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Auto Blog
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Ferrari Is Already Making Use Of Its Reclaimed Testarossa Name
Trademark Could Hint At Future Model Less than a month ago, after several years of court battles, Ferrari won back the rights to the Testarossa name, and it's not letting it sit idle for long. A trademark filing unearthed by CarBuzz – in Iceland, of all places – reveals that the Italian automaker wants to protect the name 'Ferrari 849 Testarossa.' Considering Maranello's modern penchant for putting digits in its nomenclature (see 812 Superfast, 430 Scuderia, 296 GTB, etc.), this could well herald a future model. Numerous Theories Swirling Source: Bring a Trailer If this name does represent a new model, we'd like to imagine that it would not simply be a 12Cilindri with a new look, nor a rebodied 296. The Testarossa had a mid-mounted flat-12 engine, and we'd like to think that Ferrari would want the modern reincarnation to retain that cylinder count and that placement – the Daytona SP3 shows that it's technically possible; surely if Ferrari is seriously considering reviving a name as beloved as Testarossa, it would do so as part of an ultra-low-volume Icona Series, right? Of course, the F80 proves that Ferrari no longer deems a 12-cylinder engine absolutely necessary for the pinnacle models in its range, and Ferrari could easily justify a V6 in the modern Testarossa by comparing its compact size to the original flat-12 engine's low center of gravity, for example. In fact, the name, which translates as 'red head,' could be used on anything with crimson valve covers, and as the 250 Testa Rossa depicted below shows, Ferrari doesn't always have a singular use case for every name. Why A Tribute Seems Feasible In The First Place Source: Drew Phillips/Autoblog Ferrari does not often look to the past, and although several designs have claimed inspiration from older models, most stand alone. However, Ferrari Formula One driver Sir Lewis Hamilton recently floated the idea of a modern F40 tribute, potentially named F44. If it happens, Hamilton wants a manual transmission, and that's something Ferrari may consider for ultra-exclusive models, which a Testarossa of any sort surely would be. If an F40 tribute can happen, a Testarossa surely can, too. All of this is speculation, and there's no guarantee that Ferrari even intends to make use of the name. But with contemporary hypercars becoming more and more extreme, perhaps slower, more engaging special editions are the way forward. A recent Evo interview tells customers to buy and restore classic Ferraris if they want a manual, but who knows? Perhaps for the right reimagining, rowing one's own gears could become a reality once more. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
Motor 1
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Alpina's Logo Just Got Slightly Less Cool
BMW inked a deal to take over Alpina in 2022. The German automaker is beginning to exert that control, recently trademarking a new, flatter, and less exciting logo for the tuning brand. The latest Alpina logo features its first overhaul in over two decades. The most noticeable change is the missing red-and-white shield. The throttle and crankshaft symbols remain, but the filing shows the two components in a simple circle, mimicking BMW's iconic roundel. It's a simplified design, mimicking a trend , in just black and white with a tweaked and taller font. Photo by: Alpina The trademark filing, first discovered by CarBuzz , lists its uses for automobiles, commercial information, and parts and accessories services, so we're likely to see the new branding on more than just future Alpina models. However, it's unclear what those cars will be. When the two brands announced the deal , BMW said Alpina would build modified cars through the end of 2025, begin offering restoration services, and expand its services business. According to the automaker, it's difficult to operate a small firm independently with increasing emissions regulations and safety standards, so acquiring it would allow the Alpina brand to remain on the market. Alpine began operation in 1965, tuning and racing BMW models before building complete vehicles. While vehicle production will cease at its Buchloe facility at the end of the year, Alpina's service, parts, and accessories business will continue at the location, and we hope to see the new badge on a real vehicle soon. Here's What Alpina Builds: The B8 GT Is Alpina's Most Powerful Car Ever Alpina Boosts the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series to 529 HP Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: German Patent and Trademark Office via Car Buzz Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
The Drive
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Ferrari Trademark Filing Hints at Testarossa Rebirth After 40 Years
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Trademarks can tell us a lot about a secretive company that likes to play its moves very close to the chest, like Ferrari. The brand recently trademarked the name '849 Testarossa' in Iceland, as CarBuzz recently reported, and it's got us thinking that a revival of the '80s icon could be around the corner. Honestly, if this were just about 'Testarossa,' sans number, it probably wouldn't mean that much. Companies have to protect and maintain control of their intellectual property, and renewing long-held trademarks is how that's done. Ferrari still licenses scale models of the sports car and vintage racing machine that inspired it, not to mention other memorabilia. But this new one, '849 Testarossa' is very fresh, having only existed since July 21, and very specific. Such a nomenclature has existed in the Ferrari universe before, with cars like the 812 Superfast. The real question is what shape a theoretical revival would take. If it's not going to be an addition to the standard range, it could simply be an 'Icona' limited-production model like the Daytona SP3—and there's little doubting that the Testarossa is one of Ferrari's icons. I still remember the universal recognition it had as a kid in the '90s, more than a decade after its unveiling. In a world where Lamborghini could revive the Countach, a reborn Testarossa doesn't seem very far-fetched. Consider that 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Testarossa's introductory model year, and I'd bet my chips on a comeback. The picture of '80s excellence. Ferrari Got a tip? Send us a note: tips@ .article-sidebar]:pt-0>
Miami Herald
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2027 Mercedes EQS Spied With Updates As Sales Falter
Like the other Mercedes prototypes captured through the lens of our spy photographers, the facelift of the EQS SUV will feature revised daytime running light graphics, with a three-pointed star motif appearing in the headlights. The taillights, at least on this prototype, are unchanged. Since there's camouflage on the bumpers, we can expect some subtle changes in those areas too; our spies say the front "grille" panel will be revised. The X296 EQS SUV has only been on the market since 2022, and as is the case with the sedan that shares its name, customer interest in the all-electric SUV has been low. These subtle styling updates will aim to bring the EQS more in line with the styling of conventional Mercs to help reverse that disinterest, and there'll be more changes beneath the skin. The current EQS SUV offers an EPA-estimated maximum range of up to 323 miles, but the future models are expected to exceed that with the same sort of battery as the recently launched CLA, which set a world record for EVs by covering 2,309 miles in 24 hours last year. The compact sedan has an 85-kWh battery with anodes made of silicon oxide mixed with graphite, something Mercedes says increases energy density by as much as 20 percent compared to previous batteries, so the new EQS should exceed 350 miles of range in most forms. The EQS is also expected to feature eATS 2.0 motors, delivering more power and efficiency from the modified EVA2M architecture, which supports 800-volt technology. Our spies say the new EQS will be presented at IAA Mobility 2025, taking place from 9-14 September, so we'll know more soon. Still, despite these improvements, the EQS may not be successful. Some reports indicate the EQS name will disappear altogether, and even Mercedes admits that it made mistakes in the EV space. Recently, CarBuzz reported that Mercedes is closing its U.S. order books for the EQE and EQS sedans and SUVs, halting production from September 1. No timeline for a return was announced, but with huge price cuts of over $10,000 on some models, it seems that Mercedes has more inventory than it knows what to do with. With EV incentives going away at the end of September, shifting the EQS will be even tougher for dealers, and we doubt the facelifted model will fare much better. Then again, a lot can change between now and next year, when the 2027 EQS is expected to reach the market. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Motor 1
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Mercedes EQ Models Just Got Way Cheaper
Mercedes-Benz went bold with its first dedicated EVs. The EQE and EQS in both sedan and SUV forms featured swoopy, wind-cheating styling that represented a huge break from the Mercedes norm. Customers emphatically rejected them , and now Mercedes is readjusting its approach to EVs, first with a new electric CLA that shares the same body and underpinnings as the gas model. Right now, though, you can get a deal on an EQ. CarBuzz first brought our attention to a now-deleted TikTok video from a Mercedes-Benz dealer employee who revealed big price cuts for 2026 EQ models. A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson confirmed the new MSRPs for the EQ lineup (except the EQB, which is based on the gas-powered GLB). Here's how they compare with their 2025 equivalents, all inclusive of a $1,150 destination charge: Model 2026 Price 2025 Price EQE Sedan $66,100 $76,050 EQE SUV $66,100 $79,050 EQS Sedan $101,400 $105,550 EQS SUV $91,100 $106,400 Some substantial cuts, especially to the SUVs, which are built in Mercedes-Benz's Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant. But all this comes with the caveat that Mercedes will soon indefinitely pause production of all these four models for the US. A Mercedes spokesperson confirmed to Motor1 that US-market EQE and EQS production will come to a halt on September 1st, and the company isn't saying when (or if) production will restart. "As a company with global activities and more than 30 plants worldwide, including in Alabama and South Carolina, Mercedes-Benz maintains a local-for-local strategy. In doing so, we continuously optimize our production network and use its high flexibility to react quickly to market conditions," the spokesperson said. "Please understand we are unable to share a timeline for when production will resume for competitive reasons. We will share more information when available." As our colleagues at InsideEVs point out , the federal tax credit for EVs ends on September 30th, and the US government effectively just ended Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards . Mercedes does have a number of new EVs in the pipeline, though. The CLA is already on sale in Europe and should arrive stateside soon, and both a high-performance AMG four-door and an electric version of the ultra-popular GLC are also on their way. While these 2026 EQ models are substantially cheaper than before, about on par with their gas equivalents, it's tough to say they're a good deal. Depreciation has hit EQ models hard , and it's not difficult to find used EQS sedans, for example, for well under $40,000. So even with $10,000 or more off the MSRP, there's still a lot of money buyers can lose. There are also still unsold 2025 EQ models on dealer lots, and while their MSRPs might be higher, it's not hard to imagine dealers putting money on the hood to get them off their lots. More on Mercedes The New Mercedes CLA Is Actually Selling Great '10 Years Too Early:' Mercedes Says Futuristic EQS Styling Is Hurting Sales Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
