Lotus is preparing to re-enter the combustion-engined supercar arena in 2028 with an all-new V8 hybrid model, marking another clear step away from its previously announced EV-only direction.

The British marque has previewed the rear of the upcoming machine, revealing styling cues inspired by the 2024 Theory 1 concept while also showing off a pair of huge exhaust outlets that leave little doubt about what powers it.

It will be the first Lotus fitted with a V8 since production of the Esprit ended back in 2004, and comparisons between the new model and that iconic car are almost guaranteed.

Lotus says the upcoming supercar will also reconnect with the company’s traditional philosophy of keeping weight as low as possible.

According to CEO Feng Qingfeng, the rebellious DNA established by founder Colin Chapman still plays a major role in the company’s direction today.

Instead of adopting a plug-in hybrid setup like many rivals, Lotus has confirmed the new model will use a regular hybrid system. The company believes avoiding a large battery pack will help preserve lightweight characteristics.

That puts Lotus on a different path to brands such as Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Ferrari, all of which have embraced plug-in hybrid powertrains in models like the Aston Martin Valhalla, Lamborghini Temerario and Ferrari 296 GTB.

Lotus has not officially named the engine supplier, although the company already sources a turbocharged four-cylinder unit from Mercedes-AMG for the Lotus Emira. That relationship could potentially expand to include AMG’s revised M177 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, which recently gained a flat-plane crankshaft inspired by motorsport applications.

Production is expected to take place in Europe, although Lotus stopped short of confirming whether the car will be assembled at its long-standing Hethel facility alongside the Lotus Evija and Emira.

Development work has been handled at Lotus’s Coventry design studio, the same location responsible for the Theory 1 concept. If more than just styling inspiration carries over, the production model could feature a dramatic three-seat layout similar to the legendary McLaren F1.

Interestingly, the new supercar carries the Type 135 codename, which was initially linked to the now-cancelled electric successor to the Emira.

Before the new flagship arrives, Lotus will reveal an updated version of the Emira in the coming weeks. The company says it will become both the most powerful and lightest Emira ever produced.

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Mercedes-AMG’s upcoming CLE-based Mythos Series is shaping up to be far more than just a styling exercise. Currently deep in development, the Affalterbach marque is reportedly building just 30 examples of the Mythos CLE globally, instantly placing it in ultra-exclusive territory alongside some of AMG’s rarest modern creations.

Power is expected to come from AMG’s familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, delivering as much as 660 horsepower. Drive will reportedly be sent through a nine-speed automatic gearbox and AMG’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. Although Mercedes-AMG has not confirmed pricing yet, early reports suggest the coupe could cost north of €1 million, making it even more expensive than the AMG PureSpeed, which carried a €922,000 price tag.

The exterior leaves little doubt about the car’s intentions. Up front sits an aggressive Panamericana grille flanked by oversized air intakes, while the rear is dominated by a dramatic fixed wing. The coupe also appears to feature heavily widened arches, quad exhaust outlets and several motorsport-inspired aerodynamic details designed to make the Mythos model stand out even among AMG’s wildest creations.

Mercedes-AMG has now released another batch of teaser images of the upcoming Mythos machine, confirming several production-ready design elements despite the heavy camouflage still covering the bodywork.

The new coupe features an extremely aggressive front-end treatment with a bespoke grille design that flows directly into the lower bumper section. On either side are vertically stacked vents, while additional cooling ducts appear lower down to help manage brake temperatures. A pronounced front splitter further adds to the track-focused look.

From the side, the Mythos model seems to wear a substantial widebody package complete with louvred front fenders and a vented bonnet. Around the back sits a sculpted bumper with an integrated diffuser, topped off by a massive fixed rear wing featuring a small gurney flap between the supports.

Mercedes-AMG remains tight-lipped about final technical details, but one thing is already clear: like the PureSpeed before it, this Mythos Series model is being positioned as a highly limited collector’s car aimed squarely at AMG’s most dedicated buyers.

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Audi has taken the wraps off the cabin of its upcoming Q9 flagship SUV, promising a level of luxury and spaciousness the brand says will redefine what customers can expect from a full-size premium SUV.

The new Q9 is scheduled for its full debut on 29 July and will effectively step into the space left behind by the discontinued A8 sedan. Once it reaches showrooms later this year, it will become Audi’s biggest and most expensive production model yet.

Unlike many large SUVs that focus heavily on the driver, Audi has clearly designed the Q9 with rear-seat passengers in mind. The company is positioning it as a luxury executive vehicle first and foremost, with comfort and refinement taking centre stage for those sitting in the back.

Official images reveal a very spacious interior fitted with plush lounge-style seating and premium finishes throughout. Audi says the Q9 will feature automatic opening and closing doors, a massive 1.5m³ panoramic glass roof with adjustable transparency, and upscale materials including alpaca fibre and Nappa leather. Buyers opting for the six-seat configuration will also get electrically adjustable rear seats with heating and ventilation functions.

Passengers up front are treated to a tech-heavy layout featuring three digital displays. These include an 11.9-inch instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch central infotainment screen and a 10.9-inch passenger display. Audi has also introduced a redesigned centre console with dual wireless charging pads and oversized cupholders capable of accommodating one-litre bottles.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said modern luxury vehicles have evolved beyond simple transportation, describing them as mobile living spaces for customers. He highlighted the use of premium materials, electrically adjustable second-row seating and automated doors as key elements that reinforce the Q9’s luxury-focused character.

Although the Q9 will be sold in markets around the world, Audi is primarily targeting buyers in the United States, China and the Middle East, where demand for large luxury SUVs continues to grow.

Technical specifications remain limited for now, but recent prototypes spotted testing suggest the Q9 will feature a long bonnet design alongside a fresh interpretation of Audi’s signature single-frame grille.

Under the skin, the Q9 is expected to ride on an extended version of the Volkswagen Group PPC platform. Engine options are likely to include a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre petrol V8 in the high-performance SQ9 derivative.

The platform will also form the basis of Porsche’s upcoming flagship SUV, currently known internally as the K1. Both models are expected to roll off the same production line in Bratislava, Slovakia, with the Porsche version reportedly pencilled in for a UK launch during 2028.

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Ferrari is preparing to enter unfamiliar territory with the upcoming all-electric Luce, and it’s doing so at a time when demand for EVs has cooled in key markets like the US. On top of that, Chinese manufacturers are flooding the segment with insanely powerful electric performance cars that deliver hypercar-rivalling numbers for a fraction of what traditional exotic brands charge. If fresh reports surrounding the Luce’s pricing turn out to be accurate, Ferrari could face a serious challenge convincing buyers to make the switch.

According to sources cited in a recent report, the Luce is expected to start at around €550,000 in Europe. For comparison, the Ferrari Purosangue currently starts at roughly €400,000, although demand for the V12 SUV has pushed some lightly used examples past the €600,000 mark.

Bloomberg reports that Ferrari has not finalised the pricing yet, and the figure could still move by around 10 percent in either direction. Even so, if the current estimate holds, the Luce would slot in above models like the 12Cilindri and 849 Testarossa in Ferrari’s range, second only to the F80 hypercar among the brand’s regular production offerings.

That kind of pricing immediately raises questions about how buyers will respond. Ferrari customers have historically gravitated toward screaming naturally aspirated V8s and V12s, not large battery packs and silent electric drivetrains. When a four-seat V12-powered Purosangue offers similar practicality for less money, many buyers may still prefer the emotional appeal and theatre of combustion power.

Of course, Ferrari’s client base is hardly known for worrying too much about price tags. For loyal collectors and long-time customers, exclusivity often matters more than value. If anything, the Luce’s massive asking price could become part of its appeal. Still, it would place the newcomer among the most expensive EVs on sale anywhere in the world, comfortably above offerings from Porsche and even pricier than the Rolls-Royce Spectre.

As for what buyers will actually get, Ferrari is expected to reveal the full technical details this month, but early information suggests the Luce will feature four electric motors producing more than 986 hp (735 kW). Power will reportedly come from a massive 122 kWh battery pack capable of charging at speeds up to 350 kW. Driving range is expected to exceed 530 km (329 miles).

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BMW is getting ready to show the world what the next chapter of Alpina could look like, confirming that a brand-new concept car will make its debut this Friday.

Called the Vision BMW Alpina, the concept is set to be unveiled at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on 15 May and will be the first major reveal since BMW officially took control of the Alpina brand earlier this year in January.

A shadowy teaser released ahead of the reveal hints at a sleek grand tourer with an elongated coupe silhouette. The proportions bring to mind cars like the outgoing BMW 8 Series as well as BMW’s ultra-exclusive Speedtop concept. The preview image also appears to showcase a unique front and rear lighting setup, potentially signalling that future Alpina products could receive more distinctive styling treatments than ever before.

Historically, Alpina models have always been closely tied to existing BMW products, often relying on understated visual upgrades. Cars such as the BMW Alpina B3 blended into the standard BMW range quite easily unless you knew exactly what to look for. That could soon change.

The teaser also raises the possibility that Alpina may finally move toward creating low-volume bespoke vehicles rather than simply reworking mainstream BMW platforms. If that happens, it would mark a major shift for the long-standing German marque, whose heritage has always revolved around highly refined versions of production BMWs.

Recent reports have already suggested that the first wave of BMW-owned Alpina products will be derived from the BMW 7 Series and the BMW X7, both of which fit perfectly with the brand’s luxury-focused direction.

BMW Group research and development boss Joachim Post recently explained that Alpina’s future identity will place far greater emphasis on effortless speed, comfort and luxury rather than outright performance in the traditional BMW M sense.

According to Post, the philosophy behind the brand will be “completely different” from BMW M cars, focusing less on hardcore performance metrics and more on refined high-speed cruising ability.

BMW has also previously stated that future Alpina models will lean heavily into exclusivity and customisation, with buyers expected to have access to a wide range of bespoke finishes, premium materials and personalised design options.

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The Porsche 911 has never really needed much help in the styling or performance department. Even straight from the factory, it delivers a driving experience and design package that most sports cars can only dream of. That said, there will always be owners who want something more dramatic, more aggressive, or simply more exclusive. That is exactly the crowd companies like Mansory cater to.

During this year’s Top Marques Monaco event, the German tuner unveiled another upgrade programme for the Porsche 911, this time aimed at the latest 911 Turbo S (992.2). Mansory refers to it as a “soft kit,” although there is very little subtle about the transformation once you take a closer look.

The package focuses primarily on visual enhancements both inside and out, while leaving the powertrain untouched as standard. Buyers wanting extra performance upgrades can still request them separately, but they are not included in this particular conversion. Everything included in the programme is offered as an add-on component.

Like most Mansory projects, the extensive use of carbon fibre plays a major role. The lightweight material appears across almost every exterior addition, including the front splitter, side trim pieces, aerodynamic flaps, mirror caps, side skirts, and rear intake surrounds. The rear section also receives a much larger two-piece spoiler and a redesigned diffuser, both finished in carbon fibre.

A fresh set of forged FS.5 wheels is also part of the package. The setup measures 21 inches up front and 22 inches at the rear, giving the 911 an even more aggressive stance. Mansory also incorporated carbon fibre detailing into the wheels themselves through decorative rings that can be specified in various colours.

Inside the cabin, Mansory has taken a more bespoke approach. Instead of showcasing one fixed interior layout, the company is allowing customers to tailor the design according to their own preferences. Buyers can choose from a wide selection of materials, finishes, and colour combinations sourced from the tuner’s existing catalogue, although specific configurations were not detailed during the reveal.

The upgrade package is available for both the Coupe and Cabriolet versions of the Porsche 911 Turbo S, but Mansory has remained silent on pricing for now.

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Lamborghini has taken the wraps off an even more exclusive version of its already outrageous flagship, introducing the open-air Fenomeno Roadster. The motorsport-inspired machine now stands as the brand’s most powerful production model yet, delivering a staggering 1,065 hp (794 kW).

The latest creation joins Lamborghini’s ultra-limited Few Off line-up and production will be capped at only 15 units worldwide. That instantly makes it rarer than the Fenomeno Coupé, which itself is limited to just 30 examples and carries a price tag of around £3 million.

Underneath the dramatic bodywork sits the same plug-in hybrid setup found in the coupé, itself heavily evolved from the powertrain used in the Revuelto. The setup combines a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 with three electric motors, two mounted at the front axle and another integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Combined output climbs to 1,065 hp (794 kW), compared to the Revuelto’s 1,001 hp (746 kW).

The V12 alone produces 824 hp (614 kW) at 9,250 rpm, while peak torque stands at 725 Nm (535 lb-ft) at 6,750 rpm. Electrical energy comes from a compact 7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Performance figures remain brutally impressive despite the missing roof. Lamborghini claims the Fenomeno Roadster can sprint from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.4 seconds, while 0-200 km/h (124 mph) takes 6.8 seconds. Flat-out, it is capable of exceeding 340 km/h (211 mph).

While the drivetrain remains largely unchanged, Lamborghini says the Roadster receives its own dedicated aerodynamic package designed specifically for open-top driving. According to the company, it achieves almost identical levels of downforce, balance and stability as the fixed-roof model.

A secondary spoiler positioned above the windscreen channels airflow over the cabin and toward the redesigned rear engine cover. This helps keep the V12 supplied with cool air, despite the absence of the aggressive S-duct aero channel seen on the coupé.

That new rear cover also introduces hexagonal air intakes, a design theme repeated throughout the cabin on the ventilation system and digital instrument graphics.

Engineers reportedly faced major challenges integrating rollover protection without negatively affecting airflow around the cockpit. Lamborghini ultimately incorporated the rollover structures directly behind the sports seats, making them part of the car’s chassis and structural framework while also reducing turbulence and wind buffeting.

Like the coupé, the Roadster makes extensive use of carbon fibre construction. It features a carbonfibre monocoque alongside a forged composite front structure. Lamborghini says a new blend of long and short carbonfibre strands allows the Roadster to retain rigidity levels very close to the hardtop version. Although the company has not confirmed an official kerb weight, it says the figure is extremely close to the coupé’s 1,772 kg dry weight.

The aggressive front fascia has been shaped entirely around aerodynamic efficiency, while the enlarged side intakes and extended side sills assist with cooling the hybrid powertrain. Around the back, the Roadster retains the massive diffuser and active rear wing setup.

Stopping power comes from CCM-R Plus carbon-ceramic brakes, while suspension duties are handled by manually adjustable racing dampers. Standard road tyres are bespoke Bridgestone Potenza Sport items measuring 265/30 ZRF21 at the front and 355/25 ZRF22 at the rear. Buyers planning regular track work will also be able to spec semi-slick Bridgestone rubber in 20-inch and 21-inch sizes.

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Mansory has never been known for subtlety, and its latest creation might be one of the tuner’s most outrageous projects yet. Set to make an appearance at this year’s Top Marques Monaco, the new Mansory Azura takes the already over-the-top Mercedes-AMG G63 and pushes it into territory even Affalterbach would likely never consider.

Instead of simply bolting on a body kit, Mansory completely reworked the G-Class by transforming the four-door SUV into a shortened two-door convertible. That alone is a massive engineering exercise, but the tuner didn’t stop there. The Azura also receives rear-hinged suicide doors inspired by Rolls-Royce models, while a white fabric soft-top replaces the standard roof setup.

The visual changes are impossible to miss. A heavily revised front end brings a new grille design, reshaped intakes, and aggressive LED daytime running lights. Widened wheel arches front and rear add even more drama, while the side profile gets new vents on the front fenders, deployable side steps, and oversized wheels painted to match the bright blue exterior finish.

Inside, the cabin looks more like an art installation than something designed for off-road duty. Turquoise leather covers nearly every visible surface, including the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and door cards. The remaining trim pieces are finished in exposed carbon fibre with blue accents woven through the material.

The powertrain has also been taken far beyond standard G63 territory. Mansory retained the familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 but upgraded it with larger turbochargers, revised downpipes, and a bespoke exhaust system. Combined with ECU tuning, the result is a hefty 820 hp (611 kW) and 1,150 Nm (848 lb-ft) of torque. Despite its massive size and luxury-focused nature, the Azura can still sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.0 seconds.

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Volkswagen’s upcoming electric GTI line-up could soon get even more serious, as the brand is reportedly developing a harder-core Clubsport version of the new ID Polo GTI. Along with a healthy bump in performance, the hotter derivative is also expected to introduce software tricks designed to recreate the feel of a traditional petrol-powered hot hatch, including simulated gearchanges and stepped power delivery.

Reports about a more extreme version of the electric hatch first surfaced last year while the project was still being referred to internally as the ID 2. At the time, sources indicated that output could climb from 223 hp (166 kW) to around 282 hp (210 kW). The upgraded model was also tipped to swap out the current BorgWarner-controlled differential setup for a proper mechanical limited-slip differential.

Now, Volkswagen chassis and dynamics boss Florian Umbach has shed more light on what the company is experimenting with during an early drive of the near-production-ready ID Polo GTI.

According to Umbach, there is still additional performance left untapped within the existing motor and battery package. He noted that engineers believe both the drivetrain and front axle are capable of handling more torque and higher peak outputs than what the standard car currently delivers.

Volkswagen is also working on technology that mimics the sensation of shifting gears, similar to what Hyundai has already implemented in its electric N performance models. Umbach explained that the feature is largely software-driven, relying on motor calibration and an accompanying sound profile to recreate a more engaging driving experience.

The ID Polo GTI already leans heavily into nostalgia, with a configurable digital instrument cluster capable of replicating the appearance of the original Mk1 Golf GTI. That same retro-inspired thinking could eventually extend to the way the car accelerates, potentially imitating the delivery characteristics of classic GTI models rather than behaving like a typical single-speed EV.

That said, Volkswagen appears to be waiting to see how buyers respond to the standard model before committing fully to these more enthusiast-focused additions. Umbach hinted that projects like the simulated gearbox and more aggressive Clubsport derivative will ultimately depend on whether the electric GTI proves commercially successful.

As with previous Clubsport-badged Volkswagens, the more focused version is also expected to receive chassis upgrades, a lower ride height, sharper styling details and a more aggressive overall setup aimed at enthusiastic drivers.

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Volkswagen has tightened its grip on the hot hatch Nürburgring crown with the Golf GTI Edition 50, shaving even more time off an already impressive benchmark lap. After initially posting a 7:46 lap that comfortably beat both the current Golf R and the Mk7 Clubsport S, the German brand headed back to the Nordschleife in better conditions and came away with an officially verified 7:44.523. That now makes it the quickest production Volkswagen ever to lap the circuit.

The improved time also handed the GTI another title. With that run, the Golf GTI Edition 50 officially becomes the fastest front-wheel-drive production car around the Nürburgring, edging past the previous record holder, the Honda Civic Type R, which managed a 7:44.881. The margin may be tiny, but a record is still a record. And with Honda unlikely to launch another even more extreme front-driven Type R anytime soon, Volkswagen could be holding onto this one for a while.

A decade ago, manufacturers constantly battled for Nürburgring bragging rights, especially in the hot hatch segment. These days the field is a lot thinner. There simply are not many powerful front-wheel-drive performance cars left on sale. Most of the quickest compact performance machines have shifted to all-wheel drive, like the Toyota GR Yaris, while many remaining front-driven models no longer chase outright lap records. That gave Volkswagen the perfect opportunity to push harder and secure another Nürburgring headline.

Once again, long-time VW development and racing driver Benny Leuchter was behind the wheel for the record-setting run. Reflecting on the lap, he highlighted just how demanding the Nordschleife remains, with its constant elevation changes, aggressive bumps, blind corners and high-speed sections putting every aspect of a performance car to the test. He also praised the GTI Edition 50’s balance, pointing to its strong power delivery, neutral chassis setup and ability to stay composed over the track’s rougher sections.

Volkswagen says the Edition 50 is intended to celebrate half a century of GTI heritage, but the Nürburgring result suggests it is much more than a simple anniversary badge exercise. Buyers wanting the full record-spec experience will, however, need to make sure their cars are equipped with the optional Performance Pack.

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