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Auto Blog
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
The Most Powerful Rolls-Royce Ever Went Purple at Goodwood
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. View post: Walmart is selling a 'lightweight' $75 mini chainsaw for just $33, and shoppers say it's a 'little powerhouse' While carmakers sent their latest rides up the Goodwood Hill Climb, the Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge kept a relatively low profile in the Stable Yard. But there was no escaping its stunning paint job. The standard Spectre, Rolls-Royce's first fully electric coupe, already blends silent power with effortless grace. But the Black Badge version takes that formula and cranks up the attitude. Finished in a striking shade of Vapour Violet, inspired by retro club culture, it was a proper head-turner. It's also the most powerful car Rolls-Royce has ever built. Drama in Every Detail Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog The Spectre Black Badge is more than an overpriced Tesla. Chief Executive Chris Brownridge calls it 'the alter ego' of Rolls-Royce. New 23-inch forged wheels, a darkened Pantheon Grille with a glowing colored backplate, and blacked-out finishes across the Spirit of Ecstasy, badges, handles, and window surrounds make it abundantly clear this isn't an ordinary Rolls. Performance With Purpose Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Behind the serenity lies serious strength. With 650 hp and 793 lb-ft of torque, the Spectre Black Badge sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Rolls-Royce analyzed real-world driving data from select owners and found that they preferred short, powerful bursts of acceleration over sustained speed. That insight led to two new drive modes: Infinity Mode, which unlocks the car's full 650 hp and sharpens throttle response. And Spirited Mode, which is essentially launch control, releasing the full 793 lb-ft of torque for maximum acceleration. Even with all that muscle, the car remains effortlessly composed. Enhanced chassis dynamics, weightier steering, and revised damping join the Magic Carpet Ride to balance power with poise, like a true Rolls-Royce. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Luxury, Reimagined For The Power Hungry Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Inside, the theatrics continue. The cabin is dressed in some of Rolls-Royce's most advanced materials yet, including a shimmering carbon and metal weave called Technical Fibre. It's laid by hand in a diamond pattern and polished to a mirror-like finish. The infinity symbol — a signature of Black Badge models — is stitched into the leather between the rear seats, while over 5,500 stars light up the dash in a cosmic display. Drivers can even personalize their dials with bold color themes through the SPIRIT system. It perfectly encapsulates its high-tech, high-drama persona. The Spectre Black Badge isn't just the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever made; it's the boldest. At Goodwood, it left a lasting impression. About the Author Marnus Moolman View Profile
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Ferrari 296 Speciale: Beautiful, Brutal, Perfect
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Ferrari brought something truly special (pun intended) to this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed. Among the usual sea of supercars, this 296 Speciale, finished in a rich Verde Nürburgring with a white livery and the number 25 on the doors and hood, stopped us in our tracks. Over the past decade, Ferrari's design language has taken a more futuristic turn. But with the launch of the 296 GTB a few years ago, and the new Amalfi, it seems Maranello is swinging back toward beauty — and we're not complaining. 0:02 / 0:09 Audi reveals sporty new A5/S5 with an emphasis on design Watch More The First Hybrid Special Series Ferrari Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog The 296 Speciale follows in the footsteps of legendary mid-engined models like the 458 Speciale and 488 Pista. But unlike its V8 predecessors, this one packs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and a single electric motor. Combined output sits at 869 horsepower — 70 more than the already potent 296 GTB. That makes it the most powerful rear-wheel-drive Ferrari ever. It's also the first time Ferrari has applied its special series formula to a plug-in hybrid. We had our doubts about a PHEV Ferrari, but the 296 Speciale quickly proved them wrong. The electric tech isn't about saving fuel; it's there to enhance performance. In its most aggressive mode, called 'Qualify', the motor delivers up to 178 hp above 6,000 rpm, thanks to a new extra boost function. Lighter, Louder, Sharper Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Just like the other special series cars, the Speciale goes on an extreme diet and gains a master's degree in aerodynamics. Weight has been trimmed by 132 lbs thanks to more carbon fiber bodywork, five-spoke wheels inspired by the F80, and titanium engine internals. The result is a dry weight just over 3,100 lbs. It also gets a host of track-focused aero upgrades, including side fins, an aggressive diffuser, and a reworked front end. All together, the car generates nearly 1,000 lbs of downforce at 155 mph. Ferrari says the suspension and brake cooling have also been reworked, and the engine sound has been sharpened thanks to new acoustic ducts. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. A Stunning Sight At Goodwood Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog In person, the 296 Speciale looks more like a street-legal Challenge car than a tweaked GTB. The green Verde Nürburgring paint combined with the white livery could have been too much, but instead, it strikes a perfect balance. It's flashy in a way that still feels tasteful — the kind of spec that turns heads for all the right reasons. About the Author Marnus Moolman View Profile
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
The New Honda Prelude Makes Goodwood Debut as a Sleek Hybrid Coupe
Classic Name, Fresh Look at Goodwood At the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, we saw a wide variety of automotive spectacles, from brand-new EVs to hypercar classics, all as scarce as hens' teeth. But one of our favorite cars to make an appearance was a name we haven't heard in decades: the Honda Prelude. At the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, surrounded by everything from ludicrous hypercars to blisteringly quick EVs like the Ioniq 6 N, one coupe stood out. It didn't catch our eye for being the fastest or flashiest, but for something more niche: familiarity. After years of concept models and rumors, the Honda Prelude is back, and it made a quiet but confident appearance in the English countryside. Retro Roots, Modern Execution Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Many modern reboots lean heavily on name recognition but lose the original spirit somewhere along the way. Honda avoided that trap. The new Prelude is sleek, low-slung, and attractive from every angle —just like its predecessors. Its long hood and sloping roofline echo past Preludes, while sharp LED headlights that connect at the front, a rear lightbar, and flush door handles signal its forward focus. The show car wore Boost Blue Pearl, a bold color borrowed from the Civic Type R, with some black accents to emphasize its sporty nature. Under The Skin Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Honda hasn't revealed exact specs, but the next-gen Prelude will be a hybrid sports car, pairing a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. We expect something similar to the Civic Si's 200-hp four-cylinder engine, but only time will tell. Further sticking to its roots, Honda confirmed it'll stay front-wheel-drive. Unfortunately, it seems Honda won't offer the new Prelude with a manual transmission at all. Inside, it shares much of its layout and design with the Civic. The biggest difference is a set of Prelude logos stitched into the headrests. A Return Built for True Enthusiasts Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Source: Honda Source: Honda Before disappearing in 2001, the Honda Prelude had gone through five generations. This new model doesn't just borrow the name for nostalgia's sake. It's Honda leaning into what made the original so special, and giving today's drivers something that's become increasingly rare: a sleek, sporty coupe built for people who love driving. Although rear-wheel-drive contenders like the Toyota GR86 might outperform it, we still applaud Honda's passion project aimed at enthusiasts. In a world flooded with crossovers, it's refreshing to see a car like this make a comeback. About the Author Marnus Moolman View Profile
Auto Blog
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
BMW Vision Neue Klasse Gallery: In The Metal From Goodwood
The future of BMW design looks a lot better than the present It's been some time since the BMW Vision Neue Klasse and Vision Neue Klasse X were revealed, but they are still captivating BMW fans and neutral enthusiasts alike. Previewing the next generation of BMW design, these concepts are a world apart from current production BMWs. We got to see both concepts up close at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where they were as visually arresting as they are in glossy images. 1 Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Both concepts feature much cleaner panels than current BMW models, such as the fussy new 5 Series. They both also feature a new interpretation of BMW's kidney grilles. 2 Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog The Vision Neue Klasse concept has daytime running lights integrated into its incredibly wide kidneys. It's this concept that will heavily influence the look of the first electric BMW M3, which has already been spied being tested on public roads. 3 Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog The back features the same sweeping lighting, stretching almost entirely from side to side. 4 Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog We expect the futuristic interior layout to be toned down quite a bit in the production car. Nevertheless, it features an unusually shaped center touchscreen, and above that is another screen displaying key driving info. A 3D head-up display is on the menu, one of several high-tech features, and the latest iDrive will make an appearance, too. 5 The sedan has a wide, chunky stance, and it has the next interpretation of one of BMW's key design cues: The C-pillar Hofmeister kink. 6 Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Unlike the sedan, the Neue Klasse X is an SUV with a taller, more upright body. It has a more traditional, vertical shape to the kidney grille section, but its slim size is much more reminiscent of 1970 and 1980s BMWs, such as the E12 5 Series. Not much else can be compared with older Bimmers, though. 7 Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog The rear of the Neue Klasse X is a bit more conventional, but there are still clever details here, such as the way the indentation of the roof spoiler mirrors the tailgate design lower down. 8 Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog Many recycled materials were used to craft the SUV's cabin, which has an almost complete lack of physical controls. It has a similar display layout to the sedan, and BMW has almost entirely concealed air vents. 9 Source: Adam Lynton/Autoblog The Neue Klasse X rides on stylish 22-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber. 10 Previewing not only the next-generation iX3, the Neue Klasse X shows that a whole new generation of BMW SUVs stands to benefit from its striking design, while the Vision Neue Klasse does the same for sedans. After many years of BMWs being derided for their awkward looks, we're looking forward to a return to form for BMW design. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
