Browsing: Automobiles

It’s been almost a year since BMW secretly trademarked a new ALPINA logo, and now it’s finally official. Chronologically, this marks the fifth update to the iconic badge, building on the 2002 version with a more modern twist. Yes, the shield is gone, but the two key elements remain: the throttle body and crankshaft.Bear in mind that we’re looking at the online version of the redesigned logo. It’s important to note that the physical badge may feature slight differences. In any case, it’s clear that BMW ALPINA has refined its emblem, giving it a cleaner, minimalist appearance. We’re already familiar…

A 1971 Mercedes 600 body sits on a 2024 AMG S63 hybrid platform with 800+ hp and full modern tech. It features carbon accents, LED retrofits, and a huge rear wing make it anything but subtle. Widened bodywork, carbon accents, LED headlight conversions, and a prominent rear wing. Purists, you might want to brace yourselves. Take a deep breath. What California tuning shop S-Klub LA has unleashed here is, to some, the ultimate restomod fantasy. To others, it might be grounds for adding a new clause to the Geneva Convention. Meet the appropriately named “Final Boss”—a thoroughly reworked Mercedes-Benz 600…

Rivian is quietly reshaping its future with two new models ready to takeover the streets that are aimed for wider audience. The R2 and the smaller R3/R3X which are new models in Rivians lineup, promise to deliver Rivian’s signature performance, paired with a familiar design language, while making adventure-ready EVs more affordable than ever before. While both models are still some calls away from appearing in dealerships, they have already raised an important question among its enthusiasts: which of these new Rivians will make the most sense for everyday drivers and outdoor enthusiasts alike? Starting with the upcoming 2026 Rivian…

Ford has announced a US$8.2 billion (A$11.5 billion) loss for the full 2025 calendar year, its worst result since 2008 and third full-year loss in the past six years – despite record revenue.Ford confirmed its Model e electric vehicle (EV) division posted a US$4.8 billion (A$6.8 billion) EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) loss in 2025, after previously confirming late last year it would take a US$19.5 billion (A$27.6 billion) write-down on its EV investments.This saw it axe the electric Ford F-150 Lightning (not officially sold in Australia), and delay other planned EV models.Additionally, the introduction of import tariffs in…

Article SummaryThe RWD M135i feels closest to BMW’s classic formula: compact size, straight-six power, and throttle-adjustable balance.The N55 delivers smooth, eager performance with a broad powerband and a redline that encourages you to use it.Factory setup uses an open diff with brake-based e-diff behavior; a mechanical M Performance LSD sharpens exits, but the stock car is already lively and willing to slide.I get why the F20 BMW M135i slips through the cracks. It never got the full ///M mythology, it wasn’t sold everywhere, and on paper it looks like “just” an M Performance car from the early 2010s. But the…

Toyota is introducing a new Highlander model for the 2027 model year. This is the first electric Highlander and Toyota’s first electric three-row SUV. The base Highlander EV has a 77.0-kWh battery with up to 270 miles of range. The upgraded 95.8-kWh pack yields 320 miles of range. Toyota is upgrading its SUV arsenal with an all-new version of one of its most popular three-rows. The 2027 Toyota Highlander replaces the current fourth-generation model, which has been on sale in the US since 2019, and, frankly, was getting a bit long in the tooth. This new Highlander boasts a fresh design, a…

Preparing for it’s reveal on the 10th of February 2026, Toyota has dropped a new teaser video showing the mysterious three row SUV to be a Highlander SUV and will be fully electric according to the video. The new highlander will future a sleek modern lines which we confirmed from the first teaser, an electric Powetrain, and has a spacious interior of a three row configuration. Toyota confirms it reveal time with a post caption on Instagram “Charged and ready. The reveal of the all new, all electric 2027 Highlander drops tomorrow, February 10th at 9:30 EDT. #LetsGoPlaces. The statement…

As Paul Simon sang: “Cars are cars, all over the world.”But while Australia is considered by auto manufacturers to be a good testbed for the rest of the world, each market responds differently to each vehicle segment.In 2025, VFACTS data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) showed buyers flocked to plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) – with sales increasing by almost 131 per cent year-on-year.Of course, there are a multitude of reasons behind this, but chief among them appears to be that Aussies like the idea of commuting using electricity – often harvested from their own roofs – but…

Article SummaryBMW’s Skytop (50 units) and Speedtop (70 units) proved the market will pay €500,000 for bespoke cars with a roundel — opening a door Adrian Van Hooydonk spent decades trying to unlock.A bespoke ALPINA grand touring coupe would slot naturally against the Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin DB12, and Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe, leveraging ALPINA’s heritage of Rolls-Royce-rivaling leather, comfort-tuned suspensions, and understated elegance.At 50–70 units and €500,000, the price wouldn’t feel like a stretch — ALPINA customers already expect a premium — and it would cement ALPINA’s position in BMW’s Luxury Layer just below Rolls-Royce.The Skytop changed everything. Not…

The Suzuki Across is the updated, rebadged Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid with revised styling and tech. It has dual digital displays, a head-up display, heated power seats, and a full suite of driver aids. The Across makes 302 hp, has AWD, and reaches 62 mph in 6.1 seconds. It won’t be sold in the US. Since 2020, Suzuki has had the Across SUV in its lineup—essentially a rebadged Toyota RAV4 with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain. With the arrival of the new RAV4 just recently, Suzuki’s sibling SUV has also been updated as the latest-generation Across. And here it is. Visually, the…