Photo credit: Electrek
Another week, another Tesla Model S Plaid+ sighting, and this time, it was a Laguna Seca Raceway setting a new lap record. Unlike the previous prototypes, this one appears to sport a retractable rear wing that deploys at high speeds. This tri-motor version of the Model S has 1,100hp and can do 0-60 mph in 1.99-seconds, while topping out at 200mph. This is all while still maintaining a respectable 520-miles range. Read more for the record setting run and additional information.
This isn’t the $400 model you saw last year, but rather an all-new Hot Wheels 1:10 R/C Cybertruck that now includes a free-rolling Cyberquad that can be added or removed from the open truck bed. Featuring fully-functional headlights and taillights for night driving as well as speeds of up to 12 mph, complete with a matching controller that looks similar to the new steering wheels found in the refreshed Tesla Model S / X. Read more for two hands-on videos, additional pictures and information.
Why bother with charging stations, when you could just drive your electric vehicle over a road that has embedded charging strips? That’s exactly what researchers at Cornell University are developing right now, which not only saves time for drivers, but also pave the way for more sustainable transit. These two insulated metal plates on the ground are connected to a power line through a matching network and a high-frequency inverter, thus creating oscillating electric fields that attract as well as repel charges in a pair of matching metal plates attached to the underside of a vehicle. Read more for a video and additional information.
It’s not everyday that you see a new Ferrari SF90 Stradale on the road, much less one covered in a Vantablack-like paint. This test vehicle is being used as a test bed for new colors and this ultra black doubles as camouflage. This supercar is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 engine, located in the engine bay in order to optimize the vehicle’s weight distribution, paired with three electric motors, generating a combined 986 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Read more for the video and additional information.
For those who wanted to own a street-legal Nissan Skyline stateside after watching the first Fast & Furious movie back in 2001, there was importer MotoRex. This mint condition 1995 Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R V-Spec was imported to the US in 2001 and federalized by G&K of Santa Ana, California. Painted in a sleek Spark Silver, it’s powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.6L inline-six engine upgraded with a polished intake plenum, split-plated charge pipe, Blitz intercooler, GReddy intercooler piping, and a Trust Power Extreme 2 cat-back exhaust system, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Italy-based Automobili Estrema reveals Fulminea, an all-electric hypercar that has an output of 1.5 megawatts (2,040hp). The company claims that it’s the first electric hypercar to use a hybrid battery pack that combines both a solid-state cell and an ultra-condenser to powers four electric motors, enabling it to achieve a 0-62mph time of 2.0 seconds, while reaching 200mph in less than 10.0 seconds. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Germany-based Rheinmetall unveiled its latest tactical truck, the HX3, which is available in 4×4, 6×6, 8×8 as well as 10×10 configurations and has the capacity for autonomous driving, while carrying advanced artillery systems. In addition to a completely redesigned cab, the HX3 offers various assistance systems to ensure enhanced safety in everyday operations, whether for soldiers deployed in the field or in civilian settings. Read more for a video and additional information.
Photo credit: James Gawley
Industrial designer James Gawley knew that Tesla CEO Elon Musk used to ride motorcycles as a kid, so it’s not hard to imagine the company releasing an electric bike in the future. Called the Model M, this is designed as a premium motorcycle, complete with a giant touchscreen that curves upwards towards the rider that has both day and night modes for better visibility without distractions. Read more for additional pictures.
Photo credit: Classic Youngtimers
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class may have ended production due to low sales, but this particular X350d was transformed into a one-off, 6-wheeled pickup truck by Classic Youngtimers. Featuring a custom-built subframe that makes room for a third axle, seating room for our passengers as well as the driver, and the ability to go just about anywhere. Unfortunately, it has already been sold. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Photo credit: Albert C. Lee
Tesla CEO Elon Musk may have finished his SNL hosting gig, but that’s not the only thing he did in New York City during his stay last week. He shipped a Cybertruck prototype over to the city and drove it around before showcasing the vehicle at one of the company stores this past weekend. Why aren’t there any outside mirrors? It uses an internal sideview camera system instead. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.