As a part of the advertising marketing campaign for the Ram RHO pickup, the automaker created a three-minute video known as “The Convoy” that lined up a lot of Ram merchandise together with Warlock and Insurgent X trims. As a result of it might take somebody in-the-know to determine all of the Easter eggs and behind-the-scenes secrets and techniques, Jeff Summers, head of promoting at Ram Vehicles, has executed simply that. In a LinkedIn publish, he picks out 20 options of the three-minute clip, such because the customized Baja truck “with Ram DNA” belonging to Baja race winner Rhys Millen, and the 2 KTM bikes chosen to symbolize one in all Ram’s European partnerships. Relating to the latter, Summers is speaking about Ram signing on for a 3rd yr of sponsorship of the Pink Bull KTM Manufacturing unit Racing staff, particularly within the the FIM Motocross World Championship.
Within the vid, one of many bikes wears the race quantity 540, signifying the output of the Ram RHO, a motif repeated on the clock contained in the tent at the start. The opposite KTM does not have any quantity. Summers wrote in his publish that this bike “has a quantity deliberately left clean for the subsequent Ram Excessive HP car with three letters.” Which is as shut as we’re ever going to get to an outright admission that Ram is cooking a truck that may be a correct successor to the TRX.
The LinkedIn publish comes lower than every week after Ram world operations officer Bob Broderdorf defined on the RHO launch that the model is not positioning the RHO as a TRX successor, whereas additionally making clear that Ram has the expertise and experience in-house to construct excessive autos just like the TRX if it needs to, and whereas refusing to substantiate or deny a TRX successor with the required horsepower is within the works. There is not any purpose SRT cannot go mad scientist on the Hurricane the identical method it as soon as did with the Hemi V8; there’s absolutely one other 170 horses in there with the right revisions. Or, with Broderhof having given his blessing to the potential of electrified efficiency vans — however not earlier than Ram will get its bread-and-butter electrified vans out — there’s one other avenue to output that beats the TRX’s 702 hp.
As we wrote in regards to the topic after the RHO launch, “Usually, we might say, ‘Do not get your hopes up.’ However this time, we expect the percentages are good that is within the works.”
BMWs are synonymous with sporty driving and interesting dealing with, however they’re additionally nice as each day drivers. For this function, they must be comfy, and a variety of that consolation comes from the superb seats that you just discover in so many fashionable BMWs. Even its actually sporty automobiles nonetheless supply surprisingly comfy seats—they might not look it at first, and it may be a bit troublesome to climb aboard by leaping over the massive facet bolsters, however as soon as aboard, consolation ranges are surprisingly excessive.
In truth, after driving many BMWs from totally different eras and with various kinds of seats, I’ve come to the conclusion that the producer’s sport seats, with their superior assist and adjustability, are much more comfy than the usual seats the automobile comes with. Even in these bigger BMWs (5 Collection and up) that provide a consolation seat possibility, I’d nonetheless choose the sportier seats simply because I’ll drive it spiritedly sooner or later when the additional facet assist could be invaluable.
After speaking it over and discussing seats with Horațiu, we settled upon a number of the most effective seats we’ve ever tried in BMWs. He picked those from the newest fashions, and I selected those from older however nonetheless comparatively fashionable BMWs.
Greatest Fashionable BMW Seats
X5 G05 Multicontour Seats
The non-obligatory multicontour seats within the X5 G05 supply outstanding long-distance consolation. You’ll be able to add them as a separate possibility or as a part of a Luxurious Seating Bundle, and so they rework the expertise of touring aboard the X5. The totally upgraded model of those seats options heating, cooling and a massaging operate, so they’re merely excellent if you wish to cowl huge distances in an X5.
These seats nonetheless supply respectable facet bolstering to maintain you in place when attacking corners at greater speeds, though they don’t seem to be fairly nearly as good because the devoted M Sport seats. Their largest plus level is their vary of adjustability (they’re 18-way adjustable in comparison with 12-way for the usual seats), which lets you fine-tune your splendid driving place. The extending thigh assist is a godsend for drivers with longer legs.
7 Collection/i7 Seats
The seats within the new 7 Collection/i7 are in all probability probably the most comfy of any BMW ever. They aren’t notably sporty, however because you received’t be throwing the massive 7 round corners an excessive amount of, it doesn’t actually matter. They excel when it comes to plushness and adjustability, and each Horațiu and I agree that they’re unparalleled within the BMW world.
The backrest is cut up, so you possibly can regulate the highest half individually and have it curve round your again. This brings the headrest nearer to the again of your head and shoulders, and whereas it may additionally promote unhealthy posture, it offers a sense of supreme consolation that you just don’t get to really feel in too many automobiles, even on the 7’s worth level. This sense is additional emphasised in case you go for the cashmere upholstery, which is dearer than any of the out there leathers, however we are saying it’s your best option if you need a comfy feeling inside.
G80 M3/G82 M4, F90 M5 CS, G87 M2 Seats
Picture @lucasjohnsonvisuals for BMW Autohaus
Despite the fact that the usual seats that BMW equips its M fashions with are excellent, offering a fantastic mix of consolation and sportiness, it’s undoubtedly value paying additional for the non-obligatory carbon fiber bucket seats. They make entry into the entrance a bit trickier, and so they have a protrusion between occupants’ legs that enables for the set up of a racing harness, however they utterly rework the autos they equip. The seating place is a bit decrease with these seats in comparison with the usual ones.
As soon as aboard, consolation ranges are nonetheless excessive, even in case you do should straddle the squab bulge, so you have got much less vary of movement to your legs, however the additional lateral assist is excellent by the corners. These seats are a should for any severe driver who enjoys a backroad blast or continuously attends monitor days. They arrive as customary on particular variations of M automobiles, just like the M3 CS and M5 CS, however you possibly can add them as an choice to any M automobile.
Greatest Fashionable Basic BMW Seats
E38/E39 Contour 18-Manner-Adjustable Seats
BMW has a historical past of constructing nice seats, and we want look no additional than the 18-way-adjustable contour seats that it geared up the E38 7 Collection and E39 5 Collection of the 1990s and early 2000s. They’re a mixture of consolation and sport seats, with loads of lateral assist but additionally a lot of adjustability, together with supplying you with the power to maneuver the higher a part of the backrest for additional shoulder consolation.
They’re a sought-after mod for anyone seeking to improve their E38 or E39, and they’re a easy plug-and-play swap. For those who’ve ever had the prospect to sit down in one in all these seats, you’ll know why house owners of those two fashions are prepared to pay as much as $2,000 for a pair of those seats which might be in good situation.
F10 M5 Normal Seats
One of the comfy sport seats I’ve ever sat in was in a BMW F10 M5. Its customary electrical seats appeared extra like consolation seats, however they held you in place exceptionally properly, and, in my expertise, they had been extra comfy than every other seats out there on the F10 (even the devoted consolation seats).
There was a multifunction possibility field out there that F10 M5 consumers may tick, and that gave a bit extra adjustability, together with making the thigh assist electrical, however it didn’t considerably enhance the seats. It is a very fashionable mod for non-M F10 house owners who need their automobile to really feel sportier however don’t wish to lose any consolation, though the M seats aren’t quite common and they’re very costly to purchase if in good situation.
E9X M3 Normal Seats
Very similar to the F10 M5 seats, those within the E9X are additionally excellent. The E9X three Collection had glorious sport seats that had been far superior to the usual seats the automobile got here with. The distinction when upgrading from the game seats to the total M seats was even larger, each when it comes to consolation and sportiness, and so they additionally helped elevate the look of the inside and make it really feel extra particular.
Inform us within the feedback which BMW seats had been the most effective in your expertise and why.
In the present day, BMW sells lots of electrical vehicles. In reality, the automaker simply handed the unimaginable milestone of manufacturing a million totally electrical automobiles earlier in April. Not solely that, the model reviews a 40% enhance in EV gross sales simply within the final quarter. Nevertheless it wasn’t all the time that method. Whereas the BMW i3 has loved a little bit of a cult following – now and when it was new – it wasn’t traditionally a robust vendor. To wit, BMW managed to promote an i3 in Q1 2024, almost three years after the automotive ended US manufacturing. The corporate had a little bit of a rocky begin within the electrical car house. In the present day, nonetheless, it’s fortunately having fun with gross sales that healthily outstrip long-term rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi. However why? On this piece, we discover BMW’s evolution within the electrical car market, drawing parallels with a current Bloomberg article on the topic.
Making Errors Forward of Time
Whereas beloved by many, the BMW i3 was gradual to promote—particularly outdoors of the bustling cities it was primarily designed for. The funky, spunky electrical automotive was a devoted platform designed from scratch to get probably the most from its then-innovative powertrain. When it debuted in 2013, it featured many revolutionary options, like carbon-steel building and “skateboard” battery placement.
Sadly, many of those particulars both went over customers’ heads or had been by no means precisely communicated to them. The BMW i3—regardless of weighing lower than 3,000 kilos and rocketing from zero to 60 mph in much less time than the modern M3—offered slowly and barely steadily all through its nine-year run. BMW managed to slang 250,000 i3 automobiles into prospects’ palms. Nevertheless it was a grind; the i3 was pricy – almost $50Okay – and was a troublesome promote for purchasers who lived outdoors of city facilities.
Even the sportier i3s and i3 REX fashions, which featured a gasoline engine for prolonged vary (Vary Extender, REX), did little to kindle consumers outdoors the car’s goal demographic. The automotive’s distinctive styling – which hardly resembled the rest the model produced – didn’t assist. However the i3 was massively essential for the model – and set the stage for the success BMW enjoys right now.
Electrified BMWs In the present day
Quick ahead a number of years from the day the final i3 rolled off the manufacturing line, and also you see a really totally different lineup of BMW automobiles. The i5, i4, and i7 are all almost equivalent to their combustion-engine counterparts. The EV-only iX makes use of – just like the BMW i3 did – a singular styling that units it aside from the remainder of the lineup. Nevertheless it additionally boasts conventional SUV benefits like actual floor clearance and a cushty passenger house.
Even the skateboard battery platform is gone (besides, once more, within the iX); as an alternative, it’s filling house within the transmission tunnel and the place the fuel tank can be. The place BMW has succeeded, others have faltered. In February, Mercedes-Benz backed off its (admittedly absurd) plan to attain all EV gross sales by 2030. Audi offered 18,000 EVs within the first 9 months of 2023, trailing BMW’s 31,000.
And most aren’t lusting for a This fall e-Tron or Q8 e-Tron, which have obtained lukewarm (at greatest) receptions from critics, faltering behind rivals like Genesis, BMW, and even Cadillac. Wanting on the panorama, it’s straightforward to see why BMW is succeeding right now. EV choices from Benz and Audi are aesthetically totally different from the remainder of the lineup. And, usually, not favorably totally different.
Whereas pricing is aggressive on most Audi choices, Mercedes’s most cost-effective EV is costlier than the bottom i4 by a number of thousand {dollars}, provides much less efficiency, and 30-50 miles much less vary. In fact, it’s not all of the model’s fault. International EV gross sales are softening – with even Tesla reporting a gross sales drop, the primary since 2020 – because of inflation, a stagnant EV infrastructure, lowered subsidies and tax breaks, and doubtless a dozen different causes. However that does make BMW’s development much more spectacular.
Japanese tuning powerhouse 3D Design is launching of newest aftermarket program for the brand new U11 BMW X1. This complete bundle as soon as once more goals to boost the aesthetics of a BMW product. On the forefront of the tuning program are the meticulously crafted carbon fiber parts. The entrance lip spoiler, that includes a mesmerizing 1×1 weave sample, provides a contact of aggression to the X1’s facade whereas enhancing aerodynamics. Complementing this, the rear diffuser in the identical carbon fiber building enhances each visible enchantment and airflow effectivity, giving the SUV a extra dynamic presence on the street.
To additional elevate the X1’s profile, 3D Design introduces a smooth roof spoiler comprised of polyurethane, making certain sturdiness with out compromising on type. This addition not solely enhances the automobile’s aerodynamic efficiency but in addition provides a delicate but distinct aptitude to its silhouette.
Within the pursuit of higher driving dynamics and stance, 3D Design presents a 20mm down decreasing package, optimizing the X1’s middle of gravity for improved cornering stability and a extra aggressive stance. The decreasing package is paired with the TYPE three FORGED wheels, sized at 19 inches. These wheels are teamed up with the TOYO PROXES SPORT-2 tires.
The inside of the X1 receives the identical meticulous consideration to element, with 3D Design providing a number of bespoke inside objects, like their traditional pedals, footrests, and flooring mats. Including a remaining contact of personalization, 3D Design presents a putting physique stripe possibility. As all the time, this system normally evolves to supply much more upgrades sooner or later.
There aren’t any powertrain adjustments, so the BMW X1 xDrive20i delivers 204 horsepower (150 kilowatts) and 300 Nm of torque from its B48 2.zero liter four-cylinder engine. BMW mentions the X1 xDrive20i’ll do zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in 7.four seconds.
We drove the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO debuted, and the 2025 Nissan Frontier broke cowl. It is the Week in Reverse, proper right here at Motor Authority.
We slid behind the wheel of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional for a primary style of next-gen off-road pickup. The most recent Tacoma TRD Professional is new for the primary time in what appears like ceaselessly and its hybrid powertrain is essentially the most highly effective in its class. Nevertheless it lacks punch, its shocks aren’t as as subtle because the competitors, and its value is the best within the phase by an extended shot.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV debuted with a 116-kwh battery, quad-motor powertrain, and iconic design. Few tell-tale indicators visually separate the electrical iteration of the off-roader from its gas-powered siblings, and the up to date grille is non-compulsory.
The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO debuted with the TRX’s suspension. The Hellcat motor is gone with the high-output variant of the Hurricane turbocharged inline-6 making 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque. Ram mentioned the RHO will run from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, however as an alternative of costing $100,000 the RHO will price $71,990 together with a $1,995 vacation spot charge.
The 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE plug-in hybrid rolled onto the stage in Beijing. The electrified Lamborghini SUV checks in with 789 hp and can price about $258,000 when it arrives within the U.S. subsequent 12 months.
The 2025 Nissan Frontier started testing on public roads. The up to date midsize pickup truck sports activities revised entrance and rear fascias obscured by camouflage. Inside a tech replace is predicted with bigger screens. A debut ought to happen this 12 months with the up to date truck arriving in sellers later this 12 months or early subsequent.
In a transfer that caters to each aesthetic preferences and efficiency enhancements, AC Schnitzer has formally launched a broad spectrum of aftermarket elements for the BMW 5 Collection G60 and G61 fashions. This complete providing ranges from efficiency upgrades to distinctive inside equipment, aligning with the wants of fans searching for each model and substance of their automobile modifications.
Exterior Upgrades
Beginning with the outside, AC Schnitzer has engineered a number of aerodynamic parts designed to offer the BMW 5 Collection a extra aggressive and streamlined look. These embody a brand new entrance splitter, aspect skirt add-ons, a trunk lid spoiler, and an extra roof-mounted spoiler. Not solely do these modifications improve the automobile’s visible attraction, however additionally they goal to enhance its aerodynamic effectivity.
New Wheels
To enrich the outside modifications, the tuner has additionally launched new wheel units, together with choices just like the AC3 Flowforming alloys, accessible in black, anthracite, or a silver-anthracite mixture, and the AC4 and AC1 units in varied finishes. For these prioritizing a sharper driving expertise, AC Schnitzer provides a suspension improve that features a decreasing package, able to lowering the automobile’s top by 15 to 30 mm relying on the axle.
Small However Efficient Upgrades Inside
Contained in the cabin, the enhancements stay understated but practical. The aftermarket elements embody aluminum pedals and footrest, a Black Line iDrive controller, and a smooth key holder, contributing to a refined inside ambiance with out overwhelming the unique design. AC Schnitzer says that every one elements for the BMW 5 Collection have undergone rigorous testing on public roads and racetracks to make sure their high quality and efficiency.
There isn’t any pricing posted presently, however you may all the time inquire straight with AC Schnitzer.
How’s the commute the place you reside? Chances are high, it’s not as dangerous because the each day drives skilled by individuals dwelling in Oakland, Calif., or Miami, Fla. A brand new research from Forbes Advisor outlines the worst cities within the nation for driving, and a few of the names on the listing probably received’t come as a lot of a shock.
The 10 worst U.S. cities for driving:
Oakland
Miami
San Francisco
Houston
Philadelphia
New York Metropolis
Chicago
Atlanta
Dallas
Portland, Ore.
Forbes ranked 47 metro areas by evaluating knowledge for 15 metrics that had been grouped into 4 primary classes: driving expertise, security, price of automotive possession and entry to automotive upkeep. The research assigned factors for fuel costs, insurance coverage charges, commute instances and even climate to rank U.S. cities. Whereas Oakland took the “prime” spot total, Boston was the worst for driver expertise particularly, and Albuquerque was the worst for driver security. New York Metropolis is the costliest place to personal a automotive, and drivers in Memphis have the worst entry to automotive upkeep.
Trying by way of the lens of fuel costs, it’s not stunning to see that two different California cities landed within the 20 worst for driving, together with Los Angeles and Lengthy Seaside. In accordance with AAA, the state’s common fuel worth immediately is $5.42, considerably larger than the $3.667 nationwide common.
Drivers within the worst cities spent lengthy intervals misplaced in site visitors congestion and had low common speeds throughout rush hour site visitors. Additionally they had longer drive instances to journey six miles, and their downtowns had the bottom common speeds. Forbes included climate in its research, wanting on the common variety of days with precipitation, which may convey out the worst in even probably the most skilled drivers.
These cities additionally had poor showings for insurance coverage charges. Drivers dwelling in congested city areas the place accidents are widespread pay extra for automotive insurance coverage due to the larger danger related to the place they drive most frequently. These areas might also have larger charges of uninsured drivers and extra accidents related to crashes, driving up the prices for insurers, who at all times move these prices onto prospects.
For a deep dive into the rankings, the methodology behind them, and to see the complete listing of cities and an interactive map, try the complete report.
Fox Manufacturing unit opened a Efficiency Automobile Growth arm to create turnkey vans that may grasp with one of the best off-roaders on the market, the higher restrict of efficiency in direct proportion to a purchaser’s checkbook. The PVD department has already laid its wand on the Ford Bronco to presto up the Fox Manufacturing unit PVD Ford Bronco KOH Version, and on the Jeep Wrangler to provide the Black Widow Version Wrangler (Fox additionally owns Jeep specialist Black Widow). Subsequent up is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST, its transformation right into a Fox Manufacturing unit Version giving Bowtie lovers an opportunity to run the dunes within the methods of the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram TRX.
First up for the modifications, a Whipple GenV 3.0-liter supercharger and billet aluminum air-to-water intercooler, blowing the 6.2-liter V8’s normal 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque to about 700 hp and 640 lb-ft. That mountain of momentum forks a technique via the Silvy’s inventory 10-speed computerized transmission and two-speed switch case to each axles. The entrance and its 3.73 gearing have been strengthened with RCV Efficiency CV axles, whereas a JE Reel customized driveshaft spins 3.73 gears within the full-width, semi-float Dana 60 axle in again that is upgraded with an ARB locker. On the corners, cast 17-inch Technique wheels with Bead Grip know-how — street-legal beadlock-like rims — on 37-inch BFG KO2 tires. The opposite fork for the engine’s waste merchandise is a Borla cat-back exhaust.
Residence crew magic is within the electronically managed, semi-active FOX 3.2 Stay Valve coil-over shocks, their numerous damping packages chosen with a button within the cabin. The shocks flex Brenthel Industries’ long-travel Baja Equipment back and front, the rear leaf springs changed by a multilink association with long-travel aluminum trailing arms. Fox says the usable suspension journey (the wheel arc, not the damper’s extension) is 14.5 inches in entrance, 15.5 inches in again. That beats the Raptor on Fox shocks and 35-inch tires by a half-inch at every finish (the Raptor R on 37s will get much less suspension journey than the Raptor), and outdoes the TRX and its Bilstein shocks on 35s by 1.5 inches back and front. When utilizing each little bit of that journey at velocity, the Fox Manufacturing unit Silverado softens landings with hydraulic bump stops.
The undercarriage work has widened the pickup’s inventory observe by six inches, which interprets to a 7.5-inch width extension when counting the physique panels, to 88.5 inches. Designers dressed up the internals with carbon fiber muscle throughout, from the mattress to the entrance fenders and rear bedsides. Powdercoated metal bumpers repel enemies at both finish, and 60,000 lumens’ price of Nacho lights illuminate the street forward. One other unicorn among the many normal equipment is a single- or dual-spare-tire setup within the mattress.
Inside, naturally, one finds heaps of Alcantara and carbon fiber, and a natty little sample on the seat inserts.
Every rig comes with a three-year/36,000-mile guarantee. Fox is able to construct these now, its tremendous truck going for a brilliant truck worth: MSRP begins at $209,999, and reservations for a spot in line demand $20,000. It seems like there’s extra to it than mere cash, although, Fox including, “Our crew will contact you inside the subsequent 7 days to supply you extra particulars concerning the full software course of.” Luck be with you.
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Ferrari has filed a patent utility for a hydrogen-powered internal-combustion engine, hinting that the automaker is contemplating this as a solution to maintain combustion engines alive in a future with stricter emissions laws.
In contrast to hydrogen gas cells, which generate electrical energy that’s then used to energy motors, hydrogen combustion engines merely burn hydrogen as a substitute of gasoline in a course of that emits no carbon dioxide. It isn’t a brand new thought—BMW constructed a hydrogen-powered 7-Collection within the early 2000s—however that is the primary time Ferrari has publicly expressed curiosity in it. The automaker sees hydrogen combustion as a solution to drastically scale back emissions.
A hydrogen engine would generate no greenhouse gases and minimal quantities of different pollution like carbon monoxide and particulates, Ferrari claims within the patent utility, which was revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Feb. 29 however filed by Ferrari in 2023.
Minimal emissions shouldn’t be the identical as zero emissions, nevertheless, and there is some concern in regards to the total carbon footprint of hydrogen manufacturing. Whereas hydrogen generated via electrolysis, with electrical energy from renewable sources, has low total emissions, different manufacturing strategies utilizing fossil fuels may very well be as soiled as coal, the non-profit Rocky Mountain Institute mentioned in 2022.
Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano
Hydrogen additionally is not as energy-dense as gasoline, so it requires a bigger quantity of onboard storage to ship equal vary to a gasoline automobile. Ferrari admits within the patent utility {that a} automobile with a hydrogen-combustion engine might be “longer and heavier (for a similar vary) than the same automobile geared up with a petrol-powered internal-combustion engine.”
Fast refueling instances would possibly mitigate any vary deficit, however internal-combustion vehicles burning hydrogen would face the identical infrastructure points as fuel-cell automobiles. As a latest InsideEVs report notes, the restricted hydrogen infrastructure has confirmed unreliable, irritating homeowners of the Toyota Mirai fuel-cell automobile.
Toyota can also be exploring hydrogen combustion engines—and never simply within the type of patent filings. In partnership with Yamaha, the automaker fielded a hydrogen-powered Corolla race automobile in 2021 and confirmed a hydrogen-powered V-Eight based mostly on the engine used within the Lexus RC F in 2022.
It is unclear if Ferrari will do something related with hydrogen combustion. However with Porsche investing in artificial fuels as a solution to maintain internal-combustion engines round whereas addressing climate-change issues, maybe hydrogen might be Ferrari’s expertise of alternative for assembly that aim.
