Motor News

BMW has taken the wraps off its M Hybrid V8 prototype race car, which will make its racing debut in the IMSA GTP Class at the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2024, the BMW M Hybrid V8 will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship, including a return to the top class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans after a 25-year absence. The BMW M Hybrid V8’s body rides atop a chassis from Italian race-car supplier Dallara. As the model name suggests, it’s powered by a 4.0-liter V-8 producing up to 640 horsepower and is mated to an IMSA-spec electric motor for a hybrid setup.Hot on the heels of Acura’s ARX-06 recent debut, BMW is the latest manufacturer to showcase the official livery of its LMDh prototype. Festooned with more BMW design cues than a knockoff track suit, the colorful BMW M Hybrid V8 is set to enter the inaugural IMSA GTP class at the 24 Hours of Daytona, where Acura has long reigned supreme.With the GTP class, IMSA is encouraging manufacturers to incorporate styling cues from its roadgoing cars, and BMW heeded that call (and then some) with the design of the M Hybrid V8. Up front, the M logo cascades into an angled concave channel that slopes down from the prow. Twin gaping snouts are laser-lit and rake backward at the outer edges, evoking a hint of a snarl when viewed at an angle. The windshield wraps around into the side windows, terminating in a Hofmeister kink. Out back, the massive diffuser sweeps up into the taillights, which resemble a set of interlocked hockey sticks. The intriguingly asymmetrical livery takes the BMW-ness to the next level. On the right side, the M colors flit about the bodywork like a flock of butterflies. When viewed straight on, the fractal shades accentuate the angular lines of the bodywork. It’s only when you take a few steps to either axle that you notice the “M” flowing along the rear of the cockpit. The left side is far less subtle, with the impossible-to-miss M stretching across the entire rear quarter and atop the edge of the rear wing.Blessed with an array of race-ready powerplants, BMW engineers opted to develop an existing engine to meet LMDh specs rather than build one from scratch. After evaluating the P48 four-cylinder from the 2020 M4 DTM (too small) and the P63 turbo V-8 from the M8 GTE (too big), they found the naturally aspirated P66 V-8 from the 2018 M4 DTM to be just right. Now featuring twin turbos, this 4.0-liter V-8 features a redline of 8200 rpm and delivers up to 640 horsepower. It’s mated to an IMSA-specified hybrid system, while a separator clutch between the two engines allows for electric-only driving at pit speeds.BMWBMWThe BMW M Hybrid V8 will see a lot of pit time starting in 2023, making its competitive debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona. With returning stalwarts Acura and Cadillac being joined by entries from Ferrari and Porsche, it’s bound to be a hotly contested race. In 2024, the BMW M Hybrid V8 will enter the Hypercar category of the FIA World Endurance Championship. For the first time since 1999, BMW will field a top-class entry at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

The Renault R5 Turbo 3E uses the body of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo from the 1970s and mates it with an electric powertrain.The 42.0-kWh battery powers two electric motors, with a total output of 375 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.The body work is wildly exaggerated with a towering rear wing and a snazzy yellow and purple livery.Renault is poised to revive the 5 nameplate—which adorned the automaker’s bestseller in the 1970s and early 1980s—on a new electric hatchback due in 2024 and previewed by a concept shown in 2021. This year also marks five decades since the Renault 5’s introduction, and the French brand celebrated earlier this year with the quirky but stylish 5 Diamant concept. Now Renault gone even wilder with the R5 Turbo 3E, an electric drift car that reimagines the iconic Renault 5 Turbo rally legend and takes inspiration from retro video games.The body shape of the Turbo 3E remains loyal to the original 5 Turbo, but the details have been entirely revised. The mesh side air intakes are replaced by a pair of NACA ducts that pop in a lurid shade of yellow, while a gigantic rear wing sprouts from the hatch and a cavernous diffuser replaces the rear bumper. The headlights and taillights are swapped out for thin LED strips, and four square pixel fog lights are mounted on the front bumper. The front end also includes three rectangular yellow vents and purple tow hooks mounted above a protruding front splitter.Despite the classic squared-off bodywork, the Turbo 3E is all-electric underneath, with a 42-kWh lithium-ion battery feeding two electric motors, each powering one rear wheel. Total output is 375 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, allowing the psychedelic restomod to hit 62 mph in 3.5 seconds en route to a 124 mph top speed according to Renault.Based around a tubular chassis with an FIA-approved roll cage and fashioned from carbon fiber, the R5 Turbo 3E weighs in at 2161 pounds, with 1146 pounds of that coming from the battery. Renault claims that the battery can provide enough juice for “several laps,” but fails to specify whether those are laps around NASCAR’s half-mile Martinsville Speedway or the nearly 13-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife. Along with track driving, Renault envisions the Turbo 3E partaking in gymkhana, a time trial competition involving drifting, jumping, and other rally-style maneuvers. The 3E comes with a drift mode, with the 62-mph sprint lasting 3.9 seconds in that setting. The Turbo 3E’s trippy purple and highlighter yellow livery also seems clearly inspired by the drift machines that Ken Block used to make gymkhana popular on YouTube. Renault certainly had internet virality in mind when designing the Turbo 3E, fitting it with 10 mounting points for cameras on the interior and exterior, and the LED lights flash while the car is drifting. The interior is dotted with more yellow and purple accents, and Renault worked with Sabelt on the carbon fiber bucket seats, safety harnesses, and steering wheel. The handbrake lever stands tall, urging the driver to induce a smokey drift, and the gauge cluster consists of 10 digital screens with video-game-inspired graphics. The floor is fashioned from black cork while the dashboard and door panels are draped in Alcantara. Renault also bizarrely includes a teddy bear named “Drifty” in the cabin, ostensibly to “relax and comfort passengers overwhelmed by the show car’s muscle.”More Stylish RenaultsThe R5 Turbo 3E will make its debut at the 2022 Chantilly Arts & Elegance competition on September 25. In typical 2022 fashion, Renault will also issue a collection of NFTs based on the vehicle, but we’re more interested in hopefully seeing the R5 Turbo 3E burn large quantities of rubber in the near future.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

The Porsche Vision Gran Turismo Spyder concept car is the brand’s second vehicle in the video-game-related Vision Gran Turismo program, which launched in 2013 for Gran Turismo 6.The Porsche Vision Gran Turismo, which this new Spyder replicates, was Porsche’s first foray into the Vision Gran Turismo program and debuted with the new Gran Turismo 7 video game in March. The newest Porsche concept will be available to drive exclusively within Gran Turismo 7 starting on September 29.Say what you will about the metaverse, it has cool cars. However, one drawback is that you can’t drive the new Porsche Vision Gran Turismo Spyder on public roads. The newest concept car from Porsche is part of a program launched in 2013 between the game developer Polyphony Digital and automakers. The program works with companies including Porsche that design their ideal version of grand touring cars and allows fans to experience them through the video-game world of Gran Turismo. This content is imported from twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Porsche’s newest addition to the Vision GT world is an open-top version of its concept that launched with Gran Turismo 7 in March. Like the supercar concept it is based on, the Vision GT Spyder wraps velvety body panels over a long—low slung frame. It shares the same rectangular headlights, which, Porsche explained, reference the Taycan. In addition to the Porsche branding on the rear bumper, the Spyder now incorporates the company name in large font extending the length of the car. Porsche did not give out any details on the Vision GT Spyder, but the GT concept it is based on is an all-wheel-drive electric supercar with the performance numbers to back it up. Getting to 62 miles per hour takes 2.1 seconds. Doubling that speed requires an additional 3.1 seconds. Max power figures are listed as 1100 horsepower, or up to 1274 with overboost and launch control. The coupe is able to reach a top speed of 217 mph. The Spyder will join the coupe version of the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo concept in the game starting on September 29. Both Porsches, along with creations already in the game from the likes of Mercedes, Lamborghini, and Mazda, will be drivable in the Gran Turismo 7 universe.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Other Gran Turismo CarsThis content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.There’s a reason Utah’s Moab is a mecca for off-roading enthusiasts. Its challenging trails, decades-long heritage, and legendary scenery make it one of the most entertaining places to take a truck. Though the “Hell’s Revenge” trail is known as one of the more hardcore areas of Moab, this Cayenne doesn’t have much trouble making it through, and it’s a joy to watch. Peppering You with DetailsHarrison Schoen on YouTube decided it would be a good idea to conquer Moab using this totally stock 2008 Porsche Cayenne S. The only mod on the car is a set of 20-inch wheels wrapped in 32-inch General Tires ATX all-terrains. Other than that, it’s totally stock, right down to the bumpers and suspension. The Cayenne makes quick work of the trail, even managing to climb up “Hell’s Gate,” an especially famous and challenging section, without much trouble. It gets dinged up a bit, but that’s expected out on trails like these. Even without any mods, the Cayenne is an impressive rig. It packs a center-locking differential, low-range gearing, height-adjustable air-suspension, and in the case of this Cayenne S, a torquey V-8. Combine those things with the grippy all-terrains, and you have one seriously capable Porsche. This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is the latest “Last Call” special edition, using the widebody Hellcat Redeye as its foundation.The Black Ghost gains an extra 10 horsepower for a grand total of 807 hp and is painted Pitch Black with a gator-skin vinyl roof pattern.This look mirrors that of the original Black Ghost, a 1970 Challenger R/T that gained a mythical aura in the Detroit street racing scene. Only 300 2023 models will be built.Dodge is nearly finished unveiling its Last Call special edition Challengers and Chargers, with the latest, the 2023 Challenger Black Ghost, representing the sixth out of seven sendoff variants for the V-8–powered muscle cars. The Black Ghost is based on the widebody SRT Hellcat Redeye model, but it boosts the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8’s output by 10 ponies to a total of 807 horsepower.DodgeThe Black Ghost name comes from a 1970 Challenger R/T SE that prowled the streets of Detroit five decades ago. Owned by a man named Godfrey Qualls, who was a Detroit motorcycle police officer at the time, the black ’70 Challenger earned legendary status for showing up to stoplight drag races on Woodward Avenue and other local strips, winning, and then disappearing into the night like a 426 Hemi–powered apparition. The original Black Ghost was inducted into the National Historic Vehicle Register in 2020 after Qualls’s son, Gregory, helped return it to road-worthy status when his father bestowed the car upon him before his death in 2015. The car is still owned by the Qualls family.DodgeFor the 2023 homage, Dodge will paint 300 Challenger Hellcat Redeyes in Pitch Black with a black faux-gator-skin roof vinyl that mimics the look of the original. The Black Ghost edition also features a chrome “Dodge” front badge, a white stripe on the rear fender, and chrome script “Challenger” badges on the grille, front fender, and rear spoiler. The Black Ghost rides on 20-inch Satin Carbon wheels, and stopping power comes via black six-piston Brembo brakes.More Dodge “Last Call” EditionsThe interior is also black, with seats and doors wrapped in Alcantara and Laguna leather and a red SRT logo adorning the Alcantara steering wheel. The instrument panel receives a special Black Ghost badge that includes the iconic Dodge Fratzog logo and a gator-scale pattern, as well as carbon-fiber bezels. Orders open this fall, and you can expect the Black Ghost to cost significantly more than the standard $87,340 Challenger Hellcat Redeye.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

For the past decade and a half, we’ve rented Virginia International Raceway’s 4.1-mile Grand Course for the better part of a week every year to lap the hottest new performance cars (and sometimes SUVs) hitting the market. We’ve now run more than 300 cars at our Lightning Lap events, which has been a terrific vantage point through which to witness and document the dramatic improvements in tire grip and the continued march to quicker times.But it’s a bummer that this fantastic and challenging Grand Course configuration is not typically run during track days, making it difficult to experience it. We’re here to help: As we did back in March of this year, we’re hosting another track day on the Grand on Friday, October 21, in conjunction with NASA and Kaizen Autosport.Even better this time around is that we’re running this year’s Lightning Lap event earlier in the week, and all track-day entrants are invited to join us the evening before, Thursday, October 20, from 5 to 7 pm, to wander through this year’s field of cars while you enjoy a drink and snacks on us.As before, cars will be divvied up into street- and race-car classes that mimic our LL1 through LL5 price categories. For $695, you’ll get three 30-minute morning sessions to get up to speed, and then two 20-minute time-trial sessions in the afternoon to have a go at posting your best time. Each class winner takes home a trophy and a one-year membership to our Track Club (which, among other things, gets you invited to other events throughout the year). Drivers must have minimum of five HPDE at any racetrack to participate.See here for more details and sign up using promo code 100CDLL10-sg5VfI for $100 off the entry fee for readers of this fine publication. Kaizen also provides rental options, so you don’t even need to have your own track-ready vehicle. VIR also allows spectators for a $10 entry fee if you just want to come hang out and see what it’s all about. See you there!Event Details and SignupThis content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Mini USA is celebrating 20 years stateside with a special 20 Years Edition of the four-door hardtop 2023 Mini Cooper S. Unlike many Minis with Union Jack themes, this one features a loose interpretation of the Stars and Stripes and will be available in either red, white, or blue exterior colors.The 20 Years Edition went into production in July, and Mini says it will become available in dealerships starting later this month. Pricing for the special edition starts at $37,165.Mini, known for its cute and stylish squared-off hatchback shape and its identity as a British icon— is now celebrating 20 years in the U.S. To commemorate the milestone, Mini is releasing a special edition of the four-door hardtop 2023 Cooper S. MINI USAMini Cooper FunNamed the Mini 20 Years Edition, it will be available in Chili Red, Pepper White, or Island Blue. According to the company, the color schemes are meant to represent the core elements of the U.S. and U.K. flags. That may be true, but the decals certainly appeal to the American side of things. The 20 Years Edition ditches the usual Union Jack logos in favor of a silver roof and mirror caps. Speaking of decals, the hood—er, excuse me, bonnet—is emblazoned with a red, white, and blue stripe on the driver’s side with a star stamped onto the passenger side. The Stars and Stripes theme continues along the side of the car and onto the back hatch. MINI USAThe interior of the new Mini features 20 Year Edition logos on the steering wheel and emblazoned against the Piano Black surfaces. The special edition receives heated front seats, touchscreen navigation, and Apple CarPlay capability as standard. Special edition or not, power figures have not changed from the standard Cooper S, which produces 189 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine. The 20 Years Edition went into production in July, with Mini expecting the vehicles to begin arriving at dealerships later this month. Pricing for the special edition begins at $37,165.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Volvo’s new electric SUV will be called the EX90.This model will eventually replace the current XC90.It debuts on November 9 and will likely go on sale in the U.S. next year.Volvo has confirmed that its new electric flagship SUV will be called EX90, and that this new model will debut November 9. Slated to replace the XC90, the EX90 should look much like last year’s Recharge concept car, pictured here. We expect it to go on sale in the U.S. sometime next year as a 2024 model.The EX90 will accelerate Volvo’s transition to a fully electric lineup, as it will be built at Volvo’s factory in South Carolina that’s slated to eventually produce only EVs. But, since Volvo doesn’t plan to complete the EV transition until 2030, there will be some overlap between the new EX90’s rollout and the end of XC90 production.More on Volvo SUVsVolvo has not yet announced a date for the end of the line for its long-running SUV model, and even said that the XC90 will receive another facelift before it is phased out due to continuing demand for gas engines and hybrids. The current version is offered with multiple gasoline-engine options including a base setup with a 48-volt hybrid system and a plug-in-hybrid powertrain dubbed Recharge.Details are slim on the new EX90 at this point, but Volvo is saying that it will have something called a “driver understanding system,” which seems like a step beyond today’s driver attention monitoring systems. We don’t know exactly what this will entail, but Volvo says the car will be able to sense if the driver is “distracted, stressed, or drowsy” and then take action to help. Sounds a bit like big brother to us, but we’ll wait until we hear the details before passing judgment.Look for more information to come on the 2024 Volvo EX90 over the next few months.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More