Mercedes-Benz may be pouring resources into electric powertrains like every other legacy automaker with a deadline and a vision statement, but that doesn’t mean internal combustion engines are on their way out. In fact, the company now expects its gas-powered models to stick around longer than originally planned, reflecting a more measured approach to the EV transition than earlier timelines suggested.

EVs and ICEs Will Coexist for the Foreseeable Future

That dual-track strategy is showing up clearly in the brand’s upcoming lineup. The next-generation CLA and the upcoming 2026 GLC will both be offered with either electric or combustion engines, giving buyers more flexibility, especially in markets where EV infrastructure is still catching up. In a recent interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius referred to this as a “course correction” in the company’s electric roadmap.

Read: Mercedes-AMG Wants You To Forget About The EQC With This New EV

“The electrified high-tech combustion engines will run longer than we originally expected,” Kallenius told the publication. “I believe the most rational approach in the current situation is for an established manufacturer to do both and not neglect one technology.”

Still, More EVs Are Coming

Kallenius did not specify how long the combustion engines will stick around, but it should certainly be into the next decade. In the meantime, the number of EVs from Mercedes will continue to grow.

“The new CLA is the greeting from the kitchen of an entire family,” he told AMS. “Then the core segments will follow with the electric versions of the GLC, C-Class, and E-Class. We still have an incredible amount in the pipeline.”

The new GLC EV will serve as a replacement to the current EQC, which has never taken off quite as the brand would have hoped. This second-gen model will be a rival to BMW’s Neue Klasse iX3. It’ll be underpinned by the new MB.EA architecture, differing from the new CLA that uses the MMA platform. Importantly, MB.EA supports an 800-volt system and should support charging speeds of up to 320 kW.

Just like Porsche is currently doing with the Macan (albeit only in North America), Mercedes will sell the electric GLC alongside the combustion-powered version. The two won’t share a platform, but they will coexist, giving the brand some breathing room as the world transitions from fuel pumps to plugs.

If you were already thinking the Toyota Century SUV was as close to automotive royalty as you could get without actually being crowned, you were right. Now, Toyota has made it just a little more special with a new feature: dimming rear windows, standard across the 2025 model. Sure, it’s not the most groundbreaking update, but for a vehicle that’s already as posh as it gets, every little tweak matters.

More: Toyota Craftspeople Spend 12 Times Longer Tightening Bolts On Century Than Any Other Car

For the 2026MY, the main update to the Century SUV is a new three-stage dimming function for the rear door and rear quarter windows, which can shift between clear, semi-transparent, and fully opaque. Toyota achieved this by layering a special film between two panes of transparent laminated glass on both sides of the vehicle. The panoramic sunroof, however, doesn’t get the same treatment and sticks with a conventional electric sunshade instead.

Built for the Back Seat

Toyota’s goal with the dimming windows was to enhance privacy for the rear passengers, blocking the views from outside without sacrificing the soft natural light. In opaque mode, the atmosphere is reminiscent of a Japanese room.

After all, the Century SUV has been primarily designed as a chauffeured vehicle, with emphasis on the rear section of the cabin. We’re talking about electric retractable steps, wide-opening rear doors, assist grips, ambient lighting, retractable tables, antibacterial surfaces, coat hooks, and even a holder for your shoehorn. Yes, that’s right, a shoehorn holder.

Still not convinced? The rear seats come with retractable backrests and footrests that fold out into a fully flat position, perfect for a quick nap between meetings. Or pretending you have meetings. Rear passengers also get their own control panel and a dedicated entertainment system with individual displays, all tied into an 18-speaker premium audio setup, just in case your playlist needs to make a strong first impression.

Still Fresh, Still Custom

There are no changes on the exterior or interior design of the Century SUV, which is still quite fresh, having been introduced in September 2023. At 5,205 mm (204.9 inches) long, it’s often called Japan’s answer to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and with an expansive menu of personalization options, including full bespoke builds, it earns that comparison.

More: Toyota Century SUV Convertible Is A Custom Parade Vehicle For Sumo Wrestling Champions

Under the hood, the Century SUV employs a 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid setup producing a total of 406 hp (303 kW / 412 PS). Power is delivered to all four wheels via the E-Four Advanced AWD system, while the battery provides an EV-only range of 69 km (43 miles). Toyota has officially confirmed there will be a GR Century SUV with performance enhancements from its Gazoo Racing division.

A Significant Bump in Pricing

The new dimming glass feature bumps the starting price by ¥2 million ($13,600), bringing the total to ¥27 million ($183,300). Not that it matters to most people, since availability remains extremely limited. Orders are accepted only at select Japanese dealerships and primarily offered to existing Century sedan owners.

Naturally, Toyota isn’t the first to bring dimming glass to a production vehicle. Brands like Maybach, Mercedes, and McLaren have already been using smart glass tech in the sunroofs and side windows of their high-end models. Even Nissan has joined the club, recently adding an electrochromic sunroof option to the latest Leaf.

Toyota

BMW has launched a new version of the 5-Series, but before you get too excited, it’s not a high-performance M model. Instead, it’s a special version of the 540i xDrive known as the Legacy Edition that will be available exclusively to the Canadian market. Production of it will be limited to just 151 examples, so interested shoppers had better head to a BMW dealer pronto, or else they may miss out.

The most appealing part of the 540i xDrive Legacy Edition is its engine. It’s the first version of the current 5-Series to be sold in Canada with six cylinders and without a plug-in hybrid system.

Power is provided by BMW’s 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, punching out 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque that’s assisted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Working alongside an eight-speed automatic ‘box, the sporty sedan can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds. Before the arrival of this model, the 550 eDrive PHEV was the only other six-cylinder model on sale.

Read: BMW’s Best 5-Series Almost Looked Like Something Else Entirely

Buyers who want their Legacy Edition to stand out from the rest in case the (admittedly rare) chance they meet another at the golf club or local mall can order an Individual Manufaktur color at no additional cost.

The car pictured here is painted in Maldives Black II Metallic, a throwback color that, as you can see from the photos, takes inspiration from the E34. That generation of the 5-Series was the first to wear the 540i badge, and it was something special. Not only was it the first regular 5-Series to offer a V8 engine, but it could also be paired with a manual six-speed gearbox.

As for the new G60, if teal isn’t your thing, there are other options, including Oxford Green Metallic, Black Blue non-metallic, Cinabar Red, Grigio Telesto Pearl Effect Metallic, Frozen Black, and Sepang Bronze Metallic.

All cars come standard with 21-inch Individual wheels and the M Sport Pro Package. Customers can also choose between red and blue M Sport brake calipers. Other standard features include an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system and ventilated front seats.

BMW hasn’t announced prices for the limited-edition model yet, but there’s a good chance it’ll start at over CA$100,000 (~$72,600). The order books have already opened, and deliveries are scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year.

The wait for Tesla’s next high-performance electric crossover is nearly over, and it looks like the final pieces are falling into place. Shortly after our spy photographers snapped a camouflaged prototype at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, a prototype has been filmed completely undisguised while testing in the German Alps.

Read: New Tesla Model Y Performance Breaks Cover, Plaid Wheels And All

It appears this fuzzy, rolling shot of the Model Y Performance prototype was taken by the exterior cameras of another Tesla that was passing by. Just like the prototype we recently spotted, this one also appears to be rocking the same front bumper as all refreshed Model Ys.

The footage, which appears to have been recorded by the external cameras of another Tesla driving nearby, gives us our clearest look yet at the updated Performance trim. Like the refreshed Model Y Juniper we’ve already seen, the front bumper carries over the same design.

Spin around, though, and you’ll see that it has a unique rear bumper. Like the standard Model Y, it’s blacked out, but there are two small diffusers. While their aerodynamic effects will probably be tiny, they do make the Performance easy to pick from lesser versions. A new badge has also been added to the tailgate, likely mimicking the ‘Plaid’ badge found on the Model 3 Performance.

The sporty EV also has some other noticeable changes. For starters, we’re given another look at the 21-inch wheels that will be fitted exclusively to the Model Y Performance. Visible at the rear is also a much larger lip spoiler, giving the Model Y some much-needed sporty appeal.

Then there’s the color. This Model Y looks like it has a unique shade of burnt orange, but that might not be the case. The side cameras of Teslas with the HW3 self-driving computer often make red cars appear orange, reportedly because they lack an infrared cut filter. So, while this tester looks orange, it’s very likely Tesla’s existing shade of red.

In terms of performance, the new model should have the same basic dual-motor system as the Model 3 Performance, delivering 510 hp and 554 lb-ft (751 Nm) of torque. That should allow it to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just over three seconds. Quick enough to justify the badge, and probably quicker than most owners will ever need.

🔥🔥 New Tesla Model Y Performance spotted uncovered in the Alps!

✅ Sporty rear bumper
✅ New 21” wheels
✅ Carbon fiber rear spoiler
✅ Performance badge

H/t @stenboo pic.twitter.com/Wo7kUm9ZXu

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— Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) June 20, 2025

Shelby’s Mustang GT500 and Super Snake have always been among the most remarkable pony cars on the street, but back in 2012, the company launched an even crazier ‘Stang. Known simply as the 1000, the package could be added to existing GT500 and Super Snake models and included several upgrades that seriously increased their engines’ output.

It was, in every sense of the word, a “hold my beer” moment for Mustang enthusiasts everywhere.

Read: This Secret Mustang Prototype Could Obliterate Every GT500 Before It

At the time, the Shelby 1000 was the most powerful Mustang ever built, and it made other performance cars look like they were standing still. Under the hood, Ford’s 5.4-liter V8 was supercharged with a monstrous 3.6-liter Kenne Bell blower, and Shelby wasn’t content to stop there. The 1000 also got new injectors, an upgraded fuel system, forged internals, and ported heads.

The result was a road-going Mustang producing 950 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque, enough to send a cold chill down the spine of every Cars & Coffee meet within a 50-mile radius. For those crazy enough to want more, a track version cranked out a ridiculous 1,100 horsepower. It was estimated the 1000 could hit 60 mph in around 3.7 seconds.

Shelby is thought to have only ever built 20 Mustang 1000s, so it’s quite rare to see an example hit the used market. But Mecum got its hands on one, and it will cross the auction block next month.

It was originally built for David Yurman, a successful jeweler, and has only ever been driven 973 miles (1,565 km). If you’re not a fan of newer Mustangs and want one with more horsepower than sense (ed’s note: shouldn’t all fun pony cars be that way?), this could be just what the doctor ordered.

Mecum Auctions

Numerous other modifications were made to the Mustang to ensure it could (or at least do its best to) handle this kind of horsepower. These include an upgraded 9-inch rear end, new six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, and a strengthened driveshaft.

Shelby also added stiffer springs, sway bars, and bushings, along with a lightweight carbon fiber hood featuring functional air vents to keep the engine bay cool.

Adding to the car’s desirability is the fact that it was the final model overseen by Carroll Shelby himself before his passing in May 2012. Factor in the hypercar-like output and rarity, and you’ve got yourselves a winner.

Back in the day, the Shelby 1000 had an MSRP of $200,000, which included the GT500 Ford Mustang donor car. That’s supercar money, both then and now.

So, if you’re feeling lucky (and have a few extra zeroes in your bank account), you might want to check out Mecum Auctions’ listing over here to see how much this special Mustang might fetch. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you – it’s going to cost you.

Mecum Auctions

Some color combinations are a match made in heaven, while others make you wonder what kind of twisted minds put them together. Take purple and yellow, for example, two colors that, on their own, can work wonders in certain settings but, when paired together, can look like a neon nightmare. So, naturally, a vinyl shop in the US decided to test the limits of taste by slapping these two hues onto a BMW 7-Series.

Now, let’s talk about the7-Series. The current generation of BMW’s flagship sedan isn’t exactly a looker, sporting massive kidney grilles, oddly-shaped lights, and altogether ungainly proportions. But, thanks to a purple and yellow wrap, this 740i somehow cranks that awkwardness up to 11.

Read: This BMW Prototype Hides A Solid Secret

Adorning the lower half of the body is a fluorescent yellow wrap, while all the parts above the shoulder line are finished with a purple wrap. It isn’t easy for any car to pull off a tennis ball-colored finish, unless it’s an Abarth 500e, so it’s hardly a surprise it doesn’t work on a full-size luxury limo.

Photos 404 Elite Autos/Instagram

We’ll give credit where it’s due. The purple is actually a decent shade. It’s got this bright, metallic finish that makes it sparkle under the sun. Had the entire car been wrapped in this color, it probably would have looked great. Alas, that’s not the case.

The wrap isn’t the only change made by 404 Elite Autos. The car also sits on a set of tightly-spoked aftermarket wheels with a black finish, sitting over color-matched yellow brake calipers.

The cabin looks original, which we guess is a good thing. That’s because as wacky as the 7-Series may look from the outside, it has a very premium interior that’s among the best in its class. Plus, if you’re sitting inside, you have the advantage of not being exposed to the questionable bodywork and that paint scheme.

Photos 404 Elite Autos/Instagram

Small turbocharged engines are all the rage these days. Their popularity has grown over the last decade or so, and that’s around the same time that Ford introduced some of its own. EcoBoost engines with displacements ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 liters are the subject of a new lawsuit. Plaintiffs allege that the Blue Oval built these engines with a defect and didn’t alert owners.

The suit includes owners of the Ford Escape (2013-2019), Fusion (2013-2019), Edge (2015-2018), Lincoln MKC (2016-2019), and Lincoln MKZ (2016-2019). Specifically, it alleges two major things. First, Ford failed to notify owners that these engines have a defect that allows coolant to leak into the cylinders. Second, the carmaker didn’t inform owners about how this can cause a potential safety concern.

More: Ford Pulls Mustang Mach-E From Sale Over Dangerous Door Lock Flaw

Owners who filed the suit say all of the affected engines leak coolant from the cylinder heads into the cylinders. As that process continues, the engine suffers from a lack of coolant. When it gets low, the engine overheats and can end up broken beyond repair.

In the suit, the plaintiffs are quoted as saying, “Ford has not satisfactorily or effectively addressed the source of the defect for those consumers, including for those whose vehicles remain in warranty. Instead of replacing the engine block, Ford merely applies superficial stopgap, ‘Band-Aid’ remedies such as installing coolant level sensors.”

Obviously, getting an alert to refill coolant is better than a ruined engine, but an engine that doesn’t leak coolant trumps all. If the allegations in the suit are true, Ford knew about the issue before it ever sold these engines. Notably, Ford issued a technical service bulletin in 2020 to replace the short block and head gasket on Ford Fusions and Escapes over coolant loss issues.

The plaintiffs say that actions like replacing the engine don’t fix the issue since the replacement has the same defect. One technician familiar with the issue shows off what they see as a defect below. The head gasket appears to fail between the cylinders. Have a gander below and let us know your thoughts. Is this a design defect in your eyes or just the result of normal wear and tear?

VEHICLES INCLUDED IN LAWSUIT

• 2013-2019 Ford Escape
• 2013-2019 Ford Fusion
• 2015-2018 Ford Edge
• 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC
• 2016-2019 Lincoln MKZ

H/T to Carcomplaints

The GR Supra is nearing the end of its seven-year run, but fear not, as Toyota officials have already confirmed that a new generation is on the way. While there’s plenty of speculation about what form it could take, including the possibility of a hybrid powertrain, some intriguing, though not entirely unexpected, news has surfaced from Japan.

Apparently, the next Supra might be developed alongside a Lexus model, which could add an interesting twist to the brand’s luxury sports car lineup.

More: Lexus Kills Off The RC And RC F Coupes After 11 Years

Toyota’s luxury arm, might be looking to fill the void left by the soon-to-be-discontinued RC and the aging LC grand tourer, which has been around since 2017. This could be the perfect opportunity for a new, low-slung, Supra-sized coupe to take its place. We’re talking two doors, a 2+2 seating layout, and all the performance and style you’d expect from a car in this segment.

Not The First Supra-Based Lexus

If these rumors from Japanese media outlet Best Car hold water, this wouldn’t be the first time Lexus has borrowed from the Supra’s blueprint. Back in the early ’90s, the A80 Supra shared its underpinnings with the Toyota Soarer and the Lexus SC, which were both grand tourers in their own right. It’ll be interesting to see if the new model revives the SC nameplate, or if Lexus opts for something fresh, leaving the past where it belongs.

While it’s too early to dive into design details, the Lexus model would likely feature a distinct design to differentiate itself from the Supra. It could borrow some styling cues from the Electrified Sport Concept that debuted in 2021, though with more restrained proportions and updated features. Since it’ll carry the Lexus badge, it will also need to offer more luxury than its Toyota counterpart to justify the higher price tag.

Hybrid Setup Makes Sense – Unless They Go With Mazda’s Six

Lexus Electrified Sport Coupe Concept from 2021

The latest reports suggest the next Supra will ditch its BMW Z4-sourced platform in favor of something new and Japanese. In terms of powertrain, the most likely option is Toyota’s newly developed turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with a self-charging hybrid system.

Given Toyota’s extensive experience with hybrid tech, this seems like a no-brainer. Power would likely be sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed or ten-speed automatic transmission, possibly paired with a carbon fiber propeller shaft for good measure.

As for the Lexus version, it’s safe to assume it’ll be nearly identical under the skin to the Toyota, though engineers may tweak the suspension to give it more of a grand tourer feel.

More: See The Two Final GR Supras Europe Is Getting

And then there’s that wild rumor floating around about Toyota possibly using a Mazda-sourced inline-six engine in the next Supra. Some reports even suggested that Mazda might develop a Supra-based car as a spiritual successor to the discontinued RX-7. Let’s just say this is all a bit too speculative for comfort. When it comes to future models, the rumor mill is as unpredictable as a Netflix cancellation, so it’s probably best not to get too carried away just yet.

When Can We Expect the Next Supra?

Toyota hasn’t given an official timeline for the debut of the next-generation Supra, but some industry insiders predict it’ll make its debut in 2026 or 2027. If that’s the case, then a Lexus variant could follow shortly after.

More: Toyota Just Confirmed The Supra’s Fate But Left Out The Juiciest Part

If Toyota’s North American execs are to be believed, the gap between the current and next-gen models won’t be as long as the 17-year hiatus between the fourth and fifth generations, so thankfully, we won’t have to wait that long this time around to find out.

Turn up to a trackday in a Porsche 911 GT3 and everyone is going to expect you to put in some strong times. If you, however, are intrigued by the idea of giving a few of the Porsche fanboys a shock, you’re going to love this Volvo sleeper.

At first glance it looks nothing special – just a regular, slightly scruffy 1980s Volvo 740 wagon with a set of non-standard rims that seem kind of familiar. Wait, are those Corvette wheels? Yes, they are, and the hardware they’re bolted to, plus the hardware that makes them spin, is all Vette, too.

Related: Paul Newman’s Souped-Up Volvo Wagon Is A Corvette V8-Powered Sleeper

See, while the body certainly belongs to a 1990 Volvo 740 GLE wagon, the heart and soul of this custom trackday bruiser is 2004 Corvette. The engine, six-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, brakes and suspension all come from a C5 Vette.

You can probably imagine that this was no weekend swap. The “Volvette” build, which began in 2014, wasn’t completed until 18 months later, by which time the owner had sunk an estimated 1,900 hours and thousands of dollars into the project. The Corvette’s front and rear subframes needed modifying to fit the Volvo’s body and the torque tube required lengthening to work with the longer wheelbase.

BaT

But those weren’t the only mods made to the 740, which is currently being auctioned on Bring a Trailer. The chassis gained QA1 coilovers and adjustable anti-roll bars and the 5.7-liter LS1, which was rated at 350 hp (355 PS) from the factory, was tuned with a roller cam, GenX heads and an Aviaid dry-sump lubrication system to keep it fully lubricated even in extreme trackday and autocross cornering situations.

The interior is strictly business, the air conditioning, radio and stock rear seats having been junked along with the original drivetrain. Instead you get C5 gauges, a fabricated transmission tunnel and full roll cage, although there are a pair of emergency foldaway seats in the back for kids with no fear.

This unlikely mashup of Volvo and Corvette parts looks like great fun, though its owner can’t claim to be the first to take on this kind of build. The late movie legend and accomplished racer Paul Newman also had a boxy Volvo wagon built with Corvette power.

Newman’s was a 1998 V90, but that stealthier car didn’t receive the full Corvette suspension swap. Instead, it relied on a mix of stock parts and, strangely, Porsche 911 components. The Hollywood star also stuffed a Buick GNX‘s turbocharged V6 into a 740 with similarly crazy results, because you can get up to so much mischief in a fast wagon.

BaT

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but on the internet, stereotypes are as abundant as cat videos. Take, for example, a Lamborghini parked in a disabled space in the UK that recently ignited a firestorm of online outrage, only for the car’s owner to deliver a perfect mic-drop moment that silenced the critics.

More: Ferrari ICEs EV Charger, Sticks Plug On Wheels And Becomes Social Media’s Latest Villain

The car in question? A glossy Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4, decked out with an aftermarket bodykit, black alloy wheels, and red calipers. A few weeks ago, the eye-catching supercar was spotted occupying a parking spot clearly marked for disabled drivers, conveniently located next to an access area meant to provide extra room for mobility aids or assisted entry.

Jumping to Conclusions

The sighting was shared on a local Facebook group called Spotted Torquay, accompanied by a snarky caption: “Have Lamborghini so will park however and wherever I like, even if that means depriving a disabled person of a space.” As expected, the post gathered loads of attention, with over a thousand comments and angry emojis.

Many users argued that a parking fine would mean little to nothing to someone who can afford a six-figure supercar. Others speculated that the prime spot was chosen more to protect the exotic vehicle from door dings and scratches than out of any real necessity. Locals grasped the opportunity to complain about the size of the parking spaces in the UK, which as The Sun points out, on average measure 2.4 m (94.5 inches) wide and 4.8 m (189 inches) long.

The Owner’s Response

Spotted Torquay / Facebook

The story took an unexpected turn when the Lamborghini owner himself saw the post. In a dignified yet witty comeback, he submitted a photo of himself posing next to his car, proudly displaying his blue badge and revealing that he has two prosthetic legs.

The caption “A picture for all my fans” was a lighthearted jab at the people who assumed that a disabled individual wouldn’t drive such a fancy vehicle. The administrator of the Facebook page apologized to the owner for the unfair judgement, acknowledging that the dashboard design in some supercars makes proper badge placement difficult, as they tend to slide or become obscured.

More: Driver’s $3K Tow For Brief Parking Explodes Into $12K Nightmare

As the dust settled, other users with disabilities shared their own experiences of being wrongfully accused of misusing disabled parking spaces. It’s a frustrating reality for those whose disabilities aren’t visible, making them vulnerable to public scrutiny.

Ultimately, this little parking debacle highlights a bigger lesson: It’s important to withhold judgment and respect others, no matter how flashy their ride might be. Because, in the end, you never know who’s driving it, or the story behind the wheel.