The Company That Owns Land Rover Is Making A Baby Defender Of Its Own

  • 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.

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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.

Future Cars: Toyota’s Next Venza Could Be A Sexier RAV4 Coupe-SUV

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

 The Company That Owns Land Rover Is Making A Baby Defender Of Its Own

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.

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Tech-Forward Interior

 The Company That Owns Land Rover Is Making A Baby Defender Of Its Own

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.

Future Cars: Mazda’s New CX-20 Is Coming To Replace The CX-3

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.

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Powertrains and Platform

 The Company That Owns Land Rover Is Making A Baby Defender Of Its Own

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 SeltosHyundai Creta, Maruti (Suzuki) Grand VitaraHyundai Alcaza, MG Astor, and Honda Elevate.

Future Cars: Nissan’s Next Juke Is So Different, You Might Not Recognize It

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.

Illustrations Josh Byrnes / Carscoops

The Baby AMG EV Just Got Real With Three Motors And A Secret Weapon

  • 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.

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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.

Related: Mercedes Will Fix New CLA EV’s Charging Crisis From Next Year

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.

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Charging Woes, Soon to Be Solved

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.

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SHProshots

This Is The Electric GT That Will Either Save Or Kill Jaguar

  • 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.

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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.

More: Radical Jaguar Type 00 Concept Previews Make-Or-Break Electric Sedan

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.

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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.

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The One Badge BMW Didn’t Want Us To See On The Electric M3

  • 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.

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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.

Read: BMW’s Electric Super Sedan Could Arrive Sooner Than You Think

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.

Heavyweight Status Confirmed

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 The One Badge BMW Didn’t Want Us To See On The Electric M3

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).

More: The 2025 BMW M5 Weighs 1,000 Lbs More Than Its Predecessor, Is Heavier Than Many F-150s!

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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.

 The One Badge BMW Didn’t Want Us To See On The Electric M3

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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.

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Toyota’s Baby Land Cruiser Could Arrive As Soon As Next Spring

  • 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.

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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.

More: 2026 RAV4’s Evolution Is More Than Meets The Eye

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

 Toyota’s Baby Land Cruiser Could Arrive As Soon As Next Spring

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.

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A Compact Evolution

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.

 Toyota’s Baby Land Cruiser Could Arrive As Soon As Next Spring

The patent drawing above, slightly edited by Carscoops for quality, compared to the original teaser from Toyota below.

 Toyota’s Baby Land Cruiser Could Arrive As Soon As Next Spring

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.

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Ready for the Trail

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.

More: 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Gets A Digital Overhaul, But No One Can Buy It

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.

 Toyota’s Baby Land Cruiser Could Arrive As Soon As Next Spring

The affordable Toyota IMV-0 pickup truck.

AMG Is Ditching Its Hated Four-Cylinder C63 For Something Much Better

  • An AMG insider has admitted that it plans to scrap its controversial M139 PHEV.
  • The 671 hp four-cylinder engine will make way for more hybrid sixes and V8s.
  • AMG is working on a new flat-plane crank V8 we hope will power the next C63.

AMG took the the C63 in a new direction in 2022 with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid four-pot, and it’s finally admitted that this road was a dead-end. That’s according to comments from one insider at Mercedes’ performance division, who claims AMG is getting ready to junk the engine in the current C63, which controversially downsized from a V8 to plug-in hybrid inline four.

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The exec, who spoke to Autocar on condition on anonymity, said AMG will equip its future combustion-powered models with either the six-cylinder hybrid now deployed in the E53, or a brand new flat-plane crank V8 that’s still in development.

Related: 2026 AMG C63 May Drop 4-Cylinder But Not For What Fans Want

Although the 671 hp (680 PS) 2.0-liter PHEV powertrain launched in 2022 on the C63 S E Performance made over 100 hp (102 PS) more than the twin-turbo V8 it replaced, it drew criticism for its bland character and weight. Moreover, with the C63’s switch to all-wheel drive came more weight, so things weren’t exactly peachy for Merc’s compact sports sedan.

Multiple reports suggested dealers have struggled to sell the models, despite them crushing its BMW M3 rival on paper thanks to the brute muscle of a powertrain that is also used in the GLC63 S E Performance. Both AMG models have a tiny 4.8 kWh battery that gives under 10 miles (16 km) of electric range. 

Cost and Emissions: The Final Straw

But it’s not just buyer apathy that is forcing AMG to axe its punchy M139 PHEV engines. Another reason, Autocar’s Greg Kable learned from the insider, is the high cost of reworking the powerful four-cylinder units to meet upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, despite those rules being considerably weaker than originally proposed.

 AMG Is Ditching Its Hated Four-Cylinder C63 For Something Much Better

Mercedes AMG

The report suggest other non-hybrid M139 models such as the 416 hp (420 PS) C43 and 375 hp (380 PS) SL 43 would need to find alternative forms of propulsion. As would the Lotus Emira that uses AMG’s mill, though the British brand is already scouting for a V8 engine to drop in that.

Looking Ahead: AMG’s Engine Evolution

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Unfortunately for anyone praying for the C63 PHEVs speedy demise and rebirth, this changeover doesn’t sound like it’s going to happen for a while yet. The magazine’s AMG source told it the engine would be retired “eventually,” but the fact that cars must meet Euro 7 standard from late 2026 would seem to give us a rough time frame.

In the meantime, AMG could drop the E53’s 3.0-liter hybrid six-cylinder into the C63 next year. That could improve things, but unless the engine sees a power boost from its current 603 hp (450 kW / 612 PS), it might be a step backward in terms of performance.

Still, there’s hope that AMG’s new flat-plane crank V8 will eventually find a home under the hood of a next-gen C63. But we’re talking a timeline that likely stretches toward the end of the decade, so don’t expect anything too soon.

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 AMG Is Ditching Its Hated Four-Cylinder C63 For Something Much Better

Mercedes-AMG

Aston Martin Turns Up The Wick On The DB12 Volante

  • Aston Martin is hot-lapping a faster DB12 Volante at the Nurburgring.
  • New model has more aero, lowered suspension and stacked exhausts.
  • We’ve already seen the same upgrades on DB12 coupe prototypes.

Aston Martin is on the performance offensive, launching mid-engined supercars, mind-bending hypercars, squeezing extra power out of its big-selling SUV and promising to make more models with manual shifters. And as these images show, it’s also making time to have some fun with the DB12 Volante.

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Not that the big convertible that landed in 2023 isn’t exciting to drive – far from it. Although Aston axed the V12 option when it upgraded the DB11 to make the DB12, the AMG-sourced 4.0-liter V8 still cranks out 671 hp (680 PS) and a thumping 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. Those are better numbers than the old V12 generated, and enough to get the DB12 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).

Related: It’s No Valhalla, But Aston’s DB12 AMR Prototype Knows How To Hustle

But there will always be customers who want a DB12 with a little more bite and are prepared to sacrifice a tiny bit of comfort to get it. The car seen here is by no means a stripped-out trackday special; it’ll still tick the DB12 luxury boxes. But everything from the design to the body control to the straightline performance will be massaged to make it more of an enthusiast’s car.

Bigger aero, stacked exhausts

As with the coupe version of this hot new DB12 we spied a couple of months back, this Volante looks instantly more aggressive thanks to a deeper front spoiler with three square vent holes at either end and a large-scale egg-crate grille. The new DBX S SUV has a similar spoiler with two holes on either side.

We think those changes, plus the lowered ride height that comes with the stiffer suspension, should be easy to spot on the street. But they’re not as obvious as the new exhaust layout which places the tailpipes on top of each other like the on the DBX S, rather than side by side like on the stock DB12.

 Aston Martin Turns Up The Wick On The DB12 Volante

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There’s no chance those pipes will be venting fumes from a V12, though you can still get one of those if you step up to the 824 hp (835 PS) Vanquish Volante that’s built on the same platform. But we can expect Aston to liberate some more horses from the existing V8. For the DBX S, they fitted the engine with turbos from its Valhalla supercar to boost output to 717 hp (727 PS), and although this is just speculation, it would make sense for the hot DB12 to get the same setup.

DB12 S or DB12 AMR?

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What could also make sense, given the the shared design cues with the DBX S such as the exhaust and front spoiler, is for Aston to call this the DB12 S. Previously we’d referred to prototypes as DB12 AMR, because the company had until recently used the Aston Martin Racing badge to mark out its performance models.

We’re expecting to see at least one of these DB12 performance variants make its debut before the end of this year, though the launch is likely to be staggered, with the coupe getting the spotlight first. And with Goodwood coming up next month, Aston might choose that as the venue for its unveiling.

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This Genesis EV’s Horned Wing Isn’t Just For Show

  • The GV60 Magma is giving up more secrets ahead of this summer’s official debut.
  • Genesis’ take on the Ioniq 5 N was spotted with a big rear spoiler for the first time.
  • The EV debuts at Goodwood in July, a year on from the Magma concept’s unveiling.

It’s two years since Hyundai revealed its epic Ioniq 5 N and three since Kia gave us the first EV6 GT, but only now is Genesis, the Korean conglomerate’s luxury maker, about ready to show us what kind of performance EV it can whip up using the same basic electric building blocks.

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The GV60 Magma – Magma being the Genesis brand’s new performance label – is scheduled to make its global debut at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, a year on from the original concept’s reveal at the same location.

Related: This Is The Face Of Genesis’s Fastest Car Yet

While previous spy shots show the production EV won’t look exactly like the concept, new images confirm one element that has definitely made the cut with only subtle changes. That’s the rear spoiler, which was hidden under disguise or just absent on earlier prototypes. Here it’s still covered in camouflage wrap, but the shape is on on full view, revealing horn-like end planes that are even bigger than the concept’s.

As well as being bigger, those end planes are also more vertical, which could be a result of aerodynamic analysis, or simply because Genesis or its customer clinic participants now think they look better this way. Also present is a rear diffuser mounted below the bumper, and the concept’s roof-mounted fins.

 This Genesis EV’s Horned Wing Isn’t Just For Show

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These look similar to the ones on a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, a car whose vertical wheelarch wings seem to have inspired the lower parts of the Magma’s arch extensions (though it’s hard to make out on these pictures).

The Magma will probably use the same 84 kWh battery as the Ioniq 5 N and EV6 GT, though considering their unimpressive 200-mile (320 km) real-world range, it would benefit from something bigger. Following a recent EV6 GT update both of those cars make 641 hp (650 PS / 478 kW), but some reports suggest Genesis will push the needle further to cement its position as the performance leader of the group.

We’re also expecting to see the virtual gear shift function that proved such a hit when the 5 N first appeared.

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The Humble Hatch That Dethroned Tesla’s Model Y Is Getting A New Look

  • Dacia’s R&D team is testing a prototype of the facelifted Sandero.
  • The subcompact hatch takes on the look of Dacia’s newest SUVs.
  • A 2026 debut is expected for the Renault Group’s budget hatch.

Europe can’t get enough of the Dacia Sandero. The bargain-basement small hatchback was the best-selling car on the continent in 2024, easily outperforming the second-place Clio from Dacia’s sister brand. The Sandero debuted in 2020 and was updated with its maker’s new corporate identity in 2022, but now looks poised to get another refresh to give it some of the modern, rugged appeal of Dacia’s bigger, more aspirational models.

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Yeah, Dacia and aspirational are not two words you’ll often hear in the same sentence, but the brand is on the up, and new models like the facelifted Duster and its Bigster big brother have developed a style that gives buyers a reason to consider a Dacia that goes beyond simply value for money.

Related: Dacia’s Next-Gen Sandero EV Arriving In 2027

The facelifted Sandero you see here won’t stray from that value philosophy, but when it arrives in 2026 it will pair it with some of the design cues that have helped make make its SUV siblings so popular – the new Duster was the ninth best-selling vehicle in Europe last year, outselling models like the VW Tiguan and Peugeot 2008.

Chief among the changes heading the Sandero’s way include new headlights that are the same overall shape as the old ones, but have a fresh DRL signature, chunky new mesh patterns for both the upper and lower grilles, and a new style of bumper with revised side air intakes. It’s the same story at the rear, where new lights and bumpers will mark out the updated car.

 The Humble Hatch That Dethroned Tesla’s Model Y Is Getting A New Look

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So we’re not talking radical changes, but there’s wisdom in that old ‘if it ain’t broke’ maxim. Where Dacia might decide to fix it anyway is on the inside. When our spy photographers spotted a prototype of the off-road-styled Sandero Stepway earlier this year, we noted that the touchscreen display appeared to be larger. But this being a Dacia, entry-level versions of the new Sandero could still come with no screen at all to keep prices low – the current model starts at just £14,715 in the UK.

The Sandero isn’t the only older Dacia in line for a Duster-inspired makeover. The company’s Jogger wagon has also been seen testing with similar visual upgrades, and some sources have suggested the tweaked Sandero could get a hybrid powertrain option, something already available on the Jogger. But Dacia might choose to save its efforts because an all-new Sandero, this time with available EV power, is due in 2027.

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Lexus’ New Supercar Spotted In California Sans Wing

  • The twin-turbocharged V8 Lexus could pump out upwards of 800 hp with hybrid assistance.
  • Lexus is currently testing the car alongside the previous gen of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S.
  • A racing version of the new Lexus will replace the RC F GT3 and could compete next year.

The world has been waiting years for Lexus to launch a successor to the LFA, and the car is edging closer to production. The new supercar, currently known as the LFR, will be a road-going version of the GT3 racer also in the works, conceived as a replacement for the RC F GT3.

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A few days ago, automotive scribe Jonny Lieberman spotted a camouflaged LFR prototype testing on LA’s famous Angeles Crest Highway. It was filmed trailing a first-gen Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S and sandwiched between a pair of Toyota Sequoias. While we can understand why Lexus’ engineers chose one of California’s finest driving roads to test out the LFR, this ribbon of pavement is frequented by car enthusiasts, so the prototype was bound to be spotted by someone.

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

The prototype resembles others seen overseas. The similarities to the Toyota GR GT3 Concept from a few years back are obvious, particularly in the elongated hood, short rear end, and large air vents. Interestingly, while other prototypes tested at the Nurburgring last year had fixed rear wings, this one doesn’t have one, just a small lip spoiler.

It’s not just the idea of a new halo car from Lexus that is getting us excited, but also the fact that the luxury brand has resisted the urge to downsize and fit the car with a small-capacity engine. Instead, it will utilize a new twin-turbocharged V8 that Toyota has been working on for several years for its new GT3 race car. This powerplant may not have quite the same sonorous soundtrack as Lexus’s current 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8, nor match the unique V10 of the LFA, but it should easily out-muscle both of them.

Supplementing the twin-turbo V8 will be an electric motor, likely positioned at the front axle. Combined power could set around the 800 hp mark, roughly in line with the current AMG GT 63 S E Performance it is being benchmarked against. Specifics are still under wraps, but we expect them to learn more as development continues; besides, we bet Lexus will want to build a hype around the vaunted LFA’s successor, so we expect teasers to start coming out sooner or later.

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