Not long after we snapped the forthcoming 2023 BMW X1 M35i undergoing winter testing in the north of Europe, our spy photographers have snapped a new prototype being put through its paces at the Nurburgring. This particular tester is also wearing far less camouflage than those spotted in the past.

Immediately catching the eye with this X1 M35i model is the modified front fascia, looking far more aggressive than lesser X1 variants. The kidney grilles pictured are not the same as the ones that will enter production but we can see the newly-shaped lower grille, as well as the triangular air intakes on either side of the bumper, making for an altogether bold look.

Read Also: We Get Up Close To The New 2023 BMW X1 Compact SUV

Heavy camouflage still adorns the sides of this prototype. Nevertheless, we can see that it will feature deeper side skirts and roll on a set of distinctive wheels. Alterations continue at the rear where BMW has fitted an enlarged spoiler stretching off from the roof, a more pronounced bumper, and fitted the customary quad exhausts for an M-branded model.

The BMW X1 M35i will use the same powertrain as the M135i, M235i Gran Coupe, and X2 M35i, pumping out 302 hp and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. Interestingly, we have been told that horsepower could be lifted to over 350 in this new X1 M35i which, if true, would position it between the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and GLA 45 S. Not bad for an X1.

A multitude of other performance upgrades will be made for the car. These will include the fitment of larger brakes, a revised suspension setup to aid in handling, and tweaks to the steering. It certainly won't be a track-tuned monster but it should certainly make the X1 that much more enjoyable to drive on the street.

Image Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

Aston Martin presented a slightly redesigned version of its iconic wings emblem as the brand marches on to a new era following the recent strategic repositioning and new investments that secured its electrified future.

The revised emblem was created by Aston Martin’s own design studio in collaboration with Peter Saville, an acclaimed art director and graphic designer from Great Britain. Compared to the previous version, first introduced in 2003, it does without the curved line in the middle, while integrating a more rounded look for the feathers.

Also Read: Aston Martin Safe Thanks To New Saudi Investment Deal

The emblem was presented in physical form, handcrafted by artisans from the 203-year-old Vaughtons studio in Birmingham, with the process being highlighted in the video above. Note that this is the eighth emblem update for Aston Martin in its 109-year history since 1920.

Aston Martin says that its new emblem will find its way into “next generation sportscars”, with the current lineup remaining unchanged. A graphic reinterpretation of the new emblem will appear in the livery of the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 single-seaters in the French Grand Prix, just in time for the 100th anniversary of Aston Martin’s first F1 entry.

The UK-based automaker hopes to step into the “performance ultra-luxury segment“, and appeal to a “wider, affluent global audience”. Aston Martin also revealed a new marketing campaign starting with a short film titled “Intensity. Driven.”, featuring its entire lineup of models.

Toyota launched a new special edition of the GR Supra in Japan, called “Matte White Edition”, featuring an exclusive color combination and the newly released six-speed manual gearbox. The model is strictly limited to 50 units for the Japanese market, with Toyota organizing a lottery for the interested parties.

The GR Supra Matte White Edition is distinguished by the Matte Avalance White Metallic exterior shade, combined with black accents on the splitter, side sills, diffuser, mirrors, A-pillars, and intakes, among others. A set of 19-inch forged wheels finished in Frozen Gunmetal Gray is fitted, as well as red-painted brake calipers. This setup looks identical to the 2023 Toyota GR Supra A91-MT Edition offered in the US at a limited production of 500 units.

Also Read: This Widebody Toyota GR Supra Probably Turns More Heads Than A Lamborghini

Inside, we find tan-colored leather upholstery for the seats, the lower part of the doors, the steering wheel, and the center console. More importantly, there is a carbon-fiber plate on the dashboard with “GR Supra” and “Matte White Edition” lettering, plus a cool sketch of the sportscar. There’s also matching carbon fiber trim around the six-speed manual gearbox. The special edition is based on the flagship RZ trim level, coming with all the goodies, including a wireless charging pad on the center console, a USB port, the 12-speaker JBL premium sound system, and the 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen.

There are no changes under the bonnet where the turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine produces 382 hp (285 kW / 387 PS). Power is sent to the rear axle through the six-speed manual transmission, while lesser trims are also available with the eight-speed automatic. Model year changes in Japan also include revised settings for the AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension), EPS (Electric Power Steering), and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) systems.

Pricing for the Toyota GR Supra Matte White Edition starts from ¥7,890,000 ($57,098), making it ¥577,000 ($4,175) more expensive than the RZ trim despite the fact that the only difference between them is the exterior shade and the special badge on the dashboard. In order to get one of the fifty examples of the limited edition, you’ll need to be lucky enough to be drawn in the lottery, for which Toyota is accepting entries between July 20 and August 21.

Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…

Speeders Beware, Chevrolet Offering A Police Pursuit Vehicle Based On The Electric Blazer SS

Chevrolet announced a new police vehicle based on the Blazer EV SS, slated to arrive in early 2024. While the SS model is rated at 557 hp (415 kW / 565 PS) and 648 lb-ft (878 Nm) of torque, Chevy didn’t reveal much about the Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicle. We do know that it will be “pursuit-rated,” have the biggest Ultium battery in the portfolio, Brembo front brakes, and a special Police-use interior.

Porsche Is Readying A Facelifted 911 GT3 For 2024

A 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 test car was sighted testing in Germany, though it was not camouflaged. Our spy shots give us a clear sight of the revised diffuser, new air outlets in the corners of the rear bumper, and the relocated license plate. They have not yet tested the modified front end, though. We may anticipate it with the former engine and an updated interior.

Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Is Shaping Up To Be A Stylish EV With More Than 1,000 HP

Maserati has (finally) been spotted testing the GranTurismo Folgore after teasing the press multiple times now. Evidently, it now boasts Grecale-style headlights, a partially blocked-off grille, and aerodynamic wheels. Maserati remarked that a tri-motor powertrain would bang out more than 1,184hp and achieve a 0-62 sprint in less than three seconds!

Updated Nissan Kicks Lands In Japan With Upgraded e-Power System

The revised Nissan Kicks goes on sale in Japan featuring a better e-POWER system. This 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine is coupled to an electric motor with a combined output of 134 hp and 206 lb-ft torque now. This Nissan Kicks has a more comfortable interior, updated safety features, and a 4WD option, and it’s yours for a starting price of 2,798,400 yen ($20,302).

2023 Porsche Taycan Arrives With Updated User Interface, Spotify Integration And Wireless Android Auto

The 2023 Porsche Taycan is set to receive multiple software and technological improvements. Inside, you’ll find a “colorful tile screen” with a “revised HUD design,” featuring wireless Android Auto and Spotify integration. Updates extend to the powertrain as well, including improved thermal management. Additionally, Porsche offers 2023 Taycans new wheel options and extended Variable Light Control availability for the panoramic glass top.

2025 Audi SQ5 Flaunts Its New Design And Four-Tailpipe Exhaust System In First Photos

The 2025 Audi SQ5 was captured in camouflage by our photographers, and there are several exterior features to examine. Among them include a more prominent grille, sleeker headlamps, vertical intakes, and an angular beltline. The four-tailpipe exhaust system denotes that it is an S model. Although the new SQ5’s specs are unconfirmed, it will probably use the S4’s turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, which is rumored to produce 370 hp.

BMW Shows Off M Performance Parts For The New M3 Touring

BMW has added M Performance components for the M3 Touring, their sporty wagon with all-wheel drive. The carbon fiber parts that make up the cosmetic upgrades include a front splitter, canards, mirror caps, fender vents, side skirts, a roof spoiler, and a diffuser. More performance-oriented additions include new forged wheel choices and a lighter M Performance titanium exhaust system. The interior enjoys suede-like materials, carbon fiber, and Alcantara. In honor of the performance division’s 50th anniversary, buyers can choose the “50 Jahre BMW M” motif.

What Else Is Making The News

Judge Sets October Trial For Musk-Twitter Takeover Dispute

An October trial date was set by a Delaware judge on Tuesday, despite Elon Musk’s efforts to delay Twitter’s lawsuit against him. Twitter urged an expedited trial in September, while Musk’s lawyers requested a delay until early next year due to the complexities of the case. “The longer the delay, the greater the risk.” said Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick.

Two Companies Aim To Beat SpaceX To Mars With ‘Audacious’ Landing

Relativity Space, a new rocket corporation and a little startup created by an engineer who formerly oversaw SpaceX’s rocket engine development, revealed plans on Tuesday to launch a privately designed robotic lander to Mars. They claim they might complete it in two and a half years. This could create a new market where government and corporate space programs might deliver affordable payloads to Mars.

The fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQV has been around for a couple of years but the automaker is already working on a facelift.

The prototype was testing alongside the current EQV, making it easier to spot the differences between them. The largest portion of camouflage wrap is attached to the front, hiding a redesigned bumper with more modern intakes, a revised grille and new LED graphics for the headlights. Interestingly, the driver and co-driver of the model were happy to see the camera, waving at the spy photographer, unlike some of their colleagues.

See Also: Mercedes-Benz Unveils EQV-Based EV Camper With Up To 225 Miles Of Range

Back to the EQV, changes at the back will be limited to trim elements on the tailgate and rear bumper, since the taillights appear to be identical to the current model. The profile is also virtually unchanged, although Mercedes could add different alloy wheel designs. Note that the EQV is based on the third-generation V-Class / Metris / Vito that was introduced back in 2014. Thus, the shared body panels have started to feel a little dated, incorporating the previous design language of Mercedes.

Our spy photographers got a shot of the interior, which is mostly covered in a quest to hide the updates. We can see the new rectangle-shaped climate vents (instead of round). It is also safe to assume the EQV will gain a new infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and the latest MBUX software, alongside a digital instrument cluster.

We don’t know if Mercedes is going to upgrade the electric powertrain of the EQV but the current model comes with a single electric motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 362 Nm (267 lb-ft) of torque. The van is available with two different battery capacities, 60 kWh for the EQV 250, and 90 kWh for the EQV 300 which can travel up to 418 km (260 miles) between charges.

The facelifted EQV is expected to debut sometime in 2023.

Image credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien and CarPix for CarScoops

Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu will introduce a number of mini-commercial van electric vehicles in the 2023 financial year in their bid to achieve carbon neutrality.

The partnership will see Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Toyota jointly develop a BEV system that is suitable for mini-commercial vehicles. These vehicles will combine Suzuki and Daihatsu's know-how in manufacturing mini vehicles with Toyota's electrification technology. Meanwhile, Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT) will be involved in the planning process.

Mini-commercial vehicles form an important part in last-mile logistics as their small size allows them to access areas that larger commercial vehicles cannot. The vans developed by the four companies will be used by partners in social implementation projects through the Fukushima Prefecture and Tokyo.

The project will begin in January 2023 and will also include the development of light-duty fuel cell electric trucks. Approximately 580 vehicles will initially be used in the project. The program is scheduled to run until March 2030.

Read Also: Daihatsu Says Cheap Chinese EVs Pose A Threat To Japan's Iconic Kei Cars

Mini-commercial vehicles account for approximately 60 per cent of Japan's entire commercial fleet so working on their electrification is important for the country as a whole.

Toyota notes that there remain issues in promoting the electrification of mini-commercial vehicles due to the higher vehicle costs associated with electrification, the costs related to charging infrastructure, and the time required to charge vehicles.

"Suzuki, Daihatsu, Toyota, and CJPT will continue to promote efforts to practically achieve carbon neutrality through the provision of sustainable means of transportation," the companies said in a statement.

Separately, Toyota has confirmed that it will work with Isuzu Motors and Hino Motors to develop light-duty fuel cell trucks.

Renault has introduced a number of updates for the 2022 model year Arkana, and also added a new E-Tech engineered trim level to the Clio and Captur hybrid models.

Starting with the updated 2022 Arkana, it is now available in Evolution, Tecno, R.S. Line, and E-Tech engineered versions. The Evolution sits at the base of the range and starts at £21,458 ($25,766) while the Techno kicks off at £23,092 ($27,728), the R.S. Line is available from £25,092 ($30,130), and the E-Tech engineered is priced from £26,483 ($31,800).

The Arkana Evolution replaces the old Iconic variant and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, dark grey skid plates, and tinted rear windows and tailgate. Among the standard equipment includes a 7-inch color TFT driver display, 7-inch EASY LINK touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic headlights and wipers, automatic air conditioning, electronic parking brake, rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera.

Read Also: The 2022 Renault Captur R.S. Line Is One Of The Best In Class

Those looking for something more can upgrade to the Arkana Techno. It adds a wireless smartphone charger, 10-inch TFT driver display, 9.3-inch EASY LINK touchscreen with navigation, Google search, and traffic information, while the exterior comes with various chrome accents, 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, and extra window tinting. The cabin of the Techno comes standard with black cloth and synthetic leather upholstery, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, traffic sign recognition, and Multi-Sense with three driving models.

Next is the Arkana R.S. Line, based on the Techno but adding unique 18-inch wheels, a unique front bumper and grille, gun metal skid plates, chromed tailpipes, R.S. Line badging, and some minor interior touches like R.S. line leather and suede upholstery with red stitching and faux carbon fiber.

New to the range is the Arkana E-Tech engineered. It has distinctive 18-inch wheels with gold highlights, a unique front bumper with gold detailing, and bespoke front and rear skid plates. The interior also adds a heated leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, gold stitching, black headlining, faux carbon dashboard, and aluminum pedals.

As mentioned, E-Tech engineered variants of the Clio and Captur have also been unveiled. The Clio wears distinctive 17-inch wheels while the Captur has 18-inch wheels. Both them feature black Renault badges, gold styling on the front and rear bumpers, a small rear spoiler, and various E-Tech engineered body markings. The interiors of the two models also come standard with gold stitching, a dark roof lining, and aluminum pedals.

Nissan launched the fourth-generation X-Trail in Japan. Unlike the ICE-powered US-spec Rogue and the Australian-spec X-Trail, the Japanese version of the SUV is exclusively available in electrified form with a hybrid powertrain in 2WD and 4WD (e-4ORCE) guises. The same setup is expected to be offered in Europe.

The X-Trail is sharing the CMF-C architecture with the Mitsubishi Outlander. The new self-charging hybrid powertrain combines the variable compression ratio 1.5-liter VC-Turbo petrol three-cylinder engine with the second-gen e-POWER system. The hybrid system is said to be improved in terms of “power, smoothness, and quietness” compared to its predecessor.

See Also: Updated Nissan Kicks Lands In Japan With Upgraded e-Power System

Nissan didn’t announce the detailed specifications of the powertrain, but said that the combustion engine is not connected to the wheels, limiting its role as a generator for the electric motors. The 4WD variants of the SUV feature the e-4ORCE electric all-wheel-drive system with dual electric motors, similar to the one used by the fully electric Ariya, offering improved performance in any road conditions. The X-Trail also features the e-Pedal Step technology which applies regenerative braking when the driver lifts the throttle.

Visually, the fourth-gen X-Trail looks virtually identical to the Nissan Rogue that was introduced in late 2020. The model incorporates a split-headlight design, a chrome-infused V-motion grille, aluminum-style skid plates, black A-pilars and toned rear shoulders. In Japan the SUV is available in 12 body colors including the pictured Cardinal Red, and five duo-tone configurations. There is also the tougher-looking X-Trail X trim with different skid plates and unique rims, plus a customized version by Autech.

Inside, there is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with two display modes, a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment, plus a 10.8-inch head-up display. The SUV has a five-seater layout with what Nissan describes as the largest boot in the segment, but there is also a three-row variant with seven seats.

Other features include the Bose Premium Sound System specifically tuned for the X-Trail, a 100V AC power outlet with a maximum output of 1,500 Watt, and plenty of customization options for the upholstery (black fabric, premium tan Nappa leather, Tailor Fit, and the water repellent Cell-Cloth material). Equipment includes the Nissan Safety Assist 360 with cameras, radar, and sonar monitoring the surrounding, plus a long list of ADAS for semi-autonomous functions as part of Nissan’s ProPILOT suite.

The new Nissan X-Trail will be available in Japan from July 25. Pricing starts from ¥3,198,800 ($23,150) for the entry-level “S” 2WD hybrid, and goes all the way up to  ¥4,499,000 ($32,557) for the flagship “G e-4ORCE” 4WD hybrid. The main rivals of the SUV are the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and the mechanically-related Mitsubishi Outlander. Below you can watch the official presentation by Nissan which has been translated in English.

The first examples of the Nissan Ariya have arrived on UK shores as the EV inches closer to the hands of waiting customers.

The Ariya touched British soil at the Port of Tyne in the northeast of England with the very first being an Ariya Advance variant with the 63 kWh battery, Akatsuki Copper paint, and a Pearl Black roof fitted with the optional Sky Pack consisting of an electric opening sunroof with a power sunshade.

Nissan's first Ariya models in the UK will undergo final quality control checks being before sent to dealerships where they will be used for customer test drives and then, customer deliveries. A shipment of additional Ariya models will arrive in the coming weeks and will come with many vehicles pre-ordered by customers.

Read Also: 2023 Nissan Ariya Order Books Are Now Open, Prices Start From $47,125

In the UK, the Nissan Ariya is available in Advance and Evolve trim levels with three different battery and powertrain combinations. These consist of a two-wheel drive model with the small 63 kWh pack, a two-wheel drive variant with a larger 87 kWh battery pack, and the flagship e-4ORCE AWD version with the 87 kWh pack. Prices kick off at £43,845 ($52,648) for the Ariya Advance 63 kWh and top out at £56,290 ($67,592) for the e-4ORCE Evolve 87 kWh.

The Ariya range is a little different in the United States as the 63 kWh battery is not an option. Instead, the range kicks off with the Ariya Venture+ FWD with a single 289 hp electric motor and an 87 kWh pack, priced from $45,950. Other variants on offer include the Ariya Evolve+ FWD with 289 hp and an 87 kWh pack starting at $48,950, the Ariya Premiere FWD with the same motor and battery pack priced at $53,450, and the flagship Ariya Platinum+ e-4ORCE AWD featuring a pair of electric motors with 389 hp, an 87 kWh battery pack, and a $58,950 MSRP.