This week, spy photos have emerged of the new Volkswagen Caddy being tested in Spain. The small van was spotted without camouflage in passenger configuration and had two fuel filler caps, one of which is located in the front. This suggests that the vehicle is equipped with a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain.
There were previous speculations that the Volkswagen Caddy would utilize the same hybrid system found in the current Golf model. This system combines a 1.4-liter four-cylinder TSI gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver a total output of up to 245 horsepower. However, it is now rumored that Volkswagen is developing a slightly larger version of this powertrain, using a 1.5-liter four-cylinder TSI gasoline engine. Specific details about the lithium-ion battery pack have not been disclosed, but it is expected to provide an all-electric range of around 60 kilometers or approximately 37 miles.
The Maserati GT2, a stunning race car, is set to make its grand entrance at the 24 Hours of Spa in Belgium. This new single-seater machine has been specifically designed to meet GT2 regulations and takes heavy inspiration from the road-going MC20 supercar. Its debut will take place during the final rounds of the Fanatec GT European Series, with plans for a full racing season in 2024.
Similar to its street-legal counterpart, the GT2 is powered by Maserati’s in-house Nettuno V6 engine. Starting next year, Maserati will no longer rely on Ferrari engines, as their current agreement comes to an end. Under the hood of the GT2 lies a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine, producing a robust 621 horsepower (463 kilowatts) at 7,500 RPM, along with a peak torque of 730 Newton-meters (538 pound-feet) attainable at 3,000 RPM. If these figures sound familiar, it’s because they match those of the MC20 supercar.
It’s June 2023, and so far no automaker has officially established a top speed record of 300 mph for a production car. In 2019, there were expectations that several street-legal production vehicles would surpass this remarkable limit. However, none have accomplished this feat yet. In a recent Instagram post, Koenigsegg, the Swedish hypercar brand, teased the possibility of attempting a speed record. The post showcases images of the Agera RST, which is essentially an Agera RSN equipped with the 1,360-horsepower engine from the Koenigsegg One:1. The caption of the post mentions Koenigsegg’s previous speed records, including the recent 0-249-0 mph record set by the Regera. It concludes by confirming that the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut will “challenge these records in due time.”
The Jesko Absolut, which debuted in 2020, is Koenigsegg’s version specifically designed to exceed 300 mph. Although it has been in pre-production testing, little information has been released about its performance. With this social media post hinting at record attempts, it seems that we may finally witness the true capabilities of Koenigsegg’s ultimate speed machine.
Koenigsegg is no stranger to speed records. The Regera currently holds records for acceleration and braking, and the Agera RS is known for reaching an impressive top speed of 277.8 mph. If we look at top-speed testing in a technical sense, the Agera RS still holds the title for the fastest production-spec homologated road car. The SSC Tuatara recorded a speed of 282.9 mph earlier in 2021, but it wasn’t a road-legal car.
Singer, known for their exceptional restoration and reimagining of the Porsche 911, has once again delivered with their latest project. The Dynamics & Lightweighting Study (DLS) – Turbo combines the beloved air-cooled 964 generation with the racing legacy of the Porsche 934/5 race car from the 1970s. The result is truly remarkable.
To understand the inspiration behind this masterpiece, we have to go back to the 1970s when Porsche was dominating the racing scene with their 911 Turbo. The 934 and 935 models were specifically built for FIA competition, but a hybrid version called the 934/5 was created for IMSA in 1977. This unique car was so impressive that it was soon banned by IMSA, leading Porsche to compete in SCCA events where the 934/5 continued its winning streak and even claimed the 1977 SCCA Trans Am championship.
The track-focused version of the Porsche 911 964 Dynamics & Lightweighting Study By Singer
The design of the new Singer creation pays homage to the bold and aggressive styling of the 934/5 race car. Carbon fiber bodywork, including wide fenders, rear intakes, NACA ducts, and an adjustable spoiler, captures the essence of the 935 portion of the 934/5. The track-focused version features an orange color and a massive splitter for maximum aerodynamic performance on the track. However, for those looking for a less aggressive option, Singer also offers a road-focused version with a classic ducktail spoiler and a more relaxed splitter.
The road-focused version of the Porsche 911 964 Dynamics & Lightweighting Study By Singer
Singer paid attention to every detail to capture the essence of the 1970s era. Black trim replaces the bright elements typically found on later Porsches, and the short 930-style hood adds to the authentic look of the car. The challenge for Singer was to merge the ’70s style with a ’90s 964 platform while incorporating elements of the 934/5 in two interchangeable configurations. According to Singer, developing the rear wing and front fascia for both the high-downforce track version and the low-drag road version was particularly challenging.
Under the hood, all versions of the 911 964 Dynamics & Lightweighting Study boast a Singer-designed 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine with air-to-water intercooling. This powerhouse is capable of producing over 700 horsepower and can rev beyond 9,000 RPM. It’s important to note that while Singer has partnered with a Porsche subsidiary to build engines, the DLS mills used in this project are still crafted by Nicholson McLaren Engines at Singer’s facility in the UK.
Overall, the Porsche 911 964 Dynamics & Lightweighting Study By Singer is a true work of art that combines vintage racing heritage with modern performance. Whether you choose the track-focused or road-focused version, you can expect an unparalleled driving experience.
Lamborghini is planning to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the Urus SUV in 2024, replacing the current models. This news comes as a surprise, as it was previously expected that the hybrid variant would be offered alongside the traditional versions. CEO Stephan Winkelmann revealed to Autocar that the hybridized Urus will become the sole offering by late 2024. The Urus Performante was unveiled in August 2022, followed by the Urus S in September.
The hybrid Urus will be available until the end of the decade, at which point Lamborghini will launch a second-generation, electric-only model. This move towards electrification is in line with the brand’s commitment to meet stringent emissions regulations. The upcoming plug-in hybrid SUV will be Lamborghini’s second PHEV, following the Revuelto, and will be followed by a third PHEV next year with the introduction of the Huracan replacement.
BMW has made significant progress on its upcoming X2 model. Although this isn’t the first time we have seen a prototype out in public, new spy photos reveal a clearer view of the crossover’s front end. The latest images showcase an M35i trim with some of its heavy camouflage removed.
One notable change can be seen in the front fascia. Previously, the lower vents were partially covered by hard covers, but they are now completely exposed. This reveals the angled sides of the lower openings, which curve inwards at the top, seamlessly aligning with the bottom corners of the grille. Additionally, slim vertically-oriented vents can be clearly seen on the sides of the fascia.
The next-generation Renault Master has been in development for several months and two prototypes have already been spotted during the early testing phase. Recent shots of the French company’s workhorse reveal that progress has been made. Additionally, the van has now been relocated to southern Europe for hot weather testing.
For those unfamiliar, the Master is Renault’s largest light commercial vehicle. It has been in production in its current form since 2010 and has also been available under the badges of Nissan, Opel, and Vauxhall. The brand-new successor is currently undergoing early evaluations on European roads. The vehicle appears to feature a production body, although the lights may still be placeholders. It’s worth noting that the Renault Master is not sold in the United States, but it has been available in South America with local production in Brazil.
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