This spectacular 1:5 scale Lego Technic replica of the BMW M S1000RR is a unique and safe way to enjoy the Bavarian superbike from the comfort of your living room. And currently, it’s generously discounted on Amazon!

An exceptional offer not to be missed

$198: 1920-piece Lego BMW S1000RR kit (regular price $249.99). Take advantage of an immediate discount of over $50 on this exceptional set, a steal for mechanics and building enthusiasts.

A masterpiece of precision and detail

With its 1920 pieces, this motorcycle, which includes a display stand, measures 46 cm long, 18 cm wide, and 28 cm high. The assembly is known to be a stimulating challenge, ideal for experienced builders or teenagers accompanied by an adult. The assembly instructions are said to follow the same order as on the production line at the BMW Motorrad factory in Berlin, offering you total immersion in the manufacturing process.

Realistic technical functions

This Lego Technic model is much more than just a static display. It incorporates impressive functional mechanisms:

An operational gearbox

You can shift between three different gears, adding a layer of realism to the experience.

Active steering and suspension

The handlebars and front suspension are functional, for a more authentic feel.

A drive chain

The technical detail is advanced with the inclusion of a chain, faithful to the original.

The entertainment value for money

Beyond the assembly, which promises long hours of fun and concentration, this Lego set becomes an impressive decorative piece. Once assembled, this model will make a statement on a shelf, in an office, or in any dedicated collection. Its sale price of under $200 on Amazon makes it a perfect opportunity to treat yourself or to give a unique gift that will leave a lasting impression.

The new Ferrari Testarossa design has been public for about 48 hours, and the ratio of excitement to rejection on the Internet is simply incredible. Online commentators almost universally hate the car; as for me, I find it rather successful.

Resurrecting a Legend: A Risky Bet

Obviously, any car manufacturer plays with fire when reviving a legendary name. A vocal minority will always be disappointed, and there will invariably be a loud contingent of purists who prefer the old version. Die-hard fans of the original tend to commit to disliking new iterations, no matter their form. But in over a decade of following automotive news, I don’t recall a product as unanimously disapproved in online comments as this new Ferrari.

Heightened Criticism for Maranello

The Ford Mustang Mach-E also sparked polarized reactions at its debut, and I know more than one person disappointed by the new Chevrolet Blazer or Acura RSX compared to their ancestors. But a Ferrari, a car that most people will only admire without ever driving it, invites a much higher level of design criticism.

The Unambiguous Verdict of Online Communities

Articles featuring the car are flooded with negative comments. The coverage by Road & Track and Car and Driver gathered a few more charitable responses, but even the r/Ferrari subreddit seems to mostly downvote the design.

Design Analysis: Tribute or Betrayal?

One of the most frequent complaints is that the 849 Testarossa doesn’t look like the flat and wide Testarossa millennials remember. Which is true, it is different. Although the 80s icon itself didn’t look much like the 250 Testa Rossa (two words) that preceded it.

Modern Styling Elements

If the new car doesn’t have the iconic side strakes, it has its own unique side ventilation, with that vertical black line flowing into an air intake. The black bar at the front, an element appearing on many modern Ferraris, adds a retro-futuristic feel that could be interpreted as a nod to the pop-up headlights the Prancing Horse brand loved.

The rear of the new car doesn’t have the ultra-wide grille or buttresses, but it’s just as dramatic as the old one, with a huge bulge for the engine and width accentuated by spoilers. This latter feature is actually more of a reference to the 512 sports prototype from the late 60s and early 70s.

A Name That Carries Weight

I now wonder if people hate it because they genuinely find it ugly, or simply because they’re not satisfied to see the Testarossa name return on a modern machine. If it had been called something else, would opinions change? The revival of the Lamborghini Countach in 2021 was much better received, but it was also a much more restrained design.

Even as a fan, I concede that “GTO” might have been a more appropriate name to resurrect here. The black line at the front strongly resembles the nose of the 80s 288 GTO. And that car, like today’s Testarossa, had a twin-turbo V8, whereas the old Testarossa was famous for its V12.

It’s understandable that fans aren’t doing backflips to celebrate the triumphant return of a classic icon with this new 849 Testarossa. The controversy is fierce, but the debate over its design is far from over.

Honda has unveiled its first electric kei car, the Honda N-One e, which will be marketed at around 17,000 euros in Japan. This retro model draws inspiration from the iconic N360 of the 1960s. With its compact size, rounded design, and surprisingly spacious interior, Honda aims to dethrone the Nissan Sakura, the current queen of the mini electric vehicle market in Japan.

An Awakening Inspired by the Fiat Topolino

Generally, a kei car reserved for the Japanese market wouldn’t have caught my attention. However, the N-One e reminded me of my experience driving the Fiat Topolino in southern France this summer. This pleasant experience made me realize how perfect this type of vehicle would be for my daily trips, which rarely exceed a 10-kilometer radius from my home.

Topolino vs N-One e: An Instructive Comparison

The Honda isn’t quite in the same category as the Topolino. The N-One e is a real car, with a full interior, a rear bench seat, and a trunk. Its range is 295 km, and its top speed, although not disclosed, is surely higher than the Fiat’s 45 km/h. The Topolino, even smaller, makes do with a digital screen and a phone holder. It only offers two seats, minimal storage, and 75 km of range, but its price is only 10,000 euros.

The Daily Utility of a Mini Electric Vehicle

Although I enjoy driving a large SUV, I don’t need such a vehicle to do my shopping 5 km away, go to the nearby gym, or take my daughter to the mall 10 km away. Except for the airport, which I frequent once or twice a month, a Topolino would be more than enough for me. For more comfort, I would probably opt for an N-One e, which could even take me to the airport and back twice without recharging.

The Ideal Solution: Smart Bottle-Feeding

As many families have realized, the key is to have two cars. My wife, who works outside and has different commutes, would keep the SUV. I would be perfectly content with a mini electric car. For road trips, the SUV would be back in service. To go to dinner at the local restaurant, I would offer my little circus car, an offer she would surely refuse. Too bad for her.

A Call to Manufacturers and Authorities

I’m not saying we should all replace our SUVs with mini electric cars. But I would like to see French authorities allow the import of these efficient small vehicles, and for major manufacturers to take the risk of marketing them here, even if just experimentally. I can guarantee you they would sell at least one to an eccentric person in Indianapolis. You already know who it is.

If you’re an enthusiast looking for your first rear-wheel-drive sports car, you’ve certainly come across the frightening term “snap oversteer.” Another, more accurate expression could replace it: “skill issue.”

The Dark Legend of Rear-Wheel-Drive Cars

Often associated with track models and older cars with responsive chassis, “snap oversteer” evokes unmanageable racing cars, designed at the limit of stability, that spin out as soon as a weekend driver approaches their limits. This reputation earned the early Porsche 911 the nickname “the doctor killer” and fueled theories about the Carrera GT.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to encounter it. The Honda S2000 CR, for example, enjoys a similar reputation as a capricious car. Designed as a track model, its improvements were meant to make it faster and more responsive in the hands of a skilled driver. Some enthusiasts even consider it a “widow-maker.”

An Expert’s Verdict

But here’s the truth: “Snap Oversteer” is a myth. So, what is the common element that leads so many drivers to spin these cars? For Nik Romano, a driving instructor and race car driver, the answer boils down to two words: skill issue.

“Too often, people want to take a vehicle control course only after having a scary moment in an S2000,” explains Romano. “They are too quick to blame the Honda’s short wheelbase or front-mid engine.”

The Real Culprit: Lift-Off Oversteer

The real culprit isn’t the car, but a driver maneuver: lift-off oversteer. This phenomenon occurs when the driver lifts off the accelerator in the middle of a turn, causing a weight transfer to the front that destabilizes the rear of the vehicle.

“My inputs told the car to do that,” states Romano after spinning the Honda on a test track. He proves his point by reproducing the same maneuver with a smoother, more refined approach. The secret? Being progressive with the accelerator. With a bit of finesse, the CR’s rear stays perfectly in line.

Taming Oversteer

Even with the best intentions, oversteer can be inevitable. But it is neither violent nor unpredictable. It can be controlled and corrected by staying focused and making smooth movements. Romano demonstrates this by maintaining constant acceleration and using counter-steering to bring the car back in line when the rear starts to slide.

“Whether I subtly change the car’s balance with progressive acceleration or correct more aggressively with counter-steering, the result is the same,” he says. “I continue moving in the desired direction.”

What About Mid-Engine Cars?

What about cars with the engine placed behind the passenger compartment, like the Toyota MR2? Romano explains that a car with more weight at the rear will indeed have more inertia in a slide. This may require faster or more extensive corrections, but nothing in its fundamental design makes it unmanageable.

“The car will only ever do what you tell it to do,” concludes Romano. “And as long as you know what you’re asking of it, you can recover.”

If you’re coveting a sports car with a notorious reputation, remember this: “snap oversteer” is just oversteer you didn’t anticipate. Fix the weak link – the driver – and you’ll be ready to fully appreciate all the mechanics.

One might think that Nürburgring record attempts are cold, meticulously calculated races. The reality is often different, as evidenced by these spy shots of the most radical Porsche Taycan to date – likely a GT4 RS. These photos show that carnage is sometimes part of the price to pay for dominating the Green Hell.

Two attempts, two failures

A source indicates that Porsche attempted twice to set a record on a Wednesday, but problems ended these trials. Driven by Lars Kern, a blue Taycan sustained significant damage after hitting the ground in one of the Nordschleife’s corners. The severely damaged rear diffuser had to be held together with tape, as shown in the photos.

A purple Taycan and balance issues

A second Taycan, purple in color and sporting the same aggressive aerodynamic kit, also tried its luck. Equipped with a large fixed wing, a giant diffuser, and aerodynamic rear wheels, it did not suffer physical damage. However, according to the source, the car’s balance was “not optimal” during its fastest lap, forcing the cancellation of the timed run.

More than just a Turbo GT?

While initially thought to be Taycan Turbo GTs with a Manthey kit, this hypothesis is now ruled out. Manthey’s presence is confirmed, but in a more developmental role. The photographer even claims that these prototypes have more power than the Turbo GT, which is already capped at 1,092 horsepower.

A goal: breaking the 7-minute barrier

This future electric beast, which could be the first EV to bear the GT RS monogram, has a clear goal: to complete a lap of the Nordschleife in under 7 minutes. A significant challenge, as the Turbo GT’s current time is 7:07.55, far behind the 911 GT3 RS (6:44.848 in 2022).

The industry will be electric – there is no turning back. This is the firm belief of Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson, who has outlined a clear vision for the coming decade. According to him, in about ten years, all cars will be electric and, notably, they will also be cheaper. He predicts a profound transformation of the sector, where some legacy players will fail to adapt, allowing new leaders to emerge in this “new world.”

Automotive News in Brief

Here is an overview of the latest news shaking up the automotive industry.

Loyalty to Tesla Plummets

A surprising trend is emerging with Tesla: its owners are not just leaving, they are “fleeing.” Data indicates that brand loyalty is dropping more sharply than at any other car manufacturer, except for Dodge, signaling a significant defection of owners to other brands.

Audi Prepares an Electric Sports Car with Combustion Engine Vibes

Audi is working on a future electric sports coupe, expected in 2027. To appeal to purists, the brand with the rings is considering incorporating simulated gear shifts and broadcasting a sound through speakers that mimics the characteristic roar of its legendary five-cylinder engine. One thing is certain: it will not bear the TT name.

New Nissan Sentra Unveiled Early?

The next generation of the Nissan Sentra reportedly made a surprise early appearance in China. Its design is said to be heavily inspired by the new Nissan Leaf, particularly the front end, hinting at the brand’s future styling directions.

Reprieve for Audi’s Five-Cylinder Engine

Enthusiasts of combustion engines can breathe a sigh of relief: Audi’s famous five-cylinder engine has been granted a reprieve. Its production will not cease until 2027, when the iconic gasoline engine will bow out.

BMW Questions the Use of Apple CarPlay

Contrary to popular belief, BMW claims that the majority of its drivers do not rely as heavily on Apple CarPlay as might be thought, suggesting a more moderate use of smartphone connectivity systems than expected.

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The new 2026 Honda Prelude was unveiled last week, sparking some understandable complaints about the lack of a manual transmission. Honda refers to this coupe’s transmission as an “eCVT,” but in reality, the car simply doesn’t have a gearbox in the traditional sense. It uses the manufacturer’s two-motor electric hybrid technology.

A Proven Hybrid Technology

Honda has been developing its two-motor hybrid systems for over a decade, with the first one debuting on the Accord Hybrid in 2014. Each iteration has gained in efficiency. Theoretically, the latest version should offer typical electric vehicle acceleration at low speeds and remarkable fuel economy on the highway, all without ever needing to be plugged in.

Simulation for Sensation

The Prelude’s unique feature is its S+ paddle shift system on the steering wheel. Once activated, it simulates the sounds and sensations of gear shifts from a sequential gearbox. Honda presents it as follows: “With the innovative Honda S+ Shift system, the Prelude offers the ultimate electrified Honda driving experience with a responsive and engaging simulated gear shift.”

In other words, the “gear shifting” will be completely disconnected from what the transmission is actually doing. It’s the same principle as the fake gear shifts in the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, an experience that many find surprisingly realistic.

Two Configurations for the Same System

Honda now offers two versions of its fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system:

Parallel Configuration

Found on the CR-V and Accord, it uses two electric motors side-by-side. This allows for the integration of a large, high-speed propulsion motor for better responsiveness. An additional direct-drive gear train enables light towing and improves low-speed power.

In-Line Configuration

More suitable for smaller vehicles like the Civic and soon the Prelude. The two electric motors are aligned. One drives the wheels, while the other is powered by the VTEC engine which charges the battery. Propulsion comes from a single-speed gearbox connected to the traction motor. The gasoline engine only drives the wheels via a clutch when it is most efficient, such as during highway cruising.

A Fake eCVT and an Unexpected Comparison

The term “eCVT” is therefore a misnomer: there is no variability in the gear ratio. It is a direct-drive system, whose behavior is dictated by a Power Control Unit (PCU).

Interestingly, this concept is conceptually similar to something much more exotic: the Direct Drive system of the 1,500 horsepower Koenigsegg Regera. The organization of power allocation is broadly the same, although the Swedish system is obviously far more extreme.

An Appealing Grand Touring Proposition

Even though the peak power figure has changed little since the 2000s model, the torque is higher and the technology is far more advanced. The new Prelude promises to be much more efficient, safer, more comfortable, and faster than its predecessor. It presents itself as a highly attractive entry-level grand touring proposition for those who don’t need four doors.

A new prototype of the Porsche Cayenne Coupe EV has been spotted on the Nürburgring track. This mystery version, which could well be the future Turbo GT, draws direct inspiration from the Taycan electric lineup for its naming.

The Taycan’s Legacy in Naming

For its electric models, Porsche maintains its codes by adopting the “Turbo” designation, even though it’s historically linked to supercharging. This strategy, already seen with the Taycan, appears to be confirmed for the electric SUV. The high-end version spotted would logically be named Turbo GT.

Performance That Promises to Be Stratospheric

The Cayenne EV prototypes have already demonstrated lightning-fast acceleration. This Turbo GT version is expected to approach the performance of the Taycan GT, despite being taller and less aerodynamic. Proof of its potential: the prototype showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed shattered the SUV record by completing the course in just 31.28 seconds.

An Aerodynamic and Controversial Design

Despite body lines reminiscent of some Tesla models, Porsche is betting on a prominent aerokit to emphasize the character of this Cayenne Coupe EV. A spoiler and a perforated rear bumper conceal these lines while improving air penetration. The raised beltline, characteristic of Coupe models, still clearly distinguishes it from the standard version.

Browse the full image gallery below to discover all the details of this prototype.

A man from Prince George, British Columbia, recently took a ride in a Barbie Jeep to get a Slurpee. Unfortunately for him, this unusual ride during rush hour ended with an arrest for drunk driving.

A Barbie Jeep Ride Gone Wrong

Last Friday, a resident of Prince George – a small town located between Vancouver and Alaska – was intercepted by police while driving a pink toy car, specifically a Power Wheels Jeep. According to Global News, the man, sporting Pit Viper-style sunglasses and a t-shirt proclaiming “Let’s do it the stupidest way possible,” had borrowed the miniature vehicle belonging to his roommate’s daughter to go to a convenience store.

The Driver’s Arguments

The driver attempted to justify his escapade: “It wasn’t a high-speed chase. I waited until it was safe, and when I crossed the road, I used my hand signals.” Despite his stated precautions and the seemingly humorous aspect of the situation, law enforcement did not find the matter so amusing.

The Legal Consequences

Breathalyzer tests revealed a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, resulting in the man receiving a 90-day driving prohibition and a court summons. It turned out that his driver’s license was already suspended, which likely explains why he had opted for this single-seat Barbiemobile instead of a conventional car.

The Legal Definition of a Motor Vehicle

Canadian authorities consider any vehicle operating on public roads and propelled by anything other than muscular force to fall under the definition of a motor vehicle. As such, it requires a driver with a valid license and insurance.

Return to Normalcy

Fortunately, the roommate’s daughter got her Barbie Jeep back intact. This story, as surreal as it may be, serves as a reminder: while law enforcement may sometimes appreciate the humor in a situation, the offense of driving under the influence in any wheeled vehicle is still severely punished.