Mercedes-Benz has launched Europe’s first battery recycling plant with an integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical process in Kuppenheim, southern Germany. This makes Mercedes-Benz the first automaker to close the battery recycling loop within its own in-house facility. The plant represents a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to promote a circular economy, reduce dependence on primary resources, and improve sustainability across its operations.
Key Features of the Kuppenheim Battery Recycling Plant:
High Recovery Rate: The recycling facility boasts an anticipated recovery rate of over 96%, enabling the extraction of valuable materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt for reuse in new electric vehicle batteries.
Circular Economy: The plant is designed to create a closed-loop recycling system, ensuring that materials from old batteries are repurposed into new ones, furthering Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainability.
Innovative Process: The recycling process involves a combination of mechanical sorting of materials such as plastics, copper, and aluminium, followed by hydrometallurgical extraction of critical metals from battery electrodes (the “black mass”).
Subaru Corporation has announced the debut of its next-generation hybrid system, which will first be featured in the Subaru Crosstrek (Japan model) slated for release in December 2024. This innovative hybrid system is designed to balance driving enjoyment with environmental performance, promising advancements in both areas.
Key Highlights of the Next-Generation Hybrid System:
2.5-Litre Horizontally-Opposed Engine: The newly developed BOXER engine offers dynamic performance with improved thermal efficiency, contributing to better fuel economy. Integrated with a power control unit atop the engine, it optimises electric power usage from the high-voltage battery.
Series-Parallel Hybrid System: This system efficiently switches between engine and electric motor power depending on driving conditions, ensuring smooth acceleration and a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Mechanical All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Subaru’s hallmark Symmetrical AWD is retained, providing precise control and stable driving in various road conditions by mechanically linking the front and rear wheels through a propeller shaft.
Sony Group and Honda Motor are collaborating to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the development of autonomous driving features for their joint electric vehicle (EV) venture, Honda Mobility. Their luxury EV brand, Afeela, will debut in Japan and the U.S. by 2026, featuring AI-driven autonomous capabilities.
The AI in these vehicles will continuously improve self-driving functionality through software updates, potentially once or twice a year. The initial AI systems are expected to support Level 3 autonomy, allowing for autonomous driving on highways and under specific conditions. This level of autonomy means the car can handle driving tasks while still requiring human intervention in certain scenarios.
BMW’s Neue Klasse concepts have given enthusiasts a preview of the brand’s future design direction, but it turns out that this influence will not be limited solely to its electric vehicles. According to Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s head of design, the design language showcased in the Neue Klasse sedan and X crossover concepts will be carried across the entire range, including combustion engine models.
Van Hooydonk emphasised that both petrol-powered and electric BMWs will adopt these new design cues, with subtle differences in their design elements and proportions to distinguish them. This is part of a broader strategy to offer modern, cohesive styling across all BMW vehicles, allowing customers to choose between internal combustion or electric drivetrains without feeling they are choosing between different aesthetics.
Porsche is celebrating 25 years of the GT3 by unveiling the 2025 911 GT3, the latest iteration of its iconic sports car. This updated 992.2 model retains the hallmark features that have made the GT3 so revered, including its naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine that produces 502hp and revs to 9,000 rpm. Remarkably, it remains purely powered by internal combustion despite stringent emissions regulations, incorporating two gas-particulate filters and four catalytic converters to meet modern standards.
To maintain its performance edge, the GT3 has received several mechanical upgrades, including hotter camshafts from the GT3 RS, new throttle bodies, revised cylinder heads, and new oil coolers. For those who enjoy the manual experience, the 6-speed manual transmission now has a shorter final drive, addressing complaints about the long gearing in previous manual 911s. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is also available.
Enhanced Aerodynamics and Suspension
Borrowing some aerodynamic lessons from the GT3 RS, the front suspension now features suspension links with an aerofoil shape, improving both downforce and brake cooling. The lower mounting point for the front wishbone helps reduce dive under braking, while the new headlight design allows for larger aerodynamic inlets. At the rear, updates to the diffuser and engine cover help balance the front downforce improvements.
Performance Tyres and Wheels
The 255/35ZR20 front tyres and 315/30ZR21 rear tires enhance performance, particularly in wet conditions, with a track-focused, stickier tire option available. The new standard wheels shave off 1.4kg of unsprung weight, contributing to overall performance gains.
Weissach and Touring Packages
The Weissach Package, previously exclusive to Porsche’s RS models, is now available for the GT3. This includes carbon-fibre components such as the roof, anti-roll bars, and mirror caps, as well as the option for lighter magnesium wheels.
Touring
Simultaneously, Porsche has also launched the GT3 Touring Package, which removes the rear wing for a more understated appearance. It includes a Leichtbau (lightweight) package, featuring carbon-fibre suspension components, a body-colour carbon-fibre roof, and magnesium wheels.
Interior and Features
Inside, the GT3 shares many updates with the new 911 Carrera but keeps its ignition switch instead of the newer push-button start. New carbon-fibre bucket seats with folding backrests and optional heating are available, and for the first time, the GT3 Touring can be equipped with rear seats.
Touring
At its lightest, the 2025 GT3 weighs 1,419kg, impressively lean for a modern performance car.
The new 911 GT3 continues Porsche’s legacy of building thrilling, track-focused sports cars, and while it’s an evolution rather than a revolution, it’s a fitting tribute to 25 years of one of the most desirable 911 models.
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.
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.
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.
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.
