U-Haul got itself a questionable bit of free publicity this month when a pair of 21-year-old men from Michigan led police on a high-speed chase across two states in a stolen van, the dashcam footage from the encounter prominently highlighting the bargain $19.95 in-town rental rate.

The invoice the police will receive for the damage caused to their own vehicles while trying to stop the van, however, will be slightly bigger. One cruiser, which brought the chase to a head by performing a pit maneuver at almost 100 mph (160 km/h), ended up rolling multiple times into the verge, and most of the other vehicles involved in finally bringing the van to a halt also seemed to suffer damage. Honestly, the bill is going to be huge.

The action began in eastern Oklahoma and concluded in Tontiton, Arkansas, Tontitown Police reporting that the vehicles reached speeds of 120 mph (193 km/h) in places. Presumably downhill ones. One innocent driver, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time early on in the pursuit, was struck head-on by the runaway van, but the U-Haul kept on hauling until it was finally spun out of the game with a tap on the rear.

Related: Mounties PIT Maneuver And Flip Tractor On Highway, Sending Driver To Hospital

Fortunately, the police driver who pulled the pit maneuver was found to be uninjured though he was checked over in a hospital as a precaution. The runaways, on the other hand, were checked into Benton County Detention Center having been charged with a long list of offenses including three counts of aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy, possession of destructive devices, felony fleeing, battery 2nd degree, four counts of criminal mischief and resisting arrest.

The van – which, unlike the cop car that spun it, didn’t roll in the collision – reportedly contained Molotov cocktails and firearms. Furthermore, the occupants were allegedly found to be wanted by the Westland, Michigan authorities for attempting to run over multiple police officers. Nice guys. The good news is that neither will be getting back behind the wheel for a while.

The video above shows you the POV action from the pitting cop car, and the video below adds footage from other cars involved in the chase.

Lead GIF 5News / Youtube

The BMW M3 has come a long way over its nearly four decades of existence, spawning six different generations and establishing itself as one of the most desirable and sought-after sports sedans of all time. While newer iterations constantly push the performance boundaries to new heights, it is the original E30-generation model that many still view as the greatest M3 of them all.

But not all E30 M3s were created equal. Over its five-year production span, BMW released several very special and highly limited production editions, including the Convertible, the Evolution 1, Evolution 2, Sport Evolution (or EVO3), Europa Meister 88, Johnny Cecotto, and Roberto Ravaglia. These variants command significantly higher prices than the standard coupe, and usually for good reason.

It’s little wonder then why this 1988 M3 Evolution II could sell for as much as $180,000 at an auction next month, roughly 2.5 times the going price of a 2024 model.

Read: Gunther Werks Teases Next Project, A Remastered Take On The E30 BMW M3

Photos Broad Arrow Auctions

BMW introduced the limited-run M3 Evolution II before the 1988 German Touring Car Championship. Just 501 examples were ever built for homologation purposes, each featuring a modified engine with a revised camshaft, pistons, and an increased compression ratio. Power for the 2.3-liter inline-four was increased from the non-catalytic M3’s 197 hp (200 PS / 147 kW) and 238 Nm (176 lb-ft) to 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) at 6,750 rpm and 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) at 4,750 rpm.

The special model was also equipped with various visual updates, including a new and more aggressive front splitter, a large rear spoiler with a trailing flap, and additional brake cooling ducts.

This example, painted in the rare and beautiful Macao Blue Metallic, is being auctioned off by Broad Arrow Auctions. Originally sold in France, it remained there until 2014 when it was imported into the United States. The owner promptly invested almost $37,000 in servicing and upgrading it with new springs, an Ireland Engineering front sway bar, revised suspension and braking systems, and an upgraded rear differential. More recently, it has been equipped with Bilstein dampers and has been well-maintained over the years.

The car has also been driven quite a lot and currently has 177,583 km (110,344 miles) on the clock. Despite this, the interior looks immaculate and the Silver Uberkaro Cloth upholstery has held up very well over time. It’s little wonder then why the auction house expects it to see for between $150,000 and $180,000.

If you’re interested, you can check out the auction over here.

Photos Broad Arrow Auctions

Toyota is facing potential penalties from Japan’s transport ministry over misconduct. Apparently, it is accused of selling emissions-cheating diesel engines that were installed in the Land Cruiser 300, the Hiace and various other vehicles. The ministry may even revoke certification for the engines in question.

According to a report from Asia Nikkei, Toyota Industries, which is the automaker’s engine-building arm, admitted in January that it had “engaged in misconduct that included tampering with performance test data for multiple automobile and forklift engine models.” The ministry has since found that the “cheating was egregious” and as such is preparing actions to de-incentivize the recurrence of the same misconduct in the future.

What exactly those penalties will look like is unknown at this point. The ministry seems to be focused solely on the misconduct related to forklift engines for now. The allegations include powerplants used in forklifts, vans, and previous generations of the Land Cruiser. In late January, Toyota suspended shipments of 10 different vehicles due to what it called at the time “certification irregularities.”

More: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser’s Three-Model Lineup Starts At $55,950, Tops Out At $74,950

Toyota says that it discovered the issue itself after some odd findings regarding its forklifts and that led to testing of diesels. In total, it sold some 84,000 vehicles with suspect engines beginning in 2020. 

It’s planning to reshuffle its management and provide ready access to the Japanese government to confirm its new testing protocols. Any engines that the government removes certification from would have to reapply before they could be produced and sold again.

According to a video report from Bloomberg embedded below, the President of Toyota blamed insufficient communication and understanding as the main reason for the problems. The scandal won’t affect the new generation of the Land Cruiser that’s making its way to North American showrooms as we speak.

Mansory, the ever-subtle tuner, has once again pushed the boundaries with its latest spectacle, the Lamborghinis Urus Venatus S. With only 9 units available, this model takes the already extreme Urus to new heights, leaving the standard SUV looking a bit pedestrian in comparison

The visual alterations made to the Urus are bold, to say the least. Dominating the front half of the car are a plethora of forged carbon fiber parts, starting with a thoroughly revised front bumper with even more fins and slats than a normal Urus. Mansory has also created a pair of LED daytime running lights similar in shape to those of the Lamborghini Revuelto, albeit much smaller.

Forged carbon fiber extends across the entire hood of the super SUV and is complemented with vents made from the same material on the front fenders too. The lightweight material then extends across the roof and the wing mirrors. Other forged carbon parts include the side skirts, the pair of rear wings, the rear diffuser, and the rear fenders.

Read: $15 Million Dubai License Plate Sits On A Mansory Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Completing the exterior changes are a set of black wheels and a wrap with a black finish across the upper half of the Lambo which then transitions into a shade of purple.

The interior has also been overhauled and would make any Los Angeles Lakers fan proud. Adorning the driver’s seat is purple leather with a yellow stripe while the front passenger seat is clad in yellow leather with a purple strip (get it?). The two-tone purple and leather seats are also found in the rear. Mansory has also trimmed the steering wheel, door panels, center console, and floor mats in yellow leather while also adding some extra carbon fiber accents throughout.

Rounding out the visual changes is a special badge denoting this as the second of the 9 units Mansory is building.

Like the regular Urus, the Venatus S is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 but this powertrain has been upgraded to now deliver 900 hp and 811 lb-ft (1,100 Nm) of torque.

Mercedes aims to simplify the charging process for its owners with its new Flexible Charging System Pro. Designed to be a “transportable wallbox,” it aims to take care of pretty much everything after the driver plugs it in.

The Flexible Charging System Pro is compatible with most European socket types and can deliver up to 22 kW of charging power, depending on the infrastructure. While it can be wall-mounted in a Mercedes EV owner’s garage, it is also portable and can be stored in the vehicle, allowing for easy use at public charging points across the continent.

Once the user plugs it in, the system autonomously manages the charging process by automatically adjusting to the optimal charging power. Safety features include fault current detection and a temperature sensor to ensure the well-being of the EV (or PHEV) and its owner. Additionally, the Flexible Charging System Pro is both leak-proof and waterproof for added reliability.

Read: VW’s Software Firm And Bosch Working On Robot Tech To Park And Charge Your Car

The cable can be connected to the internet, which allows users to control their charging experience from their smartphone. It all works through the Mercedes-Benz Charger App, with which an owner can define their charge settings in advance for easy day-to-day usage.

Through the app, users can also set their energy targets, the energy costs can be adjusted, and updates can be installed. The app also keeps track of your activity, so that you can track energy usage.

Since you can take the charging cable with you, Mercedes has designed a premium bag to store it in. It keeps all of the components organized and tidy for easier use, and means that your trunk isn’t a mess. The Flexible Charging System Pro weighs about 11 lbs (5 kg), according to the company. The system is available in all EU countries, as well as Switzerland and the UK, where it costs £715.20 (US$903.28 at current exchange rates).

Cooler heads have prevailed as Ford and the UAW have reached a tentative agreement to avoid a strike at the Kentucky Truck Plant.

As we reported last week, the union threatened to shut down the facility on February 23rd at 12:01 a.m. if local issues – such as “health and safety in the plant, including minimum in-plant nurse staffing levels and ergonomic issues” – were not resolved. If that would have happened, approximately 9,000 workers would have gone on strike, halting production of the F-Series Super Duty as well as the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

The UAW didn’t say much about the tentative agreement, but noted “workers at Ford’s most profitable plant were set to walk off the job over local issues related to skilled trades, health & safety, and ergonomics.” The union added the “tentative deal addresses these and other core issues of concern to KTP autoworkers.”

More: UAW Threatens To Strike At Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant

That’s not much to go on, but the strike threat appeared to be a direct response to tough talk from Ford CEO Jim Farley. One day earlier, the executive said last year’s strike changed their relationship with the UAW and would cause the company to think carefully about where vehicles are made in the future. This implied he was thinking about moving production to Mexico to lower costs and retaliate against the union for going on strike at Chicago Assembly, Michigan Assembly, and the Kentucky Truck Plant in 2023.

While a strike has been averted in the Bluegrass State, the union said “there are dozens of remaining open local agreements across the Big Three automakers.” As a result, additional strikes or strike threats are possible in the future.

A judge in California has advanced a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that the company installed software updates in several of its customers’ cars, intentionally damaging their batteries. This decision permits the claimants to proceed with their action against the automaker, although it does not render any specific verdict in the case. The next steps could range from a trial to a potential settlement.

This case kicked off back in May of 2023 when the plaintiffs claimed that Tesla intentionally damaged the batteries and reduced the driving range of some Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles via a software update. Since then, Tesla has sought to have the entire case dismissed, while the plaintiffs have attempted to bolster their argument with additional examples of the phenomenon.

According to a report from Courthousenews, the lawsuit alleges that “Tesla recently has been implementing automatic software updates which, without warning to the customer, deplete the battery and reduce the driving range of the vehicles by at least 20%.” To be clear, that’s a huge claim and, if found to be true, would represent a major problem for the EV maker.

More: Tesla Sued For Allegedly Crippling Range And Battery Life With Software Updates

The 16 page order claims that, “Although many owners receive a notice on their vehicles’ screens or on the Tesla app on their phones asking them to install the update, some owners receive no notice at all. Instead, the car automatically downloads and installs the update.”

It also noted that in many cases, Tesla owners allegedly had to “pay third parties hundreds of dollars to reverse the software update” and restore their previous battery performance. Additionally, the updates were claimed to render the batteries inoperable, requiring “the purchase of a new battery at a cost of up to $15,000.”

Judge Jon Tigar allowed the suit to continue based on various factors, but he specifically pointed out that claimants “adequately plead” that Tesla knowingly caused a software transmission that damaged their car batteries. That’s not confirming that Tesla did any such thing, but only that the claimants have presented a case for it that’s worthy of a trial.

More: Tesla Lowers Range Estimates After Owner Complaints And EPA Update

The judge also dismissed a number of other claims as part of the lawsuit. Among those dismissed were claims that Tesla broke unfair competition laws, California’s Comprehensive Computer Data Access and Fraud Act, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. At this point, the claimants can continue the suit but many of their original allegations are no longer up for consideration unless they file an appeal on this decision.

Following Judge Tigar’s decision, the plaintiffs have 21 days to appeal the dismissal of specific claims in their lawsuit against Tesla. Should they choose not do so, those claims will be permanently dismissed. Regardless of the appeal, both sides are likely to engage in extensive pre-trial procedures like discovery, gathering evidence and information. It’s also plausible that Tesla might elect to settle the case and move on. 

Xpeng is ramping up spending to develop intelligent cars this year, dedicating 3.5 billion yuan ($486 million) to the push and initiating a plan to hire 4,000 new staff to boost its competitiveness in the burgeoning electric vehicle market in China.

While recently addressing employees in a letter, Xpeng founder and chief executive He Xiaopeng said the industry is entering a “bloodbath” and that the firm intends to launch 30 new models over the coming three years.

“It will be the first year that the EV competition enters into a new phase of bloodbath,” he wrote. “Xpeng has been striving to survive fierce competition right from the beginning and has accumulated sufficient experience. I believe we will eventually triumph if we keep up the hard work.”

Read: Xpeng X9 Debuts As Another Electric, Luxury Van For China

This year, Xpeng will begin production of two new platforms, one of which will focus on developing and building mass-market EVs starting at around 150,000 yuan (~$21,000) while the second will be used for premium models priced from over 300,000 yuan (~$42,000). Xpeng’s boss added that artificial intelligence is a key area of investment for the company but failed to provide additional information about the firm’s planned next models.

“Only big players with products and technologies affordable to consumers can survive the cutthroat market,” Cao Hua from Shanghai private-equity firm Unity Asset Management told the South China Morning Post. “Xpeng, as one of the market leaders, is under pressure to strengthen research and development capability as well as improve sales.”

Chinese carmakers are being forced to make significant investments as they fight to survive. China Business News reported in September last year that at least 15 electric vehicle start-ups across the country with a combined annual production capacity exceeding 10 million units had recently collapsed or were on the brink of bankruptcy.

Mazda introduced the 2025 CX-70 last month and now the company has announced pricing will begin at $40,445.

Set to arrive at U.S. dealerships this spring, the two-row crossover costs thousands more than the CX-90, which begins at $37,845. That’s a surprising development, but the CX-70 eschews the entry-level Select trim offered on its three-row counterpart. As a result, the two models are priced the same on a trim-by-trim basis.

While that’s a perplexing move, the CX-70 3.3 Turbo Preferred has a stylish exterior with LED lighting units, black accents, and 19-inch alloy wheels with a gray finish. Buyers will also find rain-sensing wipers and a sunroof.

Since the CX-70 focuses on luxury, the model comes nicely equipped with black leather seats that have heating and power adjustment up front. They’re joined by a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charger, automatic climate control, and an eight-speaker audio system. Buyers will also find a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

On the safety front, there’s an assortment of driver assistance systems including Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. They’re joined by Driver Attention Alert, Smart Brake Support, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Rear View Monitor.

Under the hood, there’s a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six producing 280 hp (209 kW / 284 PS) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque on regular gasoline. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the crossover to return an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

Moving up the trim ladder is the CX-70 3.3 Turbo Premium, which begins at $45,900. It has a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and larger 21-inch wheels with a black finish. Buyers will also find black door handles and an increased towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).

The upgrades continue inside with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. They’re joined by fancier interior lighting, Mazda Online Navigation, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink.

Buyers will also find additional driver assistance systems including Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and front/rear parking sensors. The model also has a Secondary Collision Reduction System and an Unresponsive Driver Support System, which can detect an incapacitated driver and automatically bring the vehicle to a halt.

The $48,900 CX-70 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus goes a step further as it has Nappa leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. Buyers will also find heated and ventilated front seats as well as heated rear seats.

Other highlights include power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, and a 360° View Monitor. That’s on top of Front Cross Traffic Alert and an improved Rear View Monitor with dynamic guide lines.

The CX-70 3.3 Turbo S Premium costs $52,450 and has an upgraded engine producing 340 hp (254 kW / 345 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque on premium gasoline. Features largely echo the standard Turbo Premium, but there are some special touches including a unique honeycomb grille and full LED lighting units. The model also has heated and ventilated Nappa leather front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and 12.3-inch displays.

The $55,950 CX-70 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus builds on that by adding a two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel, suede dash inserts, and exclusive tan Nappa leather seats. The model also has a windshield wiper de-icer and a 150-watt outlet in the cargo area.

Customers looking for something more eco-friendly can opt for the $54,400 CX-70 PHEV Premium. As the name suggests, it has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 17.8 kWh battery pack. This setup gives the model an electric-only range of 26 miles (42 km) as well as a combined output of 323 hp (241 kW / 327 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.

More: 2025 Mazda CX-70 Is A Two-Row CX-90 With An Available PHEV Power

In terms of equipment, buyers will find LED lighting units, a hands-free power liftgate, and rain-sensing wipers. They’re joined by a panoramic sunroof and 21-inch wheels.

Moving inside, the plug-in hybrid has 12.3-inch displays, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a wireless smartphone charger. Customers will also find heated leather front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, and an outlet in the cargo area.

Last but not least, the CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus begins at $57,450. It builds on the aforementioned model by adding Nappa leather, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats. The crossover also has heated rear seats and additional driver assistance systems.

One of the things that employees of big car companies often complain about is that they change direction about as quickly as a tanker in the Pacific. But Cadillac has proved that’s not always the case by responding rapidly to changes in the EV tax credits system which had resulted in it losing its eligibility at the start of the year.

Only weeks after discovering that the Lyriq had been put on the government’s naughty list by virtue of it containing two components that didn’t pas the Treasury’s sourcing stipulations, Cadillac has managed to introduce production changes to the battery system that ensure buyers regain access to the full tax credit allowance.

Related: Cadillac Lyriq Owners Can Now Pay $1,200 To Unlock Their EV’s Full Performance Potential

“I’m pleased to report that today, all of the Cadillac Lyriqs that we’re producing are now compliant,” The Detroit News reported GM CFO Paul Jacobson telling a conference. “It’s an example of how we can be nimble within our supply chain and within our allocations to make sure that we’re maximizing the benefits. Being able to close that gap in just six weeks was a pretty impressive effort by the team.”

Though the Lyriq was on sale for several weeks while not qualifying for credits, it doesn’t mean those buyers lost out. GM offered them $7,500 to match the credits earlier buyers did qualify for, and says it will still be offering those incentives to owners of the remaining cars built with the non-compliant parts and which are still to be delivered.

The Lyriq’s less luxurious sister car, the Chevy Blazer EV, also lost credit access at the beginning of the year, but it was removed from sale in December while a software problem was being dealt with. No doubt when it does make it back into production, it will benefit from the same update and also qualify for the full $7,500 allowance.

McLaren has come a long way since the MP4-12C was launched in 2011, so it’s not surprising to learn the company’s clientele is changing with the times.

Speaking at the U.S. launch of the 750S, McLaren President of the Americas, Nicolas Brown, told us around 70-80% of vehicles are now custom ordered. That’s a massive jump from earlier, when only around 15% of vehicles were given the same treatment.

So what’s popular with McLaren buyers these days? Customization is king as 75% of shoppers opt for upgrades from McLaren Special Operations (MSO). This includes everything from unique colors to special editions such as the 750S 3-7-59 that was introduced in November.

More: The 750S Could Be McLaren’s Final Non-Hybrid V8

Besides embracing customization, McLaren buyers are getting younger as the average age has dropped to 44. That number used to be in the 50’s and it means there’s plenty of opportunity for repeat purchases in the future.

While McLaren buyers have traditionally been professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, the company has also seen customers who grew up driving their cars in video games and then made a fortune in tech later in life. Despite the passage of time, the fondness for McLaren remained and has resulted in real-life sales.

McLaren 750S Sold Out Until 2025

Michael Gauthier / CarScoops

We’ll have a lot more to say about the 750S in our upcoming review, but Brown confirmed the supercar has been a resounding success and is now sold out through the spring of 2025.

That being said, the 750S is an impressive beast that features a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 developing 740 hp (552 kW / 750 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a seven-speed gearbox, which enables the car to rocket from 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 206 mph (332 km/h).

Italian coachbuilder Zagato has unveiled its latest project, a modified version of the Renault group’s Alpine A110 sports cars that is inspired by one of the brand’s oft-forgotten racecars from the 1960s. Limited to just 19 examples, the AGTZ Twin Tail cashes in on the recent obsession with long-tail supercars, while adding its own twist that is inspired by history.

From the picture above, it’s easy to see why the new car is called the “Twin Tail.” The model is sold with a removable carbon fiber appendage that the owner can install to give it a dramatic long-tail silhouette, or they can leave it in their garage if they want to make parking easier.

Read: Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato Is A Manual V6-Powered One-Off Special

The unique feature is more than just an aesthetic complication, though. Zagato says it is inspired by the Alpine A220, a long-tail racecar that was designed with a view to winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, it never achieved its lofty goal and, in an effort to earn some silverware, Alpine cut the tail off one example (chassis 1731) and sent it out to compete in hill climbs and other competition, which ended up allowing the car to earn some podium positions.

While the majority of the attention belongs to the unique rear end, Zagato has, of course, modified other parts of the car, too. The standard Alpine A110’s grille and headlights have been reworked, and a new inlet has been added at the rear haunches. The side window also features an upturned lower edge, a bit like the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato, and the roof has been reworked to give it a subtle double-bubble shape.

Unfortunately, Zagato has not yet shared performance specifications, nor has it revealed if the Alpine A110’s 1.8-liter engine will be modified. However, the standard model produces 252 hp (188 kW/255 PS), while the top-of-the-line A110 R generates 297 hp (221 kW/301 PS). Although delivering exciting performance will certainly be a focus, CEO Andrea Zagato emphasizes that, like the coachbuilder’s other vehicles, the AGTZ Twin Tail is intended to be a grand tourer, not a racecar like its inspirational predecessor.

The Alpine A220 from the late 1960s

“Zagato was always a Grand Touring coachbuilder, producing cars capable of racing but which you could use every day on the road or grace a Concours of Elegance lawn with,” he said. “This is the reason behind the name ‘AGTZ’ and the mission of our project.”

Limited to just 19 examples, Zagato says that the order books for the AGTZ Twin Tail are filling up fast despite its loft price tag of €650,000 (around US$703,200 at current exchange rates). The new Zagato model will make its physical debut in May, in Lake Como, Italy, and deliveries are expected to begin in October 2024.

The parent company of MG, SAIC Motors, is continuing its expansion in European territory with the introduction of a new electric-only brand called IM, which stands for Intelligent Mobility. The marque will introduce itself to well-heeled European consumers with the L6, which will make its global debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on February 26.

The electric sedan, which has yet to be revealed or even teased for Europe, is going after the premium market with impressive range and performance. Although horsepower ratings have not yet been shared, IM Motors promises that the L6 will be able to get from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in less than three seconds, which is quicker than a Lucid Air Grand Touring or a Tesla Model S Performance.

Read: IM Motors LS6 Secures 10,000 Orders In One Week, Offered With Up To 787 HP

The Chinese automaker also promises that the L6 will come in two different specs that offer between 600 km and 800 km (373 to 497 miles) of range. The longer-range model will achieve this feat thanks to a solid-state battery, which should be safer and quicker to recharge than the lithium-ion battery that powers the shorter-range model.

IM Motors also promises that the L6 will offer consumers “leading-edge levels of technology” in order to allow it to compete with Europe’s premium vehicles when it launches in 2025. As the brand’s introduction to the European market, the L6 is indicative of the vehicles it plans to sell on the continent. It says its focus on executive sedans and large SUVs.

The IM L6 will be unveiled alongside the new MG3 Hybrid. IM Motors was founded in 2020 as a joint venture between SAIC and Chinese tech companies Zhangjiang Hi-Tech and Alibaba. The newly formed brand is said to be one of the reasons why Audi deepened its collaboration with SAIC in China last year.

New video footage of a terrifying crash, which resulted in an Amtrak train slicing through an Amazon delivery van, yet miraculously leaving the driver nearly unscathed, has emerged. Despite the incident occurring back in 2021, this is the first time that video footage from inside the van’s cabin has been shared for the public to see.

The accident occurred in Ixonia, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee, and the driver (who miraculously survived with only minor injuries) is called Alexander Evans. As you can see in the dashcam video, the road approaching the railway tracks runs parallel to them before curving left over railroad that has no signals, lights, or barriers.

Evans can be seen glancing over his left shoulder in the video unearthed by TMZ, but fails to notice the approaching train before crossing the tracks. Speaking to WISN shortly after the 2021 accident, the Amazon driver revealed that he is deaf in his left ear, which muffled the sound of the train and its blaring horn. Although he eventually heard the train, it was too late.

“Literally, it was like one long beep, horn from the train, and I put my foot on the gas, kind of like trying. I don’t know how far I’m going to get away from him,” Evans said at the time to WISN.

Read: Train T-Bones Lincoln Town Car Stuck On Tracks, Occupants Flee Just In Time

Fortunately, he made it far enough to get the front seats over the tracks. Unfortunately, the rest of the van didn’t make it, and was hit by the train. As you can see in the TMZ video above, the collision tears everything behind Evans off the vehicle, leaving him sitting inches from the train that was still whizzing by.

Asked what he felt during the crash, he said, “Just air and the pressure. I felt the airbags. I didn’t know what to feel, to be honest with you.” He admitted that he couldn’t believe that he survived. Even as the train is whistling by him in the video, you can see Evans shaking his head in disbelief.

GIF TMZ / Youtube

While Formula One Management recently rejected the Andretti Cadillac bid to enter the sport, General Motors has revealed that it continues to work on the project and remains “confident” of a future entry into F1.

The Andretti Cadillac F1 bid was provisionally approved by the FIA in October but was rejected by Formula One Management (FOM), the commercial rights holder of the series, last month. FOM questioned the competitiveness of the team in its rejection statement.

While recently speaking with reporters, GM vice president of performance and motorsport Jim Campbell said the team has requested a meeting with F1 after an IT error meant it missed an email from FOM in December seeking talks. He added that work on the team’s planned F1 car continues “at pace.”

Read: F1 Rejects Andretti Cadillac’s Bid For 2025

“In terms of our application with Andretti, we feel great about our application,” he told Autosport. “The FIA studied it against other applicants, and then gave our application a vote of confidence and approval. So obviously the FOM made their statement, and we have asked for a follow-up meeting with FOM, and so we will work through that. We do believe between Andretti and Cadillac that we have got the capability of fielding a competitive entry.”

“We are not saying that it is easy, but we do between our two organizations have examples in our history of where we have been successful in other motorsports categories, and that is true of Cadillac and Andretti,” Campbell added. “With that said, our joint teams are continuing to develop our car at pace. So, that is where we are at.”

While FOM rejected the Andretti Cadillac bid to enter the sport in 2026, it left the door open for a potential entry in 2028 when GM plans to make its own powertrain, allowing Andretti Cadillac to be a works team. Had the team been granted a spot on the grid earlier, it would have used Renault engines for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 seasons before switching to GM power the following year.

If you’re tired of EVs consistently dominating drag races against various ICE-powered models, you’ll find solace in the latest video from Hennessey Performance. The American tuner pitted a heavily modified Ram TRX Mammoth 1000 against the Tesla Cybertruck in a straight-line race at the Pennzoil Proving Ground. But it’s not a fair fight, far from it actually, as the Cybertruck used in the race is a dual-motor AWD version, not the flagship tri-motor Cyberbeast.

The 600 hp twin-motor Cybertruck starts from $76,390, and the tri-motor Cyberbeast from $96,390, while the stock 2024 Ram 1500 TRX with 702 hp starts from $96,585. Meanwhile, Hennessey’s Mammoth 1000 package starts from $56,000 on top of the price of the donor car, meaning it will cost at least $152,585, or twice the price of the Tesla tested here!

The vastly different trucks competed in three different runs without Hennessey’s video explaining exactly what they were testing beyond vaguely unleashing the two full-size models on a straight line. We reached out to Hennessey, and they informed us that it was essentially a straight-line run without any measurements taken for time or distance.

More: Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast Vs $100k EV Pickup Rivals

Nevertheless, the ICE-powered American beast dominated all three straight-line races. The last one was the easiest for the modified Ram, leaving the stock Cybertruck behind by a large margin. Besides the acceleration, there is also a significant difference in the sound experience between the two, with the gas-guzzling TRX being noticeably louder and more satisfying.

Under the hood of the Ram 1500 TRX “Mammoth” lies a modified version of the 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 fitted with Hennessey’s high-flow 2.65-liter supercharger, larger fuel injectors, a high-flow induction system, and special calibration. As a result, the power output has grown from the stock 702 hp (523 kW / 712 PS) to a monstrous 1,012 hp (755 kW / 1,026 PS) and 969 lb-ft of torque.

That’s a serious amount of power, especially when we compare it to the Cybertruck’s stock dual-motor powertrain which is good for 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS), or even the tri-motor Cyberbeast which makes 845 hp (630 kW / 857 PS).

According to Hennessey, the Mammoth accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.2 seconds, which is significantly faster than the 4.1 seconds of the stock Tesla Cybertruck AWD. Of course, the situation would be reversed if a Cybetrurck Cyberbeast was around, since this one completes the sprint in a mere 2.6 seconds and recently proved to be quite capable in independent 1/8 mile tests.

In any case, we expect to see many more drag races with the Cybetruck flexing its electric power against different types of performance vehicles. Do you think that any ICE-powered truck would stand a chance against the tri-motor Cyberbeast?

Kia has ventured further upmarket than ever before with the all-electric EV9 and soon, it will release a high-performance GT version that follows in the footsteps of the smaller EV6 GT. This is our first time seeing the vehicle in the flesh.

This heavily camouflaged prototype of the boxy SUV was recently spied during cold weather testing in Sweden. While much of the exterior has been shielded from view, we don’t expect the EV9 GT to look radically different than the current model. After all, much of the EV6 GT’s body remains identical to lesser variants and it’ll probably be a similar story with the EV9 GT.

One of the most significant changes visible on this prototype is the bright green brake calipers, just like those of the EV6 GT. We expect the SUV to also come standard with a unique set of wheels that’ll look much more premium than the placeholders of this prototype. The EV9’s rear spoiler may also grow in size a little bit and the brand’s designers may have made a few minor tweaks to the front and rear fascias.

Read: Kia EV9 Markups Are Out Of Control, Push EV To Nearly $85k

The most significant upgrades will be found under the skin. Like the EV6 GT, the EV9 GT will feature a pair of more powerful electric motors, likely matching the 576 hp of the flagship EV6, but we wouldn’t be surprised if, given the added heft of the SUV, Kia tweaks these motors to produce over 600 hp.

Several interior upgrades can also be expected, including green accents and contrasting stitching like the EV6 GT. We’re hoping that the sporty bucket seats of the EV9 GT’s smaller sibling won’t be standard but rather an option as we’re not convinced buyers of the big performance SUV will want such hardcore seats.

Kia has confirmed the EV9 GT will be released in early 2025.

SH Proshot

Fiat announced its 2023 results and the big news is that it retains the position of the best-selling Stellantis brand for the third consecutive year. Global sales of the Italian automaker reached 1.35 million units, representing a 12 percent year-to-year increase.

Four key markets played an important role in Fiat’s success, with the brand scoring some impressive market shares – Brazil (21.8 percent), Italy (12.8 percent), Turkey (15.7 percent), and Algeria (78.6 percent). As for the models that stood out in each market, the Strada pickup was the best-seller in Brazil, the Panda dominated in Italy, and the budget Egea/Tipo compact model stole hearts in Turkey and Algeria.

Fiat was also the leading brand in South America with a market share of 14.5 percent, and a total of 542,000 sales in 2023. It appears that Fiat’s presence in many markets around the world is what helped it outsell all other mainstream brands of Stellantis including Citroen, Peugeot, and Opel.

More: Stellantis’ New Budget Platform To Underpin 7 Models, Including Citroen C3 And Fiat Panda

In Europe, the Fiat 500e remained the best-selling urban EV, with a 14.7 percent (+0.3 percent) share in the fully electric city car (A) and supermini (B) segments. In the ICE-powered front, the aging Panda and 500 took home a staggering 44.4 percent share in their segment, with accumulative sales of 230,000 units. This probably answers your question about why Fiat still keeps them on sale after all these years. Finally, the Ducato from Fiat Professional was Stellantis’ best-selling LCV, finishing up 7th overall in Europe.

Speaking about the future, Fiat CEO, Olivier Francois said that “Season two” of the Italian brand will begin soon. While he didn’t get into details, he added that the new era will be “giving life to the other side of our love brand, the one that stands for inclusive, ingenious, Italian, and furthermore global”.

Last year, Fiat launched the 600 small SUV and the Topolino heavy quadricycle in Europe, and the Titano midsize pickup in Algeria, Africa, and South America. As for 2024, the highlight will be the debut of the new Fiat Panda in Europe as an affordable EV crossover set to compete with Chinese invaders.