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Škoda Begins Construction of State-of-the-Art Paint Shop in Mladá Boleslav

Milestone facility set to boost production quality and sustainability ahead of 2029 launch.

Škoda Auto has officially broken ground on a next-generation paint shop at its Mladá Boleslav headquarters in the Czech Republic, marking a significant stride toward more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle production. The facility, scheduled to open in 2029, is poised to become a cornerstone of the brand’s long-term manufacturing strategy.

Equipped with cutting-edge automation, robotics, and smart technologies, the new paint shop promises to enhance the precision and quality of vehicle coatings across Škoda’s lineup—including both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric models. In addition to standard finishes, the plant will be capable of delivering complex two-tone paint jobs and sophisticated matte coatings, aligning with evolving customer preferences and premium design trends.

Škoda‘s investment in this facility underscores its broader commitment to sustainable manufacturing. By 2030, the Czech automaker aims to achieve carbon-neutral production at all of its domestic plants. The new paint shop will play a crucial role in that mission, reducing CO₂ emissions from the painting process by an estimated 28% and cutting down significantly on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

“The new paint shop reflects Škoda’s forward-looking approach to both product quality and environmental responsibility,” said a spokesperson for the company. “It’s not just about painting cars—it’s about painting a greener future.”

Spanning an impressive 118,000 square meters—roughly the area of 16 football fields—the massive structure will stretch 301 meters in length, 131 meters in width, and rise to a height of 32.5 meters, equivalent to a seven-story building. The internal transport system alone will exceed 15 kilometers in length, ensuring efficient vehicle flow through the facility.

Construction will take place on the site of the existing completed vehicle parking area, adjacent to the recently inaugurated Laurin and Klement Bridge, further integrating the new facility into Škoda’s evolving industrial footprint.

As Škoda moves toward the next chapter of its production evolution, this high-tech paint shop represents not only a leap in capability but also a symbol of the brand’s drive toward innovation and climate-conscious manufacturing.

Source: Škoda

News

Xiaomi Blows Away Nürburgring Record with Insane SU7 Ultra Lap

Xiaomi may have only recently entered the automotive world, but it’s already sending shockwaves through one of the industry’s most sacred proving grounds: the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The tech giant returned to the legendary “Green Hell” to improve on a record it had already set—and left with something even more impressive.

Less than a year ago, Xiaomi stunned the industry by claiming a spot among the top five fastest electric cars around the Nürburgring. Its SU7 Ultra prototype clocked an already blistering time of 6:46.87, placing it firmly in the upper echelons of EV performance. That alone was enough to rattle the establishment, but Xiaomi wasn’t done.

Back on the 20.8 km-long torture test of a track, British driver David Pittard piloted an evolved version of the SU7 Ultra prototype to a jaw-dropping 6:22.091, slicing nearly 24 seconds off the previous best. For context, that beats the mighty Lotus Evija X prototype (6:24.04) and now ranks the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra as the third fastest car ever to lap the ’Ring—production-based or not.

To climb even higher in the rankings, Xiaomi would need to beat the Volkswagen ID.R’s 6:05.33 or somehow challenge the almost mythical 5:19.546 set by Timo Bernhard in the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo. That latter record, however, remains more dream than target, as it was set in what is essentially a Le Mans prototype on steroids.

But perhaps even more remarkable is what Xiaomi has accomplished with the production version of the SU7. Though heavier and less extreme than the prototype, it still lapped the Nürburgring in 7:04.957, making it the fastest production electric vehicle around the circuit. In doing so, it outpaced heavyweights like the Porsche Taycan and even the all-electric hypercar Rimac Nevera.

To commemorate this double victory, Xiaomi has announced two highly exclusive special editions aimed at enthusiasts and collectors alike.

SU7 Ultra Track Package

The first is the Track Package, a circuit-focused evolution of the SU7. Designed with Nürburgring data in mind, it boasts an upgraded battery optimized for high-output scenarios, enhanced thermal management, refined brakes, and custom-tuned suspension. All of this allows it to reach an eye-watering top speed of 350 km/h.

SU7 Nurburgring Edition

For those wanting the rarest of the rare, Xiaomi unveiled the SU7 Nürburgring Edition. Limited to just 10 units for 2025 and 100 units total, this version is not just a car—it’s a collector’s item. It features bespoke aerodynamic tweaks, underbody enhancements, and a stripped-down interior complete with a rear-seat-delete roll cage. Under the skin lies a tri-motor powertrain delivering a staggering 1,548 horsepower and 1,770 Nm of torque.

Source: Xiaomi

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Xiaomi Blows Away Nürburgring Record with Insane SU7 Ultra Lap
Restomod

Classic Mini Returns with Modern Flair

In a world where size and digital excess often dominate automotive headlines, the timeless charm of the classic Mini stands out as a refreshing alternative. Now, in a stunning collaboration that bridges heritage and innovation, legendary designer Ian Callum’s eponymous design firm has joined forces with Wood & Pickett — the artisans behind the iconic Margrave Mini of the 1960s — to reimagine the beloved British icon for a new generation.

The result is a limited-production restomod that blends 1960s charisma with 21st-century performance and craftsmanship. Built upon the bones of a Mk5 Sportspack Mini, this reborn classic is more than just a nostalgia trip; it’s a fully reengineered driver’s car with bespoke details throughout.

From the outset, the car sets itself apart with a series of bold exterior upgrades. Lighting housings have been entirely rethought, giving the front and rear ends a more purposeful look. Redesigned valances and an updated rear section further distinguish it from the original model, while flared wheel arches not only enhance visual aggression but also contribute to improved aerodynamics and cooling.

Sitting proudly on 13-inch alloy wheels designed in-house by Callum, the car sports 8.4-inch vented and grooved brake discs, ensuring that stopping power matches its sporty demeanor.

Under the bonnet lies a “newly rebuilt” 1.3-liter Stage 3 road/rally engine delivering an impressive 100 horsepower — a significant boost over the original powerplant. Featuring twin-point fuel injection, a performance cylinder head, and a revised ECU, the engine is mated to a reengineered transmission, all tuned for both everyday drivability and weekend spirited runs. A twin-exit upswept exhaust provides the auditory punctuation, while a bespoke road-tuned suspension kit ensures comfort without compromising the go-kart handling Minis are known for.

Step inside, and the craftsmanship continues. The dashboard, inspired by Wood & Pickett’s original Margrave design, combines analog elegance with modern functionality. Classic dials and tactile physical switches are joined by a discreet screen with Apple CarPlay integration — a nod to today’s digital expectations without betraying the car’s analog soul.

Each of these Callum x Wood & Pickett Minis will be hand-built to order, starting at £75,000 (approximately $103,000 USD). But don’t expect any two examples to be the same. Buyers are invited to collaborate closely with the Callum team, tailoring each build to their personal taste — from trim and paint to performance tuning and tech.

This isn’t just a car. It’s a statement — one that says individuality, craftsmanship, and timeless design still have a place in our fast-moving automotive world. And for enthusiasts of the original Mini, it’s a thrilling reminder that great things often come in small, exquisitely detailed packages.

Source: Callum Design

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Classic Mini Returns with Modern Flair

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