Latest news with #sports car
Motor 1
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Lexus LFR Supercar Interior Revealed
The new Toyota/Lexus sports car duo is back for day two at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Both the road-going model and its race car counterpart have already climbed the famous hill again, but what really caught our attention was the post-run interview with the development drivers. We've learned that the cars have been in the works for over four years, with circuit testing kicking off about a year and a half ago. They're still not quite finished, but judging by the interior, the official reveal can't be far off. Since there are no press shots available yet, we'll have to make do with screenshots from the livestream, which show the cabin of the street-legal version. Photo by: Goodwood We used Photoshop and a bit of AI wizardry to enhance the brightness and exposure of the top image, bringing out more details. The unedited screenshot is attached right above. Featuring a predominantly red interior, the LFR (name confirmed) comes with a pair of carbon bucket seats separated by a wide center console. While a manual gearbox was never realistically expected, the new Lexus (or is it Toyota ?) supercar features a small selector for the automatic transmission. The two-tone dashboard hosts a decently sized touchscreen and what appear to be physical switches located just below. Unfortunately, there are also some piano black accents and hexagonal side air vents. Much like the instrument cluster, the rearview mirror is digital, displaying footage from a rear-facing camera. Overall, the cabin feels more like that of a true sports car compared to the RC F it's supposedly replacing. That would make sense, considering the LFR is believed to be a road-going version of the Toyota Gazoo Racing GT3. Lexus still won't confirm what powers the two-seater coupe, but based on the sounds both cars are making at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a V-8 seems highly likely. Whether it's twin-turbocharged and/or hybrid remains to be seen, though that's what reports from Japan are claiming. Photo by: Goodwood The GR GT3 is expected to start racing in 2026, four years after the namesake concept debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon. That suggests the wait is nearly over, not just for the race car, but also for its street-legal counterpart. The Toyota version will likely remain track-only, while the Lexus is expected to be the one with a license plate. Look for both to be revealed either later this year or in early 2026. Toyota GR GT3 Concept 18 Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Forbes
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
The MG Cyberster Isn't The Car You'd Expect – Maybe That's The Point
The MG Cyberster is an electric, two-seat convertible sports car. It was the tweeting of the birds that brought me to my senses. I was driving a gleaming red MG Cyberster from London down to the Goodwood Motor Circuit, earlier this year. The weather was perfect – sunny, clear, warm but comfortable – and although there was no major event being hosted at the circuit, I knew on a warm weekend there'd be plenty going on. The roof was down and the wind was in my hair – but my ears were missing out. Normally such a scene would have them filled with the throaty roar of a modified vintage MG. Or, from another brand, they'd be tingling to the histrionics of a smooth V6, a baritone V8 or a frenzied V12. But today, nothing. The rush of wind and thrum of tire roar was punctuated, not by engine revs and tailpipe cackles, but by birdsong. As I'm sure you already know, the MG Cyberster is electric. But where almost all other EVs have a design and character that sit in perfect harmony with smooth, silent, emissions-free driving, a car that looks and goes like the Cyberster seems at odds with itself. At least, that was my first impression. Here is a car that looks fabulous, has doors that open upwards in dramatic fashion, and a folding canvas roof. The dual-motor GT version driven here is also properly quick, pushing 503 horsepower and 725 Nm of torque to all four wheels with such ferocity that 62 mph (100 km/h) is reached in 3.2 seconds. That's the same as a McLaren F1 from the 1990s, the top dog of my childhood, and actually 0.2 quicker than a brand-new Ferrari Roma. The dramatic doors open and close electronically It feels every bit as quick as the numbers suggest, despite weighing an awful lot more than you'd expect. It's around 4,400 lbs (2,000 kg), which is a huge amount for a two-seat roadster, let alone one with an MG badge on its nose. MG and its Chinese owner SAIC Motor Corporation clearly didn't have a feather-like kerb weight in mind, since those look-at-me doors are raised and lowered electronically, instead of using lighter gas struts. Step inside – once the doors have heaved themselves open, which isn't the work of a moment – and the cabin is pleasant enough but lacks the wow-factor of the exterior. There's lots of plush-looking fabric, the steering wheel is nice to hold, and I quite like how the dashboard is angled towards the driver. Unfortunately though, the seating position is far too high. I am a short man, at around 5 '6, yet I was still shocked when the seat wouldn't go any lower. Other ergonomic issues emerge when you look at the three digital displays behind the steering wheel. The central one is fine, but the outer two are almost entirely blocked by the steering wheel. During my few days with the Cyberster I had to shuffle around in the seat and peer around the wheel to see the left-hand navigation screen. The display runs Apple CarPlay, which is of course welcome, but the rest of MG's user interface is poor. Like many modern cars, it emits too many beeps and bongs, warning you as you drive along. One repeatedly told me about nearby schools, even if I wasn't using the navigation (so presumably knew where I was going, and therefore where the schools were) and on weekends. The others – like a beep when you stray 1mph over the speed limit, or another when the car has misread a road sign and is wrong about the local limit – are common on all cars built for the European market since 2024. They can be turned off by diving into the touchscreen infotainment system, but reanimate every time the car is switched back on. The interior looks good, but is let down by a high seating position and compromised ergonomics. In short, the interior isn't great, but it's even more of a disappointment after the wonderful exterior. I gather Cybersters built for the Chinese market have an entirely different, and preferable, operating system. But, I imagine, since that system lacks CarPlay and Android Auto, Europe gets the lesser alternative. The exterior also missells the way the Cyberster drives. It isn't a supercar, despite looking and accelerating like one. It actually rides quite nicely. You'll never fear scraping its chin over a speed bump, it isn't intimidatingly wide, and it's perfectly comfortable. The steering is a bit vague off-center, the creaky seats don't hold you particularly well, and the traction and stability control systems intervene abruptly. But it flows, this car. It isn't here to rival a Porsche or lure you away from second-hand exotica – because at £59,995 ($82,000), it certainly could. Instead it exists to raise a smile without raising your heart rate. There's a clue in that birdsong earlier. Not only was there no exhaust note drowning it out, but there was no synthetic noise coming from the Cyberster either. MG could have added a bit of audible fizz to the background, or even gone all-in on a fake engine soundtrack like that of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. But instead it chose silence. It opted to build a car that looks sensational and will win almost every stop light Grand Prix, but is approachable, friendly and reasonably practical, thanks to a decent trunk. After some lunch at Goodwood's aerodrome cafe, I got chatting to an MG aficionado. A pilot who owns several classic MGs. He was interested in the Cyberster but wanted to know if it could manage his commute up to Heathrow airport and back on a single charge. Yes, I said, MG claims the 74.4 kWh battery will do 276 miles on a good day, but you'll be looking at around 170 to 200 in the real-world. He was still interested because, to him, the MG badge on the nose of a two-seat convertible sports car was enough to keep him out of a Porsche or Alpine dealership. The idea of charging at home and slashing his commuting costs probably appealed too, of course. Winning over a single MG enthusiast won't be enough to make the Cyberster a success. But it's probably a feat many thought would be impossible once MG went electric, yet on that sunny day at Goodwood, I was in constant conversation with potential customers. On the drive home – sun still shining, roof firmly down – I realised this isn't a supercar to grab by the scruff of its neck. It's a cruiser. A sports car that harks back to a time when the joy of driving a stylish two-seat roadster was enough. Lap times and agility mattered far less because open-air motoring, in a car that was rare and unusual, is all that was needed to put a smile on your face. The Cyberster achieves this, and it's still one of vanishingly few convertible electric options. It isn't perfect, but MG should be applauded for trying something different. And if it gets the attention of classic MG owners? That's a win in my book.
Motor 1
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Alpine's Electric Sports Car Will Have 'A Lot' Of Power
Alpine just released its first electric vehicle, the A390 SUV. But that's merely one of many EVs that the French automaker has planned over the next few years. Alpine will release a new electric sports car to succeed the A110, and the company promises it will be plenty powerful. In an interview with Auto Express , CEO Philippe Krief and Renault Group head Luca de Meo revealed more details about the upcoming electric sports car. The duo noted that it has a targeted weight of around 3,200 pounds (1,450 kilograms) and is expected to have a range of approximately 350 miles on the WLTP cycle. Alpine A110 E-Ternity EV Concept Most importantly, this new sports car will be powerful. When asked how much power the new EV sports car could produce, Krief responded with: "A lot! There will be enough power, I can guarantee." The outgoing A110 produces up to 296 horsepower at its most powerful, but we expect the EV to be even punchier still. Alpine touts two configurations: Dual- and tri-motor setups, with the dual-motor configuration sending power exclusively to the rear wheels, and the tri-motor setup offering all-wheel drive. The sports car will be the first vehicle in the lineup to use the automaker's 800-volt Alpine Performance Platform (APP), which debuts at the Paris Motor Show next year. The APP architecture will go on to underpin "three or four models," de Meo notes, with electric motors mounted in the wheels themselves. The wheel-mounted motors, de Meo says, will help lower the car's center of gravity, and give the car mid-engine proportions. As mentioned, Alpine is aiming for a curb weight of around 3,200 pounds for its electric sports car—or just about as much as a gas Porsche Cayman. That will be slightly heavier than the A110, which tips the scales at just around 2,400 pounds, but relatively light for a BEV. We don't know when Alpine plans to debut its new electric sports car, but if we're lucky, we could see the coupe as early as next year alongside the brand's new APP architecture in Paris. As for whether or not this new sports car will come to the US—we're holding out hope. The Latest From Alpine Alpine Wants to Take on Ferrari With a 1,000-HP Hybrid Hypercar Alpine's First Electric Sports Car Has Mid-Engine Proportions 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: Auto Express Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Express
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Porsche 718 Boxster EV will be a mid-engined (sort of)
Porsche has confirmed that its upcoming fully electric successor to the 718 Boxster and Cayman sports cars will utilise a unique stacked mid-mounted battery architecture, enabling the firm to replicate the effect of a low-slung two-seater, while also maximising range and minimising weight. Speaking to Auto Express, Porsche's head of safety systems, Dr. Simon Maurer, said: 'It's well known that we're making an electric sports car and for that, an underfloor battery will be impossible – not only for the centre of gravity, but also for dimensions.' With this in mind, the electric 718, which will be offered in coupé Cayman and soft-top Boxster guises, will instead adopt the same mid-mounted stacked battery arrangement as in 2021's Mission R concept. This will give Porsche's EV sports car a similar weight distribution to that of a traditional ICE sports model, and allow for a much lower driving position than is the case in the Taycan. Advertisement - Article continues below Porsche is not the first to experiment with unique battery configurations; the Maserati Gran Turismo Folgore, for example, arranges its cells in a 'T' shape to enable driver and passenger to sit either side, which is a concept also expected to be mirrored by the upcoming electric Mazda MX-5. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Nevertheless, Porsche says the 718's battery will be 'smaller than that of the Macan or Taycan' in order to keep weight to a minimum. Otmar Bitsche, the Stuttgart-based firm's expert on EV powertrains, described how the system will instead focus on high energy density, with 'the relative power capability of [the] sports car's cell [being] higher relative to that of the Macan's – maybe about in the same range as the Taycan'. This being the case, we could expect a battery similar in capacity to the Mission R's 82kWh unit, but much smaller in terms of dimensions than the under-floor pack in the Macan. Porsche tells us that it's aiming for an official range figure of over 300 miles, and that all of its future EVs, for the foreseeable future, will be powered by 800-volt technology, enabling lightning-fast charging. And that's not all, as vice president of energy systems, Heiko Mayer, told Auto Express that another focus for Porsche with its first electric sports car is to improve battery longevity. Porsche already estimates its battery systems are good for 15 years and up to 300,000km (186,000 miles). Mayer said: 'Our customers don't just tend to have a [sports car] product for one or two years… they have it for seven, eight or even nine years.' Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The boffins at Porsche say that a longer lifespan than a traditional EV battery should be expected from the new 718, despite a higher operating temperature to increase performance and the expectation that customers will drive their cars hard frequently. Not that you'll need to rag the electric 718 too much to get up to speed, as it's expected to come in both single and dual-motor forms, with even the base model likely improving on the petrol model's 4.5-second 0-62mph time. However, we don't quite expect the production car to match the Mission R, nor the subsequent Cayman GT4 ePerformance's titanic 1,073bhp output. In terms of appearance, the next-generation 718 will essentially look like a modernised version of the current car, taking into account elements found in the Taycan and most recent Porsche 911, such as the quad-dot headlights and straked front bumper (which potentially could have active aero elements) respectively. As is customary nowadays, the electric Cayman and Boxster will get a full-width light bar at the rear which, like on the new Macan, could be offered with a fully illuminated 'PORSCHE' script. Of course, there'll be no exhaust pipe sitting below, with the optional Porsche Sport Sound generator providing the only audible driving accompaniment. Inside, the electric 718 is certain to be a revolution in terms of design and tech compared with the ageing petrol model. Just like the Taycan, Macan and 911, the 718 EV will get a fully digital instrument cluster, as well as a widescreen centre display. As is always the case with Porsche models, there will be plenty of scope for customers to specify their car exactly to their liking, with a range of exterior and interior colour choices. We expect the new electric Porsche 718 to be revealed in the latter stages of this year, going on sale at the beginning of 2026. Pricing is, of course, up in the air at this stage, but a starting figure of around £75,000 for an entry-level Cayman seems likely, with the convertible Boxster inevitably costing slightly more. Now read our list of the best sports cars ... Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers? Car Deal of the Day: Ford Explorer gives you practicality, style and EV power for £228 a month Car Deal of the Day: Ford Explorer gives you practicality, style and EV power for £228 a month Family-friendly SUV is arguably Ford's best electric car, and great value, too. It's our Deal of the Day for 24 May
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla rival unveils concept car with powerful features and an affordable price tag: 'Puts their competitors on their heels'
Chinese automaker BYD unveiled its boldest concept yet at this year's Shanghai auto show. As CleanTechnica reported, the Denza Z is a fully electric sports car designed to give the Tesla Roadster and Porsche 911 a run for their money. Making this news even better is the vehicle's $40,000 price tag. With its supercar looks, modern tech, and accessible price point, it appears to be ready to shake up the performance vehicle segment in many parts of the world. The Denza Z's features include a tri-motor e3 powertrain, an AI-powered steer-by-wire system, and magnetorheological dampers. The combination of these structures enables the vehicle to respond to road conditions in milliseconds. Aside from the coupe version, a convertible version is in the planning stage. Like other electric vehicles, the Denza Z provides practical benefits that drivers can enjoy every time they take it out for a ride. It requires zero oil changes, which provides significant maintenance savings. It also runs quieter than gas-powered alternatives, emits no tailpipe pollution, and offers notable fuel savings. These benefits highlight why choosing an electric vehicle is more practical than ever. Despite concerns around battery production and mining, data supports the long-term environmental benefits of EVs. A Reuters analysis noted that in the United States, a Tesla Model 3 needs to be driven around 13,500 miles before it offsets its manufacturing emissions and becomes cleaner than a Toyota Corolla. The world extracts roughly 30 million tons of minerals per year for more affordable clean energy, which is a fraction of the 16.5 billion tons of dirty energy sources extracted and burned annually. Unlike coal, gas, and oil, those minerals are reusable and recyclable, creating a much smaller footprint. The shift to low-carbon energy may increase mineral demand, but it remains a much more sustainable alternative to the ongoing extraction of dirty energy sources. Technologies including carbon nanotube battery improvements also continue to reduce waste across EV models. As for the Denza Z, its launch date hasn't been confirmed. But its blend of performance, design, and price signals a shift. As Tu Le, founder of Sino Auto Insights, told CNN, BYD "puts their competitors on their heels." While it's true BYD doesn't yet have an extensive track record and thus it's important to wait for crash and safety testing results as well as other car expert reviews before getting too carried away, with advances such as this one, the future of high-performance driving looks cleaner and more affordable than ever. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
