All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Future

BMW Ethos Concept Blends M1 Heritage with Hydrogen Hypercar Vision

BMW M has officially confirmed that a brand-new halo supercar is in development—one that could rekindle the spirit of the legendary M1 from the late 1970s. While the automaker has yet to release concrete specifications or imagery, the news has already ignited the imagination of automotive enthusiasts and independent designers alike. Among the most striking interpretations is the BMW Ethos, a visionary digital concept by Italian designer Sebastiano Ciarcia.

Though purely speculative, the Ethos is more than a fantasy. It’s an inspired fusion of BMW’s design DNA and forward-thinking innovation, crafted with the precision and flair that only a true automotive aesthete could deliver. Ciarcia’s Ethos channels the radical flair of Italdesign’s Nazca C2 from the 1990s, merges it with the futurism of the Vision M Next, and sprinkles in cues from the groundbreaking i8. In essence, it’s a spiritual successor that pays homage while looking decisively toward the future.

Visually, the Ethos is arresting. A dramatic, low-slung profile with a wide stance gives it immediate supercar presence. The glass canopy—akin to a fighter jet cockpit—offers panoramic visibility, while partially exposed rear wheels harken back to classic Italian exotics. The front fascia is a modern reinterpretation of BMW’s kidney grille, now body-colored and minimalist, accented by a subtle, off-center roundel. Ciarcia notes that this design touch nods to BMW legends of the 1950s, including the 503 and 507.

Integrated within the front intakes are sleek LED headlamps, whose placement and shape evoke Le Mans prototypes—particularly the Peugeot 9X8. The sculpted fenders protrude confidently from the bodywork, contributing to a muscular yet elegant aesthetic that Ciarcia describes as “a contrast of soft and hard volumes.”

The rear is no less dramatic. A slim, full-width LED light bar runs across the tail, above an active spoiler and aggressive rear diffuser, giving the Ethos both form and implied aerodynamic function. Yet it’s beneath the surface where the concept truly breaks with convention.

Rather than defaulting to an all-electric powertrain—a common trope in today’s concept world—Ciarcia envisions the Ethos as a hydrogen-powered hypercar. His imagined fuel-cell setup would deliver the high-performance thrills expected of a modern supercar, while embracing the promise of clean energy and alternative propulsion. It’s a forward-looking choice that reflects the broader industry’s quest for sustainability without sacrificing speed or soul.

To further sell the fantasy, the Ethos is rendered in an elegant Champagne finish and staged against the storied backdrop of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como. It’s a fitting location, especially as BMW has used the venue in recent years to debut such exclusives as the Skytop (2024), Z4 Touring Coupe (2023), and this year’s Speedtop shooting brake.

When considering the Ethos’s hypothetical competition, Ciarcia envisions it squaring off with the likes of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, Ferrari F80, Aston Martin Valhalla, and Mercedes-AMG’s upcoming all-electric supercar previewed by the Vision One-Eleven. It’s elite company, and the Ethos holds its own stylistically, at least in digital form.

Ciarcia, a graduate of IAAD and a designer with experience at Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Rimac, and Volvo, is no stranger to bold concepts. He previously gained recognition for his mid-engined reinterpretation of the iconic Lancia Delta. With the Ethos, he demonstrates once again that he’s among the most talented visionaries shaping the digital design landscape—while BMW’s own future supercar quietly looms on the horizon.

Source: Sebastiano Ciarcia via Instagram

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BMW Ethos Concept Blends M1 Heritage with Hydrogen Hypercar Vision
Auctions

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 PTS Costs Almost $3 Million

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is often held in reverence by purists and collectors alike—a car many consider the peak of analog 911 perfection. Released in 2011 as the swan song of the 997.2 generation, it marked several historic milestones: the first 911 GT3 RS to be powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, and the last to feature a six-speed manual gearbox. Limited to just 600 units globally, its rarity and motorsport pedigree have made it a highly sought-after gem. But does that justify a price tag nearing $2.7 million? That’s a harder sell.

Earlier this year, a well-kept example of the GT3 RS 4.0 fetched €471,875 (approximately $554,000) at a Paris auction, despite showing 10,094 km (6,272 miles) on the odometer. Not long after, another car—this one with just 319 miles (513 km) on the clock—changed hands in the U.S. for a staggering $1,001,917.

Now, a near-pristine specimen with only 341 miles (549 km) is listed for a jaw-dropping $2,699,996 at Graham Rahal Performance in Zionsville, Indiana. The eye-watering price is more than double that of the previous million-dollar sale. So, what makes this particular example so special?

For starters, it’s one of just 39 GT3 RS 4.0s finished in a Paint-to-Sample (PTS) color. Rather than the more common white livery, this one sports a sleek GT Silver finish. Although it’s not the most flamboyant hue from Porsche’s custom palette, it pairs beautifully with the car’s signature black graphics and red accents. Black and red side mirrors complement the look, while black center-lock wheels shroud golden brake calipers, completing the exterior package with understated aggression.

Inside, the car continues its color-matched theme with black leather and Alcantara upholstery, red seatbelts, and red door pulls. A numbered plaque on the dashboard confirms its exclusivity—number 318 of the 600 made.

Originally priced at $216,210 (equivalent to roughly $308,990 today), this GT3 RS 4.0 has potentially tripled or even quadrupled in value over the past 14 years. That’s an impressive return by any standard, although the near $2.7 million asking price might stretch even the most passionate collector’s imagination.

Still, there’s no denying the legacy and desirability of the GT3 RS 4.0. With its motorsport-derived engine, analog driving experience, and limited production run, it’s a poster child for everything enthusiasts love about the 911 lineage. Whether it’s worth a hypercar price tag is up for debate—but if any Porsche 911 can make that case, it’s this one.

Source: Graham Rahal Performance

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2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 PTS Costs Almost $3 Million
News

VW Golf 8.5 2.0 TDI covered 1,500 km on one tank

In a market dominated by SUVs and electrified powertrains, it’s easy to forget the type of car that once defined long-distance driving: the diesel-powered hatchback. But the latest test of the Volkswagen Golf 8.5 2.0 TDI, conducted by motor.es journalists, serves as a stark reminder that the old formula still works – and in many cases, works better than ever.

On a 1,500-kilometer journey from Madrid to Barcelona and back, the updated Golf proved that for those who rack up serious mileage, there’s still no substitute for a well-tuned diesel engine. In fact, the team needed just €68 worth of diesel to cover the first 1,000 kilometers, a feat few electrified or petrol-powered rivals can match in terms of both cost and range.

Evolution of an Icon

Now in its eighth and a half generation, the Golf 8.5 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it focuses on refining what already worked. Subtle styling updates—such as redesigned bumpers and the adoption of IQ.Light Matrix LED headlamps—keep the design fresh without losing the Golf’s signature silhouette. Inside, the upgrades are more meaningful. A larger touchscreen, improved software, and a new steering wheel with physical buttons (finally!) all contribute to a more intuitive and ergonomic experience.

The Diesel Dilemma, Revisited

Let’s address the elephant in the room: diesel has a PR problem in Europe. Regulatory crackdowns and urban restrictions have led many to dismiss it as outdated tech. But if your driving habits lean more toward highway cruising than city crawling, diesel remains a compelling proposition. And the 2.0 TDI engine with 150 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque is a shining example of that.

This engine doesn’t just sip fuel—it impresses with refinement. Even when cold, engine noise is well isolated, and once you’re at cruising speed, it fades into near silence. That mechanical serenity, combined with the Golf’s characteristic handling balance, makes for a composed and confidence-inspiring ride. The punchy low-end torque outclasses its petrol sibling (the 1.5 TSI), especially in real-world scenarios like overtaking or merging onto highways.

Real-World Efficiency

Over the course of the 1,500 km test, average fuel consumption settled at just 4.8 l/100 km—an astonishing result considering the challenging conditions: over 35°C ambient temperatures, heavy use of air conditioning, and frequent traffic snarls. The car covered the first 1,000 km on a single 50-liter tank, and the total fuel bill for the entire journey came in just over €100.

That’s not just efficient; it borders on absurd. And in a time when many car buyers are weighing the high up-front costs and infrastructure challenges of EVs and hybrids, this kind of real-world frugality cannot be overlooked.

Not Perfect, But Purposeful

It’s worth noting that modern diesel engines come with complexity. Systems like AdBlue injection, particulate filters, and EGR valves are necessary to meet today’s emissions standards—but they also make diesels less ideal for city dwellers. In heavy urban traffic, consumption rises to around 6.5 l/100 km, and components like the DPF may struggle to regenerate properly.

Still, for drivers covering 20,000 km or more per year, no current alternative offers the same blend of performance, range, and economy.

Verdict: The Right Tool for the Job

The Golf 8.5 TDI isn’t trying to be a revolution. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t shout about its talents. But for those who want a mature, versatile, and incredibly efficient car for long-distance travel, it’s hard to think of a better option. With a 381-liter trunk, room for a small family, and the kind of driving experience that makes you forget the SUV craze ever happened, this diesel hatchback makes a compelling case for itself.

Hybrids are great. EVs are the future. But when you need to traverse a continent, sometimes the old ways are still the best. And the Golf TDI proves that diesel, far from dead, still has plenty of life left on the open road.

Source: Motor.es