All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Maserati’s Next Move: Is the MC25 the Future of Italian Speed?

It’s hard to believe that the Maserati MC20—hailed as the brand’s triumphant return to the supercar world—has now been on the road for five years. Unveiled in September 2020, the MC20 marked a new chapter for the Italian marque. Now, Maserati may be preparing to turn the page once again.

A recent trademark filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office has sparked speculation that a successor could be on the horizon. Maserati submitted an application for the name “MC25,” a designation that aligns seamlessly with its current naming convention. The move has left enthusiasts and industry insiders wondering whether a next-generation supercar is closer than expected.

While no official announcements have been made, the timing is curious. A 2025 debut for a model named MC25 would seem logical, especially given the typical five-year life cycle of modern performance cars. However, Maserati faces a complex and challenging backdrop as it contemplates its future.

The brand’s recent performance in the market has been sobering. Sales dropped a staggering 57% from 26,600 units in 2023 to just 11,300 in 2024. This steep decline follows a broader shake-up of Maserati’s product line. In recent years, the company has phased out key models such as the Levante SUV and the Ghibli sedan—vehicles that once carried much of the brand’s commercial weight. Their replacements are still in the pipeline, leaving Maserati in a precarious transitional phase.

Last year, rumors swirled about a possible sell-off of the brand by parent company Stellantis, which Maserati was quick to quash. In April 2025, Stellantis reaffirmed its commitment to Maserati, insisting the brand was not for sale, despite growing concerns over its long-term viability.

Given these challenges, a full-blown new supercar may be financially out of reach. However, Maserati could pursue a more strategic update of the MC20, introducing a refreshed model under the MC25 name. The brand hinted at such possibilities in 2023 with the unveiling of the MCXtrema—a track-only evolution of the MC20 featuring a 730-horsepower version of the Nettuno 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.

This proof of concept demonstrated Maserati’s continued prowess in performance engineering, suggesting that a road-legal MC25 could borrow heavily from the MCXtrema’s innovations. New styling, aerodynamic tweaks, and an uprated powertrain could be enough to rekindle interest and sustain the supercar line during uncertain times.

For now, Maserati fans will have to remain patient. The company has not confirmed any plans for an MC20 successor, and its current focus appears to be on stabilizing its business amid a rapidly evolving automotive industry. But with the MC25 name officially registered, it’s clear that something is brewing in Modena. Whether it’s a mild refresh or an all-new machine, the next chapter in Maserati’s supercar story might be closer than we think.

Source: CarBuzz

Kia Unveils Redesigned Sportage for European Market with Sleek Upgrades and New Tech

After making its debut earlier this year in North America and Australia, the refreshed Kia Sportage is now officially headed to European shores. The South Korean automaker has lifted the curtain on the updated European-spec model, featuring subtle design enhancements and upgraded technology, while maintaining the shorter wheelbase unique to the Old Continent.

Although first introduced globally late last year, the European variant of Kia’s bestselling SUV remains largely consistent with the global version—sharing its bold new look and cutting-edge features, albeit with dimensions tailored for tighter European roads.

Sharper Looks, Inside and Out

The front end of the new Sportage has undergone a noticeable facelift, marked by sleeker LED headlights and a redesigned grille inspired by Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy. The SUV now rides on newly styled alloy wheels, available in sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches.

Inside the cabin, Kia has taken cues from its EV3 electric model. The redesigned two-spoke steering wheel and revamped air vents modernize the driving environment. Entry-level versions now feature seats upholstered in Dinamica microfiber, while the sportier GT-Line and GT-Line S trims come with artificial leather and Alcantara finishes.

Technology takes center stage with a curved panoramic display integrating two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. A 10-inch Head-Up Display projects critical information onto the windshield, while a wireless phone charger and a 360-degree camera system capable of rendering 3D images enhance convenience and safety.

Practicality Meets Performance

Practicality remains a strong suit for the Sportage. The boot offers a generous 587 liters of cargo space, expandable to 1,776 liters with the rear seats folded. Hybrid models feature a dual-level boot floor, optimizing storage options for active lifestyles.

Under the hood, Kia offers two powertrain options for European buyers. The base model features a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 150 horsepower, paired with either a 6-speed manual or an optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This variant is front-wheel-drive only.

For those seeking more power and efficiency, a hybrid model combines a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a robust 239 horsepower. This version comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission and offers the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

Made in Europe, For Europe

The new Sportage will continue to be manufactured at Kia’s facility in Žilina, Slovakia, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to the European market. Sales of the updated model are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025, although official pricing is still under wraps.

As Kia doubles down on blending style, sustainability, and smart tech, the refreshed Sportage stands ready to compete in Europe’s fiercely contested compact SUV segment—with sharper design, greater efficiency, and a tech-rich interior that promises to keep it a consumer favorite.

Source: KIA

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Farewell to the V8: Jaguar Ends an Era with Final F-Pace SVR 575 Ultimate Edition

In a symbolic and emotional farewell to a defining chapter in its performance legacy, Jaguar is officially retiring its iconic V8 engine. As the British marque turns a new page toward electrification, its last hurrah for the mighty eight-cylinder will come in the form of the F-Pace SVR 575 Ultimate Edition—a special, limited-production SUV destined exclusively for Australia.

The move marks the end of an era for Jaguar, whose deep ties to performance V8s span over 15 years. This transition is no surprise. Electrification has been steadily steering the brand away from traditional combustion engines, with the upcoming Type 00 electric grand tourer acting as a symbol of this bold new direction. But before fully embracing the future, Jaguar is giving its V8 a proper send-off—complete with power, exclusivity, and no small measure of nostalgia.

A Nod to Mad Max

The phrase “the last V8” might evoke scenes from George Miller’s dystopian Mad Max, where muscle cars ruled the wasteland. And while the movie’s supercharged Ford Falcon was fictional, Jaguar’s final V8 is very much the real deal.

The F-Pace SVR 575 Ultimate Edition is powered by Jaguar’s 5.0-liter supercharged V8, delivering an exhilarating 575 horsepower. It launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just four seconds and can reach a top speed of 286 km/h—performance numbers that ensure the V8 goes out with a bang, not a whisper.

An Australian Exclusive

In a move that echoes its cinematic inspiration, Jaguar has chosen Australia—the land of the kangaroos and, coincidentally, Mad Max’s home turf—as the exclusive market for this final V8 edition. Only 60 units of the F-Pace SVR 575 Ultimate Edition will be produced, each priced at 182,235 Australian dollars (around €103,000).

The vehicle will be available in four distinct color options: Sorrento Yellow, British Racing Green Gloss, Icy White Gloss, and Ligurian Black Satin. A Black Exterior Pack, 22-inch wheels, black roof rails, and Ultimate Edition badging round out the aggressive visual enhancements.

Inside, the SUV is equally performance-focused, featuring Ebony semi-synthetic leather sports seats and carbon fiber trim—a cockpit built for speed with a touch of elegance.

The Road Ahead: Electric Ambitions

With this final combustion-engine performance model, Jaguar closes the chapter on its V8 legacy. The brand is now fully focused on its electric future, previewed by the recent unveiling of the Type 00 concept. Expected to debut as a four-door electric GT later this year, the Type 00 hints at Jaguar’s ambitions to climb into the ultra-luxury stratosphere—directly competing with the likes of Bentley and Maybach.

This strategic pivot is more than a technological shift—it represents a redefinition of Jaguar’s identity in the 21st century.

Source: Jaguar

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