We’re accustomed to seeing some wild creations from the parents at Manhart, however this tradition Mercedes-Benz V-Class is not certainly one of them. Say good day to the Manhart V 350, a seven-seat minivan that provides some exterior fizz with a physique equipment, lowered suspension, and a bit extra punch beneath the hood. And no, you’ll be able to’t purchase it in America.
What does Manhart do to this V-Class, particularly? You’ll first discover an AMG aesthetic on the surface. That’s because of the physique equipment from TopCar Design that features a new decrease fascia with massive nook intakes. It appears to borrow closely from crew AMG, however there are many small particulars that add to the makeover. The hood is new, changing the largely flat panel with a double-domed lid. There’s a really refined lip spoiler on the fascia, and upgraded LED lights.
The 1970 Ford XY Falcon GT, found after being stored in a garage for nearly 50 years, sold for $152,000 at auction. This specific model is a rare find, with only about 1,500 units produced. It features a shaker hood scoop, a factory manual transmission, a factory sunroof, and the original 351 cubic-inch (5.8-liter) V8 engine with 300 horsepower. The car, despite being covered in dust and dirt, attracted a high selling price.
The early example of the XY Falcon may have served as a field evaluation vehicle for Ford. The vehicle’s history includes being in the possession of Ford for the first year after its manufacture, then being sold to a Ford employee. Subsequently, it was acquired by its most recent owner, who stored it under a house in 1979 after changing jobs and getting a company car, leading to it being forgotten for decades.
During its time in storage, the exterior of the Falcon sustained damage to the passenger rear door, with subsequent rust spots appearing. However, the interior remains in good condition despite being dirty, and the original jack is still in the trunk. The odometer reads 65,278 miles, but the engine’s condition is unknown.
The XY Falcon is highly coveted among muscle car enthusiasts in Australia and has gained global attention. Its increasing popularity is reflected in the substantial prices collectors are willing to pay for these rare finds. For instance, a 1971 XY Falcon GTHO variant was auctioned for over $1 million, demonstrating the high demand and value placed on these classic cars.
We have seen many Autobahn videos from AutoTopNL, but this one is exceptional for a different reason. While the Audi RS7’s top speed of 200 mph is impressive, it’s the acceleration that is mind-blowing. This RS7 has been heavily modified with 1,040 horsepower by Netherlands-based shop Brex Tuning. An MMS Power Division kit, including new turbos, intercoolers, and an upgraded fuel system, has been installed to achieve this power. The acceleration is so rapid that it goes from 47 mph to 148 mph in just eight seconds.
The second acceleration run from a dead stop claims a 0-62 mph time of 2.8 seconds, reaching 196 mph in just 22.6 seconds. The video claims that the car can reach a top speed of 217 mph. The modded RS7 can be seen reaching the 200-mph barrier midway through the video, ultimately aiming for a top speed of 217 mph.
If you’re not up for driving a 1,000-hp Audi, the stock RS7 is no slouch either. It comes with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 offering 621 hp in Performance trim, with a 0-60 mph time of around 3.0 seconds.
Converting classic cars into electric vehicles is becoming increasingly popular. The team at ECD Automotive Design in Florida recently converted the Jaguar E-Type into an elegant electric roadster. Even classic Bentleys and Phantoms have received the EV treatment in recent months. Now a shop in Texas is joining the trend with a stunning Mercedes-Benz 280SL EV conversion.
The Moment Motor Company in Austin is producing a limited run of 280SL EVs as part of its “Signature” series of classic car conversions. Each build incorporates a 400-volt powertrain with a three-phase permanent magnet electric motor and a 62.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack, delivering 300 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque – nearly double the original SL’s factory offering. The estimated total driving range is 175 miles.
This upgrade also includes modern features such as power steering, power brakes, heating, and air conditioning to provide a more contemporary driving experience. Even the chrome gauges have been updated with a “kilowatt” meter and a range estimate, all while maintaining the classic Mercedes-Benz look and adding modern touches.
“Our builds respect the integrity and design of the original vehicle while integrating the enjoyable, exciting exhilaration of EV power in a safe manner,” says Moment founder Marc Davis.
Naturally, these beauties come at a hefty price. Moment is asking $135,000 solely for the conversion – the donor Mercedes is not included. They have partnered with Unique Cars Of Palm Beach, a company that can help source a turn-key example for approximately $250,000. However, since each car is customized, prices are likely to increase with additional options.
Across the pond in Europe, scooters are extremely popular, especially for folks shuttling in and around town. Their compact dimensions, ample storage space, and affordable price tags make them much more practical options than cars, and even more so than standard motorcycles. Among the top-selling small-displacement models are, unsurprisingly, from Honda, in the form of the Forza series which comes in 125 and 350 flavors.
The Forza 125 and 350 have been updated for the 2024 model-year, but their updates are pretty much confined to mild styling revisions in the form of color updates. There are also some changes to the bodywork, with new chiseled dual-headlights, and angular fairings inspired by the bigger Forza 750 touring scooter. In terms of amenities, Honda doesn’t hesitate to provide a lot of features such as an electronically adjustable screen, a USB Type-C charging socket, underseat storage space that’s big enough for two full-face helmets, and even Smart Key operation.
From a performance standpoint, the Forza 350 gets a 330cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine pumping out about 29 horsepower and 23.3 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the Forza 125 complies with A1 restrictions, and gets a 125cc single-cylinder engine with 14.7 horsepower and nine pound-feet of torque. For added safety, both models come equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which is really just a fancy name for traction control.
For the 2024 model-year, the Forza 125 will be offered in a new Pearl Sienna Red colorway. There’s also the Forza 125 Special Edition, which sets itself apart with a Matt Cynos Gray Metallic motif, gets contrasting red wheels, saddle stitching, dial surrounds, logos, and blacked-out passenger pegs. Meanwhile, the Forza 350 will be offered in two new colorways consisting of Pearl Nightstar Black and Matt Pearl Cool White.
Apart from updates to the Forza 125 and 350, Honda has also rolled out new color options for the ADV 350 in Europe. Now, this adventure-style scooter follows in the footsteps of its bigger sibling, the X-ADV 750, which first hit the scene in 2016. The ADV 350, launched in Europe for the 2022 model-year, is praised for its versatility, rugged styling, and practical performance. It’s powered by the same 330cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine in the Forza 350, and dishes out 29 ponies and 23.3 pound-feet of torque.
The adventure-style scooter is underpinned by a robust tubular steel frame and beefy 37mm inverted front forks. Rear suspension duties are handled by remote reservoir rear shocks. Like the two other scooters, the ADV 350 also gets HSTC, as well as commuter-focused amenities like a Type-C charger, and underseat storage good for two helmets. Premium goodies include an LCD dashboard and a height-adjustable windscreen.
As folks in the United States enjoy a long holiday weekend, consider for a moment what the world was like almost 29 years ago as this MotorWeek retro video returns us to the 1995 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It opened to the public on January 7, promising a glimpse into the future of motoring.
Simmer on that thought as we give you a quick summary of what was happening in Motown back then. The 1996 Ford Taurus debuted in all its jellybean glory, featuring more curves and oval shapes than a full season of NASCAR. It was as bold a design move as the first-generation Taurus was a decade prior, but with the benefit of hindsight, we know the risk did not pay off. A quick facelift for 2000 couldn’t help the former best-selling sedan, and a second update in 2004 merely prolonged its suffering. The nameplate was awkwardly revived in 2009 as part of the Ford Five Hundred’s facelift, but alas, the Taurus never reclaimed its former glory.
That was arguably the big debut for the show, but it wasn’t the only reveal by far. A new-generation Dodge Caravan flew into the show, and we mean that literally. Dodge had quite the display set up for the minivan, which boasted new styling and rear seats that were easily removable – a big deal for the day. It was joined by upscale Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country variants, none of which exist today. There was at least one accurate prediction for the future, however. General Motors launched four-door versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs.
What about concepts? Some might call the ’90s a golden age for such vehicles, where even a minivan could get some cool cred. Ford’s SHOstar concept plugged the epic 220-horsepower Yamaha-sourced 3.0-liter V6 from the Taurus SHO under the hood of a Windstar. It never entered production, but the front-wheel-drive van did get a SHO-like intake manifold for its 3.8-liter V6, making 200 hp from 1996 through 1998.
The big concept news for 1995, however, was undoubtedly the Ford GT90. We recently waxed poetic about this car, packing a big V12 with edgy styling that pointed towards the future. The actual Ford GT we got a few years later didn’t have a V12, nor did it have much in the way of sharp lines. But other FoMoCo machines did get sharper. The SN95 Ford Mustang facelift in 1999 even garnered the name New Edge. Other Ford concepts included the two-seat Lincoln L2K and the Triton pickup, the latter of which was a thinly veiled preview of the 10th-generation F-150.
The Blue Oval certainly had a big presence in Detroit, but there was much more happening at the show. Oldsmobile showcased its updated Bravada SUV and the Antares concept, a snazzy sedan that lent its influence to the 1997 Oldsmobile Intrigue. Acura yanked the roof off the first-generation NSX and previewed the CL with the CL-X concept. The Plymouth Backpack concept looked like a weird Suzuki X90. The Eagle Jazz was a sleek sedan concept that never came to fruition, nor did the 1930s-themed Chrysler Atlantic.
This Porsche 944 was abandoned in a field for 15 years and lined up for the scrapyard, but the team at WD Detailing decided to rescue the car from its outdoor resting place and give it a second chance at life, documenting the entire process for us to see.
The process was not easy for the WD team. It took no fewer than three hours to dig the car out from the field it was sitting in, as all the wheels were locked in place. Once the car was back in the workshop, work began to clear the years-long buildup of grime caked to the exterior, including the paint, glass, and wheels. Seeing the power washer remove the dirt to reveal the 944’s bright champagne color is immensely satisfying.
The WD Detailing team used clay bar and polish on the paint after washing. Unfortunately, much of the clear coat on the hood is gone from sitting in the sun for so long, but the finish on places like the sides and roof really stands out after some effort.
The 944’s interior was equally dirty, with mold and debris on the seats and carpet. The WD team quickly rid the car of the dirt, using compressed air to release the dirt before vacuuming it all away. They even removed the carpeting and gave it a thorough wash.
WD Detailing plans to remove the engine from this Porsche for another 944 project they have that’s in need of a motor. It’s unclear what the team plans to do with this freshly detailed shell, however. It would be a shame to discard it after making it look so good. We hope it ends up in a good home.
Pay attention, because you might not witness a drag race like this again. We’re not talking about Mustang versus Camaro and Challenger at the drag strip – you’ll see that again and again. But, the days of new three-way races are limited. If these nameplates reunite in the future, there likely won’t be a V8 soundtrack accompanying the action.
This realization brings tears to Jason Cammisa’s eyes. We’re talking about big tears here, enough to make his mascara run like the lifespan of the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro in this new Hagerty video. Production for both models will end very soon, and to mark the occasion, a dramatic Cammisa lines up the trio for one more naturally aspirated romp down the quarter-mile. And it’s a good one.
The skilled team at Manhart Performance has once again worked their magic. At first glance, the BMW M2 Competition you see here may not appear too unusual, aside from the prominent rear wing and eye-catching graphics. However, a closer look through the windows reveals segments of a roll cage. And when a car has a cage, you know there’s a good reason for it.
In this case, there are 715 reasons. That’s the amount of horsepower you’ll find under the hood of this modified F87 BMW M2, known as the MH2 700. If this sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve witnessed a previous creation from Manhart, the MH2, which featured their iconic black and gold livery. However, that version “only” generated 630 hp from its 3.0-liter I6 engine with added boost. The new MH2 700 is a whole different beast. The engine has received unspecified reinforcements, which the tuner claims are robust enough to handle an astonishing 1,200 horsepower.
The Hoonigan crew has taken their racing off-road with a new 1,000-foot dirt track filled with jumps, whoops, and hills. In the first video of this series, we witness a drag race that is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The race starts off with a monstrous 1937 Ford dubbed “Flyboy” by its owner, Devon Villeneuve. This beast is equipped with massive tractor tires, towering suspension components, and a 9.0-liter Chevrolet V8 engine topped with a supercharger. Running on alcohol, it churns out an incredible 1,600 to 1,800 horsepower. It’s safe to say that this truck is absolutely insane.
In comparison, the Chevrolet Silverado Prerunner appears tamer with its tube chassis construction. Built by Kenny Falconer, this pickup features a turbocharged LS V8 engine that produces 615 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque to the wheels. Though it doesn’t sit as high as the monster truck, it is designed to tackle any terrain with ease.
The racing action is absolutely thrilling. Following the rules of “This vs. That,” the competition consists of a best-of-three series starting with a heads-up race. Don’t let the monster truck’s early lead discourage you, as the Prerunner has its own surprises in store.
We won’t spoil the results for you, but let’s just say that each race is incredibly close. Both trucks demonstrate unique strengths and weaknesses throughout different sections of the course. This promises an exciting future for this gritty series.
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