Electric SuperTruck with 1,600 hp beat every car up the Goodwood hillclimb course.
Romain Dumas set a 43.23-second time in Ford’s wild triple-motor electric truck.
Koenigsegg’s Sadair’s Spear broke the production car record with a 47.14-second run.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed once again gathered an extraordinary mix of some of the world’s rarest, fastest, and most eye-wateringly expensive cars over the weekend. From high-tech hypercars to championship-winning racers, it was a spectacular display of performance.
Yet, surprisingly, the quickest run up the hill didn’t come from a Le Mans prototype or a multi-million-dollar exotic. Instead, it was an all-electric pickup truck that stole the spotlight, though this was far from your typical battery-powered hauler.
The vehicle in question is Ford’s insane F-150 Lightning SuperTruck. Unveiled in mid-2024, it quickly took out top honors at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and this past weekend, experienced racing driver Romain Dumas jumped behind the wheel to tackle the Goodwood hillclimb. Last year, he piloted the Ford SuperVan 4.2 to victory, setting a blistering time of 43.98 seconds.
Ford’s SuperTruck Delivers a Blistering Run
Ford’s SuperTruck proved to be even quicker. During his final run of the weekend, Dumas set a time of 43.23 seconds. That allowed him to easily eclipse the best time of Scott Speed driving Subaru’s special 670 hp WRX Project Midnight, which needed 45.03 seconds to run up the hillclimb.
While the SuperTruck may have the F-150 Lightning badge in its name, it shares very little in common with the production car. A trio of electric motors allows it to pump out upwards of 1,600 hp. It’s also adorned with wild aerodynamic bodywork that allows it to deliver 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) of downforce at 150 mph (240 km/h).
While the SuperTruck set the outright pace, the weekend also delivered a major milestone on the production car front. Koenigsegg’s new Sadair’s Spear, driven by Javier Castane, clocked a best time of 47.14 seconds. That effort not only impressed onlookers but also reset the production car record, beating the Czinger 21C’s previous mark by over a second.
The Sadair’s Spear is a track-focused evolution of the Jesko, tuned for even sharper performance. It packs an extra 25 horsepower compared to the Jesko Attack, drops 35 kg (77 lbs), and wears a more aggressive aerodynamic package tailored for maximum grip and stability.
VW confirms closure of its SAIC joint venture factory located in Nanjing, China.
The site produced VW Passat and Skoda models with a capacity of 360,000 cars.
Closure comes amid declining demand for ICE models and low factory utilization.
While global carmakers scramble to realign their operations, Volkswagen is pulling the plug on a major Chinese factory. After cutting a deal with Germany’s IG Metall union last year to keep a few domestic plants running, the company has now confirmed it’s shutting down a longtime joint-venture site in Nanjing.
News of the closure first emerged from a German newspaper. Not long after, Volkswagen confirmed the move, but did not specify when the closure will take place. According to Handelsblatt, it will be shut during gradually during the final half of the year.
“We can confirm that SVW Nanjing Plant has ended production,” VW confirmed in a statement to Reuters. “Many SAIC VOLKSWAGEN sites are currently being converted or have already been converted for electric vehicle production.”
The future of the factory had been hanging in the balance for quite some time. Last September, it was revealed that it would close this year due to the declining local sales of combustion-powered vehicles. It had been handling the production of the VW Passat and several Skoda models at the time.
Volkswagen employs more than 90,000 people in China and operates 39 factories. But, the utilization rates at many of these sites have fallen significantly since COVID-19. It’s understood that total utilization at its factories with joint venture partner SAIC was operating at just 58 percent of a possible 2.1 million units.
The statement released by VW noted that some of its plants with SAIC have already been converted to support EV production, but didn’t specify if the Nanjing site will be one of them.
Honda debuted the Super EV Concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK.
The production version of the A-segment five-door hatchback is called the N-ONE e:.
The vehicle may debut in full at September’s IAA Mobility show in Munich, Germany.
Update: Following its appearance at Goodwood, Honda released the first teaser image of the production model, this time without any camouflage. The company also confirmed the vehicle’s name as the ‘N-ONE e:’. We’ve now learned that it’s scheduled to debut in September, likely pointing to a full unveiling at the IAA Mobility show in Munich that same month.
The cropped image reveals the familiar, charming face of a Kei-sized car, complete with expressive round LED headlamps. However, what caught our attention is that, aside from the charging port on the left side, there also appears to be a second port on the right. The function of this additional port remains unclear.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed took place this past weekend, and Honda used the event to unveil an electric urban vehicle concept. Called the Super EV, the concept is a thinly veiled production model that will technically serve as a successor to the Honda e.
The automaker isn’t saying much at this point, but the study is a five-door hatchback that recalls the Nissan Cube. It features a curvaceous front bumper and a fully enclosed grille with an integrated charging port. They’re joined by circular headlights and vertical air curtains.
Moving further back, we can see a short hood and bulging fenders. The concept also has an upright windscreen, slender pillars, and a relatively flat roof.
While Honda was tight-lipped about specifics, they said the concept was “designed to demonstrate how an A-segment model might offer fresh, fun-to-drive electric performance alongside trademark Honda usability.” They added the “small, sporty model has already carried out feasibility testing in the UK in the lead-up to the event – as part of a wider global program,” once again hinting at production.
Besides the new EV concept, Honda staged the European premiere of the 0 SUV prototype. It was accompanied by the EV Fun and EV Urban concepts, which are an electric motorcycle and scooter.
They were joined by the new Prelude, which tackled the famous hill climb. Other notable highlights include the Honda-powered Williams FW11, the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition, and a Miimo robotic lawnmower.
Next Rogue brings an edgy design with rugged cues and blacked-out lighting elements.
Revised CMF-CD architecture supports new hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options.
American debut expected mid-2026 as Nissan targets top rivals like the new Toyota RAV4.
To say that things haven’t been going smoothly for Nissan lately is a serious contender for the understatement of the year. The Japanese automaker has been caught in a steady stream of headlines for all the wrong reasons, from factory closures, layoffs, and mounting financial losses that seem to deepen with each passing month. While the outlook might seem bleak, there’s a sign of hope on the horizon: a new-generation Rogue crossover is on the way.
The 2027 Rogue, sold as the X-Trail in many markets outside North America, including Europe, is Nissan’s most crucial model and its top seller in the States. Its upcoming successor is set to receive a thorough refresh, featuring updated styling and new electrified powertrain options, though it won’t be a completely new design.
The big question is whether that will be enough to slow the financial bleeding. Let’s take a closer look.
Edgier Styling With a Familiar Face
Illustrations Josh Byrnes / Carscoops
In a recent presentation outlining its future plans, Nissan included a few teaser images—low-lit, stylized glimpses—of the next Rogue, alongside several other models. While the official reveal is still to come, we’ve pieced together the visual clues to get a better idea of what’s in store. And the result is likely to grab attention, even if you’re not usually a crossover enthusiast.
At the front, you’re greeted by a bold, blacked-out grille encompassing five hexagonal-like DRL elements on each side. Recessed and positioned higher up are the main LED units and the leading edge of the hood is more upright and squared off. The front fenders feature scalloped contours that blend seamlessly into the doors, and this effect is mirrored towards the rear, giving the car a more rugged appearance.
Towards the back, the D-pillar design is reminiscent of the latest Patrol SUV, while the sharp, wraparound LED taillights echo the design cues from the front end for a balanced, cohesive look.
The next Rogue is expected to adopt interior design cues from the Ariya and Murano.
Inside, the new 2027 Rogue will take cues from the Ariya EV and the latest Murano, adopting a clean, horizontal dashboard layout with dual widescreen displays, one for instruments and one for infotainment. Physical controls will be kept to a minimum, and the cabin will feature a more refined mix of materials throughout. An updated version of Nissan’s ProPILOT driver-assist system will also be included.
Some reports suggest the Rogue’s interior dimensions will increase, but, like the new RAV4, it’s likely to be a heavy refresh rather than a clean-sheet redesign. It will still be based on the current car’s CMF-CD modular architecture. The two-row, five-seat configuration will continue in North America, but globally, the X-Trail variant is tipped to retain an optional third row.
Arguably, the most significant leap for the next Rogue comes under the hood. Nissan is expanding its lineup with hybrid options. While the current model’s conventional ICE engine will carry over, it will be joined by Nissan’s innovative e-Power hybrid, which finally make its U.S. debut. Unlike a typical hybrid, the third-generation e-Power system uses a turbocharged, 1.5-litre petrol engine chiefly as a generator to charge a battery while an electric motor alone drives the wheels.
At low speeds, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system (called e-4ORCE in Japan) will run purely on electric drive, and at higher loads, the engine kicks in only to produce electricity, delivering an experience much like a pure EV.
In addition to the e-Power series hybrid, a plug-in hybrid will be introduced to the lineup after the initial launch. As we’ve reported before, Nissan’s teaser image for this variant looks suspiciously like a re-badged Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Whether or not this is a stop-gap effort or simply points to the Outlander’s electrified mechanicals being used remains to be seen.
Competition and Reveal
The new Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 are among the many rivals facing the Rogue.
The 2027 Rogue’s biggest thorn in its side is Toyota’s heavily redesigned RAV4. Other key rivals include Hyundai’s Tucson, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Volkswagen’s new Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Bronco Sport, Jeep Cherokee and the new generation of the Mazda CX-5.
Industry insiders suggest the new Rogue will debut in mid-2026, with production of the North America-spec model starting shortly after.
Will the Rogue’s updated design and electrified powertrains be enough to make it a real contender in the compact SUV segment again? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
PROS ›› Spacious, well-finished cabin, strong hybrid power, advanced tech, great value CONS ›› Thirsty for a hybrid, soft brakes, clunky interface, a few missing touches
In recent years, Chinese carmakers have gone from underdogs to serious contenders in overseas markets, and nowhere is that shift more visible than in the SUV category. A standout example came in 2023, when GWM introduced the compact Tank 300, its proper off-roader, to Australia. With capable all-terrain performance and a competitive AU$46,990 (~$30,200) price tag, it quickly made a strong impression
Now, Great Wall Motors is following up with something significantly larger and more ambitious: the Tank 500, a full-size hybrid SUV designed to go head-to-head with long-time favorites from Ford, Isuzu, and Toyota.
Building on the Tank 300, the 500 brings added space, stronger performance, and a far more sophisticated tech suite. It’s been positioned to compete with some of the segment’s most popular offerings, including the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, and the latest Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, SUVs known for handling everything from school runs to cross-country adventures.
The real question is whether a company once known for budget runabouts can really compete with the big names in this class. Surprisingly, the answer appears to be yes.
QUICK FACTS
› Model:
2025 GWM Tank 500
› Starting Price:
AU$72,990 (~$46,900)
› Dimensions:
5,078 mm (199.9 in.) Length 1,934 mm (76.1 in.) Width 1,905 mm (75 in.) Height 2,850 mm (112.2 in) Wheelbase
› Curb Weight:
2,605 kg (5,743 lbs)*
› Powertrain:
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder / electric motor
› Output:
342 hp (255 kW) / 478 lb-ft (648 Nm) combined
› 0-62 mph
7 seconds (0-100 km/h)*
› Transmission:
Nine-speed automatic
› Fuel Economy:
14.1 l/100 km (16.6 US mpg) as tested
› On Sale:
Now
*Manufacturer
SWIPE
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Two versions of the Tank 500 are sold in Australia: the Lux HEV and the Ultra HEV. Both share the same hybrid powertrain that comprises a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor, and a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. Combined power output sits at 342 hp (255 kW) and 478 lb-ft (648 Nm) of torque, two very solid figures indeed.
Like many other new cars from China, the price tag of the Tank 500 undercuts the competition. Prices for the Lux HEV start at AU$64,490 (~$41,400), including all fees, while the Ultra HEV, which we tested, is priced from AU$72,990 (~$46,900). To put that into perspective, prices for the new Land Cruiser Prado start at AU$78,552 (~$50,400) and top out at a massive AU$110,638 (~$71,000) for the flagship Kakadu trim.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
A Premium Interior
Given the Tank 500’s price, you may think the cabin would be as basic as they come. And you’d be wrong; the interior of the Ultra HEV feels fitting of something starting at six figures.
Dominating the cabin is a 14.6-inch infotainment screen situated in the center of the dash, just like in lots of other cars nowadays. This system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but you don’t really need the as the standalone system is excellent.
As with other flagship Chinese vehicles we’ve tested recently, GWM has done a superb job of making its software snappy and detailed. If anything, it might be a little too comprehensive, and with so many different menus, it can be challenging to keep track of where some settings are located. But, given the price point, the suite of tech on offer is impressive.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
There’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an excellent head-up display, driver and front passenger massaging seats, and configurable ambient lighting. I was also astonished to see that there are nine different levels for the heated front seats, as well as nine different levels of ventilation, whereas three are usually the norm. Admittedly, you don’t need that many, but they’re nice to have nonetheless.
There are also a slew of safety systems that come as standard. They include auto emergency braking, front cross-traffic alert, front cross-traffic braking, intelligent turning, lane change assist, rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, lane-keep assistant, and traffic sign recognition. Like some other GWM products, there is also a driver attention monitor, but it’s overactive and can be annoying. If you yawn, it’ll instantly and without fault suggest you take a rest.
Some Oddities
The good news is that all of these systems can be easily switched off in the settings. There are some strange quirks, like the seat memory settings being called ‘Memoria 1’, ‘Memoria 2’, and ‘Memoria 3’. Additionally, the off-road camera system is hidden under a menu called ‘Conqueror Perspective.’ The ambient lighting also includes some cheap-looking stars on the dashboard. I was also surprised to find that there were no floor mats.
The alarm system also has a weird quirk. Several times, I turned off the car, locked it, and walked away, only for the alarm to start blaring. A search through some owners’ groups revealed that if the sunshade for the panoramic sunroof is left open, and you lock the Tank 500, the alarm will ring six times, and the car will close the sunshade for you.
Fortunately, the rest of the cabin is excellent. GWM has fitted nice, soft-touch leather to the dashboard, transmission tunnel, steering wheel, seats, and door panels, making the cabin feel almost on par with a German SUV costing twice as much. There’s also some nice faux wood trim on the dash, metallic-feel switchgear on the console, and even an analog clock, reminiscent of a European design.
The second row is also well-equipped, featuring manual sunshades and a dedicated climate control panel. All Tank 500s sold in Australia are seven-seaters and space in the third row is on par with the likes of the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X. With the third seats in play, there’s a limited 98 liters (3.4 cubic feet) of cargo space in the rear, but when folded away, that increases to 795 liters (28 cubic feet).
It’s not just the interior of the Tank 500 that’s nice. It’s good to drive, too, and comes with plenty of impressive features for both on-road and off-road driving.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
The Good And The Bad
Let’s start with the negatives, the most worrying of which are the brakes. I’ve driven hundreds of cars, but I’ve never been behind the wheel of one with such a spongy brake pedal as the Tank 500. Around town, and when using small inputs, it’s not a big deal. However, if you have to brake heavily, the pedal will quickly push into the carpet.
The ride also leaves a little to be desired. It’s comfortable, but a little too soft and bouncy for my liking, as it pitches heavily under braking and during hard acceleration. Additionally, the front, side, and rear cameras appear on the main display whenever you use an indicator, and I couldn’t find a way to disable this operation.
The Tank also has some worrying rev hang. Lift off the throttle and it’ll continue accelerating for a full second. GWM apparently fixed this with an update in late 2024, but our tester hadn’t been updated.
But there’s plenty of good stuff too in there. There are 11 different driving modes available, including basic options such as Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock. There are additional modes available in the off-road section of the infotainment system. These include three configurable custom modes, allowing you to choose between 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4A (four-wheel drive automatic), and 4H (four-wheel drive high range). You can also adjust the responsiveness of the powertrain to Gentle, Comfort, and Radical, while also fine-tuning the steering and ESC settings.
Off-Road Chops
GWM has even added pre-configured ‘High speed off-road racing’ and, perhaps surprisingly given that it’s an SUV, a ‘Drift’ mode that turns off the traction control and puts the Tank 500 in rear-wheel drive. Of course, you don’t get an SUV to go drifting on car meets, but it’s good to know that you can if you so wish.
The off-roading features don’t stop there. There’s also off-road cruiser control and a function that allows the vehicle to lock the inside rear wheel, thus enabling tighter turns. However, it’s not a true tank turn like you’ll find in the electric G-Class or YangWang U8. As if all this software wasn’t enough to prove how serious GWM is with off-roading, the Tank 500 comes with three locking differentials. Yes, three, like a G-Class. Heck, there are even retractable side steps.
We tested out some of these modes and the locking diffs and were impressed. Despite having tarmac-oriented tires, the Tank 500 feels right at home along challenging off-road trails. However, the front and rear bumpers do hang quite low, impacting the approach and departure angles.
Out on the street, the Tank 500 obviously feels big, but the steering is nice, light, and surprisingly direct. Admittedly, it’s also void of almost any feel. Should you feel a little antsy, there’s even a launch control system, and the Tank can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in a little over 7 seconds.
The hybrid system is good, but not great. If driven in anything other than Sport mode, the Tank 500 initially uses the electric motor, before the engine kicks in at around 10 km/h (6 mph). Off the line and pulling out of corners, you have to depress the throttle quite a lot for the ICE to kick in and really start moving. Sport mode improves this, but doesn’t eliminate it entirely. One thing I did like is that there are three different settings for the regenerative braking.
Fuel efficiency is also quite poor considering it’s a hybrid. GWM claims 8.5 l/100 km (27.6 US mpg) over the combined cycle, but I averaged 14.1 l/100 km (16.6 US mpg), primarily over inner-city and highway driving. You’ll get much better efficiency in a Land Cruiser Prado, MU-X, or Everest with a diesel engine. GWM is working on a non-hybrid diesel, set to launch in the coming two years, which could be an improvement.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
An advantage of having a petrol-hybrid, rather than a diesel, is that the Tank 500’s powertrain is much quieter than its rivals. As it intelligently switches between electric and petrol power, it remains quiet and feels stress-free.
The Tank 500 has a quoted payload of 790 kg (1,741 lbs) and a 3,000 kg (6,613 lbs) towing capacity. That’s good, but it falls short of the 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) you’ll find in some of its competitors.
Verdict
I’ll admit, I didn’t have high expectations going into my week with the Tank 500. However, I was impressed by the amount of technology and equipment GWM has installed for the price. Compared to its rivals, it’s a genuine bargain. In Ultra guise, the interior is superb and feels well-crafted.
Compared to some of its rivals, the longevity of the Tank 500 remains unproven, thus I’m not sure I’d trust it to hold up as well over the cross-country trips that owners of its rivals often take. Given all the tech it has, there’s plenty of stuff that could possibly go wrong. Fortunately, GWM does offer a seven-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty. Since, apart from the mushy brakes, consumption is its most notable downside, I’m very interested in testing out the diesel version when it arrives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Mercedes-AMG’s CLA 45 has been spotted in wagon form for the first time.
The compact EV prototype is believed to feature a triple-motor powertrain.
A small electric wing at the top of the rear hatch extends into the air at speed.
BMW’s M division isn’t the only automaker injecting new energy into the performance wagon segment. So is its big rival from Affalterbach, Mercedes-AMG, as these shots of the new CLA 45 shooting brake show.
We’ve already spotted the sedan version of the AMG CLA 45 EV multiple times, plus wagon-bodied, non-AMG variants of the combustion CLA. But this is our first sighting of the hot EV with the long-roof body.
All of those cars, plus some SUV-shaped spin-offs our spy photo teams have yet to track down, are built on the same versatile platform that’s capable of handling combustion and electric powertrains. Hottest of the lot are the 45 EV versions of each body style, which are believed to get a triple-motor setup that delivers at least 500 hp (507 PS / 373 kW).
But it looks like the torque-vectoring motors aren’t the only thing the wagon has in common with its notchback brother. We’ve spied a deployable spoiler on CLA sedan prototypes, but now Mercedes has, ahem, extended the courtesy to the wagon.
The wing at the top of the load lugger’s rear hatch doesn’t look as big as the one on the sedan – which is rumoured to double as an airbrake – or appear to extend as far into the airflow, but there’s no doubt that it’s an active, rather than passive aero device.
Baldauf
We’d normally only expect to see the wing extended at freeway speeds, so perhaps the test driver has pressed a button to manually raise it in this case, or has a track-type mode selected where the wing is permanently poking above the roof.
Other giveaways that we’re looking at the AMG variant of the CLA wagon include the monobloc brake callipers behind the forged alloy wheels at the front. And the blanked grille and lack of tailpipes tell us it’s definitely an EV, though we expect AMG to deliver combustion versions of the CLA, too.
Exactly what engine will power those ICE models remains to be seen. A recent report claimed AMG was ditching the unpopular four-cylinder hybrid engine in the C63, and suggested the entire M139 2.0 engine family, including non-PHEV versions, would be phased out. That could mean the next ICE CLA 45 will get a warmed-over version of the 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain coming to non-AMG CLAs.
The new Xiaomi YU9 will come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and two electric motors.
Xiaomi’s third model may deliver around 400 hp and have a combined range of over 932 miles.
Prices for the new model, codenamed Kunlun, could start at around 360,000 yuan or $50,000.
With the dust yet to settle from the successful launch of its second model after the SU7 sedan, Xiaomi’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Already a dominant force in consumer electronics and increasingly a major player in China’s car market, the company has seen surging demand for its latest vehicles.
Just last month, a staggering 289,000 orders were placed for the new YU7 SUV within a single hour. Meeting that kind of demand is no small feat, but Xiaomi isn’t slowing down. Work on a third model is already underway, and a prototype has recently surfaced on China’s social media platform Weibo.
This third model takes a different direction from the SU7 and YU7. Xiaomi’s next vehicle will be a more conventional full-size SUV, positioned to compete with the Li Auto L9 and Aito M9.
A Different Powertrain Approach
Internally codenamed “Kunlun” and currently known as the YU9, it will also move away from the fully electric setups of its predecessors, instead launching with a range-extender powertrain.
According to local reports, the YU9 will come equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine working alongside two electric motors. CarNewsChina speculates that output could be around the 400 hp mark, with the electric motors alone offering a driving range of more than 124 miles (200 km). Factor in a large fuel tank, and the total driving range could exceed 932 miles (1,500 km). Like Xiaomi’s BEVs, this model may also adopt an 800-volt electrical system, which enables faster charging.
Weibo
The new spy shots show the YU9 prototype will sit much more upright than the YU7 and have a more traditional SUV shape. Camouflage and body cladding hide all the major design elements, including the lights, but it’s likely it’ll retain some of the same identifiable design features of Xiaomi’s other models.
A pair of renderings from Autohome show how the YU9 may look, complete with wraparound LED taillights and sharp headlights similar to the SU7 and YU7. No images of the vehicle’s interior have emerged, but it’s expected to be offered in six- and seven-seat configurations.
Pricing remains unconfirmed, but the YU9 is likely to sit above Xiaomi’s current offerings. Estimates suggest a starting price of around 360,000 yuan, or roughly $50,000, with higher trims potentially reaching just under 500,000 yuan, or close to $70,000.
