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Toyota Revives AE86 4A-GE Engine Parts Under GR Heritage Project

Toyota Gazoo Racing is giving AE86 fans something to celebrate. Under its GR Heritage Parts Project, the brand will once again reproduce key components of the legendary 4A-GE engine found in the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno.

The programme, which brings discontinued parts back to life as brand-new genuine items, already covers over 200 parts across eight models. Now, the spotlight turns to the AE86 with the reissue of a cylinder head sub-assembly and a cylinder block sub-assembly – both updated using modern techniques while keeping their original design and specifications.

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Lamborghini Tests AI That Can Read Your Mood While Driving

Lamborghini is working on new AI technology that can understand not just how you drive, but also how you feel behind the wheel.

According to The Drive, Chief Technical Officer Rouven Mohr explained that Lamborghini already uses machine learning to adjust things like torque depending on the road and driving style. The next step, he said, is to make cars that can sense a driver’s mood and change their behaviour to match.

For example, if the system feels you’re in the mood for fun, it could make the car more playful and exciting. If you’d rather keep things calm, it would tone things down. The AI could also adjust safety systems, giving skilled drivers more freedom, but stepping in more quickly if mistakes happen.

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Mercedes-Benz Confirms Its Legendary V12 Will Live On Into the 2030s

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its famous V12 engine will continue into the 2030s, despite earlier plans to go fully electric by the end of this decade. The news was revealed at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, giving fans of big engines something to celebrate.

According to reports, CEO Thomas Schäfer didn’t share exact details but said Mercedes has a plan to make the V12 meet strict Euro 7 emissions rules. However, he admitted the engine won’t be sold everywhere.

With Europe banning combustion engines by 2035, the V12 will likely be kept for markets like China and the Middle East, where demand for powerful engines is still strong.

Right now, the Maybach S 680 is the only Mercedes that uses a V12, running a 6.0-litre twin-turbo unit. Mercedes also builds V12s for Pagani hypercars, keeping the engine alive in the world of extreme performance.

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Ferrari Revives the Testarossa Name with All-New 849 Hybrid Hypercar

The Testarossa name is back, and it’s making a return in the most dramatic way possible. Nearly three decades after the last 512M rolled off the production line in the mid-1990s, Ferrari has unveiled the brand-new 849 Testarossa—a hybrid hypercar that reimagines one of the marque’s most legendary models for the modern era.

First introduced in 1984 as the successor to the Berlinetta Boxer, the original Testarossa became a global sensation. Its name itself, drawn from Ferrari’s 1950s Testa Rossa race cars, cemented its place in the brand’s rich history.

With more than a decade of production and a cult following that continues today, the Testarossa remains one of the most iconic Ferraris ever built. Now, the Prancing Horse is writing a new chapter for the badge with a car that blends electrification and raw combustion power like never before.

At the core of the new 849 is an upgraded version of Ferrari’s F154 twin-turbo V8. Strengthened internals and larger turbos allow the petrol engine to produce 818hp on its own. But that’s only part of the story. Three electric motors—two mounted at the front and one at the rear—add another 216hp, creating a combined system output of 1,036hp.

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New Lexus IS Makes Its Global Debut – Sharper, Sportier, and Smarter

Lexus has officially unveiled the new IS, which made its world premiere on September 9 and is set to hit showrooms in early 2026 across various markets. This marks the next chapter for a model that has defined the compact FR sports sedan segment for over 25 years.

First introduced in 1999, the IS was built around one idea – driving enjoyment. Across three generations, it has earned a reputation for sharp handling, bold styling, and the unmistakable “Lexus Driving Signature.” With more than 1.3 million units sold in 40 countries since launch, it remains one of the brand’s most important nameplates, and Lexus is making sure the new model stays true to its roots while adding plenty of fresh touches.

The 2026 IS will be available in two variants: the IS 300h and IS 350. Development centred on the theme of “refinement in performance and design,” which essentially means Lexus wanted to sharpen its handling while keeping the design aggressive and sporty.

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Rimac Showcases Next-Gen Batteries and Powertrains

Rimac Technology has revealed its latest range of batteries, motors, and electronic systems at the IAA Mobility 2025 show in Munich. The Croatian company, already working with brands like BMW, Porsche, and CEER Motors, is aiming to deliver faster, safer, and more efficient electric vehicle technology — and in much bigger numbers than before.

On the battery side, Rimac introduced three new platforms. The first is a solid-state battery, developed with ProLogium and Mitsubishi Chemical Group, which promises lighter weight, higher safety, and better energy storage. The second is the Evo platform, using 46XX Gen2 cells and advanced cooling, designed for strong performance and daily use. The third, called Hybrid Technology, offers flexible setups for both hybrid and fully electric cars.

Rimac also launched new eAxles – small but powerful electric drive units. The SINTEG 300 and 550 can produce up to 360 kW and 6,250 Nm of torque in very compact sizes, suitable for anything from hot hatches to SUVs. Another highlight is the High Torque XXL Axle, set for production in 2026, delivering more than 11,000 Nm of axle torque with over 95% efficiency.

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Volkswagen Shows Off ID. CROSS Concept – Real Plants Integrated into the Centre Console

Volkswagen has pulled the wraps off its latest electric study, the ID. CROSS Concept, a compact SUV that points directly to an upcoming production model due in the summer of 2026.

This newcomer will expand VW’s growing family of smaller, more affordable EVs, following on from the ID.2 all, the ID. GTI and the ID. EVERY1 concepts.

Sized almost identically to the current T-Cross, the ID. CROSS measures 4,161 mm in length and 1,839 mm in width, yet it has been designed to offer generous space inside. The boot alone provides 450 litres of storage, complemented by an additional 25 litres under the bonnet.

That makes it a practical choice not only for city commutes but also for family outings, striking a balance between compact dimensions and everyday usability.

The concept makes a striking first impression with its bright Urban Jungle green paintwork, sitting on bold 21-inch Balboa alloy wheels wrapped in bespoke Goodyear tyres.

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Mercedes-Benz GLC Goes Electric with EQ Technology

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has long been one of the brand’s best-selling SUVs, a go-to choice for those who want something more polished. Now, it steps into a new chapter with the introduction of the fully electric GLC with EQ Technology.

This latest addition marks the first time the GLC has been offered as a pure EV in the US market, setting it up against serious competition such as the Audi Q6, Porsche Macan Electric, and BMW’s recently revealed iX3.

Powering the new GLC is a 94.0 kWh lithium-ion battery, which in its most powerful form produces up to 483hp—slightly edging past the iX3’s 463hp. It’s not just about straight-line power either; Mercedes has ensured that the SUV delivers practicality, with a towing capacity of 2,400kg when fitted with the optional tow hitch.

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Porsche 911 Turbo S: The Benchmark Gets Even Better

The Porsche 911 Turbo S has never been short of praise. Its predecessor was already regarded as the ultimate all-rounder – blistering performance mixed with everyday comfort, long-distance capability and that touch of exclusivity Porsche owners love. Now, the latest version takes things to a whole new level, delivering more power, sharper dynamics, smarter aerodynamics and an even more premium finish.

At the heart of it all is a brand-new T-Hybrid powertrain producing a staggering 711PS and 800Nm of torque, making this the most powerful production 911 ever built. Power is available across a wide rev range, with full output kicking in between 6,500 and 7,000 rpm.

The system uses Porsche’s 400V lightweight hybrid technology and two electric turbochargers – a step up from the single eTurbo setup that debuted in the Carrera GTS. This not only boosts outright performance but also sharpens throttle response, eliminating the lag often associated with turbocharged engines.

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Mugen Already Developing Tuning Package for the New Honda Prelude

The Honda Prelude may have only just made its return, but Mugen is wasting no time in preparing upgrades for the hybrid coupe. The renowned Honda tuning house has confirmed that a full body kit and performance package are already in the pipeline, with parts expected to be available in 2026.

The package will include a carbon-fibre splitter, side skirts, diffuser and rear spoiler, complemented by a new sports exhaust. These will join a number of accessories already offered by Mugen for the Prelude, ranging from carbon-fibre door mirror caps to a set of 19-inch forged BBS wheels. Other highlights include a high-performance oil filter element and specially developed performance dampers, created in collaboration with Yamaha, designed to minimise chassis flex with units mounted at the front and rear.

For enthusiasts who want to personalise their cars further, Mugen will also provide a wide range of cosmetic and functional touches. These include unique oil-filler and radiator caps, sill plates, lug nuts, floor mats, decals and even a fabric cover for the brake-fluid reservoir. While these items may not drastically alter the Prelude’s driving experience, they add to the appeal for fans who want to enhance the look and feel of their coupe.

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