All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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Taycan Turbo GT Goes Beast Mode, Sets New EV Track Records

The electric vehicle performance wars are heating up, and Porsche is not backing down. Just days after the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra made headlines for setting a new production EV record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Porsche has responded with a powerful message: the Taycan Turbo GT still rules the track.

Xiaomi’s recent triumph saw the SU7 Ultra dethrone Porsche with a blistering lap around the Nürburgring, shaking up the EV world. But as anyone familiar with German automotive culture knows, Porsche doesn’t relinquish records easily. With renewed determination, the Stuttgart-based automaker has fired back, establishing new benchmarks at two world-renowned racetracks.

At Road Atlanta in Georgia, Porsche enlisted veteran driver Patrick Long to pilot the Taycan Turbo GT. The result: a record-smashing lap time of 1:27.1 minutes on the 4.088-kilometer circuit—over six seconds faster than the previous Taycan Turbo S record set in 2020. Across the globe in Abu Dhabi, at the Yas Marina Circuit, Formula 1 driver Ramez Azzam clocked 2:07.2 minutes under the floodlights, just 1.1 seconds off the touring car record, a remarkable feat considering the desert heat necessitated a nighttime run.

Both of these record-setting performances were achieved using the Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach package, Porsche’s most extreme road-going EV yet. Pushing out over 1,100 horsepower in Attack mode, the Weissach variant benefits from Porsche’s cutting-edge Active Ride suspension and a meticulous lightweight design, shedding 75 kilograms compared to the Taycan Turbo S.

These new records are part of a growing list for the Taycan Turbo GT, which has already laid claim to fastest EV laps at Interlagos, Shanghai International Circuit, Laguna Seca, and—until recently—the Nürburgring itself, with a stunning 7:07.5-minute lap, a full 26 seconds quicker than the previous best.

While Xiaomi may hold the Nürburgring crown for now, Porsche’s multi-track dominance underscores the brand’s relentless pursuit of performance and innovation. As EVs continue to evolve, one thing is certain: the battle for supremacy is far from over—and Porsche is not done racing.

Source: Porsche USA via YouTube

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BMW Reinvents the Touring Legacy with Concept Speedtop Reveal

Beneath the gentle shimmer of sunlight over Lake Como and amid the lush gardens of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, automotive history found a new chapter. At the 2025 edition of the legendary Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where elegance meets engineering, BMW unveiled its latest masterpiece: the Concept Speedtop – a breathtaking homage to the brand’s Touring legacy and a bold expression of future-forward design.

With its sleek Shooting Brake silhouette and an unmistakable presence, the Concept Speedtop proved to be the perfect centerpiece for the world’s most prestigious classic and concept car gathering. Melding athletic proportions with refined elegance, this concept car captured the essence of what makes BMW iconic – sheer driving pleasure, reimagined with artisanal finesse.

“The BMW Concept Speedtop is characterized first of all by its profile. It is very unique in the automotive industry,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. “In this way, we have created an exclamation mark for our entire lineup of vehicles, especially for the Touring models.”

Design Meets Emotion

Inspired by legends such as the BMW 328 Touring Coupé and the BMW Z8, the Concept Speedtop revives the Touring spirit in a form never seen before. Its distinctive “shark nose,” long hood with dual air outlets, and flowing central spline that transitions seamlessly from bonnet to spoiler, all underscore its dynamic soul. A rich gradient roof, shifting from Floating Sunstone Maroon to Floating Sundown Silver, adds visual drama to its muscular frame.

The specially crafted 14-spoke two-tone rims, combined with a wide stance and sculpted shoulders, enhance its assertive yet graceful demeanor. This is not merely a car – it is a rolling sculpture, drawing admirers like a fine art installation on wheels.

A Cabin Crafted for Elegance and Escape

Step inside, and the attention to detail continues to astonish. The interior marries form and function with a meticulous blend of Sundown Maroon and Moonstone White leather. The signature roof spline becomes a glowing light gap in the headliner, creating a serene and ambient space.

Perforated leather in a Budapest pattern lines the luggage compartment, which is designed not only for elegance but utility—ready to accommodate travel essentials for refined road trips. Every surface, every seam reflects the hand of a craftsman, with the BMW Group’s Dingolfing workshop lending its expertise to each detail.

Emotion in Motion – Even at Rest

The Concept Speedtop radiates power and poise, even while parked. Its very presence evokes movement, desire, and the quiet confidence of a machine born from passion rather than necessity. This isn’t just a car for the road; it’s a collector’s item, a conversation piece, and a dream made real.

BMW confirmed that the Concept Speedtop will move from concept to reality in the form of an ultra-limited series of just 70 units. This exclusivity cements its status as not only a technological marvel but a symbol of timeless design and bespoke engineering.

Where Dreams Drive Reality

In an age leaning ever more toward digital minimalism and automation, the Concept Speedtop reminds us of the joy found in tactility, in craftsmanship, and in the pure pleasure of driving. Set against the idyllic backdrop of Lake Como, its premiere was more than just an unveiling—it was a celebration of freedom, artistry, and the enduring allure of the open road.

At Villa d’Este, BMW didn’t just introduce a new car. It delivered a statement: that passion for driving, for beauty, and for detail is not fading. It is evolving.

And with the Concept Speedtop, it’s doing so in unforgettable style.

Source: BMW

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BMW Reinvents the Touring Legacy with Concept Speedtop Reveal
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Suzuki Sends Off the Jimny in Europe with Exclusive Jimny 55th Anniversary Edition

The iconic Suzuki Jimny, beloved for its rugged off-road capabilities and charmingly compact design, is bowing out of the European market — but not without a proper send-off. Suzuki has announced a special 55th Anniversary Edition of the Jimny, exclusively for France, marking the end of an era for one of the most capable small SUVs ever built.

Once a staple on European roads and trails, the Jimny has been largely unavailable across the continent due to increasingly strict emission regulations. Sales were gradually phased out in Germany and the wider EU by mid-2024. While it remains available in countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina — and continues to enjoy strong popularity among off-road enthusiasts — the Jimny’s European journey is drawing to a close.

To honor its 55-year legacy and over three million units sold worldwide, Suzuki has released a limited series of just 55 vehicles for the French market. This collector’s edition, aptly named the Suzuki Jimny 55th Anniversary Edition, offers a nostalgic nod to the model’s past while celebrating its enduring appeal.

Built on the French-spec Privilège VU variant, this final edition includes exclusive features like a retro-inspired front fascia, vintage side graphics, and a soft Rhino spare tire cover — a tribute to the stylized rhino symbol associated with the Jimny since the 1980s. Inside, the model comes with custom rubber floor mats, a leather-bound driving journal for documenting adventures, and a commemorative key ring. Red mud flaps bearing the Jimny logo add an eye-catching finishing touch, while a numbered plaque on the center console makes each vehicle a true one-of-a-kind.

Buyers could choose from four body colors — white, jungle green, bluish black, and grey — with each unit priced at €28,955. All 55 vehicles were available for order only between June 2 and June 10, and unsurprisingly, the limited run sold out quickly. Deliveries are scheduled for the end of June.

Beyond its exclusive features, the Jimny 55th Anniversary Edition stays true to the model’s core values. With a featherweight 1,090 kg frame and dimensions ideal for both tight urban spaces and wild trails (3.4 meters long, 1.6 meters wide), the Jimny continues to punch far above its weight. Its off-road prowess is underpinned by excellent approach and departure angles (37° and 49°, respectively), Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4WD system, and a 5-speed manual transmission mated to a 1.5-liter, 102-horsepower petrol engine.

Adding to the celebratory nature of this final run, Suzuki has included a complimentary 4×4 training session for all French buyers, ensuring that each Jimny goes to a home that truly appreciates its off-road pedigree.

Though it may no longer roam freely across European markets, the Suzuki Jimny’s legacy is far from over. With this special farewell, Suzuki ensures that the little SUV’s adventurous spirit will live on — at least in the hearts (and garages) of 55 lucky French drivers.

Source: Suzuki

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Suzuki Sends Off the Jimny in Europe with Exclusive 55th Anniversary Edition