The Audi RS6 Avant Performance and RS7 Performance made their debut in Europe in November 2022. However, these high-performance models are no longer exclusive to European customers. Audi has announced that the RS6 Avant Performance and RS7 Performance will be available in the United States for the 2024 model year. Customers can expect to find them in dealerships starting this fall.
Audi has also revealed the pricing for these highly sought-after models in the US:
Auto enthusiasts around the world love sports cars due to the fact that they are fun and engaging to drive. They are designed for speed and agility and put a smile on the face of anyone who drives them. Sports cars are much more than just a mode of transportation. You don’t drive one just to reach from one point to the destination. It is more about the journey itself. They create a special bond between the driver and the car since they are designed to give the maximum driving pleasure possible.
But European sports cars are quite unique compared to the sports cars from other parts of the world. They have won the hearts of many car enthusiasts, as the driving experience of European sports cars is far more engaging. European manufacturers craft their sports cars with passion, which results in a glorious artistry of performance, style, and engineering excellence. From sleek designs, and enhanced performance to rich heritage and refined interiors, here are the most notable things that you should know about European sports cars.
One of the first things that you should know about European sports cars is that they have exquisite styling mostly done by experienced designers in the automotive industry, resulting in sports cars that look like art. The exterior styling of most European sports cars includes smooth lines and timeless style.
The same goes for the interior components like the seats, steering wheel, dashboard, and so on.
Hence, these cars are visually appealing and include some of the most beautiful sports cars in the world. In fact, the British-made 1961 Jaguar E-type is considered the most beautiful car ever made, according to leading automotive designers. Even their new modern sports car, the F-type, is a very stunning car to look at.
9They Have Rich Heritage
Aston Martin
Front 3/4 of Aston Martin Vantage parked along a shore
European automakers have a rich history of making luxurious, high-performance cars with automotive excellence. So depending on the brand, this legacy is carried out with every generation of sports cars that they produce. The British car manufacturer, Aston Martin, builds sports cars with luxury, utmost performance, and elegance. Porsche is a German car manufacturer renowned for their iconic 911 which is a high-performance sports car focused solely on the pursuit of driving pleasure.
Similarly, another British manufacturer, Lotus, is famous for its light and agile sports cars with marvelous handling capabilities and balanced weight distribution. On top of that, most European manufacturers started building sports cars by focusing on the perfect blend of style, performance, and passion. And to this day, they have maintained this heritage to build exciting new modern sports cars that stand out quite well from the American and Japanese sports car manufacturers.
8Powerful Engine
Porsche
Engine of Porsche 911 in top view
European sports cars are also known for their powerful engines, which may vary from turbocharged four-cylinder engines to V-8 and even a few evocative V-12 engines. No matter the engine configuration, European manufacturers are always successful in extracting the best performance figures possible for their sports cars. They extensively use turbochargers to achieve these amazing performance numbers. As a result, even a low-displacement twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine has a similar power output compared to something like a naturally aspirated American V-8 sports car.
For example, the twin-turbocharged flat-six engine of the German-made 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo can produce up to 473 horsepower whereas, the naturally aspirated V-8 of an American sports car, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette, produces 495 horsepower. Even though the Corvette produces more power with a difference of 22 horsepower, the power output of the 911 is still impressive considering the fact that it has a smaller engine with lesser cylinders.
Front 3/4 of Alfa Romeo 4C driving fast through a twist mountain road
Even though there are many open highways and motorways built in Europe like the infamous Autobahn in Germany, they still have a lot of fun roads up in the Alps. These twisty roads are highly preferred by enthusiasts to drive their sports cars. The European manufacturers also focus on providing the driver with the best handling possible to tackle the fun back roads filled with corners.
So they generally use lightweight body components, high-performance tires, a well-balanced weight distribution, and upgraded suspension on their sports cars. As a matter of fact, many European manufacturers like Porsche, Lotus, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, and BMW are renowned for their creation of great sports cars with superb handling.
6Advanced Engineering
BMW
Static shot of the 2017 BMW i8 Coupe with sunset in the background
The engineers in the European automobile industry are some of the best in the world and come up with the most innovative technologies. So it’s no surprise that European sports cars are also equipped with advanced engineering. These technologies include anything from high-tech braking systems and aerodynamics to numerous ECU or driving modes and safety features.
If you look at the BMW i8, it is still one of the most technologically advanced sports cars due to its sophisticated hybrid technology. Thanks to this, it has also been successful to be included in Top Gear’s list of the greatest sports cars ever made.
5Excellent Build Quality
Audi
Interior of Audi TT with fantastic build quality
European sports car manufacturers pay special attention to detail on the overall build quality of the car. These vehicles go through extensive weather testing on roads as well as tracks to ensure their performance and handling capabilities in these conditions.
Since European automobile manufacturers focus on producing luxurious and stylish sports cars, the cars’ finish of both the interior and the exterior components also has excellent build quality. They use high-quality materials on the interiors, which include various types of leather and synthetic microfiber for the refined finish. Similarly, the exterior panel gaps are also designed and built to the tightest of tolerances.
Whether it’s a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a mighty V-8, European sports cars typically have an exhilarating exhaust note. They have a distinctive sound depending on the engine configurations and brand, which increases the emotional bond between the car and the driver.
Front 3/4 of 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T with skyscrapers in the background
Considering all the above-mentioned characteristics of European sports cars, it’s expected that the they have a higher price tag compared to the Japanese and American sports cars. They are typically more luxurious, use more high-quality components, and have more impressive performance numbers than their Japanese or American rivals.
If you look at the 2023 Porsche 911 and the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette once again, they start at base prices of $107,550 and $65,895 respectively. If you analyze it closely, you are paying almost $42,000 more for a car that makes lesser power and has a smaller engine. But in reality, you are paying the extra amount for the prestige heritage of the European car brand, a more luxurious interior, a more efficient engine for performance, better handling, and better build quality.
2Track Ready
Porsche
Front 3/4 view of the track ready 718 Cayman GT4 RS going fast in a racetrack
The exceptional handling and powerful engines of European sports cars are also well-suited for the track. Their handling and performance capabilities are so good that they can be felt right at home on a racetrack even if they are not equipped with any aftermarket modifications. Since European car manufacturers also have a rich history in motorsports, they implement a few developments from their racing experience on their modern sports cars too.
So they often come with carbon ceramic brakes, advanced aerodynamic components, and track-tuned suspensions to enhance your driving skills on the track. The sports car manufacturers even launch track-focused special edition models with upgraded components of their base sports car to make it even more ready for a racetrack. These upgrades also help in increasing the sales of the sports car models.
Front 3/4 of Lotus Elise 240 Sport Final Edition driving through a twisty country road
You get an extraordinary driving experience when you drive a European sports car. The combination of a beautiful design, powerful engine, luxurious interior, excellent handling, and thrilling exhaust sound results is an unparalleled driving experience. Sports cars are supposed to be fast and fun to drive, but European sports cars take them to a higher level as all their features make you feel really special when you drive them.
They are specifically designed for enthusiasts who love driving fast and agile sports cars with advanced engineering. This is why, the European sports cars have a huge fan base of enthusiasts who appreciate the engineering excellence and the heritage of these brands and consider these sports cars as fine pieces of art.
The next generation of the BMW M5 is entering the practical phase of its development process. The prototypes, though disguised, clearly display their high-performance nature. BMW M GmbH has officially announced that a Touring variant of the new BMW M5 will join its model range in 2024.
The Touring variant, like the sedan, will feature a newly developed partially electrified drive system. This will provide M-typical performance and a finely tuned chassis that enhances driving dynamics and agility. BMW M GmbH sees this as a step towards electrification, with hybrid drive systems being introduced in their high-performance cars.
For nearly 40 years, the BMW M5 has been the epitome of driving dynamics, agility, and precision in the high-performance sedan segment. The BMW M5 has achieved this through evolutionary progress, racing development expertise, and groundbreaking innovations in areas such as drive, suspension, aerodynamics, and lightweight construction.
The new BMW M5 Touring will build upon this legacy, with exciting innovations to deliver an even more exhilarating driving experience.
The first BMW M5 Touring was introduced in 1992, based on the second-generation BMW M5 Sedan. Since then, it has represented a combination of high performance and everyday practicality. In 2007, BMW M GmbH introduced a Touring variant for the fourth-generation BMW M5. The recent successful launch of the BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive further demonstrates the appeal of this special vehicle concept in the premium mid-range segment.
Testing of the new BMW M5 Touring prototypes will commence soon, with various road and track tests planned to ensure an ideal balance between sporting performance and comfort in real-world driving conditions.
BMW M3 Touring: fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 10.4 – 10.1 WLTP; CO2 emissions in g/km combined: 235 – 229 WLTP.
The next generation of the BMW M5 is now in the practical phase of development, with prototypes undergoing test drives on public roads, BMW Group proving grounds, and racetracks globally. BMW M GmbH has also confirmed the addition of a Touring variant to its model range, combining high-performance capabilities with long-distance comfort and spaciousness. Both the sedan and Touring versions will feature a newly developed partially electrified drive system, enhancing driving dynamics and agility. BMW M GmbH is embracing electrification, installing hybrid drive systems in its high-performance cars. For almost 40 years, the BMW M5 has been the benchmark for driving dynamics in high-performance sedans. The new generation aims to push the boundaries even further with innovative technologies. The first BMW M5 Touring was launched in 1992, followed by a Touring variant of the fourth-generation M5 in 2007. The success of the BMW M3 Competition Touring further emphasizes the appeal of this special vehicle concept. Prototypes of the new BMW M5 Touring will undergo testing in urban traffic, country roads, motorways, and even on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife.
BMW M3 Touring: Fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 10.4 – 10.1 WLTP; CO2 emissions in g/km combined: 235 – 229 WLTP.
Law enforcement vehicles have tough lives. While they may spend a lot of time idle, they are often called upon for high-speed pursuits, navigating various terrains, making sharp turns, and performing sudden stops. The tire of the vehicle suffers the most in these situations. Luckily, BFGoodrich has introduced a specially designed, all-season tire that can withstand this kind of punishment.
According to a recent press release by the company, this new tire is one of the best pursuit tires for wet-braking on the market. It can stop up to 21 feet shorter compared to other brands. Kim Kegler, the Brand Director of BFGoodrich Tires, said, “The BFGoodrich Elite-Force T/A tire can respond to emergencies in any condition, whether it’s driving downpours or rough gravel roads. We developed a tire that can handle severe conditions and meet any and every call.”
In creating this tire, BFGoodrich incorporated feedback from law enforcement officers in its design and testing process for the Elite-Force T/A. Major Jason Ramey from the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina provided input, stating, “Wet-traction handling is the most important to me, especially in high-speed situations.”
Aside from its superior wet performance, the BFGoodrich pursuit tires are designed to be 35 percent stronger with a revamped tread pattern for enhanced durability and longer wear life. They are available in various sizes to fit different law enforcement vehicles, whether sedans like the Dodge Charger, SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, or Ford Explorer. Additionally, these tires come with a badge-inspired design on the sidewall or a traditional sidewall for undercover work.
On the internet, you will find numerous videos featuring high-speed chases or other incidents where law enforcement vehicles are pushed to their limits. Recently, we covered a high-speed chase in Arkansas and a wild school bus chase that ended in a cornfield. These situations highlight the importance of purpose-built tires that can withstand heavy abuse.
# See Mercedes G-Class, Jimny, Bronco Enjoy A Day Of Off-Roading 1:18-Scale Style
Boys never grow up, they say, their toys just get bigger, and more expensive. This isn’t completely accurate, however, as many grown boys love small toys. Especially if they have wheels and move like real-life machines. You know what we are talking about – detailed radio-controlled scale models of actual cars. And to the best of our knowledge, every single car enthusiast loves miniature car models.
For a good start to the week, we have a short two-minute video featuring some of the world’s most capable off-roaders in a 1:18 scale. These include the [Mercedes-Benz G-Class](https://www.motor1.com/mercedes-benz/amg-g63/), [Suzuki Jimny](https://www.motor1.com/suzuki/jimny/), [Ford Bronco](https://www.motor1.com/ford/bronco/), [Jeep Wrangler](https://www.motor1.com/jeep/wrangler/), and [Lada Niva](https://www.motor1.com/lada/niva/), with the latter being a heavily modified example. These scale models are part of the 1:18 collection of Nischay Sharma, the guy behind the *Miniature Automobiles* channel on *YouTube*.
The video starts with a silver G-Class in G500 trim, which has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 in its full-scale version. This scale model realistically recreates the G500’s lower suspension which, however, sees no trouble overcoming miniature off-road obstacles.
Next is a modified Lada Niva with no bumpers, a lifted suspension, and grippy tires. There’s additional equipment on the roof and from this short video, this old-school crossover looks to be the most capable of all five models featured.
The Suzuki Jimny isn’t bad either. It shows proper chassis articulation and good skills in the trails and that’s in part thanks to its narrow tires. The Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler represent the American off-road academy with beefier tires and open-top cabins.
While absolutely brilliant, these little off-roaders don’t have the attention to detail Amalgam’s scale models come with. Take for example the [1:4 body replica of the Ferrari 250 GTO](https://www.motor1.com/news/630956/ferrari-250-gto-body-replica-amalgam/), which has been made using traditional coachbuilding methods, including panel-beating techniques for the body like they did in the old days of car manufacturing.
Motorcycles are not just means of transportation, they have also become lifestyle icons. Premium motorcycle brands have collaborated with renowned fashion brands. Vespa partnered with Christian Dior and Ducati with Bulgari, to name a few.
The latest collaboration is between Can-Am and The Shoe Surgeon, a popular sneaker label based in downtown Los Angeles. This collaboration is significant because both Can-Am and The Shoe Surgeon are experts in their respective fields – Can-Am in producing unique three-wheelers like the Can-Am Ryker, and The Shoe Surgeon in creating custom footwear for celebrities like Lebron James and Justin Bieber.
The Can-Am x Shoe Surgeon collaboration is not just about creating stylish three-wheelers and sneakers. It also aims to raise funds against bullying, promoting the theme of inclusivity which Can-Am and its parent company, BRP, have always emphasized. This collaboration could be their biggest initiative yet.
The limited model range consists of three themes, with each theme featuring a custom Can-Am Ryker and a matching pair of high-cut, motorcycle-style sneakers. The first theme focuses on inclusivity, showcasing a variety of leathers in different textures and colors. The Heritage Theme celebrates Can-Am’s 50th anniversary with a sleek and elegant design, featuring textured and exotic materials, and an all-black livery with striking red elements. The Love Theme gives the Ryker a unique appearance with a pink quilted finish on the bodywork, resembling down jackets, and futuristic blacked-out wheel covers.
Editor’s note: Our European colleagues at Motor1 and InsideEVs Italy have all the fun! They teamed up with several brands, including Hot Wheels, to create this very cool car that brings out the kid in all of us. Here’s the story of the Tesla Model 3 Hot Wheels.
If you are an enthusiast of any automotive genre, you likely played with Hot Wheels as a kid. Hell, you might play with Hot Wheels as an adult, and we’re totally on board with that. In fact, we’re so on board that we teamed up with Hot Wheels and other companies to create a car we can actually drive. Behold the Tesla Model 3 Hot Wheels, coming to you in 1:1 scale.
This is the brainchild of our Italian editions for Motor1 and InsideEVs, and it certainly looks like a proper Hot Wheels car. It comes to life with a body wrap using a satin anodized blue base for the background – a proper Hot Wheels shade. Of course there’s a proper Hot Wheels logo along the sides, emblazoned in the classic red flag that spans a majority of the side. The wrap also features lightning bolts and the number 3, reflective of this being an electric Tesla Model 3. Why a Tesla you ask? Because small-scale Hot Wheels cars are silent, just like this large-scale version.
The customization doesn’t stop there. The Tesla Model 3 Hot Wheels rides on 19-inch OZ Racing Superturismo Aero-E wheels. These are specifically designed for high-performance electric cars, and they wear Goodyear F1 tires. And to give the Model 3 a bit more visual punch, it wears a modest carbon-fiber body kit including a spoiler and diffuser at the rear, and a splitter at the front. It’s a special kit that provides additional downforce without compromising the Model 3’s range.
Less than a quarter of UK drivers say they have a good understanding of electric vehicles, according to new research conducted by PEUGEOT UK.
In a recent survey of 2,000 UK motorists*, just 23% rate their understanding of electric vehicles as good or excellent, while 38% believe that their knowledge is poor or very poor. This is despite the fact that there are now almost 1.1 million electrified vehicles on UK roads** as the country moves towards the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
PEUGEOT UK’s latest research reveals significant gaps in the public’s understanding of electric vehicles, with less than half being aware that battery electric vehicles emit zero tailpipe emissions. A surprising 12% also believe that plug-in hybrid cars and electric cars are exactly the same type of vehicle.
Less than a third of respondents know that electric models such as the new PEUGEOT e-2008 can be charged from 0-80% in just 30 minutes from a 100kW rapid charger.
There is also misunderstanding around the electric vehicle charging network, with 70% of respondents saying they find the way different providers operate to be confusing.
The same percentage also finds the language surrounding electric vehicle power, battery capacity and efficiency difficult to understand, with only 31% aware that Kilowatt Hours (kWh) is the unit used to measure battery capacity in EVs.
In contrast, when asked which car powertrain they have the best understanding of, 67% cited petrol and diesel, compared to just 7% who chose electric powertrains.
Generation gap
The research also reveals that young people are more likely to think they have a strong understanding of electric vehicles, with 58% of 18-24-year-olds rating their knowledge as good or excellent. Meanwhile, half of those over 65 rate their understanding of electric vehicles as poor or very poor.
Nearly half (46%) of 18-24-year-olds correctly selected ‘Miles per kWh’ as the unit commonly used to measure efficiency in electric vehicles, compared to just 20% of over 65s.
When it comes to charging, 46% of 18-24-year-olds correctly stated that an electric car can be charged to 80% in as little as half an hour, compared to 23% of over 65s. And 50% of 18-24-year-olds said it was true that in some UK cities, electric vehicle drivers do not have to pay for parking when charging, compared to 28% of over 65s.
Young people’s knowledge extends to other types of electric vehicles too, with 64% of 18-24-year-olds aware that electric vans are eligible for a UK government grant – a fact known by just 26% of those over 65.
Drivers’ perceived knowledge of electric vehicles also varies across the country. An impressive 10% of Londoners rate their understanding of electric vehicles as excellent – the highest of any region – whereas people in the North East claim to be least knowledgeable about electric vehicles, with 53% saying their understanding is poor or very poor.
Almost four out of five Londoners (79%) are familiar with the term ‘Ultra Low Emission Zone’ (ULEZ), with the capital’s own ULEZ set to expand across all boroughs from 29 August. Less than half (45%) of people from the North East are familiar with the term.
To help drivers understand the capabilities of electric vehicles, PEUGEOT UK has created a Range Calculator that allows drivers to predict how far their electric PEUGEOT can travel on a single charge, in a variety of conditions.
Adam Wood, Managing Director, PEUGEOT UK, said: “Our research reveals there are still gaps in the public’s understanding of electric vehicles, with many motorists unaware that EVs such as the new PEUGEOT e-2008 offer zero tailpipe emissions and can be charged to 80% in just thirty minutes. PEUGEOT is committed to helping customers understand the benefits of going electric, so they can find the model that’s right for them.”
By 2025, PEUGEOT will have a 100% electric version available across its entire model range, and in 2030 will sell only electric vehicles in the UK.
To find out more about PEUGEOT UK’s range of 100% electric vehicles, click here.
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