August 20th Throttle

BMW IS REPORTEDLY PLOTTING ITS OWN G-CASS RIVAL

BMW has apparently decided it is tired of watching the G-Class be the cool kid at the luxury SUV party. Reports say they are working on a proper rival codenamed G74, set to launch around 2029. It will ride on an upgraded X5 platform and be built in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which means it might roll off the line with barbecue sauce on the seats. The idea is to create something with real off-road chops, unlike the poor XM which looks aggressive but is basically just a very expensive mall crawler.

Of course BMW is not doing this out of charity. The G-Class is a money machine for Mercedes, so naturally Munich wants its slice. Do not expect this thing to be affordable though. The XM already starts at over 160 grand, so the G74 will probably make your financial advisor cry. Sure, the entry level G550 from Mercedes is a bargain at 149 grand, but BMW buyers will gladly pay more for the privilege of saying their SUV was engineered to climb mountains even if the steepest incline it will ever see is the parking garage at Whole Foods.

Corvette CX Concept: Sci-Fi Speed You Can Only Dream Of

Chevy just rolled out the Corvette CX Concept, and it looks like it escaped from a sci-fi movie set. No, it is not the next-gen Corvette, but rather a design exercise meant to hint at the future. The all-electric beast packs four motors, a 90-kWh battery, and a ridiculous 2,000 horsepower. Its carbon fiber body comes with aero tricks, vacuum fans, and open channels that literally glue it to the pavement—because apparently downforce by spoiler is just too basic now.

Getting inside is just as dramatic. Forget doors, the whole canopy tilts forward like a fighter jet. The steering wheel is gone, replaced with a yoke and a massive HUD that throws everything onto the windshield. And because one over-the-top concept wasn’t enough, Chevy also revealed the CX.R Vision Gran Turismo: a hybrid race version with a screaming 15,000 RPM V8 plus electric motors for—you guessed it—2,000 horsepower. You can drive it soon… just not in real life, only in Gran Turismo 7.

Shelby GT500 Returns to Remind Traffic Lights Who’s Boss

Ford is reportedly bringing back the Shelby GT500 for the 2026 model year, and it’s set to be a beast. The car is expected to be powered by an engine codenamed “Legend,” which hints at a legendary power output. While the exact horsepower figures are yet to be confirmed, the previous generation GT500 boasted 760 horsepower, so it’s safe to assume the new model will surpass that. The design is anticipated to feature aggressive styling elements, including a large front grille, wide fenders, and a prominent rear wing, all aimed at enhancing aerodynamics and downforce.

Inside, the GT500 will likely continue its tradition of offering a high-performance driving experience. While details are scarce, expect advanced suspension systems, high-performance tires, and a refined interior that complements its track-ready capabilities. With the return of the GT500, Ford aims to solidify its position in the muscle car segment, especially as competitors like Chevrolet and Dodge are scaling back their offerings. Enthusiasts can look forward to a potent combination of power, performance, and the unmistakable Shelby flair.

Nick Collins Takes the Wheel and Vows to Keep the V‑8 Roaring

McLaren has a new boss, Nick Collins, and he is officially the person tasked with making sure your dream of owning a million-dollar supercar doesn’t turn into a midlife crisis on wheels. Collins comes from Jaguar Land Rover, so he knows a thing or two about fancy rides that can both roast tires and look gorgeous while doing it. His mission? Keep McLaren’s cars stunning, high-tech, and just snobby enough to make every other sports car feel like a minivan. Expect more design magic, sleeker aesthetics, and maybe even a few surprises that make car enthusiasts squeal louder than a McLaren engine at full throttle.

Collins isn’t just here to rearrange the dashboard knobs. McLaren’s future under him will be a cocktail of innovation, luxury, and subtle “look at me” flexing. Specifics on upcoming models are under wraps, which basically means we get to speculate wildly while drooling over spy shots. Whether it’s hybrids, EVs, or something that makes your jaw hit the floor, McLaren’s new era promises to be less about commuting and more about reminding the world that normal cars are basically just expensive appliances.

BMW M850i Edition M Heritage: Because Ordinary Cars Are Boring

BMW has just unveiled the M850i Edition M Heritage at Monterey Car Week, and it’s here to remind you that subtlety is overrated. Limited to just 500 units, this special edition pays homage to the original 8 Series with retro-inspired exterior colors like Bright Red, Mauritius Blue, and Daytona Violet. The M stripes are unapologetically bold, and the carbon-fiber roof with racing stripes screams, “Look at me!” Inside, the cabin boasts diamond-stitched leather, faux suede, and tri-color stitching, ensuring you feel like a VIP even when stuck in traffic. Under the hood, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 delivers 523 horsepower, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. With a price tag of $130,400, this edition is as exclusive as it is extravagant. 

So, if you’ve ever wanted to own a car that makes a statement without saying a word, the M850i Edition M Heritage is your ticket to automotive opulence. With only 500 units available, it’s a rare gem that combines performance, luxury, and a touch of nostalgia. Production starts in November 2025, with deliveries expected in early 2026. Order now, or risk being the only one at the car meet without one.