Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

2026 Lexus LC500 Pinnacle Edition Debuts in Japan, Limited to 200 Units

Just days after Lexus revealed the 2026 model year update for North America’s LC lineup, the Japanese automaker has quietly introduced a new, potentially final chapter for its flagship grand tourer—exclusive to its home market. Enter the Lexus LC500 Pinnacle Edition, a limited-run special that may serve as a celebratory send-off for one of the brand’s most striking and soulful vehicles.

A Grand Finale?

First teased as a concept back in 2012 and brought to production in 2016, the LC has been a showcase of Lexus’ commitment to design, craftsmanship, and V8 performance. Nearly a decade into its run, the new Pinnacle Edition is described by Lexus as representing the “summit” of the model line. While the automaker has yet to confirm a production end date, this new edition carries the weight and presence of a farewell model.

Exclusive to Japan

The LC500 Pinnacle Edition will be sold exclusively in Japan, with 100 units each of the coupe and convertible variants available. Half of the production run will be distributed via a lottery system, with applications open from July 24 to August 7, and winners notified by August 18.

Design & Styling Highlights

Visually, the Pinnacle Edition takes cues from the US-market LC500 Inspiration Series, but Lexus adds Japan-specific details to distinguish it further. The aggressive bodywork is accentuated by front bumper canards, black exterior accents, and a fixed rear wing made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic—a feature first seen on the 2020 LC Aviation special edition.

  • Coupe: Finished in a striking Oborogin matte silver paint with a matte clear coat for a stealthy effect.
  • Convertible: Dressed in Neutrino Gray, paired with a luxurious Brown Silver soft top.

Both versions roll on 21-inch forged alloy wheels featuring a black sputtering finish and intricate multi-spoke design that radiates understated elegance.

Crafted Interiors

The cabin treatment differs between body styles, each offering a unique atmosphere:

  • Coupe: A clean, high-contrast black and white two-tone interior.
  • Convertible: A more luxurious vibe with saddle tan and white leather.

Special touches include embroidered dashboards, carbon fiber scuff plates, and an exclusive “LC Limited Edition” badge on the center console—subtle nods to the model’s exclusivity.

Familiar Heart, Refined Performance

Under the hood remains the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, a hallmark of the LC500. Producing 471 horsepower (351 kW) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque, it’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Lexus adds a specially tuned limited-slip differential to sharpen the driving experience.

Performance tuning is tailored to each model’s character:

  • The coupe gains a rear aluminum hollow suspension member, boosting rigidity and grip for more responsive handling.
  • The convertible is tuned for smoother ride comfort, preserving its grand touring essence.

Price and Availability

The LC500 Pinnacle Edition is priced at ¥17,800,000 (approx. $121,500 USD), placing it at the top of the LC range. Its limited numbers and exclusive features ensure it will become a coveted collector’s item for Japanese enthusiasts.

2026 LC Lineup Updates

Beyond the Pinnacle Edition, Lexus has introduced subtle tweaks to the broader LC lineup for the Japanese market. While there are no major design changes, all trims now feature a new door sticker that—according to Lexus—enhances “the sense of rigidity.”

Buyers can still choose between:

  • The LC500 with its 5.0-liter V8
  • The LC500h, which pairs a 3.5-liter V6 with hybrid assistance

Notably, the LC500h hybrid variant remains on sale in Japan, even as it’s discontinued for the U.S. market as of 2026.

Prices for the updated Japanese-spec LC range from:

  • ¥14,100,000 to ¥14,930,000 ($96,200–$101,900 USD) for the LC500
  • ¥14,550,000 to ¥15,380,000 ($99,300–$105,000 USD) for the LC500h

Availability begins August 4, offering Japanese buyers one final chance to enjoy Lexus’ flagship coupe before its eventual curtain call.

Source: Lexus

NEW CARS

Great Wall Motor Teases V8 Hybrid Supercar to Rival Ferrari and McLaren

In a move that will send shockwaves through the global performance car scene, Chinese automotive giant Great Wall Motor (GWM) has teased what appears to be its first true supercar—a bold new halo model aimed squarely at Ferrari and McLaren.

The news broke via Chinese social media platform Weibo, where GWM chairman Wei Jianjun marked the company’s 35th anniversary with a striking image: company executives gathered around the silhouette of a low-slung, mid-engined machine draped in cloth. Though no details were revealed in the post, the shape beneath the sheet left little doubt—a full-blooded supercar is on the way.

This development follows earlier confirmation from GWM’s chief technology officer, Wu Huixiao, that the company has been secretly developing a high-performance flagship for over five years. According to Wu, the car is built around a carbonfibre monocoque chassis, and in no uncertain terms, he claimed it “will be better” than its European counterparts.

If that sounds ambitious coming from the maker of budget-friendly models like the Ora 03 and Haval Jolion Pro, consider this: GWM is China’s largest privately owned carmaker, delivering over 1.2 million vehicles globally in 2024. And it’s not just quantity. In recent years, GWM has aggressively expanded its brand portfolio, including premium SUV marque Wey, rugged off-roaders from Tank, and the soon-to-arrive Poer pickup range.

The new supercar is tipped to debut under a newly minted high-end sub-brand called Confidence Auto, set to rival BYD’s Yangwang, which itself has gained notoriety with the U9—an all-electric hypercar producing 1,250bhp and capable of leaping off the ground and conquering the Nürburgring in a blistering 7 minutes 18 seconds.

Though GWM hasn’t officially disclosed performance figures or a name for its supercar, there are mounting rumors that it will feature the company’s newly unveiled 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, first shown at the 2024 Shanghai Auto Show. While specs remain under wraps, industry sources suggest outputs could exceed 600 hp and 590 lb-ft from the engine alone.

More intriguingly, this V8 (or possibly the brand’s existing V6) will be paired with electric motors in a plug-in hybrid layout—putting it in the same high-performance hybrid league as the McLaren Artura, Ferrari 296 GTB, and Lamborghini’s new Temerario. That means total power output could comfortably eclipse the 800bhp mark, setting up the GWM machine as a serious player in the global supercar race.

With no confirmed name or reveal date, all eyes now turn to the Guangzhou Auto Show in late November, one of China’s biggest automotive events and a likely stage for the car’s grand debut.

If successful, Great Wall Motor’s first foray into the supercar world won’t just be a bold flex of engineering muscle—it could mark a pivotal moment in China’s transition from volume producer to purveyor of genuinely world-class performance cars.

Source: Autocar

NEW CARS

BMW Unveils M240i Carbon Edition: A Mexico-Exclusive Taste of M Performance

While BMW’s spotlight often beams on the track-focused M2, its slightly tamer sibling—the M240i—rarely gets a moment to shine. That changes now, at least in Mexico. BMW has unveiled the M240i xDrive Carbon Edition, a limited-run, market-exclusive model that finally puts some well-deserved attention on the “not-quite-M” coupe.

Built exclusively at BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant, the Carbon Edition takes the standard M240i xDrive and infuses it with visual aggression and lightweight flair. Much like its European counterparts, the Mexican-spec M240i comes strictly with xDrive all-wheel drive. Enthusiasts in the U.S. can still rejoice in the rear-wheel-drive version, but this Carbon Edition is reserved solely for Mexican customers.

As its name suggests, the Carbon Edition is all about carbon fiber. BMW has gone beyond the usual cosmetic tweaks, adding CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic) accents that are rarely seen on M Performance cars. Notably, even the iconic kidney grille receives the carbon treatment—a detail typically reserved for true M models. Additional upgrades include a carbon front splitter, side mirror caps, rear diffuser, and a trunk lid spoiler.

The visual transformation doesn’t stop there. The Carbon Edition rides on 19-inch 893M-style wheels, a design unavailable on the regular M240i, adding further exclusivity to the package. Inside, the carbon fiber theme continues with sporty trim pieces on the dashboard and center console, subtly elevating the cabin toward full M territory.

Mechanically, the Carbon Edition sticks with the proven formula. Under the hood is BMW’s venerable B58 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, pushing out 382 horsepower and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. Paired with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic and BMW’s grippy xDrive system, the coupe rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a blistering 4.3 seconds, topping out at an electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph).

BMW Mexico has priced the Carbon Edition at 1,429,900 MXN (approximately $76,600 USD), marking a 160,000 MXN ($8,500) premium over the standard M240i xDrive. While that may seem steep, it’s still well below the 1,764,900 MXN ($95,000 USD) starting price of the M2. Given the performance overlap, the two are unlikely to directly compete—but the Carbon Edition could prove appealing to buyers seeking exclusivity without going full-M.

Looking ahead, the M240i is set for a powertrain update. Starting in November 2025 for Europe and August 2026 for the U.S., the model is expected to adopt the newer B58TÜ2 engine. BMW plans to continue producing the G42-generation 2 Series through 2029, offering ample runway for more region-specific special editions like this Carbon Edition.

In a market where enthusiast-grade coupes are increasingly rare, the M240i Carbon Edition stands out as a compelling middle ground—a refined blend of luxury, performance, and exclusivity tailored for discerning Mexican buyers.

Source: BMW

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BMW Unveils M240i Carbon Edition: A Mexico-Exclusive Taste of M Performance