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Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG have introduced the seventh generation of the Bobby-AMG children’s ride-on car, modelled after the AMG GT series sports car. This new version comes with significant design and ergonomic improvements to enhance the driving fun for young children. Available in two vibrant colours—Hyper Blue (with LED lighting) and Sun Yellow (without lighting)—the Bobby-AMG stands out with its realistic features and enhanced playability.

Key Design and Features:
  • Lighting Options: The Hyper Blue version includes LED lights for daytime running, tail lamps, and turn indicators, activated by a keypad in the cockpit. Both versions feature clear glass lenses for the headlamps and tail lamps, giving the toy a premium look.
  • Detailed Components: Unlike its predecessor, which used stickers for key design elements, this new model has a fully realised radiator grille, front splitter, and rear diffuser as individual parts, adding a touch of authenticity. Stickers for the AMG crest, Mercedes star, and satellite buttons are still included for added detailing.
  • Whisper Tyres: With Michelin-style design, these tyres ensure smooth, quiet rolling and good grip, making the ride comfortable for children. The rims are modeled after the AMG’s cross-spoke design in matte black.

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The Ferrari F80 is set to become the brand’s new flagship hypercar, following in the footsteps of the LaFerrari. Featuring cutting-edge performance and technology, the F80 blends Ferrari’s iconic engineering with modern hybrid systems to rewrite hypercar history.

Powertrain and Performance:

Under the hood, Ferrari has introduced a revolutionary 3.0-litre hybrid V6, accompanied by three electric motors. The engine alone generates 900hp, while the combined output reaches a staggering 1,184hp, making the F80 the most powerful Ferrari ever built. The electric motors are positioned on both axles, providing added torque, and energy regeneration, and enhancing the driving experience through torque vectoring.

Thanks to its powertrain, the F80 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.15 seconds, and 0 to 201km/h in 5.75 seconds, with a top speed of 350km/h. The hybrid system utilises a cutting-edge 800-volt battery pack and the combination of advanced turbo technology and hybrid components results in almost no turbo lag.

Aerodynamics and Chassis:

The F80 features a sleek, lightweight carbon fiber and composite monocoque chassis, with active aerodynamic features drawn from Ferrari’s Formula 1 expertise. The aerodynamic package generates a remarkable 1,000kg of downforce at 250km/h, improving cornering stability and high-speed performance. Key elements include a pointed nose with Ferrari’s signature S-Duct, an active rear wing, and a massive diffuser, all working together to optimise downforce.

Design and Interior:

Designed by Flavio Manzoni, the F80 sports a futuristic yet retro-inspired design, with nods to past models like the Ferrari F40 and the Daytona. The car’s greenhouse is lower than the LaFerrari’s, and butterfly doors add flair. Inside, the cabin emphasises a driver-centric “1+” layout, featuring a bright red adjustable sport seat for the driver and a fixed passenger seat. A new flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel debuts in the F80 and is set to appear in future Ferrari models.

Driving Dynamics:

Ferrari has integrated several advanced technologies to optimise driving dynamics. The F80 features an active suspension system with spool-valve dampers that adjust continuously for optimal ride and handling. It also debuts Ferrari’s “Boost Optimisation” technology, which analyses the track layout during driving and delivers extra power at key moments. Drive modes include Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify, with each mode fine-tuning the balance between power delivery and energy recovery.

Braking and Safety:

To match its formidable speed, the F80 comes equipped with Brembo’s new CCM-R Plus brakes, which offer significantly better mechanical strength and thermal performance than traditional carbon brakes. Ferrari has also added advanced active safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition, a rare inclusion in hypercars.

Price and Availability:

Priced at €3.6 million, the Ferrari F80 is not only the most powerful but also the most expensive Ferrari ever produced. Only 799 units will be built, with production beginning at the end of 2025 and continuing through 2027.

The Ferrari F80 represents a bold step into the future for the brand, combining exhilarating performance with cutting-edge technology and hybrid engineering.

In honour of the 60th anniversary of its legendary collaboration with the James Bond film franchise, Aston Martin has introduced the DB12 Goldfinger Edition. This special edition is crafted by the luxury marque’s bespoke personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin, paying tribute to one of the most iconic car-film partnerships in cinematic history.

The relationship between Aston Martin and James Bond began with the 1964 release of Goldfinger, when the Aston Martin DB5 debuted on the silver screen. Since then, the DB5 has become one of the most recognisable cars in the world and a defining symbol of both Aston Martin and the 007 series. The new DB12 Goldfinger Edition carries on that legacy, offering a modern Bond-inspired driving experience.

Exclusive DB12 Goldfinger Edition Unveiled

Aston Martin will release just 60 DB12 Goldfinger Editions worldwide to mark this historic milestone. Presented in the iconic Silver Birch paint colour—reminiscent of the DB5 from Goldfinger—the DB12 Goldfinger Edition boasts 21-inch multi-spoke wheels with a unique silver and diamond treatment finish, black brake callipers, and bespoke gold side strakes. The car is further adorned with a distinct silver Aston Martin logo with black enamel and a bright chrome ‘Q’ fender badge, signifying its special heritage.

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BMW has announced the forthcoming launch of the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, which will hit the market in March 2025. The latest iteration of the popular model comes with a redesigned exterior, a more powerful engine lineup, and a variety of advanced digital features. The new Gran Coupé, set to be produced at BMW’s Leipzig plant, will appeal to drivers seeking a balance of sporty performance and high-tech functionality.

Innovative Powertrain and Suspension Enhancements

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé boasts a fully updated drive portfolio and advanced suspension systems, including adaptive M suspension, aimed at providing superior agility and comfort. Alongside a range of electrified and mild-hybrid powertrains, including a 300hp engine in the BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupé, the model will cater to drivers looking for high-performance driving dynamics.

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At the Mondial de l’Auto Paris 2024, the BMW Group showcases its evolving strategy for electrification, underlining its leadership in electric mobility across multiple segments. Alongside the new BMW 1 Series, BMW X3, and BMW M5, the event also features world premieres of groundbreaking models and future concepts.

Key highlights include the introduction of the first all-electric Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) models—Mini John Cooper Works Electric and Mini John Cooper Works Aceman. These vehicles bring Mini’s motorsport heritage into the electric era, combining high-performance driving with innovative power and design. The BMW Neue Klasse Vision Vehicles also make their debut, providing a preview of the brand’s next generation of electric vehicles. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse, a sporty sedan, and the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X, a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), feature Minimalist designs and cutting-edge technology, such as BMW iDrive with Panoramic Vision and 3D Head-Up Display.

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Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. (Dongfeng Honda) celebrated the launch of its new energy vehicle (NEV) production plant in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, marking a significant milestone for both Honda and the electric vehicle (EV) industry. This facility is Honda’s first dedicated EV production plant globally, highlighting the company’s commitment to advancing its EV production capabilities.

The event was attended by notable figures, including officials from Wuhan City and Hubei Province, along with Toshihiro Mibe, Honda’s Global CEO, and Masayuki Igarashi, Managing Executive Officer of Honda for China operations.

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Formula 1 has teamed up with Mattel, Inc. to launch a global licensing partnership, bringing F1-themed Hot Wheels products to fans around the world. This collaboration will start with the release of a special limited edition F1 car in 2024, with the full Hot Wheels range of F1-themed cars and products scheduled to be available in 2025. The collection will cater to both younger fans and dedicated adult collectors.

The limited edition die-cast car, now available on Mattel Creations, features a unique Hot Wheels racing livery that includes the iconic ’68’ number on the nose, interchangeable tyres, and a detailed full-metal body chassis.

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Volkswagen Group has reported a 7% decline in global deliveries for the third quarter, highlighting significant challenges facing Europe’s automotive industry. The decrease in demand from China and rising production costs in Europe are key factors contributing to these difficulties. Additionally, the ongoing trade tensions between the European Union and China over tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), due to alleged subsidies, further complicate the situation for European carmakers.

Volkswagen, the largest automaker in Europe, is undergoing a major restructuring and may even consider closing plants in Germany for the first time. The company is grappling with low European demand, growing competition from Chinese manufacturers, especially in the EV space, and the high costs of production in Germany. Marco Schubert, a member of VW’s executive committee, emphasised the need for a more competitive cost structure, particularly in Germany, to maintain success in this challenging environment.

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Toyota has announced its return to Formula 1 as the official technical partner of the Haas F1 Team. Through its Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) division, the Japanese manufacturer will provide “design, technical, and manufacturing” services under a multi-year agreement that begins immediately. The TGR branding will be displayed on the cars of Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg during the upcoming United States Grand Prix.

This partnership comes as Toyota seeks to re-engage with grand prix racing, enticed by the upcoming 2026 chassis regulations, although there are no plans to become a power unit manufacturer for the new engine framework. Toyota previously competed in F1 from 2002 to 2009 but withdrew after failing to secure a race win amid the global financial crisis.

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Brembo has announced the acquisition of a 100% stake in Öhlins Racing, a premium manufacturer of high-performance suspension systems for motorcycles and cars. Öhlins, known for its advanced suspension technology in Original Equipment, Motorsport, and Aftermarket segments, will now be part of Brembo’s portfolio, strengthening Brembo’s market position in vehicle dynamics and intelligent solutions.

The acquisition was valued at USD 405 million and is expected to close in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Öhlins, founded in 1976 and headquartered in Sweden, operates two production facilities and R&D centres in Sweden and Thailand.

The company’s suspension technology is widely respected for its precision and innovation, especially in MotoGP, Formula 1, and World Superbike. Öhlins is projected to reach a USD 144 million turnover in 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 21%-22%.

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