Motorsport

Ford Mustang V6 Owner Doesn’t Need A V8 After Four Years Of Driving

The Ford Mustang S550 – the sixth generation of the pony car – made its debut in 2014 with a selection of three engines – a 3.7-liter V6, a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-pot, and a 5.0-liter V8. However, for the 2018 model, Ford decided to discontinue the Cyclone V6, leaving the sports coupe with just two engine options. While some may argue that the V6 has certain compromises compared to the more powerful V8, others believe that it strikes the perfect balance between the base unit and the thirsty Coyote 5.0.

One Mustang owner holds strong to the belief that there’s no need to opt for the more expensive Mustang GT, as the 3.7 V6 is more than sufficient for everyday driving. In a new 20-minute video, he shares his detailed ownership experience after four years and 60,000 miles of driving. Overall, he has mostly positive things to say about his blue 2016 Mustang 3.7 V6, while also noting a few negatives.


Motorsport

Opel Rocks E-Xtreme: A Unique Electric Buggy Designed by a Student

In August 2021, Opel released the Opel Rocks-e, a micro electric vehicle designed for city use. It was essentially a rebranded version of the Citroen Ami and was touted as the world’s first Sustainable Urban Mobility EV. In less than a year, Opel expanded the Rocks-e lineup by introducing a cargo version of the vehicle. Now, they have unveiled another addition to the lineup, but this time it’s not a regular production model.

The Rocks e-Xtreme is a one-off prototype that will not be mass-produced. This unique concept was created by Opel, based on the design of Lukas Wenzhöfer, a design student who won the #OpelDesignHack contest. Opel had promised to bring the winner’s project to life, and they have truly lived up to their promise by turning this radical electric buggy into a reality.


Motorsport

Hyundai Ioniq 7 Shows Vertical Lights In New Spy Shots

The Hyundai Concept Seven, showcased at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, is an electric sport utility vehicle that is part of the Ioniq brand. Originally a showcar, it has now moved on to the prototype stage. Recently, a heavily camouflaged test vehicle was spotted in Germany, indicating that Hyundai is progressing with the development of this three-row SUV. It will be related to the Kia EV9 and the upcoming Genesis GV90.

The concept vehicle had an impressive wheelbase of 3.2 meters (126 inches), suggesting that the production model may be slightly larger than the EV9. To put it in perspective, the Kia EV9 has a wheelbase of 3.1 meters (122 inches) and an overall length of 5.01 meters (197.2 inches). The size of the rear doors suggests that the Ioniq 7 will offer a spacious interior with generous legroom, especially considering it is built on a dedicated electric car platform with a flat floor.


BMW

34th BMW International Open: Hillier leads, 13 German players continue into the weekend

+++ 24-year-old Daniel Hillier (-9) from New Zealand holds the lead heading into the weekend +++ Marcel Schneider and Marc Hammer (both -6) are the top German players, tied for fourth place +++ Joost Luiten (NED) records the second hole-in-one of the tournament ++ “Eagles for Education”: the number of eagles reaches 38 +++ Tee times for Saturday +++


Munich. The second round of the BMW International Open at the Golfclub München Eichenried was filled with two important questions. How would the players handle the gusty conditions, and who would make the cut? Michael Hirmer (GER) and Joost Luiten (NED) proved it was still possible to post a good score, both finishing with 66 strokes for the best results of the day. Luiten impressed with a hole-in-one on the eighth hole using a 6 iron from 185 meters, making it the second hole-in-one of the tournament, following Takumi Kanaya of Japan’s achievement at the 12th hole yesterday. However, no hole-in-one has been recorded on the 17th yet, which means the Hole-in-One Prize, a fully-electric BMW i5, is still up for grabs.

Daniel Hillier (NZL, -9) shot a 67 to claim the top spot on the leaderboard, followed by Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen from Denmark (-8), who also carded a round of -5 in his debut tournament on the DP World Tour. Luiten (-7) is in third place heading into the weekend.

Hillier feels completely comfortable during his week at the BMW International Open, not just because of his position. “From the hospitality to the course conditions, everything is just amazing here at the BMW International Open. And the infrastructure to accommodate all the spectators is awesome, you almost get a Major feeling here,” said the New Zealander.

Just one stroke behind, Marc Hammer and Marcel Schneider are among the players tied for fourth place at 6 under par. The two highest-ranked German players have their sights set on the top of the leaderboard and are well-positioned for the weekend. Marcel Siem (-5) should also not be discounted, as he played an impressive round of 68 today.

Schneider attributed his good results to playing in front of a crowd. “I love to play in front of the people: the more that come out, the better it is for me. I’m really enjoying it and it gives me an extra push. I hope that the weekend will see just as many spectators out there, or even a few more than in the first two rounds.”

German golf fans have 13 home players to look forward to on the weekend. Hammer, Schneider, and Siem will be joined by Max Schmitt (-4), Hurly Long (-3), Thomas Rosenmüller (-2), Matti Schmid (-2), Philipp Mejow (-1), Max Kieffer (-1), Michael Hirmer (-1), Jannik de Bruyn (even par), Velten Meyer (even par), and Jonas Baumgartner (AM, even par), all of whom made the cut.

The pros recorded a total of 16 eagles on their Friday scorecards, bringing the overall total to 38. For each eagle at the BMW International Open, the BMW Group will donate 1,000 Euros to the “JOBLINGE” and “Kick ins Leben” organizations, recognizing their longstanding cooperation with the BMW Group in promoting fair opportunities and educational equality.

Hoatong Li (CHN, +13) will not be able to defend his title as last year’s winner, missing the cut. German players Nicolai von Dellingshausen (+1), Nick Bachem (+1), Sebastian Heisele (+3), Freddy Schott (+4), Tim Wiedemeyer (AM, +4), Anton Albers (+5), Alex Cejka (+10), and Alexander Knappe (+11) also didn’t make the cut.

Pierre Pineau (FRA) and Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN) withdrew due to injury on Friday, while Oliver Hundebøll (DEN) was disqualified after signing an incorrect scorecard.

The third round of the BMW International Open at the Golfclub München Eichenried will begin on Saturday at 7:15 am. The PDF document (“Tee times”) contains an overview of all tee times and groups.

You can find the current scores, more information about the BMW International Open, and a livestream at www.bmw-golfsport.com

Volkswagen

Powerful, innovative and agile: the new Touareg R eHybrid is now available to order

Volkswagen has started pre-sales for the new Touareg R eHybrid, which is the flagship model of the premium series. This SUV is a plug-in hybrid with the most powerful drive system among all standard Volkswagen models. It comes with an optimized suspension setup, advanced high-tech systems, and serves as the top-of-the-line electric SUV model for the Volkswagen brand. The revamped Touareg R has undergone significant changes to its front and rear design, offers a more comfortable interior, and features an even more user-friendly Innovision Cockpit. The prices for this model start at €93,870.

Peter Jost, the Head of Marketing & Sales at Volkswagen R, the premium performance brand of Volkswagen, says: “The Touareg R eHybrid is our top model. It offers exceptional performance, travel comfort, driving dynamics, and customizable equipment that no other model can match. Additionally, it impresses with its off-road capabilities and can tow up to 3.5 tonnes, making it the perfect vehicle for demanding tasks.”

Superior drive system, new suspension generation. The new Touareg R eHybrid is equipped with a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder turbocharged engine and an electric drive motor, offering a system output of 340 kW (462 PS) and torque of 700 Nm. This power enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h. The Touareg R eHybrid also features a roof load sensor connected to the suspension electronics, and the suspension and control systems have been further improved to provide greater stability and precision in dynamic and comfort-oriented driving situations.

Numerous innovations – standard and optional. The premium model comes with several standard highlights, including the enhanced Innovision Cockpit featuring a central touchscreen with a 15-inch display. It also boasts the new IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights, which utilize more than 38,000 interactive LEDs to project a light carpet onto the driving lane, resulting in precise road illumination. Another optional high-tech feature available for the Touareg R eHybrid is the Park Assist Pro, which enables remote-controlled parking via a smartphone (using the Volkswagen App) and can maneuver the vehicle in tight parking spaces.

Furthermore, the Touareg R eHybrid includes the following standard features:

  • Differentiated design in Black Style for a sporty appearance (including R-specific front bumper inserts, black tailpipes, and glossy black roof rails)
  • Blue brake calipers with R logo
  • Illuminated VW logo in the rear
  • R logo projection via exterior mirror housings as surround lighting
  • Blue accents in the interior
  • Leather seats in the Vienna design with Crystal Grey stitching (optional sustainable Puglia leather with blue stitching)
  • 21-inch “Leeds” alloy wheels combined with air suspension
  • Sill panel moldings with illuminated R logo
  • Vehicle key with leather-covered cap and R logo
  • Panoramic sliding sunroof
  • 4-zone air conditioning system

Upon request, the flagship model can be equipped with additional 21-inch and 22-inch alloy wheels. In addition to the traditional Lapiz Blue metallic R color, the Touareg R eHybrid is also available in the optional matt paintwork, Silicon Grey matt.

All figures refer to the German market.

RollsRoyce

Rolls-Royce Announces Global Dealer Awards

  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents its annual Global Dealer Awards to dealer partners from across its worldwide network
  • The awards recognize outstanding contribution to the marque’s success during 2022
  • Categories reflect a range of business objectives and achievements
  • Global Dealer Awards complemented by a range of Regional Awards

“Our dealer partners are an integral part of our worldwide Rolls-Royce family: it is impossible to overstate the crucial role that they play in our global success. Their local knowledge and insights, professional expertise and hyper-personalized client engagement is central to the experience we offer our clients as a true House of Luxury. It is with enormous pleasure that I present these awards, which recognize and celebrate our dealer partners’ outstanding achievements and invaluable contribution in 2022. My sincere thanks and congratulations to all the winners whose unstinting commitment inspires greatness in us all.”
Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Director of Sales and Brand, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents its annual World Dealer Awards today in a series of virtual and in-person events.

The awards recognize and celebrate individual dealer partners’ outstanding contribution to the marque’s worldwide success in 2022. Global awards are presented in categories based on a range of business objectives and achievements, together with a number of regional awards.

The global awards, presented by Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Director of Sales and Brand, Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars, were as follows:

  • Global Dealer of the Year (joint winners):

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Philadelphia
  • Sales Dealer of the Year:

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Beijing Jinbaojie
  • Ownership Services Dealer of the Year:

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars AGMC
  • Provenance Dealer of the Year:

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Tokyo
  • Bespoke Dealer of the Year:

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Munich
  • Whispers Dealer of The Year Award:

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Brisbane
  • Social Media Award:

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Hangzhou

The awards reflect a momentous performance in 2022, which saw the marque deliver for the first time in its history more than 6,000 motor cars in a single 12-month period. It was also a landmark year for Bespoke commissions, with some truly magnificent, imaginative and technically audacious creations created by the Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Renews Commitment to Rebelle Rally for 2023

  • Fielding six competition teams with twelve participants in this year’s event
  • Once again, the presenting sponsor of the event’s Live Webcast

PLANO, Texas (June 23, 2023) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has announced that it will continue to support the Rebelle Rally, the premier women-only, off-road navigation rally. In 2023, Toyota will have a total of 12 participants forming six teams to compete in the event, doubling the number from last year. The Toyota representatives will be selected from various areas of the company, including CALTY Design, Manufacturing, Production Engineering, and Research and Development. Additionally, Toyota will once again serve as the presenting sponsor of the live webcast of the event.

Kristen Tabar, the group vice president of Advanced Mobility Research and Development at Toyota Motor North America, commented, “This event is important to us and provides a great opportunity for the women in our company. The Rebelle Rally is a unique and empowering experience that aligns with our values of pushing boundaries, learning by doing, and fostering a supportive and inclusive culture. We believe that our team members will not only have fun and learn from this adventure, but also bring back valuable insights and skills to their work and teams.”

The Rebelle Rally is an eight-day endurance event that will take place from October 12-21, 2023. It covers over 2,000 kilometers of challenging terrain in the deserts of California and Nevada. The rally stands out because competitors are required to navigate using only a map and compass, without the use of GPS or electronic devices.

As a Silver Sponsor and the Presenting Sponsor of Rebelle Rally’s Live Webcast for the second year in a row, Toyota will support the broadcast of the event on the rally’s website, YouTube, and Facebook. The coverage will include reviews of the format, standings, competitor interviews, live updates from the course, highlights, and a behind-the-scenes look at team planning and strategy.

Lisa Materazzo, the group vice president of Toyota Division Marketing at Toyota Motor North America, said, “We are excited to renew our commitment to Rebelle Rally and continue as the Silver Sponsor and the official Presenting Sponsor of the Live Webcast. This sponsorship allows us not only to showcase our exceptional Toyota trucks but also to support the remarkable endeavors of our team members. It is an honor to be associated with such an empowering event, and we are eager to contribute to an unforgettable experience.”

To follow Toyota’s teams and track their progress along with other participants as they navigate the challenging desert terrain, visit www.rebellerally.com/live.

More details about the Toyota teams participating in Rebelle Rally will be announced at a later date.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for over 65 years and is dedicated to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through its Toyota and Lexus brands, as well as its network of more than 1,800 dealerships.

In North America, Toyota directly employs over 48,000 people who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks across 13 manufacturing plants. Starting in 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will produce automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. As the automaker with the most electrified vehicles on the road, Toyota currently offers 22 electrified options.

Through its Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights how it partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address society’s most pressing mobility challenges. Toyota believes that when people have the freedom to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

About Rebelle Rally

The Rebelle Rally is the longest competitive off-road rally in the United States. Covering over 2,500 kilometers through Nevada and California’s iconic terrain, it is an endurance competition for women that emphasizes precision driving and navigation rather than speed. The competition is innovative and unique, using maps, compasses, roadbooks, and strategies in the Rebelle Format. GPS and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited. As a remote and off-grid event for eight competition days, the Rebelle Rally serves as a proving ground for people, products, and stock manufacturer vehicles.

To learn more, visit www.rebellerally.com.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Racing Driver Ken Gushi On His Love of Drift

Ken Gushi is a racing driver for Team Toyota and a well-known figure in the world of Formula Drift. He has been driving for the series for as long as it has been in the United States, and he has always been behind the wheel of a Toyota.

Gushi expresses his excitement about being partnered with Toyota, stating that it is a dream come true for him. He grew up watching his father race the AE86 Corolla, and his family has always owned Toyota cars. Being able to represent Toyota as an athlete and share his story is something that still makes him feel good even after 15 years.

Gushi, who was born in Japan and now lives in Southern California, competes in Formula Drift with a Toyota GR Supra. He developed his love for drifting at a young age, learning to drive in his father’s Toyota AE86 when he was only 13 years old.

Despite coming from a family with limited financial resources, Gushi’s determination and talent led him to become the youngest competitor in the D1 Grand Prix and Formula Drift championships at the age of 16. He firmly believes that there is no dream too big to pursue.

Throughout his more than a decade-long partnership with Toyota, Gushi has become one of the most recognizable figures in drifting and has played a crucial role in the sport’s growth. He attributes his success to the support he has received from fans and the dedicated team members who have been with him throughout his journey.

Ken Gushi, Moty’s / Three’s Racing Toyota GR86

The Drift Difference

Drifting is a unique form of racing in which drivers maneuver their cars through a marked course while deliberately sliding sideways at high speeds. Unlike other motorsports that focus on speed or time, drifting is judged based on the execution and style of the slides.

In a Formula Drift event, drivers compete in tandem battles in a single-elimination bracket format. The drivers are ranked and placed into a bracket based on their qualifications, determining the pairs for the competition. Each driver competes one-on-one against another, and they are judged on their ability to complete the course with a high angle while maintaining fluidity and forward momentum.

Although drifting originated in Japan, Formula Drift is the first official drifting series in North America, established in 2003. Gushi has been involved in drifting for over 17 seasons and has witnessed the growth of the sport in the United States from its early days. He started his professional career in 2004, competing in the inaugural Formula Drift Championship in the U.S.

For Gushi, drifting is not just a job but a hobby that he is fortunate enough to get paid for. He feels a sense of accomplishment and joy when participating in the sport.

A Series Leader

Gushi has achieved multiple top-three finishes in the Formula Pro Championship standings throughout his career. His first victory was in 2005, which he remembers as a significant accomplishment and a moment of great happiness.

In 2019, as the owner-driver for Ken Gushi Motorsports, he finished 11th in the final standings and secured his first victory since 2005 in the series finale at Irwindale Speedway. His most recent win was in Salt Lake City in 2022.

During the Irwindale event, Gushi began the race in second position with his Toyota 86 and advanced to the Final Four after competing against several other drivers. In the final series, he faced a tough battle but ultimately emerged as the winner at the “House of Drift” in front of his home crowd. The victory holds a special place in his heart and is a moment he will never forget.

PeugeotUk

Peugeot Opens Orders for New 508 and New 508 SW

Peugeot has started accepting orders for the new 508, 508 SW, and 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered models. These models come with updated exterior and interior designs, new technologies, and simplified trim options. The prices for the new 508 range start at £34,020 OTR MRRP, while the Peugeot Sport Engineered variants start at £53,825. Deliveries are expected to begin in September.

The new Peugeot 508 range features various updates in exterior and interior styling that incorporate the latest Peugeot design developments. The front now boasts an extended grille with the Peugeot shield, body-colored accents on Allure and GT variants, and a black grille for a more aggressive look in the Peugeot Sport Engineered models.

Peugeot has also upgraded the front and rear lighting for all new 508 variants. Matrix LED headlights with the iconic 3-claw signature are now standard across all models, and the rear lights feature new Full 3D lights with the same signature and scrolling direction indicators.

The design update includes the introduction of two new wheel designs. Allure models offer 17-inch ‘MERION’ wheels with a new finish, and GT models come with 18-inch ‘EPHERRA’ wheels. Additionally, GT models offer 19-inch ‘AUGUSTA’ wheels as an option. The color options have expanded with the addition of three new metallic paints: Eclipse Blue, Titane Grey, and Okenite White. Selenium Grey, previously exclusive to the Peugeot Sport Engineered versions, is now available throughout the range.

Interior styling updates

Several changes have been made to the interior design of the new 508. Allure models now include a new half-leather trim with ‘Falgo’ cloth and ‘Quartz’ stitch detail. GT models feature a half-leather trim with Alcantara® and ‘Aikinite’ stitching. The optional ‘Mistral Black Nappa Leather’ seats now have the new Peugeot shield embossed on the front seat headrests. The steering wheel in all new 508 variants now also showcases the new Peugeot shield, and GT variants have PEUGEOT lettering on the front door sills.

Technology

One major update across the new 508 range is that every variant now comes standard with the Peugeot i-Connect® Advanced infotainment and 3D Connected Navigation. The 10-inch HD touchscreen can be fully customized, like a tablet, with eight individual driver and passenger profiles. The voice recognition command, “OK Peugeot,” enhances safety and convenience. The driver instrument cluster features a new design inspired by the new 308 and 408 range, and a new e-Toggle replaces the previous gear selector. PLUG-IN HYBRID variants offer an additional control to adjust the level of regenerative braking. The new 508 models also include upgrades in cameras, connectivity, and charging options.

Simplified trim line-up

Along with the model updates, Peugeot has simplified the trim line-up for both the new 508 and 508 SW. The models are now available in Allure, GT, and Peugeot Sport Engineered variants, making it easier for customers to choose the right model for their needs.

The prices for the new 508 start at £34,020 OTR MRRP, while the new 508 SW models start at £35,220 OTR MRRP. The high-performance Peugeot Sport Engineered models start at £53,825 OTR MRRP for the Fastback and £55,025 OTR MRRP for the SW.

New 508 Pricing

TRIM

ENGINE

OTR MRRP

ALLURE

1.2L PureTech 130 EAT8

£34,020

PLUG-IN HYBRID 225 e-EAT8

£43,640

GT

1.2L PureTech 130 EAT8

£36,670

PLUG-IN HYBRID 225 e-EAT8

£46,290

PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED

PLUG-IN HYBRID4 360 e-EAT8 4WD

£53,825

New 508 SW Pricing

TRIM

ENGINE

OTR MRRP

ALLURE

1.2L PureTech 130 EAT8

£35,220

PLUG-IN HYBRID 225 e-EAT8

£44,840

GT

1.2L PureTech 130 EAT8

£37,870

PLUG-IN HYBRID 225 e-EAT8

£47,490

PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED

PLUG-IN HYBRID4 360 e-EAT8 4WD

£55,025
Car review

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N prototype

Hyundai is keeping a lot of details about its first electric performance car, the Ioniq 5 N, under wraps. This includes information on price, power, torque, weight, battery size, and even how some of the modes work.

However, after driving the car extensively on both road and track, it’s clear that Hyundai’s N division, known for producing engaging hot hatches, has fully embraced the electric era. The Ioniq 5 N delivers a fun and exciting driving experience like no other electric vehicle I’ve ever encountered.

The Ioniq 5 N is a big and tall crossover that has been reinforced in certain areas, similar to what N did with the i20. It features new suspension subframes and unique kinematics, including enhanced camber, quicker steering, a reinforced steering rack, and four-wheel drive with motors at each end. The car also has the ability to divert power as desired by the driver. Other notable features include 235/35 R21 Pirelli P Zero tires, the largest front brake discs ever fitted by Hyundai (measuring 400mm), and improved battery cooling. N aims to make this car suitable for track driving, with a 20-minute drive and 15-minute charging capability.

In terms of driving modes, the Ioniq 5 N offers a wide range of options. It combines the numerous driving-mode combinations found in the i30 N with all the capabilities of a four-wheel drive electric vehicle, including torque-vectoring and adjustable front-to-rear power distribution. The car even features synthetic engine noises, including one that mimics an internal combustion engine, along with a simulated tachometer and gearshift via steering-mounted paddles. An engineer sitting beside the driver prevented the use of the drift mode during the drive, highlighting that the Ioniq 5 N offers more than just silliness. It provides exceptional dynamic performance. This car represents a significant advancement in the fun and enjoyment of electric vehicles, far exceeding what was possible in the previous year’s big EV handling test. While the Kia EV6 GT finished third in that test, the Ioniq 5 N has raised the bar by delivering genuine performance-car capabilities.

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