Ridge Racer marked a decisive turning point in video game history. The series accompanied the launch of several consoles, but nothing surpassed its explosive arrival on the first PlayStation. Released in arcades in 1993, Ridge Racer embodied the future with its textured polygon tracks and smooth gameplay. Just over a year later, it was running on a small machine that Japanese players simply plugged into their televisions, with minimal concessions. And almost a year after that, on September 9, 1995, it landed in North America alongside the PlayStation. Happy birthday to Ridge Racer and, incidentally, to the PlayStation!

The Absolute Standard of Arcade Racing Games

For those who never played the original, Ridge Racer was simply the ultimate benchmark of the genre at the time, alongside Sega’s Daytona USA. In arcades, drivers piloted the iconic red F/A Racing car, which more or less resembled an A80 Supra, on a now-legendary track: Seaside Route 765.

This track, with its 13 turns starting from the city and heading towards the coast, is one of those classic circuits suitable for all skill levels. Turn 3 at the tunnel exit and turn 9, the tightest on the circuit as you leave the beach, require drifting to be taken at good speed. This technique would become the most distinctive gameplay characteristic of the Ridge Racer franchise.

A Technological Revolution at Home

The idea that Sony’s first console could bring all this home was unprecedented. Remember that at that time, most racing games still used sprite-scaling techniques like in Out Run. The few polygonal games were confined to PCs or niche platforms and didn’t offer the same visuals or smoothness.

The PlayStation version of Ridge Racer displayed lower resolution and a frame rate halved compared to its arcade version, but it remained incredibly smooth and beautiful. Although Daytona USA has its staunch defenders, Ridge Racer outperformed its rival on Saturn, which ran at 20 frames per second compared to Ridge Racer’s 30.

Where to Play Ridge Racer Today?

For many years, it was difficult to recapture the feel of the original game. You needed to own a PS1 and a copy of the game, or a copy of Ridge Racer Type 4 including its Turbo Mode bonus disc. Fortunately, this changed a few months ago with the release of Arcade Archives: Ridge Racer on PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series.

This new edition is a port of the arcade version, not the console version we’re celebrating today, but overall it offers a better experience. It runs at 60 fps and, in my opinion, the driving is much more satisfying. Drift initiation was very abrupt in the PS1 version, whereas I’m much faster and have much more fun on Seaside Route 765 in the arcade version. The only feature I really miss is the chase camera angle.

A Legacy Still Alive

Hard to believe, but it’s been 13 years since the last main installment in the series, Ridge Racer, was released on PS Vita. We can only believe in its return one day, while wondering about such a long absence. Less hardcore and punishing racing games are experiencing something of a resurgence these days, and Ridge Racer has a style and flavor all its own. Meanwhile, today is the perfect day to revisit its origins.

Vehicle-mounted tents, popularized by the #vanlife movement and overlanding on Instagram, continue to be successful despite often exorbitant prices. The recent announcement of the $4,700 Thule Outset has reignited the debate about the relevance of this equipment.

Roof Top Tents (RTTs): A Luxury with Multiple Drawbacks

Roof Top Tents appeal with their high-end manufacturing, premium materials, and gas-assisted quick deployment. But they present major challenges: significant weight high up that alters handling, a substantial aerodynamic penalty that increases fuel consumption, and problems with parking in underground garages. Not to mention the difficulty of accessing them from the ground.

The Thule Outset: A Hitch-Mounted Solution

Thule offers an alternative with the Outset, which mounts on a hitch rather than the roof. This model deploys in seconds and can be easily detached from the vehicle. A definite advantage for being able to leave the campsite without dismantling everything. However, be careful not to leave the engine running with someone inside, due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

A Dizzying Price Range

The RTT market features considerable price disparities. You can find premium models like the ARB Altitude for nearly $6,000, while entry-level options like the “XBull” sell for around $600 at Walmart. The difference is obviously felt in the quality of construction and durability.

Questionable Practical Advantages

Do the marketing arguments for RTTs hold up to analysis? Being elevated to escape insects? They know how to climb and fly. Fear of animals? Most avoid you, and those that are curious can easily reach your roof. Does the sole tangible benefit – ultra-fast deployment – truly justify a surcharge of several thousand dollars compared to a classic ground tent?

The Ground Tent: A Reasonable Alternative

A traditional family-sized tent can be set up in minutes, offer standing room, a camp bed at a normal height, and pack down to a size similar to a carry-on suitcase. For a featherweight equivalent to a few jackets. A simple, economical, and versatile solution that questions the real added value of RTTs.

Passing Fad or Camping Revolution?

While overlanding has led to sometimes unreasonable purchases ($300 shovels…), the high-end roof top tent market persists in 2025. Is it merely a fashion trend, a need to stand out, or do these products genuinely offer superior comfort and experience? The debate between the 4×4 glamour enthusiasts and the “ground tent peasants” remains open.

1990s Toyota 4Runners and Tacomas can get a whole new lease on life with this supercharger-ready crate engine. As an enthusiast recently searching for a clean third-generation 4Runner, I can confirm: they’re becoming rare. Away from California, in the heartland, most are simply worn out. If I ever acquire such a gem, I already know which engine I’d give it: LC Engineering’s brand new Stage 1 5VZ-FE 3.4L block. While far from cheap, it’s, in my opinion, worthy of a rust-free survivor.

An Investment for OEM+ Purists

Let’s be clear from the start: the long block costs $10,000. For that price, an LS V8 or even a Tundra 2UZ swap is possible. But some owners prefer to avoid that radical route. This solution is ideal for OEM+ builds that favor a supercharged V6, true to the original spirit, rather than an oversized powertrain.

LC Engineering: Toyota Expertise

LC Engineering is a renowned shop in Arizona, famous for its work on legendary 4-cylinders like the 22RE and 2RZ. A quick look at their Instagram is enough to see the quality of their builds and the enthusiasm of the Toyota community. Their involvement is a mark of seriousness and makes these 5VZ-FEs all the more remarkable.

The Technical Specifications of the Stage 1 Block

The 5VZ-FE presented here is a fine piece of machinery. Each Stage 1 long block benefits from prepared cylinder heads (ported and polished), ARP head studs, and a lightweight crankshaft pulley. LC Engineering does not specify a precise power gain, mentioning increased reliability and a slight performance boost. The original engine produced 183 horsepower in the 4Runner and 190 horsepower in the Tacoma. The crucial point? This block is advertised as “supercharger-ready.” Imagine it paired with a Magnuson supercharger…

For Which Target Audience?

This engine is perfect for a full restoration or an original owner wanting a complete overhaul. It’s the solution for those who refuse to rebuild an engine that’s been swallowing dust for 25 years. It’s not the choice for those seeking maximum power at all costs, but for those who want to keep their Toyota clean and simple, without completely transforming the engine bay. A V8 is an option, but not the only one.

The Nissan Z Heritage Edition 2026 is sparking conversation, though not entirely for the expected reasons. While the Z Proto concept captivated enthusiasts five years ago, the seventh-generation Z seems to have struggled to capitalize on that initial excitement. Nissan is now attempting to rekindle the flame with this special edition, which turns out to be a more obvious tribute to the legendary GT-R than to the Z’s own heritage.

A Purely Aesthetic Package

It is essential to clarify from the outset that the Heritage Edition is a purely aesthetic option. Nissan’s press release describes it as a “Z32 brought into the 21st century,” referencing the fourth-generation 300ZX. The tributes include “Twin Turbo” graphics on the sides and on the carbon fiber rear spoiler.

However, beyond these details, few elements truly recall the 300ZX. The horizontal taillights, for example, are a feature common to the entire current lineup. The real surprise comes from the color choice.

The Midnight Purple Controversy

Unlike the previous edition which sported a nostalgic orange reminiscent of the rare Fairlady Z432R, this new model is dressed in a Midnight Purple. This hue is far more significant to the Nissan GT-R lineage than to the Z’s.

Nissan itself seems to emphasize this link by presenting the car alongside a GT-R in the same color. The gold wheels, identical to those on the standard Z but simply repainted, reinforce this GT-R-inspired theme.

An Interior Lacking Boldness

Despite a great opportunity, Nissan did not seize the chance to rework the cabin. The brand merely offers “unique door sill plates and exclusive floor mats.” The interior remains entirely black, sorely lacking purple accents or specific elements that could have given it a more special character consistent with the theme.

Unchanged Mechanics

Technically, the Heritage Edition remains true to the Z’s proven recipe. It retains the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower. Based on the Performance trim, it benefits from upgraded tires and brakes, as well as a limited-slip differential.

It remains one of the most accessible rear-wheel drive, three-pedal sports cars, even if it may seem a bit less refined than some of its competitors.

Price and Positioning

The Heritage Edition will complement the 2026 lineup, alongside the Sport, Performance, and Nismo trims. Its price is set at $57,155 (including destination fee), which represents a $2,940 premium over a standard Z Performance. The base price of the 2026 Nissan Z starts at $44,215.

Genesis is no longer the small Korean newcomer that simply follows Hyundai’s basics. Germany had better wake up, because Genesis is playing to win, and right now, it’s hitting its stride while BMW is stumbling. The 2026 Genesis GV70 arrives with a subtle facelift and updated technology, offering a sharper and more innovation-focused experience without denying what made it charming.

The Basics

The GV70 hasn’t changed much visually, but Genesis has tweaked some details for the more observant. The Superman-style grille has gained depth, the air intakes are slightly larger, and the jewel-like LED strips in the headlights are thinner. The dashboard has received a significant technological update: the instrument screen and the touchscreen are now merged into a single 27-inch OLED display. Genesis wisely retained physical buttons for essential elements like radio volume and temperature. The new blue interior color option is superb, and the whole setup appears much more premium and ergonomic than the latest BMW X3.

Driving the 2026 Genesis GV70

The GV70’s powertrains are carried over for 2026. The base model features a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 300 horsepower. The model tested here was equipped with the more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, boosting power to 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All GV70s come with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged V6 is a true powerhouse, with power that exceeds what’s necessary for daily driving. It’s likely capable of 0 to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds. The 8-speed automatic transmission performs smooth gear changes, which become sharper in Sport and Sport+ modes.

Verdict

In a world where enthusiasts almost by default turn to BMW, Genesis is making a quick turn while the Germans seem to be losing focus. The refined GV70 offers all the modern technology that consumers demand, without tedious controls or distractions, all while providing lively dynamics and solid build quality. It’s strange, but suddenly, the driver’s crossover comes from South Korea and not Germany.

2025 Genesis GV70 Technical Sheet (Twin-Turbo V6)

Base Price (Sport Prestige AWD): $72,225
Powertrain: 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 | 8-Speed Automatic Transmission | All-Wheel Drive
Power: 375 horsepower
Torque: 391 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy: 13 L/100km (city) | 9.4 L/100km (highway) | 11.2 L/100km (combined)

Robotaxis, Robots, and Hope form Tesla’s plan to justify Elon Musk’s colossal compensation and achieve a market valuation of $8.5 trillion. An ambitious goal that relies on technologies still under development, while the American automaker’s market share in the United States is at its lowest since 2017.

Automotive News in Brief

As competition in the electric vehicle sector intensifies, the giant Tesla is betting on futuristic projects rather than its current car sales. Meanwhile, the automotive industry is marked by several other announcements.

Recalls and New Model Launches

Ford announces a recall of nearly 1.5 million vehicles in the American market due to a faulty backup camera issue. On the new releases front, Toyota introduces the 2026 Highlander lineup, now equipped with standard all-wheel drive across the entire range. Lexus also unveils an updated version of the 2026 IS, which benefits from a slight redesign.

Future Electric Vehicles

Polestar has presented the 2026 Polestar 5 fastback, but its arrival in the American market is not yet confirmed. Lucid Motors plans to launch a mid-size electric vehicle, potentially named “Earth,” by the end of 2025, subject to securing the necessary funding. An all-terrain version is also planned. Mercedes-Benz has offered a first glimpse of the future electric C-Class, whose front end is inspired by that of the GLC EV.

Innovations and Investments

Mercedes-Benz also made a series of major announcements: an EQS prototype equipped with solid-state batteries that traveled 1,200 km on a single charge, the integration of 600 kW ultra-fast chargers into its network starting in 2026, and achieving a record charging speed of 1 megawatt. Additionally, Volkswagen is reportedly in talks to invest in the United States, with potential local production of Audi and possibly even Porsche, while planning to invest billions of euros in AI by 2030.

Fresh from his surprising victory at the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix, four-time world champion Max Verstappen is set to make his GT racing debut on the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring this weekend. According to the publication Auto Motor Sport, the Dutch driver will travel to Germany to obtain the necessary license to race on this mythical circuit.

A Two-Step Process to Obtain the License

To be able to drive a GT3 race car, such as the Ferrari 296 GT3 he recently drove under the pseudonym Franz Hermann, Verstappen must successfully complete a series of tests. He will begin with a theoretical exam this Friday, the first mandatory step. If he passes, he will then have to take a practical exam on Saturday, which involves finishing a race in a lower category, likely driving a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS for the Lionspeed GP team.

A Logistical Challenge for the Red Bull Champion

The regulations normally require two separate race starts to obtain the final license. However, thanks to his exceptional experience, Verstappen could fulfill this requirement by completing two stints in two different cars during the same race on Saturday. The report indicates that he will need to complete a total of 14 laps without receiving any penalties to gain the officials’ approval.

Confirmed Participation in the NLS Race

Once these formalities are completed, Verstappen is expected to participate in the Nürburgring Langstrecken Series (NLS) race two weeks later, after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He will drive a Ferrari 296 GT3 for the Emil Frey Racing team, with which he has already set an unofficial record on the Green Hell.

A Stated Passion for Endurance Racing

The young F1 champion has expressed his desire to engage in other disciplines, particularly endurance racing. In an interview last November, he shared his attraction to races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona, as well as the different pace of the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Is this foray into GT racing just an escape from the pressures of F1 or the beginning of a future career change?

The F-150 Lightning STX is not a hardcore off-road electric vehicle. Recently, a camouflaged prototype suggested the arrival of a Tremor version. It was actually the new base STX model, which replaces the old XLT and comes with more aggressive Goodyear Wrangler tires. This confusion raises an essential question: Will Ford ever build a true 100% electric off-road F-150?

An answer conditioned by the future of internal combustion vehicles

The simple answer is probably “yes,” but only if internal combustion vehicles are eventually completely phased out. In the meantime, nothing is less certain. One could argue that there is no reason to develop a high-performance EV as long as the fossil fuel option exists. Although Ford has proven with its demonstrators that lithium-ion can outperform internal combustion engines on the track, consumers’ attachment to the sound and feel of a V8 remains a major obstacle.

An uncertain market and demand

Ford would likely have the technical capability to build an electric F-150 Raptor that outperforms its internal combustion counterpart. However, that does not guarantee its commercial success. Even an electric Tremor version, more suited to trails than the desert, would not necessarily appeal to customers. The absence of a direct rival to the Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss or the Rivian R1T suggests that Ford does not see this niche as a priority.

An unfavorable economic context

There is no obvious reason to rush. While EV sales are stagnating and consumer enthusiasm is cooling, developing a silent version of an already hot best-seller would not represent a strategically sensible bet for the manufacturer.

The STX: a reasonable and powerful offering

The new STX is, in reality, all that most drivers need. Upgraded tires are often the only equipment necessary for occasional use. Ford even added Tremor running boards for aesthetics. It should not be forgotten that this entry-level model already produces 536 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. At $63,345, the performance-to-price ratio remains exceptional.

And for those who want a Raptor, the option is still available… as long as it is powered by a twin-turbo V6 or a supercharged V8.

Lamborghini now uses artificial intelligence to perfect real-time driving. Far from being just a software evolution, this approach marks a technological leap where AI becomes an active co-pilot, capable of sensing and adapting to the driver and their environment.

An AI that understands your driving style and emotions

During Monterey Car Week, Rouven Mohr, Chief Technical Officer of Lamborghini, detailed this vision. The brand already uses an initial form of machine learning for torque management, adapting power delivery based on the surface and driving style. The future is even more ambitious: the car could recognize the driver’s emotions and adjust its controls accordingly.

“If the car is smart enough to detect that you want to have fun, that it’s sliding a bit, the algorithm could theoretically say to itself: *OK, this driver wants a more pronounced drift angle*,” explains Mohr. “It would then manage the car’s rotation in a different way.”

A safety system that adapts to your skill

The idea goes beyond mood. Lamborghini is designing systems that adjust their software intervention “rules” based on the driver’s behavior. If your inputs are precise and your laps are clean, the electronic aids (the “nannies”) become more discreet. If you start making mistakes, the safety net automatically tightens.

The AI could even compensate for performance gaps. Mohr illustrates: “If the algorithm recognizes that in every corner, the driver uses too much steering angle, causing understeer, a by-wire steering system could learn not to give them as much angle to avoid it.”

The 6D sensor: the essential “enabler”

This intelligence requires an ultra-precise data source. Lamborghini’s physical master card is its “6D sensor,” introduced with the Fenomeno. This module, no larger than a baseball, is crucial.

Mohr describes it as the “enabling element.” The magic happens in the algorithm, but the latter is useless without a constant stream of high-quality data. “[The 6D sensor] gives the algorithm much more precise information about the car’s state in terms of roll and pitch, as it explicitly measures the body’s movement with six degrees of freedom,” he specifies.

Unlike conventional setups that use multiple independent sensors, creating data delay and approximation, the 6D provides an instant and holistic view of the vehicle’s movements. This precision is key to much finer control management.

An industry trend: BMW and the interpretation of intent

Lamborghini is not alone on this path. BMW is also developing electronic “super-brains” capable of recognizing the driver’s intent. Their system combines attention-monitoring cameras and steering wheel torque sensors to differentiate a deliberate maneuver (such as avoiding a parked vehicle) from an unintentional lane departure, thus avoiding unnecessary alarms.

The quest for justice between its two hungry drivers is, at best, messy. In Formula 1, despite all its equations and data points, unknown variables often outweigh certainties. A sudden downpour during a race, a technical failure, or, as for Lando Norris this Sunday at Monza, a faulty wheel gun: all are unpredictable situations that complicate the search for fairness.

The Controversial Team Order at the Italian Grand Prix

Late in the race, the two papaya arrows pitted to fit new tires. Oscar Piastri, the championship leader, docked in 1.9 seconds. But for Norris, a problem with the left wheel gun turned the stop into an agonizing 5.9 seconds. As the Australian found himself in second place, a clear radio message came through: “Oscar, it’s a bit like Hungary last year. We pitted in this order for team reasons. Let Lando pass, then you can race.” Piastri complied immediately, yielding his position to his teammate.

McLaren’s Recurring Dilemma in 2024

The British team has been navigating troubled waters since the start of the season, torn between two elite drivers competing for the same title. Last year, the “papaya rules” often seemed to favor Norris in his battle against Max Verstappen. McLaren had promised that 2025 would be different, with clear expectations. Yet, the reality on the ground and the need for quick decisions have seen last year’s debates resurface, as at Silverstone where Piastri was denied a position swap.

A Divisive Decision: Fairness or Manipulation?

As the title battle tightens – Piastri leading Norris by 34 points before Monza – team orders become more controversial. Norris assured that this procedure had been discussed and was “the fairest thing.” Piastri, though complying, questioned the logic: “We had said that a slow stop was part of racing.” Even Verstappen, the race winner, mocked: “Just because he had a slow stop?”

The Impact on the Show and Sporting Ethics

Beyond the internal dilemma, this practice opens a dangerous cycle of “rebalancing” and risks altering the fan experience. As commentator David Coulthard summarized: “As fans, we don’t want to feel there’s manipulation beyond the normal gods of racing.” Spectators want strategy, but also an organic, hard-fought, and deserved race.

The Solution: Consistency or Laissez-Faire?

The answer to McLaren’s puzzle may lie in consistency, a quality the team has shown on track this year, but not yet over the radio in split-second decisions. The lesson from Monza might be to allow a less “manufactured” race. Whether the team chooses to intervene or stay silent in the future, it defines what justice means in F1: in love, war, and the fight for the title, all is fair.