressed with it as I originally called it a “good EV and a great crossover.” I went on to praise the styling, comfortable ride, impressive performance, and long range.

What’s New For 2025?

 Ford’s Electric Pony Car Gets Better With Age: Quick Drive

Fast forward four years, and the Mustang Mach-E is approaching middle age. However, the car doesn’t feel overly dated thanks to a series of updates over the years. The latest were announced last fall and saw the electric pony car equipped with BlueCruise 1.5 and a newly standard heat pump. The latter helps to optimize energy consumption in cold climates for more range.

Those are welcome developments and that’s just scratching the surface as the rotary shifter has been replaced by a new column-mounted stalk. It’s a nice change, although there are odd cubbies where the shifter used to reside.

Other updates are less notable, but the Premium trim gains ventilated front seats due to customer feedback. The model also sports an updated color palette, revised wheels, and a new Sport Appearance Package.

The latter is available on the Premium trim and it sees the crossover outfitted with the front fascia and grille from the Mustang Mach-E GT. Buyers will also find black accents, red Brembo front brake calipers, and 19-inch gloss black wheels. Rounding out the highlights are sport pedals and red contrast stitching.

Photos Michael Gauthier / Carscoops

These build on earlier improvements, which saw the model benefit from faster DC recharging times and a new lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The Mach-E also got a new Rally trim and a performance upgrade for the GT.

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Given all the improvements over the years, it’s surprising the 2025 model is cheaper than its predecessor. Back in 2021, pricing began at $42,895. Today, it starts at $37,995 before a $1,995 destination fee. That’s pretty remarkable, but there’s a big caveat as the Mach-E is no longer eligible for federal tax credits.

Still Great, But Its Age Is Starting To Show

 Ford’s Electric Pony Car Gets Better With Age: Quick Drive

Despite the passage of time, the Mach-E still feels competitive. It still looks great, offers impressive performance, and has plenty of space for four adults. The model also offers a comfortable ride, excellent steering, and a hushed demeanor.

Unfortunately, the interior is starting to feel dated and the quality still leaves something to be desired. That being said, even the entry-level model comes equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.5-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. They’re joined by a wireless smartphone charger, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a six-speaker audio system. Rounding out the highlights are leather-like ActiveX upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a universal garage door opener.

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Photos Michael Gauthier / Carscoops

Higher-end variants up the ante with heated and ventilated front seats as well as a heated steering wheel. Customers can also get a 10-speaker B&O premium audio system as well as multi-color ambient lighting.

The new model comes standard with the Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Centering. There are also Automatic High Beam headlights, a Lane-Keeping System, and a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. Other highlights include a 360° camera system, Evasive Steering Assist, Front/Rear Parking Sensors, and Intersection Assist.

A Powertrain For Everyone

 Ford’s Electric Pony Car Gets Better With Age: Quick Drive

The 2025 Mustang Mach-E is available with three different battery packs that have capacities of 73, 88, and 91 kWh. They allow for ranges of between 240 and 320 miles (386 and 515 km).

Customers will also find an assortment of rear- and all-wheel drive systems. Rear-wheel drive models have outputs of 264 hp (197 kW / 268 PS) and 272 hp (203 kW / 276 PS), while dual-motor, all-wheel drive variants develop 325 hp (242 kW / 330 PS), 370 hp (276 kW / 375 PS) or 480 hp (358 kW / 487 PS). The various outputs allow for 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) times of between 3.3 and 5.6 seconds.

Those numbers are still pretty competitive today as the 2026 Toyota bZ will be offered with 57.7 and 74.7 kWh battery packs that provide up to 314 miles (505 km) of range. The model also has upgraded outputs of 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS) and 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS), which will allow for 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) times of as little as 4.9 seconds.

 Ford’s Electric Pony Car Gets Better With Age: Quick Drive

A bigger threat is the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which starts at $33,600 and is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. That makes it hugely appealing, even if its outputs of 220 hp (164 kW / 223 PS) and 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) aren’t anything to write home about. It’s also hard to knock the ranges of 285 and 319 miles (459 and 513 km).

Speaking of the bowtie brand, they also offer the larger Blazer EV for $44,600. While it’s more expensive, the model is eligible for a $7,500 tax credit and that knocks it down into Mach-E territory. It offers front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive as well as outputs ranging from 220 hp (164 kW / 223 PS) to 615 hp (459 kW / 624 PS). Customers can also expect up to 334 miles (538 km) of range.

All of this means the Mach-E is still pretty competitive, although not quite the standout it used to be. Of course, that’s what happens with age, and a facelift is likely coming soon.

 Ford’s Electric Pony Car Gets Better With Age: Quick Drive

Photos Michael Gauthier / Carscoops

Toyota GR Celica Might Be Hiding Its Engine Where You’d Least Expect It

  • Toyota Gazoo Racing has confirmed a new generation of the Celica is now in development.
  • The sports car may pair a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with AWD and a manual gearbox.
  • Debate continues over whether the GR Celica will feature front or mid-engine placement.

After years of speculation, Toyota’s dormant Celica nameplate is finally set to return. The company has confirmed the model’s comeback and even filed a trademark for the “GR Celica” name. As development of the eighth-generation continues, we’ve gathered the latest available information, along with a few intriguing (and occasionally far-fetched) rumors coming out of Japan.

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The Big Debate About The Layout

Toyota hasn’t released official specs for the new GR Celica, which has left room for plenty of speculation. Still, the turbocharged 2.0-liter G20E four-cylinder engine that was announced last year sounds like a no-brainer for the GR Celica. In its base form, the engine produces up to 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS), but according to Toyota officials, it can “easily” surpass 600 horsepower for road use with a larger turbocharger.

More: Toyoda Shuts Down EV Sports Cars, Prefers Smells And Sounds Of Gas Anyway

However, the car’s layout is a point of debate. Traditionally front-engined, the Celica may break from its roots. Japanese outlet Best Car reports that the next-generation model could adopt a mid-engined configuration. If true, this would blur the line between the Celica and the also-rumored MR2 revival, with the article suggesting both projects may have been consolidated into one.

Toyota previewed the G20E engine in the mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon. That car is headed for motorsport testing, which could help refine the setup for future production models.

 Toyota GR Celica Might Be Hiding Its Engine Where You’d Least Expect It

Toyota’s new turbo 2.0-liter G20E powertrain made its debut in the mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept.

 Toyota GR Celica Might Be Hiding Its Engine Where You’d Least Expect It

The three generations of the Celica that were offered the AWD-capable GT-Four trim

The problem with the mid-engined theory is that an earlier Toyota teaser mentioned both the eighth-gen Celica and the fourth-gen MR2, alongside new generations of the GR 86 and GR Supra sports cars and the GR GT3 supercar. Furthermore, during a press event in Tokyo, a Toyota driver suggested that the new engine could be fitted in an “MR-something”, although the Celica was also mentioned from someone in the background.

More: Two Tiny Terror Machines Could Revive Japan’s Affordable Hot Hatch Glory

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Regardless of where the engine ends up in the chassis, the GR Celica is expected to feature Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. This would align with the rally heritage of past GT-Four Celicas, which gained fame in the fourth, fifth, and sixth generations. A six-speed manual could be offered alongside an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, following the approach used in the GR Corolla and GR Yaris.

Advanced Development Prototypes

So far, no test mules have been caught in the wild, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. Cooper Ericksen, Toyota North America’s Senior VP of Product Planning and Strategy, told MotorTrend that “a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name” is in the works and at a “pretty advanced development” stage. He stopped short of giving any launch timeline.

More: Toyota’s New GR Rally Machine Roars Like Hell But Emits Almost Nothing

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The same report claims that the company has already shown prototypes of the GR Celica to US dealers. However, Toyota executives dismissed the accuracy of unofficial renderings circulating online, suggesting that the actual design is quite different. In reality, it is hard to predict the looks of the upcoming model that has to be differentiated from the GR 86 and the GR Supra in order to make sense in the future Toyota lineup.

A Rally Comeback in the Making?

Another interesting rumor suggests that the new GR Celica might serve as the foundation for a future rally car for the top category of WRC, taking over from the GR Yaris. This would make sense as its predecessors competed at World Rally Championship stages from 1988 until 1995, winning two manufacturers’ and three drivers’ titles.

Best Car speculates that the production model will be unveiled at the 2027 Tokyo Auto Salon. Of course, more information might surface before then. For now, the GR Celica looks set to carry forward a legacy that began in 1970 and ran through seven generations until the model was discontinued in 2006.

 Toyota GR Celica Might Be Hiding Its Engine Where You’d Least Expect It

A detail of the 2023 Toyota FT-Se Concept that featured mid-engined proportions.

What Saved BMW Group’s Quarter Wasn’t The Brand You’d Expect

  • The Group’s sales are up in Q2, though the BMW brand delivered fewer cars.
  • M increased sales by almost 8 %, Mini by 33 % and Rolls Royce is up over 9 %.
  • BMW also experienced a 29 % surge in demand for plug-in hybrids in Jan-June.

The BMW brand is on the cusp of releasing a wave of Neue Klasse cars and SUVs that should look and perform better than anything the automaker offers today, and judging from the latest sales figures, that shift can’t come soon enough.

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Because while BMW M, Mini and Rolls-Royce, three of the four other brands that make up the BMW Group alongside BMW itself, experienced healthy sales growth in the second quarter, the number of deliveries from the core brand itself went the opposite direction.

Also: BMW M Plans A Flagship ‘Dream Car’ For Collectors

BMW Group sales crept up 0.4 percent to 621,300 in April to June, but BMW brand sales were down 2.6 percent to 550,700. Ensuring the Group figures wasn’t also a negative came down to the success of the peripheral brands. BMW M sales climbed 7.8 percent to 55,400, Mini was up 33.1 percent to 69,200 and Rolls Royce delivered 1,415 cars, 9.4 percent more than in Q2 2024. The black sheep was the Motorrad motorcycle division, whose sales slumped 8 percent to 61,309.

One ray of light for the core BMW brand is the growth in the electrified side of the business. EV sales were up 15.7 percent in the first half of this year (and a less impressive 2.9 percent for Q2), while the figure for combined EV and PHEV deliveries was up 18.5 percent in H1 (and 10.2 percent in Q2).

BMW GROUP SALES
Q2-25Vs ’24H1-25Vs ’24
BMW Group Automotive621,2710.4%1,207,388-0.5%
BMW550,693-2.6%1,070,814-2.3%
BMW M55,4397.8%105,9396.5%
MINI69,16333.1%133,77817.3%
BMW Group BEV + PHEV161,46210.2%318,94918.5%
BMW Group BEV111,0272.9%220,54015.7%
Rolls-Royce1,4159.4%2,796-0.8%
BMW Motorrad61,309-8.0%105,909-6.3%
BMW


SWIPE


Like rival brands such as Porsche and Mercedes, BMW is having a tough time in China, though not quite as tough, according to the sales figures. Deliveries in China fell 13.7 percent in Q2 to 166,700, which isn’t great, but Mercedes just posted a 19 percent decline and Porsche is down a shocking 28 percent. There was better news in other regions. though, as group sales in Europe climbed by 10.1 percent to 255,900 and US sales edged up 1.4 percent to 98,500.

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BMW SALES BY REGION
Q2-25Vs ’24H1-25Vs ’24
Europe255,91010.1%497,7788.2%
Germany73,7407.8%135,1823.6%
Asia224,109-10.1%438,294-11.1%
China162,667-13.7%317,862-15.5%
Americas122,8661.7%237,1673.4%
USA98,5041.4%193,0912.7%
BMW


SWIPE


Believe It Or Not But This Is A Nissan 350Z

  • Nissan 350Z listed in Japan with a full Toyota GT 86 front fascia swap.
  • The widebody kit and wheels create a dramatic exterior transformation.
  • It’s being auctioned with 67,000 miles and starting bid of around $4,700.

We love the first-generation Toyota GT 86 here at Carscoops. It proved itself to be one of the best bang-for-your-buck sports cars at the time of its launch in 2012 and is still heaps of fun to drive. However, we don’t love the 86 so much as to overhaul the front end of a Nissan 350Z (ed’s note: an even better sports car, if you ask me) to make it look like a Toyota, as the owner of this car has done.

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This weird 350Z is currently up for sale on Yahoo! Auctions in Japan and does have some things going for it. For starters, the glistening shade of metallic purple looks amazing, and the flared wheel arches aren’t too shabby either. However, as often happens in the tuning scene, once someone starts modifying a car, it can be difficult for them to stop.

Read: Want A Nissan Z That Looks Like A Maserati And Porsche Had A Baby?

Gone is the standard fascia of the Nissan and in its place sits the front of a GT 86. This includes the headlights, fog lights, bumper, and grille. The owner has then affixed a bright red splitter and matching red side skirts. Then there are the wheels. Although they sit nicely within the fenders, the candy apple red finish doesn’t complement the purple paint. The bronze-painted brake calipers don’t suit the car either.

The rear half is perhaps even crazier than the front. A lowered rear window has been fitted alongside a large lip spoiler on the decklid. There is then a huge rear wing with uprights that affix directly to the rear bumper. A new diffuser has also been added.

Extensive work has also been done on the cabin. There are a pair of new carbon fiber bucket seats wrapped in bright red leather, which look fabulous. The red leather then extends across the door panels, dashboard, transmission tunnel, and steering wheel. Housed within the trunk are tanks for the adjustable air ride suspension.

According to the listing, the car has covered roughly 109,000 kilometers, or about 67,000 miles. The starting bid is set at 691,000 yen, which translates to around $4,700 at today’s exchange rate. Whether it’s a great deal or just a curiosity depends on your taste, and how far you’re willing to go in the name of standing out from the rest.

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This Lexus Wagon Looks So Good It’ll Make You Mad It’s Not Real

  • New Lexus ES reimagined as a wagon with styling cues from the electric RZ crossover.
  • Concept features wraparound glass and retains the wheelbase of the regular sedan.
  • A Sport Cross version of the new-generation ES is unlikely to ever enter production plans.

Wagons may be all but extinct in today’s automotive landscape, cast away by buyers’ love of SUVs, but they still stir enthusiasm among certain corners of the car world. One such example is the Lexus IS SportCross, the only wagon in the brand’s 36-year history.

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The five-door model lasted just a single generation before being discontinued, yet it still holds a place in the hearts of wagon fans. One of them is digital artist Theophilus Chin, who recently imagined what a modern Lexus wagon could look like in the current lineup.

Also: Lexus Sedan’s Radical Redesign Could Finally Bring Back The IS Spirit

Instead of starting with the aging IS sedan, Theottle chose the larger and more contemporary Lexus ES as the foundation for his design. The familiar sedan form is reworked with a taller, more upright rear, and styling cues borrowed from the all-electric RZ.

In this reimagining, the rear glass wraps around seamlessly into the side windows, visually slimming the D-pillars and giving the rear a cleaner profile. The roofline is less sloped than the standard ES, flowing into a pair of aerodynamic fins that replace the more conventional rear spoiler.

The lower portion of the tail is carried over from the regular ES, including the slim LED bar, the integrated ducktail spoiler, and the rear bumper. The wheelbase and the rear overhang haven’t changed, meaning that the ES Sport Cross retains the footprint of the sedan.

Illustrations: Theottle

The new Lexus ES is based on Toyota’s TNGA-K architecture, which is compatible with self-charging hybrid and fully electric powertrain options. The flagship ES 500e trim with AWD capability would be the most fitting for the Sport Cross variant, generating 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS) from its zero-emission powertrain. Furthermore, the 75 kWh battery would be good for a WLTP range of around 530 km (329 miles).

More: Another V8 Sports Car Is Facing The Chopping Block

If it ever reached production, the ES SportCross would go up against premium wagons like the BMW i5 Touring and the Mercedes E-Class Estate. But while the idea might appeal to wagon enthusiasts, Lexus appears far more focused on sedans and SUVs these days, making this actually happening quite unlikely.

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Still, there was a hint of possibility back in late 2021, when Lexus previewed a compact EV concept showcasing a variety of body styles, including a sedan, shooting brake, crossover, and convertible. At the time, many believed these prototypes hinted at the next generation IS, a model that now seems destined to offer more than just battery-electric powertrains when it eventually arrives.

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Lexus

China Is Snapping Up This $15K EV Faster Than Toyota Can Build It

  • An electric Toyota SUV is proving that legacy automakers can still win in China.
  • More than 20,000 GAC Toyota bZ3X models have been delivered since March.
  • The joint venture’s Camry sedan and Saini minivan are also racking up sales.

We’ve been hearing a lot about how tough the Chinese market is for long-established brands that are familiar to us in the West. Automakers like VW, Porsche and Mercedes have all suffered big sales slides in China, but Toyota has proved that’s it’s still possible to beat the increasingly competitive domestic brands at their own game.

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Also: How Toyota’s $15K EV Ended Up Costing $48K In Its First Export Market

The bZ3X is an electric SUV built by a joint venture between Toyota and China’s GAC and it’s been selling like crazy following its debut four months ago. More than 200,000 examples have been delivered since March, GAC Toyota wrote on China’s Weibo social media platform, and the company also mentioned it had received over 30,000 orders.

A Price That Turns Heads

So how did Toyota manage to win where many other legacy brands have failed? One reason is the bZ3X’s incredibly competitive sticker. Prices for the electric SUV start at 109,800 yuan, or roughly $15,000 at current exchange rates. That makes it less than half the price of the GAC Toyota Highlander, which starts at 284,800 yuan ($39,300), and also undercuts the 171,800 yuan ($23,700) Camry.

Naturally, you’re not getting a fully-loaded, long-range EV for for your $15k, though versions with Lidar-based ADAS are available. The base bZ3X, the 430 Air, comes with a small 50 kWh battery that’s rated at 267 miles (430 km) on the generous Chinese CTLC cycle, but probably only offers 200 miles (320 km) of real range.

 China Is Snapping Up This $15K EV Faster Than Toyota Can Build It

GAC Toyota

For a few yuan more, the 430 Air+ adds extra equipment but retains the base model’s battery, and the 58 kWh 520 Pro and Pro+ stretch the range to 323 miles (520 km) while still using the same single 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) electric motor as the lower-tier versions.

More: Toyota’s New Electric Flagship Sedan Takes A Shot At Tesla Model S

Top of the tree is the 610 Max, which gets a bump to 221 hp (224 PS / 165 kW) and promises 379 miles (610 km) of range from its 68 kWh pack. But even that flagship trim will only set you back ¥159,800 (~$22,000).

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Momentum Beyond a Single Model

The bZ3X isn’t the only GAC Toyota performing well in China. The joint venture’s total sales reached 364,218 in the first six months of 2025, and importantly they were up 5.6 percent, making the company one of the few similar collabs to make gains.

Camry sales were up 66 percent to 20,358 in June, Ziniu News reports, and the company’s Saina minivan registered 8,846 deliveries in the first half of the year, up 16 percent.

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GAC Toyota

Lawyers Walk Away With $57M While GM Owners Get Peanuts In V8 Lawsuit

  • GM settled a class action over LC9 V8 engine issues with a $150 million payout.
  • The lawsuit claimed that the LC9 V8 has defective piston rings and assemblies.
  • Only buyers in California, North Carolina, and Idaho qualify for settlement benefits.

A long-running legal dispute over oil consumption in certain GM engines has finally reached a resolution, offering payouts to affected vehicle owners, though (perhaps unsurprisingly) the largest checks won’t be going to them.

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Read: GM Sued Over Trucks That Allegedly Let Thieves Walk Right In

The automaker has agreed to pay $150 million to settle a class action lawsuit centered on its 5.3-liter LC9 V8 engine. While owners will receive compensation, it’s the lawyers in the case who are really reaping the rewards, as they’re set to walk away with an astronomical $57 million.

The case was brought forward by Garrett Tarvin, Gabriel Del Valle, and William Davis Jr., who alleged that GM’s LC9 V8, commonly known as the 5.3-liter Vortec, suffered from defective piston rings and assemblies. According to the complaint, these flaws led to excessive oil consumption, which in turn caused issues like damaged spark plugs, rough idling, acceleration problems, and in some cases, total engine failure.

Who Qualifies for Compensation?

While GM has always denied wrongdoing and liability, it is settling the case. The resolution is only for current owners or lessees of an impacted vehicle that was purchased or leased in California, North Carolina, or Idaho. For those in California, the vehicle must have been new, and for class members in North Carolina, it must have been purchased or leased through a GM-authorized dealership.

The lawsuit involves 2011-2014 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon, and GMC Yukon XL models. Owners of vehicles that have already had upgraded piston rings installed under warranty are not eligible for any compensation.

 Lawyers Walk Away With $57M While GM Owners Get Peanuts In V8 Lawsuit

How Much Are Owners Getting?

It’s estimated that each eligible class member will receive at least $2,149 through the settlement. In addition, each of the three plaintiffs will receive $30,000. As mentioned, the lawyers representing the class action are set to receive $57 million. If you want to understand why so many law firms are so invested in class action lawsuits, that’s your answer right there.

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Another Lawsuit, Another State

Interestingly, a separate class action lawsuit also alleging issues with the LC9 engine was preliminarily approved in mid-June, exclusively in Oklahoma. In that case, the owner behind the lawsuit will receive $15,000, the lawyers will get $9.5 million, and the impacted owners will each receive roughly $700.

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 Lawyers Walk Away With $57M While GM Owners Get Peanuts In V8 Lawsuit

Someone Just Walked Away From A $435,000 Profit On This Porsche

  • A Porsche 911 S/T failed to meet reserve at auction despite a $726,000 high bid.
  • Official documents show the original MSRP for this car was listed at $291,712.
  • If purchased at MSRP, the seller turned down nearly $435,000 in potential profit.

Luxury car buyers sometimes pick up a rare car and then carefully store it away with basically zero miles on the clock. In this case, though, a buyer paid six figures for a very rare Porsche and drove it a bit. They logged 787 miles (1,267 km) and then decided to put it up for sale.

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Not only did bidders offer more than double MSRP, but the seller had such confidence in the car’s long-term value that they turned the money down. They clearly believe this Porsche’s best days are still ahead.

Read: Watch Shocking Video Of Porsche And BMW Collide In Fiery Nurburgring Crash

First and foremost, we need to talk a little bit about what this car is at its heart. As one of the 1,963 911 S/Ts ever made, it’s a rare sports car. On top of that, it’s one of Porsche’s most exclusive and most intricately built. Think of it as maybe the ultimate on-road 911 ever built by the factory. It combines the GT3 RS engine with lightweight building materials and a manual gearbox.

Custom-Built With a Heritage Touch

The one that just crossed the auction block at Bring A Trailer is special beyond that, though. Like every other S/T, the buyer had the freedom to spec it however they wanted. To that end, they added Porsche’s $23,220 Heritage Design Package, which includes crests from 1963 on the hood and wheel caps, unique decorative stitching, two-tone leather trim, and additional decals. On top of that, buyers get access to Porsche’s Shore Blue metallic paint.

Photos BaT

This buyer actually turned down that and spent another $23,920 to have Porsche paint the car in the green color you see on it. Other options include the Bose surround sound system, aluminum pedals, and a $350 chrono package.

It’s a very unique car with a set of options that likely make it a one-of-a-kind. In total, when it rolled off the line, it had an MSRP of $291,712. The seller just turned down $726,000 for the same car.

Holding Out for More?

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It’s worth noting that we have no idea what the current owner actually paid. It’s certainly possible that they paid well over MSRP or even that they paid $700,000 or more. That kind of markup certainly wouldn’t be out of question when compared to the ones we’ve reported on for far lesser cars.

Regardless, this is a wild result, yet many in the comment section believe the seller did well to keep the car for now. Will that decision pay off in the end? As always, time will tell, but what do you think?

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Photos BaT

Lexus’ V8 Supercar Just Let Us Inside While Making Some Serious Noise

  • The supercar is believed to have a twin-turbocharged V8 complete with hybrid assistance.
  • Lexus’s new flagship will rival the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S.
  • The racing version of the car will premiere at the Daytona 24 Hours in January next year.

Update: The official livestream from Goodwood has given us our first glimpse inside the roadgoing Toyota/Lexus GT prototype, which is expected to evolve into a full-fledged production supercar. The interior design leans heavily on performance-focused materials and layout, but with a refined touch. Carbon fiber seats resemble racing buckets, though they’re padded more generously than track-only versions.

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The cabin itself mixes red leather and Alcantara with aluminum accents, giving it a sharp, modern feel. A large infotainment display dominates the center console, positioned just above a row of physical buttons or switches that suggest a driver-focused setup.

The camouflaged model, which climbed the hill alongside its GT3-spec racing sibling, was introduced as the “Toyota GT prototype.” However, by the time it reaches production, it may carry the Lexus LFR badge instead. According to Toyota Gazoo Racing drivers, the project has been in development for more than four years and is nearing its debut. Original story continues below.

Goodwood Road & Racing / YouTube

While most automakers prefer to keep their prototypes tightly under wraps until they’re ready for a full debut, that’s not the route Toyota and Lexus are taking this time. At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the brand has brought out two striking prototypes, giving the public an early look at what appears to be its next flagship supercar.

Read: New Lexus LFR Supercar Reveals Interior And Confirms V8 Hybrid Powertrain

Toyota and Lexus have been developing this new model for quite some time, and while the final badging hasn’t been confirmed, signs increasingly point to it landing under the Lexus name.

Regardless of the name it wears, the car was first previewed by the GR GT3 Concept in 2022 and will spawn both a road-going model and a race car, designed to replace the Lexus RC F GT3. Prototypes of both cars are present at Goodwood, and while the marque isn’t confirming what powertrain the cars have, they’re likely packing a thumping V8.

As the festivities kicked off on Thursday, the two cars cruised up the famous hillclimb. While both are clad in camouflage, thus hiding most details, they’re shaping up to look very good. The road model will serve as a direct rival to the likes of the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S, meaning it’ll offer up significantly more performance than the gorgeous LC500, which tops out at 471 hp.

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All signs point towards the V8 being supplemented by not only a pair of turbochargers but also an electric motor. Horsepower details remain shrouded in mystery, but it could conceivably push out upwards of 800 hp, allowing it to outperform the V10-powered LFA that had to make do with “just” 553 hp. Then again, that was 13 years ago and the bar has been raised significantly since then.

Both the road and race cars have a large front grille and an elongated hood housing the engine. The road car also rocks four tailpipes and a small lip spoiler on the rear, whereas the GT3 racer has a more aggressive aero kit, which includes a massive rear wing.

A name for the new model hasn’t been announced, but it’s currently being referred to as the LFR. Whether or not that name sticks for production remains to be seen. There’s even an outside chance it could be badged as a Toyota or a standalone Gazoo Racing model.

Current signs indicate that the car will be unveiled either late this year or in 2026. In a world where downsized hybrid performance cars are becoming increasingly common, this V8 beast will come as a welcome reprieve.

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Thanos Pappas contributed to this story

Audi’s New Super Estate Is Coming In Hot

  • The new RS6 Avant may come with a hybridized V6 pumping 725 hp, replacing the twin-turbo V8.
  • An all-electric version of the new-age RS6 will also be offered, potentially outperforming the ICE.
  • These photos show a revised rear end with oval-shaped tailpipes closer to the center of the bumper.

The new BMW M5 Touring might have stolen the Audi RS6 Avant’s thunder, but Audi Sport is hard at work on the latest version of its super estate. Once set to be renamed the RS7 Avant, it will now still be called the RS6, and a near-production-spec prototype was recently spotted testing in Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains by a Carscoops reader.

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As part of a revised nomenclature announced back in 2023, ICE-powered Audis were set to use odd numbers in their names, whereas EVs would use even numbers. As such, the RS6 we all know and love was going to morph into the RS7. However, the German brand has since backtracked on its new naming scheme, so the car pictured will still be known as the RS6 Avant and, presumably, the all-electric version will be named the RS6 e-tron.

Read: Someone Just Lost $25,000 On A Nearly New RS6 Wagon

This prototype looks closer to production-ready than the one we spotted earlier this year. The front end is just as aggressive as an RS6 is expected to be, complete with large air intakes and a big grille. You’ll also notice a pair of vents on the front quarter panels, roof rails, and a set of sizeable five-spoke wheels sitting over a massive brakes.

 Audi’s New Super Estate Is Coming In Hot

Carlos Garcia/Carscoops

The rear end is shaping up to be the car’s best angle. It’ll feature the same LED taillights as the updated A6, complete with a full-width light bar. We can also see that Audi has stuck with the familiar oval-shaped tailpipes of the previous-gen car, but they have been repositioned to sit more centrally on the bumper.

According to reports, the new car will ditch the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 of the current model in favor of a plug-in hybrid V6, which will also be used by the new RS5. While it’ll lose two cylinders, it will gain an electric motor. This could give the new RS6 upwards of 725 hp, right in line with the 717 hp offered up by the M5’s plug-in hybrid V8.

Hat tip to Carlos Garcia for sending us these photos!

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Carlos Garcia/Carscoops