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2001 Porsche 911 Turbo2010 Lamborghini Gallardo
LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni		2010 Mercedes-Benz
E 320 Cabriolet


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Porsche 911 Spirit 70 pays Homage to Porsche Styling Cues of the 1970s

ATLANTA (April 23, 2025) – Porsche is introducing the 911 Spirit 70, the third 911 in a series of limited production Heritage Design models that pay tribute to the past. The latest model celebrates the 1970s and early 1980s.  A total of 1,500 examples will be offered globally, following in the footsteps of the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition and the 911 Sport Classic. The 911 Spirit 70 takes advantage of the latest high-performance powertrain and chassis technology from Porsche by using the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet with rear-wheel drive as its basis. Thus, it shares the same standard equipment as the new 911 GTS models including the high-voltage system, eTurbo, electric motor and 3.6-liter flat-six engine developing a total system output of 532 hp and 449 lb.-ft. of torque.

“The limited-edition collector’s items are particularly desirable for our customers worldwide. The first two models in the Heritage Design strategy generated a great deal of enthusiasm and we were delighted with their success. Today we are  proud to present the third, highly exclusive model.”

– Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualization and Classic

The aesthetic differences of the new model are immediately apparent. Olive Neo, a rich, green paint color created especially for the 911 Spirit 70, stands out prominently. Sport Classic center locking wheels, 20-inch in the front and 21-inch in the rear, bear accents in Bronzite, a gold-grey color that complements the body. Both the cabriolet top and windshield frame are finished in black, lending further emphasis to the body and wheels.

“The Heritage Design models occupy a special position within our product strategy from a design perspective. The limited-edition sports cars visualize what makes the Porsche brand so special. Every design of our vehicles ties in with our history – and these vehicles go one step further. They show how we reinterpret historical design elements in a state-of-the-art sports car.”

– Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche

A trio of decorative stripes run parallel with the hood with elongated “911” letters reminiscent of decals used in the 1970s. The contrasting stripes are on the cabriolet top. Much like the two preceding Heritage Design models, decorative side graphics with Porsche lettering and a Lollipop in satin black with an individual start number nod to Porsche motorsport heritage. Customers who prefer not to have the decals may also specify their vehicle without those elements.

A special version of the Porsche crest nearly identical to the version used in 1963 decorates the hood. Meanwhile, Gold plated “Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur” badges on the front fenders help distinguish this as a special model within the limited edition Heritage Design product portfolio. At the rear, a Porsche Heritage badge rests on the engine grille at the rear of the vehicle where both the gold plated PORSCHE lettering and model designation are visible.

Porsche used special fabric upholstery to characterize the first two Heritage Design models. The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition used corduroy, and the 911 Sport Classic offered cloth with a Pepita pattern. That theme continues with the 911 Spirit 70, where the seat centers and several other interior elements are finished in a black and Olive Neo Pasha pattern. Different sized, intentionally arranged rectangles create the visual of movement in the pattern similar to a checkered flag flying in the wind. Rather than the velour used in past Pasha interiors, the material used to upholster the seats is a combination of textile and flock yarn for a sporty feel and comfort on long trips.

The seat centers of the 18-way Sport Seats Plus, the door panel inserts and even the inside of the glove compartment are covered in the Pasha pattern. The decorative inlays on the seat backrests and the trim on the dashboard are also available in Pasha as no-cost options. A reversible front trunk mat in Pasha is also included in the list of standard equipment. Aside from the Pasha accents, the car features a leather interior upholstered in Basalt Black Club leather with deviated stitching in Olive Neo.

The instrument cluster combines historic design with state-of-the-art technology. The high-resolution 12.65-inch display has white pointers and scale lines in analog format. Green digits are reminiscent of vintage Porsche sports cars, and the model lettering is elegantly integrated into the fully digital tachometer. White pointers and green digits also characterize the special version of the Sport Chrono stopwatch.

Porsche Design has created a high-quality chronograph which is available exclusively for buyers of the latest collector’s item. With numerous details, it is visually reminiscent of the 911 Spirit 70. For example, the shiny black Pasha pattern on the dial is inspired by the seat centers of its motorized role model.

The 911 Spirit 70 is expected to begin arriving in U.S. Porsche Centers in late summer 2025 with an MSRP of $240,000 excluding $2,250 for delivery, processing and handling. The Total Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) shown excludes taxes, title, registration, other optional or regionally required equipment, dealer charges, and any potential tariffs.

The All-new 2026 Lexus ES Debuts in Shanghai

SHANGHAI (April 23, 2025) – The all-new 2026 Lexus ES was unveiled at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition today, introducing an eighth generation of the global luxury sedan. Both the hybrid and the first ES battery electric vehicle (BEVs) models will be offered in a line-up that will also include front- and all-wheel drive options.

The ES has been a fixture in the Lexus lineup since being launched alongside the flagship LS in 1989. The ES has been fully redesigned and developed under the concept of “Experience Elegance and Electrified Sedan”. It aspires to deliver a refined driving experience across every scene—further enhancing quietness and ride comfort while staying in tune with customer needs. The design draws inspiration from the next-generation BEV concept, LF-ZC, marking a bold evolution in Lexus design language that begins with the new ES.

Deepening the expression of elegance, the design creates a clean, welcoming atmosphere. The exterior strikes a delicate balance between intelligent packaging and proportions that highlight the sedan’s inherent beauty—realizing a sleek, flowing silhouette that hints at the emotional driving experience to come.

Since the launch of the RX 400h in 2005, Lexus has been a leader in electrification in the luxury market. Guided by the “Lexus Electrified” vision, Lexus is expanding the adoption of electric vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles, to meet diverse customer and market needs.

The all-new ES is the second of three new Lexus BEV models scheduled to debut by March 2026. It catalyzes a product momentum that coincides with a comprehensive reimagining of the Lexus brand set to be revealed at the Japan Mobility Show in October 2025.

Design: clean tech and elegance

New sedan proportions balance deepening ES identity
The ES introduces the new Lexus design concept – Clean Tech x Elegance. The signature elegance that has long defined the ES has been further refined, while seamlessly blending its functional and emotional value at a higher level, resulting in a simple and clean design aesthetic.

The exterior design takes its cue from the next-generation BEV concept LF-ZC, which blends a bold presence with refined minimalism. The vehicle height was carefully determined to accommodate underfloor battery placement while preserving interior comfort, providing the foundation for proportions that capture the sedan’s most beautiful and expressive form. This led to the realization of a new-generation spindle body, crafted to embody the ideals of electrification.

Using the overall height of the new ES as a foundation, the design focuses on achieving the most elegant and visually striking proportions for a sedan. It boasts a flowing, trunkless profile, a sharply tapered rear cabin, and a lower body shaped around the theme of bold planar and sculptural integration. Additionally, precise millimeter-level adjustments to the tire positioning help achieve a wide and low stance.

Inspired by the LF-ZC design philosophy, the front of the all-new ES integrates a sharply defined spindle shape that extends from the hood to the bumper corners. The front face is defined by the contrast in height between the low nose of the spindle body and the horizontally oriented fenders characteristic of a sedan—creating a bold, grounded, and distinctive impression. On hybrid models, a slim upper grill is added to ensure cooling performance.

The side profile is taut and streamlined, minimizing the perception of height. Enhanced shoulder contours improve aerodynamics, while a trunkless impression emphasizes a striking and powerful presence.

The rear embodies the ES’ signature elegance with a sculpted flow from the rear tires to the trunk, creating a sleek yet dynamic presence. The body tapers boldly toward the rear, creating a low center-of-gravity stance that evokes dynamic performance.

The ES features a new design icon for the next generation, Twin L-Signature Lamps. The inward-facing daytime running lights and outward-facing turn signals form a double signature that enhances Lexus’ unique identity while also improving the visual clarity and functionality of the turn indicators.

The rear features a new Rear L-Signature Lamp, making it instantly recognizable as a Lexus. Seamlessly integrated with the illuminated Lexus logo, the single light bar consolidates taillight and stoplight functions, while repositioning other lighting elements to the outer edges. By placing these elements lower and farther outward, the design emphasizes the vehicle’s wide stance and enhances the sculpted rear profile.

An interior offering comfort for all occupants
In designing the cabin, the goal was to achieve an outstanding sedan package. The platform was reengineered from the ground up, with key structural elements redesigned. Compared to the previous model, overall length has been extended by approximately 6.5 inches and the wheelbase by 3 inches, resulting in a more spacious cabin. In addition, the seating position has been set higher to improve ease of entry and exit, while also providing a wide field of vision.

To further enhance the sense of openness, seats and trim elements have been made as slim as possible, and the lower edges of the front and side window frames have been lowered to increase the glass surface area. Through these efforts, Lexus has created a simple and clean interior space based on the design concept of Clean Tech x Elegance—featuring an open, airy upper section with superior visibility, contrasted by a lower section that gently envelops the occupants.

For the first time in North America, an Executive Package is available on the ES, offering a more spacious and relaxing rear cabin environment. The package is available on the ES 350e FWD Luxury model and includes reclining rear seats with a passenger side ottoman, rear outboard massaging seats and rear seat heating and ventilation.

The door trim introduces two Lexus-first design elements that elevate the sensory experience. Bamboo Layering recreates the depth and flow of natural bamboo using 3D printing paired with Thematic Ambient Illumination and new dynamic themes. Synthetic Leather Embossing pairs sharp embossing with Thematic Ambient Illumination to enhance the cabin’s clean, elegant atmosphere. Additionally, the Mark Levinson® Surround Sound System optimizes speaker placement to create an immersive, three-dimensional soundstage in the cabin.

The new ES cockpit has been designed based on Lexus’ tazuna concept, featuring a driver-focused interior layout. Tazuna elements include a low-profile meter hood housing a uniquely shaped 12.3-inch multi-information display, enabling smooth eye movement and creating an open, airy feel. A special coating enhances surface quality, while the combination of suede materials and ambient lighting deepens the expression of the tazuna concept.

The ES also launches the newest version of the Lexus Interface multimedia system. The system enhances the user experience with a new onscreen home button and split screen capability. In addition, the native Voice Assistant has been improved with quicker response times. Native navigation and map functionality are now integrated into the digital gauge cluster.

Featuring a 14-inch touchscreen display, the system includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and simultaneous dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity.

A diverse powertrain lineup

The new ES was developed with the goal of creating a relaxing experience for all occupants. Building on the ES’s signature strengths of exceptional quietness and ride comfort, further refinements have been made to elevate the overall experience. At the same time, the driving feel has been deepened by fully harnessing the distinct characteristics of both HEV and BEV powertrains, in a way that is uniquely Lexus.

The ES is built on a redesigned TNGA GA-K platform, developed specifically to accommodate both HEV and BEV powertrains. Rigidity has been significantly increased at the front, floor and rear, resulting in a thoroughly reinforced structure. This enhancement reduces body vibrations and enables sharp, intuitive steering, along with smooth acceleration and deceleration. The result is an agile and responsive driving feel that defies the vehicle’s size.

For the first time in an ES, a multi-link rear suspension has been adopted, enhancing both power delivery to the ground and vehicle posture control. The ES is equipped with a MacPherson strut front suspension.

ES 350h
The ES 350h offers enhanced power performance, along with the availability of an AWD model. The sixth-generation 2.5-liter hybrid system features an integrated eAxle combining the power control unit and transaxle, contributing to a more compact and lightweight powertrain, while also achieving higher battery output.

Additionally, the reinforced rigidity of the power unit helps suppress vibrations, contributing to a quieter, more refined cabin experience.

All-new ES 350e and 500e
The BEV lineup offers two models: the ES 350e front-wheel drive model and the ES 500e all-wheel drive model.

A large-capacity battery is positioned beneath the floor to lower the center of gravity and enhance driving stability. Furthermore, the ES 500e is equipped with DIRECT4 AWD, an intelligent all-wheel drive system that continuously adjusts torque distribution to all four wheels based on road conditions and driving inputs. The system uses a drive force ratio between the front and rear wheels, ranging from 100:0 to 0:100. This enhances acceleration from a standstill, provides greater handling stability and contributes to great energy efficiency.

The ES 350e has a manufacturer-estimated range rating of 300 miles when equipped with 19” wheels.

Lexus Safety System+
The ES is the first Lexus model to receive the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0). The new version of Lexus’ active safety suite will have updates to its hardware and detection capabilities.

The 2026 ES will go on sale next year. Additional details for LSS+ 4.0, as well as full vehicle specs and pricing will be available closer to launch.

Cadillac Confirms 202 OPTIQ V

Cadillac has confirmed the OPTIQ has earned the V-Series badge. The 2026 OPTIQ-V will be part of Cadillac’s fifth generation of the V-Series portfolio, elevating the brand’s performance offering. Building on OPTIQ’s agile drive, Cadillac engineers delivered a unique package prioritizing precision, dynamic suspension and tight steering for an exhilarating driving experience.

Velocity Invitational 2025 Event at Sonoma Raceway CANCELED

Sonoma, Calif. (April 23, 2025) – Velocity Invitational, America’s premier luxury motorsports festival, announced its decision to postpone the 2025 event due to the current economic climate impacting multiple elements of the event. The sixth annual event, which was originally scheduled for June 6-8 at Sonoma Raceway, will be rescheduled for next year.

“As difficult as this decision has been, we believe that postponing this year’s event is the best way to ensure we’re able to deliver the extraordinary experience our attendees and participants expect. We created Velocity Invitational to celebrate and share the finest elements of motorsport in an educational, family-friendly and fun environment. We remain committed to creating a truly one-of-a-kind event, and we’ll be back bigger, better and stronger in 2026.”

– Jeff O’Neill, Velocity Invitational founder

The Velocity Invitational team looks forward to returning to Sonoma Raceway and will work with the Wine Country facility to confirm and announce next year’s date as soon as possible. In the meantime, the Velocity team will soon announce alternative ways to engage with the car community throughout 2025 and 2026.

Ticket holders have two options regarding existing purchases:

  • Request a complete refund.
  • Retain tickets for the 2026 event. Those who retain their tickets will receive a certificate for $50 in “Velocity Funds” per paid adult admission, redeemable for experiences, premium areas, merchandise or additional admissions. Refunds will also remain available up to 60 days before the 2026 event.

For customer service inquiries, please email fansupport@velocityinvitational.com. For the latest event news, visit velocityinvitational.com and follow along on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.