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Rolls-Royce Spectre Lunaflair: One-Of-A-Kind Bespoke Creation

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has introduced the Spectre Lunaflair, a one-of-a-kind Bespoke creation designed for a distinguished client in the United States. The standout feature of this vehicle is its dazzling holographic paint finish, which creates a striking ‘rainbow’ effect, mimicking the beauty of a lunar halo. This natural phenomenon, where light refracts through ice crystals in cirrus clouds around the moon, served as the inspiration for the Spectre Lunaflair’s breathtaking design.

Achieving this finish was a year-long process, involving the meticulous application of seven layers of lacquer, including a pearlescent coat infused with fine flakes of magnesium fluoride and aluminium. This complex technique ensures the car exhibits a deep metallic glow in low light, while transforming into a vibrant technicolour display in direct sunlight.

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BMW Warns of Trade Dispute Fallout as EU Considers High Tariffs on Chinese EV Imports

BMW has taken a strong stance against the European Commission’s proposed high tariffs on China-made electric vehicles (EVs), urging the German government to vote against the measures. In a statement on Wednesday, BMW’s CEO, Oliver Zipse, expressed concerns that the proposed tariffs could spark a trade dispute with China, which would not only harm Germany’s export industry but also provoke retaliatory measures from China, deepening tensions between the two economic powerhouses.

The European Union (EU) is scheduled to vote on October 4 on whether to impose tariffs of up to 45% on EVs imported from China. This vote was originally set for September 25 but was delayed due to ongoing negotiations aimed at avoiding the steep levies. According to media reports, the final date could still be subject to change, as member states grapple with differing opinions on the matter.

The delay reflects broader concerns within the EU regarding protectionist measures and their potential impact on existing trade relationships with China. Many EU countries have built strong economic ties with China, and some fear that imposing such tariffs could hurt their own economic interests. Cui Hongjian, a professor at the Academy of Regional and Global Governance in Beijing, emphasised that these tariffs could undermine the open and cooperative trade relations that have been carefully developed over the years.

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Caterham Project V’s Electric Powertrain Components Will be Developed by Yamaha

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has announced its collaboration in the development of a new electric sports coupe, dubbed “Project V.” This initiative is being spearheaded by Caterham EVo Limited, a UK-based subsidiary of VT Holdings Co., Ltd., headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. The partnership seeks to drive the project toward mass production and commercialisation, blending both companies’ expertise in engineering and technology.

Project V is designed to carry forward the core values of Caterham, which emphasise driving pleasure through lightweight construction, simplicity, and a focus on the fun-to-drive experience. Initially introduced at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK in July 2023 and later showcased at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2024, the project has garnered significant attention. Together with Tokyo R&D Co., Ltd., based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, the companies are working toward developing and producing a prototype, with a target completion date around mid-2025, followed by plans for mass production.

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Mercedes-Amg One Breaks Its Own Lap Record On The Nürburgring

The Mercedes-AMG One, a hypercar incorporating Formula 1™ technology, has once again set a new record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. On September 23, 2024, DTM driver Maro Engel achieved an officially recorded lap time of 6:29.090 minutes, beating his previous record by over five seconds. This makes the AMG One the first road car to break the 6:30-minute barrier on the demanding 20.832-kilometre track.

The AMG One’s hybrid system, consisting of One combustion engine and four electric motors, produces 1,063 hp and reaches a top speed of 352km/h. The hypercar utilises advanced aerodynamics, a Formula 1™-inspired energy recovery system, and the four-stage Energy Flow Control (EFC) to optimise performance. During his record lap, Engel relied on techniques such as “lift and coast” to maximise battery energy for crucial moments, simulating Formula 1™ energy management.

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Toyota Delays First US Electric Vehicle Launch Amid Strategic EV Expansion

Toyota has announced a delay in the start of production for its first US-made electric vehicle (EV), pushing the launch from late 2025 to early 2026. This will affect the manufacturing of a three-row, battery-powered SUV at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant. However, the Japanese automaker remains committed to its EV strategy, planning to introduce up to seven fully electric models in the US within the next two years.

Despite the delay, Toyota is on track to begin production of another all-electric SUV at its Princeton, Indiana factory later in 2026. These efforts are part of Toyota’s broader goal to sell 1.5 million EVs worldwide by 2026. To support this, the company is also constructing a lithium-ion battery plant in North Carolina, expected to begin operations in 2025.

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Bentley Unveils Mulliner Editions of Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur

Bentley has expanded its portfolio of daily supercars with the introduction of Mulliner versions of the fourth-generation Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur. These models, developed by Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner, build upon the performance-focused Speed models, adding enhanced luxury, options, and technology.

Exterior Highlights:

Signature Mulliner ‘Floating Diamond’ grille with chrome surround, chrome lower grilles, and chromeware.
Satin Silver mirror caps or optional gloss black (via Mulliner Blackline).
Unique 22” wheels in Tungsten Grey or gloss black, with self-levelling Bentley Mulliner wheel badges.
Mulliner-specific features, including ‘cut crystal’ reflector headlamps, red-tinted tail lamps, and welcome lights with Bentley wing animations.

Interior Features:

A curated cabin with three-colour combinations, bespoke embroidery, and a Mulliner diamond perforation pattern on hand-stitched seats.
Enhanced wellness seating with Postural Adjust and Auto Climate functions.
Exclusive Mulliner branding on keys, presented in a handcrafted box matching the car’s interior configuration.
Comfort Seat Specification for all Flying Spur seats and front seats in Continental models.

Powertrain:

A new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, combining a 4.0L V8 engine and a 190PS electric motor, delivering a total of 782PS and 1000Nm of torque.
The hybrid setup allows up to 80km of electric range (Continental GT) and a fully replenished battery in as little as 2¾ hours.
Performance-focused features, including a dual valve damper system and air springs, offer a refined balance of handling and comfort.

Customisation and Technology:

Available in a palette of 101 colours, with bespoke paint-matching options.
The most advanced electrical architecture in the luxury segment, offering semi-assisted driving features and an integrated My Bentley App Studio for digital services.

Bentley Mulliner remains the ultimate symbol of craftsmanship and luxury, offering custom design, enhanced performance, and cutting-edge technology in the automotive world.

Ford Says Goodbye to Mainstream Models, Hello to Iconic Enthusiast Cars

Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, has announced a major shift in the automaker’s strategy, aiming to leave behind the era of dull, mainstream cars like the Mondeo, Focus, and Fiesta. While these models were once popular, they failed to justify continued investment. Instead, Ford is focusing on iconic vehicles that inspire excitement, such as the Mustang GTD and various Raptor off-road models.

Farley envisions a future where Ford’s lineup is dominated by cars that enthusiasts love and mainstream vehicles that offer higher profit margins, like the Ford Puma compact crossover. With its appealing design and versatility, the Puma represents the kind of higher-priced, more profitable mainstream car Ford wants to build. The production of the Fiesta has already ceased, and the Focus will follow by 2025.

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Ferrari’s Maranello Factory Takes Major Green Leap: Gas Plant Closed Ahead of Schedule

Ferrari has taken a significant step in its journey towards carbon neutrality by shutting down the gas-fuelled trigeneration plant at its Maranello factory. This early shutdown, three months ahead of schedule, is part of Ferrari’s decarbonisation plan, which was unveiled during the 2022 Capital Markets Day. The plant, which had been operational since 2009, generated electricity, heat, and cooling energy using methane gas and was known for its high-efficiency technology.

The closure will lead to a 60% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions and a 70% decrease in methane gas consumption, making it a crucial move towards Ferrari’s 2030 carbon neutrality goals. In place of the trigenerator, Ferrari is doubling its photovoltaic systems with the aim of reaching a capacity of 10 megawatts peak (MWp) by 2030, up from the current 5 MWp.

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Hyundai’s Remarkable Milestone: 100 Million Cars Produced, With Eyes on the Next 100 Million

Hyundai has achieved a remarkable milestone, having built 100 million cars globally since its founding in 1967. To mark the occasion, the company handed over its 100 millionth and first vehicle, an all-electric Ioniq 5, to its new owner. The symbolic gesture of not highlighting the exact 100 millionth car, but rather the one after, reflects Hyundai’s philosophy of always striving to go “one step further” in its accomplishments.

Hyundai’s automotive journey began in 1968 with the production of its first car, the Pony, at its Ulsan plant in South Korea, which is still a cornerstone of the company and has the capacity to produce 1.6 million cars annually. Over the past 57 years, Hyundai has expanded its global footprint with factories in countries such as the Czech Republic, India, Turkey, and the United States.

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Jaguar Land Rover Pumps in £500 Million for Electric Vehicle Factory

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is investing £500 million to transform its historic Halewood plant, originally built in 1963, into a state-of-the-art facility for electric vehicles (EVs). This overhaul is a critical part of JLR’s strategy to transition towards full electrification, aiming to sell only electric cars by 2030 and achieve zero emissions by 2039.

Key Components of the Investment:

Expanded Production Capabilities: The plant will be equipped to produce electric, combustion, and hybrid vehicles simultaneously.
Platform Integration: The new facilities will produce mid-size electric SUVs based on the Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform.
Solar Power Integration: Installation of 18,000 solar panels, providing 8,600 GWh of energy, which will cover 10% of the plant’s energy consumption.

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