Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

Pocket Bunny GT-R

The Tokyo Motor Show is always good for a few double takes. Between earnest production cars and sensible concepts, there’s inevitably something that looks like it escaped from an AI prompt that read “classic JDM legend, but make it tiny.” This year, that honor goes to a car that stops you mid-stride: a pint-size Nissan GT-R that absolutely is not a Nissan GT-R.

What you’re looking at is called the Pocket Bunny, and beneath its familiar scowl is a Suzuki Twin—a kei car last seen quietly minding its own business in the early 2000s. The transformation comes courtesy of the Rocket Bunny Pandem crew, working with designer Jun Takahashi and Saitama-based J Beat Custom Shop. The result is equal parts homage, parody, and love letter to one of Japan’s most revered performance cars: the R32 Skyline GT-R.

The Suzuki Twin, if you need a refresher, was never meant to stir emotions. Introduced in 2002, it was round, upright, and about as threatening as a toaster. But that blank-slate anonymity is exactly what makes it such a compelling canvas. Reimagined as the Pocket Bunny, the Twin sheds nearly all visual ties to its former self. Aside from the doors, windows, and roof, virtually every exterior panel has been redesigned, reshaped, or outright replaced.

The resemblance to the R32 is uncanny—and occasionally surreal. Pandem’s custom kit gives the car a shrunken Skyline face, complete with squared-off headlights and a hood that echoes the original GT-R’s muscular simplicity. The front and rear bumpers are bespoke, the fenders are widened just enough to sell the illusion, and the tailgate and rear wing mirror the Skyline’s greatest hits, scaled down to kei-car proportions. Even the taillights have been reworked to faithfully channel the four-circle GT-R signature.

Stand back a few paces and squint, and your brain fills in the blanks. This thing reads as a classic Nissan, just viewed through a funhouse mirror. It’s the automotive equivalent of seeing a perfectly accurate model train—your rational mind knows it’s small, but your emotions don’t care.

Pull closer and the craftsmanship becomes the story. This isn’t a bolt-on cosplay. According to the builders, installing the kit requires cutting into the original bodywork and sealing the inner fenders. Translation: this conversion is permanent. Once you commit to Pocket Bunny life, there’s no returning to stock Twin anonymity. That’s a bold move for a car that started out as transportation appliance, and it says a lot about the confidence behind the project.

The show car leans hard into the stance scene, riding on new alloy wheels and a dramatically lowered setup thanks to electromagnetic air suspension from Airmext Japan. Inside, subtlety is not invited. There’s a roll cage, bucket seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and an extra infotainment screen—because why not? It’s part show car, part toy, and fully self-aware.

Performance, at least for now, remains pure kei car. The original 658cc three-cylinder engine carries over, producing a heroic 27 horsepower. Power goes to the front wheels through a five-speed manual, just as Suzuki intended. In stock form, the Twin was available with a hybrid option as well, though neither version was ever accused of being fast.

But that may change. Automotive photographer Larry Chen reports that the Pocket Bunny team has far bigger plans: a rotary engine swap and a conversion to rear-wheel drive. Yes, really. It’s an audacious idea that sounds either brilliant or completely unhinged, which means it’s perfectly on brand. If it happens, the Pocket Bunny would graduate from visual joke to genuine mechanical statement—and probably become terrifying in all the right ways.

As for the kit itself, the price lands at €3,622, not including paint or installation. At the time of writing, it’s officially sold out, though Pandem has promised more runs in the future. Given the attention this tiny GT-R magnet is pulling, that promise will be tested quickly.

The Pocket Bunny doesn’t make sense in the traditional automotive way. It’s not fast, it’s not practical, and it’s certainly not subtle. But it captures something essential about car culture: the joy of reinterpreting icons, the willingness to commit fully to an idea, and the understanding that sometimes the best builds exist simply because someone asked, “What if?”

In a hall full of serious machinery, this little kei car dares you not to smile. And that might be its greatest performance figure of all.

Source: Larry Chen

NEW CARS

Meet the Shangjie Z7: The Taycan Lookalike That Costs Less Than a Taycan’s Options List

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Porsche’s design studio should be feeling very appreciated right now. The latest electric sedan to draw unmistakable inspiration from the Taycan comes from China, wears the name Shangjie Z7, and—if early reports are accurate—costs about as much as a lightly optioned German compact car.

Shangjie has begun rolling out official images and teasers of its upcoming Z7 sedan, and the resemblance to Porsche’s electric four-door isn’t subtle. From the sweeping roofline to the muscular rear haunches, the Z7’s silhouette reads like a Taycan that’s been run through a “slightly different, legally distinct” filter. It’s not a photocopy, but it’s close enough that you’d do a double take at a stoplight.

The headlights, to be fair, go their own way. They don’t mimic Porsche’s signature four-point motif, and that alone may be enough to keep the lawyers at bay. But step back a few meters and squint, and the overall effect is clear: this car wants to tap into the Taycan’s visual gravitas without asking Taycan money.

And that’s the real hook. Chinese media report that the Z7 is aimed squarely at younger buyers, with a rumored starting price under 200,000 yuan—roughly €24,600. For context, the actual Porsche Taycan starts at around 918,000 yuan in China, or about €113,000. That’s not a gap; that’s a canyon.

The Z7 is being developed by HIMA—short for Harmony Intelligence Mobility Alliance—and will be sold under SAIC’s Shangjie brand. HIMA is essentially Huawei’s automotive brain trust, bringing together several Chinese automakers including Seres, Chery, BAIC, JAC, and SAIC. Vehicles born under this alliance already wear names like Aito, Luxeed, Stelato, and Maextro, and the common thread is heavy integration of Huawei’s software, connectivity, and driver-assistance tech.

Design-wise, HIMA hasn’t exactly been shy with the Z7. A dark teaser image practically traces the Taycan’s side profile with a highlighter: coupe-like roof, flush door handles, and pronounced rear fenders that look ready to house a wide set of tires. Even the shape of the doors themselves feels eerily familiar. Around back, the rear glass and full-width light bar lean so heavily on Porsche’s playbook that the word “homage” starts to feel generous.

Up front, though, the Z7 does carve out some identity. Beyond the different headlight design, there’s a prominent LiDAR unit mounted above the windshield—a clear signal that advanced driver-assistance systems, and possibly hands-off driving features, are a priority. That’s a reminder that while the Z7 may borrow its look from Stuttgart, its soul is firmly rooted in China’s tech-forward EV ecosystem.

Things get even more interesting when you factor in reports of a wagon variant. Chinese outlet Autohome has snapped spy photos of what appears to be a Z7 estate, heavily camouflaged but unmistakable in its proportions. The long roof, sloping rear, and overall stance draw obvious parallels to the Taycan Sport Turismo. Porsche’s electric wagon is a niche favorite among enthusiasts; seeing a budget-friendly Chinese interpretation could make it far more mainstream—at least in its home market.

As for what’s under the skin, HIMA is keeping quiet. No specifications have been released, leaving open questions about performance, range, and drivetrain options. The Z7 could slot in as a direct rival to Xiaomi’s SU7, another Taycan-adjacent electric sedan that has already made waves. The SU7 starts at 215,900 yuan (about €26,500), and early versions boast serious performance credentials. If the Z7 lands in the same neighborhood, it could turn the segment into a full-blown price war.

One thing is certain: whatever numbers eventually appear on the spec sheet, the Z7 will undercut Porsche by a massive margin. It’s offering the Taycan’s sleek, low-slung aesthetic at a price that makes Western buyers do a double take—and maybe a little math to see how many Taycan options you’d have to delete to get close.

Whether the Z7 ends up being a genuine driver’s car or simply a compelling visual facsimile remains to be seen. But as China’s EV industry continues to blur the line between inspiration and imitation, one thing is clear: Porsche’s design language has become a global template—and not everyone is charging six figures for it.

Source: Car News China

NEW CARS

Škoda Peaq: The Czech Brand’s Biggest Electric Swing Yet

Škoda has never been shy about building sensible cars for sensible people. But every so often, even the most pragmatic brand wants a flagship—something that says, yes, we still do spreadsheets, but we can dream a little too. Enter the Škoda Peaq, the Czech automaker’s upcoming electric, seven-seat SUV and, if all goes according to plan, its most ambitious model to date.

Confirmed for a full reveal this summer and scheduled to go on sale by the end of the year, the Peaq is the production version of the Vision 7S concept first shown in 2022. Back then, it looked like Škoda had let its designers drink an extra espresso and locked the accountants out of the room. Now, that concept is heading for showrooms—with only a modest trimming of its wilder edges.

Think of the Peaq as an electric Kodiaq. Big, upright, family-focused, and unapologetically practical—but powered entirely by electrons and positioned at the very top of Škoda’s lineup. In size and intent, it’s aimed squarely at the small but growing club of seven-seat electric SUVs, lining up against vehicles like the Peugeot e-5008 and Mercedes-Benz GLB. And while it’s not pretending to be a luxury status symbol, it will flirt with higher price territory than Škoda has ever dared before.

That alone makes the Peaq interesting.

A New Peak for Škoda

The name “Peaq” (yes, pronounced like peak) isn’t subtle. Škoda openly admits this is its range-topper, a statement car meant to showcase where the brand is headed in the electric era. According to Martin Jahn, Škoda’s board member for sales and marketing, the Peaq represents a deliberate elevation of the brand—without abandoning its core values.

“With the Vision 7S, we entered new territory for Škoda,” Jahn said, pointing to the company’s new “Modern Solid” design language. “Now we are bringing this innovative vehicle concept to life.”

Translation: this is Škoda trying to look bolder, tougher, and more future-facing—while still leaving enough room inside for kids, dogs, luggage, and that one IKEA run you definitely didn’t plan.

Design: Concept Car, But Make It Real

The Vision 7S introduced Škoda’s Modern Solid design language, which has since trickled down to newer models. Expect the Peaq to stick closely to the concept’s chunky proportions, squared-off shoulders, and clean surfacing. It won’t look soft or anonymous, and that’s a good thing. Seven-seat SUVs have a habit of blending into parking lots like beige wallpaper.

Underneath, the Peaq will ride on Volkswagen Group’s familiar MEB platform—the same architecture that underpins the Enyaq, Elroq, and a small army of VW Group EVs. That means proven hardware, flexible battery options, and packaging that prioritizes interior space over flashy performance numbers.

Don’t expect supercar acceleration or Nürburgring lap times. Do expect a flat floor, generous legroom, and a third row that actual humans can use without resentment.

Price: New Territory, Same Philosophy

Škoda hasn’t announced pricing yet, and Jahn carefully avoided pinning down an aspirational number. What we do know is that the Peaq will sit above the Enyaq, which currently starts just under £40,000. That alone pushes Škoda into a price bracket it hasn’t traditionally occupied.

Still, don’t expect EV9 or Volvo EX90 money. Škoda is betting that it can undercut more premium seven-seat EVs while offering comparable space and everyday usability. Jahn summed it up neatly: Škoda may not be the cheapest option, but it wants to be the best value for the money—just on “a different level than before.”

In other words, the Peaq won’t be cheap, but it should feel like you got more than you paid for. That’s very on-brand.

Why the Peaq Matters

Seven-seat EVs are still rare. Most electric SUVs stop at five seats, leaving larger families—or people who just like options—scrambling for alternatives. Škoda sees that gap as an opportunity, and the Peaq is designed to fill it with unapologetic practicality.

Jahn previously called the car Škoda’s “new highlight,” describing it as “beautiful from the outside, very practical from the inside.” That’s marketing speak, sure—but it also neatly summarizes what Škoda does best when it’s at the top of its game.

If the Peaq delivers on its promise, it won’t just be Škoda’s biggest and most expensive EV. It’ll be proof that the brand can move upmarket without losing its soul—and that family-focused electric cars don’t have to be dull, overpriced, or both.

The Peaq isn’t trying to be flashy. It’s trying to be smart. And in today’s crowded EV landscape, that might just be the boldest move Škoda could make.

Source: Škoda