A new limited edition JC96 version of the McLaren 750S has been revealed, aimed solely at Japanese enthusiasts.
The 750S JC96 is a tribute to the McLaren F1 GTR race cars that competed in the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC).
In 1996, a McLaren F1 GTR driven by John Neilsen and David Brabham won the JGTC GT500 Drivers’ Championship.
Its success eventually proved to be the inspiration for the very first limited-edition McLaren made for the Japanese market.
McLaren goes big in Japan
McLaren will cap production of the 750S JC96 to 61 examples: a reference to the racing number used by John Neilsen and David Brabham on their Team Goh F1 GTR.
Customers will be able to choose from McLaren’s extensive colour palette for the 750S JC96, including unique paint from McLaren Special Operations (MSO).
Four cars will be finished in a handpainted ‘JC96 Tribute Livery’, pictured above, with a red tiger stripe design across the bodywork.
All cars come with special exterior detailing on the front splitter, rear spoiler end-plates and door mirror casings. These will be available in Memphis Red, Titanium Silver, Ice White or Graphite Grey.
Racing-inspired JC96 design
Bespoke ultra-lightweight 15-spoke forged alloy wheels are fitted, along with an MSO High Downforce Kit. The latter is made available on the open-top 750S Spider for the first time.
The JC96’s brake calipers are painted in F1 Gold, while the central-exit exhaust for its 750hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 has a natural titanium finish.
The interior of the British supercar is trimmed in grippy Alcantara, including deep bucket seats with red stitching. A JC96 logo is embroidered onto the headrests, with a gold JC96 dedicated plaque added for good measure.
Customers can dive deeper into the MSO options catalogue to further personalise their car’s interior, including an extended red tiger stripe design.
The new 2026 Nissan Z sports car has been revealed, complete with the option of a retro-inspired Heritage Edition package.
It forms part of a 2026 model year revision for the rear-wheel-drive coupe, which is offered in three trim levels: Sport, Performance, and Nismo.
Nissan launched the Heritage Edition at the 38th ZCON event – the International Z Car Convention hosted by the Z Car Club.
Available as an optional package for the Z Performance model, the Heritage Edition pays tribute to some of Nissan’s greatest hits.
Celebrating Z car classics
In particular, the Heritage Edition honors the Z32-generation Nissan 300ZX, which was produced between 1989 and 2000.
A set of 19-inch bronze Rays alloy wheels are fitted to the Heritage Edition, along with bronze “Twin Turbo” graphics on its body sides. The crowning glory is a carbon fiber rear spoiler, featuring another retro-look “Twin Turbo” badge.
Enhancements inside the new Nissan Z include unique door kick plates and exclusive floor mats.
As a finishing touch, Heritage Edition cars are painted in Midnight Purple – an iconic color used on the legendary Nissan Skyline GT-R.
On sale later this month
Nissan Z customers who don’t want the $2,490 Heritage Edition package can instead opt for a new Boulder Gray paint color. This is combined with a black-painted roof.
Nissan has left the Z mechanically unaltered for 2026. This means a 400 horsepower twin-turbocharged V-6 for Sport and Performance models, which is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed automatic.
Opting for the range-topping Nismo sees the V-6’s output increased to 420 horsepower along with 384 lb-ft of torque. The Nismo has a faster-shifting automatic gearbox, too.
Reaching dealerships later this month, the Nissan Z Sport costs from $42,970, with the Performance version starting at $52,970. The Nismo is priced from $65,750.
Ferrari has revealed a new mid-engined supercar: the 849 Testarossa, which honours one of the most famous names from the marque’s history.
The new Ferrari 849 Testarossa replaces the SF90 Stradale, which itself only went on sale in 2020. With fresh styling, more power and even the use of recycled materials for its engine block, the car represents a major evolution of its predecessor.
The 849 Testarossa is also the second Ferrari to receive a comprehensive update in 2025, following the launch of the new Amalfi GT earlier this year.
Return of the Testarossa
Powering the 849 Testarossa is an enhanced version of Ferrari’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8. The mid-mounted engine produces 830hp and 621 lb ft of torque by itself, before a trio of electric motors get involved.
Using a 7.45kWh battery pack, the e-motors give the plug-in hybrid 849 Testarossa a combined output of 1,050hp – some 50hp more than the SF90 Stradale.
This allows for a 0-62mph time of less than 2.3 seconds, plus a potential top speed in excess of 205mph.
A new aerodynamic design has been influenced by classic Ferrari models such as the 512 S, 512 M and even the FXX-K.
An active rear spoiler, developed from the one found on the SF90, can flick between high- and low-downforce settings in less than one second.
A total of 415kg of downforce can be produced by the 849 Testarossa: 25kg more than its predecessor.
FIVE alive for enhanced dynamics
One of the most significant changes for the 849 Testarossa is the new FIVE (Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator) system.
Using a host of sensors, FIVE can create ‘a digital twin that replicates the behaviour of the car in real time’, allowing it to predict optimal braking and steering inputs.
Changes inside the 849 Testarossa are less dramatic, but its cabin remains driver-focused. The steering wheel gains real switches, rather than haptic touch controls, including a physical start button for good measure.
Coupe and Spider from the outset
Customisation and personalisation will be a core part of the Ferrari 849 Testarossa experience, and buyers will need to add the Assetto Fiorano package for the highest performance.
With enhanced aerodynamics, Multimatic suspension and 30kg less weight, the Assetto Fiorano upgrades are intended primarily for track use.
Both the Ferrari 849 Testarossa coupe and the Spider version – the latter with a folding metal hard-top roof – will go on sale at the same time. UK prices haven’t been confirmed yet, but European models start at around £400,000 for the coupe and £435,000 for the Spider.
Porsche electric car owners will soon be able to make use of the Tesla Supercharger network throughout North America.
This will mean access to more than 23,500 additional charging devices – all thanks to a simple DC charging adapter that enables a connection with a Tesla Supercharger.
“We are continually working to make every aspect of Porsche ownership as convenient as possible for our customers – and this news represents a significant step for owners of our electrified cars,” said Timo Resch, CEO of Porsche Cars North America.
“As we launch this offering, in the coming months we will add more features to make the process even more seamless.”
More Porsche charging options
All new 2026 Porsche Taycan and Macan Electric models will be supplied as standard with the bespoke NACS DC adapter.
Owners of 2025 model-year Taycans, and all existing Macan Electric owners, can request a complimentary adapter. This group of owners will receive a notification via the My Porsche app to reserve their free NACS DC adapter shortly.
Those with 2024 model-year and older Taycans can purchase a Porsche NACS DC adapter at their own expense.
Available now through the Porsche Online Shop, and at Porsche Centers, the $185 adapter works with all DC fast charging stations equipped with NACS/J3400 compatible cables, including selected Tesla Superchargers.
Software updates to follow
Porsche is planning a “soft launch” of access to the Tesla Supercharger network from Tuesday 9 September 2025.
At first, this means Porsche drivers will need to make use of the Tesla smartphone app to find and enable compatible charging devices.
In the near-future, however, Porsche intends to incorporate Tesla chargers into the My Porsche app, making features such as “Plug & Charge” available.
All 2026 model-year electric Porsches will have the locations of Tesla Superchargers integrated into their navigation software. Updates will make this possible for older models later this year.
Porsche becomes the latest auto manufacturer to offer access to the Tesla charging network, following Acura and Honda earlier in 2025.
Today’s new cars are loaded with clever technology designed to make life easier and safer for drivers.
Many of a car’s sensors are mounted behind the windscreen, between the rear-view mirror and the glass. This gives them the perfect vantage point to keep an eye on the road and the weather conditions outside.
If you ever wondered what all those sensors are doing, and how they could benefit you, allow us to explain…
An enlightening lesson
They may seem like recent ideas, but sensors that react to weather or light conditions are actually nothing new.
General Motors pioneered automatically dipping main beam headlights as far back as 1952. The ominously named Autronic Eye sensor was made available for Oldsmobile and Cadillac models as an option.
Buick continued the GM innovations with its Twilight Sentinel. This could detect darkness, then automatically turn on the car’s exterior lights.
Rain sensors are not a contemporary innovation either. Cadillac created a version of the luxurious 1958 Eldorado convertible that was able to sense raindrops and close its roof automatically.
Lights, camera, action
Although there are variations between individual manufacturers, the sensors used in most modern cars have a similar design.
For example, Skoda uses a sensor package officially known as the RLFS, which comes from the German wording Regen-Licht-Feuchte-Sonne.
This translates into English as ‘Rain-Light-Moisture-Sun’, giving a clue as to what the most common sensor modules can do.
Sensing the rain
One of the most useful features offered by an RLFS module is the control of rain-sensing automatic windscreen wipers.
To do this, the sensors measure the amount of moisture on the windscreen. Too many raindrops mean a signal is sent to the wipers to start sweeping.
All the driver needs to do is leave the control stalk in the ‘Auto’ position. They can also adjust the level of sensitivity to rainfall that the sensor allows.
It’s getting hot in here…
Another important part of the RLFS package is the ability to monitor the level of humidity inside the car.
The sensor does this along by monitoring the level of sunlight and interior temperature. This allows the climate control system to function as efficiently as possible.
The latest sensors can even tell which side of the car the sunlight is strongest on, then adjust the level of cooling between left and right sides of the cabin.
Lighting up the dark
From their origins in the 1950s, light sensors have progressed to become standard equipment in many modern cars.
Monitoring the level of daylight, and turning the headlights on when it gets dark, can be a huge benefit to road safety. The latest RLFS sensors can differentiate between entering a tunnel and simply driving along a tree-lined road when deciding whether to turn on the headlights.
Emulating the Autronic Eye created by General Motors, such sensors can also control main-beam headlights. Cameras can spot oncoming traffic, then automatically dip the headlights to avoid dazzling others.
What else is behind the rear-view mirror?
The pace of innovation means manufacturers are incorporating more technology into the prime piece of real estate behind the interior mirror.
Forward-facing cameras are now frequently added to complement sensor packages, extending the range of functions. This includes using a camera to read road signs as you pass.
This can be used to update a speed limit setting for the automatic cruise control, or create a warning for pedestrian crossings. Sensors are often mounted within or alongside the car’s front grille, too.
Keeping an eye on safety
On certain cars, cameras are used to scan for potential collision hazards, and take action accordingly. This includes autonomous emergency braking systems, like the ‘stereo’ camera setup used by Jaguar Land Rover.
Subaru introduced a camera-based adaptive cruise control system in 1999. The company now incorporates emergency braking functionality as part of its EyeSight range.
Mercedes-Benz also offers camera technology to scan the road ahead for bumps and dips. On some models, it can preemptively adjust the air suspension to reduce body movement as much as possible.
What if my windscreen needs replacing?
Having so much complex technology crammed behind the windscreen means extra care must be taken if and when the glass needs replacing.
Before replacing or refitting a windscreen, companies should check whether the car has any special sensors installed.
A layer of gel separates the sensor components from the actual glass, and needs to be replaced with the windscreen.
More importantly, cars with features such as automatic emergency braking need to have the sensors and cameras recalibrated after new glass is fitted. This ensures they operate as intended, keeping the driver and other road users safe.
Porsche has revealed its most powerful production 911 to date, ahead of the car’s debut at the 2025 Munich Motor Show.
The new Porsche 911 Turbo S combines two electrically assisted turbochargers (eTurbos) with a water-cooled 3.6-litre flat-six engine. The mid-range 911 GTS T-Hybrid uses the same engine with a single turbo.
With a grand total of 711hp, combined with 590lb ft of torque from just 2,000rpm, the latest 911 Turbo S has gained 61hp over its predecessor.
Despite an extra 85kg in weight, the jump in power and instant response of the eTurbos mean this 992.2-generation of Turbo S is 14 seconds quicker around the Nürburgring circuit than the outgoing model.
A true bahnstormer
In terms of raw performance, the 911 Turbo S Coupe now accelerates from 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds – and requires only 8.4 seconds to hit 124mph. Find a quiet autobahn and a top speed of 200mph is possible.
Aiding performance is an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch auto transmission, including an extra electric motor, which is mated to Porsche’s all-wheel-drive system.
Active aerodynamics direct cooling air to the components that need it the most. The front diffuser flaps also close in wet weather to keep the huge carbon-ceramic brake discs dry.
Porsche has added a new titanium sports exhaust and – for a not-inconsiderable £1,078 – can even fit windscreen wipers with arms made from weight-saving carbon fibre.
The everyday supercar
Various exterior elements are finished in Porsche’s exclusive Turbonite colour, including the Stuttgart crest on the bonnet and Turbo S-specific inserts in the rear spoiler. Alloy wheel choices include centre-lock rims with a Turbonite finish.
More Turbonite trim can be found throughout the interior, including on the steering wheel, dashboard and centre console.
“The 911 Turbo S is the most complete and versatile way to drive a Porsche 911,” said Frank Moser, vice president of the 911 and 718 model lines. “Whether in daily use, on long motorway drives or on the racetrack – we have been able to make the new 911 Turbo S even more comfortable, more individual and significantly faster than its predecessor.”
Available to configure now on the Porsche website, UK prices for Porsche’s everyday supercar start at £199,100 for the 911 Turbo S coupe. The Turbo S Cabriolet costs from £209,100.
The all-new 2026 Honda Prelude has officially been revealed. It marks the return of a famous automotive name after more than two decades.
First revealed at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2023, Honda has spent the past two years displaying the Prelude Concept at events around the world.
However, the wait is finally over, as the production-spec sixth-generation Prelude makes its North American debut.
Going on sale later this year, Honda promises the Prelude will offer a combination of hybrid efficiency and handling inspired by the Civic Type R.
Cuts cleanly through the air
Styled by Honda in Japan, the Prelude is focused on cutting through the air cleanly. Aiding its aerodynamic design is a spoiler integrated into the rear edge of the liftgate, along with a wide front splitter.
There is also a distinctive “double-bubble” roof, as found on classic sports cars. Black 19-inch alloy wheels sit within flared fenders.
Prelude customers will be able to choose from five paint colors, including Meteorite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Rally Red, and Boost Blue Pearl. A new Winter Frost Pearl shade can be combined with a black-painted roof.
A range of accessories will also be available, with Honda’s Mugen tuning division offering a sharper look for the reborn Prelude.
Efficiency and performance together
Powering the Prelude will be Honda’s gasoline-electric hybrid engine, as found in the current Civic. This combines two electric motors with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, resulting in a total of 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque.
The new coupe marks the first use of Honda’s S+ Shift transmission. This uses steering wheel-mounted paddles to simulate the sound and feel of shifting through gear ratios.
Honda’s hardcore Civic Type R has donated its dual-axis strut front suspension setup, along with adaptive dampers and a range of selectable driving modes.
Brembo brakes are included for good measure, with two-piece 13.8-inch diameter front rotors gripped by four-piston calipers. The latter come painted in the Prelude’s signature blue.
New Prelude arrives this fall
Honda says the Prelude’s 2+2 seat cabin is “driver-focused”, including bucket-style sports seats complete with integrated head rests. There is also a flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in leather, plus sporty aluminum pedals.
Just one trim level will be offered for the Prelude, but standard equipment is comprehensive. It includes a 10.2-inch digital instrument display, and a 9.0-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Wireless smartphone charging, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and a wealth of safety technology will also be part of the package.
The 2026 Prelude is expected to appear in Honda dealerships later this fall, with prices to be confirmed soon.
First launched in 2023, the Electric Streets campaign aims to identify locations with the greatest need for EV charging provision.
In particular, Vauxhall wants to help the 40 percent of UK households without access to a driveway or off-street parking, which limits their home charging options.
Discovering areas of EV demand
Vauxhall invited UK drivers to register their home street via a dedicated website, creating a national database of places that require charging provision.
The car comapany has then shared this information with charging partners, including Char.gy, Connected Kerb and SureCharge.
Local authorities are also able to access the list of requests, helping them direct EV charger funding to the areas that desire it most.
Recent Freedom of Information (FOI) research by Vauxhall has found the number of councils with a dedicated policy officer for EV charging has risen from 31 percent in 2023 to 51 percent in 2025.
In addition, 44 percent of UK councils said they had installed at least one on-street charger by August 2025. This compares to 31 percent in 2023.
Local authorities need to do more
However, Vauxhall has identified a need for local authorities to do more to keep pace with electric vehicle takeup. Some 22.9 percent of British households who need EV infrastructure are now within a four-minute walk of a charging point, versus 19.6 percent in 2024.
Nonetheless, at current rates, some 110,000 extra public charging devices will be needed in the right places to meet demand by 2030.
Steve Catlin, managing director at Vauxhall, said: “Not only have we seen a huge rise in the number of public chargers, but more importantly their installation is increasingly being deployed tactically for drivers who need them on a local level.
“While the ongoing rise in councils who have policy officers dedicated to overseeing charging is encouraging, the 12,500 registrations we have received to Electric Streets shows there is no silver bullet to provide a quick fix for drivers. We need to make sure all parties are pulling in the same direction to maintain the momentum we have seen over the past two years.”
However, 25-year-old Herta has persistently been linked with Formula 1, and is now much closer to achieving this career goal.
Who is Colton Herta?
Born in Santa Clarita, California, Colton Herta is the son of Bryan Herta – and is thus part of a famous motorsport family.
Bryan Herta had a long racing career in the IndyCar and Champ Car series. He founded the eponymous Bryan Herta Autosport team in 2009.
For Colton, this meant a career in motorsport was almost guaranteed, beginning with karting championships in 2010. He progressed to become the highest-paid driver in the NTT IndyCar series.
How successful is Colton Herta in IndyCar?
Colton Herta burst onto the IndyCar scene in 2019, aged just 19, claiming two wins in his first full rookie season.
Such promise at a young age, along with a famous racing father, set particularly high expectations for Herta.
Subsequent seasons have seen Colton claim more victories, peaking with a second place in the 2024 IndyCar Drivers’ Championship standings.
However, the dominant success of Alex Palou made wins harder to achieve in 2025, which may have contributed to Herta’s decision to move.
Has Colton Herta won the Indy 500?
The Indianapolis 500 is the greatest prize in the IndyCar series. It is considered part of the ‘Triple Crown’ of motorsport, along with the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Colton Herta has contested the Indy 500 seven times, and started from second place for the 2021 race.
Sadly, this has never translated into an overall victory, with eighth place in 2020 being Herta’s Indy 500 highlight.
Has Colton raced outside of North America?
In contrast to many North American racing drivers, Colton Herta decided to compete in Europe early on in his career.
This began with the 2015 MSA Formula Championship in the UK, where he took third place in a series won by current McLaren Formula 1 driver, Lando Norris.
The following year saw Herta claim second place in the Spanish Formula 3 series, along with a third-place finish in the Euroformula Open Championship.
Herta later returned to the United States, but his experience arguably makes him well placed for a career in Formula 1.
Has Colton Herta driven a Formula 1 car before?
Herta was first linked to Formula 1 in 2021, during Andretti Autosport’s attempt to buy the Sauber team. However, Andretti’s bid collapsed, leaving Herta without a drive.
In July 2022, Herta undertook a multi-day test session in Portugal with the McLaren Formula 1 team, delivering impressive lap times.
Red Bull’s junior AlphaTauri team then began pursuing Herta to drive for them in the 2023 season. Unfortunately, Herta lacked the points to obtain an FIA Super License, which is required to race in Formula 1.
The FIA refused to make an exception for Colton, preventing him from a move into F1.
Is Colton Herta likely to get a Formula 1 seat?
At present, Herta has 35 of the 40 points needed to secure an FIA Super License.
Acting as Cadillac’s test driver in the 2026 Formula 1 season would allow him to take part in several Friday practice sessions, with each earning one Super License point.
However, Herta is more likely to combine his testing duties with a drive in the supporting Formula 2 championship. Finishing eighth or higher in the F2 series would secure Colton the 40 points needed to race in motorsport’s top echelon.
Who is racing for Cadillac Formula 1 in 2026?
For its inaugural season in Formula 1, Cadillac has turned to the experienced pairing of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
Both have previously served as reliable number-two drivers in top F1 teams. The duo have more than 525 race-starts between them.
With Perez now aged 35, and Bottas 36, neither are likely to be long-term options for Cadillac though. This opens the door for the American team to put an American driver in its race car with Colton Herta.
What is the reaction to Colton Herta’s new role?
Following the announcement, Herta said: “This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working towards for a long time. To be part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a pivotal time is something I couldn’t pass up.
“My dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this move as a huge step towards that goal. For now, my focus is on giving everything I can to Cadillac F1, helping build a competitive team.”
“We are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a test driver,” said Graeme Lowdon, principal of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.
“Colton is an exceptionally talented racer with proven speed, race craft, and maturity well beyond his years. His experience in top-level American motorsport as part of the TWG Motorsport family makes him an ideal fit for this role, and he will bring valuable and fresh insight, perspective, and energy to our team as we continue to build for the future.”
Porsche has announced that the forthcoming Cayenne Electric will be able to use wireless charging.
Essentially, this means the new SUV can replenish its battery pack without the need to plug in. Instead, it uses a bespoke charging pad.
Removing the need to connect to a wallbox should make charging the Cayenne Electric more convenient. The Porsche wireless charging plate can deliver electricity at up to 11kW.
The announcement of wireless charging capability is also an excuse for Porsche to preview the Cayenne Electric in prototype form. Partially disguised with dramatic illuminated fluorescent paint, it will be on display at this month’s Munich Motor Show.
Smartphone-style car charging
Research by Porsche found that 75 percent of charging for its electric vehicles takes place at home. Making domestic life easier for Porsche owners has thus been an important area of focus.
Available to be installed in a garage, carport or even in the open, the charging plate comes with wireless internet connectivity. This allows it to receive over-the-air updates.
In order to make use of smartphone-style wireless charging, Porsche customers will need to select this option when ordering a new Cayenne Electric.
This will add a receiver unit mounted between the car’s front wheels, which is protected from stone chips and fully weatherproofed.
Making EV charging easier
To start charging, the Cayenne Electric simply needs to be parked above the wireless plate. Porsche’s luxury SUV will then lower its suspension automatically, reducing the distance between the charger and receiver.
The Cayenne Electric’s surround-view parking system comes with a dedicated setting to help align the Porsche with the charging plate. The batteries will start to be replenished once the handbrake is applied.
“Ease of use, suitability for everyday use and charging infrastructure are still the decisive factors when it comes to the acceptance of electric mobility,” said Porsche board member for development, Michael Steiner.
“We are proud that inductive charging will soon be available in series production at Porsche. Charging an electric car at home has never been so easy and convenient.”
