Tag Archives: successor

New Lexus Trademark Filing Indicates Possible Return of the LFA

In late 2021, Lexus announced plans to develop a successor to the iconic LFA. While it is still a few years away, a recent trademark filing suggests that the luxury brand is furthering its intentions for this new model. Toyota Motor Corporation has filed a new trademark application for the “LFA” word mark with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

It is too early to know for certain what name Lexus will give to its upcoming supercar. When it was first teased nearly two years ago, it was referred to as the Lexus Electrified Sport, which is not particularly thrilling. LFA seems like a more fitting name, but the recent trademark filing could also be a proactive measure from Toyota to safeguard its intellectual property. Lexus may ultimately decide not to use the LFA name again.

Honda to introduce three concepts, including electric sports cars

Honda is set to unveil three new concept cars at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, one of which is a potential electric successor to the Honda NSX.

The first concept, called the Specialty Sports Concept, will showcase an electric sports car that aims to deliver an exhilarating driving experience, even in the era of electrification and automated driving technology.

This suggests that Honda is prioritizing raw driving performance rather than filling the car with driver aids. More details about this concept will be revealed at the show on October 25th.

Last year, Honda announced that the NSX would make a comeback as one of two future sports cars in its lineup of over 30 electric vehicles.

In addition to the electric sports car concept, Honda will also reveal a small electric car named the Sustainia-C and a two-seat micro-pod EV called the CI-MEV.

The Sustainia-C appears to take design inspiration from the Honda E electric supermini and aims to prove that cars can be sustainable without relying on precious, limited resources.

Autocar magazine 13 September: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we discover the successor to the Lotus Carlton, test drive the new Tesla Model 3, and provide insights into becoming a motoring journalist.

News

Lotus continues its reinvention by introducing the Emeya, an electric sports saloon with 905bhp designed to compete with the Porsche Taycan and Lucid Air.

Peugeot unveils the new e-3008, a key player in the revolutionary Stellantis architecture that will underpin millions of cars each year.

Mini is set to release the next-generation Cooper hatch as part of their simplified lineup during a major overhaul of their offerings.

We also have news on Toyota’s hydrogen-powered Hilux with a range of 360 miles and Mercedes’ new Tesla Model 3 competitor.

Reviews

The Toyota CH-R, a huge success in Europe, gets an update that we test in Belgium to see its improvements.

Mercedes introduces the CLE Coupe as a stylish replacement for the C-Class and E-Class coupes, and we evaluate if it truly brings together the best of both worlds.

We examine the updated Tesla Model 3 to determine if it lives up to its predecessor’s success by offering increased efficiency and refinement.

Additionally, we put the new Mercedes GLC through its paces to assess its performance after undergoing enhancements.

Features

The Munich motor show makes a comeback this year with a revamped format and impressive debuts. We share our favorite cars and captivating interviews from the event.

If you aspire to be a motoring journalist, our experienced writer Andrew Frankel provides valuable advice on how to pursue this career.

We visit Stellantis’ Ellesmere Port, a factory that was on the brink of closure due to Brexit, but managed to secure a new lease of life with the production of electric vans.

Opinion

Matt Prior addresses his pet peeve and offers insights on why it can be so frustrating. He also delves into the origin of the term ‘supercar’ and reflects on the evolving consumer-friendliness of parking and car hire services.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series In Solarbeam Yellow For Sale

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, a successor to the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, gained attention not only for its distinctive gullwing doors but also for its exceptional performance, elegance, and style. It was the first AMG exclusive model from Mercedes-Benz and was equipped with a powerful 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine.

The Black Series variant of the SLS AMG was specifically designed for track dominance, taking inspiration from the SLS AMG GT3 race car. It boasted an impressive 622 horsepower, accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, and achieved a top speed of 196 mph. Fort Lauderdale Collection South in Fort Lauderdale, Florida currently has one of these exceptional vehicles available for sale.

The car’s standout feature is its vibrant AMG Solarbeam Yellow paintwork, which has become highly sought after by collectors and is famously expensive. The interior is elegantly finished in black, creating a motorsport-inspired aesthetic when paired with the yellow exterior. The interior features a combination of leather and Alcantara materials, mirroring the black accents found on the wheels and various carbon fiber elements throughout the exterior.

If you don’t want to let the chance to own one of the most extreme versions of this legendary modern performance car slip away, you can view the price and listing here.

View Price and Listing

Electric Honda NSX Successor Revealed in Design Study

The highly anticipated successor to the Honda NSX has been previewed as an ‘Electric Vision Design Study’ at Monterey Car Week, according to Acura, Honda’s sibling brand. Three images released by Acura showcase a sleek and low-set coupé with a forward-cab design reminiscent of the mid-engined NSX. The car also features a rear light bar similar to that found on the original NSX. The design closely resembles the silhouette that was revealed in May 2022, when Honda announced its plans to develop a high-end, NSX-inspired model as part of its £31 billion electrification strategy.

Autocar reported in May 2023 that Honda is set to unveil a new sports car to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Tom Gardner, Vice President of Honda Europe, stated that the brand’s identity in Europe will revolve around two words: ‘advanced’ and ‘sporty’. He emphasized Honda’s commitment to incorporating technology that adds value to its customers and expressed enthusiasm for performance-focused vehicles such as the Type R. While Gardner didn’t share specific details about the positioning or powertrain of the new model, he hinted at its imminent reveal and hinted that it could have similar significance to the previous sports car released during a Honda anniversary, the S2000.

Dave Marek, Executive Creative Director of Acura, also confirmed Gardner’s statements by expressing excitement about the future of Acura Precision Crafted Performance in the electric vehicle era. He mentioned that the latest expression of an all-electric high-performance model has inspired their design team to push boundaries, and they wanted to share the excitement with Acura fans.

Acura Electric Vision Design Study silhouette

McLaren Emphasizes the Importance of Lightweight Design for Electric Hypercar, Over Raw Power

While McLaren has seen several hypercars since the P1, the company has yet to introduce a true successor. However, fans can expect another flagship model by 2030. Unlike its predecessors, this new model will not feature a combustion engine. Instead, it will be an all-electric vehicle (EV), similar to the upcoming replacement for the Porsche 918 Spyder.

The CEO of McLaren Automotive, Michael Leiters, recently discussed the company’s plans for its rival to the Porsche Mission X. Notably, Leiters stated that the P1’s electric replacement will not prioritize raw power. Instead, McLaren’s engineers are focusing on reducing the weight penalty caused by the batteries. Leiters stated, “We don’t want to make a car that is 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) and 2,000 hp.” He further explained that while anyone can create a high-power vehicle, McLaren’s philosophy and DNA revolve around lightweight design.

Bugatti Chiron Successor: Everything We Know So Far

Summary

  • The next Bugatti hypercar will have hybrid technology.
  • It will have upgraded dimensions, new features, and a lighter chassis.
  • The Bugatti Chiron successor aims to redefine automotive performance and luxury with a hybrid powertrain.

With Bugatti’s chief designer Achim Anscheidt’s departure, the era of the Bugatti Chiron and Veyron Super Sport comes to a close. The production of the Bugatti Chiron is also ending, but its successor will introduce hybrid technology. The Bugatti Chiron successor will be developed by Bugatti Rimac, a company jointly owned by Bugatti and Rimac, and it will feature a powerful V-8 engine and an electric motor.

The upcoming Bugatti Chiron successor is expected to be spectacular, with upgraded dimensions, cutting-edge technology, unique features, and a leaner chassis. It will retain the iconic Bugatti design elements like the horseshoe grille and C-shaped side bodywork. The transition from the W-16 engine to the V-8 engine will make the car lighter and more agile, promising an enhanced driving experience. The interior will combine elegance and practicality, with modern controls and an advanced infotainment system.

The Bugatti Chiron successor represents a major step towards electrification for the brand. It will combine a gas engine with an electric motor to deliver thrilling acceleration and performance. The hybrid powertrain will also contribute to reduced pollutants and fuel consumption, without compromising on speed. The expected debut year for the Bugatti Chiron successor is 2024, with production starting in 2026. The estimated cost of the hypercar is at least $5 million.

The Bugatti Chiron successor not only continues the legacy of Bugatti but also pushes the boundaries of automotive performance and elegance. The name “Chiron” pays homage to Louis Chiron, a legendary Bugatti racing driver. Like its namesake, the Bugatti Chiron Successor embodies boldness and reinvention. It combines heritage with cutting-edge engineering to create a true masterpiece.+

New Lamborghini Revuelto with 1000bhp Sold Out Until 2026

The highly anticipated successor to the Aventador, the new Lamborghini Revuelto, has already sold out until 2026, according to the company’s CEO Stephan Winkelmann.

This plug-in hybrid supercar is the most powerful Lamborghini ever produced, boasting a new 6.5-litre V12 engine that delivers impressive performance: 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds, 0-124mph in under 7.0 seconds, and a top speed of over 217mph.

The V12 engine is complemented by three electric motors, with one integrated into the gearbox and two at the front powering each wheel, adding a total of 147bhp to the overall power output.

While the addition of electric power is a significant change for Lamborghini’s flagship model, Winkelmann stated that the overwhelming reception of the Revuelto proves that it was a worthwhile risk.

Early buyers, many of whom were existing Aventador customers, were given exclusive access to the Revuelto and were impressed by how the new technology blended seamlessly with the brand’s core values.

According to Winkelmann, “The combination of tradition and innovation is crucial for the success of the Revuelto. Customers were expecting hybridization and another V12, and these two elements came together perfectly. The unmistakable Lamborghini design, along with the engineers’ fantastic work in developing a new V12 despite emission regulations, contributed to the Revuelto’s appeal.”

Former chief technical officer Maurizio Reggiani, who played a key role in the Revuelto’s early development, mentioned that Lamborghini had to work hard to justify keeping the V12 engine amidst the Volkswagen Group’s shift towards downsizing and turbocharging.

As evidence of the strong demand, Winkelmann revealed that the order book for the Revuelto is already filled until 2026 and the technology of hybridization has been well received by both customers and the public.

CURATED Unearths The Hidden “P0” Lamborghini Diablo Prototype

CURATED has recently discovered a unique Lamborghini Diablo prototype known as the Diablo SE30 Prototipo #P0. This particular Diablo is considered one of the most important ever produced and holds significant historical value for Lamborghini.

Originally developed between 1992 and 1997, the Diablo SE30 Prototipo started its life as the X-L30 Prototipo. Designed by renowned car designer Horacio Pagani, this one-off model was created to commemorate Lamborghini’s 30th anniversary and was unveiled to the public in September 1993.

During its development, the Diablo Prototype featured the iconic Purple “Lambo Thirty” paintwork, which has become synonymous with Lamborghini’s anniversary models. It also served as a testing ground for lightweight materials, showcasing Lamborghini’s dedication to innovation in the automotive industry.

According to an unpublished Lamborghini document from 1998, the Diablo SE30 Prototipo #P0 was one of the fastest Diablos ever produced, boasting an impressive 620hp compared to the standard SE30’s power output. This prototype also had unique features such as carbon fiber door panels, a distinctive center console, bespoke wheels and body panels, and rare Lexan windows. It showcased the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries in design and performance.

After almost two decades in hiding, the Diablo SE30 Prototipo #P0 has resurfaced. Its significance lies in its representation of Lamborghini’s rich history, dedication to innovation, and the timeless appeal of their high-performance automobiles.

To view this remarkable Lamborghini Diablo prototype and explore other curated vehicles, you can visit CURATED’s website.

Source: CURATED – Lamborghini Diablo Prototype

Opel Combo Life Spy Photos Capture Van Hiding Refreshed Front Fascia

Opel has undisclosed plans for its new home with Stellantis. The brand’s upcoming Grandland will be an electric vehicle based on the STLA Medium platform, as part of Opel’s goal to become a fully electric brand in the coming years. However, before that transition, Opel is working on updating the Combo Life van, which was recently spotted undergoing changes while camouflaged.

The modifications made by Opel are focused on the front of the van, although they remain hidden beneath a thick cover. The new design features restyled air intakes located on the outer edges of the front bumper and integrated fog lights, all of which can still be identified despite the concealment.