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Hyundai’s hot-rotor Ioniq 5 N will produce 601 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque. With N Grin Boost activated, the output leaps to 641 hp. The Ioniq 5 N is the first electric vehicle to simulate an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which Hyundai calls N e-shift. Revised battery chemistry increases the usable capacity to 84.0 kWh from 77.4 using the same battery pack.The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has already won us over, claiming Car and Driver’s EV of the Year title two years ago. From a performance standpoint, Kia’s EV6 GT paved the way as to what the Korean brands are capable of. Throw those two platform-sharing vehicles, big tires and brakes, some out-of-the-box thinking, and more than 6000 miles of development around the treacherous 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife into a performance-spectrum blender, and out comes the delicious 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Let’s start by removing any misconceptions that the Ioniq 5 is simply a rebodied Kia EV6 GT. The Hyundai takes things to the next level. It features its own specific suspension calibrations, including bushing tolerances, three-position electronically controlled dampers, and spring tuning. Also, an aluminum two-piece lower control arm is added to the standard Ioniq 5s stamped steel unit. For a stronger structure, there’s 42 additional welding points and more structural adhesive. To improve lateral rigidity, the motor and battery mounting points have been reinforced, and subframes have been beefed up.Soundtrack of ChoiceLike other electrified vehicles, the Ioniq 5 N offers user-selectable synthesized soundtracks. With N Active Sound+, there are three available sound profiles, and their volume can be adjusted from distant to in-your-face: Evolution is the spacey noise we’ve grown to dislike in many EVs, Supersonic emulates a fighter jet, but the most engaging profile will be Ignition. Through the eight internal and two external speakers, Hyundai set out for Ignition to emulate the sound of a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four found in the Elantra N or the Kona N. To date, the Ioniq 5 N is the most powerful Hyundai to reach customers. Its two motors—one at each axle—spin up to 21,000 rpm and combine to produce 601 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque during normal operation. With N Grin Boost activated, 641 ponies are in the stable. With the Boost mode engaged, Hyundai claims a 3.4-second sprint to 60 mph is in the cards. By our measuring stick, that’s a conservative number considering the 576-hp Kia EV6 GT did the deed in 3.1. Hyundai also claims top speed is limited to 161 mph, a number we’ve already verified on Germany’s autobahn. “To date, the Ioniq 5 N is the most powerful Hyundai to reach customers.”Simulated GearshiftsThe Ioniq 5 N e-Shift programing unleashes something that changes the game of how the brain processes EVs: simulated gearshifts. By briefly interrupting the motors’ torque delivery, N e-Shift mimics an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 5 N will jolt on upshifts. Downshifts are rev matched and accompanied by pops and bangs from the speakers during deceleration when Ignition sound mode is active, just like the internal-combustion N cars. Hyundai is completely transparent that interrupting torque delivery with N e-Shift isn’t the quickest way around a track, but by only a slim margin. If you take manual control with the shift paddles and miss a shift, you’ll hit a virtual fuel cutoff. Get caught out in too high a gear, and the Ioniq 5 will even lug the powertrain by limiting the power delivery. Yes, it’s totally fake and unrelated to the mechanicals, but it’s a degree of engagement that until now has been lost in the electrified world.Slowing things down are the biggest brakes ever fitted to a Hyundai. Up front, four-piston fixed calipers squeeze 15.7-inch rotors (0.7 inch larger than the EV6 GT’s), while a single-piston slider pinches a 14.2-inch rotor in the back. Hyundai engineers also fitted the Ioniq 5 N with brake-specific brake cooling ducts to feed the binders a steady flow of cool air. The 5 N’s N Brake Regen operates in the background, and Hyundai claims it will deliver 0.6 g of decelerative force to remove some strain from the friction brakes.The forces transmitted between the ground and the Ioniq 5 N are sent through forged 21-inch wheels wrapped in Hyundai-spec Pirelli P Zero Elect 275/35ZR-21 tires, the largest assemblies ever fitted to a Hyundai. To manage the inherent loads of more grip, the 5 N features a new steering rack and a strengthened steering column to help transmit what’s going on with the tires to the driver.More IoniqStoring and providing energy for the motors is the fourth-generation battery pack, now with a revised chemistry that enables 84.0 kWh of usable energy from the same pack that previously stored 77.4 kWh. Range estimates will be available closer to launch, but we aren’t expecting them to be groundbreaking. Call it around 220 miles. Hyundai is serious about the 5 N’s service life on track. The goal is for the Ioniq to be able to complete two laps of the Nürburgring Nordschleife with little performance degradation. To accomplish that, Hyundai has optimized the 5 N’s cooling package, with more air entering the nose through vertical slots in the upper bumper cover. A more efficient radiator package comes from stacking the radiators on top of each other rather than stacked like a deli cold cut. The benefit of this is that hot air from one isn’t pushed into another. There’s also an improved oil cooler and an upgraded battery chiller. Drive ModesLike the gas-powered N cars, the Ioniq 5 is replete with drive modes. N Race offers a Sprint mode to maximize performance and use all the available power. Endurance mode is set to help with the two-lap mission by managing the battery, motor output, and regeneration strategies for extended time spent on track. According to Hyundai, the N Drift Optimizer can simulate the clutch kick action of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. There are also two battery preconditioning modes to optimize its performance, one for the track and another for drag racing.The interior features the N treatments we love about the internal-combustion cars. The familiar N bucket seats will offer the same support and comfort levels as the gasser, and there are microsuede coverings throughout the cabin. Unlike the open front floor layout of the lesser Ioniq 5, the N features a full-length center console with a knee pad to brace against during extreme lateral loads. A new steering wheel with configurable buttons will likely be Hyundai’s most complicated tiller to date.When the Ioniq 5 N arrives early in 2024, it will be offered in 10 colors, including the N-specific Performance Blue, in both gloss and for the first time, matte. We expect the price to be announced closer to launch, but expect something in the $70,000 range. Senior Testing EditorDavid Beard studies and reviews automotive related things and pushes fossil-fuel and electric-powered stuff to their limits. His passion for the Ford Pinto began at his conception, which took place in a Pinto. More

The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster concept, an homage to the manufacturer’s first sports car, is the sister model to the 357 concept revealed in January. The chassis of the Vision 357 Speedster comes from the 718 GT4 Clubsport, while the electric motors and battery technology are borrowed from the 718 GT4 e-performance and Mission R.Much like the initial Vision 357 concept, the Speedster is jam-packed with special details and styling, hearkening back to the original 356.Porsche is continuing its celebration of 75 years since the launch of its first sports car, the iconic 356. In January, the automaker revealed the Porsche Vision 357, a beautiful homage to that first Porsche sports car. The birthday celebrations haven’t stopped, with Porsche announcing a new Vision 357 Speedster concept overnight. PorscheMore PorscheWe were shocked (and thrilled) to learn that the initial Vision 357 concept was built on the bones of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, including the 4.0-liter flat-six engine in the middle—it is 2023 after all, and every new concept is electric. Unfortunately the Vision 357 Speedster is more in keeping with the trends in 2023 and does not share that powertrain. It instead borrows the chassis from the race-ready 718 GT4 Clubsport, while taking its electric motors and battery technology from the 718 GT4 e-performance and Mission R.PorscheJust like in the 718 GT4 e-performance—which also shares a chassis with the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport—the Vision 357 Speedster features an electric motor on each axle providing all-wheel drive. The ePerformance motors produce a whopping 1073 horsepower in qualifying mode and 604 ponies for up to 30 minutes in race mode. According to Porsche, the e-performance car matches the current 911 GT3 Cup car when it comes to lap times and a top speed around 186 mph.Design FocusBut as impressive as the performance figures are, the real draw of the Vision 357 Speedster is the design. In typical speedster fashion, Porsche shortened the windshield on the car. A cloth tonneau cover spans the right side of the cockpit, lending to a driver-centric experience. The ultra-smooth bodywork carries over from the sister concept, as do the nearly hidden headlights and taillights. According to Porsche, the two-tone Marble Grey and Gravel Grey Metallic were inspired by historic vehicles in motorsport, as well as to contrast the Miami Blue accents found throughout the car. PorscheJust like on the coupe version, the speedster features large “75” logos, as well as “1948” and “2023,” though the speedster logos are finished in a Miami Blue accent. The speedster rides on 20-inch magnesium wheels equipped with carbon-fiber hubcaps and center locks, while also visually representing the large rims from the 356. Following an appearance at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Porsche plans to bring the car to the U.S. where it will be showcased at the Porsche Rennsport Reunion in September. Associate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

Maserati is transitioning away from V-8 engines, celebrating the powertrain with two final special editions fitted with the twin-turbo 3.8-liter unit.The Ghibli 334 Ultima unlocks a new top speed of 208 mph, wears more serious performance tires, and comes in a vibrant shade of turquoise.The Levante V8 Ultima features lots of carbon-fiber accents and special badges denoting its limited production status, with only 103 of each being built.When Maserati revealed a new generation of its slinky GranTurismo coupe last fall, the sports car was missing the roaring V-8 that made previous iterations so memorable, instead offering either a twin-turbo V-6 or an all-electric powertrain. That move hinted at a broader demise for the eight-cylinder engine, and now Maserati has announced two special editions—the Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima—at the Goodwood Festival of Speed that mark the end of the line for the V-8.MaseratiWill Ghibli Ultima Be the World’s Fastest Sedan?The 2024 Ghibli 334 Ultima takes the brand’s smallest sedan—set to be phased out in the coming years—to the limit. No details on the V-8 were provided, but we presume the Ultima packs the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter unit from the Trofeo model, rated at 572 horsepower. The “334” in the name references the top speed in kilometers per hour, with Maserati raising the Vmax from 203 to 208 mph for the special edition. Maserati claims this makes the Ghibli the fastest sedan in the world, putting it just beyond the 207-mph Bentley Flying Spur Speed.Maserati also says weight savings and new tires helped cut the zero-to-62-mph time from 4.3 to 3.9 seconds but didn’t specify what rubber the 334 Ultima rolls on, only calling it “new performance tires created using a special compound.” A carbon-fiber rear spoiler and 21-inch wheels are said to improve aerodynamics.The vivid blue paint—dubbed Scià di Persia—recalls the first roadgoing Maserati fitted with a V-8: a 1959 5000 GT painted Blu Sera for the Shah of Persia. The 334 Ultima wears carbon fiber on the front bumper, side-view mirrors, window pillars, and door handles, while “334” is painted in a red shade called Rubino on the front fender. The cabin is decked out in Pale Terracotta leather with Maserati’s Trident logo and “334” stitched into the headrest. MaseratiAll about the Levante V8 UltimaThe 2024 Levante V8 Ultima packs the same 572-hp twin-turbo V-8 as the special-edition Ghibli and also comes dressed to the nines in carbon fiber, with the exotic material adorning the front and rear bumpers and side skirts. The Levante will be offered in two shades, Nero Assoluto (black) and Blu Royale, with “V8 Ultima” painted in Rubino on the front fender. The V-8-powered SUV rides on 22-inch wheels, and the interior mirrors the Ghibli with Pale Terracotta leather on the seats and the “V8 Ultima” logo embroidered into the headrest. Both special editions also wear an “una di 103” badge on the transmission tunnel between the seats that notes their limited production status.MaseratiMaserati will build just 103 examples of the Ghibli and 206 examples of the Levante, with 103 units in each color. There’s no word on pricing, but we bet the Ultima editions will cost a decent chunk more than the Ghibli Trofeo’s $125,195 and the Levante Trofeo’s $168,495 base price. Maserati has not yet released photos of the full cars, but we’re expecting to get a better look at the Ultima editions before they go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year.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.Associate News EditorCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

British specialty-car firm Caterham has revealed the Project V sports car, which it says will be on sale by early 2026.Unlike other offerings from Caterham, the Project V is shaped like a real sports coupe, complete with a roof and doors.Also different from other Caterhams, the Project V will be electric, targeting 250 miles of range from its 55.0-kWh battery. The British boutique carmaker Caterham has just revealed its next car, referred to as the Project V. As is the fashion these days, the Project V arrives with an electric powertrain. Another change of direction for Caterham is the addition of doors and a roof for the Project V, which is shaped like a modern-day Jaguar C-X75. As things stand now, the Project V arrives only as a concept being shown at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, but Caterham has revealed specifications as well as an expected production time frame. 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.Although it doesn’t hew to traditional Caterham style, according to CEO Bob Laishley, the Project V still stands by the characteristics that set Caterham apart. That means lightweight, simple, and fun to drive. The manufacturer is aiming for a curb weight of 2623 pounds—or roughly 220 pounds lighter than a Subaru BRZ. Power is set to arrive via a 55.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack connected to a lone 268-hp motor mounted at the rear axle. Caterham claims a zero-to-62-mph time of less than 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph. As the Project V isn’t really designed as a grand tourer, Caterham is only targeting a range of 249 miles on the European WLTP cycle. CaterhamCaterhamMore CaterhamThree drive modes keep to the idea of simple: Normal, Sport, and Sprint are all the driver has to choose from. It’s got a control-arm suspension at front and rear, electrically assisted power steering, brake discs all around, and a staggered set of 19- and 20-inch wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Unlike Any Other CaterhamVisually it’s unlike any Caterham we’ve ever seen. The Seven is long, and low, with varying degrees of open wheels and arching fenders, but the Project V swaps all that for a much more mainstream take on a sports coupe. Caterham“A Caterham Seven’s design is simple and minimalist, it’s designed for its intended function, to be lightweight and fun to drive,” said Caterham chief designer Anthony Jannarelly. “With Project V, we’re applying this philosophy to the sports coupé architecture to create a seducing and timeless silhouette. Every single feature has to justify itself from a weight perspective to maintain lightness and optimize driver engagement.”Three SeatsLooking at the Caterham, we can’t help but be reminded of another British concept, the Jaguar C-X75, which shared a strikingly similar front end. The inside of the Project V looks to keep things minimal, with two gauge pods for the driver, a central touchscreen display, and three digital gauges at the center of the dash. Buyers will have the option to order the Project V in a 2+1 layout, with a centrally mounted seat in the rear, or as a more traditional 2+2. CaterhamThe Project V is targeted to go on sale by the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026 and carry a starting price at or around $103,000. It’s not clear yet whether there are any plans for it to be officially homologated for U.S. roads or if it will be imported as a kit car like the Seven. 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.Associate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

Available for just two Accord generations, the Honda Accord wagon was a practical Honda from the days before the CR-V existed.This first-gen Accord wagon has just 42,000 miles and is being sold by the original owning family.Recent work includes the all-important timing belt replacement.Car and DriverIn the early 1990s, Honda was flying high. The fifth-generation Civic was thrifty but zippy, the Acura NSX was a performance revelation thanks to the tasseled-loafer input of Ayrton Senna, and the Accord was a reliable and handsome choice for family hauling. Then the big H went one better and turned that Accord into a station wagon: ultimate practicality from a time when a “crossover” was just Run-D.M.C. collaborating with Aerosmith on a rap/rock version of Walk This Way.Bring a TrailerRelated StoriesThis 1993 Accord LX wagon, up for auction on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos—is a well-preserved example from the Golden Age of Honda. It has been in the same family since new and has just 42,000 miles on the odometer. Its clean and unfussy lines call back to an era when styling was all about less, not more.In the U.S. market, the wagon variant only existed for two generations of Accord, the fourth and fifth gen. All were built in Ohio at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio, plant, even those sold in Japan. In fact, Honda built a very sporty variant called the Accord wagon SiR, with a 190-hp four-cylinder under the hood; it was built in Ohio but sold in Japan only.Bring a TrailerThis 1993 example is much more subdued, with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine good for 125 horsepower and 137 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, this particular Honda is less Brazilian F1 god and more farmer’s-market shuttle.Which is not to sell the appeal short. The elegant simplicity of the instrumentation, the well-thought-out cargo area, the nicely bolstered seats, the sensible ergonomics and controls—everything about this Accord is enough to make you nostalgic for the days before touchscreens and smartphone connectivity.Bring a TrailerAs it’s an LX model, the options list isn’t overwhelming, but all the necessities are there. It’s got power windows, air conditioning, and a factory cassette stereo if you want to dig out your ’90s mixtapes. More important, perhaps, this example has had plenty of service in the past six years, including the timing belt. It’s cleaned up and ready to go.Bring a TrailerA pleasant driver with plenty of life left on the odometer and simple serviceability, this Accord wagon will still be on the road years after many a high-tech modern car has bricked itself off to the scrapyard. That’s the wonderful thing about Golden Age Hondas: part of their appeal was that they were an inverse of an exotic. They were lovely to drive, but also asked very little in return.The auction ends on Monday, July 17.Contributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

Ferrari has announced the KC23, a bespoke masterpiece from the company’s Special Projects team in Maranello, Italy. The KC23 blends inspiration from past Ferraris with the thunderous V-8 of a 488 GT3 Evo race car. Ferrari describes the car as being designed for non-competitive track use. It will make its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which runs from July 13–16.Ferrari has unveiled the KC23, a new, one-of-one bespoke car from the Special Projects program in Maranello, ahead of its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Based on the 488 GT3 Evo race car, with numerous styling cues inspired by past Ferraris, the one-off hints at the future of the prancing-horse brand.The KC23 follows in the wake of past Special Projects cars like the GTC4Lusso inspired BR20, the 812 GTS–inspired SP51, and last year’s F8 Tributo–based SP48 Unica. While each of those cars is road legal, the KC23 is a dedicated track machine.FerrariThe twin-turbo V-8 under the hood carries over from the 488 GT3 race car, but Ferrari hasn’t revealed the maximum output. In the 488 GT3, the FIA limits the car to a maximum of 591 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, but we know the engine is capable of much more than that. Ferrari said as much in its press release, stating, “From the beginning, the KC23 was destined to be radical and untethered from homologation constraints.”That desire to throw caution to the wind shows through with the blend of inspiration taken from Ferrari’s Vision Gran Turismo concept and its Le Mans–winning 499P. Any thought of homologation is completely forgotten with the inclusion of the electronically controlled movable panels along each flank, and huge motorsport-sized removable rear wing at the rear. A thin, low-slung wedge forms the front fascia and immediately breaks into a series of aero elements, including a huge diffuser at the rear of the car. There are two-piece center-lock wheels, and depending on rear wing/side air-vent position, the car’s appearance transforms from a gorgeous, sleek profile to a dominant, capable silhouette. FerrariFerrariThe inside of the KC23 is pulled straight from the 488 GT3 race car, which looks to have enough buttons to warrant a dedicated Crash Course series just to teach the lucky owner what each of them does. The interior looks totally dedicated to track performance, though has the notable inclusion of air conditioning vents to keep the driver cool while setting hot laps. We can also spot a roll cage for safety and a series of three screens in place of a traditional rearview mirror. More FerrariLike every other Special Projects car, the KC23 was purchased by a longtime Ferrari customer, and there’s no word on price. Unlike most other one-off Ferraris, this one has a pretty clear way for fans to see it up close. Ferrari confirmed the car will make a public appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K. from July 13–16, before going on display at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello from August 1 to October 2. 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.Associate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

Koenigsegg revealed the official production specification for the four-seat Gemera, with deliveries scheduled for 2025.The Gemera will now be available with a V-8 hybrid powertrain, churning out 2269 hp and 2028 pound-feet of torque.Koenigsegg will still offer the unorthodox inline-three engine, and the company also designed a new electric motor for the Gemera’s hybrid component.Jaws dropped around the world when Koenigsegg first took the wraps off the Gemera in 2020, with the dramatic four-seat supercar packing 1677 horsepower and an innovative turbocharged three-cylinder engine that doesn’t feature camshafts. Now, three years later, Koenigsegg has unveiled the production specification for the Gemera, bringing major changes including an optional new powertrain that bumps the headlining figure to a mind-bending 2269 hp. KoenigseggMost of the changes for production are under the skin, with only minor tweaks to the front bumper. The Gemera still sports slippery, low-slung bodywork, which looks resplendent in this emerald green shade paired with gold wheels. The only other noticeable visual difference are the real sideview mirrors, which replace the futuristic cameras on the original show car.One of the most significant updates is the inclusion of the Light Speed Transmission (LST), first developed for the two-seater Jesko hypercar. The Gemera was originally designed with the single-speed direct-drive transmission that Koenigsegg pioneered on the Regera, but the Swedish automaker decided to incorporate the Jesko’s nine-speed automatic gearbox into the Gemera. Rechristened as the “Light Speed Tourbillon Transmission” (LSTT), referencing the mechanical precision of fancy Swiss watches, the transmission does away with the flywheel, with the input shaft directly linked to the engine’s crankshaft. This allows for extremely rapid shifts, and Koenigsegg claims it makes the Gemera even more engaging to drive.The 2020 Gemera show car paired that experimental 2.0-liter inline-three with a trio of electric motors, but for the production-spec car, Koenigsegg has simplified the powertrain. This is the result of a new electric motor developed by the Swedish performance experts. Dubbed the “Dark Matter,” the new “Raxial Flux” (a combination of radial and axial flux) motor produces 789 hp and 922 pound-feet of torque. This potent output means the Gemera now packs just the one e-motor, reducing weight and saving space versus the previous setup. KoenigseggThe Gemera is still all-wheel drive with four-wheel torque vectoring, and can power the wheels with the e-motor, the gas engine, or a combination of both. All told, the powertrain spits out 1381 horsepower and 1364 pound-feet of torque—less than originally touted in 2020 but still a mighty figure. Koenigsegg claims acceleration and other performance figures improved due to the weight savings and new transmission, but didn’t offer concrete numbers. For owners disappointed by the three-cylinder-hybrid’s drop in power, Koenigsegg is offering a very enticing upgrade. Along with the inline-three, the Gemera will also be available with the twin-turbo 5.0-liter V-8 from the Jesko. This 1479-hp eight-cylinder beast is still mated to a 789-hp Dark Matter e-motor, sending output for the the Gemera HV8 (meaning Hot V8) skyrocketing to 2269 hp and 2028 pound-feet of torque. Koenigsegg claims this makes the Gemera the most powerful production car.KoenigseggKoenigsegg was only able to offer the V-8 because of the adoption of the LSTT, which freed up enough space to squeeze in the V-8 amidships while still providing adequate room for all four seats. The V-8 also had to be reconfigured from the setup in the Jesko, with Koenigsegg moving the exhaust exits to the top center of the engine, hence the name “Hot V8.” Koenigsegg also opened a new facility at its headquarters in Ängelholm, Sweden yesterday, where it will further develop and later assemble the Gemera. Production is set to kick off at the end of 2024, with deliveries beginning in 2025. There is still no word on price or how much extra the HV8 model will run, but all Gemeras will presumably cost multiple millions of dollars. More Crazy KoenigseggsThis 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.Associate News EditorCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

Aston Martin has revealed a limited-edition car called the Valour.It’s meant to celebrate the automaker’s 110th anniversary, and only 110 units will be produced.The Valour has a 705-hp twin-turbo V-12 engine and a six-speed manual transmission.Discretion is definitely not the better part of this Valour. Aston Martin’s latest special is a limited edition to celebrate the British sports-car maker’s 110th anniversary, and it draws plenty of inspiration from the brand’s past. But while the Valour looks spectacular in these first official pictures, it definitely isn’t subtle thanks to the combination of macho styling and V-12 performance. Another welcome retro detail: it has a manual gearbox.The Valour’s spectacular styling is the work of a team led by Miles Nurnberger, Aston’s director of design and the man who also created the very different CC100 which Aston created to celebrate its 100th anniversary. While the CC100 was a barely-there speedster, the Valour is a muscular coupe, one with a design that draws obvious influence from the square-rigged V8 Vantage that Aston produced between 1977 and 1989. It also bears a striking resemblance to the one-off Victor that Aston Martin’s Q division created in 2020, which was based on the track-only One-77.The heritage inspiration is obvious in both the car’s muscular stance and proportions, but also details such as the shape of the headlights and taillights—now modern LED units—and the twin NACA ducts on the bonnet. At the rear, the car’s trunklid rises into a steeply raked integral ski-ramp Kamm tail and it also has what initially looks to be that most Seventies of styling details, a louvered rear screen. It isn’t exactly that, however, as there are no gaps and no glazing. Instead, rear vision is handled by a camera system. Exterior bodywork is made entirely from carbon fiber.Power comes from a version of the 5.2-liter V-12 from the outgoing DBS Superleggera. This makes 705 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque, numbers which look relatively modest compared with the DBS 770 Ultimate’s version of this engine that was rated at 759 hp and 654 pound-feet. That’s because of the arrival of the new six-speed manual gearbox, a serious technical challenge. Like all larger Aston GTs, the Valour uses a rear-mounted transmission. By our reckoning, this is the first time Aston has given a stick shift to one of its “torque tube” models since the manual option was dropped on the DB9 for the 2013 model year.We don’t have any performance numbers or a weight figure yet, but the Valour seems likely to post similar numbers to the DBS Superleggera that lurks underneath. That would mean a 60 mph run in the mid-3.0-second range and a top speed north of 200 mph.The new gearbox is controlled by a beautiful new wood and metal selector that sits within a carbon-fiber surround in the center of the cabin. But the switchgear around this makes clear that the Valour uses Aston’s existing cabin architecture rather than its spiffy new one. The buttons on the console come from the soon-to-retire Vantage, as do the heating and ventilation dials. That also means the Valour will be the last Aston Martin product launched without a touchscreen interface. Instead, the center screen is controlled by an old-fashioned turn-and-click controller.There are plenty of other exquisite details to like in the cabin, especially the show car’s handsome tweed fabric. The material choice is apparently inspired by the one used in the 1959 DBR1 race car that won the Le Mans 24 Hours race. Buyers will be able to choose between 21 standard exterior colors, but if none appeal then Aston’s Q Division will be happy to create a one-off shade in exchange for a substantial uplift in price.Not that any Valour will be cheap. Aston says that pricing starts at £830,000 before taxes—over $1 million at current exchange rates—but a high level of the bespoke optioning the car has been designed to encourage will drive that up substantially. Only 110 will be produced for all global markets, with the entire run already allocated to customers. Aston says that cars coming to the U.S. will have full federal homologation. Customer deliveries will start in the final quarter of this year.Senior European CorrespondentMike Duff has been writing about the auto industry for two decades and calls the UK home, although he normally lives life on the road. He loves old cars and adventure in unlikely places, with career highlights including driving to Chernobyl in a Lada. More