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BMW Bids Farewell to the 8 Series with Limited Edition M Heritage Model

BMW is preparing to give the current 8 Series a send-off worthy of its grand touring legacy. With production of the model expected to conclude next year, the brand has unveiled the Edition M Heritage, a 500-unit special designed as a tribute to the original E31-generation 8 Series of the 1990s.

Built on the M850i xDrive Gran Coupé platform, the Edition M Heritage revives some of the most iconic paint finishes from the first-generation 8 Series. Customers can choose from Bright Red, Mauritius Blue, Cosmos Black, Oxford Green or Daytona Violet, all of which were available on the E31 between 1990 and 1999.

Every example comes with a carbon-fibre roof marked by the M division’s signature tri-colour stripes, complemented by unique 20-inch alloy wheels. The M Sport Professional package, normally an optional extra, is fitted as standard and includes uprated brakes, black callipers and additional black exterior detailing.

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Mugen Adds Sporty Edge to Honda N-One e: Ahead of European Debut

Honda’s N-One e:, a fully electric kei car destined for both Japan and Europe, is already known for its distinctive and slightly cheeky styling. Now, Japanese tuning house Mugen has introduced a body kit and accessories designed to inject even more personality into the compact EV.

The exterior enhancements comprise a matte black front splitter, side skirts, and a compact rear diffuser, complemented by a matching rear spoiler. New 15-inch alloy wheels complete the transformation, giving the N-One e: the stance of a miniature hot hatch.

Mugen’s visual upgrades also extend to custom decals bearing its branding, which can be applied to the front bumper, grille, side panels, and rear bumper. A tuning badge positioned on the front fenders ensures its modified credentials are clear.

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Renault and Geely Join Forces on New SUV Line for Overseas Markets

Renault’s China-based research and development team is harnessing Geely’s advanced GEA platform to create a fresh line-up of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) aimed primarily at markets in Southeast Asia and Latin America. The project marks a significant step for both manufacturers, as it could become the first instance of Geely supplying its GEA platform to an external partner.

The upcoming range will feature both fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the initial models expected to take the form of SUVs. While Renault will design the bodywork independently, the core vehicle architecture and chassis will draw heavily from existing models within Geely’s Galaxy brand. This approach is intended to keep costs down and shorten development timelines, allowing the vehicles to reach their target markets more quickly.

The partnership reflects a deepening relationship between the two companies in the fast-growing overseas NEV sector. Geely has previously collaborated with other marques such as Volvo, Smart, Polestar and Jiyue, but those projects relied on the CMA platform. In contrast, the GEA architecture is Geely’s most recent flagship platform, currently underpinning several models in its Galaxy range – including the newly introduced Galaxy A7, the best-selling Xingyuan, the E5, and the forthcoming M9 and Starship 9.

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BMW Preparing Rugged G74 SUV to Challenge Mercedes-Benz G-Class

BMW is working on an all-new, rugged SUV, known internally as the G74, aimed squarely at rivalling the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Production is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2029 at the company’s manufacturing facility in South Carolina. Industry insiders suggest the model will be based on a heavily revised version of the current X5 platform, but with significant modifications to enhance its off-road credentials. The G74 is expected to sit at the top of BMW’s SUV line-up as a new flagship for serious all-terrain performance.

In a notable strategic decision, BMW plans to keep the model powered by an internal combustion engine, potentially paired with hybrid technology. This approach reflects ongoing global demand for petrol-powered luxury SUVs, a segment that continues to attract strong interest even as electric vehicle sales in certain niches. such as the all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class, show signs of slowing.

Hints of BMW’s future direction surfaced recently with the introduction of the xOffroad package for the X5 Silver Anniversary Edition. This package includes all-terrain tyres, underbody protection and a rear locking differential – features that could be further developed and refined for the G74.

While the German manufacturer has made it clear that pickups remain outside its brand identity, senior figures within BMW have expressed a willingness to explore more rugged SUV concepts. The company is acutely aware of the growing global demand for vehicles that combine comfort, premium features, and genuine off-road capability, a market in which the G-Class has enjoyed decades of dominance.

If the G74 delivers on its promise, BMW could soon be competing in one of the most exclusive and competitive corners of the SUV market, offering an alternative for customers seeking both luxury and the ability to tackle demanding terrain with confidence.

Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut Reclaims 0–400–0 km/h World Record

Koenigsegg has once again stamped its authority on the high-speed world stage, reclaiming the 0–400–0 km/h record for homologated road cars with its Jesko Absolut at the Örebro airfield in Sweden.

Factory test driver Markus Lundh achieved the remarkable feat in just 25.21 seconds, surpassing the marque’s own record set in June 2024 and eclipsing every other competitor. The time also represents a dramatic improvement over last year’s 27.83-second run, with more than 2.5 seconds shaved off the benchmark.

The achievement came courtesy of refined performance software strategies, collectively named “Absolut Overdrive”, developed for the same Jesko Absolut used in last year’s run. These updates, which will be made available to customer vehicles, enhance drivetrain integration, engine management, and torque control to unprecedented levels.

Christian von Koenigsegg, the company’s founder and chief executive, attributed the success to seamless collaboration between the engineering and development teams, underpinned by in-house drivetrain systems, advanced software architecture and mechanical solutions designed to minimise aerodynamic drag while maximising stability.

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Yangwang U9 Track Edition Revealed – Over 3,000hp and Nurburgring Ambitions

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has quietly dropped a bombshell in its latest product catalogue, details of a new Yangwang U9 Track Edition, a hardcore electric supercar that’s about to make even the most exotic EVs sweat.

According to Car News China, this new variant of BYD’s flagship performance machine sticks with the U9’s signature quad-motor setup, one electric motor per wheel, but cranks the numbers up to a staggering 3,019hp. Top speed is officially listed at 350km/h, and if that sounds like overkill, it’s worth noting the current road-going U9 “only” makes 1,287hp and is priced at 1.68 million yuan (around RM1.09 million).

Visually, the Track Edition isn’t a wild departure from the standard model, but the details hint at its more aggressive nature. The example in MIIT’s filing wears deep red paint with a gloss black styling pack, sitting on 20-inch wheels wrapped in 325/35 R20 rubber. Lightweight carbon-fibre is used extensively, including for the roof and the massive fixed rear wing, while the rear diffuser comes with adjustable blades to fine-tune downforce. Optional aero bits will be offered too, including a more extreme carbon-fibre front splitter or an electrically adjustable rear wing.

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Honda Marks 60 Years Since Historic F1 Victory with Limited-Edition RA272 Models

Honda has announced a collaboration with renowned scale model maker Amalgam to produce a limited run of meticulously hand-built replicas of the RA272 Formula 1 car, commemorating the 60th anniversary of its first Grand Prix victory.

The collection will feature just 30 models at 1:8 scale, each priced at USD 28,995 (approximately RM135,000), alongside 300 units at 1:18 scale costing USD 1,735 (around RM8,000). Built as collector’s items rather than playthings, these precision-crafted pieces are aimed squarely at enthusiasts and serious collectors.

The Japanese manufacturer is marking the landmark of its 1965 Mexico Grand Prix triumph, a race that saw Richie Ginther steer the RA272 to Honda’s first-ever Formula 1 win, and the first for any Japanese car, engine, or team. Remarkably, this achievement came just two years after the company entered the automotive market.

Each model consists of over 1,600 precision-engineered components and will be supplied with a signed certificate of authenticity and a commemorative booklet from Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe. Amalgam, known for its highly detailed scale replicas of iconic cars, many carrying five-figure price tags, is regarded as a natural partner for the project.

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Porsche Launches Next-Generation 911 Cup for 2026 Racing Season

Porsche has unveiled the new 911 Cup, the latest evolution of its one-make racing car, which will compete in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, the various Carrera Cup championships, and other Porsche-sanctioned series from the start of the 2026 season.

Based on the 992.2 generation of the 911, the model introduces a range of refinements aimed at increasing performance, reducing running costs, and simplifying handling for both drivers and teams. The naturally aspirated 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine now delivers 520PS, an increase of 10PS over its predecessor, without affecting the 100-hour service interval before an overhaul is required.

The new naming convention sees the car officially designated as the 911 Cup, as Porsche moves to streamline its motorsport nomenclature. Future models will only carry the ‘GT’ suffix when intended for open-brand racing or specific segments, as with the new 911 GT3 R launched alongside it.

As before, production takes place at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen plant alongside road-going 911 GT models, a strategy that has already seen 1,130 units of the current 911 GT3 Cup produced since 2020, contributing to a total of 5,381 Porsche 911 one-make racing cars built to date.

The car features a more aggressive exterior, with a front end that mirrors the 992.2-generation 911 GT3. The three-piece front spoiler lip allows damaged sections to be replaced individually, reducing spare parts costs, while the removal of daytime running lights helps prevent radiator damage in collisions. Integrated louvre vents in the front wings improve airflow and downforce, complemented by an optimised underbody and turning vanes behind the front arches for better high-speed stability and cornering precision.

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Bentley Unveils First Bespoke Batur Convertible from Mulliner

Bentley’s in-house bespoke and special projects division, Mulliner, has completed the first example of the Batur Convertible. This one-off creation combines the marque’s most powerful W12 engine with an intricate, highly personalised design. Finished in a striking Opalite exterior with Beluga and Mandarin accents, this debut model reflects the client’s detailed vision and Mulliner’s craftsmanship, resulting in a car that is as unique as it is technically accomplished.

The Batur Convertible’s exterior design accentuates the performance of its 740bhp, 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine. The shimmering silver tone of the Opalite bodywork is bisected by a gloss black racing stripe, flanked by Mandarin pinstripes, which flows from the front grille over the bonnet, through the cockpit ‘airbridge’, and along the rear deck to meet the Bentley wings badge.

This stripe is seamlessly painted into the bodywork, with the design echoed in bespoke embroidery on the rear Tonneau. The distinctive matrix grille is finished in gloss Beluga with Mandarin highlights, complemented by five-spoke alloy wheels in matching tones.

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Bugatti Unveils ‘Brouillard’ as First Bespoke Masterpiece Under Exclusive Programme Solitaire

Bugatti has taken another bold step in its century-long pursuit of artistic automotive excellence with the unveiling of Programme Solitaire, a new initiative devoted entirely to the creation of truly bespoke, one-of-one vehicles. Introduced during Monterey Car Week, the programme’s inaugural commission, Brouillard, is a coachbuilt coupé that not only celebrates the marque’s rich heritage but also elevates craftsmanship and personalisation to an unprecedented level.

Rooted in the spirit of early coachbuilding and inspired by the profound artistry that has defined Bugatti since its earliest days, Programme Solitaire goes beyond the brand’s already highly tailored Sur Mesure offering. It draws inspiration from the early 20th-century tradition of creating unique automotive bodies through close collaboration between car manufacturers and coachbuilders. In Bugatti’s case, Jean Bugatti famously brought that expertise in-house, producing legendary designs such as the Type 57 SC Atlantic and its siblings—the Galibier, Stelvio, Ventoux, and Atalante—built on the Type 57 chassis.

The Brouillard represents the modern evolution of that legacy, built upon Bugatti’s most advanced engineering: the final and most potent version of the marque’s W16-powered platform. With a staggering output of 1,600PS from its quad-turbocharged engine, this creation embodies two decades of refined engineering excellence and signals the zenith of the W16 era.

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