The Auto World

Koenigsegg may build cheaper models one day but major production changes are needed. Christian von Koenigsegg drives a Mazda MX-5, inspiring thoughts of light sports cars. Any future Koenigsegg entry-level model would still cost hundreds of thousands. Owning a Koenigsegg isn’t just a matter of signing a check; it’s a long-term commitment that involves millions of dollars and years of waiting. Yet there’s a hint that the Swedish marque could one day explore the idea of building more accessible sports cars, potentially bringing its badge within reach of a wider audience. Read: A Koenigsegg Just Spanked EV Hypercars Into Oblivion Christian von Koenigsegg may be used to driving two-seat hypercars with over 1,500 hp, but he also understands the appeal of cheap, lightweight sports cars. He’s the proud owner of an NA Mazda MX-5, driving it every week to the company’s Angelholm factory, and while recently speaking with the media, said he’s been thinking about making more aff...

Daniel Ricciardo’s Aston Martin Valkyrie has just 100 miles on the clock. The hypercar wears Dichoric Dawn, a shimmering $40,500 paint option. Auction house expects the car to fetch up to $3.2 million in October. The Aston Martin Valkyrie may be one of the most remarkable road-legal performance cars ever built, but it seems a growing number of owners are quietly moving theirs on. Australian ex-F1 superstar Daniel Ricciardo is the latest to join that list, selling his custom Valkyrie through Broad Arrow Auctions in October. Read: Someone Specced The Wildest Valkyrie Ever Then Sold It After One Track Day Ricciardo’s connection to the Valkyrie runs deeper than simply signing an order form. Back in 2016, while racing for Red Bull, he was involved in the global unveiling of what was then called the AM-RB 001. Exactly when his own car arrived or how much it cost him remains unknown, but later this year someone else will be handed the keys to a machine born from the racetrac...

China’s MIIT proposed safety rules for door handles, set to become mandatory. Automakers may need to add external handles with mechanical release systems. Proposed changes could impact global design as China leads the EV market. China is preparing to reshape how carmakers design something as simple yet crucial as a door handle . A new draft regulation from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is now open for public feedback, laying the groundwork for sweeping changes that could affect not just local models, but vehicles sold worldwide. If the draft becomes law, it could force a sharp turn away from the fully concealed, electrically operated handles that have become a hallmark of modern EVs. Automakers in China and beyond may need to rethink their designs to stay compliant, with knock-on effects across global markets, since door handles are a universal feature fitted to the same models sold both in China and elsewhere around the world. More: Electri...

BMW will retain sedans and wagons due to U.S. demand and loyal buyers. Neue Klasse design favors subtle surfaces and smaller kidney grilles. M cars will stay expressive but adopt more timeless, restrained styling. Over the last two decades, BMW has been no stranger to debate over its styling as very few models have earned near-universal praise. The clever, futuristic i3 and swoopy i8 are two of the rare exceptions. Yet their clean, balanced aesthetic never truly filtered down to the broader lineup. Instead, Munich leaned hard into oversized, buck-toothed grilles and aggressive surfacing on key models like the 4 Series and M3 . That era, it seems, is finally winding down. More: BMW’s Smallest SUV Is Getting A Neue Klasse Look The second-generation iX3 and its Neue Klasse underpinnings are almost here. As that day draws closer, BMW design bosses are clearly charting a course toward more restraint. In fact, it sounds like they’re embracing wagons, sedans, and more subtle e...