New Mythos: Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 is here and already sold out

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By: Alex Oagana

Both literally and figuratively, Mercedes-AMG rarely creates limited edition vehicles, but when it does, they are usually bonkers with capital letters. One of their most famous such cars was arguably the 300 CE 5.6 and 6.0 AMG from the late 1980s, way before the Affalterbach company was part of Mercedes-Benz, which the automotive press affectionately nicknamed “The Hammer.”

Officially, only 12 coupes were built by AMG with the bored, 6.0-liter version of the M117 V8, which had received a custom AMG dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) with 4-valve-per-cylinder heads.

When put in the W124, the AMG modifications made it the fastest road-going sedan at the time. Those 12 coupe cars had originally started as 300 CE top-of-the-range models, powered by 3.0-liter inline-sixes, which AMG swapped for the modified M117 V8 and thus created a legend in 1986.

Exactly four decades later, AMG, now under the Mercedes-Benz umbrella, has decided to reiterate the spark given by that legend with a peculiarly named limited edition version of the CLE Coupe. The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is actually the second model in the Mercedes-Benz Mythos Series, following the roofless and windshield-less Mercedes AMG PureSpeed.

By far the most limited one, with only 30 examples being built in total, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is both a modern iteration of the 300 CE 5.6 AMG and a preview of an upcoming 63 version of the CLE. Based on the CLE 53 4Matic, the model takes a page from the same “The Hammer” book and gets its 3.0-liter inline-six replaced with a V8.

Before I get further, I should probably mention that the unpronounceable “Spezialanfertigung” part of its name actually translates to “Custom Built,” which is a pretty accurate description of the car. In case it wasn’t obvious, the “646” part is simply how many metric horsepower its V8 engine develops.

Being a limited-edition model, of which all units have already been sold even before its official reveal, AMG kept nothing to itself when heavily modifying the CLE 53 into the CLE 646. In fact, “heavily modifying it” might be the understatement of the century if we check out all the details. With that in mind, I decided to take a technical deep dive into the first true modern iteration of the Hammer.

There is a major detail that completely reframes what the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung actually is. Unlike the two previous Mythos Series models, the 646 is based on an inline-six-powered AMG model but is also previewing a not-yet existing V8-powered one. This is also probably why it’s the first AMG ever to feature a three-digit number in its name instead of a double-digit one.

For the full interview, please continue reading on our site.

By: Cristian Agatie

Tesla Full Self-Driving has progressed tremendously this year, with FSD V14 proving almost human-like. Many Tesla owners swear by it, while some even say it can drive autonomously, even though Tesla denies it and warns that the driver should remain prepared to take over at any moment. That's because Tesla FSD is still not guaranteed to handle all traffic situations appropriately, and sometimes might make unsafe decisions.

There are videos on social media showing Tesla driving on the latest FSD builds trying to jettison from a multi-story car park or crossing a railroad while the train is approaching. For all the situations when drivers think FSD saved the day, there are others when the human driver had to take over to prevent a tragedy.

Despite this evidence, Tesla insists that FSD saves lives and encourages everyone to subscribe to FSD and use it as much as they can. After all, more FSD subscriptions are required to ensure that Elon Musk gets its multi-billion-dollar compensation package. This doesn't change the fact that Tesla still holds the driver responsible, even if it promotes FSD as a life-saving feature.

While people still debate whether Tesla FSD improves or compromises safety, Tesla is rolling out a new FSD feature that might prove the most controversial yet. Specifically, with the FSD V14.3.9 (rolling out now to customer vehicles), Tesla introduces Automatic Collision Evasion, which engages FSD in certain conditions even if the driver has turned it off.

This changes everything people knew about automated features. Automatic Collision Evasion can effectively override the human driver. It somehow manages to irk everyone, even people who might be FSD fans. Some because they haven't asked for this, and others because they can't benefit, even though they paid for FSD.

Rather than braking in a straight line like Automatic Emergency Braking systems do, Automatic Collision Evasion steers around the obstacle. It can also brake or accelerate as needed, and then continues driving (if successful, of course). There are several conditions for ACE to work, such as being on a controlled-access highway and no pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users are detected.

To make things worse, Tesla is still warning drivers that they remain responsible at all times and must be prepared to take over immediately. In other words, even if the system leaves you as a passenger, you are still liable for anything bad happening. If ACE loses control during such an evasive maneuver and kills someone, you are liable, unless it's you who's been killed.

To make things worse, paying for FSD is not even enough to benefit from Automatic Collision Evasion. This only works with FSD V14.3.9 and is not included with FSD V14.2 Lite, which ships with the same 2026.27.6 software. This means that all Tesla owners with HW3 vehicles are left behind, despite paying, some handsomely, for the full FSD package.

For the full article, please continue reading on our site.

By: Cristian Gnaticov

BMW ceased production of the G29-generation Z4 earlier this year, so the model developed in partnership with Toyota that shares its nuts and bolts with the Supra is officially dead. But that does not mean anything for Bovensiepen, as the company just revived it, naming it the Spider.

And if you do not know what Bovensiepen is, then you have clearly missed our coverage of their previous builds. You see, BMW bought the Alpina name in 2022, but the family-run company rebranded itself as Bovensiepen, and continued making cars. The Zagato was its first, turning the BMW M4 Convertible into a coupe, followed by the 05 GT, an M5 Touring-based machine, and the latest is called the Bovensiepen Spider, as mentioned above, and it is based on the defunct Z4.

Mind you, it is not just any Z4, but the M40i model, which packed a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine. The mill was good for 335 hp (340 ps/k250 kW) in the original iteration, and the mid-cycle refresh came with more oomph, which was rated at 382 hp (387 ps/285 kW). The thrust was 369 pound-feet (500 Nm) of torque in both cases, and the car needed just 4.2 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 kph) from a standstill. And it was the punchiest version of the Z4, because BMW did not offer a full-blown M model.

However, while BMW may have not made a Z4 M, the Bovensiepen Spider can be considered the unofficial M flavor. That’s because it boasts 429 brake horsepower. That translates to 435 metric horsepower and 320 kilowatts. As for the thrust, it stands at 428 pound-feet (580 Nm). Therefore, the Bovensiepen Spider is 47 hp (48 ps/35 kW) and 59 lb-ft (80 Nm) of torque more powerful than the BMW Z4 M40i, and that is a more-than-decent boost.

But how did the tuner manage to boost the car’s oomph? Well, by fiddling with the intake air duct, enlarging the intake silencer, optimizing the airflow, and installing a new sports exhaust system. From 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph), the Bovensiepen Spider needs 4.2 seconds, so despite the power boost, it is just as fast as the Z4 M40i. The top speed is 162 mph (260 kph), and when combined with the Performance Package, it increases to 183 mph (295 kph).

Bovensiepen’s new Spider rides on 9x20-inch front and 10.5x20-inch rear wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires measuring 255/35 and 295/30, respectively. The dampers have been tuned, the longer auxiliary springs at the rear are said to enhance the body-to-chassis connection, and as an option, customers can order the high-performance braking system with four-piston fixed calipers at the front. The perforated discs measure 395 mm at the front and 345 at the rear, and they are combined with special brake pads.

For the full article, please continue reading on our site.

By: Cristian Gnaticov

Is there such a thing of having too many crossovers or too many electric vehicles for Audi? Well, that’s clearly a no, because the four-ring brand just unveiled another one. It is called the Audi A2 e-tron, and is the spiritual successor to the model made between 1999 and 2005.

However, while that one was pretty much a minivan, the new one has leaned on the crossover side of the segment, though it definitely looks evolutionary rather than revolutionary. And that’s a good thing, as is features a body that somewhat looks like a people carrier. It features an active cooling intake, has an enclosed underbody, wheel arches that do not only look muscular but also improve its drag efficiency, and aero wheels.

There are wing-like door handles on deck as well, and the back end will definitely remind you of the original A2. That’s because the new Audi A2 e-tron features a split-glass rear window, and to be honest, it does not look bad at all. And neither do the wide and slim LED taillights that are interrupted in the middle of the tailgate by the corporate logo. The rear bumper is somewhat sporty, and features a diffuser-like element attached to it.

As you can expect from a modern-day ride, the interior is very minimalist. It features a rather basic dashboard panel, complete with a pair of screens that sit behind the same pane of glass. It has a 12.8-inch infotainment system and and 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster. For a cleaner look, the gear selector now sits on the steering column. The center console is home to a pair of wireless charging pads. There is also a magnetic mounting system that allows users to secure various features.

Audi’s new A2 e-tron has a 109 inches (2,770 mm) long wheelbase, which makes it the same as the Q4 e-tron. It offers 14 cu-ft (396 liters) of space at the rear, which is not exactly class-leading, but there is additional storage at the front (frunk). The model is based on the VW Group’s MEB platform, so it’s the same beneath the skin as the Q4 e-tron, Q5 e-tron, VW ID3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.6, ID.7, ID. Buzz, Skoda Elroq, Peak, Enyaq, Ford Capri EV, Explorer EV, Cupra Born, Tavascan, and other models.

Three battery sizes are on deck, and these have gross capacities of 52, 61, and 84 kWh, enabling ranges of 262, 320, 391, and 401 miles (422, 515, 629, 645 km), depending on the spec, according to WLTP. The model supports DC charging up to 183 kW, so recharging it from 10 to 80 percent takes between 24 to 29 minutes, the four-ring brand says. Four regenerative braking levels, and one-pedal driving are also mentioned in the press release.

For the full article, please continue reading on our site.

By: Mircea Panait

The Lexus RX Morizo RR has returned to the Nurburgring this week, and the latest batch of spy pics adds two particularly useful clues to the increasingly compelling Japanese sport utility vehicle. In addition to a large hood opening that indicates forced induction, the carparazzi have snapped a clear pic of the interior, heavily bolstered front seats and everything.

Its hood vent sits toward the rear of the panel, covered by mesh. Judging by its design, Lexus developed a functional opening for the cooling requirements expected from a turbocharged engine. The culprit here is the all-new G20E inline-four, which Toyota confirmed through the GR Yaris M concept. In this application, expect 600 electrified horsepower or so.

Rolling on RAYS lightweight wheels and Michelin go-faster tires, the RX Morizo RR could very well borrow the dual-motor hybrid setup of the RX 500h F Sport Performance. Based on the "Engine Start Procedure" message on the diagnostic tablet where the infotainment display should be, the 600-horsepower estimate is becoming more plausible with each passing day.

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Speaking of Lexus, our spy photographers have recently caught a more serious-looking example of the LBX Morizo RR. The 2027 model appears to have gone on a diet, along with choice aerodynamic and cooling tweaks. Most interestingly, this prototype is equipped with a carbon-fiber roof. The weight-saving theme continues around the rear license plate area.

Its liftgate may also be part of the diet, although the camouflage wrap makes it hard to determine which material has been used. A new rear spoiler also needs mentioning, and there are larger air passages around the dual exhaust outlets. The latter update suggests minor changes to the cooling package.

While there is plenty of room for speculation right now, the existing LBX Morizo RR already has a formidable starting point due to its GR Yaris- and GR Corolla-derived powertrain. Available with either a manual or an eight-speed automatic, the production model outputs more than 300 horsepower from three cylinders. Its peak torque rating is 295 lb-ft (400 Nm).

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The polar opposite to the LBX Morizo RR and RX Morizo RR is the forthcoming Kia PV7, namely an electric van that slots above the PV5 in the South Korean automaker's Platform Beyond Vehicle lineup. Despite being a tech-forward electric vehicle, this fellow has embraced the oldest trick in the commercial vehicle book, that being maximum space.

Heavily camouflaged, the prototype looks unashamedly tall, square, and deliberately utilitarian, sporting a huge windshield, a flat roof, an upright rear end, and sliding doors. That shape is hardly accidental because the PBV strategy is focused on adaptability. Making its debut on September 14, 2026, the PV7 shows large glazed areas, a stepped nose, and black trim.

The hot-weather towing test is arguably more important than the disguise, proving that Kia means business with the PV5's larger sibling. Just under 5.3 meters (208.6 inches) long, the zero-emission commercial vehicle rides on the E-GMP.S architecture, specifically a commercial-oriented version of the E-GMP used by the compact EV6 and the three-row EV9 crossovers.

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The rendering that we liked most this past week comes from pixel meister Theophilus Chin, whose take on the mid-sized Mitsubishi pickup truck for the United States market uses the Nissan Frontier as its reference point. Believed to be called Raider, the body-on-frame design was unofficially imagined with a specific front end that leans a lot into the split-headlamp arrangement from the recent teaser published by Mitsubishi Motors.

Elsewhere, this rendering keeps the Frontier's recognizable proportions while giving the tailgate a Mitsubishi-flavored identity. Although there is hearsay about Triton/L200 underpinnings, that platform was not designed with North America in mind. Furthermore, Mitsubishi's partnership with Nissan is the giveaway that the Frontier plays a tremendous role here.

As part of its updated Momentum 2030 strategy, the midsizer is due to hit dealers by decade's end. If the regulations allow, chances are that both the Frontier and the closely related Raider will rely on a direct-injected naturally aspirated V6 in combination with a nine-speed automatic box. For model year 2027, the Frontier with this engine develops 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft (381 Nm).

By: Bogdan Popa

This shouldn’t necessarily be a big surprise, but the debut of the iPhone 18 this week brought good news to CarPlay users, too. This is because Apple continues to tie CarPlay updates to iOS releases. As happens every year, a new iPhone launched alongside a new iOS version this week.

CarPlay is finally getting the AI magic that Android Auto users have been struggling with for months. Siri AI is coming to CarPlay based on Google Gemini models, becoming the only chatbot supporting wake-up phrases.

CarPlay is also getting a new progress bar in music apps, allowing users to jump to a certain point in a song, and a mini player that shows up in audio applications exclusively. A new collection of wallpapers is also part of iOS 27.

Otherwise, you know the drill. Android Auto users are battling new bugs, including one that’s causing the Google Maps speedometer to disappear. Google says this isn’t a bug but how the feature was supposed to work from the very beginning. A new Android Auto update has landed for all users, so if you feel adventurous, go ahead and install it.

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