Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

2027 BMW M350 Brings 437 HP, xDrive and Drift Mode to the New 3 Series

BMW is preparing to give the next-generation 3 Series a serious performance upgrade. The new range-topping BMW M350 will produce 437bhp from a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six, making it significantly more powerful than the outgoing M340i while introducing a feature previously reserved for BMW’s full M cars: a dedicated drift mode.

Positioned below the next-generation BMW M3, the M350 is set to become the fastest and most powerful combustion-engined version of the regular 3 Series when it arrives. With all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 0-62mph time of just 4.1 seconds, the new M350 promises to blur the line between a conventional sports sedan and a full-blown performance car.

BMW M350 Gets 437bhp From a Turbocharged Inline-Six

At the heart of the new BMW M350 is BMW’s familiar turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine. According to BMW, the engine will deliver 437bhp and 428lb ft of torque.

That represents a substantial increase over the outgoing BMW M340i, with the new model gaining 50bhp and 30lb ft of torque.

The M350 will be the only regular 3 Series derivative, alongside the forthcoming M3, to use BMW’s signature six-cylinder petrol engine. Other combustion-powered versions of the next-generation 3 Series are expected to rely on updated four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

The additional power puts the M350 firmly into performance-car territory while retaining the everyday usability that has long defined the 3 Series.

0-62mph in 4.1 Seconds

Power will be delivered to all four wheels through BMW’s familiar eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

BMW claims the new M350 will accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 4.1 seconds. That makes it only 0.6sec slower than the outgoing M3, despite the M350 being positioned below BMW’s full-performance M model.

Top speed will be electronically limited to 155mph.

The figures underline just how far the M350 has moved beyond the traditional executive-sports-sedan formula. With 437bhp, substantial torque and all-wheel drive, the new BMW will have enough performance to challenge some cars that previously occupied a much higher performance bracket.

BMW M350 Drift Mode Is a First

Perhaps the most surprising addition to the new BMW M350 is its drift mode.

For the first time, BMW will bring this feature to a non-M 3 Series derivative. Previously, the ability to deliberately send power exclusively to the rear wheels in a dedicated drift setting was associated with BMW M models such as the M3.

When activated, the system can direct all of the engine’s drive to the rear axle, making it significantly easier for the driver to induce and control a slide.

There is one catch, however. The BMW M350 drift mode will not be available from launch. Instead, BMW plans to introduce the feature through a software update scheduled for next year.

That approach highlights how increasingly important software has become to modern performance cars. Rather than requiring a hardware change, BMW can unlock additional driving functionality through an over-the-air update.

Steel Suspension Standard, Adaptive Dampers Optional

Despite its performance credentials, the M350 will retain a conventional steel-spring suspension system as standard.

Buyers will be able to upgrade to one of two adaptive damper systems. One will prioritize comfort and everyday usability, while the other will feature a firmer setup with BMW M branding and a greater focus on performance driving.

The choice could make the M350 particularly appealing to buyers who want a single car capable of handling both daily commuting and fast driving on demanding roads.

BMW will also equip the M350 with a staggered sports-tyre configuration. The front axle will use 245mm-wide tyres, while the rear tyres will measure 275mm across.

The wider rear rubber should help the M350 put its 437bhp to the road while also contributing to the car’s more aggressive handling characteristics.

New BMW 3 Series Launches With Petrol and Electric Power

The BMW M350 will form part of an entirely new generation of the 3 Series.

BMW is expected to launch the electric i3 first, followed by the combustion-engined versions of the next-generation 3 Series later this year. UK deliveries of the petrol-powered models are expected to begin in early 2027.

The strategy reflects BMW’s decision to develop the next 3 Series around multiple powertrain technologies rather than moving exclusively toward electric propulsion.

As a result, buyers will be able to choose between electric and combustion-powered versions of BMW’s iconic compact executive sedan.

Will BMW Bring Back the M340d?

One major question remains unanswered: will BMW introduce a successor to the M340d?

The previous-generation 3 Series offered the M340d, combining BMW’s performance-oriented M treatment with a powerful diesel engine. However, the chances of seeing an M350d—or an equivalent high-performance diesel—appear increasingly slim.

Diesel-powered passenger cars have continued to lose popularity in many European markets, while increasingly stringent emissions regulations are making high-performance diesel applications more difficult to justify.

The upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations could further complicate the business case.

BMW’s decision to remove the “i” suffix from petrol-powered model names is also noteworthy. Historically, the “i” designation distinguished petrol models from diesel versions carrying a “d” suffix. Its removal could signal a broader change in the way BMW identifies its combustion-powered cars—and potentially the disappearance of some diesel variants.

Four-Cylinder Engines for Other 3 Series Models

While the M350 will retain BMW’s six-cylinder performance engine, the rest of the combustion-powered 3 Series range is expected to use four-cylinder powerplants.

These engines are likely to be updated versions of BMW’s existing B48 petrol and B47 diesel families, which are already used in the current-generation 3 Series.

This creates a clear hierarchy within the new range: four-cylinder engines for mainstream models, the 3.0-litre straight-six for the M350, and a substantially more powerful M3 sitting above them.

Next-Generation BMW M3 Will Offer Petrol and Electric Power

The arrival of the M350 is only part of BMW’s larger performance strategy.

The next-generation BMW M3 is expected to arrive in 2027 and will be offered with both petrol and electric power. BMW M boss Frank van Meel has already described the forthcoming electric M3 as the petrol-powered car’s “own natural enemy.”

The electric M3 is expected to use a quad-motor powertrain, giving BMW the ability to independently control the torque delivered to each wheel.

That could create a completely different approach to performance and handling compared with the traditional rear-biased dynamics of the combustion-engined M3.

For enthusiasts, the relationship between the M350, petrol M3 and electric M3 could become one of the most interesting aspects of BMW’s next-generation performance lineup.

BMW M350 vs M3: How Close Will They Be?

On paper, the M350 is already remarkably close to the outgoing M3 in straight-line performance.

Its 437bhp output and 4.1-second 0-62mph time mean that the gap between the two cars is considerably smaller than the model hierarchy might suggest.

The M3 will remain the more serious performance machine, with a chassis, brakes, aerodynamics and powertrain engineered specifically for BMW M’s highest level of road and track performance.

But the M350 could occupy an increasingly attractive middle ground. It promises near-M3 acceleration while offering the comfort, practicality and understated character expected from a regular 3 Series.

The addition of a rear-wheel-drive drift mode makes the comparison even more intriguing.

A New Era for the BMW 3 Series

The next-generation BMW 3 Series is shaping up to be one of the most technologically significant versions of the model yet.

The M350 combines a 437bhp turbocharged straight-six, xDrive all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, adaptive suspension options and—eventually—a dedicated drift mode.

More importantly, BMW is maintaining a combustion-powered performance option at a time when the automotive industry is rapidly transitioning toward electric vehicles.

The result could be a BMW M350 that serves as a final high-performance expression of the traditional six-cylinder 3 Series formula before electric power becomes increasingly dominant.

With the next M3 arriving soon and an electric four-motor M3 promising an entirely different approach to performance, BMW’s new 3 Series family could offer enthusiasts more choice than ever—while simultaneously marking the beginning of a major shift in what a performance BMW can be.

Source: BMW

NEW CARS

2027 Hyundai Kona: What We Know So Far

The next-generation Hyundai Kona is shedding its camouflage, and the redesigned crossover appears ready to take the model in a dramatically different direction.

After being spotted testing on multiple occasions under heavy disguise, the new Hyundai Kona has finally been caught with much of its exterior design exposed. The latest prototype reveals a more traditional crossover silhouette, a radically redesigned front end, flush door handles and a completely reworked rear section that represents a major departure from the current model.

The redesigned Kona is expected to combine Hyundai’s increasingly futuristic styling language with improved aerodynamics, updated technology and potentially new powertrain options.

New Hyundai Kona Gets a Radical Exterior Redesign

The most significant changes are visible at the front.

The next-generation Hyundai Kona features a curvaceous nose with an upper shark-nose design that appears to incorporate an illuminated light bar. Compared with the current Kona’s Seamless Horizon Lamp, the new element looks considerably thicker and more substantial.

Below the upper lighting element are mid-mounted headlights, while the lower portion of the front fascia appears to feature an active shutter grille. The grille design is particularly unusual, with multiple segmented slats creating a distinctive appearance.

A wide lower intake and pronounced front lip complete the aggressive front-end treatment.

Although the prototype looks remarkably similar to an allegedly undisguised Kona image that surfaced earlier, there are enough differences to suggest that the final production design could still evolve before the vehicle officially debuts.

Flush Door Handles and More Aerodynamic Bodywork

Moving along the sides, Hyundai appears to be giving the new Kona a cleaner and more aerodynamic profile.

The crossover is expected to feature flush-mounted door handles, helping reduce aerodynamic drag while giving the bodywork a more modern appearance. The beltline sweeps upward toward the rear, creating a smaller-looking greenhouse and a sportier stance.

The roof itself has an angular profile, while the wheels appear to have been designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind.

The combination of these elements suggests Hyundai is paying considerably more attention to airflow and efficiency with the new Kona, something that could be particularly important if hybrid and electrified versions continue to expand within the lineup.

The New Kona’s Rear Design Is a Major Departure

Perhaps the most dramatic styling transformation can be found at the back.

The next-generation Hyundai Kona appears to replace the controversial rear design of the current model with a much cleaner and more cohesive treatment. The rear window has an angular shape and is topped by a prominent roof spoiler.

The liftgate also appears wider and more practical, potentially improving access to the cargo area.

Lower down, the rear bumper has a rounded appearance, while the exhaust system appears to be concealed within the bodywork. The result is a considerably more conventional crossover rear end than the outgoing model.

For buyers who found the current Kona’s rear styling polarizing, the redesigned model could represent a welcome change.

Hyundai Kona Interior Expected to Get New Technology

Hyundai has not revealed the complete interior of the new Kona, but the cabin is expected to follow the company’s latest minimalist design philosophy.

One of the biggest technological changes could be the introduction of Hyundai’s Pleos Connect infotainment system. Depending on the configuration, the new Kona could potentially feature displays measuring 12.9, 14.6 or even 17 inches.

If those screen sizes make production, the Kona would gain a significantly more advanced digital environment than today’s model.

The new infotainment architecture is also expected to play an increasingly important role in Hyundai’s future vehicle lineup, potentially bringing improved connectivity and a more software-focused user experience.

2027 Hyundai Kona Engine Options

Under the hood, one potential powertrain for the redesigned Hyundai Kona is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine.

The engine is reportedly shared with the upcoming 2027 Kia Seltos and produces approximately 190 horsepower (142 kW / 193 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque.

If offered in the Kona, that engine would provide a substantial amount of power for a compact crossover and could position the new model competitively against other turbocharged vehicles in the segment.

However, Hyundai has not yet officially confirmed all engine specifications for the redesigned Kona, so final output, transmission combinations and market availability remain subject to change.

Hyundai Kona Hybrid Could Use Kia Seltos Hybrid Technology

A hybrid version could also become an important part of the new Kona lineup.

Kia has confirmed plans for a Seltos Hybrid using a 1.6-liter engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. That setup differs from the eight-speed automatic transmission used by the conventional Seltos powertrain.

In the Korean market, the gasoline engine reportedly produces 104 hp (77 kW / 105 PS), while the electric motor contributes an additional 43 hp (32 kW / 44 PS). The combined system output is therefore expected to be around 147 hp (110 kW / 149 PS).

While this does not confirm that the exact same hybrid system will be used in the Hyundai Kona, the shared Hyundai Motor Group architecture makes the possibility particularly interesting.

A Kona Hybrid combining improved fuel economy with Hyundai’s new exterior and interior design could become one of the most important versions of the redesigned crossover.

New Hyundai Kona Could Become a More Conventional Crossover

The redesigned Hyundai Kona appears to represent a significant change in direction for the nameplate.

Rather than pushing the quirky styling formula of the current-generation model even further, Hyundai seems to be transforming the Kona into a more conventional crossover while retaining enough futuristic detailing to distinguish it from competitors.

The combination of a shark-nose front end, larger lighting elements, flush door handles, aerodynamic wheels, a cleaner rear design and a potentially high-tech interior gives the new Kona a substantially different identity.

The possible availability of a 190-hp turbocharged engine and a hybrid powertrain could also broaden the model’s appeal, particularly as consumers increasingly look for a balance between performance, practicality and efficiency.

2027 Hyundai Kona: What We Know So Far

The redesigned Hyundai Kona is shaping up to be one of the most substantial updates in the model’s history.

Based on the latest prototype, the new Kona is expected to feature:

  • A radically redesigned front fascia
  • An illuminated upper light bar
  • Mid-mounted headlights
  • A possible active shutter grille
  • Flush-mounted exterior door handles
  • A more aerodynamic body
  • An upward-sweeping beltline
  • Aerodynamically optimized wheels
  • A larger and more practical liftgate
  • A redesigned rear window and spoiler
  • A concealed exhaust
  • Pleos Connect infotainment technology
  • Potentially large 12.9-, 14.6- or 17-inch displays
  • A possible 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
  • Potential hybrid technology derived from the Kia Seltos Hybrid

Hyundai has yet to reveal every specification, so additional details about pricing, dimensions, performance, fuel economy, hybrid availability and launch timing will be crucial.

For now, however, the heavily camouflaged prototype has already delivered the biggest clue: the next Hyundai Kona won’t simply be an evolution of the current crossover. It is shaping up to be a fundamentally different vehicle.

Source: Hyundai; Photo: SHProshots

NEW CARS

Jensen Interceptor Returns With a 900-HP GTX

Jensen is bringing one of Britain’s most evocative automotive names back to life. The legendary Jensen Interceptor name has been secured by Jensen International, which is now developing an entirely new high-performance grand tourer designed to revive the spirit of the original Interceptor while taking the brand into a far more exclusive and performance-focused future.

The first step is the Jensen Interceptor GTX, a dramatic two-door track-focused coupe packing a supercharged 6.8-liter V8, 900 horsepower, rear-wheel drive and a lightweight aluminium construction. Although the GTX is currently designed primarily as a track and development car, Jensen says it will ultimately lead to a family of road-legal Interceptor models aimed squarely at the territory occupied by the Aston Martin DB12 and Bentley Continental GT.

For Jensen, however, the new Interceptor is about more than simply reviving a famous name.

It is an attempt to establish a new generation of bespoke British grand tourers.

The Jensen Interceptor Is Back

Jensen International, known for restoring and modifying classic Jensen Interceptors and Range Rover Classics, has been developing the new Interceptor concept for some time.

According to Jensen’s Durran Heslop, the project is an idea that has “been lurking for a long time.” The company has now moved beyond the conceptual stage with a near-complete prototype that will undergo an intensive six-month testing and development programme.

The project has also benefited from a partnership with US-based automotive retailer Jeff Quale. His father, Kjell Quale, was once Jensen’s majority shareholder. Together, the partners have invested approximately £1.3 million to bring the new Interceptor project to its current stage.

The company is now using the GTX as a development platform and, importantly, as a way to gauge potential customer interest before committing to full-scale production.

That makes the car something of a test case for Jensen’s future.

900-HP Supercharged V8 Power

The headline specification of the Jensen Interceptor GTX is its engine.

Under the long bonnet sits a heavily modified GM LS-based 6.8-liter supercharged V8 producing approximately 900 horsepower. Jensen says only around 20 percent of the original engine remains, highlighting the extent of the modifications.

The company also believes the powertrain could eventually be developed to produce as much as 1,200 horsepower.

Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels through a transaxle, giving the Interceptor GTX a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration that should appeal to traditional performance-car enthusiasts.

The current prototype uses a six-speed sequential manual transmission with both paddle shifters and a conventional central shift lever.

For a road-going luxury GT, such a transmission would be an unusual choice. For a track-focused development car, however, it makes considerably more sense.

Aluminium Construction Keeps Weight Under Control

Despite its substantial dimensions, Jensen is targeting a claimed weight of approximately 1,650kg.

The Interceptor GTX measures roughly 5.2 meters long and 2 meters wide, making it a large machine even by modern grand touring standards. Jensen says weight distribution is an ideal 50:50 front-to-rear.

The body is constructed from hand-finished aluminium and mounted over an extruded aluminium chassis. Jensen acknowledges that the architecture incorporates proprietary components sourced from other manufacturers, a construction philosophy also used by established sports-car manufacturers such as Aston Martin and Lotus.

The suspension, meanwhile, is largely Jensen’s own design.

At each corner is double-wishbone suspension paired with adjustable Nitron dampers, giving the GTX the hardware required for serious track development.

Built Like a Race Car

The current Jensen Interceptor GTX is not pretending to be a conventional luxury grand tourer.

Its cabin is deliberately stripped back and incorporates Motec electronics, carbon-fibre seats, racing harnesses and an FIA-compliant roll cage. Polycarbonate windows further emphasize its track-focused character.

There is also a race-specification fuel tank, reinforcing the fact that the GTX is effectively a high-performance development and track machine rather than a conventional road car.

The braking system is supplied by AP Racing and uses steel discs with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston units at the rear.

The car rides on 20-inch alloy wheels, with 275/40 Michelin Pilot Sport tires at the front and enormous 345/30 rubber at the rear.

Aerodynamics are equally serious.

A large carbon-fibre rear wing works with a substantial diffuser, side skirts and front splitter to generate additional aerodynamic performance. Jensen’s official images also show how dramatically the aerodynamic package will be toned down when the road-going versions arrive.

From Track GTX to Road-Going GT

The GTX is only the beginning.

Jensen plans to develop the Interceptor into a range of road-legal cars, with the company describing two key future variants as the GTR and GT.

The GTR will be positioned as what Jensen managing director David Duerden calls a “track-forward road car.” The GT, meanwhile, will be the more luxurious and road-oriented version.

That distinction could become one of the most interesting aspects of the new Interceptor family.

Rather than simply producing a single model with different performance specifications, Jensen appears to be considering the Interceptor as a platform that can span the gap between an extreme performance machine and a luxury grand tourer.

The Road-Going Jensen Interceptor Will Have Four Doors

Perhaps the biggest departure from the original Interceptor concept is the planned configuration of the road cars.

While the GTX is a two-door coupe, Jensen’s future road-legal Interceptors are expected to feature four doors and four seats.

The company describes the car as a four-door GT, with proportions and packaging that bring to mind cars such as the Aston Martin Rapide.

That means the new Jensen Interceptor will not simply be a modern interpretation of the classic two-door Interceptor.

Instead, Jensen wants to create a luxury grand tourer capable of combining serious performance with genuine everyday usability.

“The idea is that it’s formatted as a road car,” Duerden explained. “It’s intended to be a four-door GT.”

Jensen Targets Aston Martin and Bentley

Jensen is under no illusion about the market it is entering.

The road-going Interceptor will occupy the upper end of the luxury GT segment, with Jensen specifically identifying Aston Martin and Bentley as its principal points of comparison.

The company’s positioning places the Interceptor in the same broad sphere as the Aston Martin DB12 and Bentley Continental GT, although Jensen intends to differentiate itself through limited production, bespoke construction and the heritage associated with the Interceptor name.

The challenge will be considerable.

Aston Martin and Bentley have decades of experience developing luxury GTs, while Jensen will be returning to the new-car market with a much smaller production operation.

But that exclusivity could also become the Interceptor’s greatest advantage.

Jensen Interceptor GTX Price

Jensen has not finalized production numbers or pricing for the new Interceptor range.

However, the company estimates that a track-focused GTX built to the specification of the current demonstrator would cost approximately £850,000 to £950,000, depending on final specification.

Interestingly, Jensen expects the road-going Interceptor to cost less than the GTX.

That may sound counterintuitive, but the current GTX is effectively a highly specialized, low-volume development and track car loaded with expensive competition hardware.

The future road car will instead prioritize luxury, usability and refinement.

Even so, Jensen is clearly targeting a highly exclusive market.

Limited Production Is Likely

Production plans remain under discussion.

Jensen could potentially manufacture limited numbers of the Interceptor at its headquarters in Banbury, although the company has not ruled out producing the car elsewhere.

The current prototype is therefore being treated as a “toe in the water” exercise.

The company wants to establish whether there is sufficient demand before committing to a larger manufacturing programme.

That approach makes sense for a vehicle that could cost close to seven figures in its most extreme configuration.

Rather than attempting to compete with established manufacturers on volume, Jensen is likely to rely on exclusivity, customization and craftsmanship.

A New Chapter for Jensen

Jensen’s experience with classic vehicles provides an important foundation for the project.

Jensen International has already restored or modified more than 50 Interceptors and Range Rover Classics, giving the company considerable experience with the original cars and their owners.

Its previous work has also included highly ambitious engineering projects such as the 800-volt battery-electric Range Rover Chieftain, demonstrating that the company is not afraid to combine classic design with modern technology.

The new Interceptor represents a considerably bigger challenge.

This is not simply a restoration or restomod programme. Jensen is developing an entirely new vehicle, including its chassis, suspension, body and powertrain integration.

As Duerden puts it, the demonstrator gets the company to a point from which it can determine where the eventual road car should go.

Six Months of Testing Will Shape the Final Car

The Jensen Interceptor GTX is now scheduled to enter approximately six months of track testing and development.

During that period, Jensen will evaluate the car’s performance and durability while also monitoring reactions from potential customers.

That feedback could influence the final specifications of the road-going models.

The company remains deliberately flexible about the project, with Duerden asking a fundamental question: what does the world want from a Jensen?

That may ultimately determine whether the production Interceptor becomes primarily a luxury GT, a performance-focused grand tourer or something that occupies a niche between the two.

The New Jensen Interceptor Could Be Britain’s Most Unusual GT

The revival of the Jensen Interceptor name comes at an interesting time for the luxury performance-car market.

Traditional grand tourers are increasingly being joined by high-performance hybrids and electric vehicles, while ultra-low-volume manufacturers are finding opportunities at the very top of the market.

Jensen is taking a different route.

The new Interceptor GTX combines a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a heavily modified supercharged V8, manual sequential transmission and aluminium construction. At the same time, the eventual road car is expected to deliver four-door practicality and the level of luxury expected from an Aston Martin or Bentley rival.

If Jensen can successfully transform the brutal 900-hp GTX into a refined four-door GT without losing its character, the new Interceptor could become one of the most distinctive British performance cars of the coming years.

For now, however, the GTX is the beginning of the story.

Jensen has built its prototype, secured the Interceptor name and invested heavily in the project. The next six months of testing will determine whether this ambitious revival can move from an intriguing demonstrator to a genuine production car.

One thing is already clear: the Jensen Interceptor is no longer just a name from Britain’s automotive past. It is being prepared for a second act.

Jensen Interceptor GTX: Key Specifications

  • Model: Jensen Interceptor GTX
  • Body style: Two-door coupe
  • Engine: GM LS-based 6.8-liter supercharged V8
  • Power: 900 hp
  • Potential future output: Up to 1,200 hp
  • Transmission: Six-speed sequential manual
  • Drivetrain: Front engine, rear-wheel drive
  • Chassis: Extruded aluminium architecture
  • Body: Hand-finished aluminium
  • Suspension: Double wishbones front and rear
  • Dampers: Adjustable Nitron
  • Brakes: AP Racing steel discs
  • Front calipers: Six-piston
  • Rear calipers: Four-piston
  • Wheels: 20-inch alloy
  • Front tires: 275/40 Michelin Pilot Sport
  • Rear tires: 345/30 Michelin Pilot Sport
  • Length: Approximately 5.2 meters
  • Width: Approximately 2 meters
  • Weight: Approximately 1,650kg
  • Weight distribution: 50:50 front/rear
  • Construction: Two-seat track/development car
  • Estimated GTX price: £850,000–£950,000
  • Future road cars: GTR and GT
  • Planned road-car configuration: Four doors, four seats
  • Development programme: Approximately six months of testing

Source: Autocar