All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Mercedes-AMG GT EV Prototype Spotted Testing in the Alps

Just days after Mercedes-AMG wowed audiences with the reveal of the AMG GT XX concept, the future of high-performance electric mobility is already taking shape in the real world. Spy videographers have captured a camouflaged prototype—believed to be the production version of AMG’s upcoming all-electric four-door supercar—silently prowling the Alpine roads in Europe.

Despite the heavy patterned wrap disguising its finer details, the prototype clearly shares its silhouette with the GT XX concept. The familiar fastback profile and aggressive stance make an immediate impression, while telltale elements like the bold grille and circular taillight motifs peek through the disguise. Notably, the headlights appear to have undergone a revision for production, now featuring a tri-star signature pattern reminiscent of Mercedes’ iconic logo.

But this isn’t your typical whisper-quiet EV. Even though the car hasn’t been seen pushing its limits on corners or straightaways, one unexpected element stood out to those nearby: sound. Unlike most electric vehicles, this AMG GT emits a synthetic but engine-like hum while idling—an aural cue that was teased during the concept’s unveiling and designed to add emotion to the driving experience. While this prototype’s soundtrack doesn’t mimic a classic V8 growl, insiders suggest it’s still a work in progress.

Under the skin, performance expectations remain sky-high. The GT XX concept boasts a staggering 1,340 horsepower delivered via three axial-flux electric motors—two at the rear axle and one at the front. This tri-motor setup, paired with an advanced 800-volt electrical system and direct-cooled cylindrical battery cells, promises blistering acceleration and fast-charging capability. Although it’s unclear whether the production model will retain the full power output, it’s likely to feature a similar drivetrain architecture.

Set to challenge heavyweights like the Porsche Taycan, the production AMG GT EV is poised to become a formidable contender in the luxury electric performance segment. While official pricing remains under wraps, expect it to enter the market in the six-figure range, with direct competition aimed squarely at Porsche’s $101,395 benchmark.

With a formal debut anticipated later this year, Mercedes-AMG’s electric future is not just conceptual—it’s already in motion.

Source: CarSpyMedia via YouTube

News

BMW M5 Prices Are Climbing—But the Touring Craze Shows No Sign of Slowing

BMW enthusiasts may want to act fast if they’re eyeing the brand’s iconic M5. According to a new report, prices for the high-performance sedan and its newly introduced Touring variant are set to rise starting next month. The increase, reportedly $2,400 across both models, will bring the 2026 M5 sedan’s base price to $121,900 and the long-roof Touring to $123,900—both before destination and gas guzzler taxes.

Once those additional fees are factored in—$1,175 for destination and $2,600 for the gas guzzler tax—the M5 sedan will ring up at $125,675, while the Touring will command $127,675.

Despite the hike, BMW’s M5 isn’t the model seeing the steepest price jump in the lineup. The X5 M and X6 M Competition are reportedly increasing by $2,500, while the Z4 sees a $1,000 bump. Still, it’s the M5 Touring that continues to capture the spotlight, especially in the U.S.—a market that, until now, had never received the performance wagon.

Since its debut, the 2025 M5 Touring has seen demand exceed even BMW’s internal expectations. Originally, the automaker projected that two-thirds of M5 buyers would opt for the sedan. But production numbers had to be revised after consumer interest shifted heavily toward the Touring, resulting in a 50-50 production split between the two body styles.

BMW M boss Frank van Meel recently confirmed the surprising trend, stating in an interview that U.S. demand for the Touring variant has actually surpassed that of the sedan. That surge in enthusiasm could have ripple effects beyond the M5. BMW is reportedly weighing whether to finally bring the coveted M3 Touring to the American market—a move that enthusiasts have long been pleading for.

For now, it’s clear that even with rising prices, the allure of a high-performance BMW wagon is strong—strong enough, perhaps, to reshape the brand’s product strategy in the U.S.

Source: CarBuzz

News

Tesla Makes History With World’s First Autonomous Car Delivery

Tesla has once again pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation by releasing footage of what it claims is the world’s first fully autonomous vehicle delivery. In a groundbreaking demonstration, a Tesla Model Y drove itself from the company’s Gigafactory in Texas directly to the new owner’s home—without a driver, passengers, or any form of remote control.

“This Tesla drove itself from its factory in Texas to its new owner’s home, about 30 minutes away, crossing parking lots, highways and the city to reach its new owner,” the company confirmed.

The vehicle, equipped with Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, navigated complex real-world conditions at speeds reaching up to 72 mph (approximately 116 km/h), according to Ashok Elluswamy, head of Tesla’s AI and Autopilot division. The event marks a significant milestone in the company’s ambitious roadmap toward full autonomy.

Interestingly, the delivery came a day earlier than CEO Elon Musk had previously announced, adding an unexpected twist to an already historic moment. Musk had earlier stated that the first autonomous handover would take place on June 28.

This achievement follows another major development in Tesla’s autonomous portfolio: the public debut of its long-awaited robotaxi service. On Monday, the company launched the pilot phase of fully autonomous ride-hailing, deploying a small fleet of Model Y vehicles operating within a geofenced area in Austin’s South Congress neighborhood. Though driverless in function, each vehicle currently includes a Tesla employee onboard to ensure safety during this early phase.

Access to the pilot service is currently limited to a select group of invitees, including prominent influencers and early investors. Each ride is priced at $4.20—a nod, perhaps, to Musk’s well-known affinity for internet culture and symbolism.

Tesla’s FSD system eschews the industry-standard LIDAR in favor of a vision-based architecture powered by onboard cameras and proprietary computing hardware. While the company’s approach has sparked debate within the autonomous driving community, this recent delivery and the robotaxi rollout suggest Tesla is confident in the real-world viability of its strategy.

Whether it’s a marketing masterstroke or a genuine leap forward in self-driving technology, Tesla’s autonomous delivery has undeniably set a new benchmark in the automotive world.

Source: Tesla via YouTube

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Tesla Makes History With World’s First Autonomous Car Delivery